Delaware Wildlife Action Plan - NRC: Home Page · Delaware Wildlife Action Plan 2007 - 2017 Submitted to: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 300 Westgate Center Drive Hadley, MA 01035-9589

Keeping Today’s Wildlife from Becoming Tomorrow’s Memory

DelawareDelaware WildlifeWildlife

Action PlanAction Plan

Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control

Division of Fish and Wildlife 89 King Highway

Dover, Delaware 19901

[email protected]

Delaware Wildlife Action Plan 2007 - 2017

Submitted to:

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 300 Westgate Center Drive

Hadley, MA 01035-9589

September, 2006

Submitted by:

Olin Allen, Biologist Brianna Barkus, Outreach Coordinator

Karen Bennett, Program Manager

Cover Photos by: Chris Bennett, Chuck Fullmer, Mike Trumabauer, DE Div. of Fish & Wildlife

Delaware Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program Delaware Division of Fish and Wildlife

Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control 89 Kings Highway Dover DE 19901

Delaware Wildlife Action Plan

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Acknowledgements This project was funded, in part, through grants from the Delaware Division of Fish & Wildlife with funding from the Division of Federal Assistance, United States Fish & Wildlife Service under the State Wildlife Grants Program; and the Delaware Coastal Programs with funding from the Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration under award number NA17OZ2329.

We gratefully acknowledge the participation of the following individuals:

Jen Adkins Chris Bennett Melinda Carl John Clark Rick Cole Robert Coxe Janet Dennis Ellen Dickey Nick DiPasquale Sara Donovall Marcia Fox Rob Gano Kitt Heckscher Terry Higgins Rob Hossler Jake Jacobini Annie Jacobs Kathleen Jamison Bill Jones Kevin Kalasz

Sally Kepfer Gary Kreamer Annie Larson Wayne Lehman Jeff Lerner Rob Line Andy Manus Pete Martin Cathy Martin Bill McAvoy Rick McCorkle Stew Michels Roy Miller Greg Moore Greg Murphy Holly Niederriter Basaran Ozden Marnie Pepper Susan Peterson Mike Polo

NV Raman Ken Reynolds Ellen Roca Bob Rufe Tom Saladyga Craig Shirey Maria Taylor Jeff Tinsman Shelley Tovell-DiBona Maria Trabka Mike Valenti Terry Villanueva Kevina Vulinec Spencer Waller Dawn Webb Jim White Bill Whitman Tom Whittendale Steve Williams Jean Woods

We wish to extend a special note of appreciation to Bill McAvoy for his patience and persistence with the habitat mapping component of the Plan. Bill generously shared his knowledge, expertise and familiarity with Delaware’s landscape, and we are grateful for the energy he contributed to creating many of the habitat layers found in this Plan.


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Executive Summary Despite its small size Delaware harbors a diversity of wildlife and habitats within its borders from the Atlantic Ocean coastline to the Piedmont border with Pennsylvania. More than 1,000 species of wildlife have been documented in the state, and more than 125 different types of habitat have been identified including coastal marine waters and brackish marshes, tidal and non-tidal freshwater streams and wetlands, and upland forests and meadows.

This document, the Delaware Wildlife Action Plan (“Plan”), represents the state’s first attempt to develop a comprehensive strategy for conserving the full array of native wildlife and habitats – common and uncommon – as vital components of the state’s natural resources. It is intended not only to be comprehensive in terms of the species, habitats, issues and actions it addresses, but also comprehensive in terms of those responsible for implementation. Though the Delaware Division of Fish and Wildlife (“DFW”) will play a lead role in its continued development and in coordinating implementation, the Plan is intended for all who are actively engaged in conservation efforts. Together with conservation partners, we aim to keep species common, and to prevent species from being listed as endangered.

The Plan was developed with the participation of key conservation partners and public input was solicited primarily through a website. The Plan identifies more than 450 Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN) and 50 different types of habitat. Because this is a comprehensive plan for all wildlife, large blocks of forest and wetland habitats that support many common species are also identified. Maps depicting habitat for a full array of wildlife (“Key Habitats”) are presented to show areas of the state where conservation efforts can be focused. These maps are also intended to help guide more site-specific conservation planning efforts. A successful site-specific community-based planning effort was conducted in partnership with The Nature Conservancy as a subset of the state’s wildlife strategy development.

Recognizing all possible issues that affect species and habitats of conservation concern, whether we fully understand their impacts, is an important step in building a comprehensive plan. Nearly 90 different conservation issues affecting species or habitats of conservation concern were identified, representing 16 different categories of issues. To address this extensive list of issues and impacts on SGCN and Key Habitats, more than 230 different conservation actions were developed. This extensive list of issues and actions were prioritized by reviewing several natural resource plans developed for Delaware over the years. As a result, a clear picture of priorities emerged; among themes represented were habitat loss and degradation, as well as institutional capacity of DFW as the lead agency for the Plan.

Implementation of the Plan will be guided by a steering committee that meets regularly and is comprised of key partners including representatives from other state agencies, conservation organizations, and stakeholder and user groups. The Plan will be updated continuously by DFW as soon as new information becomes available about species, habitats, issues or actions, and the first formal review will take place two years after approval, with subsequent reviews every five years. A database is under development to track updates of Plan components in order to facilitate the review process, and an interactive version of the Plan will be posted on the DNREC website and made widely available on CD following the Plan’s acceptance.


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Table of Contents Acknowledgements .......................................................................................................................... iExecutive Summary ........................................................................................................................ iiTable of Contents ........................................................................................................................... iiiList of Figures ................................................................................................................................. v1. Introduction .......................................................................................................................... 1-11.1. Purpose, Goal and Guiding Principles .......................................................................... 1-11.1.1. Purpose ................................................................................................................... 1-11.1.2. Goal and Guiding Principles for Conservation Actions ........................................ 1-11.2. Road Map to the Eight Elements ................................................................................... 1-41.3. Public Involvement, Partnerships and Coordination ..................................................... 1-52. Planning Context .................................................................................................................. 2-13. Species of Greatest Conservation Need ............................................................................... 3-13.1. Selection Criteria ........................................................................................................... 3-13.2. Abundance and Distribution .......................................................................................... 3-34. Key Wildlife Habitats .......................................................................................................... 4-14.1. Ecological Framework .................................................................................................. 4-14.2. Location and Relative Condition................................................................................... 4-14.2.1. Habitat Mapping .................................................................................................... 4-14.2.2. Relative Condition ................................................................................................. 4-25. Determining Conservation Issues and Actions .................................................................... 5-15.1. Issues ............................................................................................................................. 5-25.1.1. Issues Impacting Key Habitats and SGCN ............................................................ 5-35.1.2. Issues Affecting Institutional Capacity ................................................................ 5-135.2. Actions ........................................................................................................................ 5-156. Conservation Issues and Actions ......................................................................................... 6-16.1. Key Wildlife Habitats: Descriptions and Conservation Issues and Actions ................. 6-16.1.1. SGCN Occurrences ................................................................................................ 6-26.1.2. Beach and Dune Habitats ....................................................................................... 6-26.1.3. Early Successional Upland Habitats ...................................................................... 6-66.1.4. Coastal Plain Upland Forests ............................................................................... 6-116.1.5. Coastal Plain Forested Floodplains and Riparian Swamps.................................. 6-186.1.6. Atlantic White Cedar Non-tidal Wetlands ........................................................... 6-246.1.7. Coastal Plain Seasonal Ponds .............................................................................. 6-256.1.8. Interdunal Wetlands ............................................................................................. 6-296.1.9. Piedmont Stream Valley Wetlands ...................................................................... 6-316.1.10. Peat Wetlands ................................................................................................... 6-346.1.11. Riverine Aquatic and Submerged Vegetation .................................................. 6-366.1.12. Freshwater Tidal Forested and Scrub-Shrub Wetlands .................................... 6-386.1.13. Freshwater Tidal Marshes ................................................................................ 6-416.1.14. Tidal High Marshes .......................................................................................... 6-446.1.15. Tidal Low Marshes........................................................................................... 6-486.1.16. Non-tidal Coastal Plain Streams ...................................................................... 6-526.1.17. Nearshore Habitats ........................................................................................... 6-596.1.18. Impoundments .................................................................................................. 6-64


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6.1.19. Forest Blocks .................................................................................................... 6-676.1.20. Wetland Blocks ................................................................................................ 6-686.2. Conservation Issues and Actions for Multiple Key Habitats ...................................... 6-696.2.1. Habitat Loss and Fragmentation .......................................................................... 6-706.2.2. Residential and Commercial Development Practices .......................................... 6-746.2.3. Agricultural and Forestry Operations .................................................................. 6-766.2.4. Industrial Operations ............................................................................................ 6-786.2.5. Transportation and Utility Operations and Maintenance ..................................... 6-816.2.6. Invasive Species, Nuisance Animals and Wildlife Diseases ............................... 6-816.2.7. Climate Change .................................................................................................... 6-836.2.8. Recreational Activities ......................................................................................... 6-846.2.9. Resource Management ......................................................................................... 6-856.3. Habitat-independent Conservation Issues and Actions for SGCN .............................. 6-866.3.1. Residential and Commercial Development Practices .......................................... 6-866.3.2. Transportation and Utility Operations and Maintenance ..................................... 6-866.3.3. Invasive Species, Nuisance Animals and Wildlife Diseases ............................... 6-876.3.4. Energy Production ............................................................................................... 6-886.3.5. Wildlife Harvesting .............................................................................................. 6-886.4. Institutional Capacity Issues and Actions ................................................................... 6-897. Priority Conservation Issues and Actions ............................................................................ 7-18. Measuring Success – Inventory, Monitoring, Research and Adaptive Management .......... 8-18.1. Inventory ....................................................................................................................... 8-28.2. Monitoring ..................................................................................................................... 8-38.3. Research ........................................................................................................................ 8-58.4. Adaptive Management .................................................................................................. 8-68.5. Examples ..................................................................................................................... 8-139. Plan Review and Update ...................................................................................................... 9-110. Plan Implementation ....................................................................................................... 10-111. Bibliography ................................................................................................................... 11-112. Appendices....................................................................................................................................12-1


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List of Figures Figure 1. Wildlife Habitat Classification ................................................................ following p. 4-2 Figure 2. General Wildlife Habitat Classification ....................................................... Appendix D Figure 3. Detailed Wildlife Habitat Classification – A ................................................ Appendix D Figure 4. Detailed Wildlife Habitat Classification – B ................................................ Appendix D Figure 5. Detailed Wildlife Habitat Classification – C ................................................ Appendix D Figure 6. Detailed Wildlife Habitat Classification – D ................................................ Appendix D Figure 7. Detailed Wildlife Habitat Classification – E ................................................ Appendix D Figure 8. Detailed Wildlife Habitat Classification – F ................................................ Appendix D Figure 9. Detailed Wildlife Habitat Classification – G ................................................ Appendix D Figure 10. Statewide Key Wildlife Habitats .................................................................. Appendix E Figure 11. Key Wildlife Habitats – A ............................................................................ Appendix E Figure 12. Key Wildlife Habitats – B ............................................................................ Appendix E Figure 13. Key Wildlife Habitats – C ............................................................................ Appendix E Figure 14. Key Wildlife Habitats – D ............................................................................ Appendix E Figure 15. Key Wildlife Habitats – E ............................................................................ Appendix E Figure 16. Key Wildlife Habitats – F............................................................................. Appendix E Figure 17. Key Wildlife Habitats – G ............................................................................ Appendix E Figure 18. Statewide Key Wildlife Habitats & Developed/Developing Areas ..............Appendix F Figure 19. Statewide Key Wildlife Habitats & Green Infrastructure .............................Appendix F


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SECTION 1

Introduction


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1. Introduction

1.1. Purpose, Goal and Guiding Principles

1.1.1. PurposeDelaware has a long and successful history of wildlife management. Starting in the early 1900s, the forerunner of the Division of Fish and Wildlife (“DFW”) began applying a combination of State and Federal funds first for the management of game animals and sport fish, and then for endangered species - and the habitats that sustain all of them. Animals as diverse as white-tailed deer, striped bass and bald eagle have been restored to prominence after nearly disappearing from our forests, rivers and skies.

As successful as this work has been, it is obviously no longer sufficient. The growing list of declining wildlife, the escalating pace of land development, the emergence of new threats like invasive species and climate change – all point to the urgent need to expand the scope of wildlife management. We now must work to conserve a variety of habitats across the landscape, rather than focusing on individual species. This will result in “keeping common things common” at the same time it continues to protect those species that are rare.

In recognition of this need, the Federal government has begun providing new funding to the states for truly comprehensive wildlife management. As a condition of this funding, each state must prepare a “Wildlife Action Plan” to describe its efforts to conserve “species in greatest need of conservation” while addressing the “full array of wildlife” and wildlife-related issues.

Eight elements are required in the Wildlife Action Plans, and these are covered in various parts of this plan. See Section 1.2, Road Map to the Eight Elements, for a guide to their location.

1.1.2. Goal and Guiding Principles for Conservation Actions The goal of the Delaware Wildlife Action Plan is to provide strategic direction, and an information and logistical framework, for conserving Delaware’s native wildlife and habitats as vital components of the state’s natural resources. It is based on the following principles:

Conservation of Species vs. Habitats – Target the preservation or restoration of SGCN, but emphasize the management of ecological structure and function of key habitats over management of individual species.

Management of wildlife species in Delaware has traditionally focused on game animals and sport fish, leaving the great majority of Delaware’s wildlife entirely unmanaged. The belief that many non-game species benefit from management for game species is a largely untested assumption, and should not be substituted for direct management of SGCN and their habitats.


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DEWAP is ultimately a plan for “keeping common things common” and therefore avoiding further costly listings of wildlife species as threatened or endangered.This can only be accomplished by managing for a diversity of habitat types. Single-species management should be limited to those with unique life requirements and those requiring targeted action because they are at risk of extirpation.

Management on Conservation Lands – Direct management in state wildlife areas – and state parks and state forests in keeping with their primary missions – towards key habitats and SGCN in the Green Infrastructure Natural Resources Focus Area, in order to protect and restore habitats and species, and to abate the impacts of conservation issues. Encourage Federal and NGO land managers to focus on this same objective.

Many SGCN – and other wildlife species – are “area-sensitive,” requiring relatively large areas of mostly unbroken habitat to ensure their viability. Delaware’s Green Infrastructure Natural Resources Focus Area provides such an interconnected network of forests, uplands and wetlands. State, federal and NGO conservation lands, which generally constitute the largest parcels in this network, are particularly critical for meeting the needs of area-sensitive species. Landscape-level planning among all these agencies and organizations will be necessary to implement Green Infrastructure.

Management on Private Lands – Direct private lands management toward buffering and connecting conservation lands in the Green Infrastructure Natural Resources Focus Area, and towards protecting outlying small patch habitats and SGCN.

Private landowners can often play a role in wildlife diversity conservation, although Delaware’s highly fragmented landscape somewhat limits the scope of this contribution (the state contains more than 300,000 privately owned parcels that are often burdened by structures, roads, utilities and other habitat-fragmenting features, thus making it difficult to manage these lands for area-sensitive SGCN).Therefore, management of wildlife and habitats on private lands can often best be used to buffer and connect public and NGO conservation lands. For some wildlife species that require specialized habitat in small patches, though, most opportunities for conservation may occur on private lands.

Measuring Success – Inventory, Monitoring, Research and Adaptive Management – Establish performance indicators to measure the success of conservation actions and plan implementation. Inventory and monitor species, habitats and impacts of conservation issues, and conduct applied research, so as to facilitate adaptive management.

Too often, conservation planning and resource management suffer from a lack of measurable outcomes and the absence of a feedback loop that incorporates knowledge from earlier successes and failures. Inventory, monitoring, research and adaptive management are the components of a larger effort to measure the success of DEWAP and provide accountability for its implementation.



Division Operations – Reorganize, revise and/or enhance DFW administrative structure, staffing, budgeting, procedures and practices as necessary to facilitate implementation of DEWAP.

DEWAP is intended for use by all conservation agencies and organizations in the state – as appropriate to their authorities and missions – and full implementation will require extensive cooperation among all parties. However, as the lead agency for the conservation of Delaware’s wildlife resources, DFW is ultimately responsible for the success of the DEWAP. It can assure this success by aligning its structure and procedures to best support Plan implementation.

Partnership Development – Strengthen partnerships with other conservation agencies and organizations to link landscapes, tie together complementary approaches, and leverage investments of time, staff and money.

Although DFW has lead responsibility for implementing DEWAP, the scope of the division’s actions is limited by specific legal authorities and finite logistical resources. Incorporating existing programs, strategies and actions of partners – government, NGO and private – into the Strategy, and coordinating new initiatives with them, greatly increases the effectiveness and efficiency of conservation. This will require a concerted effort by DFW to reach out to these partners and embrace truly collaborative management.

Data Collection and Information Management – Collect, manage and analyze data to support wildlife diversity conservation efforts with sound science.

Baseline tabular and spatial data on the abundance and distribution of many Delaware key habitats are lacking, as is data on many SGCN and conservation issues. Field surveys of key habitats, SGCN and conservation issues, and thorough management and rigorous analysis of this information, are needed to guide adaptive management and otherwise inform decision-making.

Education, Outreach and Enforcement – Increase public knowledge of wildlife conservation issues to develop an understanding of habitats, SGCN, and conservation issues and actions; foster a sense of responsibility for personal choices; actively engage citizens in conserving natural resources; and otherwise cultivate support for wildlife diversity conservation. Enforce regulations to promote responsible behavior in interactions with wildlife.

Education, outreach and enforcement efforts should emphasize that conserving a diversity of wildlife and habitats enhances the quality of life by supporting ecological services, supplying economic benefits, and providing recreational opportunities.



1.2. Road Map to the Eight Elements The eight elements required in the Wildlife Action Plans are listed below along with the sections in which they are discussed.

1. Information on the distribution and abundance of species of wildlife, including low and declining populations as the State fish and wildlife agency deems appropriate, that are indicative of the diversity and health of the State’s wildlife. Section 3

2. Descriptions of locations and relative condition of key habitats and community types essential to conservation of species identified in (1). Section 4

3. Descriptions of problems which may adversely affect species identified in (1) or their habitats, and priority research and survey efforts needed to identify factors which may assist in restoration and improved conservation of these species and habitats. Section 5, Section 6

4. Descriptions of conservation actions proposed to conserve the identified species and habitats and priorities for implementing such actions. Section 5, Section 6, Section 7

5. Proposed plans for monitoring species identified in (1) and their habitats, for monitoring the effectiveness of the conservation actions proposed in (4), and for adapting these conservation actions to respond appropriately to new information or changing conditions. Section 8

6. Descriptions of procedures to review the plan at intervals not to exceed ten years. Section 9

7. Plans for coordinating the development, implementation, review, and revision of the plan with Federal, State, and local agencies and Indian tribes that manage significant land and water areas within the State or administer programs that significantly affect the conservation of identified species and habitats. Section 1.3, Section 10

8. Congress also affirmed through this legislation, that broad public participation is an essential element of developing and implementing these plans, the projects that are carried out while these plans are developed, and



the Species in Greatest Need of Conservation that Congress has indicated such programs and projects are intended to emphasize. Section 1.3

1.3. Public Involvement, Partnerships and Coordination Development of the Delaware Wildlife Action Plan was guided by a group of “key partners” that reviewed the Species of Greatest Conservation Need, Key Wildlife Habitats, and Conservation Issues and Actions. The group consisted of representatives from the following organizations and agencies:

Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge Primehook National Wildlife Refuge US Fish and Wildlife Service, Delaware Bay Estuary Project Delaware Nature Society Delaware Wildlands The Nature Conservancy, Delaware Chapter Center for the Inland Bays Delaware Audubon Society Delmarva Ornithological Society Ducks Unlimited, Great Lakes/Atlantic Region National Wild Turkey Federation, Delaware Chapter University of Delaware, Department of Entomology and Wildlife Ecology Delaware State University, Agriculture and Natural Resources Department Delaware Division of Parks and Recreation Delaware Division of Fish and Wildlife

Separate meetings were also held for several key state agencies: Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (other than the Division of Fish and Wildlife), Office of State Planning Coordination, Department of Agriculture and Department of Transportation.

Public input was obtained primarily by means of the plan website that was created on DNREC’s home page (http://www.dnrec.state.de.us/NHP/information/CWCS2.asp), which provided an opportunity for visitors to review components of the plan as they were completed, and to submit comments. The website was publicized with a display at several large wildlife-related events, and by means of nearly 1000 letters sent to stakeholder and user groups, homeowners associations, civic and service organizations, and individuals who had expressed interest.Approximately 40 comments were received through the website, and suggestions were incorporated into the Plan as appropriate.

Recommendations for continuing and expanding specific partnerships are contained within many individual Conservation Actions in Section 6. Also, see Section 10 for additional information about partnering and coordination during implementation.



SECTION 2

Planning Context



2. Planning Context Delaware’s Wildlife Action Plan fits into an existing framework of statewide strategies established to conserve and protect the state’s natural resources, including habitat for wildlife. These strategies focus on different approaches to conservation (e.g., land acquisition, preservation, land use, infrastructure investments, policy), but they are all coordinated and have shared mapping elements and common goals to ensure consistency in implementation.

State Strategies for Policies and Spending (1999, updated in 2004) directs where the state will most likely allocate its resources and focus state programs to address population growth and land development issues. Although decisions concerning land-use occur at the local and county level, the state can influence the way development occurs through its spending and management policies. The Strategies are based on the premise that by making wise decisions about building and managing highways, water and sewer systems, and other public facilities (commonly called "gray infrastructure"), the state can reduce the negative effects of poorly planned, unfocused growth. To implement State Strategies, Delaware’s Governor issued the Livable Delaware Agenda (Governor’s Executive Order #14) in 2001, and the General Assembly established the Livable Delaware Advisory Council (LDAC) shortly thereafter.

Among the 11 goals identified in the Strategies is to “protect important farmlands and critical natural resource areas.” To implement this goal, the LDAC established the “Green Infrastructure” subcommittee. As defined in the Governor’s Executive Order #61, Green Infrastructure, or “GI”, is “Delaware’s natural life support system of parks and preserves, woodlands and wildlife areas, wetlands and waterways, productive agricultural and forest land, greenways, cultural, historic and recreational sites and other natural areas all with conservation value.”

The GI subcommittee directed development of maps depicting Cropland Focus Areas, Forestland Focus Areas, and Natural Resources and Recreation Land Focus Areas (Appendix A). Methods used for delineating GI focus areas are described on the map in the Appendix. These maps were used to develop goals and strategies for preserving natural resource areas, recreational lands, and working lands. Among the strategies developed for GI was to incorporate the maps into the 2004 update of the State Strategies for Policies and Spending and use these maps to direct future state program investments and to guide local land use planning. GI data layers were incorporated into the spatial analysis used to build the Strategies maps, which classify land in three main categories: lands that are not available for development, lands for which state and local policies do not favor growth, and lands for which state and local policies do favor growth.

In 1990, before State Strategies was developed, the Delaware Land Protection Act (7 Del. Code, Chapter 75) established an Open Space Program in the state. The Open Space Program coordinates the acquisition of various state lands including parks, fish and wildlife areas, forests, nature preserves and cultural sites. The program is administered by Delaware’s Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control’s Division of Parks and Recreation. A 9-member Open Space Council advises the Secretary of the Department on the implementation of the program and recommends specific land purchases. Quarterly meetings are held to review properties brought before the Council by an interagency Working Group. Recommendations to



preserve properties are based on a rating of natural, cultural, recreational and locational attributes and a consideration of land use plans and purchase options.

The Land Protection Act also authorized the development of “State Resource Area” (SRA) maps for guiding acquisition of property or rights in real property through the Open Space Program. Twenty SRAs and specific stand alone sites have been designated to date, comprising over 250,000 acres and representing 19% of Delaware’s land base. SRAs are encompassed within the GI focus areas and are comprised of existing protected state, federal, local and private conservation organization lands, in-holdings and potential additions to already protected areas.The SRA maps were created in 1990 and updated in 2006 to incorporate new information available on the location of wildlife and habitat. SRAs include some of the finest examples of Delaware’s diverse natural and cultural heritage, unspoiled wetlands, mature forests, rare plant and animal habitats, geological and archaeological sites, open space for recreation and greenway connectors.

In 1978, before the Open Space Program was established, the State of Delaware enacted the Natural Areas Preservation System (7 Del. Code, Chapter 73) for the purpose of establishing an inventory of natural areas statewide and a system of nature preserves. A “natural area” as defined by the law is an “area of land or water, or of both land and water, whether in public or private ownership, which either retains or has reestablished its natural character (although it need not be undisturbed), or has unusual flora or fauna, or has biotic, geological, scenic or archaeological features of scientific or educational value.” “Nature preserves” are natural areas that have been formally “dedicated”, or estate, interest or rights transferred, to the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control, for and on behalf of the State. The state’s registry or inventory of natural areas was first created in 1978, with major updates in 1988 and minor updates since that time. The inventory is currently being updated with expected completion by December 2005. There are currently 67 natural areas identified in the state, and 19 nature dedicated nature preserves.

Regional conservation maps and strategies developed by The Nature Conservancy through ecoregional plans that encompass Delaware, and through the “Delmarva Conservation Corridor Demonstration Program” (Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002), were included in analysis identifying focus areas for Green Infrastructure natural resource preservation.

SECTION 3

Species of GreatestConservation Need


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3. Species of Greatest Conservation Need

3.1. Selection Criteria More than 1000 species of wildlife are known to presently occur in Delaware, or to have occurred here in the past. The primary repository for this information is the Delaware Natural Heritage Program, which tracks rare species distribution and abundance using the methodologies of the international network of Natural Heritage Programs. This methodology is unique in allowing for comparison of species status across all taxa, and for this reason it was chosen as the foundation for determining Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN).

Not all of Delaware’s species are currently tracked by the Natural Heritage Program due to staff and funding limitations, most notably estuarine and marine fish and invertebrates. To compensate for this, other schemes for assessing species status for particular taxa were utilized.Also, several national and regional schemes were included to broaden the ecological context for determining SGCN. Ultimately, the following schemes (in alphabetical order) were used to choose SGCN because they were developed with original methods, rather than being derived from other schemes, and because they were especially relevant to Delaware:

American Fisheries Society – Marine, Estuarine, and Diadromous Fish Stocks at Risk of Extinction in North America (Exclusive of Pacific Salmonids) Delaware legal status Delaware populations with special significance or sensitivity Federal legal status Mid-Atlantic Bird Conservation Initiative, ranks for Bird Conservation Region 30 National Marine Fisheries Service – Highly Migratory Species Fisheries Management Plans for western Atlantic stocks Natural Heritage state and global ranks Northeast Endangered Species and Wildlife Diversity Technical Committee – Wildlife Species of Regional Conservation Concern in the Northeastern United States

These were applied according to a standard set of rules based on a species’ presence, absence or priority in a particular scheme.

Other schemes were not used in the determination because they were subsumed under one of the above, they were derived from other work, or their global perspective was not relevant to Delaware:

Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission – list of managed species Audubon Watchlist BirdLife International – list of globally threatened species Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species – Appendices I, II, III International Union for the Conservation of Nature – Red List Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council – list of managed species North American Waterbird Conservation Plan – ranks for the mid-Atlantic region



North American Waterfowl Management Plan – list of managed species for the Atlantic flywayNorthern Bobwhite Conservation Initiative Partners in Flight – ranks for Region 44 The Nature Conservancy North Atlantic Coast, Lower New England-Northern Piedmont, and Chesapeake Bay Lowlands ecoregional plans – conservation targetsU.S. Shorebird Conservation Plan – ranks for the northern Atlantic region

The list of Delaware SGCN appears in Appendix B. The report includes a header that explains the specific criteria used to derive the list and footer with a key to abbreviations. In addition to the schemes used to select SGCN (under the “Criteria” heading), the report also includes most of the schemes that were not used (under “Cross-Reference”).

In a broad sense, SGCN, as defined for this Plan, are indicative of the overall diversity and health of the State’s wildlife resources. Some may be rare or declining, others may be vital components of certain habitats, and still others may have a significant portion of their population in Delaware. The SGCN list is divided into two tiers based on the criteria shown in the report header. The tiers are defined as follows:

Tier 1 species are those that are most in need of conservation action in order to sustain or restore their populations. They are the focus of the Plan, which is based on analyzing issues that impact their populations and their habitats, and on developing conservation actions to eliminate, minimize or compensate for these issues.

Tier 2 species are also in need of conservation action, although not with the urgency of Tier 1 species. Their distribution across the landscape will help determine where conservation actions will be implemented on the ground.

Subsequent to the development of this tiered approach, it became apparent that, due to current limitations in the mapping of SGCN, the original intent for the use of tiers could not be realized in this first iteration of the Plan. Thus, for now all SGCN are treated as being in equal need of conservation. As mapping capabilities improve, it will become possible to use the tiers as first envisioned. See Section 4.2.1 for more information about mapping.

Composition of the SGCN list is based on the present state of knowledge of species distribution and abundance in Delaware. Some taxa have been thoroughly studied – birds, for instance – while others less so, such as the estuarine and marine species noted earlier. In other words, in some cases inclusion on, or exclusion from, the list may be a function of knowledge limitations rather than a reflection of the actual status of a species. As knowledge about species is constantly changing, the makeup of SGCN will change also.

One particular aspect of knowledge limitations is an artifact of a recent change in the Natural Heritage methodology for state ranking of species rarity. For administrative reasons, several previous ranks that were more descriptive of status were combined into the rank of SNA, short for “not applicable.” This perhaps unfortunate choice of terms implies that, although a species



occurs here, it has little or no conservation value in the state. This may or may not be the case, and further review of these species is needed to evaluate the appropriateness of this new rank.For now, all species ranked SNA that meet other criteria are included as SGCN.

3.2. Abundance and Distribution The ranks assigned to species using Natural Heritage methodology are influenced by several factors, but are most often based on abundance. Therefore, the numerical state ranks in the SGCN report (Appendix B) usually indicate the abundance of species as follows (a species “occurrence” is typically a local population):

S1 = 1-5 occurrences or fewer than 1,000 individuals in the state S2 = 6-20 occurrences or 1,000-3,000 individuals in the state S3 = 21-100 occurrences or 3,000-10,000 individuals in the state S4 = more than 100 occurrences or 10,000 individuals in the state S5 = considerably more than 100 occurrences or 10,000 individuals in the state

Other sources for abundance information exist for many SGCN, but each has significant limitations in terms of quantification, limited geographical coverage, or single-taxa focus. With their statewide application and consistency across taxa, heritage ranks remain the best gauge of statewide species abundance from a conservation standpoint.

Information on the distribution of many SGCN also resides in the Natural Heritage Program’s database. However, the software application that was used to manage the data until recently could represent SGCN locations only as points. Such data has very limited value for comprehensive wildlife conservation planning. A new application that was installed in 2004 incorporates GIS to allow the true spatial extent of distribution – based on occupied habitat – to be represented. Re-mapping of points to show actual spatial extent is a time-consuming process, though, and only a small portion of the records have been re-mapped to date.

In lieu of being able to directly map the distribution of most SGCN, species-habitat associations (Appendix C) were developed for use with habitat maps in order to show generalized potential distribution. Habitats are organized hierarchically, allowing association with varying levels of habitat detail. Note that some SGCN can be associated only with very broad habitat levels at this time. See Section 4.2.1 for more information about habitat mapping.

As with the SGCN list, species abundance and distribution information is a reflection of current knowledge. State heritage ranks are periodically updated in light of new field work showing changes in abundance. Significant portions of the State have not been systematically surveyed for rare species, so that the distribution of many SGCN is not well established. Also, continued re-mapping of point data will provide an increasingly accurate picture of distribution.



SECTION 4

Key Wildlife Habitats



4. Key Wildlife Habitats

4.1. Ecological Framework The Natural Communities of Delaware, developed in 2000, served as the starting point for establishing a wildlife habitat classification. Although the vegetation communities described in that document do not always correspond directly to wildlife “habitats” in the classic sense, they are an acceptable substitute pending the creation of a more appropriate classification.

Since The Natural Communities of Delaware is based on the National Vegetation Classification System, it does not include aquatic habitats, which are best described by their physical characteristics. These were added, as were early successional habitats and several anthropogenic habitats. Although the community classification contains some groupings of similar types, further grouping was added to provide a more complete hierarchy of increasingly detailed habitat levels. The resulting Wildlife Habitat Classification appears in Figure 1, following page 4-2.

In the absence of maps for most SGCN (see discussion in Section 3.2), surrogates for Key Wildlife Habitats were developed from two sources. Habitats of Conservation Concern are highlighted in yellow in the Classification. These habitats are rare, have special significance in Delaware, are particularly sensitive to disturbance, and/or have a high diversity of rare plants.Because of these factors, they are known – or expected – to harbor SGCN, especially insects that are often dependent on specific host plants.

Large blocks of unfragmented forests and wetlands were also considered to be Key Wildlife Habitats because of their importance to area-sensitive species, particularly vertebrates. A minimum size of 250 acres was used for selecting these blocks. This patch size conserves viable populations of at least 80% of forest interior-dwelling bird species, based on work done in similar habitats in Maryland. The same threshold was set for wetland blocks, following the methodology used for the Delmarva Conservation Corridor Demonstration Program.

Thus, Key Wildlife Habitats in total consist of SGCN Occurrences (where spatial extent has been mapped), Habitats of Conservation Concern, and Forest Blocks and Wetland Blocks.

Again, lack of knowledge about some Delaware wildlife habitats has influenced the structure of the classification. In particular, aquatic communities have not been well studied, and the very simple characterization of them in the classification needs considerable work. Early Successional Upland Habitats are also poorly understood, and further study will probably yield more distinct types than are currently listed.

4.2. Location and Relative Condition

4.2.1. Habitat Mapping A variety of data sources were used to develop both general wildlife habitat maps – from the “red” and “blue” levels in the Classification – and the maps of Key Wildlife Habitats. In some



cases, maps of red and blue level habitats were developed by combining several habitats from the next lowest level. In others, they were derived from parsing larger data sets, such as state maps of wetlands, forests and land use/land cover, or by intersecting these with each other or with additional data. In the end, nearly all red and blue level habitats were successfully mapped. The blue levels under Early Successional Upland Habitats were not mapped because of inconsistencies in the attributes used to distinguish them. Also, no attempt was made to map either Nearshore or Offshore Habitats because of a lack of information.

General wildlife habitats – from the red and blue levels in the Classification – are shown in Figures 2 through 9 in Appendix D.

For Key Wildlife Habitats, SGCN Occurrences and most Habitats of Conservation Concern were digitized by Natural Heritage staff based on field surveys. Twisted Sedge Sandbar was not mapped because of the transitory nature of the habitat, nor was Sea Level Fen due to concerns about vulnerability to disturbance. Spartina Low Salt Marsh was also not mapped because of the difficulty of distinguishing it in aerial photographs; however, this habitat is entirely included within the Wetland Blocks. The Forest and Wetland Blocks were extracted from the respective state maps mentioned above.

Key Wildlife Habitats are shown in Figures 10 through 17 in Appendix E.

4.2.2. Relative Condition The Natural Heritage Program tracks rare natural communities – equivalent to habitats in the context of the Plan – in much the same way it does species, including assigning ranks for conservation status. However, too few community occurrences are currently entered in the Natural Heritage database to make this information useful for directing conservation efforts.

For this first iteration of the Plan, relative condition was determined largely qualitatively, utilizing the expert opinion of biologists from the Key Conservation Partners. Quantitative data was taken into account in those few cases where it was available. Condition was based primarily on trends, with some consideration of the scope and severity of current impacts and inherent habitat resiliency (i.e., sensitivity to disturbance). Information on trends, impacts and resiliency were summarized in Present Condition ratings as follows:

Good = Currently relatively stable in quantity and quality (some fluctuation possible), with only minor historical decline in quantity and/or quality. Typically subject to minor current impacts and possessing good resiliency. Fair = Currently experiencing moderate decline in quantity and/or quality, and/or having experienced moderate historical decline in quantity and/or quality. Typically subject to moderate current impacts and/or possessing moderate resiliency. Poor = Currently experiencing major decline in quantity and/or quality, and/or having experienced major historical decline in quantity and/or quality. Typically subject to major current impacts and/or possessing poor resiliency.

Present Condition is provided for each Key Wildlife Habitat in Section 6.1.

Delaware Wildlife Habitat Classification

Delaware Division of Fish and Wildlife 9/27/06

UPLAND HABITATS Beach and Dune Habitats

Dune Forests and Woodlands Coastal Loblolly Pine Upland Forest Pitch Pine - Heath Coastal Forest Maritime Red-cedar Woodland Pitch Pine Dune Woodland Loblolly Pine Dune Woodland

Dune Shrublands Wax-myrtle - Groundsel-tree Maritime Shrubland Bayberry - Beach Plum Maritime Shrubland Greenbrier - Poison Ivy Dune Shrubland Beach Heather Dune Shrubland

Dune Grasslands Beachgrass - Panicgrass Dune Grassland Overwash Dune Grassland Beach Foredune

Unvegetated Sandy Beach Upland Forests

Piedmont Upland Forests Piedmont Oak - Beech - Mountain Laurel Forest Chestnut Oak - Black Birch Forest Tuliptree Rich Wood (Piedmont variant) Mesic Piedmont Mixed Hardwood Forest

Coastal Plain Upland Forests Mesic Coastal Plain Mixed Hardwood Forest Dry Oak - Heath Forest Chestnut Oak - Hairgrass Forest Tuliptree Rich Wood (Coastal Plain variant) Mesic Coastal Plain Oak Forest Loblolly Pine - Mixed Oak Upland Forest Ancient Sand Ridge Forest Red Maple - Sweetgum Upland Forest Loblolly Pine Plantation

Early Successional Upland Habitats Herbaceous Early Successional Upland Habitats Shrub/Brush Early Successional Upland Habitats

OTHER HABITATS ImpoundmentsSand/Gravel Pits Structures

NON-TIDAL WETLAND HABITATS Forested Wetlands

Forested Floodplains and Riparian Swamps Piedmont Forested Floodplains and Riparian Swamps

Sycamore - Green Ash Floodplain Forest Pin Oak - Red Maple Floodplain Depression (also listed under CP Floodplains & Swamps)

Coastal Plain Forested Floodplains and Riparian Swamps Red Maple - Green Ash Floodplain Forest Black Ash Seepage Swamp Pin Oak - Red Maple Floodplain Depression (also listed under PD Floodplains & Swamps) Red Maple - Sweetgum Streamside Swamp Baldcypress - Red Maple - Swamp Black Gum Swamp

Atlantic White Cedar Non-tidal Wetlands Delmarva Atlantic White Cedar Swamp Atlantic White Cedar - Mixed Herb Bog Atlantic White Cedar Millpond Headwater Hummock and Peat Mat Woodland

Isolated Forested Wetlands Piedmont Isolated Forested Wetlands

Sweetgum - Red Maple Depression Swamp (also listed under CP Isolated Wetlands) Coastal Plain Isolated Forested Wetlands

Coastal Loblolly Pine Wetland Forest Wet Loblolly Pine Forest Sweetgum - Red Maple Depression Swamp (also listed under PD Isolated Wetlands) Pin Oak - Sedge Swamp Willow Oak - Basket Oak Swamp Loblolly Pine - Mixed Oak Wet Forest Loblolly Pine - Sweetgum - Red Maple Swamp

Non-forested Wetlands Shrub Swamps

Buttonbush Shrub Swamp Water-willow Shrub Swamp

Coastal Plain Seasonal Ponds Coastal Plain Seasonal Pond Buttonbush Communities

Buttonbush - Mannagrass - Smartweed Coastal Plain Seasonal Pond Vegetation Buttonbush - Warty Panicgrass - Eaton’s Witchgrass Coastal Plain Seasonal Pond Vegetation

Coastal Plain Seasonal Pond Herbaceous Communities Walter’s Sedge - Eaton’s Witchgrass Coastal Plain Seasonal Pond Vegetation Cape May - Delmarva Depression Meadow Three-way Sedge - Canada Rush Coastal Plain Seasonal Pond Vegetation Creeping Rush - Boltonia Coastal Plain Seasonal Pond Vegetation Maidencane Coastal Plain Seasonal Pond Vegetation Mixed Grass Depression Meadow Waterlily Deepwater Coastal Plain Seasonal Pond Vegetation

Interdunal Wetlands Cranberry Interdunal Swale Twig Rush Interdunal Swale Round-head Rush - Common Threesquare Interdunal Swale

Piedmont Stream Valley Wetlands Piedmont Streamside Seepage Wetland Forested Seepage Slope Wetland Streamside Backwater Marsh Streamside Tussock Meadow Twisted Sedge Sand Bar

Streamside Herbaceous Wetlands Bulrush Deepwater Marsh Cattail Marsh Phragmites Marsh

Peat Wetlands Virginia Chainfern Swale Mixed Herb Deep Peat Wetland

Riverine Aquatic and Submerged Vegetation Water Lily Aquatic Wetland Riverweed Rocky Bar and Shore Mixed Species Submergent Vegetation Submerged Tapegrass Community

TIDAL WETLAND HABITATS Freshwater Tidal Wetlands

Freshwater Tidal Forested Wetlands Atlantic White Cedar - Red Maple - Pumpkin Ash Freshwater Tidal Swamp

Freshwater Tidal Scrub-Shrub Wetlands Red Maple - Ash Tidal Swamp Smooth Alder - Silky Dogwood Shrub Swamp

Freshwater Tidal Marshes Wild Rice Freshwater Tidal Marsh Mixed Broadleaf Freshwater Tidal Marsh Broadleaf Pondlily Freshwater Tidal Marsh Arrow-arum - Pickerelweed Freshwater Tidal Marsh Sea Level Fen Horned Pondweed Submerged Vegetation Freshwater Intertidal Quillwort Flat Phragmites Tidal Marsh

Saltwater and Brackish Tidal Wetlands Tidal Low Marshes

Salt Panne (also listed under High Tidal Marsh) Spartina Low Salt Marsh Needlerush Salt Marsh (also listed under High Tidal Marsh) Smooth Cordgrass - Lilaeopsis Brackish Marsh Giant Cordgrass Tidal Marsh (also listed under High Tidal Marsh) Smooth Cordgrass - Water Hemp Tidal Marsh Water-hemp Brackish Marsh Cattail - Rosemallow Brackish Marsh (also listed under High Tidal Marsh) Submerged Widgeon Grass Community Unvegetated Intertidal Mudflat

Tidal High Marshes Salt Shrub Salt Panne (also listed under Low Tidal Marsh) Beaked Spikerush Brackish Tidal Marsh Needlerush Salt Marsh (also listed under Low Tidal Marsh) Spartina High Salt Marsh Common Threesquare Tidal Marsh Giant Cordgrass Tidal Marsh (also listed under Low Tidal Marsh) Switchgrass Tidal Marsh Cattail - Rosemallow Brackish Marsh (also listed under Low Tidal Marsh) Bishop-weed - Mixed Species Brackish Marsh

FRESHWATER AQUATIC HABITATS Piedmont Streams Coastal Plain Streams

Non-tidal Coastal Plain Streams Tidal Coastal Plain Streams

Pond, Lake and Reservoir

BRACKISH AND MARINE AQUATIC HABITATS Nearshore Habitats

Nearshore Open Water Oyster Reef Tubeworm Reef Clam Bed Mussel Bed Sand Bar/Sand Flat

Offshore Habitats

Note

Habitats of Conservation Concern are highlighted in yellow.

SECTION 5

Determining ConservationIssues and Actions



5. Determining Conservation Issues and Actions

Conservation Issues, sometimes known as “threats” or “stresses,” are human actions that adversely impact wildlife, native plants and natural communities, and the ecological processes that sustain them. Conservation Actions are the measures taken to eliminate or minimize these impacts, or to mitigate their effects. For this Plan, determination of Conservation Issues and Actions began with the preparation of standardized “taxonomies” for organizing information. Taxonomies developed by the Conservation Measures Partnership were modified to better reflect circumstances in Delaware. The initial list of issues and actions was then derived from a review of existing state, regional and national plans for relevant items:

American Fisheries Society – Marine Stock Criteria and Policy 31b-Management of Sharks and Their Relatives Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission – Fishery Management Plans Bat Conservation International – Bats in Eastern Woodlands Delaware Green Infrastructure Initiative Delaware National Estuarine Research Reserve Management Plan 2004-2009 Defenders of Wildlife – Second Nature: Improving Transportation Without Putting Nature Second and Voluntary Conservation Tools and Programs Delaware Invasive Species Management Plan DNREC – Pea Patch Island Special Area Management Plan Environmental Law Institute – Protecting Delaware's Nature Heritage: Tools for Biodiversity Conservation, Protecting Delaware's Forests for Biodiversity, and Innovative State Strategies for Biodiversity Conservation Mid-Atlantic Bird Conservation Initiative – BCR 30 Plan Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council – Fishery Management Plans National Audubon Society – Important Bird Areas Program National Marine Fisheries Service – Highly Migratory Species Fisheries Management Plans National Wildlife Federation – Endangered by Sprawl North American Bat Conservation Partnership – State Planning Guide for Bats North American Waterbird Conservation Plan North American Waterfowl Management Plan Northeast Endangered Species and Wildlife Diversity Technical Committee – Wildlife Species of Regional Conservation Concern in the Northeastern United States Partners for Amphibian and Reptile Conservation, Northeast Working Group – Habitat Management Guidelines Northern Bobwhite Conservation Initiative Our Natural Legacy – Delaware's Biodiversity Conservation Partnership Partners in Flight – MidAtlantic Coastal Plain, MidAtlantic Piedmont, and North American Landbird Conservation Plans The Nature Conservancy – North Atlantic Coast, Lower New England-Northern Piedmont, and Chesapeake Bay Lowlands Ecoregion Plans, and Blackbird-Millington Corridor Conservation Area Plan



U.S. Commission on Ocean Policy – "Oceans Report" U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service – Chesapeake Bay Nutria Control program, Draft Environmental Impact Statements for light goose and resident Canada goose management, and Endangered Species recovery plans U.S. Shorebird Conservation Plan Virginia Department of Environmental Quality – Neotropical Migratory Songbird Coastal Corridor Study

A few additional issues and actions were developed as needed.

5.1. Issues The final suite of Conservation Issues for Delaware wildlife is grouped into the following general categories:

Habitat Loss or Fragmentation Residential and Commercial Development Practices Agricultural and Forestry Operations Shoreline Protection Practices Industrial Operations Transportation and Utility Operations and Maintenance Invasive Species, Nuisance Animals and Wildlife Diseases Water Use Solid Waste Disposal Changes in Fire Regimes Climate Change Energy Production Recreational Activities Airport Operations Wildlife Harvesting Resource Management Resource Protection Information Management Monitoring and Adaptive Management Division Operations Private Lands Conservation Natural Resource Management Planning Education and Outreach Nuisance Wildlife Management

While virtually all specific Conservation Issues had their origins in the plans mentioned above, most of them were somewhat modified to make them applicable to particular circumstances in Delaware. These specific issues, arranged by category, are described in the tables below.



5.1.1. Issues Impacting Key Habitats and SGCN Habitat Loss or Fragmentation (impacts from the actual footprints of structures, facilities and land uses; off-site impacts are covered in other issues)Residential and Commercial Structures

Conversion of forests, early successional habitats and wetlands, destruction of buffers, and increased edge effects. Residential and commercial development pressure is probably the most significant issue facing wildlife habitats in Delaware. Long confined mainly to the northern part of the state and the vicinity of a few cities and towns, it has now spread throughout the state. It is perhaps most intense in southern New Castle County, central Kent County, and eastern Sussex County. Types of impacts vary among habitats, with loss and fragmentation most significant in uplands and non-tidal wetlands, and degradation from buffer loss most significant in tidal wetlands. However, there is some incremental loss of tidal wetlands through permitted activities, the cumulative impact of which has not been assessed. See Figure 18 for a view of developed and developing areas vs. Key Wildlife Habitats.

Farmland Conversion of forests, early successional habitats and wetlands, destruction of buffers, and increased edge effects. Large-scale conversion to agriculture is no longer occurring in Delaware, and, in fact, farmland is being lost to residential and commercial development. Changes in the type of agriculture – such as the construction of poultry houses – may result in some loss and fragmentation of upland habitats. However, escalating economic pressures steadily increase the intensity of crop farming, meaning that more stream and wetland buffers are cleared for crops, resulting in degradation of those habitats.

Industrial Facilities (includes all types of manufacturing, warehousing and quarrying) Conversion of forests, early successional habitats and wetlands, loss of buffers, and increased edge effects. Habitat loss and fragmentation effects from industrial development are similar to residential and commercial development; however, impacts from construction and expansion of industrial facilities are not as widespread and are primarily directed toward growth areas rather than undeveloped areas distant from supporting infrastructure. Delaware’s Coastal Zone Act of 1971 (7 Del. Code, Chapter 70) has helped to limit the spread of industrial facilities along the Delaware River and Bay.

Transportation Infrastructure Conversion of forests, early successional habitats and wetlands, destruction of buffers, and increased edge effects. Impacts include those from the initial construction of roadways, bridges, culverts and other infrastructure, as well as from ongoing maintenance and repair. Fragmentation impacts from roads are especially widespread for some taxa, where even narrow secondary roads may present formidable barriers to insects and small vertebrates. Delaware’s rapid growth forces a seemingly endless cycle of road projects of all sizes, including rerouting of major highways, expansion of many secondary roads, and frequent replacement of culverts and bridges.

Utility Corridors Conversion of forests, early successional habitats and wetlands, destruction of buffers, and increased edge effects. With increased development and population growth, there has been a concurrent increase in demand for power, overloading existing capacity and causing power outages and imposed rolling blackouts. As a result, major utility corridors are created or expanded – lengthen and widened – to increase capacity for power delivery. Construction and maintenance of major regional corridors and smaller local corridors can exacerbate habitat loss and fragmentation. Though utility corridors have the potential to provide early successional habitat timing and methods of maintenance can effectively decrease habitat suitability.



Habitat Loss or Fragmentation (impacts from the actual footprints of structures, facilities and land uses; off-site impacts are covered in other issues)Dredge Spoil Disposal

Conversion of forests, early successional habitats and wetlands, and degradation of beaches and Subaqueous lands. Large-scale dredging projects (e.g., Delaware Bay main channel) generate massive volumes of spoil, for which there may be insufficient existing disposal-site capacity. New disposal sites would need to be identified on land and in water, potentially smothering or converting upland, wetland and/or subaqueous lands, or causing habitat degradation if sediment quality is poor and/or contaminated with toxins.

Dams Fragmentation of streams. Stream habitats are effectively fragmented when migration and movement of aquatic species past a barrier is prevented. Barriers may consist of dams, weirs and other water control structures, as well as stream crossings for roads and underground utilities.

Landfill Facilities Conversion of forests, early successional habitats and wetlands, destruction of buffers, and increased edge effects. With increased development and population growth, there is an increasing need for landfill capacity, either through expansion of existing facilities or construction of new landfills. Landfills are often sited away from developed areas due to offensive odors, noise and high volume truck traffic. Forested areas may be preferred because they screen landfill operations from view and provide a noise buffer. Capped landfills may provide early successional habitat because trees often cannot be planted if roots can penetrate the cap.

Wind Farm Facilities Conversion of forests, early successional habitats and nearshore habitats. Impacts to terrestrial habitats result from construction of towers and related infrastructure, while impacts to nearshore habitats result from tower footings and cables fragment habitat and displace benthic organisms. Wind farms have been proposed for sites as far flung as Piedmont ridges in New Castle County, Coastal Plain flats in Kent County, and off Sussex County in both the Delaware Bay and Atlantic Ocean.

Residential and Commercial Development Practices Altered Hydrology

Degradation of streams and wetlands from hydrologic changes caused by runoff from impervious surfaces (other issues for roads are under Transportation and Utility Operations and Maintenance). In addition to increasing the size and frequency of high stream flows during storm events, impervious surfaces often decrease base flows by inhibiting recharge of groundwater. In severe cases, this may result in headwater streams changing from permanent to intermittent flow regimes. Major impacts exist in heavily developed northern Delaware, and are increasing in many other parts of the state. Even “relatively” undeveloped areas, such as the Blackbird-Millington Corridor, are approaching the 10% impervious surface threshold at which effects become noticeable.

Nutrients and Sediments (includes nutrients from fertilizers; nutrients from sewage and septic systems are covered in Industrial Development and Operations under Routine Sewage Discharges)

Degradation of streams, wetlands and nearshore habitats from excessive nutrients and sediments. Sedimentation from land-clearing activities reduces sunlight penetration, raises water temperature, decreases the dissolved oxygen level, and alters substrate composition. In the short term, nutrient enrichment from lawn fertilizers causes algal blooms that may seriously deplete dissolved oxygen levels. Over time, nutrient enrichment may cause subtle but important changes in natural community structure and function.



Residential and Commercial Development Practices Pesticides

Lethal or sub-lethal effects of residential pesticides on aquatic and wetland species. In general, pesticides are applied at even higher rates to residential land than to agricultural land, and they are frequently detected in surface water and groundwater at levels that are injurious to aquatic organisms. This issue has not been well studied in Delaware, where the focus has been on agricultural pesticides.

Outdoor Lighting Mortality or disturbance of sphinx moths and waterbirds from outdoor lighting. Sphinx moths are strongly attracted to artificial lights, where they may become disoriented and are less able to evade predation by bats. Many waterbirds – especially young – are attracted to outdoor lights in coastal developments and on boats, ships and structures near shore, where they become disoriented and may be killed from collisions. Also, increased predation of these birds by gulls has been observed in the presence of outdoor lighting.

BuildingsMortality of migratory birds from collisions with buildings. Since the widespread construction of curtain glass office buildings beginning in the 1960s, window collisions have become a major source of mortality for birds. Songbirds are most often involved, and mortality is substantially greater at night when buildings are lit, and in conditions of fog, mist or low cloud cover. Some impacts have been noted at buildings in Wilmington, although the full extent of the issue has not been assessed.

Piers and Docks Degradation of beach and dune habitats and wetlands by piers and docks. Although the impacts of individual piers and docks may be minimal, the cumulative impact can be substantial.

Agricultural and Forestry Operations (includes “hobby farms” and – for land use purposes only – poultry houses and other Confined Animal Feeding Operations [CAFO]. Effluent discharges from CAFOs are covered in “Routine sewage discharges…” under Industrial Development and Operations.)Agricultural Harvesting Practices

Mortality or disturbance of box turtles, milksnakes and early successional birds from harvesting of crops during nesting season or at other critical times. Several species are known to nest in crop or hay fields, which may be harvested while these birds are on the nest. Also, box turtles sometimes nest in fields, where the adults, eggs and hatchlings may be killed during harvesting.

Livestock Grazing Degradation of upland and wetland forests from livestock grazing. Long-term grazing in forests depletes herbaceous species and shrubs, and in more severe cases may inhibit regeneration of trees.

Ditching and Draining Degradation of streams and wetlands from ditching for agricultural operations. Ditched streams are impacted by loss of aquatic and riparian vegetation, alteration of substrate composition, increased flow rates and elevated water temperatures. Adjacent wetlands are often drained because of the lower water surface elevation in ditched streams.

Altered Hydrology Degradation of streams and wetlands from hydrologic changes caused by increased runoff. Greater runoff from cropland and cleared forests boosts the size and frequency of high stream flows during storm events.



Agricultural and Forestry Operations (includes “hobby farms” and – for land use purposes only – poultry houses and other Confined Animal Feeding Operations [CAFO]. Effluent discharges from CAFOs are covered in “Routine sewage discharges…” under Industrial Development and Operations.)Nutrients and Sediments

Degradation of streams, wetlands and nearshore habitats from excessive nutrients and sediments. Row crop agriculture produces substantial amounts of sediments, even when no-till planting is used. Sedimentation reduces sunlight penetration, raises water temperatures and alters substrate composition. In the short term, nutrient enrichment from lawn fertilizers causes algal blooms that may seriously deplete dissolved oxygen levels. Over time, nutrient enrichment may cause subtle but important changes in natural community structure and function.

Pesticides Lethal or sub-lethal effects of agricultural pesticides on early successional, aquatic and wetland species. Agricultural pesticides may directly impact some early successional birds at time of application, but more often they are found in surface water and groundwater at levels that are injurious to aquatic organisms.

Clearcutting and Other Forestry practices Loss, fragmentation or degradation of upland and wetland forests from clearcutting, selective harvest, short rotation, conversion to pine plantation and other practices. Clearcutting results in at least temporary loss of natural forest structure and function. The loss becomes essentially permanent if areas are cut on a short rotation or converted to pine plantations, which have limited value as wildlife habitat. Even with selective harvest, use of heavy equipment may destroy shrub and herbaceous vegetation, compact soil, cause erosion, or facilitate colonization by invasive plants.

Shoreline Protection PracticesJetties and Groins

Degradation of beach and dune habitats by disruption of littoral drift. By blocking longshore sand transport, jetties and groins decrease beach erosion in some areas while increasing it in others, which eventually impacts the natural formation of dunes.

Beach Renourishment Degradation of beach and nearshore habitats from sand dredging and pumping. While beach and dune habitats usually benefit from renourishment in the long term, some wildlife may experience short term negative impacts. Also, many potential source sites – sand bars and flats – are important habitats, although source area impacts are also usually short term.

Dune Construction/Stabilization Degradation of overwash habitats from dune construction, vegetation plantings and fences.Although dune construction and stabilization is often beneficial for a variety of wildlife, some species of tiger beetles and waterbirds require overwashes – unvegetated areas formed when storms breach dunes – for nesting or other life cycle stages. Constructing or stabilizing dunes causes overwashes to revegetate at an accelerated rate.

Artificial Shoreline Hardening (includes bay and ocean beaches, wetland shorelines and stream banks)

Degradation of beaches, wetlands and streams from construction of bulkheads and other structures to prevent erosion. Paradoxically, these structures often exacerbate the erosive forces of waves, tides and currents such that they are quickly undermined. Also, in streams they deflect the energy of currents rather than absoring it, which increases erosion downstream.



Industrial Operations Air Pollution

Degradation of multiple natural habitats from air pollution. Impacts accrue to many habitats from airborne forms – e.g. ozone damage to vegetation – as well as from precipitation onto land and water, such as acidification of soils from SOx and nitrogen enrichment of water bodies from NOx.Heavy metals including mercury and persistent organic pollutants (e.g., PCBs, pesticides such as DDT, chlordane and toxaphene, and by-products such as dioxins and furans) can affect wildlife and humans through bio-accumulation, and direct poisoning through the disruption of endocrine function, organ injury, increased vulnerability to stress and disease, lower reproductive success, and death.

Accidental Spills of Toxins and Sewage Degradation of beach and dune habitats, wetlands and nearshore habitats – and wildlife mortality – from “catastrophic” releases of oil, industrial chemicals and untreated sewage. TheDelaware River and Bay are home to the fifth largest port complex in the United States in terms of total waterborne commerce. Every year, over 70 million tons of cargo move through the tri-state port complex, which includes the ports of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Camden, Gloucester City, and Salem, New Jersey; and Wilmington, Delaware. It is the second largest oil port in the United States, handling about 85% of the East Coast's oil imports. Due to this high volume of shipping, potential for catastrophic spills is high. In addition, inadequate capacity, outdated or flawed design of sewage treatment systems cause raw sewage outflow into aquatic systems degrading water quality, introducing contaminants, and creating anoxic conditions.

Chronic Water Pollution Degradation of aquatic and wetland habitats, and lethal or sub-lethal effects on aquatic and wetland species, from routine discharges and persistent leaks of sewage and toxins. Discharges and leaks may come from municipal treatment plants, industrial effluent, septic systems or Confined Animal Feeding Operations (CAFO) such as poultry houses. In the short term, nutrient enrichment from sewage causes algal blooms, and over time may change natural community structure and function. PCBs, heavy metals, dioxin and other toxins may occasionally cause direct mortality, but more often have sub-lethal impacts on growth, reproductive physiology or behavior, especially those substances that bio-accumulate.

Impingement/Entrapment/Entrainment at Water Intakes Mortality or disturbance of estuarine fish and sea turtles from temporary or permanent capture.Cooling-water intakes at industrial sites and power-generating facilities along the Delaware River and Bay, Indian River and Inland Bays pose a potential risk to fisheries and wildlife resources.

Sediments from Sand and Gravel Quarrying Degradation of wetlands and aquatic habitats from excessive sediments. Sedimentationreduces sunlight penetration, raises water temperatures and alters substrate composition.

Transportation and Utility Operations and Maintenance Altered Hydrology

Degradation of streams and wetlands due to increased flooding from undersized culverts.Although this issue is recognized as a problem in a few areas of high conservation value like the Blackbird region, the extent of impacts to habitat are not well quantified throughout the state. Problems caused by undersized culverts are often identified only when property is damaged or roads are flooded.

Road Salt Lethal or sub-lethal effects of road salt on aquatic species. Road salt can affect soil and water chemistry, vegetation composition and may cause direct mortality of vertebrates and invertebrates. However, Delaware receives less than 20 inches of snowfall annually, thus road salt application is relatively infrequent. Nonetheless, when snowfall averages higher than normal statewide or in localized areas, the effects of road salt on key habitats and species can be detrimental.



Transportation and Utility Operations and Maintenance Vehicles

Mortality of salamanders and reptiles from collisions with vehicles. Virtually every taxonomic group of wildlife is vulnerable to road mortality in Delaware. With more than 12,000 lane-miles of roads and an increasing capacity for traffic through road widening and other improvements, the risk of mortality will likely increase. Mortality can be clustered where vegetation is close to the road or where roads bisect breeding habitat.

Commercial Ships and Boats (includes cargo vessels of all types and commercial fishing boats)Degradation of streams and wetlands due to increased erosion from wakes, and mortality of estuarine fish, sea turtles and marine mammals from collisions. Significant wake impacts are obvious in the Nanticoke River, but may occur elsewhere. Collision-related mortality is noted in the few carcasses that surface or wash ashore, but the full extent of the issue may be much greater.

Communications Towers and High-Tension Electric Lines Mortality of waterfowl, raptors, migratory birds and bats from collisions with towers and lines.Collisions with tall towers, whether for radio, television, cellular or (formerly) telephone, may kill hundreds of birds in a single night, especially under conditions of fog, mist or low cloud cover. The degree of impacts depends on geographic location and topographic position. Raptors are especially vulnerable to electrocution from high-tension lines.

Channel Dredging Degradation of streams and nearshore habitats from dredging of shipping channels. Potential impacts from dredging operations include sedimentation, re-suspension of toxic pollutants, damage to spawning or nursery habitats, direct mortality associated with dredging equipment, and altered hydrology.

Invasive Species, Nuisance Animals and Wildlife Diseases White-tailed Deer

Degradation of dune shrublands and upland and wetland forests from excessive herbivory.Intense browsing depletes – or even eliminates – herbaceous species and shrubs, and in severe cases may prevent regeneration of forest canopy and understory trees. Also, deer may exacerbate impacts of invasive plants by browsing preferentially on native species.

Nutria Degradation of tidal wetlands from excessive herbivory. Impacts have been minimal to date, but enormous damage has occurred nearby in Maryland. Nutria have begun colonizing Delaware relatively recently, so impacts may increase substantially.

Gypsy Moth Degradation of upland and wetland forests from excessive herbivory. Impacts to forests in Delaware have been minimal to date, but the potential exists for major problems as experienced by some surrounding states.

Snow Goose and Resident Canada Goose Degradation of tidal wetlands, streams, ponds and impoundments from excessive herbivory and nutrification. Impacts to wetlands and aquatic habitats from burgeoning populations have become so pervasive that the USFWS is proposing to substantially liberalize regulations for managing both species.

Mute Swan Degradation of wetlands from excessive herbivory and disturbance of wildlife by aggressive behavior. Minimal impacts to aquatic vegetation and nesting waterfowl and waterbirds have been recorded in Delaware so far, but significant impacts have occurred nearby in Maryland.

Green Crab and Japanese Shore Crab Degradation of nearshore habitats from predation of clams and mussels. Although both crabs are present in Delaware, impacts have not yet been detected. However, clam and mussel beds in New England have been decimated by these species.



Invasive Species, Nuisance Animals and Wildlife Diseases Control of Mosquitoes and Forest Pests by Aerial Application of Pesticides

Mortality of non-target forest insects and reduction in the prey base for insectivorous forest birds, small mammals and bats. Non-target insects are susceptible to both biological and chemical larvicides and adulticides, depending on insect growth stage and pesticide type. This may impact wildlife either through direct mortality or by reducing the number and type of prey available to insectivorous species.

Control of Mosquitoes with Open Marsh Water Management and Impoundment Management Degradation of tidal high marshes from changes to marsh surface water patterns, and to impoundments from manipulation of water levels. These practices have positive benefits related to mosquito control and reduction in pesticide use; however, impacts to high saltmarsh communities, as a result of altered flooding frequency, and associated SGCN including black rail require further evaluation to ensure unique natural communities and associated SGCN are not adversely affected by these practices.

Pets and Subsidized Predators (animals whose populations have increased due to food and shelter provided directly or indirectly by humans; includes native species and feral pets)

Mortality or disturbance of turtles, shorebirds, waterbirds and ground-nesting birds and bats from dogs, cats, raccoons, foxes, gulls, crows and others. Increased development, population growth, habitat fragmentation and edge effects benefit some native wild animals resulting in increasing populations that may prey upon or compete with SGCN for resources. Increasing trends in maintaining feral cat “colonies” and inappropriate or illegal release of exotic pets (e.g., snakes, turtles) in natural areas introduce sources of predation, potential for disease transmission and competition for food and other resources needed by native species.

Asiatic Clam Mortality of freshwater mussels from competition for space and food. In some streams, populations of Asiatic clams are so high that they monopolize the substrate and filter out a substantial portion of the plankton that also serves as a food source for freshwater mussels.

European Starling Mortality or disturbance of cavity-nesting birds from competition for nest cavities. Delaware’s fragmented habitats and agricultural landscape provide ideal habitat conditions for European starlings. Breeding bird surveys in Delaware estimate a minimum of 30,000 pairs of starlings in the state. Birds that nest in open or edge habitats, including the red-headed woodpecker and eastern bluebird, are particularly susceptible to competition for nest sites.

Invasive Earthworms Degradation of forests from depletion of the soil organic layer. Earthworm impacts are not known in Delaware. However, significant impacts have been noted in nearby Pennsylvania and through the northeast and Midwest.

Infectious Diseases Mortality of waterfowl and shorebirds from botulism, oysters from Dermo and MSX, raptors from West Nile virus, and others from emerging diseases. Delaware hosts significant concentrations of migratory shorebirds and waterfowl, with significant proportions of some species’ populations using Delaware Bay as a stopover site. High densities of birds increase the risk of disease transmission, and long-distance migrants can transport disease organisms globally.

Invasive Plants Degradation of multiple natural habitats. A wide variety of invasive grasses, forbs, shrubs, trees and vines proliferate in virtually all habitats. Impacts range from depletion of native plants to changes in habitat structure and function.



Water Use Dam Operations

Degradation of streams and wetlands. Water impounded upstream of dams degrades pre-existing stream and wetland habitats, and water releases from dams can alter the hydrology of downstream habitats and increase sedimentation.

Dam Removal Degradation of streams and wetlands from release of sediments. Sediments that accumulate behind dams are released upon removal of the structure, leading to downstream siltation, nutrient enrichment and possibly pollution by toxins.

Groundwater Withdrawals Degradation of wetlands and streams from lowering of the water table. Excessive withdrawals for drinking water, irrigation and industrial processes reduce base flows of streams and dewater groundwater-fed wetlands. Excessive withdrawals over an extended period may eventually cause saltwater intrusion into aquifers in coastal areas.

Surface Water Withdrawals Degradation of wetlands and streams from decreased stream flows. Excessive withdrawals for drinking water, irrigation and industrial processes during dry periods may drop stream flows below the minimum required to sustain aquatic organisms. This in turn may dewater adjacent surface water-fed wetlands.

Solid Waste Disposal Trash Ingestion

Mortality of aquatic life from ingestion of trash. Careless or intentional trash disposal in and near aquatic, especially marine, habitats pose a risk to sea turtles, marine mammals and birds that may accidentally ingest or become entangled in the debris. Helium balloons, plastic bags, 6-pack rings and pelletized plastic persist in the environment and continue to cause problems for aquatic wildlife.

Beach Cleanup Activities (raking, events)Degradation of beach and dune habitats and mortality or disturbance of shorebirds and waterbirds from regular or episodic mechanical or manual cleanup. Equipment used to remove debris (natural or unnatural) from sandy beaches can cause disturbance to migratory or resident nesting birds. Compaction of sand and removal of wrack vegetation by heavy equipment can cause a reduction in food for birds, invertebrates, and other animals in foredune and beach habitats. Seeds trapped in the wrack line and sand may also be removed thus changing vegetation patterns in these habitats as well.

Changes in Fire Regimes Fire Suppression

Degradation of early successional habitats and forests from suppression of regular fires. Early successional habitats require frequent “disturbance” – historically provided by wildfires and intentional burning by Native Americans – to prevent them from reverting to forests. Also, most upland forests in Delaware depend on regular, although less frequent, fire to maintain the dominance of oak species. Fire suppression practices that stem from public safety concerns, and from misunderstandings about the role of fire in natural systems, cause the degradation of both of these habitat types.

Firefighting Practices Degradation of forests, early successional habitats and wetlands from efforts to control unplanned fires. Clearing of firebreaks and other uses of heavy equipment for controlling wildfires may cause structural and functional changes to habitats from soil compaction or erosion and loss of vegetation.



Climate Change Sea Level Rise

Degradation of beaches and dunes, tidal wetlands and coastal forests from inundation. Estimates of sea-level rise along the U.S. coastline over the next century range from inches to several feet. Hardening of the shoreline and construction along beaches and marsh fringes allow little room for natural landward migration of these habitats.

Energy Production Wind Farm Towers

Mortality of waterfowl, raptors, shorebirds, waterbirds, migratory songbirds and bats from collisions with tower blades and masts. Demands for alternative renewable energy sources have lead to an increased interest in developing wind farms in Delaware. Placement of wind farms in areas used regularly by large numbers of migratory birds and bats, including the Delaware Bay, nearshore Atlantic Ocean, coastal terrestrial habitats increases the risk of mass mortality.

