New River Corridor
Location: Ashe and Alleghany Counties Total Size: 4,500
acres
Map
Site Description: The New River Corridor IBA includes a relatively narrow floodplain and
adjacent slopes along the lower portions of the South Fork and North Fork of the
New River, plus those areas below the confluence of the two forks, in
northwestern North Carolina. The New is an old river system estimated to be more
than a billion years old. It is thought to be
the oldest river system in North America and one of the oldest in the world. Much of the area
along the river is highly
modified by man and has been converted to agricultural fields. A narrow fringe of
shrubs and trees between the river and farmland remains, however, and this is
the area of
primary significance for birds.
Habitats: Riparian, agriculture, mixed forest, river
Land Use: Conservation, recreation/tourism, agriculture
Primary Threats: Agriculture/conversion, recreational development, residential/commercial development
Protection Status: Portions of the site are protected and managed
by the State of North Carolina as part of the New River State Park and the NC
Wildlife Resources Commission game lands. The South Fork of the New River
has been designated as a National Wild and Scenic River and a State Wild and
Scenic River.
Conservation Issues: The clearing of vegetation down to the streambank
for pasture, Christmas tree plantations, and croplands is a significant
concern. Residential and commercial development on and in close proximity
to the streambank threatens habitat. The site has become very popular
among recreationalists, which has led to concern for streamside habitats. A dam
proposed on the Virginia side of the river was defeated in the early
1980s. Tracts along the river are in County ownership and private.
Birds: The site is the best area in North Carolina for breeding Warbling Vireos
and Baltimore Orioles. It supports nearly the entire state population of
breeding Warbling
Vireos. The riparian zone supports a significant number of Willow Flycatchers and
Least Flycatchers. The state's first breeding record for Tree Swallow was
wound along the river. Orchard Oriole and Yellow-throated Vireo are found
on the sites as well as Golden-winged Warbler, Blue-winged Warbler and Yellow
Warbler.
Key Bird Species
|
Criteria |
Season |
Number |
||
| 2 | Golden-winged warbler | B | -- | |
| 4a | Warbling Vireo | B | 5-8 pr. | |
| 4a | Willow Flycatcher | B | 5-10 pr | |
| 4a | Baltimore Oriole | B | 5+ pr | |
| 4a | Yellow Warbler | B | -- | |
| 4a | Least Flycatcher | B | -- | |
| 4a | Tree Swallow | B | -- | |
B=Breeding FM=Fall Migration SM=Spring Migration W=Winter
Source:
Harry LeGrand, NC Natural Heritage Program
James Coman, Blue Ridge Birders