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

Flora & Fauna Virginia’s Six General Categories The Urban Areas The Chesapeake The Coast Lines The Low Lands The Appalachians The Piedmont

Flora & Fauna Virginia’s Coastline: A Lot to Lose 112 miles of coastline 4,475 m² of coastal waters 374 m² land lies 5 feet above sea level IPCC conservative sea level rise = 2 feet (2100) Rise could reach

Flora & Fauna 90% confidence that anthropogenic fossil fuel burning has increased global mean temperature (IPCC AR4) Ocean surface waters  90% of Earth’s total increased heat uptake (IPCC AR4 Chpt. 5) Increased SST result in thermal expansion and sea level rise Sea level rise will directly impact coastal flora and fauna Premise #1

Flora & Fauna Premise #2 90% confidence : observed global warming Atmospheric Warming: - altered regional climates - altered regional climates - increased occurrence of extreme weather - increased occurrence of extreme weather - increased runoff intensity - increased runoff intensity - increased erosion - increased erosion - changes in disease prevalence by region - changes in disease prevalence by region - specific Virginia habitat losses - specific Virginia habitat losses

Flora & Fauna Fauna: Potential Impacts Global Warming Leads To… ↑ Drought incidence Sea surface temperature rise Leads To… uninhabitable waters for some ocean species Days above 90°F Leads To… ↑ heat stress ↑ hurricane intensity Leads To… ↑ habitat & food loss ↑ deluge runoff Leads To… alters stream habitats Sea surface rise Leads To… inundated land & inundated fresh water supply Global Warming Leads To… Shifts in prevalence of specific disease

Flora & Fauna Fauna: Potential Impacts on Man Sea level rise Leads To… ↓ loss of real estate ↓ loss of farm land ↓ loss of fishery potential ↓ water availability Temperature rise Incidence in VA Leads To… ↑ mosquito-borne disease ↑ power demands in summer ↑ general health stress ↑ costs of food, power, water

Flora & Fauna Fauna Specifically: What is at Risk? Fish Species: IUCN red listed Brook Trout Migratory birds: thousands stop in VA marshes Amphibians  flooded/ faster water breeding waters endanger success Reptiles  flooding endangers Fur-bearers  loss of prey species (amphibians, reptiles and birds) endangers

Flora & Fauna Non-Agricultural Flora: Potential Impacts Growing season changes - ↑ days above 90 °F - ↑ days above 90 °F - ↑ drought incidence - ↑ drought incidence - ↑ erosion  soil loss  habitat loss - ↑ erosion  soil loss  habitat loss Lost marsh and wetland habitats  local plant extinctionsLost marsh and wetland habitats  local plant extinctions Disease vector habitats alteredDisease vector habitats altered Pollinator and plant seasonal presences  out of syncPollinator and plant seasonal presences  out of sync

Flora & Fauna Non Agricultural Flora Specifically: What is at Risk? Loblolly pine Bald cypress Swamp oaks Tapelos Atlantic white cedar

Flora & Fauna What Can be Done? Near term Mediation of Impacts Increase living shoreline buffers Restore dune and wetlands Institute measures to limit loss  corridors, land preservation Monitor biodiversity for trends toward loss Consider sea level rise in long term planning of road, home, business, utility construction Consider extreme weather event likelihood in zoning and building code actions Close coal burning plants

Flora & Fauna What else can be done? Policy changes: reduce direct impacts Introduce threatened species to new habitats when feasible Initiate a moratorium on building, road and utility construction in low lying areas Develop green energy sources to reduce emissions Cap road construction but expand mass transit

Flora & Fauna 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 & Fauna What 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 The Chesapeake Bay

Flora & Fauna The Chesapeake Bay The mouth of the Bay is located near Virginia Beach, Virginia. The Bay extends along almost 100 miles of Virginia’s coastline, fed by the Potomac and Rappahannock rivers.The mouth of the Bay is located near Virginia Beach, Virginia. The Bay extends along almost 100 miles of Virginia’s coastline, fed by the Potomac and Rappahannock rivers. The average depth is a surprisingly shallow 21 ft. This makes the Bay especially susceptible to the impacts of sea-level rise.The average depth is a surprisingly shallow 21 ft. This makes the Bay especially susceptible to the impacts of sea-level rise. It supports over 3,600 species of plants and animals, harbors over one million waterfowl every winter, and is a permanent home to over 29 avian species.It supports over 3,600 species of plants and animals, harbors over one million waterfowl every winter, and is a permanent home to over 29 avian species.