Tidal Turbines Mortality of estuarine and marine fish and sea turtles from collisions with turbine blades. As with wind power, interest in harnessing strong tidal currents as a renewable energy source has lead to consideration of placing tidal turbines in Indian River Inlet. However, impacts on local fisheries, including SGCN, are not clearly understood.

Thermal Pollution from Power Plants Degradation of nearshore open water habitat from discharge of heated effluent. Large inputs of heated water can have harmful effects on aquatic life by causing sharp changes in water temperature, particularly when volumes of effluent fluctuate over short periods. Warmer temperatures lower dissolved oxygen in the water, increase respiration rates of organisms, and increases fish and wildlife susceptibility to disease, parasites, and toxic chemicals. Discharge of heated water into shallow areas near the shore may impact spawning and kill young fish.

Recreational Activities Recreational Use on Foot

Degradation of beach and dune habitats and mortality or disturbance of shorebirds and waterbirds from beach users, birders, fishers, and others on foot. Increased participation in hiking, birding, fishing, and walking brings people into sensitive natural areas. Areas without designated or well marked trails or access points expose resources to increased levels of disturbance and degradation.

Pleasure Boats and Personal Watercraft Degradation of tidal marshes and streams from pollution and wakes, mortality of estuarine fish, sea turtles and terrapins from collisions, and disturbance of shorebirds and waterbirds from harassment. Increased popularity of personal watercraft and pleasure boating has resulted in a larger number of watercraft in relatively small areas like the Inland Bays, Nanticoke River, millponds and other water bodies throughout the state. Boaters seeking less crowded areas to anchor, fish, sunbath or swim are increasingly using shallow water areas and marsh islands for recreational use, potentially causing increases in turbidity, bottom scouring, pollution, and disturbance to wildlife.

Off-Road Vehicles Degradation of forests and early successional habitats from erosion, and disturbance of tiger beetles, shorebirds and waterbirds, from legal and illegal use. Legal and illegal use of off road vehicles causes compaction of soils, destruction of vegetation, disturbance to and direct mortality of wildlife, and increases in air and noise pollution.



Airport Operations Overflights

Disturbance of waterfowl, shorebirds and waterbirds from aircraft overflights. Aircraft from Dover Air Force Base and other regional military facilities, planes towing advertising banners, aerobatic planes and helicopters often fly at low altitudes over beaches, marshes and coastal impoundments causing large flocks of birds to flush repeatedly, particularly during critical migratory period.

Bird Strike Hazard Management Degradation of early successional habitats from frequent mowing. Collisions between birds and planes can result in costly damage to aircraft and loss of human life. As a result, airports manage vegetation around runways to limit bird populations to the greatest extent possible (including mowing throughout breeding and migration).

Wildlife Harvesting Inappropriate Hunting and Fishing

Mortality of game species and sportfish from illegal or inadequately managed harvest. Poaching, insufficient enforcement and setting harvest levels with inadequate data on population dynamics increases the risk of serious decline, and local or regional species extirpation.

Inappropriate Collection for the Pet Trade or for Bait Mortality of fish, amphibians and reptiles from illegal or inadequately managed collection.Poaching, insufficient enforcement and setting harvest levels with inadequate data on population dynamics increases the risk of serious decline, and local or regional species extirpation.

Lead Shot Ingestion Mortality of waterfowl, raptors and early successional birds from primary or secondary ingestion of shot. Although it is illegal to use lead shot while hunting waterfowl, small-sized lead shot may be used for upland game. Spent lead shot can accumulate in soils and vegetation and may be ingested by upland birds causing poisoning or death. Secondary poisoning of raptors or others predators may result from feeding on birds containing lead shot.

Commercial Shellfish Dredging Degradation of nearshore habitats from dredging gear. Substantial impacts to the structure of oyster reefs, clam beds, and sand bars and flats can occur from repeated dredging.

Fishing Gear Entanglement Mortality of estuarine fish, sea turtles and osprey from lost or discarded nets, lines and traps.Impacts from commercial and recreational fishing gear (including pot gear, gill nets and hook and line fisheries) operating in Delaware waters are not well documented due to lack of monitoring, coordination, under-reporting, or the absence of reporting requirements.

Fisheries Bycatch Mortality of estuarine and marine fish, sea turtles and terrapins from unintended capture by fishing gear. ‘Bycatch’ is discarded or retained incidental catch due to a direct encounter with fishing gear. In general, bycatch impacts to non-target species are not well documented, except for diamondback terrapin, due to lack of monitoring, under-reporting or the absence of reporting requirements.

Nuisance Wildlife Management Mortality of snakes and bats as a result of nuisance control. Among wildlife that are considered “pests” by the general public, there are many native species that are harmless and / or beneficial. Because of the sense of fear they instill, large numbers of snakes, bats and other native wildlife are destroyed by homeowners and business owners.



Resource Management Habitat/Wildlife Management

Degradation of early successional habitats, forests, freshwater and tidal marshes, streams and impoundments from manipulations to benefit particular habitats or species. Active management of habitats or wildlife invariably leads to trade-offs among the particular needs of different resources. The potential for conflict is greatest when conducting single-species management, such as for game animals, sport fish or endangered species, although it can never be entirely avoided even when managing for broad habitat types on a landscape level. Historically, most management in Delaware has focused on individual species that are hunted and fished, and the impacts of this on key habitats and SGCN has not been assessed.

Facility and Program Operations Degradation of early successional habitats, upland forests, tidal marshes, streams and impoundments, and disturbance of wildlife, from facilities and operations unrelated to habitat/wildlife management. Public lands are managed for a variety of purposes, and therefore are subject to impacts from uses that are incompatible with conservation of key habitats and SGCN. Most prominent among these are visitors centers, active recreation facilities, roads, trails and related amenities.

5.1.2. Issues Affecting Institutional Capacity Resource Protection Funding for open space acquisition to protect key habitats and SGCN

State planning staff has estimated that the total cost for permanently protecting the recommended 258,000 acres of “green infrastructure” – natural resources, recreational lands and working lands that contain the majority of key habitats and SGCN – is $554 million. Currently, the Open Space Program for acquisition is funded at $9 million/year for 17 years. At this rate of funding, the targeted acreage will never be reached because of the rapid pace of land development.

Enforcement capacity Additional enforcement capacity is needed to focus on specific areas where SGCN and key habitats are especially vulnerable to disturbance, and to address general collection, possession and sale of native wildlife species.

Information Management Information management for SGCN, key habitat, conservation issue and conservation action data to support adaptive management

The state currently lacks a comprehensive spatial and tabular data management system for all wildlife, habitat, issue and action data and information. In addition, resources are lacking to ensure such a system is readily available to land managers, planners, and other decision makers, both within the state government and among conservation partners.

Monitoring and Adaptive Management Monitoring of SGCN, key habitats, impacts from conservation issues and outcomes of conservation actions

Existing monitoring protocols and procedures are often limited to game animals, sportfish, endangered species and a few SGCN, and yet even these efforts are not adequate, primarily due to lack of staff and funding. Monitoring of key habitats is also limited, and the impacts of only a few conservation issues are monitored. Some “direct threat” issues, like pollution from point source wastewater discharges, are monitored extensively, but many others are not monitored at all. There is also limited monitoring of the results of species and habitat management and other conservation actions.



Monitoring and Adaptive Management Quantitative measures of success for assessing DEWAP implementation

Most existing measures of success consist of population targets or “bag limits” for harvested species, such as waterfowl and sportfish. No measures exist for the great majority of species and for virtually all habitats. Measures must also be developed to gauge the success of DEWAP implementation itself in order to maximize accountability.

Adaptive management framework for modifying conservation actions Although sometimes practiced informally, there is no systematic employment of adaptive management to improve the results obtained from conservation actions. A formal approach to adaptive management is critical to taking maximum advantage of limited staff, time and funding to achieve conservation goals.

Division Operations DFW funding, staffing, administrative structure and/or procedures for DEWAP implementation

Historically, fish and wildlife agencies were established primarily to address conservation and management of harvested species, and agency structure typically reflects an administrative configuration that addresses “game” and “nongame” issues separately. As described in this plan, there is increasing overlap of conservation issues affecting both aquatic and terrestrial harvested and non-harvested species. Greater coordination among staff, programs, projects, and information management is necessary to fully and successfully implement DEWAP.

Private Lands Conservation Incentives for landowners

Although new programs like the Landowner Incentive Program and Farm Bill programs are providing funding to work with private landowners on wildlife restoration and enhancement projects, more flexibility and additional options for program application are needed to entice landowners to participate.

Coordination among private lands conservation programs With increasing funds available for private lands conservation, and a variety of agencies and organizations implementing private lands programs, there is a need to improve communication and coordination to ensure appropriate activities are recommended to landowners, funding is efficiently and effectively invested, and landowner confusion is avoided.

Natural Resource Management Planning Baseline information

Despite considerable work with many rare species and most harvested species, much remains to be learned about the status and distribution of Delaware’s wildlife. Certain groups of species and many key habitats remain poorly understood, which hampers efforts to plan for comprehensive conservation.

Conservation planning process DEWAP represents a major milestone in Delaware’s comprehensive planning for wildlife diversity. However, much work remains to refine this plan, and the state still lacks a coordinated, standardized process for strategic planning – prioritizing the conservation actions in DEWAP; “stepping down” the broader plan to species, habitat and managed area plans; and allocating staff, funding and other logistical resources to the highest priorities. This process is essential to ensure the long-term success of wildlife diversity conservation in Delaware.



Education and Outreach Training, education and outreach programs

Division program topics are currently limited in scope and audiences targeted, including hunter education, boating safety, fishing programs and aquatic resource education. Although all of these programs are beneficial and necessary, additional training, education and outreach is needed for a broad audience of professionals (state and local governments, private business community), schools, and the general public on key habitat ecology, SGCN biology, and conservation issues and actions.

Nuisance Wildlife Management Dedicated response staff

The Division does not currently have the capacity to respond to complaints about nuisance wildlife, real or perceived, by the public. As development continues to increase and loss of habitat displaces a variety of native wildlife, the general public is coming into closer proximity with injurious and injured wildlife as well as harmless wildlife in and around their homes, businesses and communities. A structured system for responding to the publics’ concerns can help identify and address issues related to SGCN and habitat as well as educate the public on how to co-exist with wildlife thus reducing some types of complaints over time.

5.2. ActionsConservation Actions to address these issues can be grouped as follows (note that this grouping was used only for generating a list of actions, not for the format of the Plan, which is organized according to issues rather than actions):

Land and Water Protection Publicly-Owned Protected Areas Privately-Owned Protected Areas Easements

Land, Water and Species Management Protected Area Management Compatible Resource Use Invasive Species Control and Prevention Habitat Restoration Natural Processes Restoration Species Restoration Ex-Situ Conservation

Law and Policy Legislation Regulations, Policies and Procedures Natural Resource Management Planning Land Use Planning and Zoning StandardsCompliance and Enforcement

Research and Monitoring Research Monitoring

Education and Outreach



Formal Education Training, Workshops, Learning Networks, etc. Lifelong Learning Awareness Raising and Communications Moral Confrontation

Economic and Other Incentives Linked Enterprises Substitution Market Forces Conservation Payments Non-Monetary Values

Capacity Building Institutional Development Alliance Development Conservation Finance

Because specific Conservation Actions are self-explanatory, they are not described here. They can be found with their corresponding issues in Section 6.

SECTION 6

Conservation Issuesand Actions



6. Conservation Issues and Actions Some Conservation Issues impact only one or a few key habitats, some impact a broad array of habitats, and a few are independent of habitat. In addition, there are other issues that affect key habitats or SGCN indirectly by impacting resource management capacity. This section examines Conservation Issues and Actions in those four groups: individual key habitats, multiple key habitats, habitat-independent, and institutional capacity.

6.1. Key Wildlife Habitats: Descriptions and Conservation Issues and Actions

For each key habitat, the following pages contain a brief Description, Vital Statistics, Present Condition, Habitats of Conservation Concern, Associated Species of Greatest Conservation Need, and Conservation Issues and Actions that are specific to only one or a few key habitats.Additional issues and actions that pertain to many key habitats are in Section 6.2.

Attributes of Habitats of Conservation Concern and SGCN are presented in Vital Statistics tables for each key habitat. In these tables, “Protected” is defined as GAP Stewardship Status 2 or 3, which are lands that are permanently protected from habitat conversion and managed to some extent to maintain a natural state. Section 3.2 discusses the basis for the species-habitat associations that are summarized under “SGCN Species associated with HCC” in the tables and listed in detail in Appendix C; these numbers include species with known occurrences. The number of associated species may be a more accurate representation of the importance of a habitat to SGCN than is the number of known species or occurrences, since the latter may reflect insufficient inventory. Also, the typically high percentage of known SGCN species and occurrences that are protected is a function of most inventories having been conducted on conservation lands, where landowner permission is not an issue.

See Section 4.2.2 for a description of Present Condition categories.

Assignment of Conservation Issues to individual Habitats of Conservation Concern was not practical because of insufficient knowledge of impacts at that level of detail. Instead, Habitats of Conservation Concern were rolled up into the next highest level of the Wildlife Habitat Classification, typically the “blue” level (Section 4.1), for consideration of issues.

More information about many of Delaware’s wildlife habitats and SGCN can be found in TheNatural Communities of Delaware (from which the descriptions below were largely taken), which contains detailed characterizations of Habitats of Conservation Concern. Other sources include the Whole Basin Management reports and various Natural Heritage Program reports on state wildlife areas, parks, forests and natural communities.

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deni

alis

a

snou

t-mot

h

Dra

ster

ia g

raph

ica

atla

ntic

a A

tlant

ic g

raph

ic m

oth

Sch

inia

spi

nosa

e a

noct

uid

mot

h

Bird

s

Falc

o pe

regr

inus

pe

regr

ine

falc

on

Plu

vial

is s

quat

arol

a bl

ack-

bellie

d pl

over

Cat

optro

phor

us s

emip

alm

atus

w

illet

Cal

idris

pus

illa

sem

ipal

mat

ed s

andp

iper

Cal

idris

mar

itim

a pu

rple

san

dpip

er

Cal

idris

alp

ina

dunl

in

Laru

s m

arin

us

grea

t bla

ck-b

acke

d gu

ll

Pip

ilo e

ryth

roph

thal

mus

E

aste

rn to

whe

e

Pas

serc

ulus

san

dwic

hens

is

sava

nnah

spa

rrow

Con

serv

atio

n Is

sues

and

Act

ions

Bea

ch a

nd D

une

Hab

itats

Is

sue

Cat

egor

y Sp

ecifi

c Is

sue

Spec

ific

Act

ion

Res

iden

tial a

nd C

omm

erci

al

Dev

elop

men

t Pra

ctic

es

Res

iden

tial a

nd C

omm

erci

al S

truct

ures

S

ee S

ectio

n 6.

2.1

Pie

rs a

nd D

ocks

S

ee S

ectio

n 6.

2.2

Sho

relin

e P

rote

ctio

n P

ract

ices

Lo

ss o

f Nat

ural

Bea

ch D

ynam

ics

from

Jet

ties

and

Gro

ins

Wor

k w

ith th

e D

ivis

ion

of S

oil a

nd W

ater

Con

serv

atio

n to

as

sess

and

mon

itor t

he e

nviro

nmen

tal a

nd e

cono

mic

cos

ts

and

bene

fits

of in

divi

dual

jetti

es a

nd g

roin

s, a

nd re

mov

e th

ose

that

are

inef

fect

ive

or o

bsol

ete.

Del

awar

e W

ildlif

e A

ctio

n Pl

an

9/27

/200

6D

elaw

are

Div

isio

n of

Fis

h an

d W

ildlif

e 6-

5

Bea

ch a

nd D

une

Hab

itats

Is

sue

Cat

egor

y Sp

ecifi

c Is

sue

Spec

ific

Act

ion

Wor

k w

ith th

e D

ivis

ion

of S

oil a

nd W

ater

Con

serv

atio

n to

id

entif

y ne

w m

ater

ials

and

met

hods

that

use

jetti

es a

nd

groi

ns to

pro

tect

, cre

ate

or re

stor

e ke

y ha

bita

ts.

Wor

k w

ith th

e D

ivis

ion

of S

oil a

nd W

ater

Con

serv

atio

n to

de

velo

p a

sour

ce o

f fun

ding

for u

sing

bea

ch re

nour

ishm

ent t

o m

itiga

te th

e im

pact

s of

jetti

es a

nd g

roin

s on

key

hab

itats

.

Bea

ch R

enou

rishm

ent

Wor

k w

ith th

e D

ivis

ion

of S

oil a

nd W

ater

Con

serv

atio

n to

de

velo

p st

ate

polic

ies

for t

he ti

min

g of

bea

ch re

nour

ishm

ent,

and

stan

dard

s fo

r com

posi

tion

and

plac

emen

t of m

ater

ials

, to

min

imiz

e sh

ort-t

erm

impa

cts

to n

estin

g si

tes,

roos

ts a

nd o

ther

cr

itica

l are

as.

Dun

e C

onst

ruct

ion/

Sta

biliz

atio

n

Wor

k w

ith th

e D

ivis

ion

of S

oil a

nd W

ater

Con

serv

atio

n to

as

sess

nee

ds o

f bea

ch-n

estin

g bi

rds

for o

verw

ash

habi

tat,

and

wor

k w

ith p

ublic

and

priv

ate

land

owne

rs to

ada

pt

stab

ilizat

ion

proj

ects

to a

llow

for t

his

need

.

Arti

ficia

l Sho

relin

e H

arde

ning

Wor

k w

ith th

e D

ivis

ion

of S

oil a

nd W

ater

Con

serv

atio

n to

de

velo

p ed

ucat

ion

and

outre

ach,

ince

ntiv

es, p

artn

ersh

ips

and/

or re

gula

tions

as

nece

ssar

y to

incl

ude

priv

ate

land

owne

rs in

bea

ch re

nour

ishm

ent p

roje

cts,

in p

lace

of

inst

allin

g bu

lkhe

ads

and

reve

tmen

ts, t

o m

inim

ize

impa

cts

to

key

habi

tats

.

Indu

stria

l Dev

elop

men

t and

O

pera

tions

A

ir P

ollu

tion

See

Sec

tion

6.2.

4

Acc

iden

tal S

pills

of T

oxin

s an

d S

ewag

e S

ee S

ectio

n 6.

2.4

Tran

spor

tatio

n an

d U

tility

O

pera

tions

and

Mai

nten

ance

Tr

ansp

orta

tion

Infra

stru

ctur

e S

ee S

ectio

n 6.

2.1

Util

ity C

orrid

ors

See

Sec

tion

6.2.

1

Inva

sive

Spe

cies

, Nui

sanc

e A

nim

als

and

Wild

life

Dis

ease

s W

hite

-taile

d D

eer

Wor

k w

ith h

unte

rs to

incr

ease

dee

r har

vest

on

stat

e la

nds

as

nece

ssar

y to

redu

ce im

pact

s to

key

hab

itats

. E

ncou

rage

fede

ral a

nd N

GO

con

serv

atio

n la

nd m

anag

ers

to

incr

ease

dee

r har

vest

as

nece

ssar

y to

redu

ce im

pact

s to

key

ha

bita

ts.

Del

awar

e W

ildlif

e A

ctio

n Pl

an

6-6

Del

awar

e D

ivis

ion

of F

ish

and

Wild

life

9/27

/200

6

Bea

ch a

nd D

une

Hab

itats

Is

sue

Cat

egor

y Sp

ecifi

c Is

sue

Spec

ific

Act

ion

Dev

elop

edu

catio

n an

d ou

treac

h en

cour

agin

g la

ndow

ners

to

incr

ease

dee

r har

vest

on

priv

ate

land

s as

nec

essa

ry to

re

duce

impa

cts

to k

ey h

abita

ts.

Con

tinue

to e

valu

ate

Qua

lity

Dee

r Man

agem

ent a

s a

long

-te

rm s

trate

gy fo

r min

imiz

ing

impa

cts

to k

ey h

abita

ts.

Inva

sive

Pla

nts

See

Sec

tion

6.2.

6

Sol

id W

aste

Dis

posa

l B

each

Cle

anup

Act

iviti

es (r

akin

g, e

vent

s)

Sch

edul

e be

ach

clea

nup

even

ts to

avo

id n

estin

g pe

riods

, pe

ak m

igra

tion

and

othe

r crit

ical

tim

es fo

r SG

CN

. D

evel

op e

duca

tion

and

outre

ach

for b

each

cle

anup

pa

rtici

pant

s ab

out m

inim

izin

g im

pact

s to

SG

CN

. D

evel

op s

tate

pol

icie

s fo

r bea

ch ra

king

on

stat

e la

nds

to

mod

ify o

r sus

pend

act

iviti

es d

urin

g ne

stin

g pe

riods

, pea

k m

igra

tion

and

othe

r crit

ical

tim

es fo

r SG

CN

. E

ncou

rage

mun

icip

aliti

es to

mod

ify o

r sus

pend

bea

ch ra

king

du

ring

nest

ing

perio

ds, p

eak

mig

ratio

n an

d ot

her c

ritic

al

times

for S

GC

N.

Clim

ate

Cha

nge

Sea

Lev

el R

ise

See

Sec

tion

6.2.

7

Rec

reat

iona

l Act

iviti

es

Rec

reat

iona

l Use

On

Foot

and

with

Boa

ts,

Per

sona

l Wat

ercr

aft a

nd O

ff-R

oad

Veh

icle

s S

ee S

ectio

n 0

Airp

ort O

pera

tions

O

verfl

ight

sC

ontin

ue/e

xpan

d st

udie

s of

dis

turb

ance

of S

GC

N fr

om

over

fligh

ts, a

nd w

ork

with

Dov

er A

ir Fo

rce

Bas

e to

miti

gate

di

stur

banc

e.

Res

ourc

e M

anag

emen

t H

abita

t/Wild

life

Man

agem

ent

Impl

emen

t the

Pip

ing

Plo

ver R

ecov

ery

Pla

n.

See

Sec

tion

0 fo

r mor

e ac

tions

.

6.1.

3.Ea

rly S

ucce

ssio

nal U

plan

d H

abita

ts

Des

crip

tion

Early

succ

essi

onal

upl

and

habi

tats

typi

cally

resu

lt fr

om th

e ab

ando

nmen

t of a

gric

ultu

ral f

ield

s, pa

stur

es o

r oth

er c

lear

ed la

nd.

Ove

r se

vera

l dec

ades

, pio

neer

ing

gras

ses a

nd fo

rbs g

radu

ally

giv

e w

ay to

shru

bs a

nd tr

ee se

edlin

gs.

If le

ft al

one,

thes

e ha

bita

ts w

ill

Del

awar

e W

ildlif

e A

ctio

n Pl

an

9/27

/200

6D

elaw

are

Div

isio

n of

Fis

h an

d W

ildlif

e 6-

7

even

tual

ly su

ccee

d in

to fo

rest

s. S

ome

area

s, us

ually

on

stat

e or

NG

O c

onse

rvat

ion

land

s, ar

e m

anag

ed to

mai

ntai

n th

is h

abita

t by

mea

ns o

f per

iodi

c m

owin

g, g

razi

ng o

r bur

ning

. M

appi

ng o

f man

y Ea

rly S

ucce

ssio

nal U

plan

d H

abita

ts w

as a

ccom

plis

hed

thro

ugh

habi

tat m

odel

ing

base

d on

spec

ies-

habi

tat a

ssoc

iatio

ns, a

nd th

ese

site

s req

uire

fiel

d ve

rific

atio

n.

Vita

l Sta

tistic

s

Early

Suc

cess

iona

l Upl

and

Hab

itats

A

ttrib

ute

Tota

l Pr

otec

ted

HC

C* A

crea

ge

25,1

98

7,75

5 (3

1%)

HC

C O

ccur

renc

es

1,48

6 71

4 (4

8%)

Kno

wn

SGC

N S

peci

es /

Occ

urre

nces

in H

CC

20 /

24

14 /

15 (7

0% /

63%

)

Ass

ocia

ted

SGC

N S

peci

es

48

*HC

C =

Hab

itats

of C

onse

rvat

ion

Con

cern

.

Pres

ent C

ondi

tion

Fair.

Fal

low

agr

icul

tura

l fie

lds a

nd w

eedy

fiel

d bo

rder

s wer

e on

ce a

fairl

y co

mm

on si

te in

Del

awar

e, y

et th

ey h

ave

dwin

dled

in re

cent

deca

des w

ith m

ore

inte

nsiv

e fa

rmin

g pr

actic

es a

s wel

l as f

rom

nat

ural

succ

essi

on o

n ab

ando

ned

agric

ultu

ral l

ands

. Inc

entiv

e pr

ogra

ms

to re

duce

tilla

ge a

re o

n th

e ris

e, b

ut th

eir e

ffec

t so

far h

as b

een

mod

est.

Als

o, th

e re

lent

less

con

vers

ion

of fa

rms t

o re

side

ntia

l de

velo

pmen

t thr

eate

ns th

e lo

ng-te

rm e

ffec

tiven

ess o

f the

se e

ffor

ts.

Ther

e ar

e nu

mer

ous s

mal

l occ

urre

nces

of t

his h

abita

t on

road

side

s,ut

ility

cor

ridor

s and

the

like,

alth

ough

mai

nten

ance

regi

mes

on

thes

e ar

eas m

ay c

ompr

omis

e th

eir e

colo

gica

l val

ue.

Seve

ral p

ublic

agen

cies

and

priv

ate

cons

erva

tion

orga

niza

tions

are

act

ivel

y m

anag

ing

for e

arly

succ

essi

onal

hab

itat,

but w

heth

er o

r not

this

will

ensu

re su

ffic

ient

ext

ent a

nd d

istri

butio

n is

unc

erta

in.

In a

dditi

on, p

erpe

tual

man

agem

ent i

s req

uire

d to

thw

art n

atur

al su

cces

sion

, and

co

sts f

or c

ontro

lling

inva

sive

exo

tic p

lant

s may

be

espe

cial

ly h

igh.

Hab

itats

of C

onse

rvat

ion

Con

cern

H

erba

ceou

s Ear

ly S

ucce

ssio

nal U

plan

d H

abita

ts

Shru

b/B

rush

Ear

ly S

ucce

ssio

nal U

plan

d H

abita

ts

Ass

ocia

ted

Spec

ies

of G

reat

est C

onse

rvat

ion

Nee

d

Early

Suc

cess

iona

l Upl

and

Hab

itats

Ti

erC

lass

Scie

ntifi

c N

ame

Com

mon

Nam

e

1In

sect

sN

icro

phor

us a

mer

ican

usA

mer

ican

bur

ying

bee

tle

Del

awar

e W

ildlif

e A

ctio

n Pl

an

6-8

Del

awar

e D

ivis

ion

of F

ish

and

Wild

life

9/27

/200

6

Early

Suc

cess

iona

l Upl

and

Hab

itats

Ti

erC

lass

Scie

ntifi

c N

ame

Com

mon

Nam

e

Cal

loph

rys

irus

frost

ed e

lfin

Pap

aipe

ma

mar

itim

am

ariti

me

sunf

low

er b

orer

mot

h

Rep

tiles

Terr

apen

e ca

rolin

a E

aste

rn b

ox tu

rtle

Lam

prop

eltis

tria

ngul

umm

ilk s

nake

Bird

s

Bra

nta

cana

dens

is

Can

ada

goos

e (m

igra

tory

)

Circ

us c

yane

us

Nor

ther

n ha

rrier

Bar

tram

ia lo

ngic

auda

upla

nd s

andp

iper

Sco

lopa

x m

inor

Am

eric

an w

oodc

ock

Asi

o fla

mm

eus

shor

t-ear

ed o

wl

Cho

rdei

les

min

or

com

mon

nig

htha

wk

Lani

us lu

dovi

cian

uslo

gger

head

shr

ike

Den

droi

ca d

isco

lor

prai

rie w

arbl

er

Am

mod

ram

us h

ensl

owii

Hen

slow

's s

parro

w

2In

sect

s

Cic

inde

la s

cute

llaris

fest

ive

tiger

bee

tle

Atry

tono

psis

hia

nna

dust

ed s

kipp

er

Sat

yriu

m li

paro

psst

riped

hai

rstre

ak

Sat

yriu

m li

paro

ps s

trigo

sum

strip

ed h

airs

treak

Cal

loph

rys

gryn

eus

juni

per h

airs

treak

Spe

yeria

aph

rodi

teap

hrod

ite fr

itilla

ry

Spe

yeria

idal

iare

gal f

ritilla

ry

Bol

oria

bel

lona

mea

dow

friti

llary

Par

atre

a pl

ebej

atru

mpe

t vin

e sp

hinx

Cal

yptra

can

aden

sis

Can

adia

n ow

let

Del

awar

e W

ildlif

e A

ctio

n Pl

an

9/27

/200

6D

elaw

are

Div

isio

n of

Fis

h an

d W

ildlif

e 6-

9

Early

Suc

cess

iona

l Upl

and

Hab

itats

Ti

erC

lass

Scie

ntifi

c N

ame

Com

mon

Nam

e

Acr

onic

ta ru

bric

oma

a da

gger

mot

h

Pap

aipe

ma

rigid

arig

id s

unflo

wer

bor

er m

oth

Cirr

hoph

anus

tria

ngul

ifer

a no

ctui

d m

oth

Sch

inia

sep

tent

riona

lisa

noct

uid

mot

h

Bird

s

Ple

gadi

s fa

lcin

ellu

s gl

ossy

ibis

Cyg

nus

colu

mbi

anus

tu

ndra

sw

an

Cor

agyp

s at

ratu

s bl

ack

vultu

re

Col

inus

virg

inia

nus

Nor

ther

n bo

bwhi

te

Plu

vial

is s

quat

arol

a bl

ack-

bellie

d pl

over

Coc

cyzu

s er

ythr

opth

alm

us

blac

k-bi

lled

cuck

oo

Cha

etur

a pe

lagi

cach

imne

y sw

ift

Col

apte

s au

ratu

s N

orth

ern

flick

er

Em

pido

nax

min

imus

leas

t fly

catc

her

Tyra

nnus

tyra

nnus

Eas

tern

kin

gbird

Toxo

stom

a ru

fum

brow

n th

rash

er

Den

droi

ca p

ensy

lvan

ica

ches

tnut

-sid

ed w

arbl

er

Icte

ria v

irens

yello

w-b

reas

ted

chat

Pip

ilo e

ryth

roph

thal

mus

E

aste

rn to

whe

e

Spi

zella

pus

illafie

ld s

parro

w

Poo

ecet

es g

ram

ineu

sve

sper

spa

rrow

Pas

serc

ulus

san

dwic

hens

is

sava

nnah

spa

rrow

Am

mod

ram

us s

avan

naru

mgr

assh

oppe

r spa

rrow

Dol

icho

nyx

oryz

ivor

us

bobo

link

Del

awar

e W

ildlif

e A

ctio

n Pl

an

6-10

Del

awar

e D

ivis

ion

of F

ish

and

Wild

life

9/27

/200

6

Early

Suc

cess

iona

l Upl

and

Hab

itats

Ti

erC

lass

Scie

ntifi

c N

ame

Com

mon

Nam

e

Mam

mal

sC

rypt

otis

par

vale

ast s

hrew

Con

serv

atio

n Is

sues

and

Act

ions

Early

Suc

cess

iona

l Upl

and

Hab

itats

Is

sue

Cat

egor

y Sp

ecifi

c Is

sue

Spec

ific

Act

ion

Res

iden

tial a

nd C

omm

erci

al

Dev

elop

men

t Pra

ctic

es

Res

iden

tial a

nd C

omm

erci

al S

truct

ures

S

ee S

ectio

n 6.

2.1

Agr

icul

tura

l and

For

estry

O

pera

tions

Farm

land

S

ee S

ectio

n 6.

2.1

Agr

icul

tura

l Har

vest

ing

Pra

ctic

es

Wor

k w

ith th

e D

elaw

are

Dep

artm

ent o

f Agr

icul

ture

and

the

agric

ultu

ral c

omm

unity

to p

rovi

de in

cent

ives

for p

rivat

e la

ndow

ners

to m

odify

har

vest

met

hods

and

tim

ing

to

min

imiz

e im

pact

s to

SG

CN

.

Indu

stria

l Dev

elop

men

t and

O

pera

tions

In

dust

rial F

acilit

ies

See

Sec

tion

6.2.

1

Air

Pol

lutio

n S

ee S

ectio

n 6.

2.4

Tran

spor

tatio

n an

d U

tility

O

pera

tions

and

Mai

nten

ance

Tran

spor

tatio

n In

frast

ruct

ure

See

Sec

tion

6.2.

1

Util

ity C

orrid

ors

See

Sec

tion

6.2.

1

Dre

dge

Spo

il D

ispo

sal

See

Sec

tion

6.2.

1

Inva

sive

Spe

cies

, Nui

sanc

e A

nim

als

and

Wild

life

Dis

ease

s In

vasi

ve P

lant

s S

ee S

ectio

n 6.

2.6

Con

trol o

f Inv

asiv

e P

lant

s S

ee S

ectio

n 6.

2.6

Sol

id W

aste

Dis

posa

l La

ndfil

l Fac

ilitie

s S

ee S

ectio

n 6.

2.1

Cha

nges

in F

ire R

egim

es

Fire

Sup

pres

sion

Inte

grat

e pr

escr

ibed

bur

ning

into

man

agem

ent o

f ear

ly

succ

essi

onal

hab

itats

as

appr

opria

te.

Pro

vide

sta

ff tra

inin

g on

pre

scrib

ed b

urni

ng p

ract

ices

for

early

suc

cess

iona

l hab

itats

. E

valu

ate

the

need

for a

n in

ter-

agen

cy “b

urn

team

” to

leve

rage

reso

urce

s an

d ex

perti

se.

Del

awar

e W

ildlif

e A

ctio

n Pl

an

9/27

/200

6D

elaw

are

Div

isio

n of

Fis

h an

d W

ildlif

e 6-

11

Early

Suc

cess

iona

l Upl

and

Hab

itats

Is

sue

Cat

egor

y Sp

ecifi

c Is

sue

Spec

ific

Act

ion

Dev

elop

edu

catio

n an

d ou

treac

h fo

r lan

dow

ners

adj

acen

t to

area

s ta

rget

ed fo

r bur

ning

. P

rovi

de in

cent

ives

and

/or t

echn

ical

sup

port

for p

rivat

e la

ndow

ners

to c

ondu

ct p

resc

ribed

bur

ns o

f ear

ly

succ

essi

onal

hab

itats

.

Fire

fight

ing

Pra

ctic

es

Wor

k w

ith th

e D

elaw

are

Sta

te F

ire S

choo

l to

inte

grat

e co

nser

vatio

n of

key

hab

itats

and

SG

CN

into

pra

ctic

es fo

r fig

htin

g w

ildfir

es.

Ene

rgy

Pro

duct

ion

Win

d Fa

rm F

acilit

ies

Wor

k w

ith e

nerg

y co

mpa

nies

to d

evel

op s

tand

ards

for t

he

loca

tion

of w

ind

farm

s to

min

imiz

e lo

ss a

nd fr

agm

enta

tion

of

key

habi

tats

.

Rec

reat

iona

l Act

iviti

es

Off-

Roa

d V

ehic

les

See

Sec

tion

0

Airp

ort O

pera

tions

B

ird S

trike

Haz

ard

Man

agem

ent

Wor

k w

ith a

irpor

ts to

inte

grat

e ea

rly s

ucce

ssio

nal h

abita

t int

o bi

rd s

trike

man

agem

ent.

Wild

life

Har

vest

ing

Inap

prop

riate

Hun

ting

and

Fish

ing

Stre

ngth

en e

nfor

cem

ent o

f exi

stin

g hu

ntin

g an

d tra

ppin

g re

gula

tions

. In

tegr

ate

SG

CN

con

serv

atio

n in

to h

untin

g an

d tra

ppin

g re

gula

tions

. In

corp

orat

e in

form

atio

n ab

out S

GC

N c

onse

rvat

ion

into

the

Hun

ting

and

Trap

ping

Gui

de.

Mai

ntai

n co

mpl

ianc

e w

ith fe

dera

l reg

ulat

ions

.

Res

ourc

e M

anag

emen

t H

abita

t/Wild

life

Man

agem

ent

See

Sec

tion

0

6.1.

4.C

oast

al P

lain

Upl

and

Fore

sts

Des

crip

tion

Foun

d on

dry

or m

oist

, but

not

wet

, soi

ls, C

oast

al P

lain

upl

and

fore

sts v

ary

from

mix

ed d

ecid

uous

type

s – m

ostly

oak

s and

hic

korie

s –

in c

entra

l Del

awar

e, to

pur

e st

ands

of l

oblo

lly p

ine

in th

e so

uth.

Lik

ewis

e, v

eget

atio

n on

the

fore

st fl

oor m

ay ra

nge

from

spar

se h

eath

s on

dry

site

s to

impe

netra

ble

thic

kets

of s

wee

t pep

perb

ush

in m

oist

are

as.

Map

ping

of m

any

Anc

ient

San

d R

idge

For

ests

was

ac

com

plis

hed

thro

ugh

habi

tat m

odel

ing

base

d on

topo

grap

hy, a

nd th

ese

site

s req

uire

fiel

d ve

rific

atio

n.

Del

awar

e W

ildlif

e A

ctio

n Pl

an

6-12

Del

awar

e D

ivis

ion

of F

ish

and

Wild

life

9/27

/200

6

Vita

l Sta

tistic

s

Coa

stal

Pla

in U

plan

d Fo

rest

s A

ttrib

ute

Tota

l Pr

otec

ted

HC

C* A

crea

ge

3,46

2 47

6 (1

4%)

HC

C O

ccur

renc

es

709

105

(15%

)

Kno

wn

SGC

N S

peci

es /

Occ

urre

nces

in H

CC

5 / 6

4

/ 5 (8

0% /

83%

)

SGC

N S

peci

es a

ssoc

iate

d w

ith H

CC

48

*HC

C =

Hab

itats

of C

onse

rvat

ion

Con

cern

.

Pres

ent C

ondi

tion

Poor

. A

lthou

gh d

ata

is n

ot a

vaila

ble

for s

peci

fic fo

rest

type

s, C

oast

al P

lain

Upl

and

Fore

sts a

re b

elie

ved

to h

ave

follo

wed

the

trend

of

all u

plan

d fo

rest

type

s in

Del

awar

e, th

at o

f a lo

ng-te

rm se

vere

dec

line

that

con

tinue

s to

this

day

. Se

e th

e di

scus

sion

of P

rese

nt

Con

ditio

n un

der F

ores

t Blo

cks (

Sect

ion

6.1.

19) f

or m

ore

info

rmat

ion.

Com

pare

d to

som

e ot

her k

ey h

abita

ts, r

elat

ivel

y lit

tle u

plan

d fo

rest

is p

rote

cted

by

cons

erva

tion

owne

rshi

p, a

nd re

gula

tory

pro

tect

ion

is w

eak.

Ref

ores

tatio

n is

pos

sibl

e bu

t lab

or-in

tens

ive

and

time-

cons

umin

g, a

nd re

quire

s a le

ngth

y co

mm

itmen

t to

man

agin

g im

pact

s fro

m d

eer b

row

se, i

nvas

ive

exot

ic p

lant

s and

oth

er is

sues

.A

lso,

mos

t of t

he st

ate’

s upl

and

fore

st ty

pes b

enef

it fr

om p

erio

dic

fires

that

mai

ntai

n oa

k do

min

ance

, and

use

of p

resc

ribed

fire

beco

mes

incr

easi

ngly

diff

icul

t with

gre

ater

resi

dent

ial d

evel

opm

ent.

Hab

itats

of C

onse

rvat

ion

Con

cern

C

hest

nut O

ak –

Hai

rgra

ss F

ores

t Tu

liptre

e R

ich

Woo

d (C

oast

al P

lain

var

iant

) A

ncie

nt S

and

Rid

ge F

ores

t

Ass

ocia

ted

Spec

ies

of G

reat

est C

onse

rvat

ion

Nee

d C

oast

al P

lain

Upl

and

Fore

sts

Tier

Cla

ssSc

ient

ific

Nam

eC

omm

on N

ame

1In

sect

s

Cic

inde

la p

atru

ela

cons

enta

nea

Nor

ther

n ba

rrens

tige

r bee

tle

Cal

loph

rys

irus

frost

ed e

lfin

Cat

ocal

a an

tinym

pha

swee

tfern

und

erw

ing

Cat

ocal

a la

crym

osa

tear

ful u

nder

win

g

Rep

tiles

Terr

apen

e ca

rolin

a E

aste

rn b

ox tu

rtle

Del

awar

e W

ildlif

e A

ctio

n Pl

an

9/27

/200

6D

elaw

are

Div

isio

n of

Fis

h an

d W

ildlif

e 6-

13

Coa

stal

Pla

in U

plan

d Fo

rest

s Ti

erC

lass

Scie

ntifi

c N

ame

Com

mon

Nam

eE

umec

es la

ticep

s br

oadh

ead

skin

k C

emop

hora

coc

cine

a sc

arle

t sna

ke

Ela

phe

gutta

ta

corn

sna

ke

Lam

prop

eltis

tria

ngul

um

milk

sna

ke

Bird

s

Hal

iaee

tus

leuc

ocep

halu

s ba

ld e

agle

A

ccip

iter c

oope

rii

Coo

per's

haw

k B

uteo

pla

typt

erus

br

oad-

win

ged

haw

k A

sio

otus

lo

ng-e

ared

ow

l M

elan

erpe

s er

ythr

ocep

halu

s re

d-he

aded

woo

dpec

ker

Cer

thia

am

eric

ana

brow

n cr

eepe

r H

yloc

ichl

a m

uste

lina

woo

d th

rush

W

ilson

ia c

itrin

a ho

oded

war

bler

M

amm

als

Sci

urus

nig

er c

iner

eus

Del

mar

va fo

x sq

uirre

l

2

Gas

trop

ods

Dis

cus

cats

kille

nsis

an

gula

r dis

c

Inse

cts

Cic

inde

la p

atru

ela

Nor

ther

n ba

rrens

tige

r bee

tle

Cic

inde

la u

nipu

ncta

ta

one-

spot

ted

tiger

bee

tle

Pho

turis

fron

talis

a

firef

ly

Ery

nnis

mar

tialis

m

ottle

d du

skyw

ing

Ery

nnis

bap

tisia

e w

ild in

digo

dus

kyw

ing

Bat

tus

phile

nor

pipe

vine

sw

allo

wta

il P

olyg

onia

pro

gne

gray

com

ma

Car

ipet

a ar

etar

ia

a ge

omet

er m

oth

Toly

pe n

otia

lis

a la

sioc

ampi

d m

oth

Hem

ileuc

a m

aia

mai

a th

e bu

ckm

oth

Cis

then

e ke

ntuc

kien

sis

Ken

tuck

y lic

hen

mot

h C

isth

ene

tenu

ifasc

ia

a lic

hen

mot

h G

ram

mia

phy

llira

ph

yllir

a tig

er m

oth

Zale

met

ata

a no

ctui

d m

oth

Del

awar

e W

ildlif

e A

ctio

n Pl

an

6-14

Del

awar

e D

ivis

ion

of F

ish

and

Wild

life

9/27

/200

6

Coa

stal

Pla

in U

plan

d Fo

rest

s Ti

erC

lass

Scie

ntifi

c N

ame

Com

mon

Nam

eC

atoc

ala

flebi

lis

mou

rnfu

l und

erw

ing

Cat

ocal

a re

sidu

a re

sidu

a un

derw

ing

Cat

ocal

a ce

roga

ma

yello

w b

ande

d un

derw

ing

Acr

onic

ta e

xilis

ex

iled

dagg

er m

oth

Acr

onic

ta li

thos

pila

st

reak

ed d

agge

r mot

h P

apai

pem

a ar

alia

e ar

alia

sho

ot b

orer

mot

h P

apai

pem

a ba

ptis

iae

wild

indi

go b

orer

mot

h Le

pipo

lys

pers

crip

ta

a no

ctui

d m

oth

Rep

tiles

Sci

ncel

la la

tera

lis

grou

nd s

kink

H

eter

odon

pla

tirhi

nos

East

ern

hogn

ose

snak

e La

mpr

opel

tis g

etul

a co

mm

on k

ings

nake

S

tore

ria o

ccip

itom

acul

ata

redb

elly

sna

ke

Virg

inia

val

eria

e sm

ooth

ear

th s

nake

A

gkis

trodo

n co

ntor

trix

copp

erhe

ad

Bird

s

Cor

agyp

s at

ratu

s bl

ack

vultu

re

Stri

x va

ria

barr

ed o

wl

Cap

rimul

gus

voci

feru

s w

hip-

poor

-will

Col

apte

s au

ratu

s N

orth

ern

flick

er

Myi

arch

us c

rinitu

s gr

eat c

rest

ed fl

ycat

cher

S

itta

pusi

lla

brow

n-he

aded

nut

hatc

h V

ireo

flavi

frons

ye

llow

-thro

ated

vire

o D

endr

oica

dom

inic

a ye

llow

-thro

ated

war

bler

M

niot

ilta

varia

bl

ack-

and-

whi

te w

arbl

er

Sei

urus

mot

acill

a Lo

uisi

ana

wat

erth

rush

O

poro

rnis

form

osus

K

entu

cky

war

bler

P

irang

a ol

ivac

ea

scar

let t

anag

er

Pip

ilo e

ryth

roph

thal

mus

E

aste

rn to

whe

e Ic

teru

s ga

lbul

a B

altim

ore

orio

le

Del

awar

e W

ildlif

e A

ctio

n Pl

an

9/27

/200

6D

elaw

are

Div

isio

n of

Fis

h an

d W

ildlif

e 6-

15

Coa

stal

Pla

in U

plan

d Fo

rest

s Ti

erC

lass

Scie

ntifi

c N

ame

Com

mon

Nam

e

Mam

mal

s

Lasi

onyc

teris

noc

tivag

ans

silv

er-h

aire

d ba

t La

siur

us b

orea

lis

Eas

tern

red

bat

Lasi

urus

cin

ereu

s ho

ary

bat

Can

is la

trans

co

yote

Con

serv

atio

n Is

sues

and

Act

ions

Coa

stal

Pla

in U

plan

d Fo

rest

s Is

sue

Cat

egor

y Sp

ecifi

c Is

sue

Spec

ific

Act

ion

Res

iden

tial a

nd C

omm

erci

al

Dev

elop

men

t Pra

ctic

es

Res

iden

tial a

nd C

omm

erci

al S

truct

ures

Eva

luat

e m

echa

nism

s fo

r pro

tect

ing

key

upla

nd fo

rest

ha

bita

ts o

n pr

ivat

e pr

oper

ty b

y m

eans

of e

duca

tion

and

outre

ach,

par

tner

ship

s, v

olun

tary

gui

delin

es, i

ncen

tives

an

d/or

regu

latio

n, a

s ne

cess

ary.

D

evel

op a

nd im

plem

ent t

he H

abita

t Con

serv

atio

n P

lan

for

Fore

sts

in S

usse

x C

ount

y to

miti

gate

loss

, fra

gmen

tatio

n an

d de

grad

atio

n of

Coa

stal

Pla

in u

plan

d fo

rest

s.

See

Sec

tion

6.2.

1 fo

r add

ition

al a

ctio

ns

Agr

icul

tura

l and

For

estry

O

pera

tions

Farm

land

Dev

elop

and

impl

emen

t the

Hab

itat C

onse

rvat

ion

Pla

n fo

r Fo

rest

s in

Sus

sex

Cou

nty

to m

itiga

te lo

ss, f

ragm

enta

tion

and

degr

adat

ion

of C

oast

al P

lain

upl

and

fore

sts.

W

ork

with

the

Del

awar

e Fo

rest

Ser

vice

and

the

Land

owne

r In

cent

ives

Pro

gram

to d

evel

op in

cent

ives

for f

ores

t ow

ners

th

at p

repa

re m

anag

emen

t pla

ns s

peci

fical

ly p

rom

otin

g co

nser

vatio

n of

key

hab

itats

and

SG

CN

. S

ee S

ectio

n 6.

2.1

for a

dditi

onal

act

ions

Live

stoc

k G

razi

ng

Wor

k w

ith th

e D

elaw

are

Dep

artm

ent o

f Agr

icul

ture

and

the

Land

owne

r Inc

entiv

es P

rogr

am to

pro

vide

ince

ntiv

es to

pr

ivat

e la

ndow

ners

to e

xclu

de li

vest

ock

from

key

hab

itats

.

Cle

arcu

tting

and

Oth

er F

ores

try P

ract

ices

D

evel

op a

nd im

plem

ent t

he H

abita

t Con

serv

atio

n P

lan

for

Fore

sts

in S

usse

x C

ount

y to

miti

gate

loss

, fra

gmen

tatio

n an

d de

grad

atio

n of

Coa

stal

Pla

in u

plan

d fo

rest

s.

Del

awar

e W

ildlif

e A

ctio

n Pl

an

6-16

Del

awar

e D

ivis

ion

of F

ish

and

Wild

life

9/27

/200

6

Coa

stal

Pla

in U

plan

d Fo

rest

s Is

sue

Cat

egor

y Sp

ecifi

c Is

sue

Spec

ific

Act

ion

Enc

oura

ge th

e D

elaw

are

Dep

artm

ent o

f Agr

icul

ture

to re

vise

th

e sc

orin

g sy

stem

of t

he A

gric

ultu

ral L

ands

Pre

serv

atio

n A

ct

to g

ive

incr

ease

d w

eigh

t to

cons

erva

tion

of k

ey h

abita

ts a

nd

SG

CN

. S

ee S

ectio

n 6.

2.3

for a

dditi

onal

act

ions

Indu

stria

l Dev

elop

men

t and

O

pera

tions

In

dust

rial F

acilit

ies

See

Sec

tion

6.2.

1 fo

r add

ition

al a

ctio

nsA

ir P

ollu

tion

See

Sec

tion

6.2.

4

Tran

spor

tatio

n an

d U

tility

O

pera

tions

and

Mai

nten

ance

Tr

ansp

orta

tion

Infra

stru

ctur

e S

ee S

ectio

n 6.

2.1

Util

ity C

orrid

ors

See

Sec

tion

6.2.

1

Inva

sive

Spe

cies

, Nui

sanc

e A

nim

als

and

Wild

life

Dis

ease

s

Whi

te-T

aile

d D

eer

Wor

k w

ith h

unte

rs to

incr

ease

dee

r har

vest

on

stat

e la

nds

as

nece

ssar

y to

redu

ce im

pact

s to

key

hab

itats

. E

ncou

rage

fede

ral a

nd N

GO

con

serv

atio

n la

nd m

anag

ers

to

incr

ease

dee

r har

vest

as

nece

ssar

y to

redu

ce im

pact

s to

key

ha

bita

ts.

Dev

elop

edu

catio

n an

d ou

treac

h en

cour

agin

g la

ndow

ners

to

incr

ease

dee

r har

vest

on

priv

ate

land

s as

nec

essa

ry to

re

duce

impa

cts

to k

ey h

abita

ts.

Con

tinue

to e

valu

ate

Qua

lity

Dee

r Man

agem

ent a

s a

long

-te

rm s

trate

gy fo

r min

imiz

ing

impa

cts

to k

ey h

abita

ts.

Gyp

sy M

oth

Sup

port

cont

inue

d gy

psy

mot

h m

onito

ring

by th

e D

elaw

are

Dep

artm

ent o

f Agr

icul

ture

. W

ork

with

the

Del

awar

e D

epar

tmen

t of A

gric

ultu

re to

pro

vide

in

cent

ives

to la

ndow

ners

for g

ypsy

mot

h co

ntro

l in

key

habi

tats

on

priv

ate

land

s.

Con

trol o

f Mos

quito

es a

nd F

ores

t Pes

ts B

y A

eria

l App

licat

ion

of P

estic

ides

Wor

k w

ith th

e M

osqu

ito C

ontro

l Sec

tion

to a

sses

s an

d m

onito

r the

impa

cts

of a

eria

l app

licat

ion

on S

GC

N in

sect

s,

and

on th

e pr

ey b

ase

of S

GC

N in

sect

ivor

ous

bird

s, s

mal

l m

amm

als

and

bats

. W

ork

with

the

Mos

quito

Con

trol S

ectio

n to

ada

pt a

eria

l ap

plic

atio

n pr

actic

es fo

r con

serv

atio

n of

SG

CN

, as

nece

ssar

y.

Del

awar

e W

ildlif

e A

ctio

n Pl

an

9/27

/200

6D

elaw

are

Div

isio

n of

Fis

h an

d W

ildlif

e 6-

17

Coa

stal

Pla

in U

plan

d Fo

rest

s Is

sue

Cat

egor

y Sp

ecifi

c Is

sue

Spec

ific

Act

ion

Eur

opea

n S

tarli

ng

Ass

ess

and

mon

itor t

he e

ffect

iven

ess

of n

est b

oxes

, sna

g cr

eatio

n an

d ot

her p

ract

ices

to e

nhan

ce th

e su

cces

s of

ca

vity

-nes

ting

SG

CN

.

Inva

sive

Ear

thw

orm

s

Ass

ess

the

impa

cts

of in

vasi

ve e

arth

wor

ms

on fo

rest

s an

d us

e th

is a

sses

smen

t and

long

-term

mon

itorin

g to

gui

de

adap

tive

man

agem

ent,

educ

atio

n, o

utre

ach

and

enfo

rcem

ent

effo

rts a

s ne

cess

ary.

In

vasi

ve P

lant

s S

ee S

ectio

n 6.

2.6

Con

trol o

f Inv

asiv

e P

lant

s S

ee S

ectio

n 6.

2.6

Sol

id W

aste

Dis

posa

l La

ndfil

l Fac

ilitie

s S

ee S

ectio

n 6.

2.1

Cha

nges

in F

ire R

egim

es

Fire

Sup

pres

sion

Inte

grat

e pr

escr

ibed

bur

ning

into

man

agem

ent o

f upl

and

fore

sts

as a

ppro

pria

te.

Pro

vide

sta

ff tra

inin

g on

pre

scrib

ed b

urni

ng p

ract

ices

for

upla

nd fo

rest

s.

Eva

luat

e th

e ne

ed fo

r an

inte

r-ag

ency

“bur

n te

am” t

o le

vera

ge re

sour

ces

and

expe

rtise

. D

evel

op e

duca

tion

and

outre

ach

for l

ando

wne

rs a

djac

ent t

o ar

eas

targ

eted

for b

urni

ng.

Pro

vide

ince

ntiv

es a

nd/o

r tec

hnic

al s

uppo

rt fo

r priv

ate

land

owne

rs to

con

duct

pre

scrib

ed b

urns

of u

plan

d fo

rest

s.

Fire

fight

ing

Pra

ctic

es

Wor

k w

ith th

e D

elaw

are

Sta

te F

ire S

choo

l to

inte

grat

e co

nser

vatio

n of

key

hab

itats

and

SG

CN

into

pra

ctic

es fo

r fig

htin

g w

ildfir

es.

Clim

ate

Cha

nge

Sea

Lev

el R

ise

See

Sec

tion

6.2.

7

Ene

rgy

Pro

duct

ion

Win

d Fa

rm F

acilit

ies

Wor

k w

ith e

nerg

y co

mpa

nies

to d

evel

op s

tand

ards

for t

he

loca

tion

of w

ind

farm

s to

min

imiz

e lo

ss a

nd fr

agm

enta

tion

of

key

habi

tats

. R

ecre

atio

nal A

ctiv

ities

O

ff-R

oad

Veh

icle

s S

ee S

ectio

n 0

Wild

life

Har

vest

ing

Inap

prop

riate

Hun

ting

and

Fish

ing

Dev

elop

edu

catio

n an

d ou

treac

h fo

r hun

ters

abo

ut th

e D

elm

arva

fox

squi

rrel t

o m

inim

ize

impa

cts

from

acc

iden

tal

killi

ng.

Del

awar

e W

ildlif

e A

ctio

n Pl

an

6-18

Del

awar

e D

ivis

ion

of F

ish

and

Wild

life

9/27

/200

6

Coa

stal

Pla

in U

plan

d Fo

rest

s Is

sue

Cat

egor

y Sp

ecifi

c Is

sue

Spec

ific

Act

ion

Stre

ngth

en e

nfor

cem

ent o

f exi

stin

g hu

ntin

g an

d tra

ppin

g re

gula

tions

. In

tegr

ate

SG

CN

con

serv

atio

n in

to h

untin

g an

d tra

ppin

g re

gula

tions

. In

corp

orat

e in

form

atio

n ab

out S

GC

N c

onse

rvat

ion

into

the

Hun

ting

and

Trap

ping

Gui

de.

Mai

ntai

n co

mpl

ianc

e w

ith fe

dera

l reg

ulat

ions

.

Res

ourc

e M

anag

emen

t H

abita

t/Wild

life

Man

agem

ent

Impl

emen

t the

Del

mar

va F

ox S

quirr

el R

ecov

ery

Pla

n.

See

Sec

tion

0 fo

r mor

e ac

tions

.

6.1.

5.C

oast

al P

lain

For

este

d Fl

oodp

lain

s an

d R

ipar

ian

Swam

ps

Des

crip

tion

Thes

e fo

rest

s are

foun

d up

stre

am o

f the

hea

d of

tida

l inf

luen

ce o

n se

ason

ally

inun

date

d flo

odpl

ains

, and

in fl

oodp

lain

dep

ress

ions

havi

ng sa

tura

ted

soils

. R

ed m

aple

is fo

und

thro

ugho

ut in

ass

ocia

tion

with

seve

ral o

ther

can

opy

spec

ies,

mos

t not

ably

bal

d cy

pres

s in

certa

in ty

pes.

The

her

bace

ous l

ayer

is o

ften

very

div

erse

.

Vita

l Sta

tistic

s

Coa

stal

Pla

in F

ores

ted

Floo

dpla

ins

and

Rip

aria

n Sw

amps

A

ttrib

ute

Tota

l Pr

otec

ted

HC

C* A

crea

ge

818

522

(64%

)

HC

C O

ccur

renc

es

37

17 (4

6%)

Kno

wn

SGC

N S

peci

es /

Occ

urre

nces

in H

CC

8 / 8

6

/ 6 (7

5% /

75%

)

SGC

N S

peci

es a

ssoc

iate

d w

ith H

CC

53

*HC

C =

Hab

itats

of C

onse

rvat

ion

Con

cern

.

Pres

ent C

ondi

tion

Fair.

Wet

land

fore

sts h

ave

gene

rally

fare

d be

tter t

han

upla

nd fo

rest

s bec

ause

they

typi

cally

can

not

be

deve

lope

d an

d ar

e di

ffic

ult t

o lo

g; st

ill, m

any

are

cut i

n dr

y ye

ars (

see

the

disc

ussi

on o

f for

est l

oss u

nder

the

prev

ious

hab

itat).

Als

o, su

bsta

ntia

lly m

ore

of th

ese

Del

awar

e W

ildlif

e A

ctio

n Pl

an

9/27

/200

6D

elaw

are

Div

isio

n of

Fis

h an

d W

ildlif

e 6-

19

fore

sts a

re p

rote

cted

– e

ither

thro

ugh

cons

erva

tion

owne

rshi

p or

regu

latio

n –

than

are

thei

r upl

and

coun

terp

arts

, alth

ough

man

y la

ck

adeq

uate

buf

fers

to p

reve

nt d

egra

datio

n fr

om se

dim

ent a

nd n

utrie

nt ru

noff

. N

onet

hele

ss, f

orec

aste

d se

a le

vel r

ise

may

gre

atly

impa

ct

thes

e ha

bita

ts o

ver t

he lo

ng ru

n. S

ince

cle

arin

g fo

r agr

icul

ture

and

dev

elop

men

t has

elim

inat

ed o

r sub

stan

tially

redu

ced

buff

ers

arou

nd m

any

wet

land

fore

sts,

ther

e is

lim

ited

oppo

rtuni

ty fo

r ups

lope

mig

ratio

n in

the

face

of r

isin

g w

ater

leve

ls.

Hab

itats

of C

onse

rvat

ion

Con

cern

B

lack

Ash

See

page

Sw

amp

Bal

dcyp

ress

– R

ed M

aple

– S

wam

p B

lack

Gum

Sw

amp

Ass

ocia

ted

Spec

ies

of G

reat

est C

onse

rvat

ion

Nee

d C

oast

al P

lain

For

este

d Fl

oodp

lain

s an

d R

ipar

ian

Swam

ps

Tier

Cla

ssSc

ient

ific

Nam

eC

omm

on N

ame

1

Inse

cts

Sat

yriu

m k

ingi

Kin

g's

hairs

treak

Rep

tiles

Cle

mm

ys g

utta

ta

spot

ted

turtl

e

Terr

apen

e ca

rolin

aE

aste

rn b

ox tu

rtle

Ner

odia

ery

thro

gast

erpl

ainb

elly

wat

er s

nake

Bird

s

Nyc

ticor

ax n

yctic

orax

blac

k-cr

owne

d ni

ght-h

eron

Nyc

tana

ssa

viol

acea

yello

w-c

row

ned

nigh

t-her

onB

uteo

pla

typt

erus

broa

d-w

inge

d ha

wk

Mel

aner

pes

eryt

hroc

epha

lus

red-

head

ed w

oodp

ecke

r H

yloc

ichl

a m

uste

lina

woo

d th

rush

P

arul

a am

eric

ana

Nor

ther

n pa

rula

S

etop

haga

rutic

illa

Am

eric

an re

dsta

rtLi

mno

thly

pis

swai

nson

ii S

wai

nson

's w

arbl

er

2In

sect

s

Am

blys

cirte

s ae

scul

apiu

sla

ce-w

inge

d ro

adsi

de-s

kipp

erA

mbl

ysci

rtes

caro

lina

Car

olin

a ro

adsi

de-s

kipp

erLi

byth

eana

car

inen

ta

Am

eric

an s

nout

A

naca

mpt

odes

per

grac

ilis

cypr

ess

loop

erC

hlor

opte

ryx

tepp

erar

iaan

gle

win

ged

emer

ald

mot

hM

andu

ca ja

smin

earu

m

ash

sphi

nx

Dol

ba h

yloe

us

blac

k al

der o

r paw

paw

sph

inx

Del

awar

e W

ildlif

e A

ctio

n Pl

an

6-20

Del

awar

e D

ivis

ion

of F

ish

and

Wild

life

9/27

/200

6

Coa

stal

Pla

in F

ores

ted

Floo

dpla

ins

and

Rip

aria

n Sw

amps

Ti

erC

lass

Scie

ntifi

c N

ame

Com

mon

Nam

eH

aplo

a co

lona

a tig

er m

oth

Org

yia

detri

ta

a tu

ssoc

k m

oth

Cat

ocal

a un

ijuga

on

ce-m

arrie

d un

derw

ing

Cat

ocal

a pr

aecl

ara

prae

clar

a un

derw

ing

Par

apam

ea b

uffa

loen

sis

a bo

rer m

oth

Pap

aipe

ma

sten

ocel

is

chai

n fe

rn b

orer

mot

h G

omph

aesc

hna

antil

ope

tape

r-tai

led

darn

erG

omph

aesc

hna

furc

illata

ha

rlequ

in d

arne

r S

ympe

trum

am

bigu

um

blue

-face

d m

eado

wha

wk

Ena

llagm

a w

eew

abl

ackw

ater

blu

et

Am

phib

ians

Hem

idac

tyliu

m s

cuta

tum

four

-toed

sal

aman

der

Pse

udot

riton

mon

tanu

s m

onta

nus

mud

sal

aman

der

Hyl

a ch

ryso

scel

is

Cop

e's

gray

tree

frog

Ran

a vi

rgat

ipes

carp

ente

r fro

g

Rep

tiles

Oph

eodr

ys a

estiv

us

roug

h gr

een

snak

e Th

amno

phis

sau

ritus

Ea

ster

n rib

bon

snak

e A

gkis

trodo

n co

ntor

trix

copp

erhe

ad

Bird

s

Ard

ea h

erod

ias

grea

t blu

e he

ron

Cas

mer

odiu

s al

bus

grea

t egr

etE

gret

ta th

ula

snow

y eg

ret

Egr

etta

cae

rule

a lit

tle b

lue

hero

n E

gret

ta tr

icol

ortri

colo

red

hero

nB

ubul

cus

ibis

cattl

e eg

ret

Ple

gadi

s fa

lcin

ellu

s gl

ossy

ibis

B

uteo

line

atus

red-

shou

lder

ed h

awk

Stri

x va

riaba

rred

ow

lV

ireo

flavi

frons

ye

llow

-thro

ated

vire

o P

roto

nota

ria c

itrea

pr

otho

nota

ry w

arbl

er

Del

awar

e W

ildlif

e A

ctio

n Pl

an

9/27

/200

6D

elaw

are

Div

isio

n of

Fis

h an

d W

ildlif

e 6-

21

Coa

stal

Pla

in F

ores

ted

Floo

dpla

ins

and

Rip

aria

n Sw

amps

Ti

erC

lass

Scie

ntifi

c N

ame

Com

mon

Nam

eH

elm

ither

os v

erm

ivor

us

wor

m-e

atin

g w

arbl

er

Opo

rorn

is fo

rmos

us

Ken

tuck

y w

arbl

er

Pira

nga

oliv

acea

sc

arle

t tan

ager

Ic

teru

s ga

lbul

a B

altim

ore

orio

le

Mam

mal

sLa

sion

ycte

ris n

octiv

agan

s si

lver

-hai

red

bat

Nyc

ticei

us h

umer

alis

ev

enin

g ba

t

Con

serv

atio

n Is

sues

and

Act

ions

C

oast

al P

lain

For

este

d Fl

oodp

lain

s an

d R

ipar

ian

Swam

ps

Issu

e C

ateg

ory

Spec

ific

Issu

e Sp

ecifi

c A

ctio

n

Res

iden

tial a

nd C

omm

erci

al

Dev

elop

men

t Pra

ctic

es

Res

iden

tial a

nd C

omm

erci

al S

truct

ures

See

Sec

tion

6.2.

1D

evel

op a

nd im

plem

ent t

he H

abita

t Con

serv

atio

n P

lan

for

Fore

sts

in S

usse

x C

ount

y to

miti

gate

loss

, fra

gmen

tatio

n an

d de

grad

atio

n of

Coa

stal

Pla

in u

plan

d fo

rest

s.

Alte

red

Hyd

rolo

gy

See

Sec

tion

6.2.

2

Nut

rient

s an

d S

edim

ents

S

ee S

ectio

n 6.

2.2

Agr

icul

tura

l and

For

estry

O

pera

tions

Farm

land

See

Sec

tion

6.2.

1D

evel

op a

nd im

plem

ent t

he H

abita

t Con

serv

atio

n P

lan

for

Fore

sts

in S

usse

x C

ount

y to

miti

gate

loss

, fra

gmen

tatio

n an

d de

grad

atio

n of

Coa

stal

Pla

in u

plan

d fo

rest

s.

Live

stoc

k G

razi

ng

Wor

k w

ith th

e D

elaw

are

Dep

artm

ent o

f Agr

icul

ture

to p

rovi

de

ince

ntiv

es to

priv

ate

land

owne

rs to

exc

lude

live

stoc

k fro

m

key

habi

tats

.

Ditc

hing

and

Dra

inin

g W

ork

with

the

Div

isio

n of

Soi

l and

Wat

er C

onse

rvat

ion

to

prov

ide

ince

ntiv

es to

tax

ditc

h as

soci

atio

ns to

impl

emen

t B

MP

s th

at m

inim

ize

impa

cts

to k

ey h

abita

ts.

Alte

red

Hyd

rolo

gy

See

Sec

tion

6.2.

3N

utrie

nts

and

Sed

imen

ts

See

Sec

tion

6.2.

3P

estic

ides

See

Sec

tion

6.2.

3

Del

awar

e W

ildlif

e A

ctio

n Pl

an

6-22

Del

awar

e D

ivis

ion

of F

ish

and

Wild

life

9/27

/200

6

Coa

stal

Pla

in F

ores

ted

Floo

dpla

ins

and

Rip

aria

n Sw

amps

Is

sue

Cat

egor

y Sp

ecifi

c Is

sue

Spec

ific

Act

ion

Cle

arcu

tting

and

Oth

er F

ores

try P

ract

ices

Dev

elop

and

impl

emen

t the

Hab

itat C

onse

rvat

ion

Pla

n fo

r Fo

rest

s in

Sus

sex

Cou

nty

to m

itiga

te lo

ss, f

ragm

enta

tion

and

degr

adat

ion

of C

oast

al P

lain

upl

and

fore

sts.

E

ncou

rage

the

Del

awar

e D

epar

tmen

t of A

gric

ultu

re to

revi

se

the

scor

ing

syst

em o

f the

Agr

icul

tura

l Lan

ds P

rese

rvat

ion

Act

to

giv

e in

crea

sed

wei

ght t

o co

nser

vatio

n of

key

hab

itats

and

S

GC

N.

See

Sec

tion

6.2.

3 fo

r add

ition

al a

ctio

ns

Indu

stria

l Dev

elop

men

t and

O

pera

tions

Indu

stria

l Fac

ilitie

s S

ee S

ectio

n 6.

2.1

Air

Pol

lutio

n S

ee S

ectio

n 6.

2.4

Acc

iden

tal S

pills

of T

oxin

s an

d S

ewag

e S

ee S

ectio

n 6.

2.4

Sed

imen

ts fr

om S

and

and

Gra

vel Q

uarry

ing

See

Sec

tion

6.2.

4

Tran

spor

tatio

n an

d U

tility

O

pera

tions

and

Mai

nten

ance

Tran

spor

tatio

n In

frast

ruct

ure

See

Sec

tion

6.2.

1A

ltere

d H

ydro

logy

S

ee S

ectio

n 0

Util

ity C

orrid

ors

See

Sec

tion

6.2.

1D

redg

e S

poil

Dis

posa

l S

ee S

ectio

n 6.

2.1

Inva

sive

Spe

cies

, Nui

sanc

e A

nim

als

and

Wild

life

Dis

ease

s

Whi

te-T

aile

d D

eer

Wor

k w

ith h

unte

rs to

incr

ease

dee

r har

vest

on

stat

e la

nds

as

nece

ssar

y to

redu

ce im

pact

s to

key

hab

itats

. E

ncou

rage

fede

ral a

nd N

GO

con

serv

atio

n la

nd m

anag

ers

to

incr

ease

dee

r har

vest

as

nece

ssar

y to

redu

ce im

pact

s to

key

ha

bita

ts.

