Ponds
We are still in the development process for determining the appropriate indicators for pond health which will reflect similar analyses mentioned in other sections . It is important to create a baseline set of scientific measurements for key ecological indicators found in this habitat and to monitor changes over time so that potential issues can be addressed and mitigated . The Conservancy plans to work with community entities to ensure the ecological health of our ponds .
Shrub Thickets
Data on wildlife associated with shrub thickets continues to show positive trends . Maritime shrub thicket vegetation shows mostly neutral or increasing trends , which suggests stability in these habitats . Salt shrub thicket shows decreasing vegetative productivity across the island , mostly attributed to sustained tidal inundation events . Salt stress on plants caused by higher concentrations of soil salts is likely to reduce their productivity . This can lead to continued reductions in available shrub thicket habitat for wildlife . Limiting human-induced disturbances to these habitats will help to ensure there is space for wildlife and reduce impacts to vegetation . Continued monitoring of tide levels and vegetation trends will help us to anticipate changes to these habitats due to salt stress . Of particular concern is the transition of these habitats due to marsh migration over the longterm .
Overall
Habitat within the Kiawah River Watershed remain stable but exhibit deterioration in several areas over the assessed time periods . This is due to both human-induced disturbances and declines in environmental conditions . The former has decreased the resilience of these habitats to changes in the environment . Above all else , changes in the hydrology of the watershed provide the best explanation for some of these trends . Impervious surface coverage in upland areas alters the hydrology of the area by limiting groundwater recharge and increasing the volume of stormwater runoff , which also introduces contaminants into downstream waterbodies .
Summary