Flora & Fauna Potential Impacts An increase in sea-level is not just inevitable for the Chesapeake Bay, it has already been observed. Since 1900, the sea-level has increased by 1 ft, and is predicted to rise another 2 ft by 2100.An increase in sea-level is not just inevitable for the Chesapeake Bay, it has already been observed. Since 1900, the sea-level has increased by 1 ft, and is predicted to rise another 2 ft by An increase in temperature has also been observed in the area. Since 1960, the temperature has risen by almost 2 o, and is expected to warm another 5 o to 9 o by the end of this century.An increase in temperature has also been observed in the area. Since 1960, the temperature has risen by almost 2 o, and is expected to warm another 5 o to 9 o by the end of this century. It is very likely that an impact of climate change on the Bay would include increased precipitation. This would decrease the water quality by inundating the Bay with nutrients and sediments, while at the same time decreasing salinity.It is very likely that an impact of climate change on the Bay would include increased precipitation. This would decrease the water quality by inundating the Bay with nutrients and sediments, while at the same time decreasing salinity. A significant change of any one of these factors would greatly shift species distribution in the Bay.A significant change of any one of these factors would greatly shift species distribution in the Bay.

Flora & Fauna Fauna: What is at Risk? There are over 350 species of fish that call the Chesapeake Bay home. A decrease in salinity from higher precipitation would decrease the number of species that would be able to travel into the Bay from marine environments, who require a certain salinity. The runoff of sediment into the Bay from increased precipitation would also limit the habitat of the abundant freshwater species. (Atlantic/Shortnose Sturgeon)There are over 350 species of fish that call the Chesapeake Bay home. A decrease in salinity from higher precipitation would decrease the number of species that would be able to travel into the Bay from marine environments, who require a certain salinity. The runoff of sediment into the Bay from increased precipitation would also limit the habitat of the abundant freshwater species. (Atlantic/Shortnose Sturgeon) Increased water levels would inundate regions of the Bay, eliminating swamps and marshes that are home to many species of reptile and amphibian. (Red Bellied Turtle)Increased water levels would inundate regions of the Bay, eliminating swamps and marshes that are home to many species of reptile and amphibian. (Red Bellied Turtle) Elevated water levels would limit the habitat of many mammalian species, in addition to pushing them further into the state. Many mammals live the marsh environments of the Bay, and would need to migrate inland to avoid this. (Red Fox, White-tailed deer)Elevated water levels would limit the habitat of many mammalian species, in addition to pushing them further into the state. Many mammals live the marsh environments of the Bay, and would need to migrate inland to avoid this. (Red Fox, White-tailed deer) Many migratory birds inhabit the Chesapeake Bay during the winter, and an increase in temperature would force them out of this region. In addition, many species inhabit the swamp areas, and would need to evacuate their already threatened habitat. (Bald Eagle, Great Blue Heron)Many migratory birds inhabit the Chesapeake Bay during the winter, and an increase in temperature would force them out of this region. In addition, many species inhabit the swamp areas, and would need to evacuate their already threatened habitat. (Bald Eagle, Great Blue Heron)