Dev

elop

edu

catio

n an

d ou

treac

h en

cour

agin

g la

ndow

ners

to

incr

ease

dee

r har

vest

on

priv

ate

land

s as

nec

essa

ry to

re

duce

impa

cts

to k

ey h

abita

ts.

Con

tinue

to e

valu

ate

Qua

lity

Dee

r Man

agem

ent a

s a

long

-te

rm s

trate

gy fo

r min

imiz

ing

impa

cts

to k

ey h

abita

ts.

Gyp

sy M

oth

Sup

port

cont

inue

d gy

psy

mot

h m

onito

ring

by th

e D

elaw

are

Dep

artm

ent o

f Agr

icul

ture

. W

ork

with

the

Del

awar

e D

epar

tmen

t of A

gric

ultu

re to

pro

vide

in

cent

ives

to la

ndow

ners

for g

ypsy

mot

h co

ntro

l in

key

habi

tats

on

priv

ate

land

s.

Del

awar

e W

ildlif

e A

ctio

n Pl

an

9/27

/200

6D

elaw

are

Div

isio

n of

Fis

h an

d W

ildlif

e 6-

23

Coa

stal

Pla

in F

ores

ted

Floo

dpla

ins

and

Rip

aria

n Sw

amps

Is

sue

Cat

egor

y Sp

ecifi

c Is

sue

Spec

ific

Act

ion

Con

trol o

f Mos

quito

es a

nd F

ores

t Pes

ts B

y A

eria

l App

licat

ion

of P

estic

ides

Wor

k w

ith th

e M

osqu

ito C

ontro

l Sec

tion

to a

sses

s an

d m

onito

r the

impa

cts

of a

eria

l app

licat

ion

on S

GC

N in

sect

s,

and

on th

e pr

ey b

ase

of S

GC

N in

sect

ivor

ous

bird

s, s

mal

l m

amm

als

and

bats

. W

ork

with

the

Mos

quito

Con

trol S

ectio

n to

ada

pt a

eria

l ap

plic

atio

n pr

actic

es fo

r con

serv

atio

n of

SG

CN

, as

nece

ssar

y.

Eur

opea

n S

tarli

ng

Ass

ess

and

mon

itor t

he e

ffect

iven

ess

of n

est b

oxes

, sna

g cr

eatio

n an

d ot

her p

ract

ices

to e

nhan

ce th

e su

cces

s of

ca

vity

-nes

ting

SG

CN

.

Inva

sive

Ear

thw

orm

s

Ass

ess

the

impa

cts

of in

vasi

ve e

arth

wor

ms

on fo

rest

s an

d us

e th

is a

sses

smen

t and

long

-term

mon

itorin

g to

gui

de

adap

tive

man

agem

ent,

educ

atio

n, o

utre

ach

and

enfo

rcem

ent

effo

rts a

s ne

cess

ary.

In

vasi

ve P

lant

s S

ee S

ectio

n 6.

2.6

Con

trol o

f Inv

asiv

e P

lant

s S

ee S

ectio

n 6.

2.6

Wat

er U

se

Dam

Ope

ratio

ns

Wor

k w

ith th

e D

ivis

ion

of W

ater

Res

ourc

es a

nd w

ater

util

ities

to

eva

luat

e th

e ap

plic

atio

n of

“eco

logi

cally

sus

tain

able

wat

er

man

agem

ent”

prac

tices

to d

am o

pera

tions

to m

inim

ize

impa

cts

to k

ey h

abita

ts a

nd S

GC

N.

Sol

id W

aste

Dis

posa

l La

ndfil

l Fac

ilitie

s S

ee S

ectio

n 6.

2.1

Clim

ate

Cha

nge

Sea

Lev

el R

ise

See

Sec

tion

6.2.

7

Wild

life

Har

vest

ing

Inap

prop

riate

Hun

ting

and

Fish

ing

Dev

elop

edu

catio

n an

d ou

treac

h fo

r hun

ters

abo

ut th

e D

elm

arva

fox

squi

rrel t

o m

inim

ize

impa

cts

from

acc

iden

tal

killi

ng.

Stre

ngth

en e

nfor

cem

ent o

f exi

stin

g hu

ntin

g an

d tra

ppin

g re

gula

tions

. In

tegr

ate

SG

CN

con

serv

atio

n in

to h

untin

g an

d tra

ppin

g re

gula

tions

. In

corp

orat

e in

form

atio

n ab

out S

GC

N c

onse

rvat

ion

into

the

Hun

ting

and

Trap

ping

Gui

de.

Mai

ntai

n co

mpl

ianc

e w

ith fe

dera

l reg

ulat

ions

.

Del

awar

e W

ildlif

e A

ctio

n Pl

an

6-24

Del

awar

e D

ivis

ion

of F

ish

and

Wild

life

9/27

/200

6

Coa

stal

Pla

in F

ores

ted

Floo

dpla

ins

and

Rip

aria

n Sw

amps

Is

sue

Cat

egor

y Sp

ecifi

c Is

sue

Spec

ific

Act

ion

Res

ourc

e M

anag

emen

t H

abita

t/Wild

life

Man

agem

ent

Impl

emen

t the

Del

mar

va F

ox S

quirr

el R

ecov

ery

Pla

n.

See

Sec

tion

0 fo

r mor

e ac

tions

.

6.1.

6.A

tlant

ic W

hite

Ced

ar N

on-ti

dal W

etla

nds

Des

crip

tion

Kno

wn

only

from

sout

hern

Del

awar

e, th

ese

wet

land

s are

cha

ract

eriz

ed b

y st

ands

of A

tlant

ic w

hite

ced

ar o

n po

orly

dra

ined

, muc

ky

soils

alo

ng sl

ow-f

low

ing

stre

ams.

Num

erou

s rar

e pl

ant s

peci

es, s

uch

as sw

amp

pink

, may

be

foun

d in

the

herb

aceo

us la

yer o

f som

ety

pes.

Vita

l Sta

tistic

s

Atla

ntic

Whi

te C

edar

Non

-tida

l Wet

land

s A

ttrib

ute

Tota

l Pr

otec

ted

HC

C* A

crea

ge

4,27

2 2,

246

(53%

)

HC

C O

ccur

renc

es

121

60

(50%

)

Kno

wn

SGC

N S

peci

es /

Occ

urre

nces

in H

CC

17 /

26

10 /

12 (5

9% /

46%

)

SGC

N S

peci

es a

ssoc

iate

d w

ith H

CC

13

*HC

C =

Hab

itats

of C

onse

rvat

ion

Con

cern

.

Pres

ent C

ondi

tion

Fair.

His

toric

ally

, the

se w

etla

nds w

ere

muc

h m

ore

exte

nsiv

e in

the

stat

e, c

over

ing

thou

sand

s of a

cres

in th

e G

reat

Cyp

ress

Sw

amp

alon

e. B

egin

ning

mor

e th

an 2

00 y

ears

ago

, tim

ber h

arve

st a

nd w

etla

nd d

rain

ing

for a

gric

ultu

re e

limin

ated

mos

t of t

hese

swam

ps.

With

the

near

-ces

satio

n of

Atla

ntic

whi

te c

edar

logg

ing

in th

e la

st c

entu

ry, t

his h

abita

t is i

n re

lativ

ely

stab

le c

ondi

tion

at p

rese

nt.

How

ever

, nat

ural

rege

nera

tion

of w

hite

ced

ar is

ofte

n in

hibi

ted

by c

ompe

titio

n fr

om re

d m

aple

, whi

ch is

pre

sent

ly m

ore

com

mon

than

in th

e pa

st, p

roba

bly

due

to fi

re su

ppre

ssio

n. A

lso,

as w

ith o

ther

fore

sted

wet

land

s dis

cuss

ed a

bove

, los

s of b

uffe

rs is

resu

lting

in

som

e sh

ort t

erm

impa

cts f

rom

sedi

men

t and

nut

rient

runo

ff, a

nd w

ill e

xace

rbat

e lo

ng te

rm im

pact

s fro

m se

a le

vel r

ise.

Del

awar

e W

ildlif

e A

ctio

n Pl

an

9/27

/200

6D

elaw

are

Div

isio

n of

Fis

h an

d W

ildlif

e 6-

25

Hab

itats

of C

onse

rvat

ion

Con

cern

D

elm

arva

Atla

ntic

Whi

te C

edar

Sw

amp

Atla

ntic

Whi

te C

edar

– M

ixed

Her

b B

og

Atla

ntic

Whi

te C

edar

Mill

pond

Hea

dwat

er H

umm

ock

and

Peat

Mat

Woo

dlan

d

Ass

ocia

ted

Spec

ies

of G

reat

est C

onse

rvat

ion

Nee

d A

tlant

ic W

hite

Ced

ar N

on-ti

dal W

etla

nds

Tier

Cla

ssSc

ient

ific

Nam

eC

omm

on N

ame

1In

sect

s

Cal

loph

rys

hess

eli

Hes

sel's

hai

rstre

akE

xyra

fax

pitc

her p

lant

mot

hP

apai

pem

a ap

pass

iona

tapi

tche

r pla

nt b

orer

mot

h

Man

duca

jasm

inea

rum

as

h sp

hinx

2In

sect

s

Dol

ba h

yloe

usbl

ack

alde

r or p

awpa

w s

phin

xP

apai

pem

a st

enoc

elis

ch

ain

fern

bor

er m

oth

Xes

tia y

oung

iiY

oung

blu

eber

ry d

art

Gom

phae

schn

a fu

rcilla

ta

harle

quin

dar

ner

Arg

ia b

ipun

ctul

ata

seep

age

danc

er

Ena

llagm

a w

eew

a bl

ackw

ater

blu

et

Neh

alen

nia

grac

ilis

spha

gnum

spr

ite

Am

phib

ians

H

emid

acty

lium

scu

tatu

m

four

-toed

sal

aman

der

Pse

udot

riton

mon

tanu

s m

onta

nus

mud

sal

aman

der

Con

serv

atio

n Is

sues

and

Act

ions

Pe

ndin

g fu

rther

ass

essm

ent o

f spe

cific

impa

cts,

Con

serv

atio

n Is

sues

and

Act

ions

for A

tlant

ic W

hite

Ced

ar N

on-ti

dal W

etla

nds a

reco

nsid

ered

to b

e th

e sa

me

as th

ose

liste

d fo

r Coa

stal

Pla

in F

ores

ted

Floo

dpla

ins a

nd R

ipar

ian

Swam

ps a

bove

.

6.1.

7.C

oast

al P

lain

Sea

sona

l Pon

ds

Des

crip

tion

Mor

e th

an 1

,000

of t

hese

smal

l dep

ress

iona

l wet

land

s, us

ually

floo

ded

by g

roun

dwat

er a

nd p

reci

pita

tion

in th

e w

inte

r and

sprin

g bu

t dr

y in

the

sum

mer

and

fall,

are

scat

tere

d th

roug

hout

the

stat

e. T

hey

ofte

n oc

cur i

n gr

oups

or c

ompl

exes

that

may

shar

e a

com

mon

Del

awar

e W

ildlif

e A

ctio

n Pl

an

6-26

Del

awar

e D

ivis

ion

of F

ish

and

Wild

life

9/27

/200

6

grou

ndw

ater

sour

ce a

nd a

mon

g w

hich

pon

d-dw

ellin

g or

gani

sms f

reel

y tra

vel.

Alth

ough

the

pond

s nat

ural

ly o

ccur

imbe

dded

in a

fo

rest

mat

rix, t

hey

cont

ain

only

her

bace

ous a

nd sh

rub

vege

tatio

n w

ithin

thei

r bou

ndar

ies.

The

y ar

e im

porta

nt b

reed

ing

loca

tions

–

som

etim

es th

e on

ly lo

catio

ns –

for a

num

ber o

f fro

gs a

nd sa

lam

ande

rs th

at in

habi

t the

surr

ound

ing

fore

st.

Als

o, o

ver 3

0 ra

re p

lant

spec

ies a

re fo

und

in th

ese

pond

s, in

clud

ing

five

that

are

glo

bally

rare

. M

appi

ng o

f man

y C

oast

al P

lain

Sea

sona

l Pon

ds w

as

acco

mpl

ishe

d th

roug

h ha

bita

t mod

elin

g ba

sed

on a

eria

l pho

togr

aph

inte

rpre

tatio

n, a

nd th

ese

site

s req

uire

fiel

d ve

rific

atio

n. R

ecen

tsu

rvey

s of s

ome

site

s hav

e sh

own

that

the

mod

elin

g in

corr

ectly

cla

ssifi

ed so

me

depr

essi

onal

wet

land

s as C

oast

al P

lain

pon

ds, a

ndfa

iled

to c

orre

ctly

iden

tify

othe

r wet

land

s as p

onds

.

Vita

l Sta

tistic

s C

oast

al P

lain

Sea

sona

l Pon

ds

Attr

ibut

e To

tal

Prot

ecte

d

HC

C* A

crea

ge

1,01

4 18

5 (1

8%)

HC

C O

ccur

renc

es

1,59

1 30

3 (1

9%)

Kno

wn

SGC

N S

peci

es /

Occ

urre

nces

in H

CC

7 / 9

3

/ 3 (4

3% /

33%

)

SGC

N S

peci

es a

ssoc

iate

d w

ith H

CC

28

*HC

C =

Hab

itats

of C

onse

rvat

ion

Con

cern

.

Pres

ent C

ondi

tion

Fair.

A re

cent

stat

us a

sses

smen

t of t

his h

abita

t in

the

Bla

ckbi

rd-M

illin

gton

cor

ridor

det

erm

ined

that

man

y po

nd c

ompl

exes

in th

is a

rea

– w

hich

has

the

larg

est c

once

ntra

tion

of p

onds

in th

e st

ate

– ar

e in

rela

tivel

y go

od c

ondi

tion,

bas

ed o

n po

nd d

ensi

ty a

nd fo

rest

buf

fer.

This

is d

ue, a

t lea

st in

par

t, to

the

prot

ectio

n of

som

e po

nds o

n st

ate

fore

st la

nds.

How

ever

, hun

dred

s of o

ther

pon

ds e

lsew

here

are

not

in

con

serv

atio

n ow

ners

hip

and

have

bee

n si

gnifi

cant

ly im

pact

ed b

y dr

aini

ng, t

illin

g, lo

ss o

f for

est b

uffe

rs a

nd in

vasi

ve p

lant

spec

ies.

A st

atew

ide

anal

ysis

of C

oast

al P

lain

pon

ds fo

und

that

abo

ut 2

5% o

f pon

d ha

bita

t is s

urro

unde

d ha

lf or

less

by

a fo

rest

ed b

uffe

rad

equa

te fo

r the

con

serv

atio

n of

typi

cal p

ond-

bree

ding

sala

man

ders

; les

s tha

n 20

% is

com

plet

ely

surr

ound

ed b

y su

ch a

buf

fer.

Als

o, th

e ef

fect

on

pond

hyd

rolo

gy o

f gro

undw

ater

with

draw

als f

or d

rinki

ng w

ater

and

cro

p irr

igat

ion

is u

ncer

tain

, alth

ough

ther

e is

su

bsta

ntia

l pum

ping

for i

rrig

atio

n in

the

vici

nity

of m

any

pond

s. E

ven

in lo

catio

ns w

here

hyd

rolo

gy is

inta

ct, t

he n

eed

to c

onse

rve

pond

s in

larg

e co

mpl

exes

inte

rcon

nect

ed b

y ex

tens

ive

fore

sts c

ompl

icat

es p

rote

ctio

n ef

forts

on

both

pub

lic a

nd p

rivat

e pr

oper

ty.

Hab

itats

of C

onse

rvat

ion

Con

cern

B

utto

nbus

h - M

anna

gras

s - S

mar

twee

d C

oast

al P

lain

Sea

sona

l Pon

d V

eget

atio

n B

utto

nbus

h - W

arty

Pan

icgr

ass -

Eat

on’s

Witc

hgra

ss C

oast

al P

lain

Pon

d V

eget

atio

n W

alte

r’s S

edge

- Ea

ton’

s Witc

hgra

ss C

oast

al P

lain

Sea

sona

l Pon

d V

eget

atio

n

Del

awar

e W

ildlif

e A

ctio

n Pl

an

9/27

/200

6D

elaw

are

Div

isio

n of

Fis

h an

d W

ildlif

e 6-

27

Cap

e M

ay -

Del

mar

va D

epre

ssio

n M

eado

w

Thre

e-w

ay S

edge

- C

anad

a R

ush

Coa

stal

Pla

in S

easo

nal P

ond

Veg

etat

ion

Cre

epin

g R

ush

- Bol

toni

a C

oast

al P

lain

Sea

sona

l Pon

d V

eget

atio

n M

aide

ncan

e C

oast

al P

lain

Sea

sona

l Pon

d V

eget

atio

n M

ixed

Gra

ss D

epre

ssio

n M

eado

w

Wat

erlil

y D

eepw

ater

Coa

stal

Pla

in S

easo

nal P

ond

Veg

etat

ion

Ass

ocia

ted

Spec

ies

of G

reat

est C

onse

rvat

ion

Nee

d C

oast

al P

lain

Sea

sona

l Pon

ds

Tier

Cla

ssSc

ient

ific

Nam

eC

omm

on N

ame

1

Inse

cts

Poa

nes

mas

saso

it m

ulbe

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win

g

Am

phib

ians

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byst

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um ti

grin

umtig

er s

alam

ande

rH

yla

grat

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bark

ing

treef

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Rep

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Cle

mm

ys g

utta

ta

spot

ted

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e

2In

sect

s

Eup

hyes

dio

n di

on s

kipp

er

Aes

hna

tube

rcul

ifera

bl

ack-

tippe

d da

rner

Aes

hna

verti

calis

gr

een-

strip

ed d

arne

r A

nax

long

ipes

com

et d

arne

rG

omph

aesc

hna

antil

ope

tape

r-tai

led

darn

er

Tetra

gone

uria

cos

talis

strip

e-w

inge

d ba

sket

tail

Cel

ithem

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erna

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le-r

inge

d pe

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tLe

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tact

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t-tai

led

whi

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bellu

la a

xile

na

bar-w

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d sk

imm

er

Libe

llula

dep

lana

tabl

ue c

orpo

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Sym

petru

m a

mbi

guum

blue

-face

d m

eado

wha

wk

Sym

petru

m s

emic

inct

um

band

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mea

dow

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k Le

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ambe

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a du

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big

blue

tE

nalla

gma

palli

dum

pale

blu

et

Del

awar

e W

ildlif

e A

ctio

n Pl

an

6-28

Del

awar

e D

ivis

ion

of F

ish

and

Wild

life

9/27

/200

6

Coa

stal

Pla

in S

easo

nal P

onds

Ti

erC

lass

Scie

ntifi

c N

ame

Com

mon

Nam

eE

nalla

gma

vesp

erum

vesp

er b

luet

Neh

alen

nia

irene

sedg

e sp

rite

Gom

phus

villo

sipe

sun

icor

n cl

ubta

il

Am

phib

ians

Am

byst

oma

mac

ulat

umsp

otte

d sa

lam

ande

rH

emid

acty

lium

scu

tatu

m

four

-toed

sal

aman

der

Hyl

a ch

ryso

scel

isC

ope'

s gr

ay tr

eefro

gS

caph

iopu

s ho

lbro

okii

Eas

tern

spa

defo

ot

Rep

tiles

Tham

noph

is s

aurit

usE

aste

rn ri

bbon

sna

ke

Con

serv

atio

n Is

sues

and

Act

ions

C

oast

al P

lain

Sea

sona

l Pon

ds

Issu

e C

ateg

ory

Spec

ific

Issu

e Sp

ecifi

c A

ctio

n

Res

iden

tial a

nd C

omm

erci

al

Dev

elop

men

t Pra

ctic

es

Res

iden

tial a

nd C

omm

erci

al S

truct

ures

S

ee S

ectio

n 6.

2.1

Alte

red

Hyd

rolo

gy

See

Sec

tion

6.2.

2N

utrie

nts

and

Sed

imen

ts

See

Sec

tion

6.2.

2P

estic

ides

See

Sec

tion

6.2.

2

Agr

icul

tura

l and

For

estry

O

pera

tions

Farm

land

S

ee S

ectio

n 6.

2.1

Ditc

hing

and

Dra

inin

g W

ork

with

the

Div

isio

n of

Soi

l and

Wat

er C

onse

rvat

ion

to

prov

ide

ince

ntiv

es to

tax

ditc

h as

soci

atio

ns to

impl

emen

t B

MP

s th

at m

inim

ize

impa

cts

to k

ey h

abita

ts.

Alte

red

Hyd

rolo

gy

See

Sec

tion

6.2.

3N

utrie

nts

and

Sed

imen

ts

See

Sec

tion

6.2.

3P

estic

ides

See

Sec

tion

6.2.

3C

lear

cutti

ng a

nd O

ther

For

estry

Pra

ctic

es

See

Sec

tion

6.2.

3

Indu

stria

l Dev

elop

men

t and

O

pera

tions

In

dust

rial F

acilit

ies

See

Sec

tion

6.2.

1A

ir P

ollu

tion

See

Sec

tion

6.2.

4

Tran

spor

tatio

n an

d U

tility

O

pera

tions

and

Mai

nten

ance

Tr

ansp

orta

tion

Infra

stru

ctur

e S

ee S

ectio

n 6.

2.1

Del

awar

e W

ildlif

e A

ctio

n Pl

an

9/27

/200

6D

elaw

are

Div

isio

n of

Fis

h an

d W

ildlif

e 6-

29

Coa

stal

Pla

in S

easo

nal P

onds

Is

sue

Cat

egor

y Sp

ecifi

c Is

sue

Spec

ific

Act

ion

Inva

sive

Spe

cies

, Nui

sanc

e A

nim

als

and

Wild

life

Dis

ease

s

Con

trol o

f Mos

quito

es a

nd F

ores

t Pes

ts B

y A

eria

l App

licat

ion

of P

estic

ides

Wor

k w

ith th

e M

osqu

ito C

ontro

l Sec

tion

to a

sses

s an

d m

onito

r the

impa

cts

of a

eria

l app

licat

ion

on S

GC

N in

sect

s,

and

on th

e pr

ey b

ase

of S

GC

N in

sect

ivor

ous

bird

s, s

mal

l m

amm

als

and

bats

. W

ork

with

the

Mos

quito

Con

trol S

ectio

n to

ada

pt a

eria

l ap

plic

atio

n pr

actic

es fo

r con

serv

atio

n of

SG

CN

, as

nece

ssar

y.

Inva

sive

Pla

nts

See

Sec

tion

6.2.

6C

ontro

l of I

nvas

ive

Pla

nts

See

Sec

tion

6.2.

6

Wat

er U

se

Gro

undw

ater

With

draw

als

Wor

k w

ith th

e D

ivis

ion

of W

ater

Res

ourc

es to

inte

grat

e ke

y ha

bita

t con

serv

atio

n in

to lo

ng-ra

nge

wat

er s

uppl

y pl

anni

ng.

Wor

k w

ith th

e D

ivis

ion

of W

ater

Res

ourc

es to

inte

grat

e ke

y ha

bita

t con

serv

atio

n in

to p

rote

ctio

n of

“exc

elle

nt g

roun

dwat

er

rech

arge

are

as.”

Rec

reat

iona

l Act

iviti

es

Rec

reat

iona

l Use

on

Foot

and

with

Boa

ts,

Per

sona

l Wat

ercr

aft a

nd O

ff-R

oad

Veh

icle

s S

ee S

ectio

n 0

Res

ourc

e M

anag

emen

t H

abita

t/Wild

life

Man

agem

ent

See

Sec

tion

0

6.1.

8.In

terd

unal

Wet

land

s

Des

crip

tion

Thes

e sm

all w

etla

nds a

re fo

und

only

am

ong

mar

itim

e du

nes a

long

the

Atla

ntic

Coa

st.

Des

pite

thei

r pro

xim

ity to

the

ocea

n, th

eir

seas

onal

floo

ding

is d

riven

by

grou

ndw

ater

and

pre

cipi

tatio

n. A

s dyn

amic

as m

any

othe

r bea

ch a

nd d

une

habi

tats

, the

se sw

ales

are

perio

dica

lly c

reat

ed o

r des

troye

d by

maj

or st

orm

s. S

ome

type

s hav

e pu

rely

her

bace

ous v

eget

atio

n, w

hile

oth

ers a

re d

omin

ated

by

shru

bs.

Mor

e th

an 2

0 ty

pes o

f rar

e pl

ants

are

foun

d in

thes

e w

etla

nds.

Del

awar

e W

ildlif

e A

ctio

n Pl

an

6-30

Del

awar

e D

ivis

ion

of F

ish

and

Wild

life

9/27

/200

6

Vita

l Sta

tistic

s In

terd

unal

Wet

land

s A

ttrib

ute

Tota

l Pr

otec

ted

HC

C* A

crea

ge

72

61

(85%

)

HC

C O

ccur

renc

es

81

73 (9

0%)

Kno

wn

SGC

N S

peci

es /

Occ

urre

nces

in H

CC

1 / 2

1

/ 1 (1

00%

/ 50

%)

SGC

N S

peci

es a

ssoc

iate

d w

ith H

CC

2

*HC

C =

Hab

itats

of C

onse

rvat

ion

Con

cern

.

Pres

ent C

ondi

tion

Goo

d. A

t pre

sent

mos

t of t

hese

hab

itats

are

rela

tivel

y st

able

, and

the

grea

t maj

ority

are

pro

tect

ed o

n st

ate

park

land

. M

ost o

f tho

se n

ot

on st

ate

land

hav

e be

en d

egra

ded

by lo

ss o

f upl

and

buff

ers,

chan

ges i

n hy

drol

ogy

and

inva

sive

pla

nts,

all o

f whi

ch re

sult

from

en

croa

chin

g re

side

ntia

l dev

elop

men

t. Im

pact

s fro

m p

redi

cted

sea

leve

l ris

e, m

ade

wor

se b

y di

stur

banc

e of

nor

mal

coa

stal

pro

cess

es,

coul

d be

subs

tant

ial.

See

the

disc

ussi

on o

f Con

ditio

n un

der B

each

and

Dun

e H

abita

ts fo

r mor

e in

form

atio

n on

thes

e pr

oces

ses.

Not

eth

at a

lthou

gh in

terd

unal

wet

land

s are

par

t of a

ver

y dy

nam

ic c

oast

al e

cosy

stem

, the

ir re

cove

ry fr

om d

istu

rban

ce –

incl

udin

g se

a le

vel

rise

– is

bel

ieve

d to

be

fairl

y sl

ow, g

iven

the

need

for a

thin

laye

r of p

eat t

o de

velo

p on

the

subs

trate

.

Hab

itats

of C

onse

rvat

ion

Con

cern

C

ranb

erry

Inte

rdun

al S

wal

e Tw

ig R

ush

Inte

rdun

al S

wal

e R

ound

-hea

d R

ush

- Com

mon

Thr

eesq

uare

Inte

rdun

al S

wal

e

Ass

ocia

ted

Spec

ies

of G

reat

est C

onse

rvat

ion

Nee

d In

terd

unal

Wet

land

s Ti

erC

lass

Scie

ntifi

c N

ame

Com

mon

Nam

e1

Inse

cts

Pho

turis

bet

hani

ensi

sB

etha

ny B

each

fire

fly

2In

sect

s C

icin

dela

hirt

icol

lis

beac

h-du

ne ti

ger b

eetle

Del

awar

e W

ildlif

e A

ctio

n Pl

an

9/27

/200

6D

elaw

are

Div

isio

n of

Fis

h an

d W

ildlif

e 6-

31

Con

serv

atio

n Is

sues

and

Act

ions

In

terd

unal

Wet

land

s Is

sue

Cat

egor

y Sp

ecifi

c Is

sue

Spec

ific

Act

ion

Res

iden

tial a

nd C

omm

erci

al

Dev

elop

men

t Pra

ctic

es

Res

iden

tial a

nd C

omm

erci

al S

truct

ures

S

ee S

ectio

n 6.

2.1

Alte

red

Hyd

rolo

gy

See

Sec

tion

6.2.

2N

utrie

nts

and

Sed

imen

ts

See

Sec

tion

6.2.

2P

estic

ides

See

Sec

tion

6.2.

2

Indu

stria

l Dev

elop

men

t and

O

pera

tions

A

ir P

ollu

tion

See

Sec

tion

6.2.

4

Tran

spor

tatio

n an

d U

tility

O

pera

tions

and

Mai

nten

ance

Tr

ansp

orta

tion

Infra

stru

ctur

e S

ee S

ectio

n 6.

2.1

Inva

sive

Spe

cies

, Nui

sanc

e A

nim

als

and

Wild

life

Dis

ease

s In

vasi

ve P

lant

s S

ee S

ectio

n 6.

2.6

Con

trol o

f Inv

asiv

e P

lant

s S

ee S

ectio

n 6.

2.6

Wat

er U

se

Gro

undw

ater

With

draw

als

Wor

k w

ith th

e D

ivis

ion

of W

ater

Res

ourc

es to

inte

grat

e ke

y ha

bita

t con

serv

atio

n in

to lo

ng-ra

nge

wat

er s

uppl

y pl

anni

ng.

Wor

k w

ith th

e D

ivis

ion

of W

ater

Res

ourc

es to

inte

grat

e ke

y ha

bita

t con

serv

atio

n in

to p

rote

ctio

n of

“exc

elle

nt g

roun

dwat

er

rech

arge

are

as.”

Res

ourc

e M

anag

emen

t H

abita

t/Wild

life

Man

agem

ent

See

Sec

tion

0

6.1.

9.Pi

edm

ont S

trea

m V

alle

y W

etla

nds

Des

crip

tion

This

is a

som

ewha

t arti

ficia

l gro

upin

g of

wet

land

s tha

t is i

n ne

ed o

f fur

ther

def

initi

on.

Som

e ty

pes r

esul

t fro

m th

e em

erge

nce

of

grou

ndw

ater

on,

or a

t the

bas

e of

, for

este

d sl

opes

abo

ve st

ream

s, w

hile

oth

ers a

re in

or a

djac

ent t

o th

e st

ream

cha

nnel

whe

re th

ey a

re

subj

ect t

o oc

casi

onal

floo

ding

. V

eget

atio

n is

dom

inat

ed b

y se

dges

and

rush

es in

mos

t typ

es, a

lthou

gh so

me

supp

ort a

var

iety

of f

orbs

.

Del

awar

e W

ildlif

e A

ctio

n Pl

an

6-32

Del

awar

e D

ivis

ion

of F

ish

and

Wild

life

9/27

/200

6

Vita

l Sta

tistic

s Pi

edm

ont S

trea

m V

alle

y W

etla

nds

Attr

ibut

e To

tal

Prot

ecte

d

HC

C* A

crea

ge

104

56 (5

4%)

HC

C O

ccur

renc

es

85

39 (4

6%)

Kno

wn

SGC

N S

peci

es /

Occ

urre

nces

in H

CC

8 / 8

8

/ 8 (1

00%

/ 10

0%)

SGC

N S

peci

es a

ssoc

iate

d w

ith H

CC

18

*HC

C =

Hab

itats

of C

onse

rvat

ion

Con

cern

.

Pres

ent C

ondi

tion

Goo

d. M

ost o

f the

se h

abita

ts o

ccur

on

eith

er st

eep

slop

es (s

eepa

ge w

etla

nds)

or r

iver

floo

dpla

ins (

stre

amsi

de w

etla

nds)

whe

re th

ey

are

gene

rally

imm

une

from

dire

ct lo

ss a

s a re

sult

of re

side

ntia

l dev

elop

men

t or o

ther

hab

itat c

onve

rsio

n.Im

pact

s to

seep

age

wet

land

sfr

om g

roun

dwat

er w

ithdr

awal

, to

stre

amsi

de w

etla

nds f

rom

cha

nges

in fl

ow re

gim

es, a

nd to

bot

h ty

pes f

rom

nut

rient

enr

ichm

ent a

reof

con

cern

ove

r the

long

term

. A

num

ber o

f stre

amsi

de w

etla

nds a

re p

rese

ntly

aff

ecte

d by

inva

sive

pla

nts,

whi

ch in

som

e ca

ses c

ould

ac

cele

rate

eut

roph

icat

ion.

Hab

itats

of C

onse

rvat

ion

Con

cern

Pi

edm

ont S

tream

side

See

page

Wet

land

Fo

rest

ed S

eepa

ge S

lope

Wet

land

St

ream

side

Bac

kwat

er M

arsh

St

ream

side

Tus

sock

Mea

dow

Tw

iste

d Se

dge

Sand

Bar

Ass

ocia

ted

Spec

ies

of G

reat

est C

onse

rvat

ion

Nee

d Pi

edm

ont S

trea

m V

alle

y W

etla

nds

Tier

Cla

ssSc

ient

ific

Nam

eC

omm

on N

ame

1In

sect

sP

oane

s m

assa

soit

mul

berr

y w

ing

Eup

hyes

con

spic

ua

blac

k da

sh

Pap

aipe

ma

eupa

torii

eu

pato

rium

bor

er m

oth

Rep

tiles

Gly

ptem

ys m

uhle

nber

gii

bog

turtl

e

2In

sect

s E

uphy

es d

ion

dion

ski

pper

Del

awar

e W

ildlif

e A

ctio

n Pl

an

9/27

/200

6D

elaw

are

Div

isio

n of

Fis

h an

d W

ildlif

e 6-

33

Pied

mon

t Str

eam

Val

ley

Wet

land

s Ti

erC

lass

Scie

ntifi

c N

ame

Com

mon

Nam

eB

olor

ia s

elen

esi

lver

-bor

dere

d fri

tilla

ry

Bol

oria

sel

ene

myr

ina

myr

ina

fritil

lary

Eup

hydr

yas

phae

ton

Bal

timor

e ch

ecke

rspo

tS

atyr

odes

eur

ydic

eey

ed b

row

nA

cron

icta

con

nect

a a

noct

uid

mot

h P

arap

amea

buf

falo

ensi

s a

bore

r mot

h C

ordu

lega

ster

err

onea

tiger

spi

keta

ilC

ordu

lega

ster

bili

neat

abr

own

spik

etai

lLi

bellu

la fl

avid

aye

llow

-sid

ed s

kim

mer

Sym

petru

m s

emic

inct

umba

nd-w

inge

d m

eado

wha

wk

Am

phib

ians

Eur

ycea

long

icau

dalo

ngta

il sa

lam

ande

r

Rep

tiles

Reg

ina

sept

emvi

ttata

qu

een

snak

e Th

amno

phis

sau

ritus

Ea

ster

n rib

bon

snak

e

Con

serv

atio

n Is

sues

and

Act

ions

Pi

edm

ont S

trea

m V

alle

y W

etla

nds

Issu

e C

ateg

ory

Spec

ific

Issu

e Sp

ecifi

c A

ctio

n

Res

iden

tial a

nd C

omm

erci

al

Dev

elop

men

t Pra

ctic

es

Res

iden

tial a

nd C

omm

erci

al S

truct

ures

S

ee S

ectio

n 6.

2.1

Alte

red

Hyd

rolo

gy

See

Sec

tion

6.2.

2N

utrie

nts

and

Sed

imen

ts

See

Sec

tion

6.2.

2P

estic

ides

See

Sec

tion

6.2.

2

Indu

stria

l Dev

elop

men

t and

O

pera

tions

Air

Pol

lutio

n S

ee S

ectio

n 6.

2.4

Acc

iden

tal S

pills

of T

oxin

s an

d S

ewag

e S

ee S

ectio

n 6.

2.4

Chr

onic

Wat

er P

ollu

tion

See

Sec

tion

6.2.

4

Tran

spor

tatio

n an

d U

tility

O

pera

tions

and

Mai

nten

ance

Tr

ansp

orta

tion

Infra

stru

ctur

e S

ee S

ectio

n 6.

2.1

Alte

red

Hyd

rolo

gy

See

Sec

tion

0

Del

awar

e W

ildlif

e A

ctio

n Pl

an

6-34

Del

awar

e D

ivis

ion

of F

ish

and

Wild

life

9/27

/200

6

Pied

mon

t Str

eam

Val

ley

Wet

land

s Is

sue

Cat

egor

y Sp

ecifi

c Is

sue

Spec

ific

Act

ion

Inva

sive

Spe

cies

, Nui

sanc

e A

nim

als

and

Wild

life

Dis

ease

s In

vasi

ve P

lant

s S

ee S

ectio

n 6.

2.6

Con

trol o

f Inv

asiv

e P

lant

s S

ee S

ectio

n 6.

2.6

Wat

er U

se

Dam

Ope

ratio

ns

Wor

k w

ith th

e D

ivis

ion

of W

ater

Res

ourc

es a

nd w

ater

util

ities

to

eva

luat

e th

e ap

plic

atio

n of

“eco

logi

cally

sus

tain

able

wat

er

man

agem

ent”

prac

tices

to d

am o

pera

tions

to m

inim

ize

impa

cts

to k

ey h

abita

ts a

nd S

GC

N.

Gro

undw

ater

With

draw

als

Wor

k w

ith th

e D

ivis

ion

of W

ater

Res

ourc

es to

inte

grat

e ke

y ha

bita

t con

serv

atio

n in

to lo

ng-ra

nge

wat

er s

uppl

y pl

anni

ng.

Wor

k w

ith th

e D

ivis

ion

of W

ater

Res

ourc

es to

inte

grat

e ke

y ha

bita

t con

serv

atio

n in

to p

rote

ctio

n of

“exc

elle

nt g

roun

dwat

er

rech

arge

are

as.”

Res

ourc

e M

anag

emen

t H

abita

t/Wild

life

Man

agem

ent

Impl

emen

t the

Bog

Tur

tle R

ecov

ery

Pla

n.

See

Sec

tion

0 fo

r mor

e ac

tions

.

6.1.

10.

Peat

Wet

land

s

Des

crip

tion

Thes

e he

rbac

eous

wet

land

s occ

ur o

n de

ep, m

ucky

pea

t tha

t for

ms i

n op

en-w

ater

dep

ress

ions

, im

poun

dmen

ts, a

nd se

eps w

ithin

a

shru

b-do

min

ated

swam

p m

atrix

. The

y ar

e fo

und

alon

g on

ly a

few

cre

eks i

n so

uthe

rn D

elaw

are.

Sev

eral

rare

pla

nts o

ccur

her

e,

incl

udin

g su

ndew

s and

pur

ple

pitc

her p

lant

.

Vita

l Sta

tistic

s Pe

at W

etla

nds

Attr

ibut

e To

tal

Prot

ecte

d

HC

C* A

crea

ge

41

10 (2

4%)

HC

C O

ccur

renc

es

85

(63%

)

Kno

wn

SGC

N S

peci

es /

Occ

urre

nces

in H

CC

1 / 1

0

/ 0

SGC

N S

peci

es a

ssoc

iate

d w

ith H

CC

7

*HC

C =

Hab

itats

of C

onse

rvat

ion

Con

cern

.

Del

awar

e W

ildlif

e A

ctio

n Pl

an

9/27

/200

6D

elaw

are

Div

isio

n of

Fis

h an

d W

ildlif

e 6-

35

Pres

ent C

ondi

tion

Goo

d. T

he le

ngth

y pr

oces

s req

uire

d to

form

the

deep

pea

t sub

stra

te o

f thi

s hab

itat i

ndic

ates

a lo

ng a

bsen

ce o

f dis

turb

ance

, a tr

end

whi

ch w

ill c

ontin

ue in

the

near

futu

re –

giv

en th

eir l

ocat

ion

tow

ards

the

inte

rior o

f lar

ger w

etla

nd c

ompl

exes

alo

ng st

ream

s, th

ese

habi

tats

are

wel

l pro

tect

ed fr

om d

irect

loss

due

to h

abita

t con

vers

ion.

Com

mon

reed

inva

sion

has

impa

cted

som

e pe

at w

etla

nds,

and

natu

ral s

ucce

ssio

n m

ay u

ltim

atel

y re

plac

e th

ese

habi

tats

with

ano

ther

type

of c

omm

unity

, alth

ough

succ

essi

on a

ppea

rs to

pro

ceed

extre

mel

y sl

owly

. Th

e ef

fect

of s

ea le

vel r

ise

may

be

subs

tant

ial,

sinc

e th

e sl

ow d

evel

opm

ent o

f the

se w

etla

nds m

ay b

e ov

erw

helm

ed

by ri

sing

wat

er le

vels

.

Hab

itats

of C

onse

rvat

ion

Con

cern

M

ixed

Her

b D

eep

Peat

Wet

land

Ass

ocia

ted

Spec

ies

of G

reat

est C

onse

rvat

ion

Nee

d Pe

at W

etla

nds

Tier

Cla

ssSc

ient

ific

Nam

eC

omm

on N

ame

1In

sect

s E

xyra

fax

pitc

her p

lant

mot

h P

apai

pem

a ap

pass

iona

ta

pitc

her p

lant

bor

er m

oth

2In

sect

s

Pap

aipe

ma

sten

ocel

is

chai

n fe

rn b

orer

mot

h X

estia

you

ngii

You

ng b

lueb

erry

dar

t G

omph

aesc

hna

antil

ope

tape

r-tai

led

darn

er

Arg

ia b

ipun

ctul

ata

seep

age

danc

er

Neh

alen

nia

grac

ilis

spha

gnum

spr

ite

Con

serv

atio

n Is

sues

and

Act

ions

Pe

at W

etla

nds

Issu

e C

ateg

ory

Spec

ific

Issu

e Sp

ecifi

c A

ctio

n

Res

iden

tial a

nd C

omm

erci

al

Dev

elop

men

t Pra

ctic

es

Res

iden

tial a

nd C

omm

erci

al S

truct

ures

S

ee S

ectio

n 6.

2.1

Alte

red

Hyd

rolo

gy

See

Sec

tion

6.2.

2N

utrie

nts

and

Sed

imen

ts

See

Sec

tion

6.2.

2P

estic

ides

See

Sec

tion

6.2.

2

Agr

icul

tura

l and

For

estry

O

pera

tions

D

itchi

ng a

nd D

rain

ing

Wor

k w

ith th

e D

ivis

ion

of S

oil a

nd W

ater

Con

serv

atio

n to

pr

ovid

e in

cent

ives

to ta

x di

tch

asso

ciat

ions

to im

plem

ent

BM

Ps

that

min

imiz

e im

pact

s to

key

hab

itats

.

Del

awar

e W

ildlif

e A

ctio

n Pl

an

6-36

Del

awar

e D

ivis

ion

of F

ish

and

Wild

life

9/27

/200

6

Peat

Wet

land

s Is

sue

Cat

egor

y Sp

ecifi

c Is

sue

Spec

ific

Act

ion

Alte

red

Hyd

rolo

gy

See

Sec

tion

6.2.

3N

utrie

nts

and

Sed

imen

ts

See

Sec

tion

6.2.

3P

estic

ides

See

Sec

tion

6.2.

3

Indu

stria

l Dev

elop

men

t and

O

pera

tions

Air

Pol

lutio

n S

ee S

ectio

n 6.

2.4

Acc

iden

tal S

pills

of T

oxin

s an

d S

ewag

e S

ee S

ectio

n 6.

2.4

Chr

onic

Wat

er P

ollu

tion

See

Sec

tion

6.2.

4S

edim

ents

from

San

d an

d G

rave

l Qua

rryin

g S

ee S

ectio

n 6.

2.4

Tran

spor

tatio

n an

d U

tility

O

pera

tions

and

Mai

nten

ance

Tr

ansp

orta

tion

Infra

stru

ctur

e S

ee S

ectio

n 6.

2.1

Alte

red

Hyd

rolo

gy

See

Sec

tion

0

Inva

sive

Spe

cies

, Nui

sanc

e A

nim

als

and

Wild

life

Dis

ease

s In

vasi

ve P

lant

s S

ee S

ectio

n 6.

2.6

Con

trol o

f Inv

asiv

e P

lant

s S

ee S

ectio

n 6.

2.6

Res

ourc

e M

anag

emen

t H

abita

t/Wild

life

Man

agem

ent

See

Sec

tion

0

6.1.

11.

Riv

erin

e A

quat

ic a

nd S

ubm

erge

d Ve

geta

tion

Des

crip

tion

Thes

e ha

bita

ts a

re c

hara

cter

ized

by

plan

ts th

at a

re e

ither

ent

irely

subm

erge

d or

that

floa

t on

the

wat

er su

rfac

e in

stre

am c

hann

els a

nd

back

wat

ers.

The

y ar

e fo

und

thro

ugho

ut th

e C

oast

al P

lain

, mos

t ext

ensi

vely

in th

e N

antic

oke

wat

ersh

ed.

Vita

l Sta

tistic

s R

iver

ine

Aqu

atic

and

Sub

mer

ged

Vege

tatio

n A

ttrib

ute

Tota

l Pr

otec

ted

HC

C* A

crea

ge

75

10 (1

3%)

HC

C O

ccur

renc

es

84

(50%

)

Kno

wn

SGC

N S

peci

es /

Occ

urre

nces

in H

CC

0 / 0

--

SGC

N S

peci

es a

ssoc

iate

d w

ith H

CC

1

*HC

C =

Hab

itats

of C

onse

rvat

ion

Con

cern

.

Del

awar

e W

ildlif

e A

ctio

n Pl

an

9/27

/200

6D

elaw

are

Div

isio

n of

Fis

h an

d W

ildlif

e 6-

37

Pres

ent C

ondi

tion

Poor

. Ev

en th

ough

subs

tant

ial b

eds o

f aqu

atic

veg

etat

ion

rem

ain

in tw

o riv

er sy

stem

s, th

is is

thou

ght t

o re

pres

ent a

sign

ifica

nt lo

ss

with

in h

isto

ric ti

mes

from

cha

nnel

izat

ion,

sedi

men

tatio

n, n

utrie

nt e

nric

hmen

t and

stre

am fl

ow c

hang

es.

The

curr

ent s

ituat

ion

is n

o be

tter,

with

gai

ns in

rece

nt d

ecad

es fr

om p

oint

sour

ce w

ater

pol

lutio

n co

ntro

ls p

roba

bly

offs

et b

y m

ore

inte

nsiv

e ro

w c

rop

farm

ing

and

incr

ease

d ap

plic

atio

n of

pou

ltry

was

tes t

o ag

ricul

tura

l fie

lds i

n C

oast

al P

lain

site

s. N

on-p

oint

sour

ce p

ollu

tion

and

chan

ges i

n st

ream

flo

ws f

rom

exp

andi

ng re

side

ntia

l dev

elop

men

t are

exp

ecte

d to

furth

er d

egra

de a

nd/o

r dim

inis

h th

ese

habi

tats

in th

e fu

ture

. Se

eSe

ctio

n6.

1.16

for m

ore

info

rmat

ion

abou

t the

con

ditio

n of

non

-tida

l Coa

stal

Pla

in st

ream

s.

Hab

itats

of C

onse

rvat

ion

Con

cern

M

ixed

Spe

cies

Sub

mer

gent

Veg

etat

ion

Subm

erge

d Ta

pegr

ass C

omm

unity

Ass

ocia

ted

Spec

ies

of G

reat

est C

onse

rvat

ion

Nee

d R

iver

ine

Aqu

atic

and

Sub

mer

ged

Vege

tatio

n Ti

erC

lass

Scie

ntifi

c N

ame

Com

mon

Nam

e2

Inse

cts

Isch

nura

kel

licot

tilil

ypad

fork

tail

Con

serv

atio

n Is

sues

and

Act

ions

R

iver

ine

Aqu

atic

and

Sub

mer

ged

Vege

tatio

n Is

sue

Cat

egor

y Sp

ecifi

c Is

sue

Spec

ific

Act

ion

Res

iden

tial a

nd C

omm

erci

al

Dev

elop

men

t Pra

ctic

es

Alte

red

Hyd

rolo

gy

See

Sec

tion

6.2.

2N

utrie

nts

and

Sed

imen

ts

See

Sec

tion

6.2.

2P

estic

ides

See

Sec

tion

6.2.

2

Agr

icul

tura

l and

For

estry

O

pera

tions

Ditc

hing

and

Dra

inin

g W

ork

with

the

Div

isio

n of

Soi

l and

Wat

er C

onse

rvat

ion

to

prov

ide

ince

ntiv

es fo

r tax

ditc

h as

soci

atio

ns to

impl

emen

t B

MP

s th

at m

inim

ize

impa

cts

to k

ey h

abita

ts.

Alte

red

Hyd

rolo

gy

See

Sec

tion

6.2.

3N

utrie

nts

and

Sed

imen

ts

See

Sec

tion

6.2.

3P

estic

ides

See

Sec

tion

6.2.

3

Indu

stria

l Dev

elop

men

t and

O

pera

tions

Air

Pol

lutio

n S

ee S

ectio

n 6.

2.4

Acc

iden

tal S

pills

of T

oxin

s an

d S

ewag

e S

ee S

ectio

n 6.

2.4

Chr

onic

Wat

er P

ollu

tion

See

Sec

tion

6.2.

4

Del

awar

e W

ildlif

e A

ctio

n Pl

an

6-38

Del

awar

e D

ivis

ion

of F

ish

and

Wild

life

9/27

/200

6

Riv

erin

e A

quat

ic a

nd S

ubm

erge

d Ve

geta

tion

Issu

e C

ateg

ory

Spec

ific

Issu

e Sp

ecifi

c A

ctio

n S

edim

ents

from

San

d an

d G

rave

l Qua

rryin

g S

ee S

ectio

n 6.

2.4

Tran

spor

tatio

n an

d U

tility

O

pera

tions

and

Mai

nten

ance

Tran

spor

tatio

n In

frast

ruct

ure

See

Sec

tion

6.2.

1

Alte

red

Hyd

rolo

gy

See

Sec

tion

0

Cha

nnel

Dre

dgin

g W

ork

with

the

Div

isio

n of

Wat

er R

esou

rces

and

the

US

Arm

y C

orps

of E

ngin

eers

to in

tegr

ate

key

habi

tat a

nd S

GC

N

cons

erva

tion

into

dre

dgin

g pl

ans.

Inva

sive

Spe

cies

, Nui

sanc

e A

nim

als

and

Wild

life

Dis

ease

s

Mut

e S

wan

C

ontin

ue im

plem

enta

tion

of th

e D

FW m

ute

swan

m

anag

emen

t pla

n.

Inva

sive

Pla

nts

See

Sec

tion

6.2.

6

Wat

er U

se

Dam

Ope

ratio

ns

Wor

k w

ith th

e D

ivis

ion

of W

ater

Res

ourc

es a

nd w

ater

util

ities

to

eva

luat

e th

e ap

plic

atio

n of

“eco

logi

cally

sus

tain

able

wat

er

man

agem

ent”

prac

tices

to d

am o

pera

tions

to m

inim

ize

impa

cts

to k

ey h

abita

ts a

nd S

GC

N.

Sur

face

Wat

er W

ithdr

awal

s W

ork

with

the

Div

isio

n of

Wat

er R

esou

rces

to in

tegr

ate

key

habi

tat a

nd S

GC

N c

onse

rvat

ion

into

sta

te w

ater

qua

lity

stan

dard

s fo

r low

flow

s.

Rec

reat

iona

l Act

iviti

es

Rec

reat

iona

l Use

on

Foot

and

with

Boa

ts,

Per

sona

l Wat

ercr

aft a

nd O

ff-R

oad

Veh

icle

s S

ee S

ectio

n 0

Res

ourc

e M

anag

emen

t H

abita

t/Wild

life

Man

agem

ent

See

Sec

tion

0

6.1.

12.

Fres

hwat

er T

idal

For

este

d an

d Sc

rub-

Shru

b W

etla

nds

Des

crip

tion

This

gro

up o

f wet

land

s ran

ges f

rom

thin

ly fo

rest

ed ty

pes t

o th

ose

dom

inat

ed b

y sm

all t

rees

and

shru

bs.

They

are

typi

cally

foun

d at

the

head

of t

ide

or a

long

the

frin

ges o

f tid

al c

reek

s, w

here

tida

l flo

odin

g is

irre

gula

r.

Del

awar

e W

ildlif

e A

ctio

n Pl

an

9/27

/200

6D

elaw

are

Div

isio

n of

Fis

h an

d W

ildlif

e 6-

39

Vita

l Sta

tistic

s Fr

eshw

ater

Tid

al F

ores

ted

and

Scru

b-Sh

rub

Wet

land

s A

ttrib

ute

Tota

l Pr

otec

ted

HC

C* A

crea

ge

3,09

5 1,

187

(38%

)

HC

C O

ccur

renc

es

501

117

(23%

)

Kno

wn

SGC

N S

peci

es /

Occ

urre

nces

in H

CC

13 /

16

5 / 6

(38%

/ 38

%)

SGC

N S

peci

es a

ssoc

iate

d w

ith H

CC

4

*HC

C =

Hab

itats

of C

onse

rvat

ion

Con

cern

.

Pres

ent C

ondi

tion

Fair.

Alth

ough

seld

om d

estro

yed

outri

ght,

thes

e ha

bita

ts h

ave

been

som

ewha

t im

pact

ed b

y di

tchi

ng, d

redg

ing

and

chan

neliz

atio

n.Th

ey a

lso

have

long

bee

n su

bjec

t to

incr

emen

tal d

egra

datio

n ar

isin

g fr

om in

com

patib

le la

nd u

se p

ract

ices

ups

lope

, ofte

n m

agni

fied

by

the

freq

uent

loss

of a

djac

ent b

uffe

rs.

Whe

re th

ese

buff

ers n

o lo

nger

exi

st, o

ppor

tuni

ties f

or m

igra

tion

inla

nd in

the

face

of s

ea le

vel

rise

will

be

limite

d.

Hab

itats

of C

onse

rvat

ion

Con

cern

A

tlant

ic W

hite

Ced

ar -

Red

Map

le -

Pum

pkin

Ash

Fre

shw

ater

Tid

al S

wam

p R

ed M

aple

- A

sh T

idal

Sw

amp

Smoo

th A

lder

- Si

lky

Dog

woo

d Sh

rub

Swam

p

Ass

ocia

ted

Spec

ies

of G

reat

est C

onse

rvat

ion

Nee

d Fr

eshw

ater

Tid

al F

ores

ted

and

Scru

b-Sh

rub

Wet

land

s Ti

erC

lass

Scie

ntifi

c N

ame

Com

mon

Nam

e

2In

sect

s

Atli

des

hale

sus

grea

t pur

ple

hairs

treak

Man

duca

jasm

inea

rum

ash

sphi

nxA

cron

icta

con

nect

aa

noct

uid

mot

hP

apai

pem

a st

enoc

elis

ch

ain

fern

bor

er m

oth

Del

awar

e W

ildlif

e A

ctio

n Pl

an

6-40

Del

awar

e D

ivis

ion

of F

ish

and

Wild

life

9/27

/200

6

Con

serv

atio

n Is

sues

and

Act

ions

Fr

eshw

ater

Tid

al F

ores

ted

and

Scru

b-Sh

rub

Wet

land

s Is

sue

Cat

egor

y Sp

ecifi

c Is

sue

Spec

ific

Act

ion

Res

iden

tial a

nd C

omm

erci

al

Dev

elop

men

t Pra

ctic

es

Res

iden

tial a

nd C

omm

erci

al S

truct

ures

S

ee S

ectio

n 6.

2.1

Nut

rient

s an

d S

edim

ents

S

ee S

ectio

n 6.

2.2

Pes

ticid

esS

ee S

ectio

n 6.

2.2

Pie

rs a

nd D

ocks

S

ee S

ectio

n 6.

2.2

Agr

icul

tura

l and

For

estry

O

pera

tions

Farm

land

S

ee S

ectio

n 6.

2.1

Alte

red

Hyd

rolo

gy

See

Sec

tion

6.2.

3N

utrie

nts

and

Sed

imen

ts

See

Sec

tion

6.2.

3P

estic

ides

See

Sec

tion

6.2.

3C

lear

cutti

ng a

nd O

ther

For

estry

Pra

ctic

es

See

Sec

tion

6.2.

3

Sho

relin

e P

rote

ctio

n P

ract

ices

A

rtific

ial S

hore

line

Har

deni

ng

Pro

vide

ince

ntiv

es fo

r priv

ate

land

owne

rs to

rest

ore

wet

land

s, in

pla

ce o

f ins

tallin

g bu

lkhe

ads

and

reve

tmen

ts, t

o m

inim

ize

impa

cts

to k

ey h

abita

ts.

Indu

stria

l Dev

elop

men

t and

O

pera

tions

Indu

stria

l Fac

ilitie

s S

ee S

ectio

n 6.

2.1

Air

Pol

lutio

n S

ee S

ectio

n 6.

2.4

Acc

iden

tal S

pills

of T

oxin

s an

d S

ewag

e S

ee S

ectio

n 6.

2.4

Chr

onic

Wat

er P

ollu

tion

See

Sec

tion

6.2.

4S

edim

ents

from

San

d an

d G

rave

l Qua

rryin

g S

ee S

ectio

n 6.

2.4

Tran

spor

tatio

n an

d U

tility

O

pera

tions

and

Mai

nten

ance

Tran

spor

tatio

n In

frast

ruct

ure

See

Sec

tion

6.2.

1U

tility

Cor

ridor

s S

ee S

ectio

n 6.

2.1

Dre

dge

Spo

il D

ispo

sal

See

Sec

tion

6.2.

1

Inva

sive

Spe

cies

, Nui

sanc

e A

nim

als

and

Wild

life

Dis

ease

s In

vasi

ve P

lant

s S

ee S

ectio

n 6.

2.6

Sol

id W

aste

Dis

posa

l La

ndfil

l Fac

ilitie

s S

ee S

ectio

n 6.

2.1

Clim

ate

Cha

nge

Sea

Lev

el R

ise

See

Sec

tion

6.2.

7

Res

ourc

e M

anag

emen

t H

abita

t/Wild

life

Man

agem

ent

See

Sec

tion

0

Del

awar

e W

ildlif

e A

ctio

n Pl

an

9/27

/200

6D

elaw

are

Div

isio

n of

Fis

h an

d W

ildlif

e 6-

41

6.1.

13.

Fres

hwat

er T

idal

Mar

shes

Des

crip

tion

Thes

e ar

e w

etla

nds o

f the

inte

rtida

l zon

e ab

ove

the

reac

h of

salin

e w

ater

s, ch

arac

teriz

ed b

y th

e co

mpl

ete

abse

nce

of w

oody

pla

nts.

Veg

etat

ion

is sp

arse

in so

me

type

s (e.

g. q

uillw

ort f

lat)

but e

xtre

mel

y de

nse

in o

ther

s (e.

g. m

ixed

bro

adle

af m

arsh

). T

he m

ixed

broa

dlea

f mar

sh is

foun

d th

roug

hout

the

Coa

stal

Pla

in, f

rom

the

Chr

istin

a to

the

Nan

ticok

e, w

hile

the

othe

rs h

ave

mor

e re

stric

ted

dist

ribut

ions

.

Vita

l Sta

tistic

s Fr

eshw

ater

Tid

al M

arsh

es

Attr

ibut

e To

tal

Prot

ecte

d

HC

C* A

crea

ge

5,97

6 2,

933

(49%

)

HC

C O

ccur

renc

es

325

89 (2

7%)

Kno

wn

SGC

N S

peci

es /

Occ

urre

nces

in H

CC

24 /

25

12 /

12 (5

0% /

48%

)

SGC

N S

peci

es a

ssoc

iate

d w

ith H

CC

24

*HC

C =

Hab

itats

of C

onse

rvat

ion

Con

cern

.

Pres

ent C

ondi

tion

Fair.

As w

ith th

e fo

rest

ed w

etla

nds a

bove

, the

se m

arsh

es h

ave

suff

ered

rela

tivel

y lit

tle o

utrig

ht d

estru

ctio

n fr

om h

abita

t con

vers

ion,

but h

ave

been

subj

ecte

d to

the

sam

e im

pact

s fro

m o

ffsi

te so

urce

s. H

owev

er, t

here

has

bee

n su

bsta

ntia

l con

tract

ion

of th

ese

mar

shes

from

saltw

ater

intru

sion

, esp

ecia

lly a

long

stre

ams d

rain

ing

into

Del

awar

e B

ay.

Som

e ha

ve a

lso

expe

rienc

ed in

vasi

on b

y co

mm

on

reed

. Ev

en th

ough

non

-for

este

d w

etla

nds s

uch

as th

ese

mig

ht b

e ex

pect

ed to

mig

rate

land

war

d w

ith li

ttle

troub

le in

resp

onse

to ri

sing

se

a le

vels

, the

y m

ay in

fact

be

sign

ifica

ntly

redu

ced

by th

e ac

com

pany

ing

saltw

ater

intru

sion

. In

som

e ar

eas,

mig

ratio

n m

ay a

lso

be

impe

ded

by d

ams o

r ste

ep st

ream

val

ley

slop

es.

Hab

itats

of C

onse

rvat

ion

Con

cern

M

ixed

Bro

adle

af F

resh

wat

er T

idal

Mar

sh

Sea

Leve

l Fen

Fr

eshw

ater

Inte

rtida

l Qui

llwor

t Fla

t

Del

awar

e W

ildlif

e A

ctio

n Pl

an

6-42

Del

awar

e D

ivis

ion

of F

ish

and

Wild

life

9/27

/200

6

Ass

ocia

ted

Spec

ies

of G

reat

est C

onse

rvat

ion

Nee

d Fr

eshw

ater

Tid

al M

arsh

es

Tier

Cla

ssSc

ient

ific

Nam

eC

omm

on N

ame

1

Inse

cts

Poa

nes

mas

saso

it ch

erm

ocki

Che

rmoc

k's

mul

berr

y w

ing

Nan

noth

emis

bel

lael

fin s

kim

mer

Rep

tiles

Cle

mm

ys g

utta

ta

spot

ted

turtl

e

Bird

s

Pod

ilym

bus

podi

ceps

pi

ed-b

illed

greb

e N

yctic

orax

nyc

ticor

ax

blac

k-cr

owne

d ni

ght-h

eron

N

ycta

nass

a vi

olac

ea

yello

w-c

row

ned

nigh

t-her

on

Pan

dion

hal

iaet

us

ospr

ey

2

Inse

cts

Lyca

ena

hyllu

sbr

onze

cop

per

Pap

aipe

ma

bird

ium

bellif

er b

orer

mot

hLi

bellu

la a

xile

naba

r-w

inge

d sk

imm

erA

rgia

bip

unct

ulat

ase

epag

e da

ncer

Neh

alen

nia

grac

ilissp

hagn

um s

prite

Bird

s

Bot

auru

s le

ntig

inos

us

Am

eric

an b

itter

n Ix

obry

chus

exi

lis

leas

t bitt

ern

Ard

ea h

erod

ias

grea

t blu

e he

ron

Cas

mer

odiu

s al

bus

grea

t egr

et

Egr

etta

thul

asn

owy

egre

tE

gret

ta c

aeru

lea

little

blu

e he

ron

Egr

etta

tric

olor

tri

colo

red

hero

n B

ubul

cus

ibis

ca

ttle

egre

t A

nas

plat

yrhy

ncho

s m

alla

rdR

allu

s el

egan

ski

ng ra

ilP

orza

na c

arol

ina

sora

Dol

icho

nyx

oryz

ivor

us

bobo

link

Del

awar

e W

ildlif

e A

ctio

n Pl

an

9/27

/200

6D

elaw

are

Div

isio

n of

Fis

h an

d W

ildlif

e 6-

43

Con

serv

atio

n Is

sues

and

Act

ions

Fr

eshw

ater

Tid

al M

arsh

es

Issu

e C

ateg

ory

Spec

ific

Issu

e Sp

ecifi

c A

ctio

n

Res

iden

tial a

nd C

omm

erci

al

Dev

elop

men

t Pra

ctic

es

Res

iden

tial a

nd C

omm

erci

al S

truct

ures

S

ee S

ectio

n 6.

2.1

Nut

rient

s an

d S

edim

ents

S

ee S

ectio

n 6.

2.2

Pes

ticid

esS

ee S

ectio

n 6.

2.2

Pie

rs a

nd D

ocks

S

ee S

ectio

n 6.

2.2

Agr

icul

tura

l and

For

estry

O

pera

tions

Farm

land

S

ee S

ectio

n 6.

2.1

Nut

rient

s an

d S

edim

ents

S

ee S

ectio

n 6.

2.3

Pes

ticid

esS

ee S

ectio

n 6.

2.3

Cle

arcu

tting

and

Oth

er F

ores

try P

ract

ices

S

ee S

ectio

n 6.

2.3

Sho

relin

e P

rote

ctio

n P

ract

ices

A

rtific

ial S

hore

line

Har

deni

ng

Pro

vide

ince

ntiv

es fo

r priv

ate

land

owne

rs to

rest

ore

wet

land

s, in

pla

ce o

f ins

tallin

g bu

lkhe

ads

and

reve

tmen

ts, t

o m

inim

ize

impa

cts

to k

ey h

abita

ts.

Indu

stria

l Dev

elop

men

t and

O

pera

tions

Indu

stria

l Fac

ilitie

s S

ee S

ectio

n 6.

2.1

Air

Pol

lutio

n S

ee S

ectio

n 6.

2.4

Acc

iden

tal S

pills

of T

oxin

s an

d S

ewag

e S

ee S

ectio

n 6.

2.4

Chr

onic

Wat

er P

ollu

tion

See

Sec

tion

6.2.

4S

edim

ents

from

San

d an

d G

rave

l Qua

rryin

g S

ee S

ectio

n 6.

2.4

Tran

spor

tatio

n an

d U

tility

O

pera

tions

and

Mai

nten

ance

Tr

ansp

orta

tion

Infra

stru

ctur

e S

ee S

ectio

n 6.

2.1

Dre

dge

Spo

il D

ispo

sal

See

Sec

tion

6.2.

1

Inva

sive

Spe

cies

, Nui

sanc

e A

nim

als

and

Wild

life

Dis

ease

s In

vasi

ve P

lant

s S

ee S

ectio

n 6.

2.6

Con

trol o

f Inv

asiv

e P

lant

s S

ee S

ectio

n 6.

2.6

Sol

id W

aste

Dis

posa

l La

ndfil

l Fac

ilitie

s S

ee S

ectio

n 6.

2.1

Clim

ate

Cha

nge

Sea

Lev

el R

ise

See

Sec

tion

6.2.

7

Res

ourc

e M

anag

emen

t H

abita

t/Wild

life

Man

agem

ent

See

Sec

tion

0

Del

awar

e W

ildlif

e A

ctio

n Pl

an

6-44

Del

awar

e D

ivis

ion

of F

ish

and

Wild

life

9/27

/200

6

6.1.

14.

Tida

l Hig

h M

arsh

es

Des

crip

tion

Thes

e ar

e us

ually

the

mor

e la

ndw

ard

of th

e co

asta

l sal

t mar

shes

, occ

urrin

g at

a sl

ight

ly h

ighe

r ele

vatio

n w

here

they

are

subj

ecte

d to

a

shor

ter p

erio

d of

tida

l inu

ndat

ion.

Mos

t typ

es c

onsi

st a

lmos

t ent

irely

of g

rass

es, s

edge

s and

rush

es, b

ut a

few

(e.g

. bis

hop-

wee

dm

arsh

) are

com

pose

d pr

imar

ily o

f bro

adle

af p

lant

s. M

appi

ng o

f man

y Sp

artin

a H

igh

Salt

Mar

shes

was

acc

ompl

ishe

d th

roug

h ha

bita

tm

odel

ing

base

d on

aer

ial p

hoto

grap

h in

terp

reta

tion,

and

thes

e si

tes r

equi

re fi

eld

verif

icat

ion.

Vita

l Sta

tistic

s Ti

dal H

igh

Mar

shes

A

ttrib

ute

Tota

l Pr

otec

ted

HC

C* A

crea

ge

8,08

7 5,

740

(71%

)

HC

C O

ccur

renc

es

277

140

(51%

)

Kno

wn

SGC

N S

peci

es /

Occ

urre

nces

in H

CC

5 / 5

5

/ 5 (1

00%

/ 10

0%)

SGC

N S

peci

es a

ssoc

iate

d w

ith H

CC

26

*HC

C =

Hab

itats

of C

onse

rvat

ion

Con

cern

.

Pres

ent C

ondi

tion

Fair.

Eve

n th

ough

the

maj

ority

of t

hese

hab

itats

are

pro

tect

ed o

n st

ate

land

, the

y ha

ve b

een

subj

ecte

d to

a n

umbe

r of s

igni

fican

t im

pact

s in

hist

oric

tim

es, e

spec

ially

har

vest

ing

of “

salt

mar

sh h

ay,”

con

vers

ion

to im

poun

dmen

ts a

nd m

anag

emen

t for

mos

quito

co

ntro

l. T

he fi

rst t

wo

have

larg

ely

ceas

ed, b

ut m

osqu

ito c

ontro

l eff

orts

con

tinue

toda

y by

use

of O

pen

Mar

sh W

ater

Man

agem

ent

(OM

WM

). P

ublis

hed

repo

rts in

dica

te fe

w e

ffec

ts fr

om th

is m

anag

emen

t on

an a

rray

of s

peci

es a

nd h

abita

t mea

sure

s. H

owev

er, t

here

was

suff

icie

nt c

once

rn a

bout

OM

WM

impa

cts o

n bl

ack

rail

– a

poss

ible

indi

cato

r spe

cies

for T

idal

Hig

h M

arsh

– to

lead

to a

ces

satio

n of

this

pra

ctic

e in

Mar

ylan

d in

the

early

199

0s.

Circ

umst

antia

l evi

denc

e fr

om a

t lea

st o

ne si

te in

Del

awar

e su

ppor

ts th

is c

once

rn, a

nd

the

issu

e w

arra

nts f

urth

er st

udy.

The

par

ticul

ar to

pogr

aphi

c se

tting

of t

hese

mar

shes

, adj

acen

t to

upla

nds,

mak

es la

ndw

ard

mig

ratio

nin

the

face

of s

ea le

vel r

ise

high

ly p

robl

emat

ic.

