Flora & Fauna As it affects the flora and fauna of Virginia’s coastal regions CLIMATE CHANGE

Flora & Fauna

As it affects the flora and As it affects the flora and fauna of Virginia’s coastal fauna of Virginia’s coastal

regionsregions

CLIMATE CHANGECLIMATE CHANGE

Flora & FaunaVirginia’s Six General Virginia’s Six General

CategoriesCategories

The Urban The Urban AreasAreas

The ChesapeakeThe Chesapeake

The Coast LinesThe Coast Lines The Low LandsThe Low Lands The The Appalachians Appalachians

The PiedmontThe Piedmont

Flora & FaunaVirginia’s Coastline: A Lot to Virginia’s Coastline: A Lot to

LoseLose112 miles of 112 miles of coastlinecoastline

4,475 m4,475 m² of coastal ² of coastal waterswaters

374 m² land lies 5 374 m² land lies 5 feet above sea levelfeet above sea level

IPCC conservative IPCC conservative sea level rise = 2 sea level rise = 2 feet (2100)feet (2100)

Rise could reach Rise could reach

Flora & Fauna

90% confidence that anthropogenic fossil 90% confidence that anthropogenic fossil fuel burning has increased global mean fuel burning has increased global mean temperature (IPCC AR4)temperature (IPCC AR4)

Ocean surface waters Ocean surface waters 90% of Earth’s 90% of Earth’s total increased heat uptake (IPCC AR4 total increased heat uptake (IPCC AR4 Chpt. 5)Chpt. 5)

Increased SST result in thermal expansion Increased SST result in thermal expansion and sea level rise and sea level rise

Sea level rise will directly impact coastal Sea level rise will directly impact coastal flora and faunaflora and fauna

Premise #1Premise #1

Flora & Fauna

Premise #2Premise #2

90% confidence : observed global 90% confidence : observed global warmingwarmingAtmospheric Warming: Atmospheric Warming:

- altered regional climates - altered regional climates - increased occurrence of extreme - increased occurrence of extreme

weather weather - increased runoff intensity- increased runoff intensity - increased erosion - increased erosion - changes in disease prevalence by - changes in disease prevalence by

region region - specific Virginia habitat losses- specific Virginia habitat losses

Flora & Fauna

Fauna: Potential ImpactsFauna: Potential Impacts

Global WarmingGlobal Warming Leads To…Leads To… ↑↑ Drought Drought incidenceincidence

Sea surface Sea surface temperature risetemperature rise Leads To…Leads To…

uninhabitable uninhabitable waters for some waters for some ocean speciesocean species

Days above 90°FDays above 90°F Leads To…Leads To… ↑ ↑ heat stressheat stress

↑ ↑ hurricane hurricane intensityintensity Leads To…Leads To… ↑ ↑ habitat & food habitat & food

lossloss

↑ ↑ deluge runoffdeluge runoff Leads To…Leads To… alters stream alters stream habitatshabitats

Sea surface riseSea surface rise Leads To…Leads To…inundated land & inundated land & inundated fresh inundated fresh

water supplywater supply

Global WarmingGlobal Warming Leads To…Leads To…Shifts in Shifts in

prevalence of prevalence of specific diseasespecific disease

Flora & FaunaFauna: Potential Impacts on Fauna: Potential Impacts on

ManMan

Sea level riseSea level rise Leads To…Leads To…

↓↓ loss of real loss of real estateestate

↓↓ loss of farm loss of farm landland

↓↓ loss of fishery loss of fishery potentialpotential

↓↓water water availabilityavailability

Temperature Temperature riserise

Incidence in VAIncidence in VALeads To…Leads To…

↑ ↑ mosquito-borne mosquito-borne diseasedisease

↑ ↑ power demands power demands in summerin summer

↑ ↑ general health general health stressstress

↑ ↑ costs of food, costs of food, power, waterpower, water

Flora & FaunaFaunaFauna

Specifically: What is at Risk?Specifically: What is at Risk?Fish Species: IUCN red listed Brook TroutFish Species: IUCN red listed Brook Trout

Migratory birds: thousands stop in VA Migratory birds: thousands stop in VA marshesmarshes

Amphibians Amphibians flooded/ faster water flooded/ faster water breeding waters endanger successbreeding waters endanger success

Reptiles Reptiles flooding endangers flooding endangers

Fur-bearers Fur-bearers loss of prey species loss of prey species (amphibians, reptiles and birds) endangers (amphibians, reptiles and birds) endangers

Flora & FaunaNon-Agricultural Flora: Non-Agricultural Flora:

Potential ImpactsPotential ImpactsGrowing season changesGrowing season changes - ↑ days above 90 °F- ↑ days above 90 °F - ↑ drought incidence- ↑ drought incidence - ↑ erosion - ↑ erosion soil loss soil loss habitat loss habitat loss

• Lost marsh and wetland habitats Lost marsh and wetland habitats local local plant extinctionsplant extinctions

• Disease vector habitats alteredDisease vector habitats altered

• Pollinator and plant seasonal presencesPollinator and plant seasonal presences out of syncout of sync

Flora & FaunaNon Agricultural FloraNon Agricultural Flora

Specifically: What is at Risk?Specifically: What is at Risk?Loblolly pineLoblolly pine

Bald cypressBald cypress

Swamp oaksSwamp oaks

TapelosTapelos

Atlantic white cedarAtlantic white cedar

Flora & FaunaWhat Can be Done?What Can be Done?

Near term Mediation of Near term Mediation of ImpactsImpacts

Increase living shoreline buffersIncrease living shoreline buffers

Restore dune and wetlandsRestore dune and wetlands

Institute measures to limit loss Institute measures to limit loss corridors, land corridors, land preservationpreservation

Monitor biodiversity for trends toward lossMonitor biodiversity for trends toward loss

Consider sea level rise in long term planning of road, Consider sea level rise in long term planning of road, home, business, utility constructionhome, business, utility construction

Consider extreme weather event likelihood in zoning Consider extreme weather event likelihood in zoning and building code actionsand building code actions

Close coal burning plantsClose coal burning plants

Flora & FaunaWhat else can be done?What else can be done?