Flora & Fauna Flora: What is at Risk? An increase in temperature from climate change would be detrimental to most, if not all of the many types of underwater grasses in the Bay. Eelgrass is an especially important component to the Chesapeake Bay ecosystem. It provides shelter for many species, and as serves as food for others. Eelgrass prefers the high salinity waters of the lower Bay, so an increase in sea-level or precipitation would limit its environment. An above average stretch of warm weather was experienced in 2005, and as a result huge swaths of eelgrass were killed. Any further increase in temperature would permanently force out this important vegetation.An increase in temperature from climate change would be detrimental to most, if not all of the many types of underwater grasses in the Bay. Eelgrass is an especially important component to the Chesapeake Bay ecosystem. It provides shelter for many species, and as serves as food for others. Eelgrass prefers the high salinity waters of the lower Bay, so an increase in sea-level or precipitation would limit its environment. An above average stretch of warm weather was experienced in 2005, and as a result huge swaths of eelgrass were killed. Any further increase in temperature would permanently force out this important vegetation. An increase in water level would force out many species of flora in the Bay region that live in marsh environments or near shallow stream banks. (Sweet Magnolia, Coontail)An increase in water level would force out many species of flora in the Bay region that live in marsh environments or near shallow stream banks. (Sweet Magnolia, Coontail)

Flora & FaunaSolutions 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 relocate, including both homeowners and businesses.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 relocate, including both homeowners and businesses. As in the coastal areas, it will be necessary to consider water level rise in building future infrastructure.As in the coastal areas, it will be necessary to consider water level rise in building future infrastructure. Homeowners and businesses located on shorelines will need to adjust their structure to adapt to higher water levels. This would be preferable to invading the already threatened areas of natural habitat.Homeowners and businesses located on shorelines will need to adjust their structure to adapt to higher water levels. This would be preferable to invading the already threatened areas of natural habitat. Long Term: The most important policy changes to be made are those which reduce carbon emissions.The most important policy changes to be made are those which reduce carbon emissions. This can be done by giving commuters in the area more choices when it comes to transportation options, such as carpooling, telecommuting and investing in mass transit. Investments should be made in creating modern and efficient transit.This can be done by giving commuters in the area more choices when it comes to transportation options, such as carpooling, telecommuting and investing in mass transit. Investments should be made in creating modern and efficient transit. Residential and business areas need to be built more compactly to avoid sprawl. Incentives to build more “green” structures should be offered, as well as those willing to update older buildings.Residential and business areas need to be built more compactly to avoid sprawl. Incentives to build more “green” structures should be offered, as well as those willing to update older buildings. Residential energy use must also be reduced. This can be done simply by improving insulation, replacing windows, and using compact fluorescent lighting.Residential energy use must also be reduced. This can be done simply by improving insulation, replacing windows, and using compact fluorescent lighting. An immensely beneficial change would simply be to increase the amount of energy that comes from renewable sources to the region.An immensely beneficial change would simply be to increase the amount of energy that comes from renewable sources to the region.

Flora & FaunaReferences: Chesapeake Bay Program: Facts and Figures The Impacts of Climate Change on the Chesapeake Bay The Chesapeake Bay Foundation’s Report on Climate Change The Fish Species of the Chesapeake Bay Reptile Species Avian Species Mammalian Species Underwater Bay Grasses

Flora & Fauna Virginia’s Cities: The Dangers of the Urban Heat Island What is the Urban Heat Island effect? What are the causes of this effect? What are the results of the Urban Heat Island? The demand for air conditioning increases greenhouse gas emissions from power plants Increased days of 100 degrees Devastating effects on surrounding wildlife and plantlife What is the urban heat island effect? by Jane McGrath

Flora & Fauna Virginia’s Urban Areas: Some Background 95 counties and 39 independent cities Virginia has 11 Metropolitan Statistical Areas Richmond - population of over 1.2 million people. Virginia Beach - most populous city in the Commonwealth Fairfax County is the most populous locality in Virginia, with over one million residents. Tysons Corner - Virginia's largest office market. Loudoun County - the fastest-growing county in the United States highest median household income: $107,207 (as of 2007) Roanoke - the largest Metropolitan Statistical Area in western Virginia.