Hab

itats

of C

onse

rvat

ion

Con

cern

Sp

artin

a H

igh

Salt

Mar

sh

Bis

hop-

wee

d –

Mix

ed S

peci

es B

rack

ish

Mar

sh

Del

awar

e W

ildlif

e A

ctio

n Pl

an

9/27

/200

6D

elaw

are

Div

isio

n of

Fis

h an

d W

ildlif

e 6-

45

Ass

ocia

ted

Spec

ies

of G

reat

est C

onse

rvat

ion

Nee

d

Tida

l Hig

h M

arsh

es

Tier

Cla

ssSc

ient

ific

Nam

eC

omm

on N

ame

1

Inse

cts

Pro

blem

a bu

lent

a ra

re s

kipp

er

Bird

s

Nyc

ticor

ax n

yctic

orax

bl

ack-

crow

ned

nigh

t-her

on

Nyc

tana

ssa

viol

acea

ye

llow

-cro

wne

d ni

ght-h

eron

A

nas

rubr

ipes

Am

eric

an b

lack

duc

kC

ircus

cya

neus

Nor

ther

n ha

rrier

Late

rallu

s ja

mai

cens

isbl

ack

rail

Asi

o fla

mm

eus

shor

t-ear

ed o

wl

Cis

toth

orus

pla

tens

isse

dge

wre

nA

mm

odra

mus

cau

dacu

tus

saltm

arsh

sha

rp-ta

iled

spar

row

A

mm

odra

mus

mar

itim

usse

asid

e sp

arro

wM

elos

piza

geo

rgia

na n

igre

scen

s C

oast

al P

lain

sw

amp

spar

row

2

Inse

cts

Per

o za

lissa

ria

a ge

omet

er m

oth

Aco

ntia

del

ecta

a no

ctui

d m

oth

Pap

aipe

ma

bird

i um

bellif

er b

orer

mot

h B

rach

ymes

ia g

ravi

da

four

-spo

tted

penn

ant

Bird

s

Bot

auru

s le

ntig

inos

usA

mer

ican

bitt

ern

Ixob

rych

us e

xilis

le

ast b

itter

n A

rdea

her

odia

s gr

eat b

lue

hero

n C

asm

erod

ius

albu

s gr

eat e

gret

E

gret

ta th

ula

snow

y eg

ret

Egr

etta

cae

rule

a lit

tle b

lue

hero

n E

gret

ta tr

icol

or

trico

lore

d he

ron

Bub

ulcu

s ib

is

cattl

e eg

ret

Por

zana

car

olin

a so

ra

Fulic

a am

eric

ana

Am

eric

an c

oot

Tyto

alb

a ba

rn o

wl

Cis

toth

orus

pal

ustri

s m

arsh

wre

n

Del

awar

e W

ildlif

e A

ctio

n Pl

an

6-46

Del

awar

e D

ivis

ion

of F

ish

and

Wild

life

9/27

/200

6

Con

serv

atio

n Is

sues

and

Act

ions

Ti

dal H

igh

Mar

shes

Is

sue

Cat

egor

y Sp

ecifi

c Is

sue

Spec

ific

Act

ion

Res

iden

tial a

nd C

omm

erci

al

Dev

elop

men

t Pra

ctic

es

Res

iden

tial a

nd C

omm

erci

al S

truct

ures

S

ee S

ectio

n 6.

2.1

Nut

rient

s an

d S

edim

ents

S

ee S

ectio

n 6.

2.2

Pes

ticid

esS

ee S

ectio

n 6.

2.2

Pie

rs a

nd D

ocks

S

ee S

ectio

n 6.

2.2

Agr

icul

tura

l and

For

estry

O

pera

tions

Farm

land

S

ee S

ectio

n 6.

2.1

Nut

rient

s an

d S

edim

ents

S

ee S

ectio

n 6.

2.3

Pes

ticid

esS

ee S

ectio

n 6.

2.3

Cle

arcu

tting

and

Oth

er F

ores

try P

ract

ices

S

ee S

ectio

n 6.

2.3

Indu

stria

l Dev

elop

men

t and

O

pera

tions

Indu

stria

l Fac

ilitie

s S

ee S

ectio

n 6.

2.1

Air

Pol

lutio

n S

ee S

ectio

n 6.

2.4

Acc

iden

tal S

pills

of T

oxin

s an

d S

ewag

e S

ee S

ectio

n 6.

2.4

Chr

onic

Wat

er P

ollu

tion

See

Sec

tion

6.2.

4S

edim

ents

from

San

d an

d G

rave

l Qua

rryin

g S

ee S

ectio

n 6.

2.4

Tran

spor

tatio

n an

d U

tility

O

pera

tions

and

Mai

nten

ance

Tran

spor

tatio

n In

frast

ruct

ure

See

Sec

tion

6.2.

1U

tility

Cor

ridor

s S

ee S

ectio

n 6.

2.1

Dre

dge

Spo

il D

ispo

sal

See

Sec

tion

6.2.

1

Inva

sive

Spe

cies

, Nui

sanc

e A

nim

als

and

Wild

life

Dis

ease

s

Nut

ria

Ass

ess

the

pote

ntia

l for

impa

cts

to k

ey h

abita

ts, m

onito

r po

pula

tions

, and

dev

elop

ada

ptiv

e m

anag

emen

t stra

tegi

es if

ne

cess

ary.

Sno

w G

oose

and

Res

iden

t Can

ada

Goo

se

Incr

ease

goo

se h

arve

st o

n st

ate

land

s as

nec

essa

ry to

re

duce

impa

cts

to k

ey h

abita

ts.

Enc

oura

ge fe

dera

l and

NG

O c

onse

rvat

ion

land

man

ager

s to

in

crea

se g

oose

har

vest

as

nece

ssar

y to

redu

ce im

pact

s to

ke

y ha

bita

ts.

Dev

elop

edu

catio

n an

d ou

treac

h en

cour

agin

g la

ndow

ners

to

incr

ease

goo

se h

arve

st o

n pr

ivat

e la

nds

as n

eces

sary

to

redu

ce im

pact

s to

key

hab

itats

.

Del

awar

e W

ildlif

e A

ctio

n Pl

an

9/27

/200

6D

elaw

are

Div

isio

n of

Fis

h an

d W

ildlif

e 6-

47

Tida

l Hig

h M

arsh

es

Issu

e C

ateg

ory

Spec

ific

Issu

e Sp

ecifi

c A

ctio

n

Mut

e S

wan

C

ontin

ue im

plem

enta

tion

of th

e D

FW m

ute

swan

m

anag

emen

t pla

n.

Con

trol o

f Mos

quito

es a

nd F

ores

t Pes

ts B

y A

eria

l App

licat

ion

Wor

k w

ith th

e M

osqu

ito C

ontro

l Sec

tion

to a

sses

s an

d m

onito

r the

impa

cts

of a

eria

l app

licat

ion

on S

GC

N in

sect

s,

and

on th

e pr

ey b

ase

of S

GC

N in

sect

ivor

ous

bird

s, s

mal

l m

amm

als

and

bats

. W

ork

with

the

Mos

quito

Con

trol S

ectio

n to

ada

pt a

eria

l ap

plic

atio

n pr

actic

es fo

r con

serv

atio

n of

SG

CN

, as

nece

ssar

y.

Con

trol o

f Mos

quito

es w

ith O

pen

Mar

sh

Wat

er M

anag

emen

t and

Impo

undm

ent

Man

agem

ent

Wor

k w

ith th

e M

osqu

ito C

ontro

l Sec

tion

to a

sses

s an

d m

onito

r the

impa

cts

of O

pen

Mar

sh W

ater

Man

agem

ent o

n ke

y ha

bita

ts a

nd S

GC

N.

Wor

k w

ith th

e M

osqu

ito C

ontro

l Sec

tion

to a

dapt

Ope

n M

arsh

W

ater

Man

agem

ent p

ract

ices

for c

onse

rvat

ion

of k

ey h

abita

ts

and

SG

CN

, as

nece

ssar

y.

Inva

sive

Pla

nts

See

Sec

tion

6.2.

6C

ontro

l of I

nvas

ive

Pla

nts

See

Sec

tion

6.2.

6

Sol

id W

aste

Dis

posa

l La

ndfil

l Fac

ilitie

s S

ee S

ectio

n 6.

2.1

Clim

ate

Cha

nge

Sea

Lev

el R

ise

See

Sec

tion

6.2.

7

Rec

reat

iona

l Act

iviti

es

Rec

reat

iona

l Use

on

Foot

and

with

Boa

ts,

Per

sona

l Wat

ercr

aft a

nd O

ff-R

oad

Veh

icle

s S

ee S

ectio

n 0

Airp

ort O

pera

tions

O

verfl

ight

sC

ontin

ue/e

xpan

d st

udie

s of

dis

turb

ance

of S

GC

N fr

om

over

fligh

ts, a

nd w

ork

with

Dov

er A

ir Fo

rce

Bas

e to

miti

gate

di

stur

banc

e.

Wild

life

Har

vest

ing

Inap

prop

riate

Hun

ting

and

Fish

ing

Stre

ngth

en e

nfor

cem

ent o

f exi

stin

g hu

ntin

g an

d tra

ppin

g re

gula

tions

. In

tegr

ate

SG

CN

con

serv

atio

n in

to h

untin

g an

d tra

ppin

g re

gula

tions

. In

corp

orat

e in

form

atio

n ab

out S

GC

N c

onse

rvat

ion

into

the

Hun

ting

and

Trap

ping

Gui

de.

Mai

ntai

n co

mpl

ianc

e w

ith fe

dera

l reg

ulat

ions

.

Del

awar

e W

ildlif

e A

ctio

n Pl

an

6-48

Del

awar

e D

ivis

ion

of F

ish

and

Wild

life

9/27

/200

6

Tida

l Hig

h M

arsh

es

Issu

e C

ateg

ory

Spec

ific

Issu

e Sp

ecifi

c A

ctio

n R

esou

rce

Man

agem

ent

Hab

itat/W

ildlif

e M

anag

emen

t S

ee S

ectio

n 0

6.1.

15.

Tida

l Low

Mar

shes

Des

crip

tion

The

mor

e se

awar

d of

the

coas

tal s

alt m

arsh

es, t

hese

hab

itats

are

floo

ded

for l

onge

r per

iods

of t

ime

durin

g da

ily ti

dal c

ycle

s. A

gain

, m

ost t

ypes

are

dom

inat

ed b

y gr

asse

s and

gra

ss-li

ke p

lant

s, al

thou

gh m

udfla

ts m

ay b

e la

rgel

y de

void

of v

ascu

lar p

lant

s.

Vita

l Sta

tistic

s Ti

dal L

ow M

arsh

es

Attr

ibut

e To

tal

Prot

ecte

d

HC

C* A

crea

ge

48,5

33

28,9

56 (6

0%)

HC

C O

ccur

renc

es

904

386

(43%

)

Kno

wn

SGC

N S

peci

es /

Occ

urre

nces

in H

CC

31 /

55

24 /

31 (7

7% /

56%

)

SGC

N S

peci

es a

ssoc

iate

d w

ith H

CC

42

*HC

C =

Hab

itats

of C

onse

rvat

ion

Con

cern

.

Pres

ent C

ondi

tion

Fair.

Muc

h of

the

vast

acr

eage

of s

parti

na lo

w m

arsh

es is

in c

onse

rvat

ion

owne

rshi

p, a

nd th

at w

hich

is n

ot e

njoy

s sub

stan

tial

prot

ectio

n fr

om st

ate

regu

latio

n of

tida

l wet

land

s. N

onet

hele

ss, t

his h

abita

t was

sign

ifica

ntly

alte

red

thro

ugh

ditc

hing

, dra

inin

g,dr

edgi

ng a

nd fi

lling

unt

il ju

st a

few

dec

ades

ago

. Ex

tens

ive

porti

ons o

f spa

rtina

low

mar

sh h

ave

been

inva

ded

by m

onot

ypic

stan

ds o

f co

mm

on re

ed, a

nd c

ontro

l eff

orts

hav

e be

en li

mite

d bo

th in

scop

e an

d du

ratio

n. A

lso,

“ea

t out

s” fr

om b

urge

onin

g sn

ow g

oose

po

pula

tions

hav

e su

bsta

ntia

lly d

egra

ded

som

e lo

w m

arsh

es in

the

last

20

year

s. In

terti

dal f

lats

face

thre

ats f

rom

sea

leve

l ris

e, ri

p-ra

ppin

g, b

ulk

head

ing

and

asso

ciat

ed d

evel

opm

ent i

ssue

s. L

ow m

arsh

shou

ld b

e ca

pabl

e of

mig

ratin

g la

ndw

ard

in re

spon

se to

sea

leve

l ris

e –

in p

art a

t the

exp

ense

of T

idal

Hig

h M

arsh

es –

alth

ough

man

y m

arsh

es la

ck su

ffic

ient

buf

fers

to a

ccom

mod

ate

this

shift

.

Hab

itats

of C

onse

rvat

ion

Con

cern

Sp

artin

a Lo

w S

alt M

arsh

U

nveg

etat

ed In

terti

dal M

udfla

t

Del

awar

e W

ildlif

e A

ctio

n Pl

an

9/27

/200

6D

elaw

are

Div

isio

n of

Fis

h an

d W

ildlif

e 6-

49

Ass

ocia

ted

Spec

ies

of G

reat

est C

onse

rvat

ion

Nee

d Ti

dal L

ow M

arsh

es

Tier

Cla

ssSc

ient

ific

Nam

eC

omm

on N

ame

1

Inse

cts

Pro

blem

a bu

lent

a ra

re s

kipp

er

Rep

tiles

Mal

acle

mys

terr

apin

terr

apin

Nor

ther

n di

amon

dbac

k te

rrapi

n

Bird

s

Pod

ilym

bus

podi

ceps

pi

ed-b

illed

greb

e N

yctic

orax

nyc

ticor

ax

blac

k-cr

owne

d ni

ght-h

eron

N

ycta

nass

a vi

olac

ea

yello

w-c

row

ned

nigh

t-her

on

Bra

nta

cana

dens

is

Can

ada

goos

e (m

igra

tory

) A

nas

rubr

ipes

A

mer

ican

bla

ck d

uck

Circ

us c

yane

us

Nor

ther

n ha

rrier

A

rena

ria in

terp

res

rudd

y tu

rnst

one

Cal

idris

can

utus

red

knot

Ste

rna

hiru

ndo

com

mon

tern

S

tern

a fo

rste

riFo

rste

r's te

rnR

ynch

ops

nige

r bl

ack

skim

mer

A

sio

flam

meu

ssh

ort-e

ared

ow

lA

mm

odra

mus

cau

dacu

tus

saltm

arsh

sha

rp-ta

iled

spar

row

Am

mod

ram

us m

ariti

mus

se

asid

e sp

arro

w

2

Inse

cts

Cic

inde

la m

argi

nata

mar

gine

d tig

er b

eetle

P

ero

zalis

saria

a

geom

eter

mot

h A

cont

ia d

elec

ta

a no

ctui

d m

oth

Bra

chym

esia

gra

vida

fo

ur-s

potte

d pe

nnan

t

Bird

s

Pel

ecan

us o

ccid

enta

lis

brow

n pe

lican

P

hala

croc

orax

car

bo

grea

t cor

mor

ant

Pha

lacr

ocor

ax a

uritu

s do

uble

-cre

sted

cor

mor

ant

Ard

ea h

erod

ias

grea

t blu

e he

ron

Cas

mer

odiu

s al

bus

grea

t egr

et

Egr

etta

thul

a sn

owy

egre

t E

gret

ta c

aeru

lea

little

blu

e he

ron

Del

awar

e W

ildlif

e A

ctio

n Pl

an

6-50

Del

awar

e D

ivis

ion

of F

ish

and

Wild

life

9/27

/200

6

Tida

l Low

Mar

shes

Ti

erC

lass

Scie

ntifi

c N

ame

Com

mon

Nam

eE

gret

ta tr

icol

or

trico

lore

d he

ron

Bub

ulcu

s ib

is

cattl

e eg

ret

Ple

gadi

s fa

lcin

ellu

s gl

ossy

ibis

A

nas

plat

yrhy

ncho

s m

alla

rdFa

lco

pere

grin

us

pere

grin

e fa

lcon

R

allu

s el

egan

s ki

ng ra

il Fu

lica

amer

ican

a A

mer

ican

coo

t P

luvi

alis

squ

atar

ola

blac

k-be

llied

plov

erH

iman

topu

s m

exic

anus

bl

ack-

neck

ed s

tilt

Cat

optro

phor

us s

emip

alm

atus

will

etC

alid

ris p

usilla

se

mip

alm

ated

san

dpip

er

Cal

idris

alp

ina

dunl

in

Ste

rna

nilo

tica

gull-

bille

d te

rnTy

to a

lba

barn

ow

l C

isto

thor

us p

alus

tris

mar

sh w

ren

Con

serv

atio

n Is

sues

and

Act

ions

Ti

dal L

ow M

arsh

es

Issu

e C

ateg

ory

Spec

ific

Issu

e Sp

ecifi

c A

ctio

n

Res

iden

tial a

nd C

omm

erci

al

Dev

elop

men

t Pra

ctic

es

Res

iden

tial a

nd C

omm

erci

al S

truct

ures

S

ee S

ectio

n 6.

2.1

Nut

rient

s an

d S

edim

ents

S

ee S

ectio

n 6.

2.2

Pes

ticid

esS

ee S

ectio

n 6.

2.2

Pie

rs a

nd D

ocks

S

ee S

ectio

n 6.

2.2

Agr

icul

tura

l and

For

estry

O

pera

tions

N

utrie

nts

and

Sed

imen

ts

See

Sec

tion

6.2.

3P

estic

ides

See

Sec

tion

6.2.

3

Sho

relin

e P

rote

ctio

n P

ract

ices

A

rtific

ial S

hore

line

Har

deni

ng

Pro

vide

ince

ntiv

es fo

r priv

ate

land

owne

rs to

rest

ore

wet

land

s, in

pla

ce o

f ins

tallin

g bu

lkhe

ads

and

reve

tmen

ts, t

o m

inim

ize

impa

cts

to k

ey h

abita

ts.

Del

awar

e W

ildlif

e A

ctio

n Pl

an

9/27

/200

6D

elaw

are

Div

isio

n of

Fis

h an

d W

ildlif

e 6-

51

Tida

l Low

Mar

shes

Is

sue

Cat

egor

y Sp

ecifi

c Is

sue

Spec

ific

Act

ion

Indu

stria

l Dev

elop

men

t and

O

pera

tions

Air

Pol

lutio

n S

ee S

ectio

n 6.

2.4

Acc

iden

tal S

pills

of T

oxin

s an

d S

ewag

e S

ee S

ectio

n 6.

2.4

Chr

onic

Wat

er P

ollu

tion

See

Sec

tion

6.2.

4S

edim

ents

from

San

d an

d G

rave

l Qua

rryin

g S

ee S

ectio

n 6.

2.4

Tran

spor

tatio

n an

d U

tility

O

pera

tions

and

Mai

nten

ance

Tran

spor

tatio

n In

frast

ruct

ure

See

Sec

tion

6.2.

1U

tility

Cor

ridor

s S

ee S

ectio

n 6.

2.1

Com

mer

cial

Shi

ps a

nd B

oats

D

evel

op e

duca

tion

and

outre

ach

for s

hip

and

boat

ope

rato

rs

abou

t the

impa

cts

of w

akes

on

shor

elin

es.

Pos

t and

enf

orce

“no

wak

e” z

ones

to p

rote

ct k

ey h

abita

ts.

Dre

dge

Spo

il D

ispo

sal

See

Sec

tion

6.2.

1

Inva

sive

Spe

cies

, Nui

sanc

e A

nim

als

and

Wild

life

Dis

ease

s

Nut

ria

Ass

ess

the

pote

ntia

l for

impa

cts

to k

ey h

abita

ts, m

onito

r po

pula

tions

, and

dev

elop

ada

ptiv

e m

anag

emen

t stra

tegi

es if

ne

cess

ary.

Sno

w G

oose

and

Res

iden

t Can

ada

Goo

se

Wor

k w

ith h

unte

rs to

incr

ease

goo

se h

arve

st o

n st

ate

land

s as

nec

essa

ry to

redu

ce im

pact

s to

key

hab

itats

. E

ncou

rage

fede

ral a

nd N

GO

con

serv

atio

n la

nd m

anag

ers

to

incr

ease

goo

se h

arve

st a

s ne

cess

ary

to re

duce

impa

cts

to

key

habi

tats

. D

evel

op e

duca

tion

and

outre

ach

enco

urag

ing

land

owne

rs to

in

crea

se g

oose

har

vest

on

priv

ate

land

s as

nec

essa

ry to

re

duce

impa

cts

to k

ey h

abita

ts.

Mut

e S

wan

C

ontin

ue im

plem

enta

tion

of th

e D

FW m

ute

swan

m

anag

emen

t pla

n.

Con

trol o

f Mos

quito

es a

nd F

ores

t Pes

ts B

y A

eria

l App

licat

ion

of P

estic

ides

Wor

k w

ith th

e M

osqu

ito C

ontro

l Sec

tion

to a

sses

s an

d m

onito

r the

impa

cts

of a

eria

l app

licat

ion

on S

GC

N in

sect

s,

and

on th

e pr

ey b

ase

of S

GC

N in

sect

ivor

ous

bird

s, s

mal

l m

amm

als

and

bats

. W

ork

with

the

Mos

quito

Con

trol S

ectio

n to

ada

pt a

eria

l ap

plic

atio

n pr

actic

es fo

r con

serv

atio

n of

SG

CN

, as

nece

ssar

y.

Inva

sive

Pla

nts

See

Sec

tion

6.2.

6

Del

awar

e W

ildlif

e A

ctio

n Pl

an

6-52

Del

awar

e D

ivis

ion

of F

ish

and

Wild

life

9/27

/200

6

Tida

l Low

Mar

shes

Is

sue

Cat

egor

y Sp

ecifi

c Is

sue

Spec

ific

Act

ion

Con

trol o

f Inv

asiv

e P

lant

s S

ee S

ectio

n 6.

2.6

Clim

ate

Cha

nge

Sea

Lev

el R

ise

See

Sec

tion

6.2.

7

Rec

reat

iona

l Act

iviti

es

Rec

reat

iona

l Use

on

Foot

and

with

Boa

ts,

Per

sona

l Wat

ercr

aft a

nd O

ff-R

oad

Veh

icle

s S

ee S

ectio

n 0

Airp

ort O

pera

tions

O

verfl

ight

sC

ontin

ue/e

xpan

d st

udie

s of

dis

turb

ance

of S

GC

N fr

om

over

fligh

ts, a

nd w

ork

with

Dov

er A

ir Fo

rce

Bas

e to

miti

gate

di

stur

banc

e.

Wild

life

Har

vest

ing

Inap

prop

riate

Hun

ting

and

Fish

ing

Stre

ngth

en e

nfor

cem

ent o

f exi

stin

g hu

ntin

g an

d tra

ppin

g re

gula

tions

. In

tegr

ate

SG

CN

con

serv

atio

n in

to h

untin

g an

d tra

ppin

g re

gula

tions

. In

corp

orat

e in

form

atio

n ab

out S

GC

N c

onse

rvat

ion

into

the

Hun

ting

and

Trap

ping

Gui

de.

Mai

ntai

n co

mpl

ianc

e w

ith fe

dera

l reg

ulat

ions

.

Res

ourc

e M

anag

emen

t H

abita

t/Wild

life

Man

agem

ent

See

Sec

tion

0

6.1.

16.

Non

-tida

l Coa

stal

Pla

in S

trea

ms

Des

crip

tion

Thes

e ar

e th

e up

per r

each

es o

f stre

ams t

hat o

rigin

ate

in th

e C

oast

al P

lain

. M

ost d

rain

to th

e D

elaw

are

Riv

er o

r Bay

, but

som

e he

adw

est t

owar

ds th

e C

hesa

peak

e B

ay.

Gen

eral

ly, s

tream

gra

dien

ts a

re lo

w, c

urre

nt v

eloc

ity is

slow

and

subs

trate

con

sist

s of s

and

and

silt.

Man

y of

thes

e st

ream

s hav

e be

en d

itche

d in

ord

er to

low

er w

ater

tabl

es in

adj

acen

t are

as fo

r agr

icul

ture

.

Del

awar

e W

ildlif

e A

ctio

n Pl

an

9/27

/200

6D

elaw

are

Div

isio

n of

Fis

h an

d W

ildlif

e 6-

53

Vita

l Sta

tistic

s N

on-ti

dal C

oast

al P

lain

Str

eam

s A

ttrib

ute

Tota

l Pr

otec

ted

HC

C* A

crea

ge

8,91

5 77

8 (9

%)

HC

C O

ccur

renc

es

362

90 (2

5%)

Kno

wn

SGC

N S

peci

es /

Occ

urre

nces

in H

CC

12 /

12

4 / 4

(100

% /

100%

)

SGC

N S

peci

es a

ssoc

iate

d w

ith h

abita

t***

54

*HC

C =

Hab

itats

of C

onse

rvat

ion

Con

cern

.

Pres

ent C

ondi

tion

Poor

. Th

e co

nditi

on o

f non

-tida

l Coa

stal

Pla

in st

ream

s is b

elie

ved

to m

irror

the

over

all c

ondi

tion

of st

ream

s in

the

stat

e as

des

crib

ed

in D

NR

EC’s

bi-a

nnua

l wat

er q

ualit

y as

sess

men

t rep

orts

to E

PA.

Thes

e re

ports

show

sign

ifica

nt im

prov

emen

ts in

wat

er q

ualit

y fr

omth

e la

te-1

970s

to th

e m

id-1

990s

as a

resu

lt of

con

trol o

f poi

nt so

urce

pol

lutio

n di

scha

rges

. H

owev

er, i

n th

e la

st d

ecad

e w

ater

qua

lity

has d

ecre

ased

slig

htly

, and

as o

f 200

4, 6

5% o

f sta

te st

ream

s stil

l did

not

fully

mee

t crit

eria

for f

ish

and

wild

life

habi

tat.

Mos

t cur

rent

pr

oble

ms s

tem

from

non

-poi

nt so

urce

pol

lutio

n su

ch a

s nut

rient

s fro

m a

gric

ultu

ral f

ield

s and

sept

ic sy

stem

s; h

ydro

carb

on p

ollu

tant

s fr

om st

reet

s and

par

king

lots

; and

sedi

men

t fro

m la

nd th

at h

as b

een

clea

red

for d

evel

opm

ent.

The

hyd

rolo

gy o

f man

y st

ream

s has

als

o be

en im

pact

ed b

y th

e in

crea

se in

impe

rvio

us su

rfac

es th

at a

ccom

pani

es re

side

ntia

l and

com

mer

cial

dev

elop

men

t, su

ch th

at b

ase

flow

sha

ve d

ecre

ased

and

stor

m fl

ows h

ave

incr

ease

d. R

ecen

t sur

veys

of f

ish

and

mus

sel c

omm

uniti

es in

non

-tida

l stre

ams p

rovi

de fu

rther

indi

catio

n of

the

cond

ition

of t

hese

hab

itats

– sp

ecie

s abu

ndan

ce w

as sk

ewed

tow

ard

type

s tha

t are

mor

e to

lera

nt o

f deg

rade

d ha

bita

t.

Alth

ough

wat

er q

ualit

y is

sues

are

bei

ng a

ctiv

ely

addr

esse

d, th

e tre

men

dous

rate

of l

and

deve

lopm

ent i

n D

elaw

are

will

mak

e lo

ng te

rm

impr

ovem

ents

in st

ream

hab

itat c

ondi

tion

diff

icul

t to

obta

in.

Hab

itats

of C

onse

rvat

ion

Con

cern

N

one

desc

ribed

at t

his t

ime.

Ass

ocia

ted

Spec

ies

of G

reat

est C

onse

rvat

ion

Nee

d

Non

-tida

l Coa

stal

Pla

in S

trea

ms

Tier

Cla

ssSc

ient

ific

Nam

eC

omm

on N

ame

1B

ival

ves

Ala

smid

onta

het

erod

ondw

arf w

edge

mus

sel

Ala

smid

onta

und

ulat

atri

angl

e flo

ater

Lam

psili

s ca

riosa

yello

w la

mpm

usse

l

Del

awar

e W

ildlif

e A

ctio

n Pl

an

6-54

Del

awar

e D

ivis

ion

of F

ish

and

Wild

life

9/27

/200

6

Non

-tida

l Coa

stal

Pla

in S

trea

ms

Tier

Cla

ssSc

ient

ific

Nam

eC

omm

on N

ame

Lam

psili

s ra

diat

aE

aste

rn la

mpm

usse

lLe

ptod

ea o

chra

cea

tidew

ater

muc

ket

Ligu

mia

nas

uta

Eas

tern

pon

dmus

sel

Inse

cts

Gom

phus

frat

ernu

sm

idla

nd c

lubt

ail

Fish

es

Cot

tus

caer

uleo

men

tum

Blu

erid

ge s

culp

inA

cipe

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bre

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stru

m

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on

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pens

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tlant

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turg

eon

Not

ropi

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frena

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brid

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tom

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orth

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orse

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impl

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phus

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cru

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cos

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st

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win

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eloc

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drag

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n Pl

an

9/27

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elaw

are

Div

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h an

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e 6-

55

Non

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l Coa

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on N

ame

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atoc

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ald

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ithem

is o

rnat

afa

ded

penn

ant

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llagm

a du

bium

bu

rgun

dy b

luet

E

nalla

gma

duru

m

big

blue

t E

nalla

gma

palli

dum

pa

le b

luet

E

nalla

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wee

wa

blac

kwat

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luet

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ehal

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outh

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lest

es g

rand

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prea

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pes

unic

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club

tail

Fish

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petra

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rook

lam

prey

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petra

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bro

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mpr

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stra

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theo

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Rep

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Reg

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Bird

s A

nas

plat

yrhy

ncho

s m

alla

rdLo

phod

ytes

cuc

ulla

tus

hood

ed m

erga

nser

Del

awar

e W

ildlif

e A

ctio

n Pl

an

6-56

Del

awar

e D

ivis

ion

of F

ish

and

Wild

life

9/27

/200

6

Con

serv

atio

n Is

sues

and

Act

ions

N

on-ti

dal C

oast

al P

lain

Str

eam

s Is

sue

Cat

egor

y Sp

ecifi

c Is

sue

Spec

ific

Act

ion

Res

iden

tial a

nd C

omm

erci

al

Dev

elop

men

t Pra

ctic

es

Alte

red

Hyd

rolo

gy

See

Sec

tion

6.2.

2N

utrie

nts

and

Sed

imen

ts

See

Sec

tion

6.2.

2P

estic

ides

See

Sec

tion

6.2.

2

Agr

icul

tura

l and

For

estry

O

pera

tions

Ditc

hing

and

Dra

inin

g W

ork

with

the

Div

isio

n of

Soi

l and

Wat

er C

onse

rvat

ion

to

prov

ide

ince

ntiv

es fo

r tax

ditc

h as

soci

atio

ns to

impl

emen

t B

MP

s th

at m

inim

ize

impa

cts

to k

ey h

abita

ts.

Alte

red

Hyd

rolo

gy

See

Sec

tion

6.2.

3N

utrie

nts

and

Sed

imen

ts

See

Sec

tion

6.2.

3P

estic

ides

See

Sec

tion

6.2.

3

Sho

relin

e P

rote

ctio

n P

ract

ices

A

rtific

ial S

hore

line

Har

deni

ng

Pro

vide

ince

ntiv

es fo

r priv

ate

land

owne

rs to

rest

ore

stre

am

bank

s, in

pla

ce o

f ins

tallin

g bu

lkhe

ads

and

reve

tmen

ts, t

o m

inim

ize

impa

cts

to k

ey h

abita

ts.

Indu

stria

l Dev

elop

men

t and

O

pera

tions

Air

Pol

lutio

n S

ee S

ectio

n 6.

2.4

Acc

iden

tal S

pills

of T

oxin

s an

d S

ewag

e S

ee S

ectio

n 6.

2.4

Chr

onic

Wat

er P

ollu

tion

See

Sec

tion

6.2.

4

Impi

ngem

ent /

Ent

rapm

ent /

Ent

rain

men

t at

Wat

er In

take

s

Wor

k w

ith u

tiliti

es a

nd in

dust

ry to

ass

ess

impa

cts

to S

GC

N

from

impi

ngem

ent /

ent

rapm

ent /

ent

rain

men

t, an

d ad

apt t

he

desi

gn a

nd o

pera

tion

of w

ater

inta

kes

as n

eces

sary

for

SGC

N c

onse

rvat

ion.

S

edim

ents

from

San

d an

d G

rave

l Qua

rryin

g S

ee S

ectio

n 6.

2.4

Tran

spor

tatio

n an

d U

tility

O

pera

tions

and

Mai

nten

ance

Tran

spor

tatio

n In

frast

ruct

ure

See

Sec

tion

6.2.

1A

ltere

d H

ydro

logy

S

ee S

ectio

n 0

Roa

d S

alt

Wor

k w

ith th

e D

elaw

are

Dep

artm

ent o

f Tra

nspo

rtatio

n to

as

sess

and

mon

itor i

mpa

cts

to S

GC

N fr

om ro

ad s

alt,

adap

t sa

lt ap

plic

atio

n pr

actic

es a

s pr

actic

able

for S

GC

N

cons

erva

tion,

and

eva

luat

e al

tern

ativ

es to

sal

t use

as

nece

ssar

y.

Del

awar

e W

ildlif

e A

ctio

n Pl

an

9/27

/200

6D

elaw

are

Div

isio

n of

Fis

h an

d W

ildlif

e 6-

57

Non

-tida

l Coa

stal

Pla

in S

trea

ms

Issu

e C

ateg

ory

Spec

ific

Issu

e Sp

ecifi

c A

ctio

n

Com

mer

cial

Shi

ps a

nd B

oats

Ass

ess

impa

cts

to S

GC

N fr

om c

ollis

ions

and

use

this

as

sess

men

t and

long

-term

mon

itorin

g to

gui

de a

dapt

ive

man

agem

ent,

educ

atio

n, o

utre

ach

and

enfo

rcem

ent e

fforts

as

nec

essa

ry.

Wor

k w

ith th

e sh

ippi

ng a

nd c

omm

erci

al fi

shin

g in

dust

ries

to

deve

lop

educ

atio

n an

d ou

treac

h fo

r boa

t ope

rato

rs a

bout

m

inim

izin

g im

pact

s to

key

hab

itats

and

SG

CN

. P

ost a

nd e

nfor

ce “n

o w

ake”

zon

es to

pro

tect

key

hab

itats

and

S

GC

N.

Cha

nnel

Dre

dgin

g W

ork

with

the

Div

isio

n of

Wat

er R

esou

rces

and

US

Arm

y C

orps

of E

ngin

eers

to in

tegr

ate

key

habi

tat a

nd S

GC

N

cons

erva

tion

into

dre

dgin

g pl

ans.

Inva

sive

Spe

cies

, Nui

sanc

e A

nim

als

and

Wild

life

Dis

ease

s

Sno

w G

oose

and

Res

iden

t Can

ada

Goo

se

Incr

ease

goo

se h

arve

st o

n st

ate

land

s as

nec

essa

ry to

re

duce

impa

cts

to k

ey h

abita

ts.

Enc

oura

ge fe

dera

l and

NG

O c

onse

rvat

ion

land

man

ager

s to

in

crea

se g

oose

har

vest

as

nece

ssar

y to

redu

ce im

pact

s to

ke

y ha

bita

ts.

Dev

elop

edu

catio

n an

d ou

treac

h en

cour

agin

g la

ndow

ners

to

incr

ease

goo

se h

arve

st o

n pr

ivat

e la

nds

as n

eces

sary

to

redu

ce im

pact

s to

key

hab

itats

.

Asi

atic

Cla

m

Ass

ess

the

impa

cts

of c

lam

s on

SG

CN

and

use

this

as

sess

men

t and

long

-term

mon

itorin

g to

gui

de a

dapt

ive

man

agem

ent,

educ

atio

n an

d ou

treac

h ef

forts

as

nece

ssar

y.

Dev

elop

edu

catio

n an

d ou

treac

h fo

r boa

ters

, lik

e th

e “S

top

Aqu

atic

Hitc

hhik

ers”

cam

paig

n of

the

Aqu

atic

Nui

sanc

e S

peci

es T

ask

Forc

e, to

min

imiz

e th

e sp

read

of c

lam

s.

Inva

sive

Pla

nts

See

Sec

tion

6.2.

6

Wat

er U

se

Dam

s

Wor

k w

ith u

tiliti

es to

ass

ess

the

impa

cts

of d

ams

and

othe

r ba

rrier

s on

frag

men

tatio

n of

key

hab

itats

, and

use

this

as

sess

men

t and

long

-term

mon

itorin

g to

gui

de a

dapt

ive

man

agem

ent,

incl

udin

g ba

rrier

rem

oval

and

inst

alla

tion

of

pass

age

stru

ctur

es a

s ne

cess

ary.

Del

awar

e W

ildlif

e A

ctio

n Pl

an

6-58

Del

awar

e D

ivis

ion

of F

ish

and

Wild

life

9/27

/200

6

Non

-tida

l Coa

stal

Pla

in S

trea

ms

Issu

e C

ateg

ory

Spec

ific

Issu

e Sp

ecifi

c A

ctio

n

Dam

Ope

ratio

ns

Wor

k w

ith th

e D

ivis

ion

of W

ater

Res

ourc

es a

nd w

ater

util

ities

to

eva

luat

e th

e ap

plic

atio

n of

“eco

logi

cally

sus

tain

able

wat

er

man

agem

ent”

prac

tices

to d

am o

pera

tions

to m

inim

ize

impa

cts

to k

ey h

abita

ts a

nd S

GC

N.

Dam

Rem

oval

Ass

ess

the

impa

cts

of d

am re

mov

al o

n ke

y ha

bita

ts a

nd

SG

CN

, and

use

this

ass

essm

ent a

nd lo

ng-te

rm m

onito

ring

to

guid

e ad

aptiv

e m

anag

emen

t, in

clud

ing

cont

rol o

f sed

imen

ts

and

asso

ciat

ed to

xins

as

nece

ssar

y.

Gro

undw

ater

With

draw

als

Wor

k w

ith th

e D

ivis

ion

of W

ater

Res

ourc

es to

inte

grat

e ke

y ha

bita

t and

SG

CN

con

serv

atio

n in

to lo

ng-ra

nge

wat

er s

uppl

y pl

anni

ng.

Wor

k w

ith th

e D

ivis

ion

of W

ater

Res

ourc

es to

inte

grat

e ke

y ha

bita

t con

serv

atio

n in

to p

rote

ctio

n of

“exc

elle

nt g

roun

dwat

er

rech

arge

are

as.”

Sur

face

Wat

er W

ithdr

awal

s

Wor

k w

ith th

e D

ivis

ion

of W

ater

Res

ourc

es to

inte

grat

e ke

y ha

bita

t and

SG

CN

con

serv

atio

n in

to s

tate

wat

er q

ualit

y st

anda

rds

for l

ow fl

ows.

W

ork

with

the

Div

isio

n of

Wat

er R

esou

rces

to in

tegr

ate

key

habi

tat a

nd S

GC

N c

onse

rvat

ion

into

long

-rang

e w

ater

sup

ply

plan

ning

.

Rec

reat

iona

l Act

iviti

es

Rec

reat

iona

l Use

on

Foot

and

with

Boa

ts,

Per

sona

l Wat

ercr

aft a

nd O

ff-R

oad

Veh

icle

s S

ee S

ectio

n 0

Wild

life

Har

vest

ing

Inap

prop

riate

Hun

ting

and

Fish

ing

Stre

ngth

en e

nfor

cem

ent o

f exi

stin

g re

crea

tiona

l and

co

mm

erci

al fi

shin

g re

gula

tions

. In

tegr

ate

SG

CN

con

serv

atio

n in

to fi

shin

g re

gula

tions

. In

corp

orat

e in

form

atio

n ab

out S

GC

N c

onse

rvat

ion

into

the

Fish

ing

Gui

de.

Mai

ntai

n co

mpl

ianc

e w

ith in

ters

tate

man

agem

ent

agre

emen

ts.

Res

ourc

e M

anag

emen

t H

abita

t/Wild

life

Man

agem

ent

See

Sec

tion

0

Del

awar

e W

ildlif

e A

ctio

n Pl

an

9/27

/200

6D

elaw

are

Div

isio

n of

Fis

h an

d W

ildlif

e 6-

59

6.1.

17.

Nea

rsho

re H

abita

ts

Des

crip

tion

Nea

rsho

re h

abita

ts c

onsi

st o

f ope

n w

ater

and

ben

thic

feat

ures

in th

e D

elaw

are

Bay

, the

Inla

nd B

ays,

and

the

Atla

ntic

Oce

an o

ut to

a

dist

ance

of t

hree

mile

s fro

m th

e co

ast.

Tho

ugh

the

typi

cal n

ears

hore

hab

itat i

s a ra

ther

feat

urel

ess a

rea

of sa

nd a

nd m

ud, t

here

are

als

o m

any

smal

ler a

reas

of d

iver

se n

ears

hore

mar

ine

habi

tats

such

as o

yste

r bed

s, Sa

bella

ria

(tube

wor

m) r

eefs

, sul

fur s

pong

e re

efs,

mus

sel

beds

, sho

al a

nd fl

at a

reas

, and

arti

ficia

l ree

fs.

The

shel

l hab

itat t

hat o

yste

r bed

s pro

vide

is b

eing

aug

men

ted

and

expa

nded

thro

ugh

the

plac

emen

t of s

urf c

lam

shel

l. A

s one

of t

he e

stua

ry’s

mos

t com

mon

inve

rtebr

ates

, the

tube

s cre

ated

by

Sabe

llari

a pr

ovid

e im

porta

nt

reef

hab

itat i

n th

e ba

y.Sa

bella

ria

beds

are

cur

rent

ly b

eing

iden

tifie

d an

d de

linea

ted

in th

e D

elaw

are

Estu

ary.

Lar

ge a

reas

of s

ulfu

r sp

onge

in th

e lo

wer

bay

pro

vide

an

impo

rtant

hab

itat f

or n

umer

ous s

peci

es.

Blu

e m

usse

l bed

s als

o pr

ovid

e va

luab

le n

ears

hore

hab

itat,

thou

gh th

ey te

nd to

be

ephe

mer

al in

the

estu

ary

and

are

prob

ably

lim

ited

by h

igh

sum

mer

wat

er te

mpe

ratu

res.

San

d/m

ud sh

oal a

reas

are

com

mon

in th

e es

tuar

y. A

rtific

ial r

eefs

, prim

arily

in th

e fo

rm o

f con

cret

e st

ruct

ures

, hav

e be

com

e a

prom

inen

t nea

rsho

re h

abita

t in

rece

nt y

ears

. Cur

rent

ly, e

ight

site

s in

the

estu

ary

have

bee

n ap

prov

ed fo

r the

pla

cem

ent o

f arti

ficia

l ree

f mat

eria

ls w

hich

are

clo

sely

m

onito

red.

B

ecau

se n

ears

hore

hab

itat c

lass

ifica

tion

is p

oorly

def

ined

, the

se h

abita

ts h

ave

not b

een

map

ped.

Vita

l Sta

tistic

s N

ears

hore

Hab

itats

A

ttrib

ute

Tota

l Pr

otec

ted

HC

C* A

crea

ge

not m

appe

d no

t map

ped

HC

C O

ccur

renc

es

not m

appe

d no

t map

ped

Kno

wn

SGC

N S

peci

es /

Occ

urre

nces

in H

CC

not m

appe

d

not m

appe

d

SGC

N S

peci

es a

ssoc

iate

d w

ith H

CC

35

*HC

C =

Hab

itats

of C

onse

rvat

ion

Con

cern

.

Pres

ent C

ondi

tion

Fair

– G

ood.

Gen

eral

ly, n

ears

hore

hab

itat i

n th

e D

elaw

are

Estu

ary

has e

xper

ienc

ed a

n im

prov

emen

t sin

ce th

e 19

30’s

and

40’

s whe

n po

llutio

n bl

ocks

deg

rade

d ha

bita

t, pa

rticu

larly

in th

e up

per e

stua

ry.

Oys

ter b

eds s

erve

as a

n im

porta

nt h

abita

t typ

e w

hich

suff

ered

a

dras

tic d

eclin

e in

the

1950

’s d

ue to

ove

rfis

hing

and

dis

ease

(MSX

). T

he c

urre

nt st

atus

of t

he o

yste

r pop

ulat

ion

is lo

w b

ut re

lativ

ely

stab

le a

nd is

suff

icie

nt to

supp

ort a

lim

ited

com

mer

cial

fish

ery.

T

houg

h se

vera

l are

as in

the

estu

ary

wer

e pr

evio

usly

iden

tifie

d as

im

porta

nt fo

r Sab

ella

ria

and

asso

ciat

ed w

ildlif

e, o

nly

min

imal

pro

tect

ion

has b

een

offe

red

(e.g

. lim

iting

suct

ion

dred

ging

for b

each

no

uris

hmen

t pro

ject

s) a

nd li

ttle

info

rmat

ion

is a

vaila

ble

on th

eir l

ong-

term

abu

ndan

ce/d

istri

butio

n. W

here

as a

reas

of h

eavy

Sab

ella

ria

conc

entra

tions

tend

to b

e av

oide

d by

the

com

mer

cial

dre

dge

fishe

ries,

sulfu

r spo

nge

beds

are

som

etim

es ta

rget

ed b

y th

e co

mm

erci

al

Del

awar

e W

ildlif

e A

ctio

n Pl

an

6-60

Del

awar

e D

ivis

ion

of F

ish

and

Wild

life

9/27

/200

6

blue

cra

b dr

edge

fish

ery,

whi

ch m

ay p

ose

a th

reat

to th

is h

abita

t. S

and/

mud

shoa

ls a

re d

istu

rbed

by

scal

lop

and

toot

hbar

dre

dge

activ

ity a

ssoc

iate

d w

ith th

e co

mm

erci

al fi

sher

ies.

The

ext

ent o

f the

impa

ct is

not

wel

l kno

wn,

but

it h

as b

een

sugg

este

d th

at

dist

urba

nce

is sp

atia

lly p

atch

y. T

hrea

teni

ng a

ll of

thes

e ha

bita

ts is

the

fact

that

the

estu

ary

is o

ne o

f the

nat

ion’

s lar

gest

pet

roch

emic

al

cent

ers,

and

spill

s are

an

ever

-pre

sent

dan

ger.

In a

dditi

on, i

nvas

ive

spec

ies a

re a

con

tinue

d co

ncer

n.

Hab

itats

of C

onse

rvat

ion

Con

cern

O

pen

Wat

er

Oys

ter R

eef

Tube

wor

m R

eef

Cla

m B

ed

Mus

sel B

ed

Sand

Bar

/San

d Fl

at

Ass

ocia

ted

Spec

ies

of G

reat

est C

onse

rvat

ion

Nee

d N

ears

hore

Hab

itats

Ti

erC

lass

Scie

ntifi

c N

ame

Com

mon

Nam

e

1

Cru

stac

eans

Cal

linec

tes

sapi

dus

blue

cra

b

Ara

chni

dsLi

mul

us p

olyp

hem

usho

rses

hoe

crab

Fish

esP

ristis

pec

tinat

asm

allto

oth

saw

fish

Aci

pens

er b

revi

rost

rum

sh

ortn

ose

stur

geon

A

cipe

nser

oxy

rinch

us

Atla

ntic

stu

rgeo

n

Rep

tiles

Car

etta

car

etta

logg

erhe

ad s

ea tu

rtle

Che

loni

a m

ydas

Atla

ntic

gre

en tu

rtle

Lepi

doch

elys

kem

pii

Kem

p's

Rid

ley

sea

turtl

e

Bird

s B

rant

a ca

nade

nsis

C

anad

a go

ose

(mig

rato

ry)

Pan

dion

hal

iaet

usos

prey

Mam

mal

s

Pho

coen

a ph

ocoe

na

harb

or p

orpo

ise

Bal

aeno

pter

a ph

ysal

us

fin w

hale

M

egap

tera

nov

aean

glia

e hu

mpb

ack

wha

le

Bal

aena

gla

cial

is

Nor

ther

n rig

ht w

hale

2Fi

shes

C

etor

hinu

s m

axim

us

bask

ing

shar

k

Del

awar

e W

ildlif

e A

ctio

n Pl

an

9/27

/200

6D

elaw

are

Div

isio

n of

Fis

h an

d W

ildlif

e 6-

61

Nea

rsho

re H

abita

ts

Tier

Cla

ssSc

ient

ific

Nam

eC

omm

on N

ame

Car

char

odon

car

char

ias

whi

te s

hark

C

arch

arhi

nus

obsc

urus

dusk

y sh

ark

Squ

atin

a du

mer

ilA

tlant

ic a

ngel

sha

rkA

losa

med

iocr

ishi

ckor

y sh

adA

pelte

s qu

adra

cus

four

spin

e st

ickl

ebac

k

Rep

tiles

Ere

tmoc

hely

s im

bric

ata

imbr

icat

aha

wks

bill

Bird

s

Pel

ecan

us o

ccid

enta

lis

brow

n pe

lican

P

hala

croc

orax

car

bo

grea

t cor

mor

ant

Pha

lacr

ocor

ax a

uritu

sdo

uble

-cre

sted

cor

mor

ant

Cyg

nus

colu

mbi

anus

tu

ndra

sw

an

Bra

nta

bern

icla

bran

tA

ythy

a va

lisin

eria

canv

asba

ckA

ythy

a am

eric

ana

redh

ead

Ayt

hya

mar

ilagr

eate

r sca

upA

ythy

a af

finis

less

er s

caup

Cla

ngul

a hy

emal

isol

dsqu

awM

elan

itta

nigr

abl

ack

scot

erM

elan

itta

pers

pici

llata

surf

scot

erM

elan

itta

fusc

aw

hite

-win

ged

scot

erB

ucep

hala

alb

eola

buffl

ehea

d

Con

serv

atio

n Is

sues

and

Act

ions

N

ears

hore

Hab

itats

Is

sue

Cat

egor

y Sp

ecifi

c Is

sue

Spec

ific

Act

ion

Res

iden

tial a

nd C

omm

erci

al

Dev

elop

men

t Pra

ctic

es

Nut

rient

s an

d S

edim

ents

S

ee S

ectio

n 6.

2.2

Pes

ticid

esS

ee S

ectio

n 6.

2.2

Agr

icul

tura

l and

For

estry

O

pera

tions

N

utrie

nts

and

Sed

imen

ts

See

Sec

tion

6.2.

3P

estic

ides

See

Sec

tion

6.2.

3

Del

awar

e W

ildlif

e A

ctio

n Pl

an

6-62

Del

awar

e D

ivis

ion

of F

ish

and

Wild

life

9/27

/200

6

Nea

rsho

re H

abita

ts

Issu

e C

ateg

ory

Spec

ific

Issu

e Sp

ecifi

c A

ctio

n

Sho

relin

e P

rote

ctio

n P

ract

ices

B

each

Ren

ouris

hmen

t W

ork

with

the

Div

isio

n of

Soi

l and

Wat

er C

onse

rvat

ion

to

inte

grat

e ke

y ha

bita

t and

SG

CN

con

serv

atio

n in

to s

elec

tion

of n

ears

hore

bor

row

are

as.

Indu

stria

l Dev

elop

men

t and

O

pera

tions

Air

Pol

lutio

n S

ee S

ectio

n 6.

2.4

Acc

iden

tal S

pills

of T

oxin

s an

d S

ewag

e S

ee S

ectio

n 6.

2.4

Chr

onic

Wat

er P

ollu

tion

See

Sec

tion

6.2.

4

Impi

ngem

ent/E

ntra

pmen

t/Ent

rain

men

t at

Wat

er In

take

s

Wor

k w

ith u

tiliti

es a

nd in

dust

ry to

ass

ess

impa

cts

to S

GC

N

from

impi

ngem

ent /

ent

rapm

ent /

ent

rain

men

t, an

d ad

apt t

he

desi

gn a

nd o

pera

tion

of w

ater

inta

kes

for S

GC

N

cons

erva

tion,

as

nece

ssar

y.

Sed

imen

ts fr

om S

and

and

Gra

vel Q

uarry

ing

See

Sec

tion

6.2.

4

Tran

spor

tatio

n an

d U

tility

O

pera

tions

and

Mai

nten

ance

Cha

nnel

Dre

dgin

g W

ork

with

the

Div

isio

n of

Wat

er R

esou

rces

and

the

US

Arm

y C

orps

of E

ngin

eers

to in

tegr

ate

key

habi

tat a

nd S

GC

N

cons

erva

tion

into

dre

dgin

g pl

ans.

Com

mer

cial

Shi

ps a

nd B

oats

Ass

ess

impa

cts

from

col

lisio

ns o

n S

GC

N a

nd u

se th

is

asse

ssm

ent a

nd lo

ng-te

rm m

onito

ring

to g

uide

ada

ptiv

e m

anag

emen

t, ed

ucat

ion,

out

reac

h an

d en

forc

emen

t effo

rts,

as n

eces

sary

. W

ork

with

the

ship

ping

and

com

mer

cial

fish

ing

indu

strie

s to

de

velo

p ed

ucat

ion

and

outre

ach

for b

oat o

pera

tors

abo

ut

min

imiz

ing

the

impa

cts

to k

ey h

abita

ts a

nd S

GC

N.

Pos

t “no

wak

e” z

ones

to p

rote

ct k

ey h

abita

ts a

nd S

GC

N, a

nd

enfo

rce

them

.

Inva

sive

Spe

cies

, Nui

sanc

e A

nim

als

and

Wild

life

Dis

ease

s G

reen

Cra

b an

d Ja

pane

se S

hore

Cra

b

Ass

ess

impa

cts

of c

rabs

on

key

habi

tats

and

use

this

as

sess

men

t and

long

-term

mon

itorin

g to

gui

de a

dapt

ive

man

agem

ent,

educ

atio

n, o

utre

ach

and

enfo

rcem

ent e

fforts

, as

nec

essa

ry.

Sol

id W

aste

Dis

posa

l Tr

ash

Inge

stio

n A

sses

s im

pact

s to

SG

CN

and

use

this

ass

essm

ent a

nd lo

ng-

term

mon

itorin

g to

gui

de a

dapt

ive

man

agem

ent,

educ

atio

n,

outre

ach

and

enfo

rcem

ent e

fforts

, as

nece

ssar

y.

Del

awar

e W

ildlif

e A

ctio

n Pl

an

9/27

/200

6D

elaw

are

Div

isio

n of

Fis

h an

d W

ildlif

e 6-

63

Nea

rsho

re H

abita

ts

Issu

e C

ateg

ory

Spec

ific

Issu

e Sp

ecifi

c A

ctio

n

Ene

rgy

Pro

duct

ion

Win

d Fa

rm F

acilit

ies

Wor

k w

ith e

nerg

y co

mpa

nies

to d

evel

op s

tand

ards

for t

he

loca

tion

of w

ind

farm

s to

min

imiz

e lo

ss a

nd fr

agm

enta

tion

of

key

habi

tats

.

Tida

l Tur

bine

s

Wor

k w

ith e

nerg

y co

mpa

nies

to d

evel

op s

tand

ards

for t

he

loca

tion

of ti

dal t

urbi

nes

to m

inim

ize

impa

cts

to S

GC

N.

Sup

port

rese

arch

on

impr

ovin

g th

e de

sign

of t

urbi

nes

to

min

imiz

e im

pact

s to

SG

CN

. Th

erm

al P

ollu

tion

from

Pow

er P

lant

s S

uppo

rt re

sear

ch o

n m

inim

izin

g im

pact

s to

SG

CN

.

Rec

reat

iona

l Act

iviti

es

Rec

reat

iona

l Use

on

Foot

and

with

Boa

ts,

Per

sona

l Wat

ercr

aft a

nd O

ff-R

oad

Veh

icle

s S

ee S

ectio

n 0

Wild

life

Har

vest

ing

Inap

prop

riate

Hun

ting

and

Fish

ing

Stre

ngth

en e

nfor

cem

ent o

f exi

stin

g re

crea

tiona

l and

co

mm

erci

al fi

shin

g re

gula

tions

. In

tegr

ate

SG

CN

con

serv

atio

n in

to fi

shin

g re

gula

tions

. In

corp

orat

e in

form

atio

n ab

out S

GC

N c

onse

rvat

ion

into

the

Fish

ing

Gui

de.

Mai

ntai

n co

mpl

ianc

e w

ith in

ters

tate

man

agem

ent

agre

emen

ts.

Fish

ing

Gea

r Ent

angl

emen

t

Inco

rpor

ate

info

rmat

ion

abou

t red

ucin

g th

e im

pact

s of

en

tang

lem

ent o

n S

GC

N in

to th

e Fi

shin

g G

uide

. D

evel

op e

duca

tion

and

outre

ach

abou

t red

ucin

g th

e im

pact

s of

ent

angl

emen

t on

SG

CN

for d

istri

butio

n w

ith c

omm

erci

al

fishi

ng li

cens

es.

Exp

and

effo

rts to

reco

ver a

nd re

cycl

e fis

hing

line

and

gill

net

s us

ing

Flor

ida’

s” M

onof

ilam

ent R

ecov

ery

& R

ecyc

ling

Pro

gram

” or a

sim

ilar s

trate

gy.

Eva

luat

e ex

pand

ing

Inte

rnat

iona

l Coa

stal

Cle

anup

Day

to

incl

ude

reco

very

of s

ubm

erge

d lo

st o

r aba

ndon

ed fi

shin

g ge

ar.

Fish

erie

s B

ycat

ch

Ass

ess

impa

cts

to S

GC

N a

nd u

se th

is a

sses

smen

t and

long

-te

rm m

onito

ring

to g

uide

ada

ptiv

e m

anag

emen

t, ed

ucat

ion,

ou

treac

h an

d en

forc

emen

t effo

rts, a

s ne

cess

ary.

Del

awar

e W

ildlif

e A

ctio

n Pl

an

6-64

Del

awar

e D

ivis

ion

of F

ish

and

Wild

life

9/27

/200

6

Nea

rsho

re H

abita

ts

Issu

e C

ateg

ory

Spec

ific

Issu

e Sp

ecifi

c A

ctio

n S

uppo

rt re

sear

ch o

n de

sign

ing

fishi

ng g

ear a

nd te

chni

ques

th

at m

inim

ize

impa

cts

to S

GC

N.

Com

mer

cial

Fis

herie

s D

redg

ing

Ass

ess

impa

cts

to k

ey h

abita

ts a

nd S

GC

N a

nd u

se th

is

asse

ssm

ent a

nd lo

ng-te

rm m

onito

ring

to g

uide

ada

ptiv

e m

anag

emen

t, in

clud

ing

rest

rictio

ns o

n fre

quen

cy a

nd ti

min

g,

and

the

desi

gnat

ion

of “n

o dr

edge

zon

es” i

f nec

essa

ry.

Sup

port

rese

arch

on

desi

gnin

g fis

herie

s dr

edgi

ng g

ear a

nd

tech

niqu

es th

at m

inim

ize

impa

cts

to k

ey h

abita

ts a

nd S

GC

N.

Res

ourc

e M

anag

emen

t H

abita

t/Wild

life

Man

agem

ent

See

Sec

tion

0

6.1.

18.

Impo

undm

ents

Des

crip

tion

Impo

undm

ents

are

man

-mad

e co

asta

l hab

itats

whe

re w

ater

leve

ls c

an b

e m

anip

ulat

ed b

y so

me

sort

of c

ontro

l stru

ctur

e. S

ome

are

fres

hwat

er e

nviro

nmen

ts th

at m

ay b

e gr

ound

wat

er-d

epen

dent

. M

any

are

brac

kish

and

are

con

nect

ed to

tida

l stre

ams.

Vita

l Sta

tistic

s Im

poun

dmen

tsA

ttrib

ute

Tota

l Pr

otec

ted

HC

C* A

crea

ge

6,38

5 3,

551

(56%

)

HC

C O

ccur

renc

es

61

31 (5

1%)

Kno

wn

SGC

N S

peci

es /

Occ

urre

nces

in H

CC

14 /

18

9 / 1

0 (6

4% /

56%

)

SGC

N S

peci

es a

ssoc

iate

d w

ith h

abita

t***

19

*HC

C =

Hab

itats

of C

onse

rvat

ion

Con

cern

.

Pres

ent C

ondi

tion

Goo

d. V

ery

few

new

impo

undm

ents

are

cur

rent

ly b

eing

cre

ated

, but

exi

stin

g on

es a

re m

aint

aine

d in

a re

lativ

ely

stab

le c

ondi

tion

by

activ

e m

anag

emen

t. S

ome

are

impa

cted

by

nutri

ficat

ion

and

over

brow

sing

by

gees

e an

d ot

hers

suff

er fr

om c

omm

on re

ed in

vasi

on.

Del

awar

e W

ildlif

e A

ctio

n Pl

an

9/27

/200

6D

elaw

are

Div

isio

n of

Fis

h an

d W

ildlif

e 6-

65

Pres

umab

ly, s

ea le

vel r

ise

will

not

be

an is

sue

for t

his h

abita

t, si

nce

dike

s can

be

elev

ated

and

wat

er c

ontro

l stru

ctur

es m

odifi

ed to

ac

com

mod

ate

high

er w

ater

leve

ls.

Hab

itats

of C

onse

rvat

ion

Con

cern

N

one

desc

ribed

at t

his t

ime.

Ass

ocia

ted

Spec

ies

of G

reat

est C

onse

rvat

ion

Nee

d

Impo

undm

ents

Tier

Cla

ssSc

ient

ific

Nam

eC

omm

on N

ame

1B

irds

Pod

ilym

bus

podi

ceps

pied

-bille

d gr

ebe

Bra

nta

cana

dens

isC

anad

a go

ose

(mig

rato

ry)

Ana

s ru

brip

esA

mer

ican

bla

ck d

uck

Pan

dion

hal

iaet

usos

prey

Act

itis

mac

ular

iasp

otte

d sa

ndpi

per

2B

irds

Cyg

nus

colu

mbi

anus

tund

ra s

wan

Ana

s pl

atyr

hync

hos

mal

lard

Ana

s cl

ypea

taN

orth

ern

shov

eler

Ayt

hya

valis

iner

iaca

nvas

back

Ayt

hya

mar

ilagr

eate

r sca

upA

ythy

a af

finis

less

er s

caup

Buc

epha

la a

lbeo

labu

ffleh

ead

Loph

odyt

es c

ucul

latu

sho

oded

mer

gans

erFu

lica

amer

ican

aA

mer

ican

coo

tP

luvi

alis

squ

atar

ola

blac

k-be

llied

plov

erH

iman

topu

s m

exic

anus

blac

k-ne

cked

stil

tC

atop

troph

orus

sem

ipal

mat

usw

illet

Cal

idris

pus

illase

mip

alm

ated

san

dpip

erC

alid

ris a

lpin

adu

nlin

Del

awar

e W

ildlif

e A

ctio

n Pl

an

6-66

Del

awar

e D

ivis

ion

of F

ish

and

Wild

life

9/27

/200

6

Con

serv

atio

n Is

sues

and

Act

ions

Im

poun

dmen

tsIs

sue

Cat

egor

y Sp

ecifi

c Is

sue

Spec

ific

Act

ion

Res

iden

tial a

nd C

omm

erci

al

Dev

elop

men

t Pra

ctic

es

Alte

red

Hyd

rolo

gy

See

Sec

tion

6.2.

2N

utrie

nts

and

Sed

imen

ts

See

Sec

tion

6.2.

2P

estic

ides

See

Sec

tion

6.2.

2

Agr

icul

tura

l and

For

estry

O

pera

tions

Alte

red

Hyd

rolo

gy

See

Sec

tion

6.2.

3N

utrie

nts

and

Sed

imen

ts

See

Sec

tion

6.2.

3P

estic

ides

See

Sec

tion

6.2.

3

Tran

spor

tatio

n an

d U

tility

O

pera

tions

and

Mai

nten

ance

Tr

ansp

orta

tion

Infra

stru

ctur

e S

ee S

ectio

n 6.

2.1

Alte

red

Hyd

rolo

gy

See

Sec

tion

0

Inva

sive

Spe

cies

, Nui

sanc

e A

nim

als

and

Wild

life

Dis

ease

s

Sno

w G

oose

and

Res

iden

t Can

ada

Goo

se

Incr

ease

goo

se h

arve

st o

n st

ate

land

s as

nec

essa

ry to

re

duce

impa

cts

to k

ey h

abita

ts.

Enc

oura

ge fe

dera

l and

NG

O c

onse

rvat

ion

land

man

ager

s to

in

crea

se g

oose

har

vest

as

nece

ssar

y to

redu

ce im

pact

s to

ke

y ha

bita

ts.

Dev

elop

edu

catio

n an

d ou

treac

h en

cour

agin

g la

ndow

ners

to

incr

ease

goo

se h

arve

st o

n pr

ivat

e la

nds

as n

eces

sary

to

redu

ce im

pact

s to

key

hab

itats

.

Con

trol o

f Mos

quito

es a

nd F

ores

t Pes

ts B

y A

eria

l App

licat

ion

of P

estic

ides

Wor

k w

ith th

e M

osqu

ito C

ontro

l Sec

tion

to a

sses

s an

d m

onito

r the

impa

cts

of a

eria

l app

licat

ion

on S

GC

N in

sect

s,

and

on th

e pr

ey b

ase

of S

GC

N in

sect

ivor

ous

bird

s, s

mal

l m

amm

als

and

bats

. W

ork

with

the

Mos

quito

Con

trol S

ectio

n to

ada

pt a

eria

l ap

plic

atio

n pr

actic

es fo

r con

serv

atio

n of

SG

CN

, as

nece

ssar

y.

Con

trol o

f Mos

quito

es w

ith O

pen

Mar

sh

Wat

er M

anag

emen

t and

Impo

undm

ent

Man

agem

ent

Wor

k w

ith th

e M

osqu

ito C

ontro

l Sec

tion

to e

valu

ate

the

impa

cts

of im

poun

dmen

t man

agem

ent o

n ke

y ha

bita

ts.

Wor

k w

ith th

e M

osqu

ito C

ontro

l Sec

tion

to a

dapt

im

poun

dmen

t man

agem

ent f

or c

onse

rvat

ion

of k

ey h

abita

ts,

as n

eces

sary

. In

vasi

ve P

lant

s S

ee S

ectio

n 6.

2.6

Con

trol o

f Inv

asiv

e P

lant

s S

ee S

ectio

n 6.

2.6

Del

awar

e W

ildlif

e A

ctio

n Pl

an

9/27

/200

6D

elaw

are

Div

isio

n of

Fis

h an

d W

ildlif

e 6-

67

Impo

undm

ents

Issu

e C

ateg

ory

Spec

ific

Issu

e Sp

ecifi

c A

ctio

n

Wat

er U

se

Gro

undw

ater

With

draw

als

Wor

k w

ith th

e D

ivis

ion

of W

ater

Res

ourc

es to

inte

grat

e ke

y ha

bita

t con

serv

atio

n in

to lo

ng-ra

nge

wat

er s

uppl

y pl

anni

ng.

Wor

k w

ith th

e D

ivis

ion

of W

ater

Res

ourc

es to

inte

grat

e ke

y ha

bita

t con

serv

atio

n in

to p

rote

ctio

n of

“exc

elle

nt g

roun

dwat

er

rech

arge

are

as.”

Clim

ate

Cha

nge

Sea

Lev

el R

ise

See

Sec

tion

6.2.

7

Rec

reat

iona

l Act

iviti

es

Rec

reat

iona

l Use

on

Foot

and

with

Boa

ts,

Per

sona

l Wat

ercr

aft a

nd O

ff-R

oad

Veh

icle

s S

ee S

ectio

n 0

Airp

ort O

pera

tions

O

verfl

ight

sC

ontin

ue/e

xpan

d st

udie

s of

dis

turb

ance

of S

GC

N fr

om

over

fligh

ts, a

nd w

ork

with

Dov

er A

ir Fo

rce

Bas

e to

miti

gate

di

stur

banc

e.

Res

ourc

e M

anag

emen

t H

abita

t/Wild

life

Man

agem

ent

See

Sec

tion

0

6.1.

19.

Fore

st B

lock

s

Des

crip

tion

Fore

st B

lock

s may

incl

ude

upla

nd fo

rest

s and

/or w

etla

nd fo

rest

s. T

hese

con

stitu

ent h

abita

ts a

re d

escr

ibed

abo

ve, a

s are

the

rele

vant

Ass

ocia

ted

Spec

ies o

f Gre

ates

t Con

serv

atio

n N

eed

and

Con

serv

atio

n Is

sues

and

Act

ions

.A

dditi

onal

issu

es a

nd a

ctio

ns th

at p

erta

in to

Fo

rest

Blo

cks a

re in

Sec

tion

6.2.

Vita

l Sta

tistic

s Fo

rest

Blo

cks

Attr

ibut

e To

tal

Prot

ecte

d

Acr

eage

11

9,26

8 35

,058

(29%

)

Occ

urre

nces

26

3 96

(37%

)

Kno

wn

SGC

N S

peci

es /

Occ

urre

nces

96

/ 25

9 71

/ 15

8 (7

4% /

61%

)

Del

awar

e W

ildlif

e A

ctio

n Pl

an

6-68

Del

awar

e D

ivis

ion

of F

ish

and

Wild

life

9/27

/200

6

Pres

ent C

ondi

tion

Poor

. M

ost o

f Del

awar

e w

as fo

rest

ed a

t the

tim

e of

Eur

opea

n se

ttlem

ent.

The

am

ount

of f

ores

t los

s sin

ce th

en is

diff

icul

t to

dete

rmin

e w

ith m

uch

accu

racy

, but

it h

as b

een

estim

ated

at 5

0-75

% (s

ince

som

e ex

istin

g fo

rest

repr

esen

ts se

cond

gro

wth

that

has

occu

rred

on

aban

done

d fa

rmla

nd, e

spec

ially

in th

e no

rther

n pa

rt of

the

stat

e, th

e lo

ss w

as p

roba

bly

grea

ter t

han

this

at i

ts p

eak

in th

e 19

th c

entu

ry).

Mor

e re

cent

ly, c

alcu

latio

ns o

f for

est l

oss i

n th

e st

ate

rang

e fr

om 3

5,00

0 ac

res f

rom

198

4-19

92 a

nd 2

0,00

0 ac

res f

rom

1986

-199

9; in

200

5 al

one,

loss

was

est

imat

ed to

be

as h

igh

as 4

,500

acr

es.