Policy changes: reduce direct Policy changes: reduce direct impactsimpacts

Introduce threatened species to new Introduce threatened species to new habitats when feasiblehabitats when feasible

Initiate a moratorium on building, road and Initiate a moratorium on building, road and utility construction in low lying areasutility construction in low lying areas

Develop green energy sources to reduce Develop green energy sources to reduce emissionsemissions

Cap road construction but expand mass Cap road construction but expand mass transittransit

Flora & Fauna

What More Can Be Done?What More Can Be Done?

A Gigaton Saved is a Kilawatt Earned A Gigaton Saved is a Kilawatt Earned

Pass legislation to ban HOA restrictions on Pass legislation to ban HOA restrictions on clotheslinesclotheslines

Regulate lawn mower emissionsRegulate lawn mower emissions

Restrict median mowing of state roads to Restrict median mowing of state roads to areas necessitated by safety concernsareas necessitated by safety concerns

Flora & FaunaWhat Else Can We Do?What Else Can We Do?

Recognize True Consumptive Recognize True Consumptive CostsCosts

Require billing for all energy production, Require billing for all energy production, agricultural and commercial externalities to agricultural and commercial externalities to cover cover allall warming adaptation and mitigation warming adaptation and mitigation costscosts

That is: Tax COThat is: Tax CO² emissions (~sales tax) for ² emissions (~sales tax) for all goods and services with exemptions as all goods and services with exemptions as needed for low income residentsneeded for low income residents

Flora & Fauna

The Chesapeake BayThe Chesapeake Bay

Flora & Fauna

The Chesapeake BayThe Chesapeake Bay

• The mouth of the Bay is located The mouth of the Bay is located near Virginia Beach, Virginia. The near Virginia Beach, Virginia. The Bay extends along almost 100 Bay extends along almost 100 miles of Virginia’s coastline, fed miles of Virginia’s coastline, fed by the Potomac and by the Potomac and Rappahannock rivers. Rappahannock rivers.

• The average depth is a The average depth is a surprisingly shallow 21 ft. This surprisingly shallow 21 ft. This makes the Bay especially makes the Bay especially susceptible to the impacts of sea-susceptible to the impacts of sea-level rise. level rise.

• It supports over 3,600 species of It supports over 3,600 species of plants and animals, harbors over plants and animals, harbors over one million waterfowl every one million waterfowl every winter, and is a permanent home winter, and is a permanent home to over 29 avian species.to over 29 avian species.

Flora & Fauna

Potential ImpactsPotential Impacts

• An increase in sea-level is not just inevitable for the An increase in sea-level is not just inevitable for the Chesapeake Bay, it has already been observed. Since Chesapeake Bay, it has already been observed. Since 1900, the sea-level has increased by 1 ft, and is 1900, the sea-level has increased by 1 ft, and is predicted to rise another 2 ft by 2100. predicted to rise another 2 ft by 2100.

• An increase in temperature has also been observed in An increase in temperature has also been observed in the area. Since 1960, the temperature has risen by the area. Since 1960, the temperature has risen by almost 2almost 2oo, and is expected to warm another 5, and is expected to warm another 5oo to 9 to 9oo by by the end of this century. the end of this century.

• It is very likely that an impact of climate change on the It is very likely that an impact of climate change on the Bay would include increased precipitation. This would Bay would include increased precipitation. This would decrease the water quality by inundating the Bay with decrease the water quality by inundating the Bay with nutrients and sediments, while at the same time nutrients and sediments, while at the same time decreasing salinity. decreasing salinity.

• A significant change of any one of these factors would A significant change of any one of these factors would greatly shift species distribution in the Bay.greatly shift species distribution in the Bay.

Flora & Fauna

Fauna: What is at Risk?Fauna: What is at Risk?• There are over 350 species of fish that call the There are over 350 species of fish that call the

Chesapeake Bay home. A decrease in salinity from higher Chesapeake Bay home. A decrease in salinity from higher precipitation would decrease the number of species that precipitation would decrease the number of species that would be able to travel into the Bay from marine would be able to travel into the Bay from marine environments, who require a certain salinity. The runoff of environments, who require a certain salinity. The runoff of sediment into the Bay from increased precipitation would sediment into the Bay from increased precipitation would also limit the habitat of the abundant freshwater species. also limit the habitat of the abundant freshwater species. (Atlantic/Shortnose Sturgeon)(Atlantic/Shortnose Sturgeon)

• Increased water levels would inundate regions of the Bay, Increased water levels would inundate regions of the Bay, eliminating swamps and marshes that are home to many eliminating swamps and marshes that are home to many species of reptile and amphibian. (Red Bellied Turtle)species of reptile and amphibian. (Red Bellied Turtle)

• Elevated water levels would limit the habitat of many Elevated water levels would limit the habitat of many mammalian species, in addition to pushing them further mammalian species, in addition to pushing them further into the state. Many mammals live the marsh into the state. Many mammals live the marsh environments of the Bay, and would need to migrate environments of the Bay, and would need to migrate inland to avoid this. (Red Fox, White-tailed deer)inland to avoid this. (Red Fox, White-tailed deer)

• Many migratory birds inhabit the Chesapeake Bay during Many migratory birds inhabit the Chesapeake Bay during the winter, and an increase in temperature would force the winter, and an increase in temperature would force them out of this region. In addition, many species inhabit them out of this region. In addition, many species inhabit the swamp areas, and would need to evacuate their the swamp areas, and would need to evacuate their already threatened habitat. (Bald Eagle, Great Blue already threatened habitat. (Bald Eagle, Great Blue Heron)Heron)

Flora & Fauna

Flora: What is at Risk?Flora: What is at Risk?• An increase in temperature from climate An increase in temperature from climate

change would be detrimental to most, if not change would be detrimental to most, if not all of the many types of underwater all of the many types of underwater grasses in the Bay. Eelgrass is an especially grasses in the Bay. Eelgrass is an especially important component to the Chesapeake important component to the Chesapeake Bay ecosystem. It provides shelter for many Bay ecosystem. It provides shelter for many species, and as serves as food for others. species, and as serves as food for others. Eelgrass prefers the high salinity waters of Eelgrass prefers the high salinity waters of the lower Bay, so an increase in sea-level the lower Bay, so an increase in sea-level or precipitation would limit its or precipitation would limit its environment. An above average stretch of environment. An above average stretch of warm weather was experienced in 2005, warm weather was experienced in 2005, and as a result huge swaths of eelgrass and as a result huge swaths of eelgrass were killed. Any further increase in were killed. Any further increase in temperature would permanently force out temperature would permanently force out this important vegetation. this important vegetation.