Flora & Fauna Expansion of Washington, D.C. suburbs into Northern Virginia has created an urban heat island Mostly caused by more absorption of solar radiation in densely populated areas 15 counties received failing grades for air quality - Fairfax County having the worst in the state Effects of Air Quality on Flora and Fauna climate change and urban growth impacts on headwater streams, ecosystem structure and services will be more costly than climate change alone. Premise Virginia's Cities and Towns

Flora & Fauna The interaction of climate change and urban growth may entail significant reconfiguring of headwater streams, including a loss of ecosystem structure and services, which will be more costly than climate change alone. Fauna: Potential Impacts NCBI: Forecasting the combined effects of urbanization and climate change on stream ecosystemsNCBI: Forecasting the combined effects of urbanization and climate change on stream ecosystems Journal compilation © 2009 British Ecological Society

Flora & Fauna Fauna Specifically: What is at Risk? When combined with the global warming, urbanization proved devastating to the fish population Fish are widely used indicators of environmental quality NCBI: Forecasting the combined effects of urbanization and climate change on stream ecosystemsNCBI: Forecasting the combined effects of urbanization and climate change on stream ecosystems Journal compilation © 2009 British Ecological Society

Flora & Fauna Non-Agricultural Flora: Urban Impacts Urban development… Diminishes the resilience of freshwater ecosystems to climate variability. Storms are sharply increased scours stream banks, decreases the reproductive success of aquatic insects and of fish that lay eggs near the edges of streams increases the input of sediments, nutrients and toxic chemicals into rivers, streams, lakes and estuaries. Sediments reduce water clarity, smother bottom organisms, and clog waterways; excessive inputs of nutrients create toxic chemicals that affect plants and animals. NCBI: Climate change and ecosystems of the Mid-Atlantic Region

Flora & Fauna What Can be Done? Encourage Individual Homeowners to… Plant shade trees: reduce your annual heating and cooling costs by an average of 40 percent. Deciduous on the South: loose leaves in Winter; Reflect sun in Summer Convert to compact fluorescent bulbs: Would prevent more than 13 billion pounds of carbon dioxide from being emitted. Become a Green Tag subscriber: Options for homeowners to buy electricity from clean, renewable sources Act locally: Contact your mayor and ask that he sign the U.S. Mayors Climate Protection Agreement, committing your city or town to meet or beat the global warming pollution reductions National Wildlife Federation

Flora & Fauna What else can be done? Policy changes: reduce direct impacts “Where land is not already heavily developed, land preservation [programs] could be used to protect headwater streams.” More aggressive efforts to reduce sediment and pollutant loads, Urbanization combined with climate change will be more environmentally costly than either impact alone. Minimizing costs by reassessing the importance of urban streams, as well as the adequacy of [programs] to protect them Proactive policy and/or management actions are needed to advance conservation and should have high priority in future ubranized regions

Flora & Fauna Conclusion to VA’s Urban Areas

Flora & Fauna Piedmont Region

Flora & Fauna Endangered Species: Piedmont Region of Virginia There are many threatened and endangered plant and animal species in Virginia alone.There are many threatened and endangered plant and animal species in Virginia alone. Many of these endangered species lie in the piedmont region of VA.Many of these endangered species lie in the piedmont region of VA. These species are threatened and endangered because of loss of habitat and food resources, changes in climate, and human population expansion.These species are threatened and endangered because of loss of habitat and food resources, changes in climate, and human population expansion.

Flora & Fauna Shenandoah Salamander Is only found on north facing talus slopes on three mountain tops inside the Shenandoah National Park.Is only found on north facing talus slopes on three mountain tops inside the Shenandoah National Park. It’s natural habitat are temperate forests and rocky areas.It’s natural habitat are temperate forests and rocky areas. Breeding occurs in the fall and spring where the eggs are laid under rocks in their natural talus habitats.Breeding occurs in the fall and spring where the eggs are laid under rocks in their natural talus habitats.

