The relicensing of dam projects in North Carolina has huge ramifications on waterways- the flora and fauna implications are tremendous.
Although the time and resources involved with participation in the relicensing process is quite significant, the wildlife and habitat needs necessitate NCWF's involvement.
The Federal Environmental Regulatory Commission oversees licenses. Holders must balance the production of energy with water quality, recreation, access and other uses. Most of the stakeholder processes incur 2-4 years of input and involvement.
NCWF was a major part of the successful consensus agreement for the Nantahala and Tuckaseegee rivers. While negotiations were trying at time a well thought -out agreement was signed by the Federation. Key areas that NCWF worked hard to have included were:
*
Adequate, year round stream flows such that water temperature and dissolved
oxygen levels are sufficient to support all aquative life.
* A balanced stream flow schedule so that fishermen and other
recreational users have their needs met during the peak times of their
particular activity.
* Agreement on lake levels, particularly around spawning time.
*Increased availability of river information and the means to access it.
Presently NCWF is involved
with the Yadkin-Pee Dee and Catawba-Wateree projects.
In the former-specifically Lake Tillery and Blewett Falls Dams-, major areas of interest are:
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Maintaining water quality and the enhancement of aquatic habitats.
-
Conservation of terrestrial wildlife habitats along the river corridor.
Where appropriate, lands should be considered for acquisition for state parks
or game lands. The voluntary protection of wildlife habitats by
private landowners through conservation easements should be promoted and
encouraged.
- The
provision of quality recreational opportunities on the water and on
surrounding lands.
In the 200 plus mile latter project (one of the largest hydro- relicensing projects in the country), NCWF has 6 people devoted to spending 3 years on the wildlife facets. Main General Interests include the following:
* The development of management plans and processes that will protect and enhance fish and wildlife resources and their habitats.
*Outdoor pursuits which includes improving impoundments, increased access, and developing new public areas for fishing, hunting, and wildlife observation.
*Working to attain optimum flow regimes to maximize fishery habitat.
*Water quality, specifically protect tributaries and riparian buffers to control sedimentation.
There is lots of work ahead. NCWF will advocate strongly in order that wildlife and habitat decisions are incorporated successfully into hydro licensing agreements. Stay tuned for more positive results!