• An increase in water level would force out An increase in water level would force out many species of flora in the Bay region that many species of flora in the Bay region that live in marsh environments or near shallow live in marsh environments or near shallow stream banks. (Sweet Magnolia, Coontail)stream banks. (Sweet Magnolia, Coontail)

Flora & Fauna

SolutionsSolutions• It will be difficult for those inhabitants near the shorelines to avoid the It will be difficult for those inhabitants near the shorelines to avoid the

effects of water level rise . It might be necessary for those affected to effects of water level rise . It might be necessary for those affected to relocate, including both homeowners and businesses.relocate, including both homeowners and businesses.

• As in the coastal areas, it will be necessary to consider water level rise in As in the coastal areas, it will be necessary to consider water level rise in building future infrastructure. building future infrastructure.

• Homeowners and businesses located on shorelines will need to adjust their Homeowners and businesses located on shorelines will need to adjust their structure to adapt to higher water levels. This would be preferable to structure to adapt to higher water levels. This would be preferable to invading the already threatened areas of natural habitat.invading the already threatened areas of natural habitat.

Long Term:Long Term:• The most important policy changes to be made are those which reduce The most important policy changes to be made are those which reduce

carbon emissions. carbon emissions. • This can be done by giving commuters in the area more choices when it This can be done by giving commuters in the area more choices when it

comes to transportation options, such as carpooling, telecommuting and comes to transportation options, such as carpooling, telecommuting and investing in mass transit. Investments should be made in creating modern investing in mass transit. Investments should be made in creating modern and efficient transit. and efficient transit.

• Residential and business areas need to be built more compactly to avoid Residential and business areas need to be built more compactly to avoid sprawl. Incentives to build more “green” structures should be offered, as sprawl. Incentives to build more “green” structures should be offered, as well as those willing to update older buildings. well as those willing to update older buildings.

• Residential energy use must also be reduced. This can be done simply by Residential energy use must also be reduced. This can be done simply by improving insulation, replacing windows, and using compact fluorescent improving insulation, replacing windows, and using compact fluorescent lighting. lighting.

• An immensely beneficial change would simply be to increase the amount of An immensely beneficial change would simply be to increase the amount of energy that comes from renewable sources to the region. energy that comes from renewable sources to the region.

Flora & Fauna

References:References:http://www.chesapeakebay.net/factsandfigures.aspx?menuitem=14582

Chesapeake Bay Program: Facts and FiguresChesapeake Bay Program: Facts and Figureshttp://www.chesapeakebay.net/climatechange.aspx?menuitem=16860

The Impacts of Climate Change on the Chesapeake BayThe Impacts of Climate Change on the Chesapeake Bay

http://www.cbf.org/Document.Doc?id=140

The Chesapeake Bay Foundation’s Report on Climate ChangeThe Chesapeake Bay Foundation’s Report on Climate Changehttp://www.chesapeakebay.net/bfg_fish.aspx?menuitem=14340

The Fish Species of the Chesapeake BayThe Fish Species of the Chesapeake Bayhttp://www.chesapeakebay.net/bfg_reptphib.aspx?menuitem=14344

Reptile SpeciesReptile Specieshttp://www.chesapeakebay.net/bfg_birds.aspx?menuitem=14339

Avian SpeciesAvian Specieshttp://www.chesapeakebay.net/bfg_mammals.aspx?menuitem=14342

Mammalian SpeciesMammalian Specieshttp://www.chesapeakebay.net/baygrasses.aspx?menuitem=14621

Underwater Bay GrassesUnderwater Bay Grasses

Flora & FaunaVirginia’s Cities: Virginia’s Cities:

The Dangers of the Urban Heat The Dangers of the Urban Heat IslandIsland

What What isis the Urban Heat Island effect? the Urban Heat Island effect?

What are the What are the causescauses of this effect? of this effect?

What are the What are the results results of the Urban of the Urban Heat Island?Heat Island?

The demand for air conditioningThe demand for air conditioning

increases greenhouse gas increases greenhouse gas emissions from power plantsemissions from power plants

Increased days of 100 degreesIncreased days of 100 degrees

Devastating effects on surrounding Devastating effects on surrounding wildlife and plantlifewildlife and plantlife

What is the urban heat island effect? by Jane McGrath

Flora & FaunaVirginia’s Urban Areas: Virginia’s Urban Areas:

Some BackgroundSome Background95 counties and 39 independent cities95 counties and 39 independent cities

Virginia has 11 Metropolitan Statistical AreasVirginia has 11 Metropolitan Statistical Areas

Richmond - population of over 1.2 million people. Richmond - population of over 1.2 million people.

Virginia Beach - most populous city in the Virginia Beach - most populous city in the CommonwealthCommonwealth

Fairfax County is the most populous locality in Fairfax County is the most populous locality in Virginia, with over one million residents. Virginia, with over one million residents.

Tysons Corner - Virginia's largest office market.Tysons Corner - Virginia's largest office market.

Loudoun County - the fastest-growing county in the Loudoun County - the fastest-growing county in the United StatesUnited States

highest median household income: $107,207 (as of highest median household income: $107,207 (as of 2007)2007)

Roanoke - the largest Metropolitan Statistical Area in Roanoke - the largest Metropolitan Statistical Area in western Virginia. western Virginia.

Flora & Fauna

Expansion of Washington, D.C. suburbs into Northern Expansion of Washington, D.C. suburbs into Northern Virginia has created an urban heat island Virginia has created an urban heat island

Mostly caused by more absorption of solar radiation Mostly caused by more absorption of solar radiation in densely populated areasin densely populated areas

15 counties received failing grades for air quality - 15 counties received failing grades for air quality - Fairfax CountyFairfax County having the worst in the state having the worst in the state

Effects of Air Quality on Flora and FaunaEffects of Air Quality on Flora and Fauna

climate change and urban growth impacts on climate change and urban growth impacts on headwater streams, ecosystem structure and servicesheadwater streams, ecosystem structure and services

will be more costly than climate change alone. will be more costly than climate change alone.