His

toric

ally

, thi

s los

s ste

mm

ed fr

om c

onve

rsio

n to

ag

ricul

ture

, but

is n

ow m

ostly

the

resu

lt of

resi

dent

ial a

nd c

omm

erci

al d

evel

opm

ent a

nd a

ssoc

iate

d in

fras

truct

ure.

As s

triki

ng a

s the

ove

rall

loss

of f

ores

t is t

he fr

agm

enta

tion

of th

at w

hich

rem

ains

. M

appi

ng o

f tre

e co

ver i

n th

e st

ate

com

plet

ed in

20

04 d

elin

eate

d ab

out 4

,150

sepa

rate

woo

ded

patc

hes l

arge

r tha

n 10

acr

es.

The

med

ian

size

am

ong

thos

e pa

tche

s is o

nly

34 a

cres

, and

ju

st 6

% a

re la

rger

than

250

acr

es.

An

exam

inat

ion

of p

atch

“th

ickn

ess,”

whi

ch a

ccou

nts f

or si

ze a

nd sh

ape,

reve

als o

nly

a fe

w

(<0.

1%) t

hat h

ave

suff

icie

nt in

terio

r hab

itat t

o su

stai

n ar

ea-s

ensi

tive

spec

ies l

ike

ceru

lean

war

bler

, Nor

ther

n pa

rula

and

bla

ck-a

nd-

whi

te w

arbl

er fo

r the

long

term

. A

dditi

onal

ana

lysi

s ind

icat

es th

at th

e pa

tche

s are

hig

hly

isol

ated

from

eac

h ot

her,

with

less

than

10%

m

eetin

g th

e is

olat

ion

thre

shol

ds fo

r hoo

ded

war

bler

, Am

eric

an re

dsta

rt, re

d-sh

ould

ered

haw

k an

d br

own

cree

per.

Fin

ally

, cal

cula

tion

of p

erim

eter

/are

a ra

tio fo

r the

fore

st b

lock

s hig

hlig

hts t

heir

very

irre

gula

r sha

pes.

Alm

ost 9

0% h

ave

a ra

tio g

reat

er th

an th

at o

f a 1

0:1

rect

angl

e, a

con

figur

atio

n th

at p

rodu

ces m

ajor

edg

e ef

fect

s.

Rec

ent f

ield

surv

eys o

f nea

rly 1

00 C

oast

al P

lain

fore

st b

lock

s fou

nd a

bout

hal

f of t

hem

to b

e in

“G

ood”

or “

Ver

y G

ood”

con

ditio

n, b

ut

this

ratin

g w

as b

ased

on

vege

tativ

e ch

arac

teris

tics,

not o

n sp

atia

l attr

ibut

es o

r wild

life

habi

tat.

See

the

disc

ussi

on o

f Pre

sent

Con

ditio

n un

der C

oast

al P

lain

Upl

and

Fore

sts (

Sect

ion

6.1.

4) fo

r mor

e in

form

atio

n ab

out f

ores

t co

nditi

on.

6.1.

20.

Wet

land

Blo

cks

Des

crip

tion

Wet

land

Blo

cks m

ay c

onta

in n

on-ti

dal w

etla

nds,

fres

hwat

er ti

dal w

etla

nds,

and/

or sa

ltwat

er a

nd b

rack

ish

tidal

wet

land

s. T

hese

co

nstit

uent

hab

itats

are

des

crib

ed a

bove

, as a

re th

e re

leva

nt A

ssoc

iate

d Sp

ecie

s of G

reat

est C

onse

rvat

ion

Nee

d an

d C

onse

rvat

ion

Issu

es a

nd A

ctio

ns.

Add

ition

al is

sues

and

act

ions

that

per

tain

to W

etla

nd B

lock

s are

in S

ectio

n 6.

2.

Del

awar

e W

ildlif

e A

ctio

n Pl

an

9/27

/200

6D

elaw

are

Div

isio

n of

Fis

h an

d W

ildlif

e 6-

69

Vita

l Sta

tistic

s W

etla

nd B

lock

s A

ttrib

ute

Tota

l Pr

otec

ted

Acr

eage

16

8,36

8 71

,937

(43%

)

Occ

urre

nces

12

7 70

(55%

)

Kno

wn

SGC

N S

peci

es /

Occ

urre

nces

10

7 / 2

89

81 /

156

(76%

/ 54

%)

Pres

ent C

ondi

tion

Fair.

Del

awar

e is

est

imat

ed to

hav

e lo

st o

ver 5

0% o

f its

wet

land

s sin

ce th

e ar

rival

of E

urop

ean

colo

nist

s. T

he m

ajor

ity o

f the

se w

ere

fres

hwat

er w

etla

nds t

hat w

ere

lost

to d

itchi

ng, s

tream

cha

nnel

izat

ion,

con

vers

ion

to p

onds

and

filli

ng fo

r dev

elop

men

t. T

idal

wet

land

sw

ere

also

lost

to fi

lling

for d

evel

opm

ent,

shor

elin

e ha

rden

ing,

con

vers

ion

to im

poun

dmen

ts a

nd d

itchi

ng fo

r mos

quito

con

trol.

Fo

rtuna

tely

, wet

land

regu

latio

ns a

t bot

h th

e st

ate

and

fede

ral l

evel

s hav

e gr

eatly

cur

taile

d th

ese

loss

es in

the

last

seve

ral d

ecad

es –

ac

cord

ing

to th

e m

ost r

ecen

t est

imat

e, a

s litt

le a

s 10

acre

s of t

idal

wet

land

s are

now

lost

eac

h ye

ar –

alth

ough

pro

tect

ion

of is

olat

edfr

eshw

ater

wet

land

s rem

ains

insu

ffic

ient

. Pr

oble

ms r

emai

n w

ith m

ost w

etla

nds,

how

ever

, fro

m d

egra

datio

n ca

used

by

sedi

men

tatio

n,nu

trien

t enr

ichm

ent a

nd in

vasi

ve p

lant

spec

ies.

The

se p

robl

ems a

re e

xace

rbat

ed b

y in

suff

icie

nt n

atur

al b

uffe

r aro

und

man

y w

etla

ndbl

ocks

. A

lso,

the

ultim

ate

fate

of t

idal

wet

land

s, w

hich

con

stitu

te th

e gr

eat b

ulk

of w

etla

nd b

lock

s, re

mai

ns u

ncer

tain

in li

ght o

f pr

edic

ted

sea

leve

l ris

e, e

spec

ially

giv

en th

e la

ck o

f buf

fers

to a

ccom

mod

ate

mig

ratio

n. A

lthou

gh it

cou

ld n

ot b

e co

mpl

eted

in ti

me

for i

nclu

sion

in th

is p

lan,

a G

IS a

naly

sis o

f wet

land

buf

fers

shou

ld b

e pe

rfor

med

to q

uant

ify th

e ex

tent

of t

his i

ssue

.

6.2.

Con

serv

atio

n Is

sues

and

Act

ions

for M

ultip

le K

ey H

abita

ts

Cer

tain

of t

hese

issu

es a

ffec

t key

hab

itat s

truct

ure

or fu

nctio

n, w

hile

oth

ers c

ause

dire

ct m

orta

lity

or d

istu

rban

ce o

f SG

CN

. Th

ese

broa

d is

sues

, the

hab

itats

that

they

impa

ct, a

nd th

eir c

orre

spon

ding

act

ions

app

ear i

n th

e ta

bles

bel

ow.

Hab

itats

of C

onse

rvat

ion

Con

cern

are

aga

in lu

mpe

d un

der b

road

er k

ey h

abita

t typ

es fo

r the

reas

ons d

iscu

ssed

in S

ectio

n 6.

1.

Del

awar

e W

ildlif

e A

ctio

n Pl

an

6-70

Del

awar

e D

ivis

ion

of F

ish

and

Wild

life

9/27

/200

6

6.2.

1.H

abita

t Los

s an

d Fr

agm

enta

tion

Hab

itat L

oss

and

Frag

men

tatio

n K

ey H

abita

ts

Spec

ific

Issu

e Sp

ecifi

c A

ctio

n

B

each

and

Dun

e H

abita

ts

E

arly

Suc

cess

iona

l Upl

and

Hab

itats

Coa

stal

Pla

in U

plan

d Fo

rest

s

Coa

stal

Pla

in F

ores

ted

Floo

dpla

ins

and

Rip

aria

n Sw

amps

Atla

ntic

Whi

te C

edar

Non

-tida

l Wet

land

s

Coa

stal

Pla

in S

easo

nal P

onds

Inte

rdun

al W

etla

nds

P

iedm

ont S

tream

Val

ley

Wet

land

s

Pea

t Wet

land

s

Fres

hwat

er T

idal

For

este

d an

d S

crub

-S

hrub

Wet

land

s

Fres

hwat

er T

idal

Mar

shes

Tida

l Hig

h M

arsh

es

Ti

dal L

ow M

arsh

es

Fo

rest

Blo

cks

Res

iden

tial a

nd C

omm

erci

al S

truct

ures

Coo

rdin

ate

with

par

tner

s to

acq

uire

title

to, o

r ea

sem

ents

on,

site

s th

at a

re c

ritic

al to

the

cons

erva

tion

of k

ey h

abita

ts a

nd S

GC

N

with

in th

e G

reen

Infra

stru

ctur

e N

atur

al

Res

ourc

es F

ocus

Are

a, fo

r man

agem

ent b

y pu

blic

age

ncie

s or

NG

Os.

Im

prov

e fe

dera

l/sta

te/lo

cal c

oord

inat

ion

of

envi

ronm

enta

l rev

iew

to e

nsur

e th

at p

oten

tial

impa

cts

to k

ey h

abita

ts a

nd S

GC

N a

re

min

imiz

ed fo

r all

maj

or p

roje

cts.

S

uppo

rt rig

orou

s im

plem

enta

tion

of th

e S

tate

S

trate

gies

for P

olic

ies

and

Spe

ndin

g to

re

stric

t maj

or d

evel

opm

ent t

o Le

vels

1-3

. D

evel

op s

tate

pol

icie

s to

requ

ire

inco

rpor

atio

n of

Key

Wild

life

Hab

itats

into

the

Gre

en In

frast

ruct

ure

Nat

ural

Res

ourc

es

Focu

s A

rea.

See

Fig

ure

19 fo

r a c

ompa

rison

of

the

GI f

ocus

are

a w

ith k

ey h

abita

ts.

Enc

oura

ge K

ent a

nd S

usse

x co

untie

s to

ad

opt o

verla

y zo

ning

ord

inan

ces

for t

he

Gre

en In

frast

ruct

ure

Nat

ural

Res

ourc

es

Focu

s A

rea.

E

ncou

rage

all

coun

ties

to a

dopt

en

viro

nmen

tal d

esig

n st

anda

rds

for

deve

lopm

ent p

roje

cts

in o

rder

to p

rote

ct k

ey

wild

life

habi

tats

and

SG

CN

. W

ork

with

con

serv

atio

n pa

rtner

s, s

tate

and

co

unty

pla

nnin

g of

ficia

ls, a

nd d

evel

oper

s to

cr

eate

cer

tific

atio

n fo

r env

ironm

enta

lly-

frien

dly

deve

lopm

ents

, inc

ludi

ng a

n as

soci

ated

med

ia c

ampa

ign

with

aw

ards

.

Del

awar

e W

ildlif

e A

ctio

n Pl

an

9/27

/200

6D

elaw

are

Div

isio

n of

Fis

h an

d W

ildlif

e 6-

71

Hab

itat L

oss

and

Frag

men

tatio

n K

ey H

abita

ts

Spec

ific

Issu

e Sp

ecifi

c A

ctio

n W

ork

with

dev

elop

ers

to d

esig

n B

MP

s th

at

min

imiz

e im

pact

s to

key

hab

itats

and

SG

CN

by

pre

serv

ing

and

rest

orin

g bu

ffers

and

by

redu

cing

edg

e ef

fect

. E

valu

ate

mea

ns o

f pro

tect

ing

isol

ated

fre

shw

ater

wet

land

key

hab

itats

on

priv

ate

prop

erty

, inc

ludi

ng e

duca

tion

and

outre

ach,

vo

lunt

ary

guid

elin

es, i

ncen

tives

and

re

gula

tions

, as

nece

ssar

y.

Eva

luat

e m

eans

of p

rote

ctin

g fo

rest

ed k

ey

habi

tats

on

priv

ate

prop

erty

, inc

ludi

ng

educ

atio

n an

d ou

treac

h, v

olun

tary

gui

delin

es,

ince

ntiv

es a

nd re

gula

tions

, as

nece

ssar

y.

E

arly

Suc

cess

iona

l Upl

and

Hab

itats

Coa

stal

Pla

in U

plan

d Fo

rest

s

Coa

stal

Pla

in F

ores

ted

Floo

dpla

ins

and

Rip

aria

n Sw

amps

Atla

ntic

Whi

te C

edar

Non

-tida

l Wet

land

s

Coa

stal

Pla

in S

easo

nal P

onds

Fres

hwat

er T

idal

For

este

d an

d S

crub

-S

hrub

Wet

land

s

Fres

hwat

er T

idal

Mar

shes

Tida

l Hig

h M

arsh

es

Fo

rest

Blo

cks

Farm

land

Coo

rdin

ate

with

par

tner

s to

acq

uire

title

to, o

r ea

sem

ents

on,

site

s th

at a

re c

ritic

al to

the

cons

erva

tion

of k

ey h

abita

ts a

nd S

GC

N

with

in th

e G

reen

Infra

stru

ctur

e N

atur

al

Res

ourc

es F

ocus

Are

a, fo

r man

agem

ent b

y pu

blic

age

ncie

s or

NG

Os.

See

Fig

ure

19 fo

r a

com

paris

on o

f the

GI f

ocus

are

a w

ith k

ey

habi

tats

. S

uppo

rt th

e A

gric

ultu

ral L

ands

Pre

serv

atio

n P

rogr

am to

pro

tect

land

from

irre

vers

ible

co

nver

sion

to o

ther

use

s.

Wor

k w

ith th

e D

elaw

are

Dep

artm

ent o

f A

gric

ultu

re, t

he a

gric

ultu

re in

dust

ry a

nd th

e La

ndow

ner I

ncen

tives

Pro

gram

to d

evel

op

BM

Ps,

and

cor

resp

ondi

ng in

cent

ives

, tha

t m

inim

ize

impa

cts

to k

ey h

abita

ts, p

rese

rve

and

rest

ore

buffe

rs, a

nd re

duce

edg

e ef

fect

s fo

r are

a-se

nsiti

ve S

GC

N.

Del

awar

e W

ildlif

e A

ctio

n Pl

an

6-72

Del

awar

e D

ivis

ion

of F

ish

and

Wild

life

9/27

/200

6

Hab

itat L

oss

and

Frag

men

tatio

n K

ey H

abita

ts

Spec

ific

Issu

e Sp

ecifi

c A

ctio

n E

valu

ate

mea

ns o

f pro

tect

ing

isol

ated

fre

shw

ater

wet

land

key

hab

itats

on

priv

ate

prop

erty

, inc

ludi

ng e

duca

tion

and

outre

ach,

vo

lunt

ary

guid

elin

es, i

ncen

tives

and

re

gula

tions

, as

nece

ssar

y.

Eva

luat

e m

eans

of p

rote

ctin

g fo

rest

ed k

ey

habi

tats

on

priv

ate

prop

erty

, inc

ludi

ng

educ

atio

n an

d ou

treac

h, v

olun

tary

gui

delin

es,

ince

ntiv

es a

nd re

gula

tions

, as

nece

ssar

y.

E

arly

Suc

cess

iona

l Upl

and

Hab

itats

Coa

stal

Pla

in U

plan

d Fo

rest

s

Coa

stal

Pla

in F

ores

ted

Floo

dpla

ins

and

Rip

aria

n Sw

amps

Atla

ntic

Whi

te C

edar

Non

-tida

l Wet

land

s

Coa

stal

Pla

in S

easo

nal P

onds

Fres

hwat

er T

idal

For

este

d an

d S

crub

-S

hrub

Wet

land

s

Fres

hwat

er T

idal

Mar

shes

Tida

l Hig

h M

arsh

es

Fo

rest

Blo

cks

Indu

stria

l Fac

ilitie

s

Sup

port

rigor

ous

impl

emen

tatio

n of

the

Sta

te

Stra

tegi

es fo

r Pol

icie

s an

d S

pend

ing

to

rest

rict m

ajor

dev

elop

men

t to

Leve

ls 1

-3.

Eva

luat

e th

e us

e of

edu

catio

n an

d ou

treac

h,

ince

ntiv

es, p

artn

ersh

ips,

and

/or r

egul

atio

ns,

as n

eces

sary

, for

rest

orin

g ke

y ha

bita

ts a

nd

SG

CN

on

clos

ed s

and

and

grav

el q

uarr

ies.

B

each

and

Dun

e H

abita

ts

E

arly

Suc

cess

iona

l Upl

and

Hab

itats

Coa

stal

Pla

in U

plan

d Fo

rest

s

Coa

stal

Pla

in F

ores

ted

Floo

dpla

ins

and

Rip

aria

n Sw

amps

Atla

ntic

Whi

te C

edar

Non

-tida

l Wet

land

s

Coa

stal

Pla

in S

easo

nal P

onds

Tran

spor

tatio

n In

frast

ruct

ure

Wor

k w

ith th

e D

elaw

are

Dep

artm

ent o

f Tr

ansp

orta

tion

to in

tegr

ate

key

habi

tat a

nd

SG

CN

con

serv

atio

n in

to lo

ng-ra

nge

trans

porta

tion

plan

ning

. W

ork

with

the

Del

awar

e D

epar

tmen

t of

Tran

spor

tatio

n to

inte

grat

e ke

y ha

bita

t and

S

GC

N c

onse

rvat

ion

into

wet

land

and

fore

st

miti

gatio

n.

Del

awar

e W

ildlif

e A

ctio

n Pl

an

9/27

/200

6D

elaw

are

Div

isio

n of

Fis

h an

d W

ildlif

e 6-

73

Hab

itat L

oss

and

Frag

men

tatio

n K

ey H

abita

ts

Spec

ific

Issu

e Sp

ecifi

c A

ctio

n

Inte

rdun

al W

etla

nds

P

iedm

ont S

tream

Val

ley

Wet

land

s

Pea

t Wet

land

s

Riv

erin

e A

quat

ic a

nd S

ubm

erge

d V

eget

atio

n

Fres

hwat

er T

idal

For

este

d an

d S

crub

-S

hrub

Wet

land

s

Fres

hwat

er T

idal

Mar

shes

Tida

l Hig

h M

arsh

es

Ti

dal L

ow M

arsh

es

N

on-ti

dal C

oast

al P

lain

Stre

ams

Impo

undm

ents

Fore

st B

lock

s

Wet

land

Blo

cks

Wor

k w

ith th

e D

elaw

are

Dep

artm

ent o

f Tr

ansp

orta

tion

to d

evel

op B

MP

s to

inte

grat

e ke

y ha

bita

t and

SG

CN

con

serv

atio

n in

to

land

scap

ing,

mow

ing,

inva

sive

pla

nt c

ontro

l an

d ot

her r

oad

mai

nten

ance

, inc

ludi

ng

pres

ervi

ng a

nd re

stor

ing

buffe

rs a

nd re

duci

ng

edge

effe

cts.

B

each

and

Dun

e H

abita

ts

E

arly

Suc

cess

iona

l Upl

and

Hab

itats

Coa

stal

Pla

in U

plan

d Fo

rest

s

Coa

stal

Pla

in F

ores

ted

Floo

dpla

ins

and

Rip

aria

n Sw

amps

Atla

ntic

Whi

te C

edar

Non

-tida

l Wet

land

s

Fres

hwat

er T

idal

For

este

d an

d S

crub

-S

hrub

Wet

land

s

Tida

l Hig

h M

arsh

es

Ti

dal L

ow M

arsh

es

Fo

rest

Blo

cks

W

etla

nd B

lock

s

Util

ity C

orrid

ors

Wor

k w

ith u

tiliti

es a

nd s

tate

and

loca

l pl

anni

ng o

ffici

als

to in

tegr

ate

key

habi

tat a

nd

SG

CN

con

serv

atio

n in

to lo

ng-r

ange

pla

nnin

g fo

r ele

ctric

, wat

er, s

ewer

, nat

ural

gas

and

pe

trole

um li

nes.

Wor

k w

ith u

tiliti

es to

dev

elop

BM

Ps

to

inte

grat

e ke

y ha

bita

t and

SG

CN

con

serv

atio

n in

to c

orrid

or m

aint

enan

ce, i

nclu

ding

co

ntro

lling

inva

sive

spe

cies

, pre

serv

ing

and

rest

orin

g bu

ffers

and

redu

cing

edg

e ef

fect

s.

E

arly

Suc

cess

iona

l Upl

and

Hab

itats

Coa

stal

Pla

in F

ores

ted

Floo

dpla

ins

and

Rip

aria

n Sw

amps

Atla

ntic

Whi

te C

edar

Non

-tida

l Wet

land

s

Tida

l Hig

h M

arsh

es

Ti

dal L

ow M

arsh

es

N

ears

hore

Hab

itats

Dre

dge

Spo

il D

ispo

sal

Wor

k w

ith th

e D

ivis

ion

of S

oil a

nd W

ater

C

onse

rvat

ion

and

the

US

Arm

y C

orps

of

Eng

inee

rs to

inco

rpor

ate

key

habi

tat a

nd

SG

CN

con

serv

atio

n in

to s

poil

disp

osal

pla

ns.

Wor

k w

ith th

e D

ivis

ion

of S

oil a

nd W

ater

C

onse

rvat

ion

and

the

US

Arm

y C

orps

of

Eng

inee

rs to

miti

gate

con

tam

inan

t im

pact

s to

S

GC

N.

Del

awar

e W

ildlif

e A

ctio

n Pl

an

6-74

Del

awar

e D

ivis

ion

of F

ish

and

Wild

life

9/27

/200

6

Hab

itat L

oss

and

Frag

men

tatio

n K

ey H

abita

ts

Spec

ific

Issu

e Sp

ecifi

c A

ctio

n W

ork

with

the

Div

isio

n of

Soi

l and

Wat

er

Con

serv

atio

n an

d th

e U

S A

rmy

Cor

ps o

f E

ngin

eers

to id

entif

y si

tes

for u

se o

f dre

dge

spoi

ls to

cre

ate/

rest

ore

key

habi

tats

.

E

arly

Suc

cess

iona

l Upl

and

Hab

itats

Coa

stal

Pla

in U

plan

d Fo

rest

s

Coa

stal

Pla

in F

ores

ted

Floo

dpla

ins

and

Rip

aria

n Sw

amps

Atla

ntic

Whi

te C

edar

Non

-tida

l Wet

land

s

Fres

hwat

er T

idal

For

este

d an

d S

crub

-S

hrub

Wet

land

s

Fres

hwat

er T

idal

Mar

shes

Tida

l Hig

h M

arsh

es

Fo

rest

Blo

cks

Land

fill F

acilit

ies

Sup

port

rigor

ous

impl

emen

tatio

n of

the

Sta

te

Stra

tegi

es fo

r Pol

icie

s an

d S

pend

ing

to

rest

rict m

ajor

dev

elop

men

t to

Leve

ls 1

-3.

6.2.

2.R

esid

entia

l and

Com

mer

cial

Dev

elop

men

t Pra

ctic

es

Res

iden

tial a

nd C

omm

erci

al D

evel

opm

ent P

ract

ices

K

ey H

abita

ts

Spec

ific

Issu

e Sp

ecifi

c A

ctio

n

C

oast

al P

lain

For

este

d Fl

oodp

lain

s an

d R

ipar

ian

Swam

ps

A

tlant

ic W

hite

Ced

ar N

on-ti

dal W

etla

nds

C

oast

al P

lain

Sea

sona

l Pon

ds

In

terd

unal

Wet

land

s

Pie

dmon

t Stre

am V

alle

y W

etla

nds

P

eat W

etla

nds

R

iver

ine

Aqu

atic

and

Sub

mer

ged

Veg

etat

ion

N

on-ti

dal C

oast

al P

lain

Stre

ams

Im

poun

dmen

ts

Alte

red

Hyd

rolo

gy

Enc

oura

ge th

e co

untie

s to

stre

ngth

en

enfo

rcem

ent o

f sto

rmw

ater

man

agem

ent

regu

latio

ns.

Wor

k w

ith th

e D

ivis

ion

of S

oil a

nd W

ater

C

onse

rvat

ion

and

the

Trib

utar

y A

ctio

n Te

ams

to p

rom

ote

the

impl

emen

tatio

n of

BM

Ps

for

stor

mw

ater

man

agem

ent.

Wor

k w

ith th

e D

ivis

ion

of S

oil a

nd W

ater

C

onse

rvat

ion

and

the

Trib

utar

y A

ctio

n Te

ams

to e

nsur

e in

tegr

atio

n of

key

hab

itat a

nd

SG

CN

con

serv

atio

n an

d m

onito

ring

into

all

Pol

lutio

n C

ontro

l Stra

tegi

es.

Del

awar

e W

ildlif

e A

ctio

n Pl

an

9/27

/200

6D

elaw

are

Div

isio

n of

Fis

h an

d W

ildlif

e 6-

75

Res

iden

tial a

nd C

omm

erci

al D

evel

opm

ent P

ract

ices

K

ey H

abita

ts

Spec

ific

Issu

e Sp

ecifi

c A

ctio

n

C

oast

al P

lain

For

este

d Fl

oodp

lain

s an

d R

ipar

ian

Swam

ps

A

tlant

ic W

hite

Ced

ar N

on-T

idal

Wet

land

s

Coa

stal

Pla

in S

easo

nal P

onds

Inte

rdun

al W

etla

nds

P

iedm

ont S

tream

Val

ley

Wet

land

s

Pea

t Wet

land

s

Riv

erin

e A

quat

ic a

nd S

ubm

erge

d V

eget

atio

n

Fres

hwat

er T

idal

For

este

d an

d S

crub

-S

hrub

Wet

land

s

Fres

hwat

er T

idal

Mar

shes

Tida

l Hig

h M

arsh

es

Ti

dal L

ow M

arsh

es

N

on-T

idal

Coa

stal

Pla

in S

tream

s

Nea

rsho

re H

abita

ts

Im

poun

dmen

ts

Nut

rient

s an

d S

edim

ents

Enc

oura

ge th

e co

untie

s to

stre

ngth

en

enfo

rcem

ent o

f ero

sion

and

sed

imen

t con

trol

regu

latio

ns.

Wor

k w

ith th

e D

ivis

ion

of S

oil a

nd W

ater

C

onse

rvat

ion

and

the

Trib

utar

y A

ctio

n Te

ams

to p

rom

ote

the

impl

emen

tatio

n of

BM

Ps

for

eros

ion

and

sedi

men

t con

trol.

Wor

k w

ith th

e D

ivis

ion

of S

oil a

nd W

ater

C

onse

rvat

ion

and

the

Trib

utar

y A

ctio

n Te

ams

to e

nsur

e in

tegr

atio

n of

key

hab

itat a

nd

SG

CN

con

serv

atio

n an

d m

onito

ring

into

all

Pol

lutio

n C

ontro

l Stra

tegi

es.

Wor

k w

ith th

e D

ivis

ion

of S

oil a

nd W

ater

C

onse

rvat

ion

to in

tegr

ate

key

habi

tat a

nd

SG

CN

con

serv

atio

n in

to s

tate

wat

er q

ualit

y st

anda

rds

for n

utrie

nts

and

sedi

men

ts.

C

oast

al P

lain

Sea

sona

l Pon

ds

In

terd

unal

Wet

land

s

Pie

dmon

t Stre

am V

alle

y W

etla

nds

P

eat W

etla

nds

R

iver

ine

Aqu

atic

and

Sub

mer

ged

Veg

etat

ion

Fr

eshw

ater

Tid

al F

ores

ted

and

Scr

ub-

Shr

ub W

etla

nds

Fr

eshw

ater

Tid

al M

arsh

es

Pes

ticid

es

Wor

k w

ith C

oope

rativ

e E

xten

sion

to p

rom

ote

IPM

impl

emen

tatio

n to

min

imiz

e im

pact

s of

re

side

ntia

l and

com

mer

cial

pes

ticid

es o

n S

GC

N. W

ork

also

with

the

Land

owne

r In

cent

ives

Pro

gram

to d

evel

op in

cent

ives

for

IPM

impl

emen

tatio

n on

priv

ate

golf

cour

ses,

re

crea

tiona

l fac

ilitie

s an

d co

mm

on a

reas

. W

ork

with

Coo

pera

tive

Ext

ensi

on to

inte

grat

e ke

y ha

bita

t and

SG

CN

con

serv

atio

n in

to

pest

icid

e ap

plic

ator

trai

ning

.

Del

awar

e W

ildlif

e A

ctio

n Pl

an

6-76

Del

awar

e D

ivis

ion

of F

ish

and

Wild

life

9/27

/200

6

Res

iden

tial a

nd C

omm

erci

al D

evel

opm

ent P

ract

ices

K

ey H

abita

ts

Spec

ific

Issu

e Sp

ecifi

c A

ctio

n

Tida

l Hig

h M

arsh

es

Ti

dal L

ow M

arsh

es

N

on-ti

dal C

oast

al P

lain

Stre

ams

N

ears

hore

Hab

itats

Impo

undm

ents

Wor

k w

ith C

oope

rativ

e E

xten

sion

to d

evel

op

educ

atio

n an

d ou

treac

h fo

r lan

dow

ners

abo

ut

the

impa

cts

of re

side

ntia

l pes

ticid

es o

n S

GC

N.

B

each

and

Dun

e H

abita

ts

Fr

eshw

ater

Tid

al F

ores

ted

and

Scr

ub-

Shr

ub W

etla

nds

Fr

eshw

ater

Tid

al M

arsh

es

Ti

dal H

igh

Mar

shes

Tida

l Low

Mar

shes

Pie

rs a

nd D

ocks

Wor

k w

ith d

evel

oper

s to

cre

ate

desi

gn

stan

dard

s fo

r pie

rs a

nd d

ocks

that

min

imiz

e ha

bita

t los

s or

frag

men

tatio

n.

Wor

k w

ith c

ount

y bu

ildin

g of

ficia

ls to

en

cour

age

deve

lope

rs to

con

stru

ct

com

mun

ity p

iers

and

doc

ks in

sub

divi

sion

s, in

pl

ace

of in

divi

dual

stru

ctur

es.

6.2.

3.A

gric

ultu

ral a

nd F

ores

try

Ope

ratio

ns

Agr

icul

tura

l and

For

estr

y O

pera

tions

K

ey H

abita

ts

Spec

ific

Issu

e Sp

ecifi

c A

ctio

n

Coa

stal

Pla

in F

ores

ted

Floo

dpla

ins

and

Rip

aria

n Sw

amps

Atla

ntic

Whi

te C

edar

Non

-tida

l Wet

land

s

Coa

stal

Pla

in S

easo

nal P

onds

Pea

t Wet

land

s

Riv

erin

e A

quat

ic a

nd S

ubm

erge

d V

eget

atio

n

Non

-Tid

al C

oast

al P

lain

Stre

ams

Im

poun

dmen

ts

Alte

red

Hyd

rolo

gy

Wor

k w

ith th

e D

elaw

are

Dep

artm

ent o

f A

gric

ultu

re a

nd th

e Tr

ibut

ary

Act

ion

Team

s to

pr

omot

e th

e im

plem

enta

tion

of B

MP

s fo

r st

orm

wat

er m

anag

emen

t. W

ork

with

the

Div

isio

n of

Soi

l and

Wat

er

Con

serv

atio

n an

d th

e Tr

ibut

ary

Act

ion

Team

s to

ens

ure

inte

grat

ion

of k

ey h

abita

t and

S

GC

N c

onse

rvat

ion

and

mon

itorin

g in

to a

ll P

ollu

tion

Con

trol S

trate

gies

.

C

oast

al P

lain

For

este

d Fl

oodp

lain

s an

d R

ipar

ian

Swam

ps

A

tlant

ic W

hite

Ced

ar N

on-ti

dal W

etla

nds

C

oast

al P

lain

Sea

sona

l Pon

ds

P

eat W

etla

nds

R

iver

ine

Aqu

atic

and

Sub

mer

ged

Nut

rient

s an

d S

edim

ents

Wor

k w

ith th

e D

elaw

are

Dep

artm

ent o

f A

gric

ultu

re a

nd th

e Tr

ibut

ary

Act

ion

Team

s to

pr

omot

e th

e im

plem

enta

tion

of B

MP

s fo

r er

osio

n an

d se

dim

ent c

ontro

l.

Del

awar

e W

ildlif

e A

ctio

n Pl

an

9/27

/200

6D

elaw

are

Div

isio

n of

Fis

h an

d W

ildlif

e 6-

77

Agr

icul

tura

l and

For

estr

y O

pera

tions

K

ey H

abita

ts

Spec

ific

Issu

e Sp

ecifi

c A

ctio

n V

eget

atio

n

Fres

hwat

er T

idal

For

este

d an

d S

crub

-S

hrub

Wet

land

s

Fres

hwat

er T

idal

Mar

shes

Tida

l Hig

h M

arsh

es

Ti

dal L

ow M

arsh

es

N

on-T

idal

Coa

stal

Pla

in S

tream

s

Impo

undm

ents

Wor

k w

ith th

e D

ivis

ion

of S

oil a

nd W

ater

C

onse

rvat

ion

and

the

Trib

utar

y A

ctio

n Te

ams

to e

nsur

e in

tegr

atio

n of

key

hab

itat a

nd

SG

CN

con

serv

atio

n an

d m

onito

ring

into

all

Pol

lutio

n C

ontro

l Stra

tegi

es.

Wor

k w

ith th

e D

ivis

ion

of S

oil a

nd W

ater

C

onse

rvat

ion

to in

tegr

ate

key

habi

tat a

nd

SG

CN

con

serv

atio

n in

to s

tate

wat

er q

ualit

y st

anda

rds

for n

utrie

nts

and

sedi

men

ts.

C

oast

al P

lain

For

este

d Fl

oodp

lain

s an

d R

ipar

ian

Swam

ps

A

tlant

ic W

hite

Ced

ar N

on-ti

dal W

etla

nds

C

oast

al P

lain

Sea

sona

l Pon

ds

P

eat W

etla

nds

R

iver

ine

Aqu

atic

and

Sub

mer

ged

Veg

etat

ion

Fr

eshw

ater

Tid

al F

ores

ted

and

Scr

ub-

Shr

ub W

etla

nds

Fr

eshw

ater

Tid

al M

arsh

es

Ti

dal H

igh

Mar

shes

Tida

l Low

Mar

shes

Non

-tida

l Coa

stal

Pla

in S

tream

s

Nea

rsho

re H

abita

ts

Im

poun

dmen

ts

Pes

ticid

es

Wor

k w

ith th

e D

elaw

are

Dep

artm

ent o

f A

gric

ultu

re a

nd th

e ag

ricul

tura

l com

mun

ity to

pr

omot

e im

plem

enta

tion

of IP

M to

min

imiz

e im

pact

s of

agr

icul

tura

l pes

ticid

es o

n S

GC

N.

Wor

k al

so w

ith th

e La

ndow

ner I

ncen

tives

P

rogr

am to

dev

elop

ince

ntiv

es fo

r IP

M

impl

emen

tatio

n on

farm

land

.

C

oast

al P

lain

Upl

and

Fore

sts

C

oast

al P

lain

For

este

d Fl

oodp

lain

s an

d R

ipar

ian

Swam

ps

A

tlant

ic W

hite

Ced

ar N

on-ti

dal W

etla

nds

C

oast

al P

lain

Sea

sona

l Pon

ds

Fr

eshw

ater

Tid

al F

ores

ted

and

Scr

ub-

Shr

ub W

etla

nds

Cle

arcu

tting

and

Oth

er F

ores

try P

ract

ices

Coo

rdin

ate

with

par

tner

s to

acq

uire

title

to, o

r ea

sem

ents

on,

site

s th

at a

re c

ritic

al to

the

cons

erva

tion

of k

ey h

abita

ts a

nd S

GC

N

with

in th

e G

reen

Infra

stru

ctur

e N

atur

al

Res

ourc

es F

ocus

Are

a, fo

r man

agem

ent b

y pu

blic

age

ncie

s or

NG

Os.

See

Fig

ure

19 fo

r a

com

paris

on o

f the

GI f

ocus

are

a w

ith k

ey

habi

tats

.

Del

awar

e W

ildlif

e A

ctio

n Pl

an

6-78

Del

awar

e D

ivis

ion

of F

ish

and

Wild

life

9/27

/200

6

Agr

icul

tura

l and

For

estr

y O

pera

tions

K

ey H

abita

ts

Spec

ific

Issu

e Sp

ecifi

c A

ctio

n

Fres

hwat

er T

idal

Mar

shes

Tida

l Hig

h M

arsh

es

Fo

rest

Blo

cks

W

etla

nd B

lock

s

Wor

k w

ith th

e D

elaw

are

Fore

st S

ervi

ce to

in

tegr

ate

key

habi

tat a

nd S

GC

N c

onse

rvat

ion

into

fore

st m

anag

emen

t pla

nnin

g.

Wor

k w

ith th

e D

elaw

are

Fore

st S

ervi

ce, t

he

fore

stry

indu

stry

and

the

Land

owne

r In

cent

ives

Pro

gram

to d

evel

op B

MP

s an

d co

rresp

ondi

ng in

cent

ives

to p

rese

rve

or

rest

ore

key

habi

tat b

uffe

rs a

nd re

duce

edg

e ef

fect

s fo

r are

a-se

nsiti

ve S

GC

N.

Wor

k w

ith th

e D

elaw

are

Fore

st S

ervi

ce a

nd

the

fore

stry

indu

stry

to im

plem

ent a

Mas

ter

Logg

er p

rogr

am to

enc

oura

ge la

ndow

ners

to

wor

k w

ith lo

gger

s w

ho h

arve

st fo

rest

s su

stai

nabl

y.

6.2.

4.In

dust

rial O

pera

tions

In

dust

rial O

pera

tions

K

ey H

abita

ts

Spec

ific

Issu

e Sp

ecifi

c A

ctio

n

B

each

and

Dun

e H

abita

ts

E

arly

Suc

cess

iona

l Upl

and

Hab

itats

A

ir P

ollu

tion

Sup

port

rese

arch

to a

sses

s an

d m

onito

r im

pact

s of

airb

orne

pol

luta

nts

on k

ey

habi

tats

.

Del

awar

e W

ildlif

e A

ctio

n Pl

an

9/27

/200

6D

elaw

are

Div

isio

n of

Fis

h an

d W

ildlif

e 6-

79

Indu

stria

l Ope

ratio

ns

Key

Hab

itats

Sp

ecifi

c Is

sue

Spec

ific

Act

ion

C

oast

al P

lain

Upl

and

Fore

sts

C

oast

al P

lain

For

este

d Fl

oodp

lain

s an

d R

ipar

ian

Swam

ps

A

tlant

ic W

hite

Ced

ar N

on-ti

dal W

etla

nds

C

oast

al P

lain

Sea

sona

l Pon

ds

In

terd

unal

Wet

land

s

Pie

dmon

t Stre

am V

alle

y W

etla

nds

P

eat W

etla

nds

R

iver

ine

Aqu

atic

and

Sub

mer

ged

Veg

etat

ion

Fr

eshw

ater

Tid

al F

ores

ted

and

Scr

ub-

Shr

ub W

etla

nds

Fr

eshw

ater

Tid

al M

arsh

es

Ti

dal H

igh

Mar

shes

Tida

l Low

Mar

shes

Non

-tida

l Coa

stal

Pla

in S

tream

s

Nea

rsho

re H

abita

ts

Enf

orce

exi

stin

g lim

its o

n re

leas

es o

f airb

orne

po

lluta

nts.

B

each

and

Dun

e H

abita

ts

C

oast

al P

lain

For

este

d Fl

oodp

lain

s an

d R

ipar

ian

Swam

ps

A

tlant

ic W

hite

Ced

ar N

on-ti

dal W

etla

nds

P

iedm

ont S

tream

Val

ley

Wet

land

s

Pea

t Wet

land

s

Riv

erin

e A

quat

ic a

nd S

ubm

erge

d V

eget

atio

n

Fres

hwat

er T

idal

For

este

d an

d S

crub

-S

hrub

Wet

land

s

Fres

hwat

er T

idal

Mar

shes

Tida

l Hig

h M

arsh

es

Ti

dal L

ow M

arsh

es

N

on-ti

dal C

oast

al P

lain

Stre

ams

N

ears

hore

Hab

itats

Acc

iden

tal S

pills

of T

oxin

s an

d S

ewag

e

Wor

k w

ith th

e E

mer

genc

y R

espo

nse

Bra

nch

to in

tegr

ate

key

habi

tat a

nd S

GC

N p

rote

ctio

n in

to e

mer

genc

y re

spon

se p

lann

ing.

Pro

vide

trai

ning

for D

FW s

taff,

suc

h as

in

cide

nt m

anag

emen

t, ha

zard

ous

mat

eria

ls

hand

ling

and

wild

life

resc

ue, t

o fa

cilit

ate

invo

lvem

ent i

n em

erge

ncy

resp

onse

act

ions

.

Mai

ntai

n D

FW in

volv

emen

t in

the

Nat

ural

R

esou

rce

Dam

age

Ass

essm

ent p

roce

ss.

Del

awar

e W

ildlif

e A

ctio

n Pl

an

6-80

Del

awar

e D

ivis

ion

of F

ish

and

Wild

life

9/27

/200

6

Indu

stria

l Ope

ratio

ns

Key

Hab

itats

Sp

ecifi

c Is

sue

Spec

ific

Act

ion

Dev

elop

/enh

ance

par

tner

ship

s w

ith T

ri-S

tate

B

ird R

escu

e an

d ot

her w

ildlif

e re

habi

litat

ors

to im

prov

e em

erge

ncy

resp

onse

.

P

iedm

ont S

tream

Val

ley

Wet

land

s

Pea

t Wet

land

s

Riv

erin

e A

quat

ic a

nd S

ubm

erge

d V

eget

atio

n

Fres

hwat

er T

idal

For

este

d an

d S

crub

-S

hrub

Wet

land

s

Fres

hwat

er T

idal

Mar

shes

Tida

l Hig

h M

arsh

es

Ti

dal L

ow M

arsh

es

N

on-ti

dal C

oast

al P

lain

Stre

ams

N

ears

hore

Hab

itats

Chr

onic

Wat

er P

ollu

tion

Ass

ess

and

mon

itor t

he im

pact

s of

wat

er

pollu

tion

on k

ey h

abita

ts a

nd S

GC

N.

Sup

port

the

Div

isio

n of

Wat

er R

esou

rces

en

forc

emen

t of e

xist

ing

limits

on

rele

ases

of

wat

er p

ollu

tion.

C

oast

al P

lain

For

este

d Fl

oodp

lain

s an

d R

ipar

ian

Swam

ps

A

tlant

ic W

hite

Ced

ar N

on-ti

dal W

etla

nds

P

eat W

etla

nds

R

iver

ine

Aqu

atic

and

Sub

mer

ged

Veg

etat

ion

Fr

eshw

ater

Tid

al F

ores

ted

and

Scr

ub-

Shr

ub W

etla

nds

Fr

eshw

ater

Tid

al M

arsh

es

Ti

dal H

igh

Mar

shes

Tida

l Low

Mar

shes

Non

-tida

l Coa

stal

Pla

in S

tream

s

Nea

rsho

re H

abita

ts

Sed

imen

ts fr

om S

and

and

Gra

vel Q

uarry

ing

Wor

k w

ith th

e D

ivis

ion

of S

oil a

nd W

ater

C

onse

rvat

ion

and

the

Land

owne

r Inc

entiv

es

Pro

gram

to d

evel

op B

MP

s, a

nd

corr

espo

ndin

g in

cent

ives

, for

qua

rrie

s to

m

inim

ize

impa

cts

of s

edim

ents

on

key

habi

tats

.

Del

awar

e W

ildlif

e A

ctio

n Pl

an

9/27

/200

6D

elaw

are

Div

isio

n of

Fis

h an

d W

ildlif

e 6-

81

6.2.

5.Tr

ansp

orta

tion

and

Util

ity O

pera

tions

and

Mai

nten

ance

Tr

ansp

orta

tion

and

Util

ity O

pera

tions

and

Mai

nten

ance

K

ey H

abita

ts

Spec

ific

Issu

e Sp

ecifi

c A

ctio

n

C

oast

al P

lain

For

este

d Fl

oodp

lain

s an

d R

ipar

ian

Swam

ps

P

iedm

ont S

tream

Val

ley

Wet

land

s

Pea

t Wet

land

s

Riv

erin

e A

quat

ic a

nd S

ubm

erge

d V

eget

atio

n

Non

-tida

l Coa

stal

Pla

in S

tream

s

Im

poun

dmen

ts

Alte

red

Hyd

rolo

gy

Wor

k w

ith th

e D

elaw

are

Dep

artm

ent o

f Tr

ansp

orta

tion

to in

tegr

ate

key

habi

tat a

nd

SG

CN

con

serv

atio

n in

to s

torm

wat

er

man

agem

ent d

esig

n.

6.2.

6.In

vasi

ve S

peci

es, N

uisa

nce

Ani

mal

s an

d W

ildlif

e D

isea

ses

Inva

sive

Spe

cies

, Nui

sanc

e A

nim

als

and

Wild

life

Dis

ease

s K

ey H

abita

ts

Spec

ific

Issu

e Sp

ecifi

c A

ctio

n

B

each

and

Dun

e H

abita

ts

E

arly

Suc

cess

iona

l Upl

and

Hab

itats

Coa

stal

Pla

in U

plan

d Fo

rest

s

Coa

stal

Pla

in F

ores

ted

Floo

dpla

ins

and

Rip

aria

n Sw

amps

Atla

ntic

Whi

te C

edar

Non

-tida

l Wet

land

s

Coa

stal

Pla

in S

easo

nal P

onds

Inte

rdun

al W

etla

nds

P

iedm

ont S

tream

Val

ley

Wet

land

s

Pea

t Wet

land

s

Riv

erin

e A

quat

ic a

nd S

ubm

erge

d V

eget

atio

n

Fres

hwat

er T

idal

For

este

d an

d S

crub

-S

hrub

Wet

land

s

Inva

sive

Pla

nts

Wor

k w

ith th

e D

elaw

are

Inva

sive

Spe

cies

C

ounc

il to

est

ablis

h an

inte

rage

ncy

early

de

tect

ion

and

rapi

d re

spon

se s

yste

m to

reac

t to

new

inva

sion

s.

Wor

k w

ith th

e D

elaw

are

Inva

sive

Spe

cies

C

ounc

il an

d co

nser

vatio

n la

nd m

anag

ers

to

asse

ss a

nd m

onito

r im

pact

s of

inva

sive

pl

ants

usi

ng th

e D

elaw

are

Alie

n P

lant

In

vasi

vene

ss R

isk

Ass

essm

ent p

roto

col,

and

prio

ritiz

e co

ntro

l effo

rts b

ased

on

degr

ee o

f ris

k.

Wor

k w

ith th

e D

elaw

are

Inva

sive

Spe

cies

C

ounc

il an

d co

nser

vatio

n la

nd m

anag

ers

to

cond

uct q

uant

itativ

e in

vasi

ve p

lant

sur

veys

of

key

habi

tats

.

Del

awar

e W

ildlif

e A

ctio

n Pl

an

6-82

Del

awar

e D

ivis

ion

of F

ish

and

Wild

life

9/27

/200

6

Inva

sive

Spe

cies

, Nui

sanc

e A

nim

als

and

Wild

life

Dis

ease

s K

ey H

abita

ts

Spec

ific

Issu

e Sp

ecifi

c A

ctio

n

Fres

hwat

er T

idal

Mar

shes

Tida

l Hig

h M

arsh

es

Ti

dal L

ow M

arsh

es

N

on-ti

dal C

oast

al P

lain

Stre

ams

Im

poun

dmen

ts

Wor

k w

ith th

e D

elaw

are

Inva

sive

Spe

cies

C

ounc

il an

d co

nser

vatio

n la

nd m

anag

ers

to

deve

lop

and

impl

emen

t ada

ptiv

e m

anag

emen

t pla

ns fo

r con

trol o

f inv

asiv

e sp

ecie

s.

Dev

elop

edu

catio

n an

d ou

treac

h,

partn

ersh

ips,

vol

unta

ry g

uide

lines

, inc

entiv

es,

and/

or re

gula

tions

, as

nece

ssar

y, fo

r co

ntro

lling

inva

sive

pla

nts

on p

rivat

e pr

oper

ty

and

in p

rivat

e co

mm

erce

, to

min

imiz

e im

pact

s to

key

hab

itats

.R

equi

re u

se o

f nat

ive

spec

ies

for n

ew

plan

tings

or r

epla

ntin

gs o

n la

nds

man

aged

by

the

stat

e, s

imila

r to

the

Nat

ive

Pla

nts

Pol

icy

of th

e D

ivis

ion

of P

arks

and

Rec

reat

ion.

W

ork

with

the

Del

awar

e D

epar

tmen

t of

Tran

spor

tatio

n, D

elaw

are

Cen

ter f

or

Hor

ticul

ture

and

Coo

pera

tive

Ext

ensi

on to

en

hanc

e tra

nspo

rtatio

n co

nstru

ctio

n an

d m

aint

enan

ce p

ract

ices

suc

h as

requ

iring

the

plan

ting

of n

ativ

e sp

ecie

s, a

nd li

miti

ng

mow

ing

durin

g br

eedi

ng, m

igra

tion

or o

ther

cr

itica

l tim

es fo

r SG

CN

. S

uppo

rt im

plem

enta

tion

of th

e D

elaw

are

Inva

sive

Spe

cies

Man

agem

ent P

lan,

as

appr

opria

te, t

o re

duce

the

impa

cts

of in

vasi

ve

spec

ies

on k

ey h

abita

ts a

nd S

GC

N.

Del

awar

e W

ildlif

e A

ctio

n Pl

an

9/27

/200

6D

elaw

are

Div

isio

n of

Fis

h an

d W

ildlif

e 6-

83

Inva

sive

Spe

cies

, Nui

sanc

e A

nim

als

and

Wild

life

Dis

ease

s K

ey H

abita

ts

Spec

ific

Issu

e Sp

ecifi

c A

ctio

n

Ear

ly S

ucce

ssio

nal U

plan

d H

abita

ts

C

oast

al P

lain

Upl

and

Fore

sts

C

oast

al P

lain

For

este

d Fl

oodp

lain

s an

d R

ipar

ian

Swam

ps

A

tlant

ic W

hite

Ced

ar N

on-ti

dal W

etla

nds

C

oast

al P

lain

Sea

sona

l Pon

ds

In

terd

unal

Wet

land

s

Pie

dmon

t Stre

am V

alle

y W

etla

nds

P

eat W

etla

nds

Fr

eshw

ater

Tid

al M

arsh

es

Ti

dal H

igh

Mar

shes

Tida

l Low

Mar

shes

Impo

undm

ents

Con

trol o

f Inv

asiv

e P

lant

s

Par

tner

with

the

Del

awar

e In

vasi

ve S

peci

es

Cou

ncil

and

land

man

agem

ent a

genc

ies

to

inte

grat

e ke

y ha

bita

t and

SG

CN

con

serv

atio

n in

to in

vasi

ves

cont

rol p

ract

ices

.

6.2.

7.C

limat

e C

hang

e C

limat

e C

hang

e K

ey H

abita

ts

Spec

ific

Issu

e Sp

ecifi

c A

ctio

n

B

each

and

Dun

e H

abita

ts

C

oast

al P

lain

Upl

and

Fore

sts

Fr

eshw

ater

Tid

al F

ores

ted

and

Scr

ub-

Shr

ub W

etla

nds

Fr

eshw

ater

Tid

al M

arsh

es

Ti

dal H

igh

Mar

shes

Tida

l Low

Mar

shes

Impo

undm

ents

Fore

st B

lock

s

Wet

land

Blo

cks

Sea

Lev

el R

ise

Wor

k w

ith th

e D

ivis

ion

of S

oil a

nd W

ater

C

onse

rvat

ion

to in

tegr

ate

key

habi

tat a

nd

SG

CN

con

serv

atio

n in

to lo

ng-r

ange

pla

nnin

g fo

r sea

leve

l ris

e.

Inco

rpor

ate

sea

leve

l ris

e sc

enar

ios

in a

ll re

leva

nt a

rea,

hab

itat a

nd s

peci

es

man

agem

ent p

lans

. S

uppo

rt im

plem

enta

tion

of th

e D

elaw

are

Clim

ate

Cha

nge

Act

ion

Pla

n, a

s ap

prop

riate

, to

redu

ce g

reen

hous

e ga

s em

issi

ons

and

incr

ease

car

bon

sequ

estra

tion.

Del

awar

e W

ildlif

e A

ctio

n Pl

an

6-84

Del

awar

e D

ivis

ion

of F

ish

and

Wild

life

9/27

/200

6

6.2.

8.R

ecre

atio

nal A

ctiv

ities

R

ecre

atio

nal A

ctiv

ities

K

ey H

abita

ts

Spec

ific

Issu

e Sp

ecifi

c A

ctio

n

B

each

and

Dun

e H

abita

ts

E

arly

Suc

cess

iona

l Upl

and

Hab

itats

Coa

stal

Pla

in U

plan

d Fo

rest

s

Coa

stal

Pla

in F

ores

ted

Floo

dpla

ins

and

Rip

aria

n Sw

amps

Coa

stal

Pla

in S

easo

nal P

onds

Riv

erin

e A

quat

ic a

nd S

ubm

erge

d V

eget

atio

n

Tida

l Hig

h M

arsh

es

Ti

dal L

ow M

arsh

es

N

on-ti

dal C

oast

al P

lain

Stre

ams

N

ears

hore

Hab

itats

Impo

undm

ents

Rec

reat

iona

l Use

on

Foot

and

with

Boa

ts,

Per

sona

l Wat

ercr

aft a

nd O

ff-R

oad

Veh

icle

s

Ass

ess

the

impa

cts

of O

RV

s on

bea

ch a

nd

dune

, ear

ly s

ucce

ssio

nal a

nd fo

rest

ed

habi

tats

, and

use

this

ass

essm

ent a

nd lo

ng-

term

mon

itorin

g to

ada

pt m

anag

emen

t as

nece

ssar

y.

Wor

k w

ith m

anuf

actu

rers

and

reta

ilers

to

deve

lop

educ

atio

n an

d ou

treac

h fo

r bea

ch

user

s, b

oate

rs, a

nd P

WC

and

OR

V u

sers

ab

out m

inim

izin

g im

pact

s to

SG

CN

. P

ost a

nd/o

r fen

ce n

estin

g si

tes,

bre

edin

g co

ncen

tratio

ns o

r oth

er c

ritic

al a

reas

on

publ

ic p

rope

rty to

pro

tect

SG

CN

, and

enf

orce

re

stric

tions

. S

treng

then

enf

orce

men

t of r

egul

atio

ns fo

r off-

road

veh

icle

s on

man

aged

are

as to

pro

tect

ke

y ha

bita

ts a

nd S

GC

N.

Stre

ngth

en e

nfor

cem

ent o

f sur

f fis

hing

per

mit

regu

latio

ns o

n pu

blic

pro

perty

to p

rote

ct

SG

CN

. W

ork

with

priv

ate

land

owne

rs to

lim

it ac

cess

to

nes

ting

site

s, b

reed

ing

conc

entra

tions

or

othe

r crit

ical

are

as to

pro

tect

SG

CN

. P

ost “

no w

ake”

zon

es to

pro

tect

key

hab

itats

an

d en

forc

e th

em.

Sup

port

expa

nsio

n of

the

Div

isio

n of

Soi

l and

W

ater

Con

serv

atio

n’s

Cle

an M

arin

as

Pro

gram

to re

duce

pol

lutio

n im

pact

s to

key

ha

bita

ts a

nd S

GC

N.

Del

awar

e W

ildlif

e A

ctio

n Pl

an

9/27

/200

6D

elaw

are

Div

isio

n of

Fis

h an

d W

ildlif

e 6-

85

6.2.

9.R

esou

rce

Man

agem

ent

Res

ourc

e M

anag

emen

t K

ey H

abita

ts

Spec

ific

Issu

e Sp

ecifi

c A

ctio

n

B

each

and

Dun

e H

abita

ts

E

arly

Suc

cess

iona

l Upl

and

Hab

itats

Coa

stal

Pla

in U

plan

d Fo

rest

s

Coa

stal

Pla

in F

ores

ted

Floo

dpla

ins

and

Rip

aria

n Sw

amps

Atla

ntic

Whi

te C

edar

Non

-tida

l Wet

land

s

Coa

stal

Pla

in S

easo

nal P

onds

Inte

rdun

al W

etla

nds

P

iedm

ont S

tream

Val

ley

Wet

land

s

Pea

t Wet

land

s

Riv

erin

e A

quat

ic a

nd S

ubm

erge

d V

eget

atio

n

Fres

hwat

er T

idal

For

este

d an

d S

crub

-S

hrub

Wet

land

s

Fres

hwat

er T

idal

Mar

shes

Tida

l Hig

h M

arsh

es

Ti

dal L

ow M

arsh

es

N

on-ti

dal C

oast

al P

lain

Stre

ams

N

ears

hore

Hab

itats

Impo

undm

ents

Fore

st B

lock

s

Wet

land

Blo

cks

Hab

itat/W

ildlif

e M

anag

emen

t

Ana

lyze

spe

cies

and

hab

itat m

anag

emen

t on

stat

e co

nser

vatio

n la

nds

– W

ildlif

e A

reas

, P

arks

, and

For

ests

– a

nd a

dapt

man

agem

ent

as n

eces

sary

to in

crea

se k

ey h

abita

t pat

ch

size

and

redu

ce e

dge

effe

cts

on S

GC

N.

Enc

oura

ge F

eder

al a

nd N

GO

con

serv

atio

n la

nds

man

ager

s to

ada

pt s

peci

es a

nd h

abita

t m

anag

emen

t to

incr

ease

key

hab

itat p

atch

si

ze a

nd re

duce

edg

e ef

fect

s on

SG

CN

. E

valu

ate

mea

ns o

f man

agin

g fo

r SG

CN

and

ke

y ha

bita

ts o

n pr

ivat

e pr

oper

ty, i

nclu

ding

ed

ucat

ion

and

outre

ach,

vol

unta

ry g

uide

lines

, in

cent

ives

and

regu

latio

ns, a

s ne

cess

ary.

Faci

lity

and

Prog

ram

Ope

ratio

ns

Rev

iew

faci

lity

and

prog

ram

ope

ratio

ns o

n st

ate

cons

erva

tion

land

s –

Wild

life

Are

as,

Par

ks, a

nd F

ores

ts –

and

dev

elop

sta

te

polic

ies

for m

inim

izin

g im

pact

s to

key

hab

itats

an

d S

GC

N.

Est

ablis

h M

OU

s w

ith D

PR

and

th

e S

tate

For

est S

ervi

ce a

bout

con

sulta

tion

with

DFW

on

issu

es im

pact

ing

key

habi

tats

an

d S

GC

N in

Sta

te P

arks

and

Sta

te F

ores

ts.

Enc

oura

ge F

eder

al a

nd N

GO

con

serv

atio

n la

nds

man

ager

s to

dev

elop

pol

icie

s fo

r m

inim

izin

g im

pact

s fro

m fa

cilit

y an

d pr

ogra

m

oper

atio

ns to

key

hab

itats

and

SG

CN

.

Del

awar

e W

ildlif

e A

ctio

n Pl

an

6-86

Del

awar

e D

ivis

ion

of F

ish

and

Wild

life

9/27

/200

6

6.3.

Hab

itat-i

ndep

ende

nt C

onse

rvat

ion

Issu

es a

nd A

ctio

ns fo

r SG

CN

So

me

issu

es c

ause

dire

ct m

orta

lity

or d

istu

rban

ce o

f wild

life

inde

pend

ently

of h

abita

t, su

ch a

s mig

rato

ry b

irds t

hat m

ay b

e im

pact

edan

ywhe

re a

long

thei

r mig

ratio

n ro

ute.

The

se is

sues

and

thei

r cor

resp

ondi

ng a

ctio

ns a

re d

escr

ibed

bel

ow.

6.3.

1.R

esid

entia

l and

Com

mer

cial

Dev

elop

men

t Pra

ctic

es

Res

iden

tial a

nd C

omm

erci

al D

evel

opm

ent P

ract

ices

Sp

ecie

s/Sp

ecie

s G

roup

Sp

ecifi

c Is

sue

Spec

ific

Act

ion

sphi

nx m

oths

Out

door

Lig

htin

g

Wor

k w

ith e

lect

ric u

tiliti

es to

dev

elop

edu

catio

n an

d ou

treac

h fo

r hom

eow

ners

, bus

ines

s ow

ners

and

mun

icip

aliti

es to

pr

omot

e re

duce

d us

e of

out

door

ligh

ting

durin

g ne

stin

g, p

eak

mig

ratio

n an

d ot

her c

ritic

al ti

mes

.

wat

erbi

rds

Wor

k w

ith e

lect

ric u

tiliti

es a

nd b

uild

ing

code

and

pub

lic s

afet

y of

ficia

ls to

dev

elop

des

ign

stan

dard

s fo

r out

door

ligh

ting

that

m

inim

ize

stra

y lig

ht.

song

bird

s B

uild

ings

Wor

k w

ith e

lect

ric u

tiliti

es a

nd b

uild

ing

code

offi

cial

s to

de

velo

p ed

ucat

ion

and

outre

ach

for b

uild

ing

owne

rs a

nd

man

ager

s to

min

imiz

e th

e im

pact

s of

bui

ldin

g lig

hts

on

SG

CN

, mod

eled

afte

r the

“Lig

hts

Out

,” FL

AP

, WIN

GS

or

“Pro

ject

Saf

e Fl

ight

” pro

gram

s.

Wor

k w

ith a

rchi

tect

s, b

uild

ing

owne

rs a

nd m

anag

ers,

and

bu

ildin

g co

de o

ffici

als

to d

evel

op d

esig

n st

anda

rds

to

min

imiz

e th

e im

pact

s of

win

dow

gla

ss o

n S

GC

N, u

tiliz

ing

the

reso

urce

s of

the

Bui

ldin

g an

d B

irds

Foru

m a

nd o

ther

s.

6.3.

2.Tr

ansp

orta

tion

and

Util

ity O

pera

tions

and

Mai

nten

ance

Tr

ansp

orta

tion

and

Util

ity O

pera

tions

and

Mai

nten

ance

Sp

ecie

s/Sp

ecie

s G

roup

Sp

ecifi

c Is

sue

Spec

ific

Act

ion

amby

stom

id s

alam

ande

rs

Veh

icle

s

Wor

k w

ith th

e D

elaw

are

Dep

artm

ent o

f Tra

nspo

rtatio

n to

id

entif

y ke

y ha

bita

ts, a

nd g

ate

non-

esse

ntia

l roa

ds, c

lose

ro

ads

tem

pora

rily,

redu

ce s

peed

lim

its, a

nd a

dd c

autio

nary

si

gnag

e to

min

imiz

e im

pact

s to

SG

CN

dur

ing

bree

ding

,

Del

awar

e W

ildlif

e A

ctio

n Pl

an

9/27

/200

6D

elaw

are

Div

isio

n of

Fis

h an

d W

ildlif

e 6-

87

terra

pin

and

turtl

es

mig

ratio

n an

d ot

her c

ritic

al ti

mes

. W

ork

with

the

Del

awar

e D

epar

tmen

t of T

rans

porta

tion

to

deve

lop

stan

dard

s fo

r dire

ctio

nal f

enci

ng a

nd u

nder

pass

es

for n

ew o

r exi

stin

g ro

ads

to p

rote

ct S

GC

N.

rapt

ors

Com

mun

icat

ions

Tow

ers

and

Hig

h-Te

nsio

n E

lect

ric L

ines

Wor

k w

ith u

tiliti

es to

dev

elop

sta

ndar

ds fo

r the

pla

cem

ent o

f to

wer

s an

d lin

es to

min

imiz

e im

pact

s to

SG

CN

nes

ting

colo

nies

, roo

sts,

mig

ratio

n ro

utes

, mov

emen

t cor

ridor

s, a

nd

othe

r crit

ical

are

as.

song

bird

s

bats

Sup

port

rese

arch

on

impr

ovin

g th

e de

sign

of t

ower

s an

d lin

es

to m

inim

ize

impa

cts

to S

GC

N.

6.3.

3.In

vasi

ve S

peci

es, N

uisa

nce

Ani

mal

s an

d W

ildlif

e D

isea

ses

Inva

sive

Spe

cies

, Nui

sanc

e A

nim

als

and

Wild

life

Dis

ease

s Sp

ecie

s/Sp

ecie

s G

roup

Sp

ecifi

c Is

sue

Spec

ific

Act

ion

turtl

es

Pet

s an

d S

ubsi

dize

d P

reda

tors

Wor

k w

ith re

taile

rs a

nd N

GO

s to

dev

elop

edu

catio

n an

d ou

treac

h fo

r pet

ow

ners

to m

inim

ize

the

impa

cts

of p

ets

on

SG

CN

, suc

h as

“Cat

s In

door

s.”

shor

ebird

s S

treng

then

enf

orce

men

t of l

eash

law

s fo

r dog

s to

pro

tect

S

GC

N.

wat

erbi

rds

Dev

elop

edu

catio

n an

d ou

treac

h fo

r the

gen

eral

pub

lic a

bout

th

e im

pact

s of

sub

sidi

zed

pred

ator

s on

SG

CN

.

grou

nd-n

estin

g bi

rds

Wor

k w

ith c

onse

rvat

ion

partn

ers

to c

ontro

l sub

sidi

zed

pred

ator

s on

pub

lic a

nd N

GO

con

serv

atio

n la

nds

by re

duci

ng

subs

idie

s (re

fuge

s, fo

od s

ourc

es),

erec

ting

excl

osur

es, o

r by

rem

oval

of i

ndiv

idua

ls.

bats

Pro

vide

ince

ntiv

es fo

r lan

dow

ners

to c

ontro

l sub

sidi

zed

pred

ator

s on

priv

ate

prop

erty

by

redu

cing

sub

sidi

es (r

efug

es,

food

sou

rces

), er

ectin

g ex

clos

ures

, or b

y re

mov

al o

f in

divi

dual

s.

Eas

tern

oys

ter

Infe

ctio

us D

isea

ses

Est

ablis

h an

ear

ly d

etec

tion

and

rapi

d re

spon

se s

yste

m to

re

act t

o ne

w in

vasi

ons.

w

ater

fow

l ra

ptor

s P

rovi

de tr

aini

ng fo

r DFW

sta

ff in

pro

cedu

res

for r

espo

ndin

g

Del

awar

e W

ildlif

e A

ctio

n Pl

an

6-88

Del

awar

e D

ivis

ion

of F

ish

and

Wild

life

9/27

/200

6

shor

ebird

s to

dis

ease

out

brea

ks.

6.3.

4.En

ergy

Pro

duct

ion

Ener

gy P

rodu

ctio

n Sp

ecie

s/Sp

ecie

s G

roup

Sp

ecifi

c Is

sue

Spec

ific

Act

ion

wat

erfo

wl

Win

d Fa

rm T

ower

s

Wor

k w

ith e

nerg

y co

mpa

nies

to d

evel

op s

tand

ards

for t

he

plac

emen

t of w

ind

ener

gy to

wer

s to

avo

id S

GC

N n

estin

g co

loni

es, r

oost

s, m

igra

tion

rout

es, m

ovem

ent c

orrid

ors,

and

ot

her c

ritic

al a

reas

.

rapt

ors

wat

erbi

rds

shor

ebird

s so

ngbi

rds

bats

Sup

port

rese

arch

for i

mpr

ovin

g th

e de

sign

of w

ind

ener

gy

tow

ers

to m

inim

ize

impa

cts

to S

GC

N.

6.3.

5.W

ildlif

e H

arve

stin

g W

ildlif

e H

arve

stin

g Sp

ecie

s/Sp

ecie

s G

roup

Sp

ecifi

c Is

sue

Spec

ific

Act

ion

amby

stom

id s

alam

ande

rs

Inap

prop

riate

Col

lect

ion

for t

he P

et T

rade

or

for B

ait

Stre

ngth

en e

nfor

cem

ent o

f exi

stin

g re

gula

tions

on

colle

ctin

g.

terra

pin

and

turtl

es

Eva

luat

e th

e ne

ed fo

r add

ition

al m

eans

of p

rote

ctin

g S

GC

N

from

col

lect

ing,

incl

udin

g vo

lunt

ary

guid

elin

es a

nd

regu

latio

ns, a

s ne

cess

ary.

snak

es

Dev

elop

edu

catio

n an

d ou

treac

h fo

r the

pub

lic a

nd th

e pe

t tra

de a

bout

impa

cts

on S

GC

N.

early

suc

cess

iona

l hab

itat

bird

s Le

ad S

hot I

nges

tion

Ass

ess

impa

cts

to S

GC

N a

nd u

se th

is a

sses

smen

t and

long

-te

rm m

onito

ring

to g

uide

ada

ptiv

e m

anag

emen

t, ed

ucat

ion,

ou

treac

h an

d en

forc

emen

t effo

rts, a

s ne

cess

ary.

snak

es

Nui

sanc

e W

ildlif

e M

anag

emen

t

Dev

elop

edu

catio

n an

d ou

treac

h fo

r the

pub

lic a

bout

impa

cts

on S

GC

N.

bats

Dev

elop

trai

ning

for p

est c

ontro

l com

pani

es to

min

imiz

e im

pact

s on

SG

CN

.

Del

awar

e W

ildlif

e A

ctio

n Pl

an

9/27

/200

6D

elaw

are

Div

isio

n of

Fis

h an

d W

ildlif

e 6-

89

6.4.