Flora & Fauna Reasons for Endangerment Climate change is a major factor in the survival of these amphibians.Climate change is a major factor in the survival of these amphibians. Rising temperatures.Rising temperatures. Confined habitat. Limited to the Shenandoah National Forrest.Confined habitat. Limited to the Shenandoah National Forrest. Defoliation of trees by invasive mothsDefoliation of trees by invasive moths

Flora & Fauna Roanoke Logperch

Flora & Fauna Roanoke Logperch Lives only in the Roanoke, Smith and Nottoway rivers within the piedmont region.Lives only in the Roanoke, Smith and Nottoway rivers within the piedmont region. Needs clear, silt-free water for living and breeding.Needs clear, silt-free water for living and breeding. Eats, lives, and breeds in low streams and rivers in gravel beds.Eats, lives, and breeds in low streams and rivers in gravel beds. Their feeding habits rely on loosely embedded gravel.Their feeding habits rely on loosely embedded gravel.

Flora & Fauna Logperch Endangerment Decades of development beginning in the 1970’sDecades of development beginning in the 1970’s 1989 species placed on the federal endangered list.1989 species placed on the federal 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 Coneflower

Flora & Fauna Smooth coneflower is a perennial herb Smooth coneflower is a perennial herb Listed as endangered. Listed as endangered. Can be only found in the piedmont regions of four states: Virginia, North and South Carolina, and Georgia. Can be only found in the piedmont regions of four states: Virginia, North and South Carolina, and Georgia. Was once found in eight states. Was once found in eight states. Grows in sunny, open areas usually alongside roads and highways. Grows in sunny, open areas usually alongside roads and highways. Endangered because of uprooting by humans. Endangered because of uprooting by humans. Smooth Cone Flower Endangerment

Flora & Fauna What we can do, about land use, water quality, and wetlands protection? Education of:Education of: Landscape conservationLandscape conservation Carbon foot printingCarbon foot printing Habitat destruction and fragmentationHabitat destruction and fragmentation Pollution and habitat changes due to industry and developmentPollution and habitat changes due to industry and development Support local government changes for air quality protection programs.Support local government changes for air quality protection programs. Energy conservation and efficiency by recycling and buying renewable resources.Energy conservation and efficiency by recycling and buying renewable resources. Opposing new nuclear and coal-fueled power plants in North Anna and Wise and Surry countiesOpposing new nuclear and coal-fueled power plants in North Anna and Wise and Surry counties Expansion of public transportation, and encourage car poolingExpansion of public transportation, and encourage car pooling

Flora & Fauna Oppose new road projects like the Meadow Creek parkway, and Eastern Connector trail that will go through public parks. Oppose new road projects like the Meadow Creek parkway, and Eastern Connector trail that will go through public parks. Support land use planning guidelines that protect open spaces, Support land use planning guidelines that protect open spaces, residential planning and development in rural areas that will discourage deforestation. Protect our local water supply by; restoring and dredging the Rivanna Reservoir, support stream buffering, oppose confined livestock raising. Protect our local water supply by; restoring and dredging the Rivanna Reservoir, support stream buffering, oppose confined livestock raising. Preservation of native species and ecosystems, opposing pesticide use in the Shenandoah National Park Preservation of native species and ecosystems, opposing pesticide 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, composting, and self mulching mowers. Environmentally friendly lawn care with natural fertilizers, composting, and self mulching mowers. Encourage sustainable local organic agriculture. Encourage sustainable local organic agriculture. What we can do, about land use, water quality, and wetlands protection?

Flora & FaunaResources EndangeredSpecie.com Managing Land in the Piedmont of Virginia for the Benefit of Birds and Other Wildlife. Faren Wolter, Stephen Capel, David Pashley, Susan Heath Threatened, Endangered, Sensetive, and other species of ceoncern in Virginia. Spring belongs to the Roanoke Logperch. Protecting Wildlife Habitat. Piedmont Environmental Council. Piedmont Group of the Sierra Club Environmental Agenda Efforts to Save Endangered Species phphttp:// 13.php U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. American Bird Conservatory. Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries.