PremisePremise

Virginia's Cities and Towns

Flora & Fauna

The interaction of climate change and urban growth may The interaction of climate change and urban growth may entail significant reconfiguring of headwater streams, entail significant reconfiguring of headwater streams, including a loss of ecosystem structure and services, including a loss of ecosystem structure and services, which will be more costly than climate change alone. which will be more costly than climate change alone.


NCBI: Forecasting the combined effects of urbanization and climate change on stream ecosystems Journal compilation © 2009 British Ecological Society

Flora & FaunaFaunaFauna

Specifically: What is at Risk?Specifically: What is at Risk?When combined with When combined with the global warming, the global warming, urbanization urbanization proved proved devastating to the fish devastating to the fish populationpopulation

Fish are widely used Fish are widely used indicators of indicators of environmental qualityenvironmental quality

NCBI: Forecasting the combined effects of urbanization and climate change on stream ecosystems Journal compilation © 2009 British Ecological Society

Flora & FaunaNon-Agricultural Flora: Non-Agricultural Flora:

Urban ImpactsUrban ImpactsUrban development…Urban development…

Diminishes the resilience of freshwater Diminishes the resilience of freshwater ecosystems to climate variability. ecosystems to climate variability. Storms are sharply increased Storms are sharply increased

scours stream banks, scours stream banks, decreases the reproductive success of aquatic decreases the reproductive success of aquatic insects and of fish that lay eggs near the edges insects and of fish that lay eggs near the edges of streamsof streams

increases the input of sediments, nutrients and increases the input of sediments, nutrients and toxic chemicals into rivers, streams, lakes and toxic chemicals into rivers, streams, lakes and estuaries. estuaries.

Sediments reduce water clarity, smother Sediments reduce water clarity, smother bottom organisms, and clog waterways; bottom organisms, and clog waterways; excessive inputs of nutrients create toxic excessive inputs of nutrients create toxic chemicals that affect plants and animals.chemicals that affect plants and animals.

NCBI: Climate change and ecosystems of the Mid-Atlantic Region


Encourage Individual Homeowners Encourage Individual Homeowners to…to…

Plant shade treesPlant shade trees: : reduce your annual heating and cooling costs by an reduce your annual heating and cooling costs by an average of 40 percent.average of 40 percent.Deciduous on the South: loose leaves in Winter; Deciduous on the South: loose leaves in Winter; Reflect sun in SummerReflect sun in Summer

Convert to compact fluorescent bulbsConvert to compact fluorescent bulbs: : Would prevent more than 13 billion pounds of carbon Would prevent more than 13 billion pounds of carbon dioxide from being emitted.dioxide from being emitted.

Become a Green Tag subscriberBecome a Green Tag subscriber: : Options for homeowners to buy electricity from Options for homeowners to buy electricity from clean, renewable sourcesclean, renewable sources

Act locallyAct locally: : Contact your mayor and ask that he sign the U.S. Contact your mayor and ask that he sign the U.S. Mayors Climate Protection Agreement, committing Mayors Climate Protection Agreement, committing your city or town to meet or beat the global warming your city or town to meet or beat the global warming pollution reductionspollution reductions

National Wildlife Federation

Flora & FaunaWhat else can be done?What else can be done?

Policy changes: reduce direct Policy changes: reduce direct impactsimpacts

““Where land is not already heavily developed, land Where land is not already heavily developed, land preservation [programs] could be used to protect preservation [programs] could be used to protect headwater streams.” headwater streams.”

More aggressive efforts to reduce sediment and More aggressive efforts to reduce sediment and pollutant loads, pollutant loads,

Urbanization combined with climate change will be Urbanization combined with climate change will be more environmentally costly than either impact more environmentally costly than either impact alone. Minimizing costs by reassessing the alone. Minimizing costs by reassessing the importance of urban streams, as well as the importance of urban streams, as well as the adequacy of [programs] to protect themadequacy of [programs] to protect them

Proactive policy and/or management actions are Proactive policy and/or management actions are needed to advance conservation and should have needed to advance conservation and should have high priority in future ubranized regionshigh priority in future ubranized regions

Flora & Fauna

Conclusion to VA’s Urban AreasConclusion to VA’s Urban Areas

Flora & Fauna

Piedmont RegionPiedmont Region

Flora & FaunaEndangered Species:Endangered Species:

Piedmont Region of VirginiaPiedmont Region of Virginia

• There are many threatened and There are many threatened and endangered plant and animal species endangered plant and animal species in Virginia alone.in Virginia alone.

• Many of these endangered species lie Many of these endangered species lie in the piedmont region of VA.in the piedmont region of VA.

• These species are threatened and These species are threatened and endangered because of loss of habitat endangered because of loss of habitat and food resources, changes in and food resources, changes in climate, and human population climate, and human population expansion.expansion.

Flora & Fauna

Shenandoah SalamanderShenandoah Salamander

• Is only found on north facing talus slopes on Is only found on north facing talus slopes on three mountain tops inside the Shenandoah three mountain tops inside the Shenandoah National Park. National Park.

• It’s natural habitat are temperate forests It’s natural habitat are temperate forests and rocky areas.and rocky areas.

• Breeding occurs in the fall and spring where Breeding occurs in the fall and spring where the eggs are laid under rocks in their the eggs are laid under rocks in their natural talus habitats.natural talus habitats.

Flora & Fauna

Reasons for EndangermentReasons for Endangerment• Climate change is a major factor in the survival of Climate change is a major factor in the survival of

these amphibians.these amphibians.

• Rising temperatures.Rising temperatures.

• Confined habitat. Limited to the Shenandoah Confined habitat. Limited to the Shenandoah National Forrest.National Forrest.