Inst

itutio

nal C

apac

ity Is

sues

and

Act

ions

In

stitu

tiona

l Cap

acity

Issu

es a

nd A

ctio

ns

Issu

e Ty

pe

Spec

ific

Issu

e Sp

ecifi

c A

ctio

n

Div

isio

n O

pera

tions

D

FW fu

ndin

g, s

taffi

ng, a

dmin

istra

tive

stru

ctur

e an

d/or

pro

cedu

res

for D

EW

AP

impl

emen

tatio

n

Inte

grat

e S

GC

N a

nd K

ey W

ildlif

e H

abita

t co

nser

vatio

n in

to D

FW re

spon

sibi

litie

s so

as

to m

erge

gam

e, s

portf

ish,

non

-gam

e an

d en

dang

ered

spe

cies

man

agem

ent.

Ful

ly

fund

and

sta

ff re

spon

sibi

litie

s fo

r dat

a co

llect

ion

and

info

rmat

ion

man

agem

ent;

natu

ral r

esou

rce

man

agem

ent p

lann

ing;

m

onito

ring

and

adap

tive

man

agem

ent;

rese

arch

; coo

rdin

atio

n of

par

tner

ship

s; a

nd

educ

atio

n, o

utre

ach

and

enfo

rcem

ent.

Ens

ure

bala

nced

repr

esen

tatio

n fo

r all

divi

sion

resp

onsi

bilit

ies

on th

e Fi

sh a

nd

Wild

life

Adv

isor

y C

ounc

il.

Tran

sfer

non

-wild

life

rela

ted

resp

onsi

bilit

ies

out o

f DFW

in o

rder

to b

ette

r foc

us s

taff

and

fisca

l res

ourc

es o

n w

ildlif

e di

vers

ity

cons

erva

tion.

P

rovi

de s

uffic

ient

DFW

“mat

ch” t

o re

ceiv

e th

e fu

ll al

loca

tion

of a

vaila

ble

Fede

ral f

undi

ng

from

pro

gram

s su

ch a

s S

tate

Wild

life

Gra

nts,

P

ittm

an-R

ober

tson

, Din

gell-

John

son,

etc

. S

ecur

e ad

ditio

nal s

tate

fund

ing

for D

FW b

y es

tabl

ishi

ng a

uni

vers

al fi

shin

g lic

ense

, in

crea

sing

the

cost

of a

hun

ting

licen

se,

esta

blis

hing

a “c

onse

rvat

ion

stam

p” fo

r ac

cess

to w

ildlif

e ar

eas,

mor

e ag

gres

sive

ly

adve

rtisi

ng th

e ta

x ch

ecko

ff, a

nd/o

r oth

er

mea

ns.

Del

awar

e W

ildlif

e A

ctio

n Pl

an

6-90

Del

awar

e D

ivis

ion

of F

ish

and

Wild

life

9/27

/200

6

Inst

itutio

nal C

apac

ity Is

sues

and

Act

ions

Is

sue

Type

Sp

ecifi

c Is

sue

Spec

ific

Act

ion

Nat

ural

Res

ourc

e M

anag

emen

t Pla

nnin

g

Bas

elin

e in

form

atio

n

Est

ablis

h N

atur

al H

erita

ge ra

nks

for a

ll S

GC

N

and

key

habi

tats

not

cur

rent

ly tr

acke

d by

the

Nat

ural

Her

itage

pro

gram

, and

use

the

resu

lts to

upd

ate

SG

CN

and

key

hab

itat l

ists

as

nec

essa

ry.

Dev

elop

pro

toco

ls fo

r tim

ely

revi

ew a

nd re

visi

on o

f all

Nat

ural

Her

itage

ra

nks

to m

aint

ain

curr

ency

of S

GC

N a

nd k

ey

habi

tat l

ists

. C

ondu

ct s

urve

ys to

mor

e fu

lly d

ocum

ent t

he

curre

nt d

istri

butio

n an

d st

atus

of S

GC

N,

espe

cial

ly in

Key

Wild

life

Hab

itats

.

Con

duct

sur

veys

to m

ore

fully

doc

umen

t the

cu

rrent

dis

tribu

tion

and

cond

ition

of k

ey

habi

tats

.

Con

duct

rese

arch

to b

ette

r cha

ract

eriz

e th

e bi

olog

y of

SG

CN

and

the

ecol

ogy

of k

ey

habi

tats

as

nece

ssar

y to

sup

port

adap

tive

man

agem

ent.

Con

serv

atio

n pl

anni

ng p

roce

ss

Dev

elop

sta

ndar

dize

d cl

assi

ficat

ions

sys

tem

s (s

peci

es, h

abita

ts, i

ssue

s, a

ctio

ns) a

nd d

ata

form

ats,

or a

t lea

st c

ompa

tible

sys

tem

s an

d fo

rmat

s, th

at w

ill fa

cilit

ate

coop

erat

ive

plan

ning

am

ong

DFW

and

con

serv

atio

n pa

rtner

s.

Ref

ine

the

DE

WA

P w

ildlif

e ha

bita

t map

s to

be

tter i

nfor

m re

sour

ce m

anag

emen

t pla

nnin

g,

and

deve

lop

a pr

otoc

ol fo

r per

iodi

c up

date

s.

This

sho

uld

incl

ude

inco

rpor

atin

g ne

w

info

rmat

ion

such

as

the

rece

ntly

com

plet

ed

Gap

Ana

lysi

s P

roje

ct m

appi

ng, a

nd u

pdat

ing

exis

ting

reso

urce

map

s su

ch a

s w

etla

nds,

fo

rest

s an

d la

nd u

se/la

nd c

over

.

Del

awar

e W

ildlif

e A

ctio

n Pl

an

9/27

/200

6D

elaw

are

Div

isio

n of

Fis

h an

d W

ildlif

e 6-

91

Inst

itutio

nal C

apac

ity Is

sues

and

Act

ions

Is

sue

Type

Sp

ecifi

c Is

sue

Spec

ific

Act

ion

Dev

elop

qua

ntita

tive

or s

emi-q

uant

itativ

e ris

k as

sess

men

t pro

toco

ls fo

r all

“dire

ct th

reat

” co

nser

vatio

n is

sues

whe

re th

ey d

o no

t al

read

y ex

ist,

and

utiliz

e ris

k as

sess

men

t re

sults

to p

riorit

ize

cons

erva

tion

issu

es.

Con

duct

rese

arch

on

the

exte

nt a

nd s

ever

ity

of im

pact

s fro

m “d

irect

thre

at” c

onse

rvat

ion

issu

es to

key

hab

itats

and

SG

CN

as

need

ed

to s

uppo

rt ad

aptiv

e m

anag

emen

t. D

evel

op a

stra

tegi

c pl

anni

ng p

roce

ss to

“ste

p do

wn”

DEW

AP in

to p

riorit

ized

man

agem

ent

pres

crip

tions

for S

GC

N, k

ey h

abita

ts, a

nd

reso

lutio

n of

“dire

ct th

reat

” con

serv

atio

n is

sues

on

publ

ic a

nd p

rivat

e la

nds.

Inc

lude

al

l rel

evan

t con

serv

atio

n ac

tions

from

exi

stin

g na

tiona

l, re

gion

al, s

tate

and

site

pla

ns.

Inco

rpor

ate

info

rmat

ion

and

actio

ns fr

om

thes

e pr

escr

iptio

ns in

to re

sour

ce

man

agem

ent p

lans

as

appr

opria

te.

Mon

itorin

g an

d A

dapt

ive

Man

agem

ent

Mon

itorin

g of

SG

CN

, key

hab

itats

, im

pact

s fro

m c

onse

rvat

ion

issu

es a

nd o

utco

mes

of

cons

erva

tion

actio

ns

Mon

itor S

GC

N a

nd k

ey h

abita

ts to

det

erm

ine

trend

s in

the

dist

ribut

ion

and

stat

us o

f SG

CN

an

d th

e di

strib

utio

n an

d co

nditi

on o

f key

ha

bita

ts.

Mon

itor a

bate

men

t of i

mpa

cts

to S

GC

N a

nd

key

habi

tats

from

“dire

ct th

reat

” con

serv

atio

n is

sues

.M

onito

r out

com

es o

f con

serv

atio

n ac

tions

for

SG

CN

and

key

hab

itats

. D

evel

op s

tand

ardi

zed

mon

itorin

g pr

otoc

ols

that

inco

rpor

ate

exis

ting

stat

e, re

gion

al a

nd

natio

nal m

onito

ring

sche

mes

whe

re th

ey

exis

t, an

d in

clud

e th

ese

prot

ocol

s in

all

cons

erva

tion

prog

ram

s an

d pr

ojec

ts.

Del

awar

e W

ildlif

e A

ctio

n Pl

an

6-92

Del

awar

e D

ivis

ion

of F

ish

and

Wild

life

9/27

/200

6

Inst

itutio

nal C

apac

ity Is

sues

and

Act

ions

Is

sue

Type

Sp

ecifi

c Is

sue

Spec

ific

Act

ion

Qua

ntita

tive

mea

sure

s of

suc

cess

for

asse

ssin

g D

EWA

P im

plem

enta

tion

Dev

elop

a q

uant

itativ

e or

sem

i-qua

ntita

tive

scor

ing

syst

em fo

r rep

rese

ntin

g ke

y ha

bita

t co

nditi

on.

Dev

elop

per

form

ance

indi

cato

rs th

at m

easu

re

the

succ

ess

of S

GC

N a

nd k

ey h

abita

t m

anag

emen

t by

mon

itorin

g tre

nds

in

dist

ribut

ion

and

stat

us o

f SG

CN

, and

di

strib

utio

n an

d co

nditi

on o

f key

hab

itats

. D

evel

op p

erfo

rman

ce in

dica

tors

that

mea

sure

th

e su

cces

s of

con

serv

atio

n ac

tions

for

abat

emen

t of “

dire

ct th

reat

” con

serv

atio

n is

sues

by

mon

itorin

g ch

ange

s in

the

exte

nt

and

seve

rity

of im

pact

s fro

m th

ese

issu

es.

Dev

elop

per

form

ance

indi

cato

rs th

at m

easu

re

the

succ

ess

of c

onse

rvat

ion

actio

ns th

at

reso

lve

“indi

rect

thre

at” c

onse

rvat

ion

issu

es

by m

onito

ring

appr

opria

te m

etric

s.

Com

bine

per

form

ance

indi

cato

rs in

to a

n an

nual

“sco

reca

rd” o

f DEW

AP

im

plem

enta

tion.

Pro

vide

this

sco

reca

rd to

co

nser

vatio

n pa

rtner

s, s

take

hold

ers,

ele

cted

of

ficia

ls, m

edia

and

the

gene

ral p

ublic

in

orde

r to

enha

nce

acco

unta

bilit

y.

Ada

ptiv

e m

anag

emen

t fra

mew

ork

for

mod

ifyin

g co

nser

vatio

n ac

tions

Cre

ate

an a

dapt

ive

man

agem

ent f

ram

ewor

k th

at u

tiliz

es m

onito

ring

to a

dapt

pla

nnin

g an

d im

plem

enta

tion

of c

onse

rvat

ion

actio

ns to

ac

coun

t for

uns

atis

fact

ory

resu

lts, c

hang

ing

cond

ition

s an

d ne

w in

form

atio

n.

Info

rmat

ion

Man

agem

ent

Info

rmat

ion

man

agem

ent f

or S

GC

N, k

ey

habi

tat,

cons

erva

tion

issu

e an

d co

nser

vatio

n ac

tion

data

to s

uppo

rt ad

aptiv

e m

anag

emen

t

Cre

ate,

impl

emen

t and

/or u

pdat

e sp

atia

l co

mpu

ter a

pplic

atio

ns fo

r dat

a m

anag

emen

t an

d de

cisi

on s

uppo

rt –

e.g.

Bio

tics,

Vis

ta,

Del

awar

e In

vasi

ve S

peci

es T

rack

ing

Sys

tem

–

thro

ugho

ut D

FW a

nd o

ther

ag

enci

es/o

rgan

izat

ions

as

appr

opria

te.

Del

awar

e W

ildlif

e A

ctio

n Pl

an

9/27

/200

6D

elaw

are

Div

isio

n of

Fis

h an

d W

ildlif

e 6-

93

Inst

itutio

nal C

apac

ity Is

sues

and

Act

ions

Is

sue

Type

Sp

ecifi

c Is

sue

Spec

ific

Act

ion

Dev

elop

sta

te p

olic

ies

to re

quire

the

inte

grat

ion

of S

GC

N a

nd k

ey h

abita

t dat

a in

to

all S

tate

age

ncie

s’ d

ecis

ion-

mak

ing,

incl

udin

g lo

ng-ra

nge

plan

ning

, dev

elop

men

t of

acqu

isiti

on s

trate

gies

, tar

getin

g of

cos

t-sha

re

and

ince

ntiv

e pr

ogra

ms,

and

mak

ing

adap

tive

man

agem

ent d

ecis

ions

on

stat

e-ow

ned

land

. D

evel

op in

cent

ives

for n

on-s

tate

age

ncie

s,

orga

niza

tions

, and

indi

vidu

als

to u

tiliz

e S

GC

N

and

key

habi

tat i

nfor

mat

ion

in th

eir

oper

atio

ns. M

arke

t the

ben

efits

of u

sing

this

in

form

atio

n su

ch a

s sa

ving

tim

e or

fund

s, o

r m

inim

izin

g th

e po

tent

ial f

or le

gal c

onfli

ct.

Pro

vide

thes

e en

titie

s w

ith g

reat

er a

cces

s to

S

GC

N a

nd k

ey h

abita

t inf

orm

atio

n.

Res

ourc

e Pr

otec

tion

Fund

ing

for o

pen

spac

e ac

quis

ition

to p

rote

ct

SG

CN

and

key

hab

itats

Pro

vide

suf

ficie

nt fu

ndin

g fo

r the

Ope

n S

pace

P

rogr

am to

mee

t lan

d ac

quis

ition

obj

ectiv

es

desi

gnat

ed in

the

Gre

en In

frast

ruct

ure

Nat

ural

Res

ourc

es F

ocus

Are

a.

Enf

orce

men

t cap

acity

Pro

vide

trai

ning

on

exis

ting

and

futu

re la

ws

and

regu

latio

ns fo

r pro

tect

ion

of S

GC

N a

nd

key

habi

tats

, and

add

ition

al s

taff

reso

urce

s,

as n

eede

d, to

han

dle

enfo

rcem

ent o

f tho

se

regu

latio

ns.

Nui

sanc

e W

ildlif

e M

anag

emen

t D

edic

ated

resp

onse

sta

ff P

rovi

de a

dditi

onal

sta

ff re

sour

ces

to re

spon

d to

nui

sanc

e w

ildlif

e co

mpl

aint

s.

Priv

ate

Land

s C

onse

rvat

ion

Ince

ntiv

es fo

r lan

dow

ners

Dev

elop

ince

ntiv

es fo

r mai

ntai

ning

exi

stin

g ke

y ha

bita

ts o

r SG

CN

on

priv

ate

land

s (a

s op

pose

d to

cur

rent

ince

ntiv

es fo

r res

torin

g ke

y ha

bita

ts o

r SG

CN

).

Dev

elop

add

ition

al in

cent

ives

for l

ando

wne

rs

in th

e G

reen

Infra

stru

ctur

e N

atur

al R

esou

rces

Fo

cus

Are

a.

Del

awar

e W

ildlif

e A

ctio

n Pl

an

6-94

Del

awar

e D

ivis

ion

of F

ish

and

Wild

life

9/27

/200

6

Inst

itutio

nal C

apac

ity Is

sues

and

Act

ions

Is

sue

Type

Sp

ecifi

c Is

sue

Spec

ific

Act

ion

Dev

elop

add

ition

al in

cent

ives

for e

xcep

tiona

l m

anag

emen

t of k

ey h

abita

ts o

r SG

CN

(s

imila

r to

the

Con

serv

atio

n S

ecur

ity

Pro

gram

). S

uppo

rt cr

eatio

n of

fede

ral a

nd s

tate

inco

me

tax

exem

ptio

ns fo

r con

serv

atio

n in

cent

ive

paym

ents

. D

evel

op m

ore

turn

key

serv

ices

for

impl

emen

ting

and

man

agin

g ha

bita

t pro

ject

s,

incl

udin

g pr

ovid

ing

equi

pmen

t and

sta

ff or

co

ntra

ctua

l ser

vice

s.

Coo

rdin

atio

n am

ong

priv

ate

land

s co

nser

vatio

n pr

ogra

ms

Enc

oura

ge a

ll pr

ivat

e la

nds

cons

erva

tion

prov

ider

s to

coo

rdin

ate

with

DFW

to e

nsur

e pr

otec

tion

of k

ey h

abita

ts a

nd S

GC

N.

Enc

oura

ge a

ll pr

ivat

e la

nds

cons

erva

tion

prov

ider

s to

targ

et e

duca

tion

and

outre

ach

to

land

owne

rs in

or a

djac

ent t

o co

re re

serv

es

and

conn

ectin

g co

rrid

ors.

Edu

catio

n an

d O

utre

ach

Trai

ning

, edu

catio

n an

d ou

treac

h pr

ogra

ms

on

key

habi

tat e

colo

gy, S

GC

N b

iolo

gy, a

nd

cons

erva

tion

issu

es a

nd a

ctio

ns

Pro

vide

trai

ning

for s

tate

sta

ff on

key

hab

itat

ecol

ogy,

SG

CN

bio

logy

, and

con

serv

atio

n is

sues

and

act

ions

. D

evel

op e

duca

tion

and

outre

ach

for t

he

gene

ral p

ublic

, suc

h as

“pro

file

broc

hure

s” fo

r ke

y ha

bita

ts a

nd S

GC

N, a

nd “c

itize

n’s

guid

es” f

or is

sues

and

act

ions

. D

evel

op w

ildlif

e vi

ewin

g gu

ides

for s

elec

ted

spec

ies

and/

or s

ites

and

prom

ote

resp

onsi

ble

ecot

ouris

m.

Exp

and

DFW

’s A

dopt

-a-W

etla

nd p

rogr

am

and

the

Del

awar

e N

atur

e S

ocie

ty’s

“Bac

kyar

d W

ildlif

e H

abita

t” pr

ogra

m to

pro

mot

e gr

eate

r ci

tizen

invo

lvem

ent i

n ha

bita

t enh

ance

men

t an

d st

ewar

dshi

p.

Del

awar

e W

ildlif

e A

ctio

n Pl

an

9/27

/200

6D

elaw

are

Div

isio

n of

Fis

h an

d W

ildlif

e 6-

95

Inst

itutio

nal C

apac

ity Is

sues

and

Act

ions

Is

sue

Type

Sp

ecifi

c Is

sue

Spec

ific

Act

ion

Impl

emen

t "Le

ave

No

Trac

e" p

rogr

ams

such

as

"The

Fro

ntco

untry

Pro

gram

" and

"PE

AK

," to

pro

mot

e gr

eate

r res

pons

ibilit

y fo

r per

sona

l ch

oice

s.

Impl

emen

t the

Cer

tifie

d C

itize

n N

atur

alis

t pr

ogra

m to

pro

vide

for v

olun

teer

mon

itorin

g,

war

deni

ng a

nd s

tew

ards

hip

of k

ey h

abita

ts

and

SG

CN

. R

ecru

it an

d tra

in p

eopl

e to

co

nduc

t sur

veys

, pro

tect

reso

urce

s, a

nd

man

age

habi

tats

and

spe

cies

. Im

plem

ent

syst

ems

for v

olun

teer

repo

rting

of r

esul

ts.

Exp

and

use

of E

co-E

xplo

rers

, WAD

E

(Wet

land

Act

iviti

es fo

r Del

awar

e E

duca

tors

), P

roje

ct W

ILD

, Pro

ject

WET

and

oth

er e

xist

ing

scho

ol p

rogr

ams,

and

dev

elop

opp

ortu

nitie

s to

inte

grat

e ke

y ha

bita

t and

SG

CN

co

nser

vatio

n co

nten

t int

o th

e ab

ove

and

othe

r exi

stin

g pr

ogra

ms/

curr

icul

a.

Sup

port

effo

rts to

dev

elop

sch

ooly

ard

habi

tats

and

trai

ning

for t

each

ers

on

inte

grat

ing

habi

tat e

nhan

cem

ent/c

onse

rvat

ion

activ

ities

and

pro

ject

s in

to th

e cl

assr

oom

cu

rric

ulum

. P

artn

er w

ith th

e st

ate

Dep

artm

ent o

f E

duca

tion

to d

evel

op a

Del

awar

e-sp

ecifi

c bi

odiv

ersi

ty u

nit f

or th

e hi

gh s

choo

l lev

el th

at

emph

asiz

es k

ey h

abita

t eco

logy

and

SG

CN

bi

olog

y.

Del

awar

e W

ildlif

e A

ctio

n Pl

an

6-96

Del

awar

e D

ivis

ion

of F

ish

and

Wild

life

9/27

/200

6

SECTION 7

Priority ConservationIssues and Actions



7. Priority Conservation Issues and Actions The Conservation Issues and Actions in Section 6 have not been subjected to formal strategic planning to determine their priority; the need for such a process is in fact one of the proposed actions. However, much has been written over the years about the many issues that impact Delaware’s natural resources. A careful reading of these reports and plans – Whole Basin Management reports, The Nature Conservancy’s ecoregional plans, Natural Heritage Program documents, the Environmental Law Institute’s reports, Delaware Invasive Species Management Plan, and others – coupled with the analysis contained in this Plan, provides a picture of the most important Conservation Issues and Actions, listed below.

Issue Type: Division Operations Specific Issue: DFW funding, staffing, administrative structure and/or procedures for DEWAP implementation

Action: Integrate SGCN and Key Wildlife Habitat conservation into DFW responsibilities so as to merge game, sportfish, non-game and endangered species management. Fully fund and staff responsibilities for data collection and information management; natural resource management planning; monitoring and adaptive management; research; coordination of partnerships; and education, outreach and enforcement.

Issue Type: Natural Resource Management Planning Specific Issue: Conservation planning process

Action: Develop a strategic planning process to “step down” DEWAP into prioritized management prescriptions for SGCN, key habitats, and resolution of “direct threat” conservation issues on public and private lands. Include all relevant conservation actions from existing national, regional, state and site plans. Incorporate information and actions from these prescriptions into resource management plans as appropriate.

Specific Issue: Baseline Information Action: Conduct surveys to more fully document the current distribution and status of SGCN, especially in Key Wildlife Habitats, and the current distribution and condition of key habitats (this is a combination of two separate actions in Section 6.4).

Issue Type: Monitoring and Adaptive ManagementSpecific Issue: Monitoring of SGCN, key habitats, impacts from conservation issues and outcomes of conservation actions

Action: Develop standardized monitoring protocols that incorporate existing state, regional and national monitoring schemes where they exist, and include these protocols in all conservation programs and projects.

Specific Issue: Quantitative measures of success for assessing DEWAP implementation Action: Develop performance indicators that measure the success of conservation actions for SGCN, key habitats, abatement of “direct threat” conservation issues and resolution of “indirect threat” conservation issue. (this is a combination of three separate actions in Section 6.4).



Specific Issue: Adaptive management framework for modifying conservation actions Action: Create an adaptive management framework that utilizes monitoring to adapt planning and implementation of conservation actions to account for unsatisfactory results, changing conditions and new information.

Issue Type: Private Lands Conservation Specific Issue: Incentives for landowners

Action: Develop incentives for maintaining existing key habitats or SGCN on private lands (as opposed to current incentives for restoring key habitats or SGCN). Action: Develop additional incentives for exceptional management of key habitats or SGCN (similar to the Conservation Security Program).

Issue Type: Resource Management Specific Issue: Habitat/Wildlife Management

Action: Analyze species and habitat management on state conservation lands – Wildlife Areas, Parks, and Forests – and adapt management as necessary to increase key habitat patch size and reduce edge effects on SGCN.

Specific Issue: Facility and Program Operations Action: Review facility and program operations on state conservation lands – Wildlife Areas, Parks, and Forests – and develop state policies for minimizing impacts to key habitats and SGCN. Establish MOUs with DPR and the State Forest Service about consultation with DFW on issues impacting key habitats and SGCN in State Parks and State Forests.

Issue Type: Resource Protection Specific Issue: Funding for open space acquisition to protect SGCN and key habitats

Action: Provide sufficient funding for the Open Space Program to meet land acquisition objectives designated in the Green Infrastructure Natural Resources Focus Area.

Issue Type: Habitat Loss and Fragmentation Specific Issue: Residential and Commercial Structures

Action: Coordinate with partners to acquire title to, or easements on, sites that are critical to the conservation of key habitats and SGCN within the Green Infrastructure Natural Resources Focus Area, for management by public agencies or NGOs. Action: Improve federal/state/local coordination of environmental review to ensure that potential impacts to key habitats and SGCN are minimized for all major projects.

Specific Issue: Transportation Infrastructure Action: Work with the Delaware Department of Transportation to integrate key habitat and SGCN conservation into long-range transportation planning. Action: Work with the Delaware Department of Transportation to integrate key habitat and SGCN conservation into wetland and forest mitigation.



Issue Type: Agricultural and Forestry Operations Specific Issue: Clearcutting and Other Forestry Practices

Action: Coordinate with partners to acquire title to, or easements on, sites that are critical to the conservation of key habitats and SGCN within the Green Infrastructure Natural Resources Focus Area, for management by public agencies or NGOs. Action: Work with the Delaware Forest Service to integrate key habitat and SGCN conservation into forest management planning.

Issue Type: Invasive Species, Nuisance Animals and Wildlife DiseasesSpecific Issue: Invasive Plants

Action: Work with the Delaware Invasive Species Council and conservation land managers to assess and monitor impacts of invasive plants using the Delaware Alien Plant Invasiveness Risk Assessment protocol, and prioritize control efforts based on degree of risk. Action: Work with the Delaware Invasive Species Council and conservation land managers to develop and implement adaptive management plans for control of invasive species.

Issue Type: Recreational Activities Specific Issue: Recreational Use on Foot and with Boats, Personal Watercraft and Off-Road Vehicles

Action: Assess the impacts of ORVs on beach and dune, early successional and forested habitats, and use this assessment and long-term monitoring to adapt management as necessary. Action: Strengthen enforcement of regulations for off-road vehicles on public property to protect key habitats and SGCN. Action: Post and/or fence nesting sites, breeding concentrations or other critical areas on public property to protect SGCN, and enforce restrictions.

Issue Type: Education and Outreach Specific Issue: Training, education and outreach programs on key habitat ecology, SGCN biology, and conservation issues and actions

Action: Provide training for state staff on key habitat ecology, SGCN biology, and conservation issues and actions. Action: Develop education and outreach for the general public, such as “profile brochures” for key habitats and SGCN, and “citizen’s guides” for issues and actions.



SECTION 8

Measuring Success –Inventory, Monitoring, Research

and Adaptive Management



8. Measuring Success – Inventory, Monitoring, Research and AdaptiveManagement

The ultimate measure of success for the Plan is the maintenance or restoration of viable populations of SGCN, whether through manipulation of the animals themselves, management of key habitats, reduction of impacts, or improvements to institutional capacity. Achieving stable numbers of these species will secure the overall health of the State’s wildlife. Nonetheless, it would be extremely difficult to measure Plan success by monitoring all – or even most – SGCN individually. Monitoring at the species level is typically time consuming and is complicated by seasonal constraints, cryptic habits and other factors. Also, the lag between the implementation of most conservation actions and the responses of species populations is sometimes years, often decades, and may occasionally even be centuries. Such extended delays would impair timely adaptive management.

Monitoring of some SGCN may be required by law or regulation (e.g. endangered species or harvested wildlife), while monitoring of certain indicator species may serve as a surrogate for direct monitoring of habitat condition. However, ultimately it is not necessary to monitor every single SGCN. Most of these species are closely tied to one or several Key Wildlife Habitats, so that habitat viability is usually associated with species viability. Habitat monitoring, characteristically accomplished by measuring community structure and function, is almost always less complex than monitoring large numbers of species belonging to multiple diverse taxa. Lag times between actions and responses at the habitat level are highly variable – ranging from immediate for land acquisition, to one or two years for control of some invasive plants, to decades or more for restoration of certain habitats – but are commonly shorter than those at the species level. These time frames allow for more expedient adaptive management.

Plan success can also be measured by monitoring the abatement of impacts from “direct threat” conservation issues, such as a decrease in the rate of forest habitat loss or a reduction in instances of disturbance of beach-nesting birds. This type of monitoring is usually simpler than biological monitoring, and often has the advantage of being an essentially instantaneous measure. However, it is frequently difficult to strongly correlate this with trends in species or habitat viability.

In addition, success can be measured in terms of actions taken to address impacts of “indirect threats” such as institutional capacity issues. Even though such actions may have significant, long lasting benefit, they are routinely very difficult to relate to changes in species populations or habitat conditions. These issues and actions are therefore most easily monitored with qualitative, as opposed to quantitative, criteria.

Finally, the most timely measures of success are those that directly monitor the rate of Plan implementation. The value of these measures lies not only in their immediacy but in their simplicity, which makes them readily accessible to decision-makers, the general public and other lay people who may not be interested in the intricacies of resource- or issue-based measures.

Del

awar

e W

ildlif

e A

ctio

n Pl

an

8-2

Del

awar

e D

ivis

ion

of F

ish

and

Wild

life

9/27

/200

6

Ade

quat

ely

mea

surin

g su

cces

s req

uire

s a st

rate

gic

appr

oach

to in

vent

ory,

mon

itorin

g, re

sear

ch a

nd a

dapt

ive

man

agem

ent.

The

role

of

thes

e is

des

crib

ed in

the

sect

ions

that

follo

w, w

ith e

ach

one

intro

duce

d by

a su

mm

ary

char

t of r

elev

ant C

onse

rvat

ion

Issu

es a

ndA

ctio

ns fr

om S

ectio

n 6.

4.

8.1.

Inve

ntor

y

Def

initi

on

Inve

ntor

y is

the

item

izat

ion

of th

e ab

unda

nce

and

dist

ribut

ion

of sp

ecie

s or h

abita

ts.

For t

he p

urpo

ses o

f thi

s def

initi

on, i

nven

tory

is

cons

ider

ed sy

nony

mou

s with

“su

rvey

,” a

lthou

gh te

chni

cally

the

late

r is a

subs

et o

f the

form

er.

Con

serv

atio

n Is

sues

and

Act

ions

C

onse

rvat

ion

Issu

e C

onse

rvat

ion

Act

ion

Bas

elin

e in

form

atio

n

Est

ablis

h N

atur

al H

erita

ge ra

nks

for a

ll S

GC

N a

nd k

ey h

abita

ts n

ot c

urre

ntly

trac

ked

by th

e N

atur

al

Her

itage

pro

gram

, and

use

the

resu

lts to

upd

ate

SG

CN

and

key

hab

itat l

ists

as

nece

ssar

y. D

evel

op

prot

ocol

s fo

r tim

ely

revi

ew a

nd re

visi

on o

f all

Nat

ural

Her

itage

rank

s to

mai

ntai

n cu

rren

cy o

f SG

CN

an

d ke

y ha

bita

t lis

ts.

Con

duct

sur

veys

to m

ore

fully

doc

umen

t the

cur

rent

dis

tribu

tion

and

stat

us o

f SG

CN

, esp

ecia

lly in

K

ey W

ildlif

e H

abita

ts.

C

ondu

ct s

urve

ys to

mor

e fu

lly d

ocum

ent t

he c

urre

nt d

istri

butio

n an

d co

nditi

on o

f key

hab

itats

.

Stra

tegi

esTh

e se

lect

ion

of S

GC

N w

as b

ased

larg

ely

on d

ata

from

the

Del

awar

e N

atur

al H

erita

ge P

rogr

am, w

hich

use

s an

inte

rnat

iona

lly

acce

pted

met

hodo

logy

for d

eter

min

ing

the

cons

erva

tion

stat

us o

f ani

mal

s, pl

ants

and

nat

ural

com

mun

ities

. Th

e va

lue

of th

is

prot

ocol

is th

at it

allo

ws f

or c

ompa

rison

of s

tatu

s acr

oss a

ll ta

xa, w

hich

can

gre

atly

sim

plify

dec

isio

ns a

bout

con

serv

atio

n pr

iorit

ies.

How

ever

, som

e D

elaw

are

spec

ies a

re c

urre

ntly

not

trac

ked

by th

e N

atur

al H

erita

ge P

rogr

am.

All

non-

track

ed sp

ecie

ssh

ould

be

eval

uate

d an

d as

sign

ed a

con

serv

atio

n st

atus

rank

in o

rder

to p

rovi

de a

uni

form

bas

is fo

r det

erm

inin

g SG

CN

. A

lso,

the

ratio

nale

for a

ll sp

ecie

s ran

ks sh

ould

be

docu

men

ted

in th

e N

atur

al H

erita

ge d

atab

ase

to fa

cilit

ate

revi

ew a

nd re

visi

on.

Ther

e w

as in

suff

icie

nt in

form

atio

n in

the

Nat

ural

Her

itage

dat

abas

e ab

out n

atur

al c

omm

uniti

es, f

rom

whi

ch K

ey W

ildlif

e H

abita

tsw

ere

deve

lope

d, to

allo

w u

se o

f sta

tus r

anks

in e

valu

atin

g ha

bita

t con

ditio

n.N

atur

al c

omm

unity

info

rmat

ion

shou

ld b

e st

reng

then

ed to

allo

w it

s use

in ra

ting

the

cond

ition

s of k

ey h

abita

ts.

As w

ith sp

ecie

s, co

mm

uniti

es th

at d

o no

t hav

e st

atus

rank

ssh

ould

be

assi

gned

them

and

all

rank

ing

deci

sion

s sho

uld

be d

ocum

ente

d.

A st

anda

rd p

roto

col f

or re

view

and

revi

sion

of N

atur

al H

erita

ge ra

nks a

nd S

GC

N d

esig

natio

ns sh

ould

be

deve

lope

d. A

t a

min

imum

, com

preh

ensi

ve re

view

s sho

uld

be c

ondu

cted

eve

ry 1

0 ye

ars i

n ke

epin

g w

ith th

e tim

e fr

ame

of th

e Pl

an.

How

ever

,

Del

awar

e W

ildlif

e A

ctio

n Pl

an

9/27

/200

6D

elaw

are

Div

isio

n of

Fis

h an

d W

ildlif

e 8-

3

give

n th

e ra

pid

pace

of l

and

use

chan

ges i

n D

elaw

are,

mor

e fr

eque

nt re

view

s are

pro

babl

y w

arra

nted

, pos

sibl

y as

ofte

n as

eve

ry

othe

r yea

r for

the

mos

t sen

sitiv

e sp

ecie

s. C

onsi

dera

tion

shou

ld b

e gi

ven

to a

pro

toco

l tha

t cal

ls fo

r rev

isio

ns w

hene

ver n

ew

info

rmat

ion

beco

mes

ava

ilabl

e, a

s opp

osed

to o

pera

ting

on a

fixe

d sc

hedu

le.

Com

paris

on o

f “K

now

n SG

CN

Spe

cies

” w

ith “

Ass

ocia

ted

SGC

N S

peci

es”

from

the

Vita

l Sta

tistic

s tab

les i

n Se

ctio

n 6.

1 sh

ows

that

onl

y a

smal

l por

tion

of p

oten

tial S

GC

N h

ave

been

doc

umen

ted

for m

any

key

habi

tats

. Th

is m

ay in

dica

te th

e ne

ed to

co

ncen

trate

SG

CN

inve

ntor

ies i

n th

ose

key

habi

tats

. It

is e

spec

ially

impo

rtant

that

spec

ies-

habi

tat a

ssoc

iatio

ns b

e va

lidat

ed b

y ob

serv

atio

n si

nce

mos

t mon

itorin

g w

ill p

roba

bly

focu

s on

habi

tat c

ondi

tion

– as

opp

osed

to sp

ecie

s via

bilit

y –

for r

easo

ns o

f ef

ficie

ncy

and

effe

ctiv

enes

s (se

e Se

ctio

n 8.

2 fo

r fur

ther

dis

cuss

ion)

. So

me

key

habi

tats

wer

e m

appe

d pa

rtly

by u

se o

f sim

ple

mod

els b

ased

on

topo

grap

hy (A

ncie

nt S

and

Rid

ge F

ores

t), a

eria

l ph

otog

raph

inte

rpre

tatio

n (C

oast

al P

lain

Sea

sona

l Pon

d an

d Sp

artin

a H

igh

Salt

Mar

sh),

or sp

ecie

s-ha

bita

t ass

ocia

tions

(Ear

ly

Succ

essi

onal

Hab

itat).

Thi

s map

ping

nee

ds to

be

valid

ated

by

field

surv

eys.

8.2.

Mon

itorin

g

Def

initi

on

Mon

itorin

g is

the

repe

ated

mea

sure

men

t of a

con

serv

atio

n pa

ram

eter

– sp

ecie

s pop

ulat

ion,

hab

itat e

xten

t, di

scha

rge

rate

of a

pol

luta

nt,

num

ber o

f par

ticip

ants

in a

pro

gram

– u

sing

app

ropr

iate

, con

sist

ent m

etho

dolo

gy th

at is

ade

quat

e fo

r det

ectin

g si

gnifi

cant

cha

nge

over

us

eful

per

iods

of t

ime.

Con

serv

atio

n Is

sues

and

Act

ions

C

onse

rvat

ion

Issu

e C

onse

rvat

ion

Act

ion

Mon

itorin

g of

SG

CN

, key

hab

itats

, im

pact

s fro

m c

onse

rvat

ion

issu

es a

nd

outc

omes

of c

onse

rvat

ion

actio

ns

Mon

itor S

GC

N a

nd k

ey h

abita

ts to

det

erm

ine

trend

s in

the

dist

ribut

ion

and

stat

us o

f SG

CN

and

the

dist

ribut

ion

and

cond

ition

of k

ey h

abita

ts.

Mon

itor a

bate

men

t of i

mpa

cts

to b

oth

SGC

N a

nd k

ey h

abita

ts fr

om “d

irect

thre

at” c

onse

rvat

ion

issu

es.

Mon

itor o

utco

mes

of c

onse

rvat

ion

actio

ns fo

r SG

CN

and

key

hab

itats

. D

evel

op s

tand

ardi

zed

mon

itorin

g pr

otoc

ols

that

inco

rpor

ate

exis

ting

stat

e, re

gion

al a

nd n

atio

nal

mon

itorin

g sc

hem

es w

here

they

exi

st, a

nd in

clud

e th

ese

prot

ocol

s in

all

cons

erva

tion

prog

ram

s an

d pr

ojec

ts.

Stra

tegi

esB

iolo

gica

l mon

itorin

g fo

r DEW

AP

shou

ld fo

cus o

n th

e ex

tent

, dis

tribu

tion

and

cond

ition

of K

ey W

ildlif

e H

abita

ts –

as o

ppos

ed to

the

popu

latio

n an

d st

atus

of S

GC

N –

for r

easo

ns o

f eff

icie

ncy

and

effe

ctiv

enes

s. S

ince

key

hab

itats

wer

e de

sign

ated

bas

ed o

n kn

own

or e

xpec

ted

asso

ciat

ions

with

SG

CN

, the

maj

ority

of s

peci

es sh

ould

be

cove

red

by th

is a

ppro

ach.

Gen

eral

ly, i

ndiv

idua

l

Del

awar

e W

ildlif

e A

ctio

n Pl

an

8-4

Del

awar

e D

ivis

ion

of F

ish

and

Wild

life

9/27

/200

6

SGC

N w

ill b

e m

onito

red

only

if re

quire

d by

regu

latio

n, o

r if t

he sp

ecie

s is e

spec

ially

rare

or s

ensi

tive

to d

istu

rban

ce, o

r if t

hesp

ecie

s fun

ctio

ns a

s an

indi

cato

r or k

eyst

one

for a

par

ticul

ar h

abita

t. M

onito

ring

shou

ld c

once

ntra

te o

n pe

rman

ently

pro

tect

ed p

ublic

and

priv

ate

cons

erva

tion

land

s (G

AP

Stew

ards

hip

Stat

us 2

or 3

).In

mos

t cas

es, t

hese

land

s for

m c

ore

area

s tha

t pre

sent

ly c

onta

in, o

r cou

ld b

e m

anag

ed fo

r, a

grea

t man

y SG

CN

and

key

hab

itats

.Th

e st

atus

of r

esou

rces

on

thes

e la

nds i

s the

refo

re c

ritic

al to

the

long

term

succ

ess o

f the

Pla

n. T

he sp

atia

l dis

tribu

tion

of m

any

exis

ting/

plan

ned

mon

itorin

g ef

forts

refle

cts s

peci

fic re

gula

tory

obj

ectiv

es o

r sta

tistic

al c

onsi

dera

tions

with

out r

egar

d fo

r lan

dm

anag

emen

t sta

tus.

Whe

neve

r pos

sibl

e, e

xist

ing/

plan

ned

effo

rts sh

ould

be

mod

ified

to fo

cus o

n co

nser

vatio

n la

nds,

and

new

m

onito

ring

shou

ld b

e di

rect

ed to

thes

e ar

eas a

s wel

l. Ex

istin

g/pl

anne

d m

onito

ring,

whe

ther

it is

don

e by

the

stat

e, k

ey c

onse

rvat

ion

partn

ers o

r oth

ers,

shou

ld b

e in

corp

orat

ed a

s muc

has

pos

sibl

e in

to m

easu

res o

f suc

cess

for D

EWA

P. A

ppen

dix

H li

sts m

any

of th

e m

onito

ring

activ

ities

pla

nned

or p

rese

ntly

un

derw

ay in

the

stat

e, g

ener

ally

thos

e th

at ta

rget

SG

CN

and

key

hab

itats

, or t

hose

that

mon

itor m

ultip

le sp

ecie

s, ha

bita

ts, i

ssue

san

d/or

loca

tions

. A

dditi

onal

mon

itorin

g oc

curs

on

man

y in

divi

dual

site

s, pa

rticu

larly

pub

lic a

nd p

rivat

e co

nser

vatio

n la

nds.

For

exam

ple,

The

Nat

ure

Con

serv

ancy

mon

itors

inva

sive

pla

nts o

n se

vera

l of i

ts p

rese

rves

. A

lso,

the

outc

omes

of s

peci

fic

cons

erva

tion

actio

ns a

re c

urre

ntly

bei

ng m

easu

red

for a

num

ber o

f pro

ject

s. A

lthou

gh n

ot li

sted

in A

ppen

dix

H fo

r rea

sons

of

brev

ity, t

hese

exi

stin

g si

te- a

nd a

ctio

n-sp

ecifi

c m

onito

ring

activ

ities

shou

ld a

lso

be in

corp

orat

ed in

to m

easu

rem

ents

of P

lan

succ

ess w

hen

appr

opria

te.

Som

e ex

istin

g/pl

anne

d m

onito

ring

is lo

cal i

n or

igin

(e.g

., co

ntam

inan

t sam

plin

g of

osp

rey

nest

lings

), so

me

is re

gion

al (e

.g.,

muc

hfis

h m

onito

ring

is d

irect

ed b

y in

ters

tate

man

agem

ent p

lans

), an

d so

me

is n

atio

nal (

e.g.

, For

est H

ealth

Mon

itorin

g).

Alth

ough

ce

rtain

loca

l mon

itorin

g ef

forts

, and

muc

h of

the

regi

onal

and

nat

iona

l mon

itorin

g, a

re n

ot d

esig

ned

spec

ifica

lly fo

r the

Pla

n’s

SGC

N, k

ey h

abita

ts o

r con

serv

atio

n is

sues

, the

y no

neth

eles

s may

col

lect

dat

a on

thes

e ite

ms o

r cou

ld b

e m

odifi

ed to

do

so.

Ther

e is

littl

e co

vera

ge o

f SG

CN

or k

ey u

plan

d ha

bita

ts in

exi

stin

g/pl

anne

d m

onito

ring

effo

rts, w

hich

are

bia

sed

tow

ards

har

vest

edsp

ecie

s and

aqu

atic

and

wet

land

hab

itats

. Ex

istin

g/pl

anne

d m

onito

ring

prog

ram

s sho

uld

be m

odifi

ed to

incr

ease

cov

erag

e of

un

der-

repr

esen

ted

reso

urce

s whe

re it

is p

ossi

ble

to d

o so

. W

hen

new

bio

logi

cal m

onito

ring

is n

eede

d, it

shou

ld u

tiliz

e st

anda

rd p

roto

cols

for s

peci

fic ta

xa a

nd h

abita

ts w

here

thos

e ex

ist,

and

follo

w a

ccep

ted

scie

ntifi

c m

etho

ds w

here

they

do

not.

Som

e la

rge-

scal

e co

nser

vatio

n pl

ans,

such

as t

he U

.S. S

hore

bird

C

onse

rvat

ion

Plan

, con

tain

gui

danc

e on

mon

itorin

g, a

nd th

ere

are

man

y pu

blis

hed

and

onlin

e re

sour

ces a

bout

pro

toco

ls a

nd

met

hods

. Pr

opos

ed m

onito

ring

prog

ram

s sho

uld

also

be

subj

ecte

d to

pee

r rev

iew

by

reco

gniz

ed e

xper

ts.

Stan

dard

izat

ion

of

prot

ocol

s allo

ws m

onito

ring

in D

elaw

are

to b

e ro

lled

up w

ith o

ther

stat

es fo

r use

in re

gion

al a

nd n

atio

nal c

onse

rvat

ion

initi

ativ

es,

such

as P

artn

ers i

n A

mph

ibia

n an

d R

eptil

e C

onse

rvat

ion,

the

Nor

th A

mer

ican

Bat

Con

serv

atio

n Pa

rtner

ship

Stra

tegi

c Pl

an a

nd th

e A

tlant

ic C

oast

Join

t Ven

ture

. B

iolo

gica

l mon

itorin

g sh

ould

be

impl

emen

ted

at th

e m

inim

um fr

eque

ncy

and

sam

ple

size

that

allo

ws d

etec

tion

of b

iolo

gica

lly o

r ec

olog

ical

ly si

gnifi

cant

cha

nge.

Sen

sitiv

e, in

dica

tor o

r key

ston

e sp

ecie

s may

cal

l for

mon

itorin

g ev

ery

few

yea

rs, o

r eve

n

Del

awar

e W

ildlif

e A

ctio

n Pl

an

9/27

/200

6D

elaw

are

Div

isio

n of

Fis

h an

d W

ildlif

e 8-

5

annu

ally

. M

any

habi

tats

, on

the

othe

r han

d, c

ould

be

mon

itore

d at

long

er in

terv

als,

alth

ough

not

exc

eedi

ng e

very

10

year

s in

keep

ing

with

the

timef

ram

e of

the

Plan

. B

iolo

gica

l mon

itorin

g sh

ould

be

coor

dina

ted

both

spat

ially

and

tem

pora

lly to

max

imiz

e ef

ficie

ncy.

Key

hab

itats

are

bes

t m

onito

red

by u

se o

f per

man

ent p

lots

in re

pres

enta

tive

loca

tions

. SG

CN

mon

itorin

g sh

ould

typi

cally

take

pla

ce a

t the

sam

e lo

catio

ns, a

lthou

gh th

is o

ften

may

be

impo

ssib

le fo

r aqu

atic

hab

itats

and

spec

ies.

In o

rder

to p

rovi

de c

over

age

of S

GC

N a

nd k

eyha

bita

ts st

atew

ide,

mon

itorin

g sh

ould

be

orga

nize

d by

wat

ersh

ed, s

uch

that

all

reso

urce

s are

che

cked

at l

east

onc

e ev

ery

10 y

ears

.Th

is w

ould

requ

ire th

at a

nyw

here

from

one

to se

vera

l adj

acen

t wat

ersh

eds b

e m

onito

red

each

yea

r, de

pend

ing

on th

e nu

mbe

r of

SGC

N a

nd k

ey h

abita

ts ta

rget

ed in

eac

h w

ater

shed

. In

add

ition

to m

onito

ring

spec

ies a

nd h

abita

ts, p

rogr

ams m

ust b

e de

velo

ped

to m

easu

re th

e su

cces

s of c

onse

rvat

ion

actio

ns th

at a

rede

sign

ed to

aba

te im

pact

s fro

m “

dire

ct th

reat

” co

nser

vatio

n is

sues

. Th

is m

onito

ring

shou

ld a

lso

seek

to su

bsta

ntia

te c

ause

-and

-ef

fect

rela

tions

hips

bet

wee

n co

nser

vatio

n is

sues

and

act

ions

whe

n th

ese

are

not k

now

n. S

ee S

ectio

n 8.

3 fo

r fur

ther

dis

cuss

ion

of

this

stra

tegy

.

8.3.

Res

earc

h

Def

initi

on

Res

earc

h is

the

inve

stig

atio

n of

cau

sal f

acto

rs th

at u

nder

lie th

e re

spon

ses o

f spe

cies

to th

eir e

nviro

nmen

ts a

nd th

e st

ruct

ure

and

func

tion

of n

atur

al sy

stem

s.

Con

serv

atio

n Is

sues

and

Act

ions

C

onse

rvat

ion

Issu

e C

onse

rvat

ion

Act

ion

Bas

elin

e in

form

atio

n C

ondu

ct re

sear

ch to

bet

ter c

hara

cter

ize

the

biol

ogy

of S

GC

N a

nd th

e ec

olog

y of

key

hab

itats

as

nece

ssar

y to

sup

port

adap

tive

man

agem

ent.

Con

serv

atio

n pl

anni

ng p

roce

ss

Con

duct

rese

arch

on

the

exte

nt a

nd s

ever

ity o

f im

pact

s fro

m “d

irect

thre

at” c

onse

rvat

ion

issu

es to

key

ha

bita

ts a

nd S

GC

N a

s ne

eded

to s

uppo

rt ad

aptiv

e m

anag

emen

t.

Stra

tegi

esIn

the

cont

ext o

f the

Pla

n, re

sear

ch sh

ould

alw

ays b

e de

sign

ed to

pro

vide

dire

ct a

nsw

ers t

o sp

ecifi

c m

anag

emen

t que

stio

ns, o

r at

leas

t pro

vide

the

basi

s for

mor

e in

form

ed m

anag

emen

t dec

isio

ns.

Res

earc

h on

the

biol

ogy

of S

GC

N a

nd th

e ec

olog

y of

key

ha

bita

ts sh

ould

be

dict

ated

by

the

resu

lts o

f mon

itorin

g th

e st

atus

and

tren

ds o

f tho

se re

sour

ces.

In m

any

case

s, ca

use-

and-

effe

ct re

latio

nshi

ps b

etw

een

cons

erva

tion

issu

es a

nd a

ctio

ns c

an b

e re

ason

ably

pre

sum

ed fr

om

circ

umst

antia

l evi

denc

e. H

owev

er, m

onito

ring

the

abat

emen

t of i

mpa

cts f

rom

“di

rect

thre

at”

cons

erva

tion

issu

es sh

ould

seek

to

subs

tant

iate

thes

e re

latio

nshi

ps w

hen

they

are

not

con

clus

ivel

y kn

own.

Typ

ical

ly th

is re

quire

s the

sam

plin

g of

bot

h ex

perim

enta

l

Del

awar

e W

ildlif

e A

ctio

n Pl

an

8-6

Del

awar

e D

ivis

ion

of F

ish

and

Wild

life

9/27

/200

6

and

cont

rol a

reas

– o

r pre

- and

pos

t-tre

atm

ent s

ampl

ing

of a

sing

le a

rea

– in

ord

er to

isol

ate

a pa

rticu

lar c

onse

rvat

ion

actio

n as

the

sole

cau

se fo

r aba

tem

ent o

f a “

dire

ct th

reat

.”

8.4.

Ada

ptiv

e M

anag

emen

t

Def

initi

on

Ada

ptiv

e m

anag

emen

t is t

he c

yclic

al p

roce

ss o

f ado

ptin

g, m

odify

ing

or d

isca

rdin

g co

nser

vatio

n ac

tions

, bas

ed o

n th

e re

sults

of

mon

itorin

g an

d re

sear

ch, i

n or

der t

o m

ore

effe

ctiv

ely

and

effic

ient

ly a

chie

ve c

onse

rvat

ion

goal

s.

Con

serv

atio

n Is

sues

and

Act

ions

C

onse

rvat

ion

Issu

e C

onse

rvat

ion

Act

ion

Ada

ptiv

e m

anag

emen

t fra

mew

ork

for

mod

ifyin

g co

nser

vatio

n ac

tions

Cre

ate

an a

dapt

ive

man

agem

ent f

ram

ewor

k th

at u

tiliz

es m

onito

ring

resu

lts to

ada

pt p

lann

ing

and

impl

emen

tatio

n of

con

serv

atio

n ac

tions

to a

ccou

nt fo

r uns

atis

fact

ory

resu

lts, c

hang

ing

cond

ition

s an

d ne

w in

form

atio

n.

Con

serv

atio

n pl

anni

ng p

roce

ss

Dev

elop

sta

ndar

dize

d cl

assi

ficat

ions

sys

tem

s (s

peci

es, h

abita

ts, i

ssue

s, a

ctio

ns) a

nd d

ata

form

ats,

or

at le

ast c

ompa

tible

sys

tem

s an

d fo

rmat

s, th

at w

ill fa

cilit

ate

coop

erat

ive

plan

ning

am

ong

DFW

and

co

nser

vatio

n pa

rtner

s.

Ref

ine

the

DE

WA

P w

ildlif

e ha

bita

t map

s to

bet

ter i

nfor

m re

sour

ce m

anag

emen

t pla

nnin

g, a

nd d

evel

op

a pr

otoc

ol fo

r per

iodi

c up

date

s. T

his

shou

ld in

clud

e in

corp

orat

ing

new

info

rmat

ion

such

as

the

rece

ntly

com

plet

ed G

ap A

naly

sis

Pro

ject

map

ping

, and

upd

atin

g ex

istin

g re

sour

ce m

aps

such

as

wet

land

s, fo

rest

s an

d la

nd u

se/la

nd c

over

.

Dev

elop

qua

ntita

tive

or s

emi-q

uant

itativ

e ris

k as

sess

men

t pro

toco

ls fo

r all

“dire

ct th

reat

” con

serv

atio

n is

sues

whe

re th

ey d

o no

t alre

ady

exis

t, an

d ut

ilize

risk

ass

essm

ent r

esul

ts to

prio

ritiz

e co

nser

vatio

n is

sues

.

Dev

elop

a s

trate

gic

plan

ning

pro

cess

to “s

tep

dow

n” D

EW

AP

into

prio

ritiz

ed m

anag

emen

t pr

escr

iptio

ns fo

r SG

CN

, key

hab

itats

, and

reso

lutio

n of

“dire

ct th

reat

” con

serv

atio

n is

sues

on

publ

ic

and

priv

ate

land

s. I

nclu

de a

ll re

leva

nt c

onse

rvat

ion

actio

ns fr

om e

xist

ing

natio

nal,

regi

onal

, sta

te a

nd

site

pla

ns.

Inco

rpor

ate

info

rmat

ion

and

actio

ns fr

om th

ese

pres

crip

tions

into

reso

urce

man

agem

ent

plan

s as

app

ropr

iate

.

Info

rmat

ion

man

agem

ent f

or S

GC

N,

key

habi

tat,

cons

erva

tion

issu

e an

d co

nser

vatio

n ac

tion

data

to s

uppo

rt ad

aptiv

e m

anag

emen

t

Cre

ate,

impl

emen

t and

/or u

pdat

e sp

atia

l com

pute

r app

licat

ions

for d

ata

man

agem

ent a

nd d

ecis

ion

supp

ort –

e.g

. Bio

tics,

Vis

ta, D

elaw

are

Inva

sive

Spe

cies

Tra

ckin

g S

yste

m –

thro

ugho

ut D

FW a

nd

othe

r age

ncie

s/or

gani

zatio

ns a

s ap

prop

riate

.

Qua

ntita

tive

mea

sure

s of

suc

cess

for

Dev

elop

a q

uant

itativ

e or

sem

i-qua

ntita

tive

scor

ing

syst

em fo

r rep

rese

ntin

g ke

y ha

bita

t con

ditio

n.

Del

awar

e W

ildlif

e A

ctio

n Pl

an

9/27

/200

6D

elaw

are

Div

isio

n of

Fis

h an

d W

ildlif

e 8-

7

Con

serv

atio

n Is

sue

Con

serv

atio

n A

ctio

n as

sess

ing

DEW

AP

impl

emen

tatio

n st

atus

and

effe

ctiv

enes

s D

evel

op p

erfo

rman

ce in

dica

tors

that

mea

sure

the

succ

ess

of S

GC

N a

nd k

ey h

abita

t man

agem

ent b

y m

onito

ring

trend

s in

dis

tribu

tion

and

stat

us o

f SG

CN

, and

dis

tribu

tion

and

cond

ition

of k

ey h

abita

ts.

Dev

elop

per

form

ance

indi

cato

rs th

at m

easu

re th

e su

cces

s of

con

serv

atio

n ac

tions

for a

bate

men

t of

“dire

ct th

reat

” con

serv

atio

n is

sues

by

mon

itorin

g ch

ange

s in

the

exte

nt a

nd s

ever

ity o

f im

pact

s fro

m

thes

e is

sues

. D

evel

op p

erfo

rman

ce in

dica

tors

that

mea

sure

the

succ

ess

of c

onse

rvat

ion

actio

ns th

at re

solv

e “in

dire

ct th

reat

” con

serv

atio

n is

sues

by

mon

itorin

g ap

prop

riate

met

rics.

D

evel

op p

erfo

rman

ce in

dica

tors

that

mea

sure

the

succ

ess

of D

EWA

P b

y m

onito

ring

the

rate

of

impl

emen

tatio

n of

con

serv

atio

n ac

tions

. C

ombi

ne p

erfo

rman

ce in

dica

tors

into

an

annu

al “s

core

card

” of D

EW

AP

impl

emen

tatio

n. P

rovi

de th

is

scor

ecar

d to

con

serv

atio

n pa

rtner

s, s

take

hold

ers,

ele

cted

offi

cial

s, m

edia

and

the

gene

ral p

ublic

in

orde

r to

enha

nce

acco

unta

bilit

y.

Del

awar

e W

ildlif

e A

ctio

n Pl

an

8-8

Del

awar

e D

ivis

ion

of F

ish

and

Wild

life

9/27

/200

6

Stra

tegi

esA

dapt

ive

man

agem

ent o

f SG

CN

, key

hab

itats

and

con

serv

atio

n is

sues

will

be

faci

litat

ed p

rimar

ily th

roug

h re

gula

r pro

gres

s re

view

s by

the

Stee

ring

Com

mitt

ee (s

ee S

ectio

n 10

for m

ore

info

rmat

ion)

. Th

is p

roce

ss c

an b

e vi

sual

ized

as f

ollo

ws:

The

Plan

itse

lf w

ill a

lso

be a

dapt

ed to

refle

ct c

hang

es in

SG

CN

, key

hab

itats

, con

serv

atio

n is

sues

and

con

serv

atio

n ac

tions

dur

ing

perio

dic

Plan

upd

ates

(see

Sec

tion

10 fo

r mor

e in

form

atio

n).

Det

erm

ine

spec

ific

man

agem

ent o

bjec

tives

for

SG

CN

, key

hab

itats

and

ab

atem

ent o

f im

pact

s fro

m

cons

erva

tion

issu

es

Impl

emen

t con

serv

atio

n ac

tions

Mon

itor S

GC

N, k

ey h

abita

ts

and

abat

emen

t of i

mpa

cts

from

con

serv

atio

n is

sues

Eva

luat

e pr

ogre

ss to

war

ds

man

agem

ent o

bjec

tives

(S

teer

ing

Com

mitt

ee)

Mod

ify c

onse

rvat

ion

actio

ns if

nec

essa

ry

Dev

elop

Pla

n, in

clud

ing

cons

erva

tion

actio

ns

Ada

ptiv

eM

anag

emen

tC

ycle

Del

awar

e W

ildlif

e A

ctio

n Pl

an

9/27

/200

6D

elaw

are

Div

isio

n of

Fis

h an

d W

ildlif

e 8-

9

A k

ey p

art o

f ada

ptiv

e m

anag

emen

t is t

he d

eter

min

atio

n of

spec

ific

man

agem

ent o

bjec

tives

for S

GC

N, k

ey h

abita

ts a

nd a

bate

men

t of

thre

ats f

rom

con

serv

atio

n is

sues

. Th

ese

wou

ld ta

ke th

e fo

rm o

f pop

ulat

ion

leve

ls fo

r SG

CN

, are

al e

xten

t and

dis

pers

ion

for k

eyha

bita

ts, a

nd m

axim

um li

mits

for i

mpa

cts f

rom

“di

rect

thre

at”

cons

erva

tion

issu

es.

Such

obj

ectiv

es a

re o

ften

diff

icul

t to

dete

rmin

e gi

ven

the

com

plex

ity o

f mos

t nat

ural

syst

ems,

and

they

are

bey

ond

the

scop

e of

this

Pla

n. H

owev

er, p

opul

atio

n ob

ject

ives

are

av

aila

ble

for s

ome

spec

ies i

n re

gion

al a

nd n

atio

nal c

onse

rvat

ion

initi

ativ

es (e

.g.,

Partn

ers i

n Fl

ight

and

end

ange

red

spec

ies

reco

very

pla

ns),

and

ther

e is

ext

ensi

ve li

tera

ture

on

popu

latio

n vi

abili

ty a

naly

sis t

hat c

an b

e ap

plie

d to

oth

er sp

ecie

s. H

abita

tob

ject

ives

are

less

wel

l dev

elop

ed, a

lthou

gh th

ere

is a

gro

win

g bo

dy o

f kno

wle

dge

abou

t pat

ch si

ze a

nd is

olat

ion,

con

nect

ivity

, ed

ge e

ffec

ts a

nd si

mila

r fac

tors

that

influ

ence

hab

itat v

iabi

lity.

Som

e th

resh

olds

for i

mpa

cts a

re w

ell e

stab

lishe

d, w

hile

oth

ers a

re

poor

ly u

nder

stoo

d an

d re

quire

add

ition

al re

sear

ch.

Stan

dard

ized

sche

mes

for c

ateg

oriz

ing

SGC

N, k

ey h

abita

ts, c

onse

rvat

ion

issu

es a

nd c

onse

rvat

ion

actio

ns a

re n

eces

sary

to ta

ke fu

llad

vant

age

of c

oope

rativ

e pl

anni

ng a

mon

g ke

y pa

rtner

s, w

hich

is c

ruci

al to

the

succ

ess o

f the

Pla

n. T

o th

is e

nd, t

he e

xist

ing

habi

tat

clas

sific

atio

n sc

hem

e, b

ased

on

the

Nat

iona

l Veg

etat

ion

Cla

ssifi

catio

n Sy

stem

, sho

uld

be re

vise

d us

ing

Nat

ureS

erve

’s E

colo

gica

lSy

stem

s sch

eme,

whi

ch m

ore

accu

rate

ly d

epic

ts h

abita

ts fr

om a

faun

al p

ersp

ectiv

e. C

onse

rvat

ion

partn

ers s

houl

d be

stro

ngly

en

cour

aged

to a

dopt

this

sche

me

also

. Li

kew

ise,

par

tner

s sho

uld

cons

ider

util

izin

g th

e “t

axon

omie

s” o

f con

serv

atio

n is

sues

and

actio

ns th

at w

ere

deve

lope

d fo

r thi

s Pla

n (S

ectio

n 5)

, or n

ew sc

hem

es sh

ould

be

deve

lope

d th

at a

re a

ccep

tabl

e to

all

partn

ers.

The

habi

tat m

aps p

repa

red

for t

his p

lan

requ

ire re

visi

on to

val

idat

e m

odel

ing

assu

mpt

ions

(Sec

tion

8.1)

and

brin

g th

em in

to

conf

orm

ance

with

the

Ecol

ogic

al S

yste

ms c

lass

ifica

tion

(abo

ve).

The

y al

so m

ust b

e up

date

d w

hene

ver n

ew b

asel

ine

info

rmat

ion

beco

mes

ava

ilabl

e, p

artic

ular

ly a

eria

l pho

togr

aphs

, lan

d us

e/la

nd c

over

dat

a an

d w

etla

nd m

appi

ng.

Con

side

ratio

n sh

ould

be

give

nto

upd

atin

g th

is b

asel

ine

info

rmat

ion

mor

e of

ten

and/

or sy

nchr

oniz

ing

the

upda

tes w

ith D

EWA

P an

d ot

her p

lann

ing

proc

esse

s as

appr

opria

te.

Giv

en th

at th

is P

lan

iden

tifie

s abo

ut 9

0 di

ffer

ent c

onse

rvat

ion

issu

es th

at im

pact

SG

CN

and

key

hab

itats

, the

re is

an

obvi

ous n

eed

to p

riorit

ize

thes

e is

sues

util

izin

g a

cons

iste

nt ri

sk a

sses

smen

t pro

cess

. Su

ch a

met

hodo

logy

has

bee

n de

velo

ped

for a

sses

sing

the

risk

pose

d by

inva

sive

pla

nts t

o na

tura

l com

mun

ities

and

nat

ive

spec

ies i

n D

elaw

are.

Thi

s app

roac

h sh

ould

be

gene

raliz

ed to

al

low

its a

pplic

atio

n to

all

“dire

ct th

reat

” co

nser

vatio

n is

sues

. A

stra

tegi

c pl

anni

ng p

roce

ss m

ust b

e de

velo

ped

to fa

cilit

ate

acco

mpl

ishm

ent o

f the

mor

e th

an 2

30 c

onse

rvat

ion

actio

ns in

this

Pl

an.

Staf

f, fu

nds a

nd o

ther

logi

stic

al re

sour

ces w

ill a

lway

s be

in sh

ort s

uppl

y, a

nd p

oliti

cal s

hifts

and

pub

lic re

actio

ns w

illsp

orad

ical

ly e

xert

pres

sure

for i

napp

ropr

iate

act

ions

. A

syst

emat

ic a

ppro

ach

is n

eede

d to

est

ablis

h –

and

perio

dica

lly a

djus

t –pr

iorit

ies f

or c

onse

rvat

ion

actio

ns a

nd to

allo

cate

reso

urce

s so

as to

bes

t acc

ompl

ish

the

mos

t im

porta

nt ta

sks f

irst.

Sim

ilar t

o SG

CN

, key

hab

itats

and

aba

tem

ent o

f thr

eats

from

con

serv

atio

n is

sues

, the

succ

ess o

f con

serv

atio

n ac

tions

shou

ld b

e m

easu

red

rela

tive

to m

anag

emen

t tar

gets

, as o

ppos

ed to

abs

olut

e nu

mbe

rs o

f act

ions

take

n, w

hene

ver p

ossi

ble.

A

dapt

ive

man

agem

ent n

eces

sita

tes t

rack

ing

all a

spec

ts o

f mon

itorin

g, w

heth

er it

is th

e st

atus

and

tren

ds o

f SG

CN

and

key

ha

bita

ts, t

he a

bate

men

t of i

mpa

cts f

rom

con

serv

atio

n is

sues

, or t

he e

valu

atio

n of

con

serv

atio

n ac

tions

. Ex

istin

g da

ta m

anag

emen

tan

d de

cisi

on su

ppor

t com

pute

r app

licat

ions

shou

ld b

e fu

lly im

plem

ente

d an

d up

date

d, o

r add

ition

al o

nes d

evel

oped

, to

mee

t thi

s

Del

awar

e W

ildlif

e A

ctio

n Pl

an

8-10

Del

awar

e D

ivis

ion

of F

ish

and

Wild

life

9/27

/200

6

need

. O

f spe

cial

con

cern

is th

e do

cum

enta

tion

of c

onse

rvat

ion

actio

ns, s

ome

of w

hich

are

alre

ady

bein

g im

plem

ente

d by

a v

arie

tyof

pub

lic a

nd p

rivat

e pr

ovid

ers.

Coo

rdin

atio

n of

thes

e ac

tions

is e

ssen

tial f

or su

cces

sful

ada

ptiv

e m

anag

emen

t.

The

habi

tat c

ondi

tion

ratin

gs in

Sec

tion

6.1

are

base

d fo

r the

mos

t par

t on

expe

rt kn

owle

dge

in th

e ab

senc

e of

qua

ntita

tive

data

.Id

eally

, the

se ra

tings

wou

ld e

vent

ually

be

base

d on

qua

ntita

tive

data

, suc

h as

the

anal

ysis

don

e fo

r Coa

stal

Pla

in p

onds

(Sec

tion

6.1.

7) a

nd fo

rest

blo

cks (

Sect

ion

6.1.

19),

and

wou

ld in

corp

orat

e N

atur

al H

erita

ge c

onse

rvat

ion

rank

s (se

e Se

ctio

n 8.

1 fo

r mor

e in

form

atio

n on

this

issu

e).

Unt

il th

at ti

me,

a m

ore

syst

emat

ic a

ppro

ach

usin

g qu

alita

tive

info

rmat

ion

is n

eede

d to

bet

ter d

ocum

ent

habi

tat c

ondi

tion

and

faci

litat

e pe

riodi

c re

view

and

revi

sion

. A

n ap

proa

ch si

mila

r to

that

pio

neer

ed b

y Th

e N

atur

e C

onse

rvan

cy,

for u

sing

the

best

ava

ilabl

e kn

owle

dge

in c

onse

rvat

ion

plan

ning

, sho

uld

be d

evel

oped

. Th

is w

ould

ent

ail d

ivid

ing

habi

tat

cond

ition

into

com

pone

nts,

such

as n

umbe

r, ex

tent

and

dis

tribu

tion

of p

rote

cted

vs.

unpr

otec

ted

occu

rren

ces;

via

bilit

y an

d co

nnec

tivity

of i

ndiv

idua

l pat

ches

; sho

rt an

d lo

ng te

rm tr

ends

in n

umbe

r, ex

tent

or v

iabi

lity;

seve

rity,

scop

e an

d im

med

iacy

of

impa

cts f

rom

con

serv

atio

n is

sues

; and

sens

itivi

ty to

dis

turb

ance

. Ea

ch o

f the

se w

ould

be

rate

d go

od, f

air o

r poo

r bas

ed o

n de

fined

crite

ria, a

nd th

e co

mpo

nent

rank

s wou

ld b

e co

mbi

ned

into

an

aggr

egat

e ra

ting.