Flora & Fauna Appalachia: Already 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

Flora & Fauna Appalachia: Already in Peril Major industries: – –Agriculture – –Logging – –Mining – –Industry – –Tourism – –Recreation

Flora & Fauna Appalachia: Already in Peril Appalachia, despite having almost 1,850,000 acres of nationally protected land is already in a precariously fragile environmental stateAppalachia, despite having almost 1,850,000 acres of nationally protected land is already in a precariously fragile environmental state From Appalachia has already experienced a 2* F increase in temperatureFrom Appalachia has already experienced a 2* F increase in temperature Projections tell of 5*-8* F increases for the region during the next centuryProjections tell of 5*-8* F increases for the region during the next century The negative impacts of Global Warming may unfortunately push many threatened species over the edgeThe negative impacts of Global Warming may unfortunately push many threatened species over the edge As crucial links in food weds are lost, the stability of entire ecosystems can be jeopardizedAs crucial links in food weds are lost, the stability of entire ecosystems can be jeopardized

Flora & Fauna Endangered Species Around 520 threatened, endangered or Special Concern Species of fauna are found in VA. (VA Department of game and fisheries)Around 520 threatened, endangered or Special Concern Species of fauna are found in VA. (VA Department of game and fisheries) There are 28 Endangered species of flora & fauna in VA. (US Fish and Wildlife Service)There are 28 Endangered species of flora & fauna in VA. (US Fish and Wildlife Service) In Appalachia endangered species include:In Appalachia endangered species include: –Fauna: bats, salamanders, fish, Isopods, bivalves –Flora: Flowers, lichen

Flora & Fauna Environmental Degradation in Appalachia Habitat destruction and degradationHabitat destruction and degradation –Deforestation (Development & logging) –Mountain top removal (Coal mining) Air pollution (Highway 81)Air pollution (Highway 81) Acid RainAcid Rain Water contamination/IncreasedWater contamination/Increased H 2 O temperature –Bioaccumulation of toxins –Decreased dissolved O 2 Invasive SpicesInvasive Spices

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 losses

Flora & Fauna Fauna: Potential Impacts Shifts in prevalence of specific disease Leads To… Global warming Retreat of ecosystems Northward & to higher elevation Leads To… ↑ temperature alters stream habitats Leads To… ↑ deluge runoff Disturbance of rhythmical predator prey equilibriums Leads To… ↑ time of warm season ↑ heat stress Leads To… Days above 90°F ↓ dissolved O 2 leads to ecosystem degradation Leads To… water temperature ↑ Drought incidence Leads To… Global warming ↑

Flora & Fauna Fauna: Potential Impacts on Man Rising Temperature leads to:Rising Temperature leads to: –Increase of mosquito-borne diseases –Increased power demands in summer –Increased general health stress –Increased cost of food, water and power More floods → runoff → water pollution → environmental degradation → increased disease → financial burdenMore floods → runoff → water pollution → environmental degradation → increased disease → financial burden

Flora & Fauna Fauna Specifically: What is at Risk? Fish Species: Many endangered and threatened fish species are found in Appalachia Birds: Endangered and threatened birds living and travel through the mountains Amphibians  flooded/ faster/polluted water breeding waters endanger success Reptiles  flooding, disease, and invasive predators reduce survival Fur-bearers  loss of prey species (amphibians, reptiles and birds) imbalance of natural equilibriums endanger larger ecosystem stability

Flora & Fauna Non-Agricultural Flora: Potential Impacts Growing 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 & Fauna Non Agricultural Flora Specifically: What is at Risk? Swamp pink (Helonias bullata) Virginia spirea (Spiraea Virginiana) Small-whorled pogonia (Isotria medoloides)

Flora & Fauna High Risk ecosystems in Appalachia Unique CavesUnique Caves Mountain Creeks and StreamsMountain Creeks and Streams Biologically Historic RiversBiologically Historic Rivers Mountain ForestsMountain Forests Highland ValleysHighland Valleys

Flora & Fauna Unique 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 & FaunaBats Bats are often keystone species and therefore can be critical to a healthy ecosystemBats are often keystone species and therefore can be critical to a healthy ecosystem Positive RolesPositive Roles –Eat insects –Pollinators –Seed dispersers