• Defoliation of trees by invasive mothsDefoliation of trees by invasive moths

Flora & Fauna

Roanoke LogperchRoanoke Logperch

Flora & Fauna

Roanoke LogperchRoanoke Logperch

• Lives only in the Roanoke, Smith and Lives only in the Roanoke, Smith and Nottoway rivers within the piedmont region.Nottoway rivers within the piedmont region.

• Needs clear, silt-free water for living and Needs clear, silt-free water for living and breeding.breeding.

• Eats, lives, and breeds in low streams and Eats, lives, and breeds in low streams and rivers in gravel beds.rivers in gravel beds.

• Their feeding habits rely on loosely Their feeding habits rely on loosely embedded gravel.embedded gravel.

Flora & Fauna

Logperch EndangermentLogperch Endangerment

• Decades of development beginning in the Decades of development beginning in the 1970’s1970’s

• 1989 species placed on the federal 1989 species placed on the federal endangered list.endangered list.

• In-stream dam removal, and bridge expansion.In-stream dam removal, and bridge expansion.

• Cloudy, contaminated, or murky waterCloudy, contaminated, or murky water

• Receding streams and riversReceding streams and rivers

Flora & Fauna

Smooth ConeflowerSmooth Coneflower

Flora & Fauna

• Smooth coneflower is a perennial herbSmooth coneflower is a perennial herb

• Listed as endangered.Listed as endangered.

• Can be only found in the piedmont regions of Can be only found in the piedmont regions of four states: Virginia, North and South four states: Virginia, North and South Carolina, and Georgia.Carolina, and Georgia.

• Was once found in eight states.Was once found in eight states.

• Grows in sunny, open areas usually alongside Grows in sunny, open areas usually alongside roads and highways.roads and highways.

• Endangered because of uprooting by Endangered because of uprooting by humans.humans.

Smooth Cone Flower Smooth Cone Flower EndangermentEndangerment

Flora & FaunaWhat we can do, about land use, water What we can do, about land use, water

quality, and wetlands protection?quality, and wetlands protection?

• Education of:Education of:• Landscape conservationLandscape conservation• Carbon foot printingCarbon foot printing• Habitat destruction and fragmentation Habitat destruction and fragmentation • Pollution and habitat changes due to industry and Pollution and habitat changes due to industry and

developmentdevelopment• Support local government changes for air quality Support local government changes for air quality

protection programs.protection programs.• Energy conservation and efficiency by recycling and Energy conservation and efficiency by recycling and

buying renewable resources.buying renewable resources.• Opposing new nuclear and coal-fueled power plants in Opposing new nuclear and coal-fueled power plants in

North Anna and Wise and Surry countiesNorth Anna and Wise and Surry counties• Expansion of public transportation, and encourage car Expansion of public transportation, and encourage car

poolingpooling

Flora & Fauna

• Oppose new road projects like the Meadow Creek parkway, Oppose new road projects like the Meadow Creek parkway, and Eastern Connector trail that will go through public and Eastern Connector trail that will go through public parks.parks.

• Support land use planning guidelines that protect open Support land use planning guidelines that protect open spaces, spaces,

residential planning and development in rural areas that residential planning and development in rural areas that will discourage deforestation.will discourage deforestation.

• Protect our local water supply by; restoring and dredging Protect our local water supply by; restoring and dredging the Rivanna Reservoir, support stream buffering, oppose the Rivanna Reservoir, support stream buffering, oppose confined livestock raising.confined livestock raising.

• Preservation of native species and ecosystems, opposing Preservation of native species and ecosystems, opposing pesticide use in the Shenandoah National Parkpesticide use in the Shenandoah National Park

• Support the use of organic solutions for pest control.Support the use of organic solutions for pest control.• Environmentally friendly lawn care with natural fertilizers, Environmentally friendly lawn care with natural fertilizers,

composting, and self mulching mowers.composting, and self mulching mowers.• Encourage sustainable local organic agriculture.Encourage sustainable local organic agriculture.

What we can do, about land use, water What we can do, about land use, water quality, and wetlands protection?quality, and wetlands protection?

Flora & Fauna

ResourcesResources• EndangeredSpecie.com http://www.endangeredspecie.com/states/va.htm• Managing Land in the Piedmont of Virginia for the Benefit of Birds and

Other Wildlife. Faren Wolter, Stephen Capel, David Pashley, Susan Heath. 2008

• Threatened, Endangered, Sensetive, and other species of ceoncern in Virginia. http://www.virginiaplaces.org/natural/especies.html

• Spring belongs to the Roanoke Logperch. http://www.roanoke.com/news/roanoke/wb/198464

• Protecting Wildlife Habitat. Piedmont Environmental Council. http://www.pecva.org

• Piedmont Group of the Sierra Club Environmental Agenda 2009. http://virginia.sierraclub.org

• Efforts to Save Endangered Species. http://www.clemson.edu/hort/sctop/bsec/bsec-13.php

• U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. http://www.fws.gov• American Bird Conservatory. http://www.abcbirds.org• Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries.

http://www.dgif.virginia.gov

Flora & FaunaAppalachia: Appalachia:

Already in PerilAlready in Peril• The Appalachian

Mountain range extends from Alabama to Canada

• National Lands– Shenandoah National

Park (almost 200,000 acres)

– George Washington and Jefferson National Forests (1,646,328 acres)

Drew, McAfee’s Knob, Appalachian Trail


Already in PerilAlready in Peril• Major industries:

– Agriculture

– Logging

– Mining

– Industry

– Tourism

– Recreation

http://www.vanaturally.org/guide/forests.html


Already in PerilAlready in Peril• Appalachia, despite having almost Appalachia, despite having almost

1,850,000 acres of nationally protected 1,850,000 acres of nationally protected land is already in a precariously fragile land is already in a precariously fragile environmental stateenvironmental state

• From 1993-2008 Appalachia has already From 1993-2008 Appalachia has already experienced a 2* F increase in experienced a 2* F increase in temperaturetemperature

• Projections tell of 5*-8* F increases for Projections tell of 5*-8* F increases for the region during the next centurythe region during the next century

• The negative impacts of Global Warming The negative impacts of Global Warming may unfortunately push many threatened may unfortunately push many threatened species over the edgespecies over the edge