Pe

rfor

man

ce in

dica

tors

may

take

seve

ral f

orm

s, ba

sed

on th

e ty

pe o

f mon

itorin

g th

at th

ey se

ek to

mea

sure

: Im

plem

enta

tion

mon

itori

ng m

easu

res t

he d

egre

e to

whi

ch c

onse

rvat

ion

actio

ns in

the

plan

hav

e be

en in

itiat

ed o

r com

plet

ed,

e.g.

, the

num

ber o

f “pr

ofile

bro

chur

es,”

“ci

tizen

s gui

des”

and

wild

life

view

ing

guid

es im

plem

ente

d.

Effe

ctiv

enes

s mon

itori

ng m

easu

res w

heth

er o

r not

con

serv

atio

n ac

tions

are

ach

ievi

ng th

eir d

esire

d ou

tcom

e, e

.g.,

if w

orki

ng

with

hun

ters

to in

crea

se d

eer h

arve

st o

n st

ate

land

s is e

ffec

tive

in re

duci

ng h

erbi

vory

impa

cts t

o ke

y ha

bita

ts.

Valid

atio

n m

onito

ring

mea

sure

s the

ass

umpt

ion

of li

nkag

e be

twee

n co

nser

vatio

n ac

tion

outc

omes

and

SG

CN

stat

us o

r key

ha

bita

t con

ditio

n, e

.g.,

does

succ

essf

ully

ada

ptin

g du

ne st

abili

zatio

n pr

ojec

ts to

allo

w fo

r ove

rwas

h ha

bita

t act

ually

resu

lt in

incr

ease

s of b

each

-nes

ting

bird

s. Im

plem

enta

tion

and

valid

atio

n pe

rfor

man

ce in

dica

tors

for m

easu

ring

succ

ess a

re sh

own

in th

e fo

llow

ing

tabl

e, o

rgan

ized

by

the

Plan

’s G

uidi

ng P

rinci

ples

for C

onse

rvat

ion

Act

ions

as o

utlin

ed in

Sec

tion

1.1.

2. O

nce

a de

cisi

on su

ppor

t app

licat

ion

is in

pla

ce,

info

rmat

ion

on a

ll of

thes

e in

dica

tors

may

be

colle

cted

initi

ally

. H

owev

er, i

t is a

ntic

ipat

ed th

at, w

ith e

xper

ienc

e, a

subs

et w

ill b

e se

lect

ed th

at b

est m

easu

res t

he e

ffec

tiven

ess o

f the

Pla

n as

a w

hole

. Im

plem

enta

tion

indi

cato

rs a

re m

easu

res o

f ove

rall

Plan

su

cces

s, an

d va

lidat

ion

indi

cato

rs a

re a

pplie

d ac

ross

all

cons

erva

tion

actio

ns.

On

the

othe

r han

d, e

ffec

tiven

ess i

ndic

ator

s are

spec

ific

to in

divi

dual

act

ions

, and

will

be

deve

lope

d as

act

ions

are

em

ploy

ed; a

few

exa

mpl

es o

f the

se a

re d

etai

led

in S

ectio

n 8.

5.A

lso,

any

indi

cato

r may

requ

ire m

odifi

catio

n ov

er ti

me,

or a

dditi

onal

indi

cato

rs m

ay n

eed

deve

lopm

ent i

f ent

irely

new

co

nser

vatio

n ac

tions

aris

e as

par

t of a

n ad

aptiv

e m

anag

emen

t app

roac

h.

Del

awar

e W

ildlif

e A

ctio

n Pl

an

9/27

/200

6D

elaw

are

Div

isio

n of

Fis

h an

d W

ildlif

e 8-

11

Gui

ding

Prin

cipl

e fo

r Con

serv

atio

n A

ctio

ns

Impl

emen

tatio

n Pe

rfor

man

ce In

dica

tors

Man

agem

ent o

n C

onse

rvat

ion

Land

s –

Dire

ct m

anag

emen

t in

stat

e w

ildlif

e ar

eas

– an

d st

ate

park

s an

d st

ate

fore

sts

in k

eepi

ng w

ith th

eir p

rimar

y m

issi

ons

– to

war

ds k

ey h

abita

ts a

nd S

GC

N in

the

Gre

en In

frast

ruct

ure

Nat

ural

R

esou

rces

Foc

us A

rea,

in o

rder

to p

rote

ct a

nd re

stor

e ha

bita

ts a

nd s

peci

es,

and

to a

bate

the

impa

cts

of c

onse

rvat

ion

issu

es.

Enc

oura

ge F

eder

al a

nd

NG

O la

nd m

anag

ers

to fo

cus

on th

is s

ame

obje

ctiv

e.

# o

f acr

es/m

iles

of v

iabl

e ke

y ha

bita

ts p

rote

cted

or r

esto

red

in m

anag

ed a

reas

in G

I Nat

ural

Res

ourc

es F

ocus

Are

a #

of m

anag

ed a

rea

plan

s in

corp

orat

ing

cons

erva

tion

actio

ns in

GI N

atur

al R

esou

rces

Foc

us A

rea

Man

agem

ent o

n Pr

ivat

e La

nds

– D

irect

priv

ate

land

s m

anag

emen

t tow

ards

bu

fferin

g an

d co

nnec

ting

cons

erva

tion

land

s in

the

Gre

en In

frast

ruct

ure

Nat

ural

Res

ourc

es F

ocus

Are

a, a

nd to

war

ds p

rote

ctin

g ou

tlyin

g sm

all p

atch

ha

bita

ts a

nd S

GC

N.

# o

f lan

dow

ners

enr

olle

d in

con

serv

atio

n pr

ogra

ms

in G

I N

atur

al R

esou

rces

Foc

us A

rea

# o

f acr

es/m

iles

of k

ey h

abita

ts p

rote

cted

or r

esto

red

in G

I N

atur

al R

esou

rces

Foc

us A

rea

# o

f dol

lars

app

ropr

iate

d or

spe

nt fo

r inc

entiv

e pr

ogra

ms

in

GI N

atur

al R

esou

rces

Foc

us A

rea

# o

f tur

nkey

ser

vice

s de

velo

ped

Mea

sure

s of

Suc

cess

, Mon

itorin

g, R

esea

rch

and

Ada

ptiv

e M

anag

emen

t –

Est

ablis

h pe

rform

ance

indi

cato

rs to

mea

sure

the

succ

ess

of c

onse

rvat

ion

actio

ns a

nd p

lan

impl

emen

tatio

n. M

onito

r spe

cies

, hab

itats

and

impa

cts

of

cons

erva

tion

issu

es, a

nd c

ondu

ct a

pplie

d re

sear

ch, s

o as

to fa

cilit

ate

adap

tive

man

agem

ent.

% o

f con

serv

atio

n ac

tions

initi

ated

or c

ompl

eted

by

DFW

#

of s

tand

ardi

zed

mon

itorin

g pr

otoc

ols

deve

lope

d #

of s

peci

fic p

erfo

rman

ce in

dica

tors

dev

elop

ed

# o

f man

agem

ent p

lans

inco

rpor

atin

g ad

aptiv

e m

anag

emen

t fra

mew

ork

Sco

reca

rd d

evel

oped

or u

pdat

ed

Dat

a C

olle

ctio

n an

d In

form

atio

n M

anag

emen

t – C

olle

ct, m

anag

e an

d an

alyz

e da

ta to

sup

port

wild

life

dive

rsity

con

serv

atio

n ef

forts

with

sou

nd

scie

nce.

# o

f spa

tial d

atab

ase

appl

icat

ions

for d

ecis

ion

supp

ort

inst

alle

d or

upd

ated

#

of u

sers

of d

ecis

ion

supp

ort a

pplic

atio

ns

# o

f age

ncie

s an

d or

gani

zatio

ns in

corp

orat

ing

SG

CN

and

ke

y ha

bita

t dat

a in

to d

ecis

ion

mak

ing

Del

awar

e W

ildlif

e A

ctio

n Pl

an

8-12

Del

awar

e D

ivis

ion

of F

ish

and

Wild

life

9/27

/200

6

Gui

ding

Prin

cipl

e fo

r Con

serv

atio

n A

ctio

ns

Impl

emen

tatio

n Pe

rfor

man

ce In

dica

tors

Div

isio

n O

pera

tions

– R

eorg

aniz

e, re

vise

and

/or e

nhan

ce D

FW

adm

inis

trativ

e st

ruct

ure,

sta

ffing

, bud

getin

g, p

roce

dure

s an

d pr

actic

es a

s ne

cess

ary

to fa

cilit

ate

impl

emen

tatio

n of

the

DE

WA

P.

% o

f kno

wn

spec

ies

with

cur

rent

Nat

ural

Her

itage

rank

s %

of S

GC

N a

nd k

ey h

abita

ts w

ith c

urre

nt d

istri

butio

n an

d st

atus

/con

ditio

n in

form

atio

n #

of s

tand

ardi

zed

or c

ompa

tible

eco

logi

cal c

lass

ifica

tion

syst

ems

deve

lope

d #

of r

isk

asse

ssm

ents

initi

ated

or c

ompl

eted

for “

dire

ct

thre

at” c

onse

rvat

ion

issu

es

# o

f man

agem

ent p

lans

initi

ated

or c

ompl

eted

for S

GC

N,

key

habi

tat a

nd “d

irect

thre

at” c

onse

rvat

ion

issu

es

# o

f res

earc

h pr

ojec

ts in

itiat

ed o

r com

plet

ed

# o

f hou

rs o

f DFW

sta

ff tim

e de

vote

d to

SG

CN

and

key

ha

bita

t con

serv

atio

n #

of d

olla

rs o

f Sta

te a

nd F

eder

al fu

ndin

g ap

prop

riate

d or

sp

ent f

or S

GC

N a

nd k

ey h

abita

t con

serv

atio

n

Part

ners

hip

Dev

elop

men

t – S

treng

then

par

tner

ship

s w

ith o

ther

con

serv

atio

n ag

enci

es a

nd o

rgan

izat

ions

to li

nk la

ndsc

apes

, tie

toge

ther

com

plem

enta

ry

appr

oach

es, a

nd le

vera

ge in

vest

men

ts o

f tim

e, s

taff

and

mon

ey.

# o

f hou

rs o

f par

tner

sta

ff tim

e de

vote

d to

SG

CN

and

key

ha

bita

t con

serv

atio

n #

of d

olla

rs o

f par

tner

fund

ing

appr

opria

ted

or s

pent

for

SG

CN

and

key

hab

itat c

onse

rvat

ion

# o

f con

serv

atio

n ac

tions

initi

ated

or c

ompl

eted

by

partn

ers

Educ

atio

n, O

utre

ach

and

Enfo

rcem

ent –

Incr

ease

pub

lic k

now

ledg

e of

w

ildlif

e co

nser

vatio

n is

sues

to d

evel

op a

n un

ders

tand

ing

of h

abita

ts, S

GC

N,

and

cons

erva

tion

issu

es a

nd a

ctio

ns; f

oste

r a s

ense

of r

espo

nsib

ility

for

pers

onal

cho

ices

; act

ivel

y en

gage

citi

zens

in c

onse

rvin

g na

tura

l res

ourc

es;

and

othe

rwis

e cu

ltiva

te s

uppo

rt fo

r wild

life

dive

rsity

con

serv

atio

n. E

nfor

ce

regu

latio

ns to

pro

mot

e re

spon

sibl

e be

havi

or in

inte

ract

ions

with

wild

life.

# o

f Sta

te s

taff

train

ed o

n ke

y ha

bita

t eco

logy

, SG

CN

bi

olog

y, a

nd c

onse

rvat

ion

issu

es a

nd a

ctio

ns

# o

f “pr

ofile

bro

chur

es,”

“citi

zens

gui

des”

and

wild

life

view

ing

guid

es in

itiat

ed o

r com

plet

ed

# o

f Ado

pt-a

-Wet

land

and

Bac

kyar

d H

abita

t par

ticip

ants

#

of C

ertif

ied

Citi

zen

Nat

ural

ists

#

of s

choo

lyar

d ha

bita

ts in

itiat

ed o

r com

plet

ed

# o

f enf

orce

men

t act

ions

per

tain

ing

to S

GC

N a

nd k

ey

habi

tats

# o

f hou

rs o

f DFW

sta

ff tim

e de

vote

d to

enf

orce

men

t of

regu

latio

ns p

rote

ctin

g S

GC

N a

nd k

ey h

abita

ts

Del

awar

e W

ildlif

e A

ctio

n Pl

an

9/27

/200

6D

elaw

are

Div

isio

n of

Fis

h an

d W

ildlif

e 8-

13

Gui

ding

Prin

cipl

e fo

r Con

serv

atio

n A

ctio

ns

Valid

atio

n Pe

rfor

man

ce In

dica

tors

Con

serv

atio

n of

Spe

cies

vs.

Hab

itats

– T

arge

t the

pre

serv

atio

n or

re

stor

atio

n of

SG

CN

, but

em

phas

ize

the

man

agem

ent o

f eco

logi

cal s

truct

ure

and

func

tion

of k

ey h

abita

ts o

ver m

anag

emen

t of i

ndiv

idua

l spe

cies

.

# o

f via

ble

SG

CN

occ

urre

nces

, or S

GC

N p

opul

atio

n le

vels

#

of s

peci

es a

dded

to o

r rem

oved

from

SG

CN

list

or S

tate

en

dang

ered

list

, or w

ith c

hang

ed H

erita

ge ra

nk

# o

f acr

es/m

iles

of v

iabl

e ke

y ha

bita

ts

8.5.

Exam

ples

The

follo

win

g ex

ampl

es sh

ow h

ow th

e Pl

an w

ould

mea

sure

succ

ess f

or S

GC

N a

nd k

ey h

abita

ts.

Issu

es a

nd a

ctio

ns a

re d

raw

n fr

om

Sect

ions

6.1-

6.4,

and

inve

ntor

y, m

onito

ring

and

rese

arch

are

take

n fr

om S

ectio

ns 8

.1-8

.3.

For p

urpo

ses o

f illu

stra

tion,

onl

y se

lect

ed

issu

es, a

ctio

ns, i

nven

tory

, mon

itorin

g,re

sear

ch a

nd in

dica

tors

are

show

n.

Red

Kno

t C

onse

rvat

ion

Issu

e C

onse

rvat

ion

Act

ion

Inve

ntor

y, M

onito

ring,

Res

earc

h Ef

fect

iven

ess

Indi

cato

r

Res

iden

tial a

nd C

omm

erci

al

Stru

ctur

es

Impr

ove

fede

ral/s

tate

/loca

l co

ordi

natio

n of

env

ironm

enta

l re

view

to e

nsur

e th

at p

oten

tial

impa

cts

to k

ey h

abita

ts a

nd S

GC

N

are

min

imiz

ed fo

r all

maj

or

proj

ects

.

Mon

itor #

of m

ajor

pro

ject

s re

ceiv

ing

coor

dina

ted

fede

ral/s

tate

/loca

l rev

iew

for

impa

cts

to re

d kn

ots

Cha

nge

in re

d kn

ot p

opul

atio

n le

vel a

ttrib

utab

le to

coo

rdin

ated

re

view

Rec

reat

iona

l Use

with

Off-

Roa

d V

ehic

les

Stre

ngth

en e

nfor

cem

ent o

f re

gula

tions

for o

ff-ro

ad v

ehic

les

on

man

aged

are

as to

pro

tect

key

ha

bita

ts a

nd S

GC

N

Mon

itor #

of e

nfor

cem

ent a

ctio

ns

take

n fo

r pro

tect

ion

of b

each

and

du

ne h

abita

ts a

nd re

d kn

ots

Qua

ntity

of b

each

and

dun

e ha

bita

t deg

rada

tion

and

# of

red

knot

dis

turb

ance

s fro

m o

ff-ro

ad

vehi

cles

Ove

rflig

hts

Con

tinue

/exp

and

stud

ies

of

dist

urba

nce

of re

d kn

ots

from

ov

erfli

ghts

Res

earc

h re

latio

nshi

p of

red

knot

di

stur

banc

e to

noi

se le

vel,

dist

ance

and

tim

ing

of o

verfl

ight

s

# of

rese

arch

pro

ject

s in

itiat

ed o

r co

mpl

eted

on

dist

urba

nce

of re

d kn

ots

from

ove

rflig

hts

Pet

s an

d S

ubsi

dize

d P

reda

tors

Wor

k w

ith c

onse

rvat

ion

partn

ers

to c

ontro

l sub

sidi

zed

pred

ator

s in

pu

blic

and

NG

O c

onse

rvat

ion

land

s by

redu

cing

sub

sidi

es

(refu

ges,

food

sou

rces

), er

ectin

g ex

clos

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SECTION 9

Plan Review and Update



9. Plan Review and Update The Plan will be updated continuously by DFW as soon as new information becomes available about species, habitats, issues or actions. These updates will be formally reviewed for the first time two years after approval, with subsequent reviews every five years. Reviews will be conducted by the Key Partners steering committee (Section 10), and will include all aspects of the Plan – SGCN, Key Wildlife Habitats, and Conservation Issues and Actions. A database is under development to track updates of Plan components in order to facilitate the review process.



SECTION 10

Plan Implementation



10. Plan Implementation Two aspects of DEWAP implementation are noteworthy for their use of partnerships. The Key Partners group that provided guidance for the Plan development (Section 1.3) will be reconstituted as a “steering committee,” coordinated by DFW, to guide Plan implementation. For this purpose it will be expanded to include representatives from other state agencies, additional external organizations, and stakeholder and user groups. It is anticipated that initially this group will meet every six months to set priorities, strategize approaches for implementing actions, and review measures of success. Specific tasks may include formulating the schedule and process for Plan updates and revisions and reviewing those updates and revisions; reviewing proposed conservation actions and monitoring efforts; establishing a process for providing State Wildlife Grant funding to external parties; reviewing proposed internal and external grant projects; and others as appropriate.

One implementation strategy will be to develop more detailed, site-based conservation plans for ecologically distinct portions of the Green Infrastructure Natural Resources Focus Area. A pilot project for such plans was recently completed through a partnership between DFW and the Delaware Chapter of The Nature Conservancy. The executive summary and technical report of the Blackbird-Millington Corridor Conservation Area Plan is attached in Appendix G.

The Blackbird-Millington plan seeks to preserve and enhance the Corridor’s natural resources by bringing the perspectives of the scientific community together with those of local residents, planning agencies and conservation organizations. This innovative approach to conservation planning focuses on maximizing cooperation and support among a diversity of organizations, agencies, and individuals. The results of this planning effort will serve as a guide for targeting multiple resources to the Corridor – from public and private conservation partners, community members, and other interested individuals.

Also, an interactive version of DEWAP will be posted on the DNREC website and made widely available on CD following acceptance of the Plan. This will incorporate features not included in the hardcopy version (due to format limitations), scalable maps, and hyperlinks.



SECTION 11

Bibliography



11. Bibliography

Section 3Marine, Estuarine, and Diadromous Fish Stocks at Risk of Extinction in North America (Exclusive of Pacific Salmonids). 2000. American Fisheries Society. Bird Conservation Region 30 Plan. 2004. Mid-Atlantic Bird Conservation Initiative. North American Bird Conservation Initiative. 2004. http://www.nabci-us.org/main2.html.Highly Migratory Species Fisheries Management Plans. 2004. National Marine Fisheries Service. http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/sfa/hms/.Wildlife Species of Regional Conservation Concern in the Northeastern United States. 1999.Northeast Endangered Species and Wildlife Diversity Technical Committee. Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission Interstate Fishery Management Plans. 2004.http://www.asmfc.org/.Audubon Watchlist 2002: An Early Warning System for Bird Conservation. http://www.audubon.org/bird/watchlist/.BirdLife International. 2004. http://www.birdlife.org/.Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna: Appendices I, II, III. 2004. http://www.cites.org/.International Union for the Conservation of Nature Red List of Threatened Species. 2004.http://www.iucnredlist.org/.Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council Fishery Management Plans & Amendments. 2004. http://www.mafmc.org/mid-atlantic/fmp/fmp.htm.North American Waterbird Conservation Plan. 2002. Waterbird Conservation for the Americas. North American Waterfowl Management Plan: Update. 1998. Canadian Wildlife Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Instituto Nacional de Ecología-SEMARNAP, Mexico. Northern Bobwhite Conservation Initiative. 2002. Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies. MidAtlantic Coastal Plain Plan. 2004. Partners in Flight. http://www.blm.gov/wildlife/pl_44sum.htm.MidAtlantic Piedmont Plan. 2004. Partners in Flight. http://www.blm.gov/wildlife/pl_10sum.htm.Chesapeake Bay Lowlands Ecoregion Plan. 2002. The Nature Conservancy. Lower New England-Northern Piedmont Ecoregion Plan. 2003. The Nature Conservancy. North Atlantic Coast Ecoregion Plan. 1999. The Nature Conservancy. United States Shorebird Conservation Plan. 2001. Manomet Center for Conservation Sciences.

Section 4The Natural Communities of Delaware. 2000. Delaware Natural Heritage Program. Delmarva Conservation Corridor Demonstration Program. 2002. Farm Security and Rural Investment Act, Subtitle G.



Section 5Taxonomy of Direct Threats. 2005. Conservation Measures Partnership. Taxonomy of Conservation Actions. 2005. Conservation Measures Partnership. Criteria to Define Extinction Risk in Marine Fishes. 1999. American Fisheries Society. Management of Sharks and Their Relatives. 2003. American Fisheries Society. Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission Interstate Fishery Management Plans. 2004.http://www.asmfc.org/.Bats in Eastern Woodlands. 2001. Bat Conservation International.Delaware Green Infrastructure Initiative. 2005.http://www.dnrec.delaware.gov/GI/index.htmDelaware National Estuarine Research Reserve Management Plan: 2004-2009. 2004. Delaware National Estuarine Research Reserve. Second Nature: Improving Transportation without Putting Nature Second. Undated.Defenders of Wildlife. Delaware Invasive Species Management Plan. 2005. Delaware Invasive Species Council. Pea Patch Island Heronry Region Special Area Management Plan. 1998. DNREC. Protecting Delaware's Nature Heritage: Tools for Biodiversity Conservation. 1999.Environmental Law Institute. Protecting Delaware's Forests for Biodiversity. 2003. Environmental Law Institute. Innovative State Strategies for Biodiversity Conservation. 2001. Environmental Law Institute.Bird Conservation Region 30 Plan. 2004. Mid-Atlantic Bird Conservation Initiative. Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council Fishery Management Plans & Amendments. 2004. http://www.mafmc.org/mid-atlantic/fmp/fmp.htm.Important Bird Areas Program. 2004. National Audubon Society.http://www.audubon.org/bird/iba/.Highly Migratory Species Fisheries Management Plans. 2004. National Marine Fisheries Service. http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/sfa/hms/.Endangered by Sprawl. 2005. National Wildlife Federation. State Planning Guide for Bats. Undated. North American Bat Conservation Partnership. http://www.batcon.org/nabcp/newsite/nabcp_state_planning_guide.pdf.North American Waterbird Conservation Plan. 2002. Waterbird Conservation for the Americas. North American Waterfowl Management Plan: Update. 1998. Canadian Wildlife Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Instituto Nacional de Ecología-SEMARNAP, Mexico. Wildlife Species of Regional Conservation Concern in the Northeastern United States. 1999.Northeast Endangered Species and Wildlife Diversity Technical Committee. Habitat Management Guidelines. 2004. Partners for Amphibian and Reptile Conservation, Northeast Working Group. http://www.pwrc.usgs.gov/neparc/HMG/.Northern Bobwhite Conservation Initiative. 2002. Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies. Our Natural Legacy. 2001. Delaware's Biodiversity Conservation Partnership. MidAtlantic Coastal Plain Plan. 2004. Partners in Flight. http://www.blm.gov/wildlife/pl_44sum.htm.



MidAtlantic Piedmont Plan. 2004. Partners in Flight. http://www.blm.gov/wildlife/pl_10sum.htm.North American Landbird Conservation Plan. 2004. Partners in Flight. Chesapeake Bay Lowlands Ecoregion Plan. 2002. The Nature Conservancy. Lower New England-Northern Piedmont Ecoregion Plan. 2003. The Nature Conservancy. North Atlantic Coast Ecoregion Plan. 1999. The Nature Conservancy. Blackbird-Millington Corridor Conservation Area Plan. 2005. The Nature Conservancy.http://www.dnrec.state.de.us/nhp/information/blackbird.aspPreliminary Report of the U.S. Commission on Ocean Policy. 2004. U.S. Commission on Ocean Policy. Chesapeake Bay Nutria Control. 2004. U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. http://www.fws.gov/invasives/Indexhottop.NU.html.Draft Environmental Impact Statement on Light Goose Management. 2001. U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. Draft Environmental Impact Statement: Resident Canada Goose Management. 2002. U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. Bog Turtle (Clemmys muhlenbergii) Northern Population Recovery Plan. 2001. U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. Delmarva Fox Squirrel (Sciurus niger cinereus) Recovery Plan. 1992. U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. Piping Plover (Charadrius melodus) Atlantic Coast Population Revised Recovery Plan.1996. U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. United States Shorebird Conservation Plan. 2001. Manomet Center for Conservation Sciences. Comprehensive Management Plan for Shorebirds on Delaware Bay. Undated. New Jersey Division of Fish, Game and Wildlife. Neotropical Migratory Songbird Coastal Corridor Study. 1993. Virginia Department of Environmental Quality.

Section 6.1Comprehensive Biological Inventory of Delaware’s Freshwater Wetlands as Conducted by the Delaware Natural Heritage Inventory. 1991. Delaware Division of Parks and Recreation. Final Report on Biological Inventory of the Inland Bays as Conducted by the Delaware Natural Heritage Inventory. 1992. Delaware Division of Parks and Recreation. Biotic Composition of Selected Freshwater Marshes and a Survey of Natural Community Types Found within the Delaware Coastal Zone, New Castle County. 1992. Delaware Division of Parks and Recreation. Thousand Acre Marsh Biotics Composition and Natural Community Types Evaluation. 1994. Delaware Division of Parks and Recreation. Augustine Creek Marsh Biotics Inventory and Natural Community Evaluation. 1994. Delaware Division of Parks and Recreation. A Natural Heritage Survey of Selected NWI Wetland Types of the Nanticoke River Watershed. 1995. Delaware Division of Fish and Wildlife. Biological Assessment of the Milford Neck Preserve. 1995. Delaware Division of Fish and Wildlife.



Biological and Natural Community Analyses of Riparian Communities within the Coastal Zone of Kent County, Delaware (Task No. 94-9). 1995. Delaware Division of Fish and Wildlife. Zoological, Botanical and Natural Community Analyses of Selected Riparian Communities of New Castle County, Delaware: Red Clay Creek and Christina River. 1996. Delaware Division of Fish and Wildlife. An Avian Inventory of the Great Cypress (North Pocomoke) Swamp: Preliminary Determination of Forest-Dependent Species Composition, Relative Abundance and Implications for Conservation. 1996. Delaware Division of Fish and Wildlife. A Natural Heritage Survey of Cedar Swamp Wildlife Area, New Castle County, Delaware. 1998. Delaware Division of Fish and Wildlife. A Natural Heritage Survey of Cape Henlopen State Park, Sussex County, Delaware. 1998.Delaware Division of Fish and Wildlife. Natural Heritage Survey of Selected Areas of the Dover Air Force Base, Dover, Delaware.1998. Delaware Division of Fish and Wildlife. An Ecological Characterization of Delmarva’s Great Cypress Swamp Conservation Area.1999. Delaware Division of Fish and Wildlife. An Ecological Characterization of White Clay Creek State Park, New Castle County, Delaware. 2000. Delaware Division of Fish and Wildlife. Biological Surveys at Blackbird State Forest. 2001. Delaware Division of Fish and Wildlife. An Ecological Characterization of Lums Pond State Park, New Castle County, Delaware. 2002. Delaware Division of Fish and Wildlife. Piedmont Basin Preliminary Assessment Report. Undated. Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control. Inland Bays/Atlantic Ocean Basin Assessment Report. 2001. Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control. Assessment Report of Delaware’s Chesapeake Basin. 2001. Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control. Delaware Bay and Estuary Basin Assessment Report (draft). 2004. Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control.

Section 6.1.2Delaware Hunting and Trapping Guide. 2006. Delaware Division of Fish and Wildlife. Piping Plover (Charadrius melodus) Atlantic Coast Population Revised Recovery Plan.1996. U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. The Biota of Delaware’s Barrier Beaches and Dunes of the Delaware Bay. 1997. Delaware Division of Fish and Wildlife. Inventory of Delaware’s Coastal Dune Systems for Extant Populations of Photurisbethaniensis a Lampyrid Firefly. 1998. Delaware Division of Fish and Wildlife.

Section 6.1.4Xeric Sand Ridge Communities of the Nanticoke River Watershed, Delaware and Maryland. 2000. Delaware Division of Fish and Wildlife. Delaware Hunting and Trapping Guide. 2006. Delaware Division of Fish and Wildlife.



Delmarva Fox Squirrel (Sciurus niger cinereus) Recovery Plan. 1992. U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.

Section 6.1.5Delaware Hunting and Trapping Guide. 2006. Delaware Division of Fish and Wildlife. Delmarva Fox Squirrel (Sciurus niger cinereus) Recovery Plan. 1992. U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. Characterization of Category I Non-Tidal Wetland Communities in Delaware: Bald Cypress Taxodium distichum (L.) Richard and Atlantic White Cedar Chamaecyparis thyoides (L.) BSP. 1993. Delaware Division of Fish and Wildlife.

Section 6.1.6Characterization of Category I Non-Tidal Wetland Communities in Delaware: Bald Cypress Taxodium distichum (L.) Richard and Atlantic White Cedar Chamaecyparis thyoides (L.) BSP. 1993. Delaware Division of Fish and Wildlife.

Section 6.1.7Community Classification and Mapping Criteria for Category I Interdunal Swales and Coastal Plain Pond Wetlands in Delaware. 1994. Delaware Division of Parks and Recreation. Mapping and Assessing the Conservation Status of Delmarva Bay Wetlands in Delaware. 1999. The Nature Conservancy. Development of a Remote Site Selection Model for Assessing the Quality of Coastal Plain Seasonal Pond Wetlands. 2005. Delaware Division of Fish and Wildlife. Blackbird-Millington Corridor Conservation Area Plan. 2005. The Nature Conservancy.http://www.dnrec.state.de.us/nhp/information/blackbird.aspGIS Analysis of Coastal Plain Seasonal Pond Buffers. 2006. Rick McCorkle, personal communication.

Section 6.1.8Community Classification and Mapping Criteria for Category I Interdunal Swales and Coastal Plain Pond Wetlands in Delaware. 1994. Delaware Division of Parks and Recreation.

Section 6.1.9Preliminary Natural Community Studies of Potential Category I Wetland Types in Delaware: Sea-Level Fens and Piedmont Stream Valley Wetlands. 1994. Delaware Division of Parks and Recreation. Bog Turtle (Clemmys muhlenbergii) Northern Population Recovery Plan. 2001. U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.

Section 6.1.11Submerged Aquatic Vegetation (SAV) Surveys within the Nanticoke River System, Sussex Co., Delaware 2004-2005. 2006. Delaware Division of Fish and Wildlife.



Mute Swan Status and Management – Delaware. 2002. Delaware Division of Fish and Wildlife.

Section 6.1.14Chesapeake Bay Nutria Control. 2004. U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. http://www.fws.gov/invasives/Indexhottop.NU.html.Draft Environmental Impact Statement on Light Goose Management. 2001. U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. Draft Environmental Impact Statement: Resident Canada Goose Management. 2002. U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. Mute Swan Status and Management – Delaware. 2002. Delaware Division of Fish and Wildlife. Mosquito Control in Delaware. 2005. Delaware Division of Fish and Wildlife. http://www.fw.delaware.gov/NR/rdonlyres/C9019C48-D752-403A-8684-F101D568C5FF/409/MCinDEwithstaffeditsfinal.pdfMosquito Control Program Description. 2006. Maryland Department of Agriculture. http://www.mda.state.de.us/plants-pests/mosquito_control/mosquito_control_program_description.php

Section 6.1.15Chesapeake Bay Nutria Control. 2004. U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. http://www.fws.gov/invasives/Indexhottop.NU.html.Draft Environmental Impact Statement on Light Goose Management. 2001. U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. Draft Environmental Impact Statement: Resident Canada Goose Management. 2002. U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. Mute Swan Status and Management – Delaware. 2002. Delaware Division of Fish and Wildlife.

Section 6.1.161998 Watershed Assessment Report (305(b)). 1998. Delaware Division of Water Resources. http://www.dnrec.state.de.us/water/305breport.htm.2002 Watershed Assessment Report (305(b)). 2002. Delaware Division of Water Resources. http://www.dnrec.state.de.us/water2000/Sections/Watershed/TMDL/2002_305b.pdf.2004 Combined Watershed Assessment Report (305(b)) and Determination for the Clean Water Act Section 303(d) List of Waters Needing TMDLs. 2004. Delaware Division of Water Resources.http://www.dnrec.state.de.us/water2000/Sections/Watershed/TMDL/Final%202004%20305b.pdfPreliminary Results of Freshwater Mussel Surveys in Delaware (1993-1997): A Report to the Delaware Natural Heritage Program. Undated. Delaware Division of Fish and Wildlife. Delaware’s Freshwater Mussel Surveys 1997-1999: Results and Implications for Conservation. 1999. Delaware Division of Fish and Wildlife. Distribution and Abundance of Freshwater Mussels in Delaware: 2001 results. 2002.Delaware Division of Fish and Wildlife.



Draft Environmental Impact Statement on Light Goose Management. 2001. U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. Draft Environmental Impact Statement: Resident Canada Goose Management. 2002. U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. Delaware Fishing Guide. 2006. Delaware Division of Fish and Wildlife. http://www.dnrec.state.de.us/fw/fishmapa.pdf.

Section 6.1.17Delaware Bay Benthic and Sub-Bottom Mapping for Coastal Resource Management. 2005. Delaware Division of Soil and Water Conservation. http://www.dnrec.state.de.us/DNREC2000/Divisions/Soil/DNEER/Benthic%20Mapping.pdf.Delaware Fishing Guide. 2006. Delaware Division of Fish and Wildlife. http://www.dnrec.state.de.us/fw/fishmapa.pdf.

Section 6.1.18Draft Environmental Impact Statement on Light Goose Management. 2001. U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. Draft Environmental Impact Statement: Resident Canada Goose Management. 2002. U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.

Section 6.1.19Habitat Management Guidelines for Forest Interior Breeding Birds of Coastal Maryland. 1988. Maryland Department of Natural Resources. Protecting Delaware's Nature Heritage: Tools for Biodiversity Conservation. 1999.Environmental Law Institute. Forest statistics for Delaware: 1986 and 1999. 2000. USDA Forest Service. Protecting Delaware's Forests for Biodiversity. 2003. Environmental Law Institute. Conservation Thresholds for Land Use Planners. 2003. Environmental Law Institute. How Much Habitat Is Enough? 2004. Environment Canada. http://www.on.ec.gc.ca/wildlife/factsheets/pdf/fs-howmuchhabitat-e.pdf.GIS Analysis of Forest Loss. 2006. Glenn Gadders, personal communication. GIS Analysis of Forest Zonal Thickness and Patch Isolation. 2006. Rick McCorkle, personal communication. Delaware Forest Habitat-Quality Assessment: Coastal Plain Forests on Private Lands. 2006. Delaware Division of Fish and Wildlife.

Section 6.1.20Protecting Delaware's Nature Heritage: Tools for Biodiversity Conservation. 1999.Environmental Law Institute. Status and Recent Trends of Wetlands in Five Mid-Atlantic States: Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia. 1986. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Delaware’s Wetlands: Status and Recent Trends. 2001. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Conservation Thresholds for Land Use Planners. 2003. Environmental Law Institute.



How Much Habitat Is Enough? 2004. Environment Canada. http://www.on.ec.gc.ca/wildlife/factsheets/pdf/fs-howmuchhabitat-e.pdf.

Section 6.2.1Delaware Green Infrastructure Program. 2005. State of Delaware. http://www.dnrec.delaware.gov/GI/index.htmDelaware Strategies for State Policies and Spending: 5 Year Update. 2004. Delaware Office of State Planning Coordination. http://www.state.de.us/planning/strategies/strategies.shtml

Section 6.2.6Delaware Invasive Species Management Plan. 2005. Delaware Invasive Species Council.

Section 6.2.7Delaware Climate Change Action Plan. 2000. Center for Energy and Environmental Policy, University of Delaware.

Section 6.3.1Lights Out Chicago. 2005. Chicago Audubon Society. http://www.lightsout.audubon.org/Fatal Light Awareness Program (FLAP). 2005. http://www.flap.org/WIngs: Wisconsin Night Guardians for Song Birds. 2005. Wisconsin Humane Society. http://www.wihumane.org/wildlife/wings/vision.aspxProject Safe Flight. 2005. New York City Audubon. http://www.nycaudubon.org/NYCASBirdWatch/TabDefault.asp

Section 6.3.3Cats Indoors! Campaign. 2005. American Bird Conservancy. http://www.abcbirds.org/cats/

Section 6.4A GAP Analysis of the Land Cover in Maryland, Delaware, and New Jersey. 2003. U.S. Geological Survey.Biotics 4. 2005. NatureServe. http://www.natureserve.org/prodServices/biotics.jspNatureServe Vista. 2005. NatureServe.http://www.natureserve.org/prodServices/vista/overview.jspDelaware Invasive Species Tracking System. 2005. Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control and U.S. Geological Survey.http://www.lsc.usgs.gov/gis/dists/intro.aspAdopt-A-Wetland Program. 2005. Delaware Division of Fish and Wildlife. http://www.dnrec.state.de.us/DNREC2000/Divisions/FW/Adopt-A-Wetland.htmBackyard Wildlife Habitat Program. 2005. Delaware Nature Society. http://www.delawarenaturesociety.org/bwh.htmlThe Frontcountry Program. 2005. Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics.http://www.lnt.org/programs/front_country/index.htmlPEAK (Promoting Environmental Awareness in Kids) Program. 2005. Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics. http://www.lnt.org/programs/peak/index.html



Certified Citizen Naturalist Volunteer Program. 2005. Delaware Division of Fish and Wildlife. http://www.dnrec.delaware.gov/GI/GIHelp.htmEco-Explorers Program. 2005. Delaware Division of Fish and Wildlife. http://www.dnrec.state.de.us/fw/neware/Program%20Overview/Program%20Overview.htmWADE (Wetland Activities for Delaware Educators). 2005. Delaware Division of Fish and Wildlife. http://www.dnrec.state.de.us/fw/neware/Program%20Overview/Program%20Overview.htmProject WILD. 2005. Council for Environmental Education. http://www.projectwild.org/Project WET (Water Education for Teachers). 2005. Project WET International Foundation. http://www.projectwet.org/ Voluntary Conservation Tools and Programs. 2005. Defenders of Wildlife.

Section 8Measuring and Monitoring Biological Diversity: Standard Methods for Amphibians. 1994.Smithsonian Institution. Measuring and Monitoring Biological Diversity: Standard Methods for Mammals. 1996. Smithsonian Institution. Development of Protocols to Inventory or Monitor Wildlife, Fish, or Rare Plants. 2006.U.S. Department of Agriculture. Manager’s Monitoring Manual. 2006. U.S. Geological Survey. http://www.pwrc.usgs.gov/monmanualFilling the Gaps: Priority Data Needs and Key Management Challenges for National Reporting on Ecosystem Condition. 2006. H. John Heinz III Center for Science, Economics and the Environment.



SECTION 12

Appendices

Appendix A – Green Infrastructure Appendix B – Species of Greatest Conservation Need Appendix C – Species-Habitat Associations Appendix D – General Wildlife Habitat Maps Appendix E – Key Wildlife Habitat Maps Appendix F – Key Habitats/Development and Green

Infrastructure Maps Appendix G – Blackbird-Millington Corridor

Conservation Area Plan Appendix H – Existing/Planned Monitoring Programs

NOTE: The following appendices are available only on the supplementary Wildlife Action Plan CD: Appendix A, D, E, F, G, H

Appendix B

Species of GreatestConservation Need


9/29/2006 Delaware Division of Fish and Wildlife

Appendix B

Species of Greatest Conservation Need



Delaware Species of Greatest Conservation NeedTier 1 criteria: State Endangered; sensitive/significant DE populations; Federal Endangered or Threatened; global rank G1/T1 or G2/T2; NETC listing warranted; BCR 30 Highest tier; AFS endangered or threatenedTier 2 criteria: State rank S1, S2, SH, SX, (if not Tier 1); Federal Candidate; global rank G3/T3; NETC concern (if not Tier 1); BCR 30 High tier; AFS vulnerable; NMFS prohibited fishery

See Key on last page for explanation of Criteria factors and Cross Reference schemes

StateStatus

StateRank

Sensitive/Significant

DE PopulationsFederalStatus

GlobalRank

CITESApp I

CITESApp II

CITESApp III

IUCNCat

AFSStatus

ASMFCMgd

MAFMC Mgd

NMFSProhibited

TNCTarget

CRITERIA CROSS REFERENCE

Species BCR 30Tier

NETCListing

NETCConcern

NBCI Mgd

USSCPRegionalPriority

NAWMPPopulation

Goal %

NAWCPRisk

CategoryPIF 44Level

Tier 1BivalvesAlasmidonta heterodon dwarf wedgemussel E SH E G1G2 ENAlasmidonta undulata triangle floater SH restricted range G4Alasmidonta varicosa brook floater E SX G3 DDCrassostrea virginica American oyster regional rarity G5Lampsilis cariosa yellow lampmussel E SH G3G4 ENLampsilis radiata Eastern lampmussel E S1 G5Leptodea ochracea tidewater mucket E S1 G4 NTLigumia nasuta Eastern pondmussel E S1 G4G5 NTCrustaceansCallinectes sapidus blue crab keystone species

ArachnidsLimulus polyphemus horseshoe crab keystone species G?InsectsAutochton cellus gold-banded skipper SH regional rarity G4Callophrys hesseli Hessel's hairstreak E S1 G3G4Callophrys irus frosted elfin E S1 G3Catocala antinympha sweetfern underwing SH regional rarity G5Catocala carissima an underwing moth S1? disjunct G5Catocala lacrymosa tearful underwing S1S3 regional rarity G5Catocala marmorata marbled underwing SU regional rarity G3G4Catocala nebulosa clouded underwing S1 regional rarity G5Cicindela dorsalis media white tiger beetle E SU G4T4Cicindela lepida little white tiger beetle E S1 G4Cicindela patruela consentanea a tiger beetle SH G3T2T3Cicindela rufiventris a tiger beetle SU one occurrence G5Euphyes conspicua black dash S1 restricted range G4Exyra fax pitcher plant moth S1 regional rarity G4Gomphus fraternus midland clubtail S1 restricted range G5Hadena ectypa a noctuid moth SH regional rarity G3G4Hydrochus spangleri Seth Forest water scavenger beetl E SH G1Nannothemis bella elfin skimmer S1 regional rarity G4Nicrophorus americanus American burying beetle SX E G2G3 CRPapaipema appassionata pitcher plant borer moth SH regional rarity G4Papaipema duplicata dark stoneroot borer moth SH regional rarity G2G4Papaipema eupatorii eupatorium borer moth SH regional rarity G4Papaipema maritima maritime sunflower borer moth S1 regional rarity G4Photuris bethaniensis a firefly E S1 G1?Poanes massasoit mulberry wing E S1 G4Poanes massasoit chermocki Chermock's mulberry wing S1 G4T1Problema bulenta rare skipper E S1 G2G3Satyrium kingi King's hairstreak E S1 G3G4

FishesPristis pectinata smalltooth sawfish E G1G3 EN

9/29/2006 Page 1 of 11Species of Greatest Conservation Need Delaware Division of Fish and Wildlife

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Tier 1FishesAcantharchus pomotis mud sunfish S2 G5Acipenser brevirostrum shortnose sturgeon S3N E G3 T VUAcipenser oxyrinchus Atlantic sturgeon E S2 C G3 CD NTCottus caeruleomentum Blueridge sculpin S1 one occurrence G4Ictalurus natalis yellow bullhead S3S4 restricted range G5Moxostoma macrolepidotum shorthead redhorse S1 one occurrence G5Notropis bifrenatus bridle shiner S1 regional rarity G5Notropis chalybaeus ironcolor shiner S1 regional rarity G4Percina peltata shield darter S1 one occurrence G5

AmphibiansAmbystoma tigrinum tigrinum tiger salamander E S1 G5Hyla gratiosa barking treefrog E S1 G5

ReptilesCaretta caretta loggerhead sea turtle E SNA T G3 ENCemophora coccinea scarlet snake SH regional rarity G5Chelonia mydas Atlantic green turtle E SNA T G3 ENClemmys guttata spotted turtle S3 collecting pressure G5 VUDermochelys coriacea leatherback sea turtle E SNA E G2 CRElaphe guttata corn snake E S1 G5Eumeces laticeps broadhead skink SH regional rarity G5Glyptemys muhlenbergii bog turtle E S1 T G3 ENLampropeltis triangulum milk snake S1 restricted range G5Lepidochelys kempii Kemp's Ridley sea turtle E SNA E G1 CRMalaclemys terrapin terrapin Northern diamondback terrapin S4 G4T4 NTNerodia erythrogaster plainbelly water snake S1 disjunct G5Terrapene carolina carolina Eastern box turtle S5 collecting pressure G5BirdsAccipiter cooperii Cooper's hawk E S1B G5Accipiter striatus sharp-shinned hawk SHB,S4N regional rarity G5Actitis macularia spotted sandpiper S1 regional rarity G5 Moderate 3Ammodramus caudacutus saltmarsh sharp-tailed sparrow S1N,S3B G4 Highest NT IAmmodramus henslowii Henslow's sparrow E SHB,S1N G4 Moderate IAmmodramus maritimus seaside sparrow S4B G4 Highest IAnas rubripes American black duck S4B,S4N G5 Highest 58Arenaria interpres ruddy turnstone S2N G5 Highest 4Asio flammeus short-eared owl E SHB,S2N G5 Moderate IAsio otus long-eared owl SHB,S1N regional rarity G5Bartramia longicauda upland sandpiper E SHB G5 4 IIaBranta canadensis Canada goose (migratory) S4B,S5N G5 Highest y 29, ResiButeo platypterus broad-winged hawk S1B regional rarity G5 High IIaCalidris alba sanderling S2N G5 Highest 4Calidris canutus red knot S2N one occurrence G5 Highest 5Catharus bicknelli Bicknell's thrush SNA one occurrence G4 VUCerthia americana brown creeper E S1B,S4N G5Charadrius melodus piping plover E S1B T G3 Highest VU 5Chordeiles minor common nighthawk S2B restricted range G5Circus cyaneus Northern harrier E S1B,S4N G5Cistothorus platensis sedge wren E S1B G5 Moderate IIaDendroica cerulea cerulean warbler E S1B G4 Moderate IDendroica discolor prairie warbler S4B G5 Highest I


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Tier 1BirdsHaematopus palliatus American oystercatcher E S1B G5 Highest 5Haliaeetus leucocephalus bald eagle E S2B,S3N T G4 ModerateHylocichla mustelina wood thrush S5B G5 Highest ILanius ludovicianus loggerhead shrike E SHB G4 Moderate IIcLaterallus jamaicensis black rail E S1B G4 High NT IIaLimnothlypis swainsonii Swainson's warbler E SHB G4 Moderate IMelanerpes erythrocephalus red-headed woodpecker E S1 G5 Moderate IMelospiza georgiana nigrescens Coastal Plain swamp sparrow S3B regional rarity G5T3Numenius phaeopus whimbrel SNA G5 Highest 5Nyctanassa violacea yellow-crowned night-heron E S1B G5 Moderate 3Nycticorax nycticorax black-crowned night-heron E S1B G5 Moderate 3Pandion haliaetus osprey S3B indicator species G5Parula americana Northern parula E S1B G5Podilymbus podiceps pied-billed grebe E S1B,S3N G5Puffinus lherminieri Audubon's shearwater SNA G4G5 Highest 5Rynchops niger black skimmer E S1B G5 High 4Scolopax minor American woodcock S4 G5 Highest 5 IIaSetophaga ruticilla American redstart S1B one occurrence G5Somateria mollissima common eider SNA G5 HighestSterna antillarum least tern E S1B E G4 High 4Sterna dougallii dougallii roseate tern SNA E G4T3 HighSterna forsteri Forster's tern E S1B G5 Moderate 3Sterna hirundo common tern E S1B G5 2Vermivora pinus blue-winged warbler S1B G5 Highest IWilsonia citrina hooded warbler E S1B G5MammalsBalaena glacialis Northern right whale SXB E G1 ENBalaenoptera borealis sei whale SNA E G3 ENBalaenoptera musculus blue whale SNA E G3G4 ENBalaenoptera physalus fin whale SNA E G3G4 ENMegaptera novaeangliae humpback whale SNA E G3 VUMyotis leibii Eastern small-footed myotis SU G3Phocoena phocoena harbor porpoise SNA G4G5Physeter catodon sperm whale SNA E G3G4 VUSciurus niger cinereus Delmarva fox squirrel E S1 E G5T3


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Tier 2GastropodsAnguispira alternata flamed tigersnail S1S2 G5Anguispira fergusoni Coastal Plain tigersnail S1? G4Carychium exiguum obese thorn S1 G5Discus catskillensis angular disc S1 G5Euconulus dentatus toothed hive S1? G4G5Gastrocopta armifera armed snaggletooth S1S2 G5Haplotrema concavum gray-foot lancetooth S1 G5Philomycus flexuolaris winding mantleslug S1 G4Pomatiopsis lapidaria slender walker S1 G5Punctum vitreum glass spot S1? G4G5Pupoides albilabris white-lip dagger S1 G5Stenotrema hirsutum hairy slitmouth S1 G5Triodopsis tridentata Northern threetooth S2 G5Ventridens intertextus pyramid dome S1 G5Vertigo pygmaea crested vertigo S1? G5Vertigo teskeyae swamp vertigo S1? G4Vertigo tridentata honey vertigo S2S3 G5Zonitoides nitidus black gloss S1? G5

BivalvesAnodonta implicata alewife floater S1 G5Elliptio fisheriana Northern lance S2 G4Strophitus undulatus creeper S1 G5

InsectsAcontia delecta a noctuid moth S1S3 G4?Acronicta connecta a noctuid moth SH G4Acronicta exilis exiled dagger moth S2? G4Acronicta increta a dagger moth SU G5Acronicta lithospila streaked dagger moth SH GNRAcronicta rubricoma a dagger moth SH G4Aeshna tuberculifera black-tipped darner S1 G4Aeshna verticalis green-striped darner S1 G5Agabetes acuductus a hydrophylid beetle SU GNRAgnorisma bollii a noctuid moth S1S3 G4?Agrius cingulata pink spotted hawkmoth SU GNRAmblyscirtes aesculapius lace-winged roadside-skipper SNR G3G4Amblyscirtes carolina Carolina roadside-skipper SNR G3G4Amorpha juglandis walnut sphinx SH G5Anacamptodes pergracilis cypress looper S1 GNRAnatrytone logan Delaware skipper SU G5Anax longipes comet darner S1 G5Archanara subflava a moth SU G4Archilestes grandis great spreadwing S2 G5Argia bipunctulata seepage dancer S1 G4Argia moesta powdered dancer SU G5Argia translata dusky dancer S1 G5Argyrostrotis quadrifilaris a noctuid moth SH G4Asterocampa celtis hackberry emperor SU G5Atlides halesus great purple hairstreak S1 G5Atrytonopsis hianna dusted skipper S1 G4G5Battus philenor pipevine swallowtail S2 G5


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Tier 2InsectsBellura gortynoides a moth SU G4Boloria bellona meadow fritillary SU G5Boloria selene silver-bordered fritillary S1 G5Boloria selene myrina myrina fritillary S1 G5T5Brachymesia gravida four-spotted pennant S1 G5Callophrys augustinus brown elfin SU G5Callophrys gryneus juniper hairstreak S2 G5Callophrys henrici Henry's elfin SU G5Calyptra canadensis Canadian owlet S1S2 GNRCaripeta aretaria a moth S1S3 G4Catocala alabamae Alabama underwing S1S2 G4Catocala cerogama yellow banded underwing SH G5Catocala flebilis mournful underwing S1S3 G5Catocala insolabilis inconsolable underwing SH GNRCatocala maestosa sad underwing SH GNRCatocala minuta little underwing SH G5Catocala palaeogama oldwife underwing SU G5Catocala parta mother underwing SH G5Catocala praeclara praeclara underwing S1S2 G5Catocala residua residua underwing S2? G5Catocala unijuga once-married underwing SH GNRCelithemis monomelaena black spotted skimmer S2 G5Celithemis ornata faded pennant S2 G5Celithemis verna double-ringed pennant S1 G5Ceratomia undulosa waved sphinx SH G5Cerura scitiscripta black-etched prominent SH G5Chloropteryx tepperaria angle winged emerald moth S2? G4Cicindela dorsalis Eastern beach tiger beetle SH G4Cicindela duodecimguttata a tiger beetle SU G5Cicindela formosa generosa a tiger beetle SU G5T5Cicindela hirticollis beach-dune tiger beetle S2 G5Cicindela marginata a tiger beetle S1 G5Cicindela patruela a tiger beetle SH G3Cicindela purpurea a tiger beetle SU G5Cicindela scutellaris a tiger beetle S1? G5Cicindela unipunctata a tiger beetle S2? G4Cirrhophanus triangulifer a noctuid moth S2S3 G4Cisthene kentuckiensis Kentucky lichen moth SH G4Cisthene tenuifascia a lichen moth SH G5Copivaleria grotei Grote's sallow SH G5Cordulegaster bilineata brown spiketail S2 G5Cordulegaster erronea tiger spiketail S2 G4Darapsa versicolor hydrangea sphinx S1S3 GNRDeidamia inscripta lettered sphinx SH G5Dolba hyloeus black alder or pawpaw sphinx SH G5Drasteria graphica a noctuid moth S1 G4Drasteria graphica atlantica Atlantic graphic moth S1 GNRDromogomphus spinosus black-shouldered spinyleg S2 G5Enallagma dubium burgundy bluet S1 G5Enallagma durum big bluet S2 G5


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Tier 2InsectsEnallagma pallidum pale bluet S1 G4Enallagma vesperum vesper bluet S2 G5Enallagma weewa blackwater bluet S2 G5Erynnis baptisiae wild indigo duskywing SU G5Erynnis brizo brizo sleepy dusky wing SU G5T5Erynnis icelus dreamy duskywing SU G5Erynnis martialis mottled duskywing SH G3G4Euphydryas phaeton Baltimore checkerspot S1 G4Euphyes dion dion skipper S1 G4Feniseca tarquinius harvester SU G4Gluphisia lintneri a notodontid moth SH G4Gomphaeschna antilope taper-tailed darner S1 G4Gomphaeschna furcillata harlequin darner S1 G5Gomphus apomyius banner clubtail S1 GNRGomphus plagiatus russet-tipped clubtail S2 G5Gomphus rogersi sable clubtail S1 G4Gomphus spiniceps arrow clubtail S1 G5Gomphus villosipes unicorn clubtail S2 G5Grammia phyllira phyllira tiger moth SH G4Haploa colona a moth SH G4Helocombus bifidus a water-scavenger beetle SU GNRHelocordulia selysii Selys' sundragon SH G4Hemileuca maia maia the buckmoth SU G5T5Hesperia metea cobweb skipper S1 G4G5Hesperia sassacus indian skipper SU G5Heterocampa astarte a notodontid moth SH G4G5Hoperius planatus a hydrophylid beetle S1 GNRIschnura kellicotti lilypad forktail S1 G5Lepipolys perscripta a moth SH G4Lestes eurinus amber-winged spreadwing S2 G4Leucorrhinia intacta dot-tailed whiteface SH G5Libellula auripennis golden-winged skimmer SU G5Libellula axilena bar-winged skimmer S1 G5Libellula deplanata blue corporal S2 G5Libellula flavida yellow-sided skimmer SH G5Libytheana carinenta American snout SH G5Lophocampa caryae an arctiid moth S1 GNRLucanus elephus giant stag beetle SH GNRLycaena hyllus bronze copper S2 G5Macrochilo louisiana a noctuid moth SU G4Macromia illinoiensis Illinois river cruiser S2 G5Macromia taeniolata royal river cruiser S1 G5Manduca jasminearum ash sphinx SH GNRManduca rustica a sphinx moth SU G5Megacephala virginica Virginia big-headed tiger beetle SU G5Melitara prodenialis a moth SH G4Nehalennia gracilis sphagnum sprite S1 G5Nehalennia integricollis Southern sprite S1 G5Nehalennia irene sedge sprite S1 G5Nigetia formosalis a noctuid moth S1S2 G4


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Tier 2InsectsOrgyia detrita a tussock moth S1 GNROstrocerca prolongata a stonefly SNR G3Paonias astylus huckleberry sphinx SH G4G5Papaipema araliae aralia shoot borer moth SH G3G4Papaipema astuta yellow stoneroot borer SH G3G4Papaipema baptisiae wild indigo borer moth SH G4Papaipema birdi umbellifer borer moth SH G5Papaipema circumlucens hop borer SH G4Papaipema furcata ash borer moth SU G4Papaipema lysimachiae loosestrife borer moth SU G4Papaipema pterisii bracken borer moth SH G5Papaipema rigida a noctuid moth SH G5Papaipema rutila mayapple borer moth SU G4Papaipema speciosissima osmunda borer moth SH G4Papaipema stenocelis chain fern borer moth S2? G4Parahypenodes quadralis a noctuid moth SU G4Parapamea buffaloensis a borer moth SH G4Paratrea plebeja trumpet vine sphinx SH G5Pero hubneraria a moth S1? GNRPero zalissaria a moth S1S3 G4Photuris frontalis a firefly S1 GNRPhoturis hebes a firefly S1S2 GNRPhoturis pensylvanica a firefly S2S3 GNRPhoturis pyralomimus a firefly S1S3 GNRPhoturis tremulans a firefly S1 GNRPoanes hobomok hobomok skipper SU G5Polygonia progne gray comma SH G5Pompeius verna little glassywing SU G5Pontia protodice checkered white SU G4Satyrium liparops striped hairstreak S1 G5Satyrium liparops strigosum striped hairstreak S1 G5T5Satyrodes eurydice eyed brown SH G4Schinia septentrionalis a noctuid moth SH GUSchinia spinosae a noctuid moth SH G4Schinia trifascia three-lined flower moth SH GNRSomatochlora filosa fine-lined emerald S2 G5Somatochlora provocans treetop emerald S1 G4Speyeria aphrodite aphrodite fritillary SH G5Speyeria idalia regal fritillary SX G3Sphinx chersis great ash sphinx SH G4G5Sphinx eremitus hermit sphinx S1 G4Sphinx franckii Franck's sphinx SH G4Stiriodes obtusa a moth S2S3 G4G5Stylogomphus albistylus least clubtail S2 G5Sympetrum ambiguum blue-faced meadowhawk S1 G5Sympetrum semicinctum band-winged meadowhawk S1 G5Synanthedon castaneae chestnut clearwing moth SX G3G5Tetragoneuria costalis stripe-winged baskettail S1 G4Tetragoneuria spinosa robust baskettail S1 G4Tolype notialis a lasiocampid moth SH GNR


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Tier 2InsectsXestia youngii a noctuid moth S1S2 G5Zale metata a noctuid moth S2S3 GNR

FishesLampetra aepyptera least brook lamprey S2 G5Lampetra appendix American brook lamprey S2 G4

FishesCarcharhinus obscurus dusky shark C G3 V NTCarcharodon carcharias white shark G? CDCetorhinus maximus basking shark G? V VUSquatina dumeril Atlantic angel shark G?FishesAlosa mediocris hickory shad S2 G5Apeltes quadracus fourspine stickleback S2 G5Enneacanthus chaetodon blackbanded sunfish S2 G4Enneacanthus obesus banded sunfish S2 G5Etheostoma vitreum glassy darter S1 G4G5Notropis amoenus comely shiner S2 G5Noturus insignis margined madtom S2 G5AmphibiansAmbystoma maculatum spotted salamander S2 G5Eurycea longicauda longtail salamander S1 G5Hemidactylium scutatum four-toed salamander S1 G5Hyla chrysoscelis Cope's gray treefrog S2 G5Pseudotriton montanus montanu mud salamander S1 G5Rana virgatipes carpenter frog S1 G5Scaphiopus holbrookii Eastern spadefoot S4 G5ReptilesAgkistrodon contortrix copperhead S1 G5Eretmochelys imbricata imbricat hawksbill SNA G3Heterodon platirhinos Eastern hognose snake S4 G5Lampropeltis getula common kingsnake S2S3 G5Opheodrys aestivus rough green snake S2 G5Pituophis melanoleucus melanol pine snake SNA G4Pseudemys rubriventris redbelly turtle S5 G5Regina septemvittata queen snake S1 G5Scincella lateralis ground skink S1 G5Storeria occipitomaculata redbelly snake S1 G5Thamnophis sauritus sauritus Eastern ribbon snake S2 G5Virginia valeriae smooth earth snake S1 G5BirdsAmmodramus savannarum grasshopper sparrow S3B G5 Moderate IIcAnas clypeata Northern shoveler SHB,S4N G5 159Anas platyrhynchos mallard S5B,S5N G5 High 118Ardea herodias great blue heron S2B G5 1Aythya affinis lesser scaup S4N G5 High 55Aythya americana redhead S2N G5 157Aythya marila greater scaup S4N G5 High 55Aythya valisineria canvasback S2N G5 High 127Bonasa umbellus ruffed grouse SX G5Botaurus lentiginosus American bittern S1B G4 High


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Tier 2BirdsBranta bernicla brant S4N G5 High 98Bubulcus ibis cattle egret S1B G5 1Bucephala albeola bufflehead S4N G5 HighButeo lineatus red-shouldered hawk S2B,S3N G5Calidris alpina dunlin S3N G5 High 3Calidris fuscicollis white-rumped sandpiper SNA G5 High 3Calidris maritima purple sandpiper S1N G5 High 3Calidris pusilla semipalmated sandpiper S3N G5 High 4Caprimulgus vociferus whip-poor-will S4B G5 High IIaCasmerodius albus great egret S1B G5 1Catharus fuscescens veery S2B G5Catoptrophorus semipalmatus willet S4B G5 High 4Chaetura pelagica chimney swift S5B G5 High IIaCharadrius wilsonia Wilson's plover SNA G5 High 4Chlidonias niger black tern SNA G4 Moderate 3Cistothorus palustris marsh wren S4B G5 High IIaClangula hyemalis oldsquaw S3N G5 HighCoccyzus erythropthalmus black-billed cuckoo S1B G5 IIaColaptes auratus Northern flicker S5 G5 High IIaColinus virginianus Northern bobwhite S4 G5 High IIaCoragyps atratus black vulture S2B G5Coturnicops noveboracensis yellow rail SNA G4 HighCygnus columbianus tundra swan S3N G5 High 103Dendroica dominica yellow-throated warbler S2B G5Dendroica pensylvanica chestnut-sided warbler S1B G5Dolichonyx oryzivorus bobolink SU G5Egretta caerulea little blue heron S1B G5 High 4Egretta thula snowy egret S1B G5 High 4Egretta tricolor tricolored heron S1B G5 High 4Empidonax minimus least flycatcher SHB G5Empidonax traillii willow flycatcher S3B G5 High IFalco peregrinus peregrine falcon S1N G4Fulica americana American coot S1B G5 ModerateGavia stellata red-throated loon SNA G5 HighHelmitheros vermivorus worm-eating warbler S3B G5 High IHimantopus mexicanus black-necked stilt S2B G5Icteria virens yellow-breasted chat S3B G5Icterus galbula Baltimore oriole S4B G5 High IIaIxobrychus exilis least bittern S1B G5 ModerateLarus marinus great black-backed gull S1B,S5N G5 1Larus minutus little gull SNA G5 High 4Limnodromus griseus short-billed dowitcher SNA G5 High 3Limosa fedoa marbled godwit SNA G5 High 4Limosa haemastica Hudsonian godwit SNA G4 High 4Lophodytes cucullatus hooded merganser S1B,S4N G5 ModerateMelanitta fusca white-winged scoter S3N G5 HighMelanitta nigra black scoter S3N G5 HighMelanitta perspicillata surf scoter S5N G5 HighMniotilta varia black-and-white warbler S3B G5 High IIaMyiarchus crinitus great crested flycatcher S5B G5 High IIa


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NAWCPRisk

CategoryPIF 44Level

Tier 2BirdsOporornis formosus Kentucky warbler S3B G5 High IPasserculus sandwichensis savannah sparrow SHB, S4N G5Pelecanus erythrorhynchos American white pelican SNA G3 3Pelecanus occidentalis brown pelican S1N G4 Moderate 3Petrochelidon pyrrhonota cliff swallow S1B G5Phalacrocorax auritus double-crested cormorant S1B G5 1Phalacrocorax carbo great cormorant S2N G5 Moderate 3Phalaropus lobatus red-necked phalarope SNA G4G5 High 3Phalaropus tricolor Wilson's phalarope SNA G5 High 3Pipilo erythrophthalmus Eastern towhee S5B G5 High IIaPiranga olivacea scarlet tanager S4B G5 High IIaPlegadis falcinellus glossy ibis S1B G5 2Pluvialis dominica American golden-plover SNA G5 High 4Pluvialis squatarola black-bellied plover S4N G5 High 3Podiceps auritus horned grebe SNA G5 HighPooecetes gramineus vesper sparrow S3B G5Porzana carolina sora S2 G5Protonotaria citrea prothonotary warbler S4B G5 High IPuffinus gravis greater shearwater SNA G5 High 4Rallus elegans king rail S2 G4G5 Moderate IIaRhodostethia rosea Ross' gull SNA G3G4 4Riparia riparia bank swallow S2B G5Seiurus motacilla Louisiana waterthrush S3B G5 High IIaSitta pusilla brown-headed nuthatch S2 G5 Moderate IIaSpizella pusilla field sparrow S4 G5 High IIaSterna anaethetus bridled tern SNA G5 High 4Sterna nilotica gull-billed tern SHB,S2N G5 High 4Sterna paradisaea Arctic tern SNA G5 High 4Strix varia barred owl S2 G5Toxostoma rufum brown thrasher S4B G5 High IIaTringa melanoleuca greater yellowlegs SNA G5 High 4Tringa solitaria solitary sandpiper SNA G5 High 3Tryngites subruficollis buff-breasted sandpiper SNA G4 High NT 4Tyrannus tyrannus Eastern kingbird S5B G5 High IIaTyto alba barn owl S3 G5Vermivora chrysoptera golden-winged warbler SNA G4 ModerateVireo flavifrons yellow-throated vireo S3B G5 High IIaVireo gilvus warbling vireo S2B G5Wilsonia canadensis Canada warbler SNA G5 ModerateMammalsCanis latrans coyote SU G5Cryptotis parva least shrew SNR G5Lasionycteris noctivagans silver-haired bat SU G5Lasiurus borealis Eastern red bat SU G5Lasiurus cinereus hoary bat SU G5Myotis septentrionalis Northern myotis SU G4Nycticeius humeralis evening bat SU G5Sorex fontinalis Maryland shrew SU G4Q


State Status: E = species listed as Endangered in DEState Rank: S1 = species that are extremely rare in DE; S2 = very rare in DE; S3 = rare to uncommon in DE; S4 = apparently secure in DE; S5 = demonstrably secure in DE; SU = status uncertain in DE but of conservation concern; SH = known historically in DE; SX = extirpated from DE; SNR = not yet ranked in DE; SNA = occurrences in DE of limited conservation value; _B = breeding status; _N = nonbreeding statusSensitive/Significant DE populations: other factors that lead to increased conservation concern in DEFederal Status: E = species listed as endangered in the US; T = listed as threatened in the US; C = candidate for listing in the USGlobal Rank: G1/T1 = species/subspecies that are extremely rare rangewide; G2/T2 = very rare rangewide; G3/T3 = rare to uncommon rangewide; G4/T4 = apparently secure rangewide; G5/T5 = demonstrably secure rangewideNETC (Northeast Endangered Species and Wildlife Diversity Technical Committee) Listing = northeastern species warranting consideration as Federal Endangered or ThreatenedNETC Concern: northeastern species of regional conservation concernBCR 30: conservation tier in Bird Conservation Region 30 (Mid-Atlantic)AFS (American Fisheries Society) Status: fish species that are E = endangered; T = threatened; V = vulnerable; CD = conservation dependentNMFS (National Marine Fisheries Service) prohibited: species for which fishing is prohibited by NMFS

Key

CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species) App I: species for which all trade is prohibited except by permitCITES App II: species for which all trade is controlledCITES App III: species for which trade is controlled in some countriesIUCN (International Union for the Conservation of Nature) Cat: Category CR = critically endangered; EN = endangered; VU = vulnerable; NT = near threatened; DD = data deficientASMFC (Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission) Mgd: fish species with an ASMFC Interstate Fishery Management PlanMAFMC (Mid-Atlantic Fisheries Management Council) Mgd: fish species with a MAFMC Fishery Management PlanNBCI (Northern Bobwhite Conservation Initiative) Mgd: managed according to the Northern Bobwhite Conservation InitiativeUSSCP (US Shorebird Conservation Plan) Reg Priority: regional shorebird species that are 5 = highly imperiled; 4 = species of high concern; 3 = species of moderate concern; 2 = species of low concern; 1 = species not at riskNAWMP (North American Waterfowl Management Plan) Managed: waterfowl species managed under the NAWMPNAWCP (North American Waterbird Conservation Plan) Category: waterbird species that are 1 = highly imperiled; 2 = high concern; 3 = moderate concern; 4 = low concern; 5 = not currently at riskPIF (Partners in Flight) 44 Tier: bird species in Physiographic Area 44 (Mid-Atlantic) that are I = high continental importance; II = high regional priority; IIa = high regional concern; IIb = high regional responsibility; IIc = high regional threatsTNC (The Nature Conservancy) Target = species targeted for conservation in TNC Ecoregional Plans

Criteria

Cross Reference


Appendix C

Species-HabitatAssociations


9/29/2006 Delaware Division of Fish and Wildlife

Appendix C

Species-Habitat Associations



Habitat Associations of Delaware Species of Greatest Conservation NeedHabitat Level 1 Habitat Level 2 Habitat Level 3GastropodsAnguispira alternata flamed tigersnail Tier 2Upland Habitats Upland ForestsAnguispira fergusoni Coastal Plain tigersnail Tier 2undeterminedCarychium exiguum obese thorn Tier 2Non-tidal Wetland Habitats Forested WetlandsDiscus catskillensis angular disc Tier 2Upland Habitats Upland Forests Piedmont Upland Forests