Flora & FaunaBats Unfortunately bats are facing hardship from many sides whose negative effects may be amplified by GW.Unfortunately bats are facing hardship from many sides whose negative effects may be amplified by GW. –Human Disturbances –Habitat Loss & Degradation (flooding from dams) –Cave Commercialization and Improper Gating –White-Nose Syndrome

Flora & Fauna Endangered Bats in VA –Indiana Bat (Myotis sodalis)(Myotis sodalis) –Virginia Big-Eared Bat (Corynorhinus townsendii virginiaus)(Corynorhinus townsendii virginiaus) –Grey Bat (Myotis grisescens)(Myotis grisescens)

Flora & Fauna Threatened Cave-Isopods Endangered Isopod, Lee County cave, – –(Lirceus usdagalun) Threatened Isopod, Madison Cave, – –(Antrolana lira)

Flora & Fauna Mountain 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 Mountain Creeks and Rivers Unfortunately many creeks and rivers in Appalachia already suffer from environmental degradationUnfortunately many creeks and rivers in Appalachia already suffer from environmental degradation –Pollution from industrial factories –Pollution from Mountain Top Removal and other mining operations –Pollution from agriculture –Silt buildup from erosion –Introduction of invasive species

Flora & Fauna Mountain Creeks and Rivers As the temperature of Appalachia continues to increase, water temperature will also rise due to less cold weather and less snowAs the temperature of Appalachia continues to increase, water temperature will also rise due to less cold weather and less snow Warmer water is not able have the same concentration levels of dissolved oxygenWarmer water is not able have the same concentration levels of dissolved oxygen Warmer than usual water temperatures are detrimental to the health of the ecosystems because the lack of oxygen will lead to the death of some animalsWarmer than usual water temperatures are detrimental to the health of the ecosystems because the lack of oxygen will lead to the death of some animals Unpolluted warm water re-entering rivers from power plants often leads dead-zones downstreamUnpolluted warm water re-entering rivers from power plants often leads dead-zones downstream

Flora & Fauna Mountain Creeks and Rivers Many of the threatened and endangered species in the creeks and rivers of Appalachia are filter feedersMany of the threatened and endangered species in the creeks and rivers of Appalachia are filter feeders Filter feeders help to clean natural pollutants from the ecosystemFilter feeders help to clean natural pollutants from the ecosystem Unfortunately filter feeders are not able to process most industrial pollutants and when they are eaten the pollutants get passes up the food-chain along with the energyUnfortunately filter feeders are not able to process most industrial pollutants and when they are eaten the pollutants get passes up the food-chain along with the energy The concentration of pollutants accrues by a factor of about 10 with each progressive level of the chain reaching potential toxic levels for human consumptionThe concentration of pollutants accrues by a factor of about 10 with each progressive level of the chain reaching potential toxic levels for human consumption –Ex: Mercury Poising from diets high in top predators like tuna

Flora & Fauna Threatened and Endangered Species in the Rivers Endangered FreshwaterEndangered Freshwater Mussel, oyster (Epioblasms capsaeformis) Endangered Freshwater MusselsEndangered Freshwater MusselsPearlymussel: birdwing (Coradilla caelata), cracking (Hemistena lata), dromedary (Dromus dromas), littlewing (Pegias fabula)

Flora & Fauna Threatened and Endangered Species in the Rivers Endangered Freshwater MusselEndangered Freshwater Mussel Combshell, Cumberlandian (Epioblasma brevidens) Endangered FishEndangered Fish Darter, duskytail Entire (Etheostoma percnurum) Endangered Freshwater MollusksEndangered Freshwater Mollusks Fanshell (Cyprogenia stegaria)

Flora & Fauna Threatened and Endangered Species in the Rivers Endangered Freshwater MusselEndangered Freshwater Mussel Purple Bean, (Villosa perpurpurea) Threatened FishThreatened Fish Chub, slender (Erimystax cahni) Threatened FishThreatened Fish Chub, spotfin Entire (Cyprinella monacha)