• As crucial links in food weds are lost, the As crucial links in food weds are lost, the stability of entire ecosystems can be stability of entire ecosystems can be jeopardizedjeopardized

Flora & Fauna

Endangered SpeciesEndangered Species

• Around 520 threatened, Around 520 threatened, endangered or Special Concern endangered or Special Concern Species of fauna are found in VA. Species of fauna are found in VA. (VA Department of game and fisheries)(VA Department of game and fisheries)

• There are 28 Endangered species There are 28 Endangered species of flora & fauna in VA. of flora & fauna in VA. (US Fish and Wildlife Service)(US Fish and Wildlife Service)

• In Appalachia endangered species In Appalachia endangered species include:include:– Fauna: bats, salamanders, fish, Fauna: bats, salamanders, fish,

Isopods, bivalvesIsopods, bivalves– Flora: Flowers, lichenFlora: Flowers, lichen www.fws.gov

Flora & FaunaEnvironmental Degradation in Environmental Degradation in

AppalachiaAppalachia• Habitat destruction and degradationHabitat destruction and degradation

– Deforestation (Development & logging)Deforestation (Development & logging)– Mountain top removal (Coal mining)Mountain top removal (Coal mining)

• Air pollution (Highway 81)Air pollution (Highway 81)• Acid RainAcid Rain• Water contamination/IncreasedWater contamination/Increased

HH22O temperatureO temperature– Bioaccumulation of toxinsBioaccumulation of toxins– Decreased dissolved ODecreased dissolved O22

• Invasive SpicesInvasive Spices

http://www.virginia.org/images/Shenbig.gifwww.kokudzu.com http://site.wellthysolutions.com

www.coal-is-dirty.com

Flora & Fauna

90% confidence that anthropogenic fossil fuel burning has increased global mean temperature (IPCC AR4)

Increase in local temperatures will lead to the retreat of ecosystems Northward and to higher elevations

Reduction in the number and severity of cold days, along with the reduction of snowfall will lead to an increase in the water temper in creeks and rivers

Warmer temperature earlier in the spring and through later in the Fall have thrown off rhythmical predator prey equilibriums.

Premise #1

Flora & Fauna

Premise #2• 90% confidence : observed

global warming• Atmospheric Warming: - altered regional climates - increased occurrence of

extreme weather - increased runoff

intensity - increased erosion

- changes in disease

prevalence by region - specific Virginia habitat

losseshttp://veganverve.files.wordpress.com/2008/08/cows.jpg

Flora & Fauna


Shifts in prevalence of specific diseaseLeads To…Global warming

Retreat of ecosystems

Northward & to higher elevation

Leads To…↑ temperature

alters stream habitatsLeads To…↑ deluge runoff

Disturbance of rhythmical predator

prey equilibriumsLeads To…↑ time of warm

season

↑ heat stressLeads To…Days above 90°F

↓ dissolved O2 leads to ecosystem degradation

Leads To…water temperature

↑ Drought incidenceLeads To…Global warming

↑

Flora & FaunaFauna: Potential Impacts on

Man• Rising Temperature leads to:Rising Temperature leads to:

– Increase of mosquito-borne diseasesIncrease of mosquito-borne diseases– Increased power demands in summerIncreased power demands in summer– Increased general health stressIncreased general health stress– Increased cost of food, water and Increased cost of food, water and

powerpower

• More floods More floods →→runoff runoff → → water water pollution pollution →→ environmental environmental degradation degradation →→ increased disease increased disease →→ financial burdenfinancial burden

Flora & FaunaFauna

Specifically: What is at Risk?Fish Species: Many endangered and threatened fish species are found in AppalachiaBirds: Endangered and threatened birds living and travel through the mountainsAmphibians flooded/ faster/polluted water breeding waters endanger successReptiles flooding, disease, and invasive predators reduce survivalFur-bearers loss of prey species (amphibians, reptiles and birds) imbalance of natural equilibriums endanger larger ecosystem stability

Flora & FaunaNon-Agricultural Flora:

Potential ImpactsGrowing season changes - ↑ days above 90 °F - ↑ drought incidence - ↑ erosion soil loss habitat loss

Less snow cover and fewer light rains stress on spring plants may lead to local plant extinctions or extirpations

Disease vector habitats altered

Pollinator and plant seasonal presences out of sync

Flora & FaunaNon Agricultural Flora

Specifically: What is at Risk?

Swamp pink(Helonias bullata)

Virginia spirea(Spiraea Virginiana)

Small-whorled pogonia(Isotria medoloides)

www.fws.gov

Flora & FaunaHigh Risk ecosystems in High Risk ecosystems in

AppalachiaAppalachia• Unique CavesUnique Caves• Mountain Creeks and StreamsMountain Creeks and Streams• Biologically Historic RiversBiologically Historic Rivers• Mountain ForestsMountain Forests• Highland ValleysHighland Valleys

Flora & Fauna

Unique CavesUnique Caves

• Cave stay at the average temperature of an area year round thus there is very little temperature change

• Caves create very isolated ecosystems that often aid to the rise of genetically divergent unique species that can only be found in a single cave or specific to a particular region

• Highly specialized= vulnerable to change

• These factors led me to fear that cave ecosystems may be severely hit by GW

Flora & Fauna

BatsBats

• Bats are often keystone Bats are often keystone species and therefore can be species and therefore can be critical to a healthy critical to a healthy ecosystemecosystem

• Positive RolesPositive Roles– Eat insectsEat insects– PollinatorsPollinators– Seed dispersersSeed dispersers

http://www.netcore.ca/~peleetom/Bats%20in%20sunset%202.jpg

Flora & Fauna

BatsBats

• Unfortunately bats are facing Unfortunately bats are facing hardship from many sides whose hardship from many sides whose negative effects may be amplified negative effects may be amplified by GW.by GW.– Human DisturbancesHuman Disturbances– Habitat Loss & Degradation (flooding Habitat Loss & Degradation (flooding

from dams)from dams)– Cave Commercialization and Improper Cave Commercialization and Improper

GatingGating– White-Nose SyndromeWhite-Nose Syndrome

Flora & Fauna

Endangered Bats in VAEndangered Bats in VA

– Indiana Bat Indiana Bat • (Myotis sodalis)(Myotis sodalis)