Coastal Plain Upland ForestsEuconulus dentatus toothed hive Tier 2undeterminedGastrocopta armifera armed snaggletooth Tier 2Upland Habitats Upland ForestsHaplotrema concavum gray-foot lancetooth Tier 2Upland Habitats Upland ForestsPhilomycus flexuolaris winding mantleslug Tier 2undeterminedPomatiopsis lapidaria slender walker Tier 2Non-tidal Wetland Habitats Non-forested WetlandsPunctum vitreum glass spot Tier 2undeterminedPupoides albilabris white-lip dagger Tier 2undeterminedStenotrema hirsutum hairy slitmouth Tier 2Upland Habitats Upland ForestsTriodopsis tridentata Northern threetooth Tier 2Upland Habitats Upland ForestsVentridens intertextus pyramid dome Tier 2Upland Habitats Upland ForestsVertigo pygmaea crested vertigo Tier 2undeterminedVertigo teskeyae swamp vertigo Tier 2undeterminedVertigo tridentata honey vertigo Tier 2Non-tidal Wetland Habitats Non-forested WetlandsZonitoides nitidus black gloss Tier 2Non-tidal Wetland Habitats Forested Wetlands

BivalvesAlasmidonta heterodon dwarf wedgemussel Tier 1Freshwater Aquatic Habitats Coastal Plain StreamsAlasmidonta undulata triangle floater Tier 1Freshwater Aquatic Habitats Coastal Plain StreamsAlasmidonta varicosa brook floater Tier 1Freshwater Aquatic Habitats Piedmont StreamsAnodonta implicata alewife floater Tier 2Freshwater Aquatic Habitats Coastal Plain Streams

Ponds, Lakes & ReservoirsCrassostrea virginica American oyster Tier 1undetermined

9/29/2006 Page 1 of 24Habitat Associations of SGCN Delaware Division of Fish and Wildlife

Habitat Level 1 Habitat Level 2 Habitat Level 3BivalvesElliptio fisheriana Northern lance Tier 2Freshwater Aquatic Habitats Coastal Plain Streams

Ponds, Lakes & ReservoirsLampsilis cariosa yellow lampmussel Tier 1Freshwater Aquatic Habitats Coastal Plain StreamsLampsilis radiata Eastern lampmussel Tier 1Freshwater Aquatic Habitats Coastal Plain StreamsLeptodea ochracea tidewater mucket Tier 1Freshwater Aquatic Habitats Coastal Plain Streams

Ponds, Lakes & ReservoirsLigumia nasuta Eastern pondmussel Tier 1Freshwater Aquatic Habitats Coastal Plain Streams

Ponds, Lakes & ReservoirsStrophitus undulatus creeper Tier 2Freshwater Aquatic Habitats Coastal Plain Streams

CrustaceansCallinectes sapidus blue crab Tier 1Brackish & Marine Aquatic Habitats Nearshore Habitats

ArachnidsLimulus polyphemus horseshoe crab Tier 1Brackish & Marine Aquatic Habitats Nearshore Habitats

InsectsAcontia delecta a noctuid moth Tier 2Tidal Wetland Habitats Saltwater & Brackish Tidal Wetlands Tidal Low Marshes

Tidal High MarshesAcronicta connecta a noctuid moth Tier 2Non-tidal Wetland Habitats Non-forested Wetlands Shrub Swamps

Piedmont Stream Valley WetlandsTidal Wetland Habitats Freshwater Tidal Wetlands Freshwater Tidal Scrub-Shrub WetlandsAcronicta exilis exiled dagger moth Tier 2Upland Habitats Upland Forests Piedmont Upland Forests

Coastal Plain Upland ForestsAcronicta increta a dagger moth Tier 2undeterminedAcronicta lithospila streaked dagger moth Tier 2Upland Habitats Upland Forests Piedmont Upland Forests

Coastal Plain Upland ForestsAcronicta rubricoma a dagger moth Tier 2Upland Habitats Early Successional Upland Habitats Shrub/brush Upland HabitatsAeshna tuberculifera black-tipped darner Tier 2Non-tidal Wetland Habitats Non-forested Wetlands Coastal Plain Seasonal Ponds

Streamside Herbaceous WetlandsAeshna verticalis green-striped darner Tier 2Non-tidal Wetland Habitats Non-forested Wetlands Coastal Plain Seasonal Ponds

Streamside Herbaceous WetlandsAgabetes acuductus a hydrophylid beetle Tier 2Non-tidal Wetland Habitats Forested Wetlands Isolated Forested WetlandsAgnorisma bollii a noctuid moth Tier 2Upland Habitats Upland ForestsAgrius cingulata pink spotted hawkmoth Tier 2undeterminedAmblyscirtes aesculapius lace-winged roadside-skipper Tier 2Non-tidal Wetland Habitats Forested Wetlands Forested Floodplains & Riparian Swamps


Habitat Level 1 Habitat Level 2 Habitat Level 3InsectsAmblyscirtes carolina Carolina roadside-skipper Tier 2Non-tidal Wetland Habitats Forested Wetlands Forested Floodplains & Riparian SwampsAmorpha juglandis walnut sphinx Tier 2Non-tidal Wetland Habitats Forested WetlandsUpland Habitats Upland ForestsAnacamptodes pergracilis cypress looper Tier 2Non-tidal Wetland Habitats Forested Wetlands Forested Floodplains & Riparian SwampsAnatrytone logan Delaware skipper Tier 2undeterminedAnax longipes comet darner Tier 2Non-tidal Wetland Habitats Non-forested Wetlands Coastal Plain Seasonal PondsArchanara subflava a moth Tier 2Non-tidal Wetland Habitats Non-forested Wetlands Streamside Herbaceous WetlandsArchilestes grandis great spreadwing Tier 2Freshwater Aquatic Habitats Coastal Plain StreamsArgia bipunctulata seepage dancer Tier 2Non-tidal Wetland Habitats Forested Wetlands Forested Floodplains & Riparian Swamps

Non-forested Wetlands Peat WetlandsArgia moesta powdered dancer Tier 2undeterminedArgia translata dusky dancer Tier 2Freshwater Aquatic Habitats Piedmont Streams

Ponds, Lakes & ReservoirsArgyrostrotis quadrifilaris a noctuid moth Tier 2undeterminedAsterocampa celtis hackberry emperor Tier 2undeterminedAtlides halesus great purple hairstreak Tier 2Non-tidal Wetland Habitats Non-forested Wetlands Shrub SwampsTidal Wetland Habitats Freshwater Tidal Wetlands Freshwater Tidal Scrub-Shrub WetlandsAtrytonopsis hianna dusted skipper Tier 2Upland Habitats Early Successional Upland Habitats Herbaceous Upland Habitats

Shrub/brush Upland HabitatsAutochton cellus gold-banded skipper Tier 1Non-tidal Wetland Habitats Forested WetlandsBattus philenor pipevine swallowtail Tier 2Upland Habitats Upland Forests Coastal Plain Upland ForestsBellura gortynoides a moth Tier 2undeterminedBoloria bellona meadow fritillary Tier 2Upland Habitats Early Successional Upland Habitats Herbaceous Upland HabitatsBoloria selene silver-bordered fritillary Tier 2Non-tidal Wetland Habitats Non-forested Wetlands Piedmont Stream Valley WetlandsBoloria selene myrina myrina fritillary Tier 2Non-tidal Wetland Habitats Non-forested Wetlands Piedmont Stream Valley WetlandsBrachymesia gravida four-spotted pennant Tier 2Tidal Wetland Habitats Saltwater & Brackish Tidal Wetlands Tidal Low Marshes

Tidal High MarshesCallophrys augustinus brown elfin Tier 2undeterminedCallophrys gryneus juniper hairstreak Tier 2Upland Habitats Early Successional Upland Habitats Shrub/brush Upland Habitats


Habitat Level 1 Habitat Level 2 Habitat Level 3InsectsCallophrys henrici Henry's elfin Tier 2undeterminedCallophrys hesseli Hessel's hairstreak Tier 1Non-tidal Wetland Habitats Forested Wetlands Forested Floodplains & Riparian SwampsCallophrys irus frosted elfin Tier 1Upland Habitats Upland Forests Coastal Plain Upland Forests

Early Successional Upland HabitatsCalyptra canadensis Canadian owlet Tier 2Upland Habitats Early Successional Upland HabitatsCaripeta aretaria a moth Tier 2Upland Habitats Beach & Dune Habitats Dune Forests & Woodlands

Upland Forests Coastal Plain Upland ForestsCatocala alabamae Alabama underwing Tier 2Upland Habitats Upland Forests Piedmont Upland ForestsCatocala antinympha sweetfern underwing Tier 1Upland Habitats Upland Forests Coastal Plain Upland ForestsCatocala carissima an underwing moth Tier 1Non-tidal Wetland Habitats Forested Wetlands Forested Floodplains & Riparian SwampsCatocala cerogama yellow banded underwing Tier 2Upland Habitats Upland Forests Piedmont Upland Forests

Coastal Plain Upland ForestsCatocala flebilis mournful underwing Tier 2Upland Habitats Upland Forests Piedmont Upland Forests

Coastal Plain Upland ForestsCatocala insolabilis inconsolable underwing Tier 2Upland Habitats Upland ForestsCatocala lacrymosa tearful underwing Tier 1Upland Habitats Upland Forests Coastal Plain Upland ForestsCatocala maestosa sad underwing Tier 2Upland Habitats Upland ForestsCatocala marmorata marbled underwing Tier 1Non-tidal Wetland Habitats Forested Wetlands Forested Floodplains & Riparian SwampsCatocala minuta little underwing Tier 2undeterminedCatocala nebulosa clouded underwing Tier 1Upland Habitats Upland Forests Piedmont Upland ForestsCatocala palaeogama oldwife underwing Tier 2Upland Habitats Upland Forests Piedmont Upland ForestsCatocala parta mother underwing Tier 2Non-tidal Wetland Habitats Forested WetlandsCatocala praeclara praeclara underwing Tier 2Non-tidal Wetland Habitats Forested Wetlands Forested Floodplains & Riparian SwampsCatocala residua residua underwing Tier 2Upland Habitats Upland Forests Piedmont Upland Forests

Coastal Plain Upland ForestsCatocala unijuga once-married underwing Tier 2Non-tidal Wetland Habitats Forested Wetlands Forested Floodplains & Riparian SwampsCelithemis monomelaena black spotted skimmer Tier 2Freshwater Aquatic Habitats Ponds, Lakes & ReservoirsOther Habitats Sand/Gravel PitsCelithemis ornata faded pennant Tier 2Freshwater Aquatic Habitats Coastal Plain Streams

Ponds, Lakes & Reservoirs


Habitat Level 1 Habitat Level 2 Habitat Level 3InsectsCelithemis verna double-ringed pennant Tier 2Non-tidal Wetland Habitats Non-forested Wetlands Coastal Plain Seasonal PondsOther Habitats Sand/Gravel PitsCeratomia undulosa waved sphinx Tier 2Non-tidal Wetland Habitats Forested WetlandsCerura scitiscripta black-etched prominent Tier 2Non-tidal Wetland Habitats Forested WetlandsUpland Habitats Upland ForestsChloropteryx tepperaria angle winged emerald moth Tier 2Non-tidal Wetland Habitats Forested Wetlands Forested Floodplains & Riparian SwampsCicindela dorsalis Eastern beach tiger beetle Tier 2Upland Habitats Beach & Dune Habitats Dune GrasslandsCicindela dorsalis media white tiger beetle Tier 1Upland Habitats Beach & Dune Habitats Unvegetated Sandy BeachCicindela duodecimguttata a tiger beetle Tier 2undeterminedCicindela formosa generosa a tiger beetle Tier 2undeterminedCicindela hirticollis beach-dune tiger beetle Tier 2Non-tidal Wetland Habitats Non-forested Wetlands Interdunal WetlandsUpland Habitats Beach & Dune Habitats Dune Shrublands

Dune GrasslandsUnvegetated Sandy Beach

Cicindela lepida little white tiger beetle Tier 1Upland Habitats Beach & Dune Habitats Dune Shrublands

Dune GrasslandsUnvegetated Sandy Beach

Cicindela marginata a tiger beetle Tier 2Tidal Wetland Habitats Saltwater & Brackish Tidal Wetlands Tidal Low MarshesCicindela patruela a tiger beetle Tier 2Upland Habitats Upland Forests Coastal Plain Upland ForestsCicindela patruela consentanea a tiger beetle Tier 1Upland Habitats Upland Forests Coastal Plain Upland ForestsCicindela purpurea a tiger beetle Tier 2undeterminedCicindela rufiventris a tiger beetle Tier 1Other Habitats Sand/Gravel PitsCicindela scutellaris a tiger beetle Tier 2Upland Habitats Early Successional Upland HabitatsOther Habitats Sand/Gravel PitsCicindela unipunctata a tiger beetle Tier 2Upland Habitats Upland Forests Coastal Plain Upland ForestsCirrhophanus triangulifer a noctuid moth Tier 2Upland Habitats Early Successional Upland HabitatsCisthene kentuckiensis Kentucky lichen moth Tier 2Upland Habitats Upland Forests Coastal Plain Upland ForestsCisthene tenuifascia a lichen moth Tier 2Upland Habitats Upland Forests Coastal Plain Upland ForestsCopivaleria grotei Grote's sallow Tier 2Non-tidal Wetland Habitats Forested WetlandsUpland Habitats Upland Forests


Habitat Level 1 Habitat Level 2 Habitat Level 3InsectsCordulegaster bilineata brown spiketail Tier 2Freshwater Aquatic Habitats Coastal Plain StreamsNon-tidal Wetland Habitats Non-forested Wetlands Piedmont Stream Valley WetlandsCordulegaster erronea tiger spiketail Tier 2Non-tidal Wetland Habitats Non-forested Wetlands Piedmont Stream Valley WetlandsDarapsa versicolor hydrangea sphinx Tier 2Non-tidal Wetland Habitats Non-forested Wetlands

Shrub SwampsDeidamia inscripta lettered sphinx Tier 2Upland Habitats Upland ForestsDolba hyloeus black alder or pawpaw sphinx Tier 2Non-tidal Wetland Habitats Forested Wetlands Forested Floodplains & Riparian SwampsDrasteria graphica a noctuid moth Tier 2Upland Habitats Beach & Dune HabitatsDrasteria graphica atlantica Atlantic graphic moth Tier 2Upland Habitats Beach & Dune Habitats Dune ShrublandsDromogomphus spinosus black-shouldered spinyleg Tier 2Freshwater Aquatic Habitats Coastal Plain Streams

Ponds, Lakes & ReservoirsEnallagma dubium burgundy bluet Tier 2Freshwater Aquatic Habitats Coastal Plain StreamsNon-tidal Wetland Habitats Non-forested Wetlands Coastal Plain Seasonal PondsEnallagma durum big bluet Tier 2Freshwater Aquatic Habitats Coastal Plain StreamsNon-tidal Wetland Habitats Non-forested Wetlands Coastal Plain Seasonal PondsEnallagma pallidum pale bluet Tier 2Freshwater Aquatic Habitats Coastal Plain StreamsNon-tidal Wetland Habitats Non-forested Wetlands Coastal Plain Seasonal PondsEnallagma vesperum vesper bluet Tier 2Non-tidal Wetland Habitats Non-forested Wetlands Coastal Plain Seasonal PondsEnallagma weewa blackwater bluet Tier 2Freshwater Aquatic Habitats Coastal Plain StreamsNon-tidal Wetland Habitats Forested Wetlands Forested Floodplains & Riparian SwampsErynnis baptisiae wild indigo duskywing Tier 2Upland Habitats Upland Forests Coastal Plain Upland ForestsErynnis brizo brizo sleepy dusky wing Tier 2undeterminedErynnis icelus dreamy duskywing Tier 2undeterminedErynnis martialis mottled duskywing Tier 2Upland Habitats Upland Forests Piedmont Upland Forests

Coastal Plain Upland ForestsEuphydryas phaeton Baltimore checkerspot Tier 2Non-tidal Wetland Habitats Non-forested Wetlands Piedmont Stream Valley WetlandsEuphyes conspicua black dash Tier 1Non-tidal Wetland Habitats Non-forested Wetlands Piedmont Stream Valley Wetlands

Streamside Herbaceous WetlandsEuphyes dion dion skipper Tier 2Non-tidal Wetland Habitats Non-forested Wetlands Coastal Plain Seasonal Ponds

Piedmont Stream Valley WetlandsStreamside Herbaceous Wetlands


Habitat Level 1 Habitat Level 2 Habitat Level 3InsectsExyra fax pitcher plant moth Tier 1Non-tidal Wetland Habitats Forested Wetlands Forested Floodplains & Riparian Swamps

Non-forested Wetlands Peat WetlandsFeniseca tarquinius harvester Tier 2undeterminedGluphisia lintneri a notodontid moth Tier 2undeterminedGomphaeschna antilope taper-tailed darner Tier 2Non-tidal Wetland Habitats Forested Wetlands Forested Floodplains & Riparian Swamps

Non-forested Wetlands Coastal Plain Seasonal PondsPeat Wetlands

Gomphaeschna furcillata harlequin darner Tier 2Non-tidal Wetland Habitats Forested Wetlands Forested Floodplains & Riparian SwampsGomphus apomyius banner clubtail Tier 2Freshwater Aquatic Habitats Coastal Plain StreamsGomphus fraternus midland clubtail Tier 1Freshwater Aquatic Habitats Coastal Plain StreamsGomphus plagiatus russet-tipped clubtail Tier 2Freshwater Aquatic Habitats Coastal Plain StreamsGomphus rogersi sable clubtail Tier 2Freshwater Aquatic Habitats Coastal Plain StreamsGomphus spiniceps arrow clubtail Tier 2Freshwater Aquatic Habitats Piedmont StreamsGomphus villosipes unicorn clubtail Tier 2Freshwater Aquatic Habitats Coastal Plain StreamsNon-tidal Wetland Habitats Non-forested Wetlands Coastal Plain Seasonal PondsGrammia phyllira phyllira tiger moth Tier 2Upland Habitats Upland Forests Coastal Plain Upland ForestsHadena ectypa a noctuid moth Tier 1Upland Habitats Upland ForestsHaploa colona a moth Tier 2Non-tidal Wetland Habitats Forested Wetlands Forested Floodplains & Riparian SwampsHelocombus bifidus a water-scavenger beetle Tier 2Non-tidal Wetland Habitats Forested Wetlands Isolated Forested WetlandsHelocordulia selysii Selys' sundragon Tier 2Freshwater Aquatic Habitats Coastal Plain StreamsHemileuca maia maia the buckmoth Tier 2Upland Habitats Upland Forests Coastal Plain Upland ForestsHesperia metea cobweb skipper Tier 2undeterminedHesperia sassacus indian skipper Tier 2undeterminedHeterocampa astarte a notodontid moth Tier 2Upland Habitats Beach & Dune HabitatsHoperius planatus a hydrophylid beetle Tier 2Non-tidal Wetland Habitats Forested Wetlands Isolated Forested WetlandsHydrochus spangleri Seth Forest water scavenger beetle Tier 1Non-tidal Wetland Habitats Forested Wetlands Isolated Forested WetlandsIschnura kellicotti lilypad forktail Tier 2Non-tidal Wetland Habitats Non-forested Wetlands Riverine Aquatic & Submerged VegetationLepipolys perscripta a moth Tier 2Upland Habitats Upland Forests Coastal Plain Upland Forests


Habitat Level 1 Habitat Level 2 Habitat Level 3InsectsLestes eurinus amber-winged spreadwing Tier 2Non-tidal Wetland Habitats Non-forested Wetlands Coastal Plain Seasonal PondsLeucorrhinia intacta dot-tailed whiteface Tier 2Freshwater Aquatic Habitats Ponds, Lakes & ReservoirsNon-tidal Wetland Habitats Non-forested Wetlands Coastal Plain Seasonal PondsLibellula auripennis golden-winged skimmer Tier 2undeterminedLibellula axilena bar-winged skimmer Tier 2Non-tidal Wetland Habitats Non-forested Wetlands Coastal Plain Seasonal PondsTidal Wetland Habitats Freshwater Tidal Wetlands Freshwater Tidal MarshesLibellula deplanata blue corporal Tier 2Freshwater Aquatic Habitats Ponds, Lakes & ReservoirsNon-tidal Wetland Habitats Non-forested Wetlands Coastal Plain Seasonal PondsLibellula flavida yellow-sided skimmer Tier 2Non-tidal Wetland Habitats Non-forested Wetlands Piedmont Stream Valley WetlandsLibytheana carinenta American snout Tier 2Non-tidal Wetland Habitats Forested Wetlands Forested Floodplains & Riparian SwampsLophocampa caryae an arctiid moth Tier 2Upland Habitats Upland Forests Piedmont Upland ForestsLucanus elephus giant stag beetle Tier 2Upland Habitats Upland ForestsLycaena hyllus bronze copper Tier 2Non-tidal Wetland Habitats Non-forested Wetlands Streamside Herbaceous WetlandsTidal Wetland Habitats Freshwater Tidal Wetlands Freshwater Tidal MarshesMacrochilo louisiana a noctuid moth Tier 2undeterminedMacromia illinoiensis Illinois river cruiser Tier 2Freshwater Aquatic Habitats Piedmont StreamsMacromia taeniolata royal river cruiser Tier 2Freshwater Aquatic Habitats Coastal Plain StreamsManduca jasminearum ash sphinx Tier 2Non-tidal Wetland Habitats Forested Wetlands Forested Floodplains & Riparian SwampsTidal Wetland Habitats Freshwater Tidal Wetlands Freshwater Tidal Scrub-Shrub WetlandsManduca rustica a sphinx moth Tier 2undeterminedMegacephala virginica Virginia big-headed tiger beetle Tier 2undeterminedMelitara prodenialis a moth Tier 2Upland Habitats Beach & Dune Habitats Dune Forests & Woodlands

Dune GrasslandsNannothemis bella elfin skimmer Tier 1Tidal Wetland Habitats Freshwater Tidal Wetlands Freshwater Tidal MarshesNehalennia gracilis sphagnum sprite Tier 2Non-tidal Wetland Habitats Forested Wetlands Forested Floodplains & Riparian Swamps

Non-forested Wetlands Peat WetlandsNehalennia integricollis Southern sprite Tier 2Freshwater Aquatic Habitats Coastal Plain StreamsNehalennia irene sedge sprite Tier 2Non-tidal Wetland Habitats Non-forested Wetlands Coastal Plain Seasonal PondsNicrophorus americanus American burying beetle Tier 1Upland Habitats Upland Forests

Early Successional Upland Habitats


Habitat Level 1 Habitat Level 2 Habitat Level 3InsectsNigetia formosalis a noctuid moth Tier 2Non-tidal Wetland Habitats Forested Wetlands Forested Floodplains & Riparian SwampsOrgyia detrita a tussock moth Tier 2Non-tidal Wetland Habitats Forested Wetlands Forested Floodplains & Riparian SwampsOstrocerca prolongata a stonefly Tier 2Freshwater Aquatic Habitats Piedmont StreamsPaonias astylus huckleberry sphinx Tier 2Non-tidal Wetland Habitats Forested WetlandsUpland Habitats Upland ForestsPapaipema appassionata pitcher plant borer moth Tier 1Non-tidal Wetland Habitats Forested Wetlands Forested Floodplains & Riparian Swamps

Non-forested Wetlands Peat WetlandsPapaipema araliae aralia shoot borer moth Tier 2Upland Habitats Upland Forests Coastal Plain Upland ForestsPapaipema astuta yellow stoneroot borer Tier 2Upland Habitats Upland Forests Piedmont Upland ForestsPapaipema baptisiae wild indigo borer moth Tier 2Upland Habitats Upland Forests Coastal Plain Upland ForestsPapaipema birdi umbellifer borer moth Tier 2Non-tidal Wetland Habitats Non-forested Wetlands Shrub SwampsTidal Wetland Habitats Freshwater Tidal Wetlands Freshwater Tidal Marshes

Saltwater & Brackish Tidal Wetlands Tidal High MarshesPapaipema circumlucens hop borer Tier 2Non-tidal Wetland Habitats Forested Wetlands Forested Floodplains & Riparian SwampsUpland Habitats Upland Forests Piedmont Upland ForestsPapaipema duplicata dark stoneroot borer moth Tier 1Upland Habitats Upland Forests Piedmont Upland ForestsPapaipema eupatorii eupatorium borer moth Tier 1Non-tidal Wetland Habitats Non-forested Wetlands Piedmont Stream Valley Wetlands

Streamside Herbaceous WetlandsPapaipema furcata ash borer moth Tier 2Upland Habitats Upland Forests Piedmont Upland ForestsPapaipema lysimachiae loosestrife borer moth Tier 2undeterminedPapaipema maritima maritime sunflower borer moth Tier 1Upland Habitats Early Successional Upland HabitatsPapaipema pterisii bracken borer moth Tier 2Upland Habitats Upland Forests Piedmont Upland ForestsPapaipema rigida a noctuid moth Tier 2Upland Habitats Early Successional Upland Habitats Herbaceous Upland HabitatsPapaipema rutila mayapple borer moth Tier 2Upland Habitats Upland Forests Piedmont Upland ForestsPapaipema speciosissima osmunda borer moth Tier 2undeterminedPapaipema stenocelis chain fern borer moth Tier 2Non-tidal Wetland Habitats Forested Wetlands Forested Floodplains & Riparian Swamps

Isolated Forested WetlandsNon-forested Wetlands Peat Wetlands

Tidal Wetland Habitats Freshwater Tidal Wetlands Freshwater Tidal Scrub-Shrub WetlandsParahypenodes quadralis a noctuid moth Tier 2undetermined


Habitat Level 1 Habitat Level 2 Habitat Level 3InsectsParapamea buffaloensis a borer moth Tier 2Non-tidal Wetland Habitats Forested Wetlands Forested Floodplains & Riparian Swamps

Non-forested Wetlands Piedmont Stream Valley WetlandsParatrea plebeja trumpet vine sphinx Tier 2Upland Habitats Beach & Dune Habitats Dune Forests & Woodlands

Early Successional Upland Habitats Shrub/brush Upland HabitatsPero hubneraria a moth Tier 2Non-tidal Wetland Habitats Forested WetlandsPero zalissaria a moth Tier 2Tidal Wetland Habitats Saltwater & Brackish Tidal Wetlands Tidal Low Marshes

Tidal High MarshesPhoturis bethaniensis a firefly Tier 1Non-tidal Wetland Habitats Non-forested Wetlands Interdunal WetlandsPhoturis frontalis a firefly Tier 2Upland Habitats Upland Forests Coastal Plain Upland ForestsPhoturis hebes a firefly Tier 2Freshwater Aquatic Habitats Coastal Plain StreamsPhoturis pensylvanica a firefly Tier 2Freshwater Aquatic Habitats Coastal Plain StreamsPhoturis pyralomimus a firefly Tier 2Upland HabitatsPhoturis tremulans a firefly Tier 2Upland HabitatsPoanes hobomok hobomok skipper Tier 2undeterminedPoanes massasoit mulberry wing Tier 1Non-tidal Wetland Habitats Non-forested Wetlands Coastal Plain Seasonal Ponds


Poanes massasoit chermocki Chermock's mulberry wing Tier 1Non-tidal Wetland Habitats Non-forested Wetlands Streamside Herbaceous WetlandsTidal Wetland Habitats Freshwater Tidal Wetlands Freshwater Tidal MarshesPolygonia progne gray comma Tier 2Upland Habitats Upland Forests Piedmont Upland Forests

Coastal Plain Upland ForestsPompeius verna little glassywing Tier 2undeterminedPontia protodice checkered white Tier 2undeterminedProblema bulenta rare skipper Tier 1Tidal Wetland Habitats Saltwater & Brackish Tidal Wetlands Tidal Low Marshes

Tidal High MarshesSatyrium kingi King's hairstreak Tier 1Non-tidal Wetland Habitats Forested Wetlands Forested Floodplains & Riparian SwampsSatyrium liparops striped hairstreak Tier 2Upland Habitats Early Successional Upland Habitats Shrub/brush Upland HabitatsSatyrium liparops strigosum striped hairstreak Tier 2Upland Habitats Early Successional Upland Habitats Shrub/brush Upland HabitatsSatyrodes eurydice eyed brown Tier 2Non-tidal Wetland Habitats Non-forested Wetlands Piedmont Stream Valley Wetlands

Streamside Herbaceous WetlandsSchinia septentrionalis a noctuid moth Tier 2Upland Habitats Early Successional Upland Habitats


Habitat Level 1 Habitat Level 2 Habitat Level 3InsectsSchinia spinosae a noctuid moth Tier 2Upland Habitats Beach & Dune Habitats Dune Shrublands

Dune GrasslandsSchinia trifascia three-lined flower moth Tier 2undeterminedSomatochlora filosa fine-lined emerald Tier 2Freshwater Aquatic Habitats Coastal Plain StreamsSomatochlora provocans treetop emerald Tier 2Freshwater Aquatic Habitats Coastal Plain StreamsSpeyeria aphrodite aphrodite fritillary Tier 2Upland Habitats Upland Forests Piedmont Upland Forests

Early Successional Upland Habitats Herbaceous Upland HabitatsShrub/brush Upland Habitats

Speyeria idalia regal fritillary Tier 2Upland Habitats Early Successional Upland Habitats Herbaceous Upland Habitats

Shrub/brush Upland HabitatsSphinx chersis great ash sphinx Tier 2Non-tidal Wetland Habitats Forested WetlandsSphinx eremitus hermit sphinx Tier 2Non-tidal Wetland Habitats Forested WetlandsSphinx franckii Franck's sphinx Tier 2Non-tidal Wetland Habitats Forested WetlandsUpland Habitats Upland ForestsStiriodes obtusa a moth Tier 2undeterminedStylogomphus albistylus least clubtail Tier 2Freshwater Aquatic Habitats Piedmont StreamsSympetrum ambiguum blue-faced meadowhawk Tier 2Non-tidal Wetland Habitats Forested Wetlands Forested Floodplains & Riparian Swamps

Non-forested Wetlands Coastal Plain Seasonal PondsSympetrum semicinctum band-winged meadowhawk Tier 2Non-tidal Wetland Habitats Non-forested Wetlands Coastal Plain Seasonal Ponds


Synanthedon castaneae chestnut clearwing moth Tier 2Upland Habitats Upland Forests Piedmont Upland ForestsTetragoneuria costalis stripe-winged baskettail Tier 2Freshwater Aquatic Habitats Coastal Plain StreamsNon-tidal Wetland Habitats Non-forested Wetlands Coastal Plain Seasonal PondsTetragoneuria spinosa robust baskettail Tier 2Non-tidal Wetland Habitats Forested Wetlands Forested Floodplains & Riparian SwampsTolype notialis a lasiocampid moth Tier 2Upland Habitats Beach & Dune Habitats Dune Forests & Woodlands

Upland Forests Coastal Plain Upland ForestsXestia youngii a noctuid moth Tier 2Non-tidal Wetland Habitats Forested Wetlands Forested Floodplains & Riparian Swamps

Non-forested Wetlands Peat WetlandsZale metata a noctuid moth Tier 2Upland Habitats Upland Forests Coastal Plain Upland Forests

FishesLampetra aepyptera least brook lamprey Tier 2Freshwater Aquatic Habitats Coastal Plain StreamsLampetra appendix American brook lamprey Tier 2Freshwater Aquatic Habitats Coastal Plain Streams


Habitat Level 1 Habitat Level 2 Habitat Level 3FishesCarcharhinus obscurus dusky shark Tier 2Brackish & Marine Aquatic Habitats Nearshore Habitats

Offshore HabitatsCarcharodon carcharias white shark Tier 2Brackish & Marine Aquatic Habitats Nearshore Habitats

Offshore HabitatsCetorhinus maximus basking shark Tier 2Brackish & Marine Aquatic Habitats Nearshore Habitats

Offshore HabitatsPristis pectinata smalltooth sawfish Tier 1Brackish & Marine Aquatic Habitats Nearshore HabitatsSquatina dumeril Atlantic angel shark Tier 2Brackish & Marine Aquatic Habitats Nearshore Habitats

FishesAcantharchus pomotis mud sunfish Tier 1Freshwater Aquatic Habitats Coastal Plain Streams

Ponds, Lakes & ReservoirsAcipenser brevirostrum shortnose sturgeon Tier 1Freshwater Aquatic Habitats Coastal Plain StreamsBrackish & Marine Aquatic Habitats Nearshore HabitatsAcipenser oxyrinchus Atlantic sturgeon Tier 1Freshwater Aquatic Habitats Coastal Plain StreamsBrackish & Marine Aquatic Habitats Nearshore HabitatsAlosa mediocris hickory shad Tier 2Freshwater Aquatic Habitats Coastal Plain StreamsBrackish & Marine Aquatic Habitats Nearshore HabitatsApeltes quadracus fourspine stickleback Tier 2Freshwater Aquatic Habitats Coastal Plain StreamsBrackish & Marine Aquatic Habitats Nearshore HabitatsCottus caeruleomentum Blueridge sculpin Tier 1Freshwater Aquatic Habitats Coastal Plain StreamsEnneacanthus chaetodon blackbanded sunfish Tier 2Freshwater Aquatic Habitats Coastal Plain Streams

Ponds, Lakes & ReservoirsEnneacanthus obesus banded sunfish Tier 2Freshwater Aquatic Habitats Coastal Plain Streams

Ponds, Lakes & ReservoirsEtheostoma vitreum glassy darter Tier 2Freshwater Aquatic Habitats Coastal Plain StreamsIctalurus natalis yellow bullhead Tier 1Freshwater Aquatic Habitats Coastal Plain StreamsMoxostoma macrolepidotum shorthead redhorse Tier 1Freshwater Aquatic Habitats Coastal Plain StreamsNotropis amoenus comely shiner Tier 2Freshwater Aquatic Habitats Coastal Plain StreamsNotropis bifrenatus bridle shiner Tier 1Freshwater Aquatic Habitats Coastal Plain StreamsNotropis chalybaeus ironcolor shiner Tier 1Freshwater Aquatic Habitats Coastal Plain StreamsNoturus insignis margined madtom Tier 2Freshwater Aquatic Habitats Piedmont Streams

Coastal Plain Streams


Habitat Level 1 Habitat Level 2 Habitat Level 3FishesPercina peltata shield darter Tier 1Freshwater Aquatic Habitats Coastal Plain Streams

AmphibiansAmbystoma maculatum spotted salamander Tier 2Non-tidal Wetland Habitats Non-forested Wetlands Coastal Plain Seasonal PondsAmbystoma tigrinum tigrinum tiger salamander Tier 1Non-tidal Wetland Habitats Non-forested Wetlands Coastal Plain Seasonal PondsEurycea longicauda longtail salamander Tier 2Non-tidal Wetland Habitats Forested Wetlands Forested Floodplains & Riparian Swamps

Non-forested Wetlands Piedmont Stream Valley WetlandsHemidactylium scutatum four-toed salamander Tier 2Non-tidal Wetland Habitats Forested Wetlands Forested Floodplains & Riparian Swamps

Isolated Forested WetlandsNon-forested Wetlands Coastal Plain Seasonal Ponds

Hyla chrysoscelis Cope's gray treefrog Tier 2Non-tidal Wetland Habitats Forested Wetlands Forested Floodplains & Riparian Swamps

Non-forested Wetlands Coastal Plain Seasonal PondsHyla gratiosa barking treefrog Tier 1Non-tidal Wetland Habitats Non-forested Wetlands Coastal Plain Seasonal PondsPseudotriton montanus montanus mud salamander Tier 2Non-tidal Wetland Habitats Forested Wetlands Forested Floodplains & Riparian SwampsRana virgatipes carpenter frog Tier 2Non-tidal Wetland Habitats Forested Wetlands Forested Floodplains & Riparian Swamps

Isolated Forested WetlandsScaphiopus holbrookii Eastern spadefoot Tier 2Non-tidal Wetland Habitats Non-forested Wetlands Coastal Plain Seasonal PondsOther Habitats Sand/Gravel Pits

ReptilesAgkistrodon contortrix copperhead Tier 2Non-tidal Wetland Habitats Forested Wetlands Forested Floodplains & Riparian SwampsUpland Habitats Upland Forests Piedmont Upland Forests

Coastal Plain Upland ForestsCaretta caretta loggerhead sea turtle Tier 1Brackish & Marine Aquatic Habitats Nearshore HabitatsCemophora coccinea scarlet snake Tier 1Upland Habitats Upland Forests Coastal Plain Upland ForestsChelonia mydas Atlantic green turtle Tier 1Brackish & Marine Aquatic Habitats Nearshore HabitatsClemmys guttata spotted turtle Tier 1Freshwater Aquatic Habitats Ponds, Lakes & ReservoirsNon-tidal Wetland Habitats Forested Wetlands Forested Floodplains & Riparian Swamps

Isolated Forested WetlandsNon-forested Wetlands Shrub Swamps

Coastal Plain Seasonal PondsTidal Wetland Habitats Freshwater Tidal Wetlands Freshwater Tidal MarshesDermochelys coriacea leatherback sea turtle Tier 1Brackish & Marine Aquatic Habitats Offshore HabitatsElaphe guttata corn snake Tier 1Upland Habitats Beach & Dune Habitats Dune Forests & Woodlands

Upland Forests Coastal Plain Upland ForestsEretmochelys imbricata imbricata hawksbill Tier 2Brackish & Marine Aquatic Habitats Nearshore HabitatsEumeces laticeps broadhead skink Tier 1Upland Habitats Upland Forests Coastal Plain Upland Forests


Habitat Level 1 Habitat Level 2 Habitat Level 3ReptilesGlyptemys muhlenbergii bog turtle Tier 1Non-tidal Wetland Habitats Non-forested Wetlands Piedmont Stream Valley WetlandsHeterodon platirhinos Eastern hognose snake Tier 2Upland Habitats Beach & Dune Habitats Dune Forests & Woodlands

Upland Forests Coastal Plain Upland ForestsLampropeltis getula common kingsnake Tier 2Upland Habitats Upland Forests Coastal Plain Upland ForestsLampropeltis triangulum milk snake Tier 1Upland Habitats Upland Forests Piedmont Upland Forests

Coastal Plain Upland ForestsEarly Successional Upland Habitats Herbaceous Upland Habitats

Shrub/brush Upland HabitatsLepidochelys kempii Kemp's Ridley sea turtle Tier 1Brackish & Marine Aquatic Habitats Nearshore HabitatsMalaclemys terrapin terrapin Northern diamondback terrapin Tier 1Tidal Wetland Habitats Saltwater & Brackish Tidal Wetlands Tidal Low MarshesUpland Habitats Beach & Dune Habitats Dune GrasslandsNerodia erythrogaster plainbelly water snake Tier 1Non-tidal Wetland Habitats Forested Wetlands Forested Floodplains & Riparian SwampsOpheodrys aestivus rough green snake Tier 2Non-tidal Wetland Habitats Forested Wetlands Forested Floodplains & Riparian Swamps

Isolated Forested WetlandsPituophis melanoleucus melanoleuc pine snake Tier 2Upland Habitats Upland Forests Coastal Plain Upland ForestsPseudemys rubriventris redbelly turtle Tier 2Freshwater Aquatic Habitats Coastal Plain Streams

Ponds, Lakes & ReservoirsRegina septemvittata queen snake Tier 2Freshwater Aquatic Habitats Piedmont Streams

Coastal Plain StreamsNon-tidal Wetland Habitats Non-forested Wetlands Piedmont Stream Valley Wetlands

Streamside Herbaceous WetlandsScincella lateralis ground skink Tier 2Upland Habitats Beach & Dune Habitats Dune Forests & Woodlands

Upland Forests Coastal Plain Upland ForestsStoreria occipitomaculata redbelly snake Tier 2Upland Habitats Upland Forests Coastal Plain Upland ForestsTerrapene carolina carolina Eastern box turtle Tier 1Non-tidal Wetland Habitats Forested Wetlands Forested Floodplains & Riparian SwampsUpland Habitats Upland Forests Piedmont Upland Forests

Coastal Plain Upland ForestsEarly Successional Upland Habitats

Thamnophis sauritus sauritus Eastern ribbon snake Tier 2Non-tidal Wetland Habitats Forested Wetlands Forested Floodplains & Riparian Swamps

Isolated Forested WetlandsNon-forested Wetlands Coastal Plain Seasonal Ponds


Virginia valeriae smooth earth snake Tier 2Upland Habitats Upland Forests Coastal Plain Upland Forests

BirdsAccipiter cooperii Cooper's hawk Tier 1Upland Habitats Upland Forests Piedmont Upland Forests

Coastal Plain Upland Forests


Habitat Level 1 Habitat Level 2 Habitat Level 3BirdsAccipiter striatus sharp-shinned hawk Tier 1Upland Habitats Upland Forests Piedmont Upland ForestsActitis macularia spotted sandpiper Tier 1Freshwater Aquatic Habitats Piedmont Streams

Coastal Plain StreamsPonds, Lakes & Reservoirs

Other Habitats ImpoundmentsAmmodramus caudacutus saltmarsh sharp-tailed sparrow Tier 1Tidal Wetland Habitats Saltwater & Brackish Tidal Wetlands Tidal Low Marshes

Tidal High MarshesAmmodramus henslowii Henslow's sparrow Tier 1Upland Habitats Early Successional Upland Habitats Herbaceous Upland Habitats

Shrub/brush Upland HabitatsAmmodramus maritimus seaside sparrow Tier 1Tidal Wetland Habitats Saltwater & Brackish Tidal Wetlands Tidal Low Marshes

Tidal High MarshesAmmodramus savannarum grasshopper sparrow Tier 2Upland Habitats Early Successional Upland Habitats Herbaceous Upland HabitatsAnas clypeata Northern shoveler Tier 2Freshwater Aquatic Habitats Ponds, Lakes & ReservoirsOther Habitats ImpoundmentsAnas platyrhynchos mallard Tier 2Freshwater Aquatic Habitats Coastal Plain Streams

Ponds, Lakes & ReservoirsTidal Wetland Habitats Freshwater Tidal Wetlands Freshwater Tidal Marshes

Saltwater & Brackish Tidal Wetlands Tidal Low MarshesOther Habitats ImpoundmentsAnas rubripes American black duck Tier 1Tidal Wetland Habitats Saltwater & Brackish Tidal Wetlands Tidal Low Marshes

Tidal High MarshesOther Habitats ImpoundmentsArdea herodias great blue heron Tier 2Non-tidal Wetland Habitats Forested Wetlands Forested Floodplains & Riparian Swamps

Isolated Forested WetlandsTidal Wetland Habitats Freshwater Tidal Wetlands Freshwater Tidal Marshes

Saltwater & Brackish Tidal Wetlands Tidal Low MarshesTidal High Marshes

Arenaria interpres ruddy turnstone Tier 1Tidal Wetland Habitats Saltwater & Brackish Tidal Wetlands Tidal Low MarshesUpland Habitats Beach & Dune Habitats Unvegetated Sandy BeachAsio flammeus short-eared owl Tier 1Tidal Wetland Habitats Saltwater & Brackish Tidal Wetlands Tidal Low Marshes

Tidal High MarshesUpland Habitats Early Successional Upland Habitats Herbaceous Upland HabitatsAsio otus long-eared owl Tier 1Upland Habitats Upland Forests Piedmont Upland Forests

Coastal Plain Upland ForestsAythya affinis lesser scaup Tier 2Brackish & Marine Aquatic Habitats Nearshore HabitatsOther Habitats ImpoundmentsAythya americana redhead Tier 2Brackish & Marine Aquatic Habitats Nearshore Habitats


Habitat Level 1 Habitat Level 2 Habitat Level 3BirdsAythya marila greater scaup Tier 2Brackish & Marine Aquatic Habitats Nearshore HabitatsOther Habitats ImpoundmentsAythya valisineria canvasback Tier 2Brackish & Marine Aquatic Habitats Nearshore HabitatsOther Habitats ImpoundmentsBartramia longicauda upland sandpiper Tier 1Upland Habitats Early Successional Upland Habitats Herbaceous Upland HabitatsBonasa umbellus ruffed grouse Tier 2Upland Habitats Upland Forests Piedmont Upland ForestsBotaurus lentiginosus American bittern Tier 2Tidal Wetland Habitats Freshwater Tidal Wetlands Freshwater Tidal Marshes

Saltwater & Brackish Tidal Wetlands Tidal High MarshesBranta bernicla brant Tier 2Brackish & Marine Aquatic Habitats Nearshore HabitatsBranta canadensis Canada goose (migratory) Tier 1Brackish & Marine Aquatic Habitats Nearshore HabitatsTidal Wetland Habitats Saltwater & Brackish Tidal Wetlands Tidal Low MarshesUpland Habitats Early Successional Upland Habitats Herbaceous Upland HabitatsOther Habitats ImpoundmentsBubulcus ibis cattle egret Tier 2Non-tidal Wetland Habitats Forested Wetlands Forested Floodplains & Riparian SwampsTidal Wetland Habitats Freshwater Tidal Wetlands Freshwater Tidal Marshes


Bucephala albeola bufflehead Tier 2Brackish & Marine Aquatic Habitats Nearshore HabitatsOther Habitats ImpoundmentsButeo lineatus red-shouldered hawk Tier 2Non-tidal Wetland Habitats Forested Wetlands Forested Floodplains & Riparian Swamps

Isolated Forested WetlandsButeo platypterus broad-winged hawk Tier 1Non-tidal Wetland Habitats Forested Wetlands Forested Floodplains & Riparian SwampsUpland Habitats Upland Forests Piedmont Upland Forests

Coastal Plain Upland ForestsCalidris alba sanderling Tier 1Upland Habitats Beach & Dune Habitats Unvegetated Sandy BeachCalidris alpina dunlin Tier 2Tidal Wetland Habitats Saltwater & Brackish Tidal Wetlands Tidal Low MarshesUpland Habitats Beach & Dune Habitats Unvegetated Sandy BeachOther Habitats ImpoundmentsCalidris canutus red knot Tier 1Tidal Wetland Habitats Saltwater & Brackish Tidal Wetlands Tidal Low MarshesUpland Habitats Beach & Dune Habitats Unvegetated Sandy BeachCalidris fuscicollis white-rumped sandpiper Tier 2Tidal Wetland Habitats Saltwater & Brackish Tidal Wetlands

Tidal Low MarshesOther Habitats ImpoundmentsCalidris maritima purple sandpiper Tier 2Upland Habitats Beach & Dune Habitats Dune Grasslands

Unvegetated Sandy Beach


Habitat Level 1 Habitat Level 2 Habitat Level 3BirdsCalidris pusilla semipalmated sandpiper Tier 2Tidal Wetland Habitats Saltwater & Brackish Tidal Wetlands Tidal Low MarshesUpland Habitats Beach & Dune Habitats Unvegetated Sandy BeachOther Habitats ImpoundmentsCaprimulgus vociferus whip-poor-will Tier 2Non-tidal Wetland Habitats Forested Wetlands Isolated Forested WetlandsUpland Habitats Upland Forests Coastal Plain Upland ForestsCasmerodius albus great egret Tier 2Non-tidal Wetland Habitats Forested Wetlands Forested Floodplains & Riparian SwampsTidal Wetland Habitats Freshwater Tidal Wetlands Freshwater Tidal Marshes


Catharus bicknelli Bicknell's thrush Tier 1Non-tidal Wetland Habitats Forested Wetlands Forested Floodplains & Riparian SwampsUpland Habitats Upland Forests Piedmont Upland ForestsCatharus fuscescens veery Tier 2Non-tidal Wetland Habitats Forested Wetlands Forested Floodplains & Riparian SwampsUpland Habitats Upland Forests Piedmont Upland ForestsCatoptrophorus semipalmatus willet Tier 2Upland Habitats Beach & Dune Habitats Unvegetated Sandy BeachTidal Wetland Habitats Saltwater & Brackish Tidal Wetlands Tidal Low MarshesOther Habitats ImpoundmentsCerthia americana brown creeper Tier 1Upland Habitats Upland Forests Piedmont Upland Forests

Coastal Plain Upland ForestsChaetura pelagica chimney swift Tier 2Upland Habitats Early Successional Upland HabitatsOther Habitats StructuresCharadrius melodus piping plover Tier 1Upland Habitats Beach & Dune Habitats Dune Grasslands

Unvegetated Sandy BeachCharadrius wilsonia Wilson's plover Tier 2Tidal Wetland Habitats Saltwater & Brackish Tidal Wetlands Tidal Low MarshesUpland Habitats Beach & Dune Habitats Dune Grasslands

Unvegetated Sandy BeachOther Habitats ImpoundmentsChlidonias niger black tern Tier 2Brackish & Marine Aquatic Habitats Nearshore HabitatsTidal Wetland Habitats Saltwater & Brackish Tidal WetlandsChordeiles minor common nighthawk Tier 1Upland Habitats Beach & Dune Habitats Dune Forests & Woodlands

Dune ShrublandsDune Grasslands

Early Successional Upland Habitats Shrub/brush Upland HabitatsOther Habitats StructuresCircus cyaneus Northern harrier Tier 1Tidal Wetland Habitats Saltwater & Brackish Tidal Wetlands Tidal Low Marshes

Tidal High MarshesUpland Habitats Early Successional Upland Habitats Herbaceous Upland HabitatsCistothorus palustris marsh wren Tier 2Non-tidal Wetland Habitats Non-forested Wetlands Streamside Herbaceous WetlandsTidal Wetland Habitats Saltwater & Brackish Tidal Wetlands Tidal Low Marshes

Tidal High Marshes


Habitat Level 1 Habitat Level 2 Habitat Level 3BirdsCistothorus platensis sedge wren Tier 1Tidal Wetland Habitats Saltwater & Brackish Tidal Wetlands Tidal High MarshesClangula hyemalis oldsquaw Tier 2Brackish & Marine Aquatic Habitats Nearshore HabitatsCoccyzus erythropthalmus black-billed cuckoo Tier 2Upland Habitats Upland Forests Piedmont Upland Forests

Coastal Plain Upland ForestsEarly Successional Upland Habitats Shrub/brush Upland Habitats

Colaptes auratus Northern flicker Tier 2Upland Habitats Upland Forests Piedmont Upland Forests


Colinus virginianus Northern bobwhite Tier 2Upland Habitats Early Successional Upland Habitats Herbaceous Upland Habitats

Shrub/brush Upland HabitatsCoragyps atratus black vulture Tier 2Upland Habitats Upland Forests Piedmont Upland Forests


Other Habitats StructuresCoturnicops noveboracensis yellow rail Tier 2Tidal Wetland Habitats Freshwater Tidal Wetlands Freshwater Tidal Marshes

Saltwater & Brackish Tidal WetlandsCygnus columbianus tundra swan Tier 2Brackish & Marine Aquatic Habitats Nearshore HabitatsUpland Habitats Early Successional Upland Habitats Herbaceous Upland HabitatsOther Habitats ImpoundmentsDendroica cerulea cerulean warbler Tier 1Non-tidal Wetland Habitats Forested Wetlands Forested Floodplains & Riparian SwampsUpland Habitats Upland Forests Piedmont Upland ForestsDendroica discolor prairie warbler Tier 1Upland Habitats Early Successional Upland Habitats Shrub/brush Upland HabitatsDendroica dominica yellow-throated warbler Tier 2Non-tidal Wetland Habitats Forested Wetlands Forested Floodplains & Riparian Swamps

Isolated Forested WetlandsUpland Habitats Upland Forests Piedmont Upland Forests

Coastal Plain Upland ForestsDendroica pensylvanica chestnut-sided warbler Tier 2Upland Habitats Upland Forests Piedmont Upland Forests

Early Successional Upland Habitats Shrub/brush Upland HabitatsDolichonyx oryzivorus bobolink Tier 2Tidal Wetland Habitats Freshwater Tidal Wetlands Freshwater Tidal MarshesUpland Habitats Early Successional Upland Habitats Herbaceous Upland HabitatsEgretta caerulea little blue heron Tier 2Non-tidal Wetland Habitats Forested Wetlands Forested Floodplains & Riparian SwampsTidal Wetland Habitats Freshwater Tidal Wetlands Freshwater Tidal Marshes


Egretta thula snowy egret Tier 2Non-tidal Wetland Habitats Forested Wetlands Forested Floodplains & Riparian SwampsTidal Wetland Habitats Freshwater Tidal Wetlands Freshwater Tidal Marshes



Habitat Level 1 Habitat Level 2 Habitat Level 3BirdsEgretta tricolor tricolored heron Tier 2Non-tidal Wetland Habitats Forested Wetlands Forested Floodplains & Riparian SwampsTidal Wetland Habitats Freshwater Tidal Wetlands Freshwater Tidal Marshes


Empidonax minimus least flycatcher Tier 2Upland Habitats Early Successional Upland Habitats Shrub/brush Upland HabitatsEmpidonax traillii willow flycatcher Tier 2Non-tidal Wetland Habitats Non-forested Wetlands Shrub SwampsFalco peregrinus peregrine falcon Tier 2Tidal Wetland Habitats Saltwater & Brackish Tidal Wetlands Tidal Low MarshesUpland Habitats Beach & Dune Habitats Unvegetated Sandy BeachOther Habitats StructuresFulica americana American coot Tier 2Freshwater Aquatic Habitats Ponds, Lakes & ReservoirsTidal Wetland Habitats Saltwater & Brackish Tidal Wetlands Tidal Low Marshes

Tidal High MarshesOther Habitats ImpoundmentsGavia stellata red-throated loon Tier 2Brackish & Marine Aquatic Habitats Nearshore HabitatsHaematopus palliatus American oystercatcher Tier 1Upland Habitats Beach & Dune Habitats Dune Grasslands

Unvegetated Sandy BeachHaliaeetus leucocephalus bald eagle Tier 1Upland Habitats Upland Forests Piedmont Upland Forests

Coastal Plain Upland ForestsHelmitheros vermivorus worm-eating warbler Tier 2Non-tidal Wetland Habitats Forested Wetlands Forested Floodplains & Riparian SwampsHimantopus mexicanus black-necked stilt Tier 2Tidal Wetland Habitats Saltwater & Brackish Tidal Wetlands Tidal Low MarshesOther Habitats ImpoundmentsHylocichla mustelina wood thrush Tier 1Non-tidal Wetland Habitats Forested Wetlands Forested Floodplains & Riparian SwampsUpland Habitats Upland Forests Piedmont Upland Forests

Coastal Plain Upland ForestsIcteria virens yellow-breasted chat Tier 2Upland Habitats Early Successional Upland Habitats Shrub/brush Upland HabitatsIcterus galbula Baltimore oriole Tier 2Non-tidal Wetland Habitats Forested Wetlands Forested Floodplains & Riparian SwampsUpland Habitats Upland Forests Piedmont Upland Forests

Coastal Plain Upland ForestsIxobrychus exilis least bittern Tier 2Tidal Wetland Habitats Freshwater Tidal Wetlands Freshwater Tidal Marshes

Saltwater & Brackish Tidal Wetlands Tidal High MarshesLanius ludovicianus loggerhead shrike Tier 1Upland Habitats Early Successional Upland Habitats Herbaceous Upland Habitats

Shrub/brush Upland HabitatsLarus marinus great black-backed gull Tier 2Upland Habitats Beach & Dune Habitats Dune ShrublandsLarus minutus little gull Tier 2undeterminedLaterallus jamaicensis black rail Tier 1Tidal Wetland Habitats Saltwater & Brackish Tidal Wetlands Tidal High Marshes


Habitat Level 1 Habitat Level 2 Habitat Level 3BirdsLimnodromus griseus short-billed dowitcher Tier 2Tidal Wetland Habitats Saltwater & Brackish Tidal Wetlands Tidal Low MarshesOther Habitats ImpoundmentsLimnothlypis swainsonii Swainson's warbler Tier 1Non-tidal Wetland Habitats Forested Wetlands Forested Floodplains & Riparian SwampsLimosa fedoa marbled godwit Tier 2Other Habitats ImpoundmentsundeterminedLimosa haemastica Hudsonian godwit Tier 2Tidal Wetland Habitats Saltwater & Brackish Tidal Wetlands

Tidal Low MarshesUpland Habitats Beach & Dune Habitats Unvegetated Sandy BeachOther Habitats ImpoundmentsLophodytes cucullatus hooded merganser Tier 2Freshwater Aquatic Habitats Coastal Plain Streams

Ponds, Lakes & ReservoirsOther Habitats ImpoundmentsMelanerpes erythrocephalus red-headed woodpecker Tier 1Non-tidal Wetland Habitats Forested Wetlands Forested Floodplains & Riparian Swamps

Isolated Forested WetlandsUpland Habitats Upland Forests Coastal Plain Upland ForestsMelanitta fusca white-winged scoter Tier 2Brackish & Marine Aquatic Habitats Nearshore HabitatsMelanitta nigra black scoter Tier 2Brackish & Marine Aquatic Habitats Nearshore HabitatsMelanitta perspicillata surf scoter Tier 2Brackish & Marine Aquatic Habitats Nearshore HabitatsMelospiza georgiana nigrescens Coastal Plain swamp sparrow Tier 1Tidal Wetland Habitats Saltwater & Brackish Tidal Wetlands Tidal High MarshesMniotilta varia black-and-white warbler Tier 2Upland Habitats Upland Forests Piedmont Upland Forests

Coastal Plain Upland ForestsMyiarchus crinitus great crested flycatcher Tier 2Upland Habitats Upland Forests Piedmont Upland Forests

Coastal Plain Upland ForestsNumenius phaeopus whimbrel Tier 1Tidal Wetland Habitats Saltwater & Brackish Tidal Wetlands Tidal Low Marshes

Tidal High MarshesUpland Habitats Beach & Dune Habitats Unvegetated Sandy BeachNyctanassa violacea yellow-crowned night-heron Tier 1Non-tidal Wetland Habitats Forested Wetlands Forested Floodplains & Riparian SwampsTidal Wetland Habitats Freshwater Tidal Wetlands Freshwater Tidal Marshes


Nycticorax nycticorax black-crowned night-heron Tier 1Non-tidal Wetland Habitats Forested Wetlands Forested Floodplains & Riparian SwampsTidal Wetland Habitats Freshwater Tidal Wetlands Freshwater Tidal Marshes


Oporornis formosus Kentucky warbler Tier 2Non-tidal Wetland Habitats Forested Wetlands Forested Floodplains & Riparian SwampsUpland Habitats Upland Forests Piedmont Upland Forests



Habitat Level 1 Habitat Level 2 Habitat Level 3BirdsPandion haliaetus osprey Tier 1Freshwater Aquatic Habitats Ponds, Lakes & ReservoirsBrackish & Marine Aquatic Habitats Nearshore HabitatsTidal Wetland Habitats Freshwater Tidal Wetlands Freshwater Tidal Marshes


Other Habitats ImpoundmentsParula americana Northern parula Tier 1Non-tidal Wetland Habitats Forested Wetlands Forested Floodplains & Riparian SwampsUpland Habitats Upland Forests Piedmont Upland ForestsPasserculus sandwichensis savannah sparrow Tier 2Upland Habitats Beach & Dune Habitats Dune Grasslands

Early Successional Upland Habitats Herbaceous Upland HabitatsPelecanus erythrorhynchos American white pelican Tier 2Brackish & Marine Aquatic Habitats Nearshore HabitatsTidal Wetland Habitats Saltwater & Brackish Tidal WetlandsPelecanus occidentalis brown pelican Tier 2Brackish & Marine Aquatic Habitats Nearshore HabitatsTidal Wetland Habitats Saltwater & Brackish Tidal Wetlands Tidal Low MarshesPetrochelidon pyrrhonota cliff swallow Tier 2Other Habitats StructuresPhalacrocorax auritus double-crested cormorant Tier 2Brackish & Marine Aquatic Habitats Nearshore HabitatsTidal Wetland Habitats Saltwater & Brackish Tidal Wetlands Tidal Low MarshesPhalacrocorax carbo great cormorant Tier 2Brackish & Marine Aquatic Habitats Nearshore HabitatsTidal Wetland Habitats Saltwater & Brackish Tidal Wetlands Tidal Low MarshesPhalaropus lobatus red-necked phalarope Tier 2Brackish & Marine Aquatic Habitats Nearshore HabitatsOther Habitats ImpoundmentsPhalaropus tricolor Wilson's phalarope Tier 2Brackish & Marine Aquatic Habitats Nearshore HabitatsOther Habitats ImpoundmentsPipilo erythrophthalmus Eastern towhee Tier 2Upland Habitats Beach & Dune Habitats Dune Shrublands

Upland Forests Piedmont Upland ForestsCoastal Plain Upland Forests

Early Successional Upland Habitats Shrub/brush Upland HabitatsPiranga olivacea scarlet tanager Tier 2Non-tidal Wetland Habitats Forested Wetlands Forested Floodplains & Riparian SwampsUpland Habitats Upland Forests Piedmont Upland Forests

Coastal Plain Upland ForestsPlegadis falcinellus glossy ibis Tier 2Non-tidal Wetland Habitats Forested Wetlands Forested Floodplains & Riparian SwampsTidal Wetland Habitats Saltwater & Brackish Tidal Wetlands Tidal Low MarshesUpland Habitats Early Successional Upland Habitats Herbaceous Upland HabitatsPluvialis dominica American golden-plover Tier 2Tidal Wetland Habitats Saltwater & Brackish Tidal Wetlands Tidal Low MarshesUpland Habitats Beach & Dune Habitats Unvegetated Sandy Beach

Early Successional Upland Habitats Herbaceous Upland HabitatsOther Habitats Impoundments


Habitat Level 1 Habitat Level 2 Habitat Level 3BirdsPluvialis squatarola black-bellied plover Tier 2Tidal Wetland Habitats Saltwater & Brackish Tidal Wetlands Tidal Low MarshesUpland Habitats Beach & Dune Habitats Unvegetated Sandy Beach

Early Successional Upland Habitats Herbaceous Upland HabitatsOther Habitats ImpoundmentsPodiceps auritus horned grebe Tier 2Freshwater Aquatic Habitats Ponds, Lakes & ReservoirsBrackish & Marine Aquatic Habitats Nearshore HabitatsOther Habitats ImpoundmentsPodilymbus podiceps pied-billed grebe Tier 1Freshwater Aquatic Habitats Ponds, Lakes & ReservoirsTidal Wetland Habitats Freshwater Tidal Wetlands Freshwater Tidal Marshes

Saltwater & Brackish Tidal Wetlands Tidal Low MarshesOther Habitats ImpoundmentsPooecetes gramineus vesper sparrow Tier 2Upland Habitats Early Successional Upland Habitats Herbaceous Upland HabitatsPorzana carolina sora Tier 2Tidal Wetland Habitats Freshwater Tidal Wetlands Freshwater Tidal Marshes

Saltwater & Brackish Tidal Wetlands Tidal High MarshesProtonotaria citrea prothonotary warbler Tier 2Non-tidal Wetland Habitats Forested Wetlands Forested Floodplains & Riparian Swamps

Isolated Forested WetlandsPuffinus gravis greater shearwater Tier 2undeterminedPuffinus lherminieri Audubon's shearwater Tier 1undeterminedRallus elegans king rail Tier 2Tidal Wetland Habitats Freshwater Tidal Wetlands Freshwater Tidal Marshes

Saltwater & Brackish Tidal Wetlands Tidal Low MarshesRhodostethia rosea Ross' gull Tier 2undeterminedRiparia riparia bank swallow Tier 2Other Habitats Sand/Gravel PitsRynchops niger black skimmer Tier 1Tidal Wetland Habitats Saltwater & Brackish Tidal Wetlands Tidal Low MarshesUpland Habitats Beach & Dune Habitats Dune Grasslands

Unvegetated Sandy BeachScolopax minor American woodcock Tier 1Upland Habitats Early Successional Upland Habitats Shrub/brush Upland HabitatsSeiurus motacilla Louisiana waterthrush Tier 2Upland Habitats Upland Forests Piedmont Upland Forests

Coastal Plain Upland ForestsSetophaga ruticilla American redstart Tier 1Non-tidal Wetland Habitats Forested Wetlands Forested Floodplains & Riparian SwampsSitta pusilla brown-headed nuthatch Tier 2Upland Habitats Beach & Dune Habitats Dune Forests & Woodlands

Upland Forests Coastal Plain Upland ForestsSomateria mollissima common eider Tier 1Brackish & Marine Aquatic Habitats Nearshore HabitatsSpizella pusilla field sparrow Tier 2Upland Habitats Early Successional Upland Habitats Herbaceous Upland Habitats

Shrub/brush Upland HabitatsSterna anaethetus bridled tern Tier 2undetermined


Habitat Level 1 Habitat Level 2 Habitat Level 3BirdsSterna antillarum least tern Tier 1Upland Habitats Beach & Dune Habitats Dune Grasslands

Unvegetated Sandy BeachSterna dougallii dougallii roseate tern Tier 1Brackish & Marine Aquatic Habitats Offshore HabitatsSterna forsteri Forster's tern Tier 1Tidal Wetland Habitats Saltwater & Brackish Tidal Wetlands Tidal Low MarshesSterna hirundo common tern Tier 1Tidal Wetland Habitats Saltwater & Brackish Tidal Wetlands Tidal Low MarshesUpland Habitats Beach & Dune Habitats Dune Grasslands

Unvegetated Sandy BeachSterna nilotica gull-billed tern Tier 2Tidal Wetland Habitats Saltwater & Brackish Tidal Wetlands Tidal Low MarshesSterna paradisaea Arctic tern Tier 2undeterminedStrix varia barred owl Tier 2Non-tidal Wetland Habitats Forested Wetlands Forested Floodplains & Riparian Swamps

Isolated Forested WetlandsUpland Habitats Upland Forests Piedmont Upland Forests

Coastal Plain Upland ForestsToxostoma rufum brown thrasher Tier 2Upland Habitats Early Successional Upland Habitats Shrub/brush Upland HabitatsTringa melanoleuca greater yellowlegs Tier 2Tidal Wetland Habitats Saltwater & Brackish Tidal Wetlands

Tidal Low MarshesTidal High Marshes

Other Habitats ImpoundmentsTringa solitaria solitary sandpiper Tier 2Freshwater Aquatic Habitats Coastal Plain StreamsOther Habitats ImpoundmentsTryngites subruficollis buff-breasted sandpiper Tier 2Upland Habitats Early Successional Upland Habitats Herbaceous Upland HabitatsTyrannus tyrannus Eastern kingbird Tier 2Upland Habitats Early Successional Upland Habitats Shrub/brush Upland HabitatsTyto alba barn owl Tier 2Tidal Wetland Habitats Saltwater & Brackish Tidal Wetlands Tidal Low Marshes

Tidal High MarshesVermivora chrysoptera golden-winged warbler Tier 2Non-tidal Wetland Habitats Forested Wetlands Forested Floodplains & Riparian SwampsUpland Habitats Upland Forests Piedmont Upland ForestsVermivora pinus blue-winged warbler Tier 1Upland Habitats Upland Forests Piedmont Upland ForestsVireo flavifrons yellow-throated vireo Tier 2Non-tidal Wetland Habitats Forested Wetlands Forested Floodplains & Riparian SwampsUpland Habitats Upland Forests Piedmont Upland Forests

Coastal Plain Upland ForestsVireo gilvus warbling vireo Tier 2Non-tidal Wetland Habitats Forested Wetlands Forested Floodplains & Riparian SwampsWilsonia canadensis Canada warbler Tier 2Non-tidal Wetland Habitats Forested Wetlands Forested Floodplains & Riparian SwampsUpland Habitats Upland Forests Piedmont Upland Forests



Habitat Level 1 Habitat Level 2 Habitat Level 3BirdsWilsonia citrina hooded warbler Tier 1Upland Habitats Upland Forests Piedmont Upland Forests


MammalsBalaena glacialis Northern right whale Tier 1Brackish & Marine Aquatic Habitats Offshore HabitatsBalaenoptera borealis sei whale Tier 1Brackish & Marine Aquatic Habitats Offshore HabitatsBalaenoptera musculus blue whale Tier 1Brackish & Marine Aquatic Habitats Offshore HabitatsBalaenoptera physalus fin whale Tier 1Brackish & Marine Aquatic Habitats Offshore HabitatsCanis latrans coyote Tier 2Upland Habitats Upland Forests Coastal Plain Upland ForestsCryptotis parva least shrew Tier 2Upland Habitats Early Successional Upland Habitats Shrub/brush Upland HabitatsLasionycteris noctivagans silver-haired bat Tier 2Non-tidal Wetland Habitats Forested Wetlands Forested Floodplains & Riparian SwampsUpland Habitats Upland Forests Coastal Plain Upland ForestsLasiurus borealis Eastern red bat Tier 2Upland Habitats Upland Forests Piedmont Upland Forests

Coastal Plain Upland ForestsLasiurus cinereus hoary bat Tier 2Upland Habitats Upland Forests Piedmont Upland Forests

Coastal Plain Upland ForestsMegaptera novaeangliae humpback whale Tier 1Brackish & Marine Aquatic Habitats Offshore HabitatsMyotis leibii Eastern small-footed myotis Tier 1Upland Habitats Upland Forests Piedmont Upland ForestsMyotis septentrionalis Northern myotis Tier 2Upland Habitats Upland Forests Piedmont Upland ForestsNycticeius humeralis evening bat Tier 2Non-tidal Wetland Habitats Forested Wetlands Forested Floodplains & Riparian SwampsPhocoena phocoena harbor porpoise Tier 1Brackish & Marine Aquatic Habitats Nearshore HabitatsPhyseter catodon sperm whale Tier 1Brackish & Marine Aquatic Habitats Offshore HabitatsSciurus niger cinereus Delmarva fox squirrel Tier 1Upland Habitats Upland Forests Coastal Plain Upland ForestsSorex fontinalis Maryland shrew Tier 2Non-tidal Wetland Habitats Forested Wetlands Forested Floodplains & Riparian Swamps


Documents

Delaware Wildlife Action Plan - NRC: Home Page · Delaware Wildlife Action Plan 2007 - 2017 Submitted to: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 300 Westgate Center Drive Hadley, MA 01035-9589