Flora & Fauna Threatened and Endangered Species in the Rivers Threatened FishThreatened Fish Madtom, yellowfin (Noturus flavipinnis) Endangered Freshwater MusselEndangered Freshwater Mussel Monkeyface, Appalachian (Ouadrula sparsa) Endangered Freshwater MusselEndangered Freshwater Mussel Monkeyface, Cumberland (Ouadrula intermedia)

Flora & Fauna Threatened and Endangered Species in the Rivers Endangered BivalveEndangered Bivalve -Pigtoe, finerayed (Fusconaia cunelus) -Pigtoe, rough (Pleurobema plenum) -Pigtoe, shiny (Fusconaia cor)

Flora & FaunaForests Forest help to protect a healthy ecosystemForest help to protect a healthy ecosystem –Help absorb rain which reduces flooding and erosion –Decreases runoff which can harm stream ecosystems –Reduce air pollution –Shade –Micro ecosystems

Flora & FaunaDeforestation Number one cause of deforestation in VA is urban and community development.Number one cause of deforestation in VA is urban and community development. –Loss of 68,000 acres every year As of 2001 forests in Virginia counted for $30.5 billion dollars annually to the economy.As of 2001 forests in Virginia counted for $30.5 billion dollars annually to the economy. In million cubic feet of forests were harvested.In million cubic feet of forests were harvested. Logging operations have gotten better at replanting areas, unfortunately to cut costs monoculture fast growing pines replace the original diverse ecosystems.Logging operations have gotten better at replanting areas, unfortunately to cut costs monoculture fast growing pines replace the original diverse ecosystems.

Flora & FaunaMinerals Around 35 million short tons of Coal was produced a year in VA from Around 35 million short tons of Coal was produced a year in VA from Mountain Top removal destroys microenvironment and the burning of coal producesMountain Top removal destroys microenvironment and the burning of coal producesemissions of GHGs.

Flora & Fauna What Can be Done? Near term Mediation of Impacts Reduce further deforestation by better development planning try to reduce sprawl Regulate Logging industry enforce real sustainable forestry prevent monocultures Institute measures to limit loss  corridors, land preservation Fund research and monitoring efforts to baselines and trends for biodiversity Consider taxing industrial transportation within and throughout VA Consider extreme weather event likelihood in zoning and building code actions Close coal burning plants

Flora & Fauna What Can be Done? What Can be Done? Policy changes: reduce direct impacts Subsidize conversion to sustainable agriculture, which has soon success in some small farms in the regionSubsidize conversion to sustainable agriculture, which has soon success in some small farms in the region Invest in EcotourismInvest in Ecotourism –Recreation and travel –Appalachian Trail –Blue Ridge Parkway –George Washington and Jefferson National Forests Support NGOsSupport NGOs –Western Virginia Land Trust –Sierra Club Cap and trade for CO 2 emissionsCap and trade for CO 2 emissions Imposing taxes on energy usageImposing taxes on energy usage Charging electric at rates that fluctuate to represent production costs.Charging electric at rates that fluctuate to represent production costs.

Flora & Fauna What else can be done? Policy changes: reduce direct impacts Streamline the process for species to be granted endangered or threatened status and protection Adequately fund and enforce the Endangered Species Act of 1973 Introduce threatened species to new feasible habitats, so long as this would not further cause environmental damage Develop 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 & Fauna And 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 & Fauna What 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 Cited US Fish & Wildlife Service Fish & Wildlife Service University of Michigan Museum of Zoology of Michigan Museum of Zoology NY State Department of Environmental Conservation State Department of Environmental Conservation Virginia Sustainable Building Network Sustainable Building Network VA Department of Environmental Quality Department of Environmental Quality VA Department of Conservation and Recreation Department of Conservation and Recreation Conservation Fisheries Fisheries Outdoor Alabama Alabama Tree of Life Web Project of Life Web Project Animal Pictures Archive Pictures Archive I Love Mountains Love Mountains Coal is Dirty is Dirty Google ImagesGoogle Images –Highway –Kudzu –Water contamination –VA Big-Eared Bat –Grey Bat –Bats –Runoff