– Virginia Big-Eared BatVirginia Big-Eared Bat• (Corynorhinus townsendii virginiaus)(Corynorhinus townsendii virginiaus)

– Grey BatGrey Bat• (Myotis grisescens(Myotis grisescens))

www.fws.gov

http://greenupgrader.comwww.scenic-suffolk.co.uk/2008/04/bats.html

Flora & Fauna

Threatened Cave-IsopodsThreatened Cave-Isopods

• Endangered Isopod,

Lee County cave, – (Lirceus usdagalun)

• Threatened Isopod,

Madison Cave, – (Antrolana lira)

www.dcr.virginia.govwww.dcr.virginia.gov

Flora & Fauna

Mountain Creeks and RiversMountain Creeks and Rivers

• Mountain streams are often know for there biodiversity

• The New River is one of the oldest rivers in the world, geologically speaking

Cascades, VA, Leigh Knudsen

Flora & Fauna


• Unfortunately many creeks and Unfortunately many creeks and rivers in Appalachia already suffer rivers in Appalachia already suffer from environmental degradationfrom environmental degradation– Pollution from industrial factoriesPollution from industrial factories– Pollution from Mountain Top Removal Pollution from Mountain Top Removal

and other mining operationsand other mining operations– Pollution from agriculturePollution from agriculture– Silt buildup from erosionSilt buildup from erosion– Introduction of invasive speciesIntroduction of invasive species

Flora & Fauna


• As the temperature of Appalachia As the temperature of Appalachia continues to increase, water temperature continues to increase, water temperature will also rise due to less cold weather and will also rise due to less cold weather and less snowless snow

• Warmer water is not able have the same Warmer water is not able have the same concentration levels of dissolved oxygenconcentration levels of dissolved oxygen

• Warmer than usual water temperatures are Warmer than usual water temperatures are detrimental to the health of the detrimental to the health of the ecosystems because the lack of oxygen will ecosystems because the lack of oxygen will lead to the death of some animalslead to the death of some animals

• Unpolluted warm water re-entering rivers Unpolluted warm water re-entering rivers from power plants often leads dead-zones from power plants often leads dead-zones downstreamdownstream

Flora & Fauna


• Many of the threatened and endangered Many of the threatened and endangered species in the creeks and rivers of Appalachia species in the creeks and rivers of Appalachia are filter feedersare filter feeders

• Filter feeders help to clean natural pollutants Filter feeders help to clean natural pollutants from the ecosystemfrom the ecosystem

• Unfortunately filter feeders are not able to Unfortunately filter feeders are not able to process most industrial pollutants and when process most industrial pollutants and when they are eaten the pollutants get passes up they are eaten the pollutants get passes up the food-chain along with the energythe food-chain along with the energy

• The concentration of pollutants accrues by a The concentration of pollutants accrues by a factor of about 10 with each progressive level factor of about 10 with each progressive level of the chain reaching potential toxic levels for of the chain reaching potential toxic levels for human consumptionhuman consumption– Ex: Mercury Poising from diets high in top predators Ex: Mercury Poising from diets high in top predators

like tunalike tuna

Flora & FaunaThreatened and Endangered Threatened and Endangered

Species in the RiversSpecies in the Rivers• Endangered FreshwaterEndangered Freshwater

Mussel, oyster Mussel, oyster (Epioblasms capsaeformis)(Epioblasms capsaeformis)

• Endangered Freshwater MusselsEndangered Freshwater MusselsPearlymussel: Pearlymussel: birdwing birdwing (Coradilla caelata),(Coradilla caelata),cracking cracking (Hemistena lata),(Hemistena lata), dromedary dromedary (Dromus dromas),(Dromus dromas),littlewing littlewing (Pegias fabula)(Pegias fabula) www.fws.gov


Species in the RiversSpecies in the Rivers• Endangered Freshwater MusselEndangered Freshwater Mussel

Combshell, CumberlandianCombshell, Cumberlandian(Epioblasma brevidens)(Epioblasma brevidens)

• Endangered FishEndangered FishDarter, duskytail Entire Darter, duskytail Entire (Etheostoma percnurum) (Etheostoma percnurum)

• Endangered Freshwater MollusksEndangered Freshwater MollusksFanshell Fanshell (Cyprogenia stegaria)(Cyprogenia stegaria)

www.fws.gov

www.conservationfisheries.org

www.fws.gov


Species in the RiversSpecies in the Rivers• Endangered Freshwater MusselEndangered Freshwater Mussel

Purple Bean, Purple Bean, (Villosa (Villosa perpurpurea)perpurpurea)

• Threatened FishThreatened FishChub, slender Chub, slender (Erimystax cahni)(Erimystax cahni)

• Threatened FishThreatened FishChub, spotfin Entire Chub, spotfin Entire (Cyprinella monacha)(Cyprinella monacha)

www.fws.gov

www.conservationfisheries.org

www.outdooralabama.com


Species in the RiversSpecies in the Rivers• Threatened Fish Threatened Fish

Madtom, yellowfin Madtom, yellowfin (Noturus flavipinnis)(Noturus flavipinnis)

• Endangered Freshwater MusselEndangered Freshwater MusselMonkeyface, Appalachian Monkeyface, Appalachian (Ouadrula sparsa)(Ouadrula sparsa)

• Endangered Freshwater MusselEndangered Freshwater MusselMonkeyface, Cumberland Monkeyface, Cumberland (Ouadrula intermedia)(Ouadrula intermedia)

www.tolweb.org

www.fws.gov


Species in the RiversSpecies in the Rivers• Endangered BivalveEndangered Bivalve

-Pigtoe, finerayed-Pigtoe, finerayed

(Fusconaia cunelus)(Fusconaia cunelus)

-Pigtoe, rough -Pigtoe, rough

(Pleurobema plenum)(Pleurobema plenum)

-Pigtoe, shiny-Pigtoe, shiny

(Fusconaia cor)(Fusconaia cor) www.fws.gov

Flora & Fauna

ForestsForests

• Forest help to protect a healthy Forest help to protect a healthy ecosystem ecosystem – Help absorb rain which reduces Help absorb rain which reduces

flooding and erosionflooding and erosion– Decreases runoff which can harm Decreases runoff which can harm

stream ecosystemsstream ecosystems– Reduce air pollution Reduce air pollution – ShadeShade– Micro ecosystemsMicro ecosystems

http://www.vanaturally.org/guide/forests.html

Flora & Fauna

DeforestationDeforestation

• Number one cause of deforestation in VA Number one cause of deforestation in VA is urban and community development. is urban and community development. – Loss of 68,000 acres every yearLoss of 68,000 acres every year

• As of 2001 forests in Virginia counted for As of 2001 forests in Virginia counted for $30.5 billion dollars annually to the $30.5 billion dollars annually to the economy. economy.

• In 2001 389 million cubic feet of forests In 2001 389 million cubic feet of forests were harvested.were harvested.

• Logging operations have gotten better at Logging operations have gotten better at replanting areas, unfortunately to cut replanting areas, unfortunately to cut costs monoculture fast growing pines costs monoculture fast growing pines replace the original diverse ecosystems.replace the original diverse ecosystems.

Flora & Fauna

MineralsMinerals

• Around 35 million short tons of Around 35 million short tons of Coal was produced a year in VA Coal was produced a year in VA from 1970-1997from 1970-1997

• Mountain Top removal destroys Mountain Top removal destroys microenvironment and the microenvironment and the burning of coal produces burning of coal produces

emissions emissions

of GHGs.of GHGs.

www.ilovemountains.org

Flora & FaunaWhat Can be Done?

Near term Mediation of ImpactsReduce further deforestation by better development planning

try to reduce sprawlRegulate Logging industry

enforce real sustainable forestryprevent monocultures

Institute measures to limit loss corridors, land preservationFund research and monitoring efforts to baselines and trends for biodiversityConsider taxing industrial transportation within and throughout VAConsider extreme weather event likelihood in zoning and building code actionsClose coal burning plants


Policy changes: reduce direct impacts

• Subsidize conversion to sustainable agriculture, Subsidize conversion to sustainable agriculture, which has soon success in some small farms in the which has soon success in some small farms in the regionregion

• Invest in EcotourismInvest in Ecotourism– Recreation and travelRecreation and travel– Appalachian TrailAppalachian Trail– Blue Ridge ParkwayBlue Ridge Parkway– George Washington and Jefferson National ForestsGeorge Washington and Jefferson National Forests

• Support NGOsSupport NGOs– Western Virginia Land TrustWestern Virginia Land Trust– Sierra ClubSierra Club

• Cap and trade for COCap and trade for CO22 emissions emissions• Imposing taxes on energy usageImposing taxes on energy usage• Charging electric at rates that fluctuate to represent Charging electric at rates that fluctuate to represent

production costs.production costs.

Flora & FaunaWhat else can be done?

Policy changes: reduce direct impacts

Streamline the process for species to be granted endangered or threatened status and protectionAdequately fund and enforce the Endangered Species Act of 1973Introduce threatened species to new feasible habitats, so long as this would not further cause environmental damageDevelop green energy sources to reduce emissions

Wind turbines have already proven to be profitable in nearby regions in Appalachia

Cap road construction but expand mass transit

Flora & FaunaAnd What More Can Be Done?

A Gigaton Saved is a Kilawatt Earned

• Pass legislation to ban HOA restrictions on clotheslines

• Regulate lawn mower emissions

• Restrict median mowing of state roads to areas necessitated by safety concerns

Flora & FaunaWhat Else Can We Do?

Recognize True Consumptive Costs

Require billing for all energy production, agricultural and commercial externalities to cover all warming adaptation and mitigation costs

That is: Tax CO² emissions (~sales tax) for all goods and services with exemptions as needed for low income residents

Flora & Fauna

Works CitedWorks Cited• US Fish & Wildlife Service www.fws.govUS Fish & Wildlife Service www.fws.gov• University of Michigan Museum of Zoology http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.eduUniversity of Michigan Museum of Zoology http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu• NY State Department of Environmental Conservation www.dec.ny.govNY State Department of Environmental Conservation www.dec.ny.gov• Virginia Sustainable Building Network www.vsbn.orgVirginia Sustainable Building Network www.vsbn.org• VA Department of Environmental Quality www.deq.virginia.govVA Department of Environmental Quality www.deq.virginia.gov• VA Department of Conservation and Recreation www.dcr.virginia.govVA Department of Conservation and Recreation www.dcr.virginia.gov• Conservation Fisheries www.conservationfisheries.orgConservation Fisheries www.conservationfisheries.org• Outdoor Alabama www.outdooralabama.comOutdoor Alabama www.outdooralabama.com• Tree of Life Web Project http://tolweb.orgTree of Life Web Project http://tolweb.org• Animal Pictures Archive www.animalpicturesarchive.comAnimal Pictures Archive www.animalpicturesarchive.com• I Love Mountains www.ilovemountains.orgI Love Mountains www.ilovemountains.org• Coal is Dirty www.coal-is-dirty.comCoal is Dirty www.coal-is-dirty.com• Google Images Google Images

– Highway 81 http://www.virginia.org/images/Shenbig.gifHighway 81 http://www.virginia.org/images/Shenbig.gif– Kudzu www.kokudzu.comKudzu www.kokudzu.com– Water contamination http://sitewellthysolutions.comWater contamination http://sitewellthysolutions.com– VA Big-Eared Bat www.scenic-suffolk.co.uk/2008/04/bats.html VA Big-Eared Bat www.scenic-suffolk.co.uk/2008/04/bats.html – Grey Bat http://greenupgrader.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/greybat.jpgGrey Bat http://greenupgrader.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/greybat.jpg– Bats http://www.netcore.ca/~peleetom/Bats%20in%20sunset%202.jpgBats http://www.netcore.ca/~peleetom/Bats%20in%20sunset%202.jpg– Runoff http://veganverve.files.wordpress.com/2008/08/cows.jpgRunoff http://veganverve.files.wordpress.com/2008/08/cows.jpg

Documents

Flora & Fauna As it affects the flora and fauna of Virginia’s coastal regions CLIMATE CHANGE