20030147 Ver 2_terrestrial Wildlife Inventories Study_20070511

Yadkin-Pee Dee River Hydroelectric Project
FERC No. 2206
TERRESTRIAL WILDLIFE
INVENTORIES STUDY REPORT
Terrestrial Resources Working Group
Issue No. 8 -Wildlife Inventories
PROGRESS ENERGY
APRIL 2006
D 2006 Progress Energy

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Section Title
ACRONYM LIST .................................................................................................... AL-I
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ..........................................................................................ES-I
SECTION I -INTRODUCTION .................................................................................... I - I
SECTION 2 -STUDY OBJECTIVES ............................................................................. 2-I
SECTION 3 -SITE DESCRIPTION ............................................................................... 3-I
No.
3.1 General Description .......................................................................................... ............. 3-1
3.1.1 Piedmont Ecoregion ........................................................................... ............. 3-4
3.1.2 Southeastern Plains ............................................................................ .............3-4
3.2 Terrestr ial Vegetation and Communities .......................................................... ............. 3-5
3.3 Station Descriptions ......................................................................................... ............. 3-9
3.3.1 Dutch John Creek Area ...................................................................... ........... 3-10
3.3.2 Lake Tillery/Lower Uwharrie River Area ......................................... ........... 3-10
3.3.3 Morrow Mountain State Park and Adjacent Reservoir Areas ........... ........... 3-17
3.3.4 Tillery Dam Area/Great Blue Heron Colony ..................................... ........... 3-17
3.3.5 Leak Island Area ................................................................................ ........... 3-18
3.3.6 Pee Dee National Wildlife Refuge Area ............................................ ........... 3-18
3.3.7 Brown Creek Area ............................................................................. ........... 3-19
3.3.8 Lower Little River Area ..................................................................... ........... 3-19
3.3.9 Grassy Islands/Smith Lake/Water Tupelo Swamp Area .................... ........... 3-20
3.3.10 Blewett Falls Dam Area ..................................................................... ........... 3-23
3.3.11 Pee Dee River Gabbro Slopes ............................................................ ........... 3-23
3.3.12 Hitchcock Creek Area ........................................................................ ........... 3-24
SECTION 4 -METHODS ............................................................................................ 4-I
4.1 Birds ...................................................................................... ........................................ 4-1
4.2 Mammals ............................................................................... ........................................ 4-2
4.3 Reptiles and Amphibians ....................................................... ........................................ 4-2
4.4 General Wildlife Resources ................................................... ........................................ 4-2
4.5 Identify High Value Habitat Areas ........................................ ........................................ 4-2
i

TABLE OF CONTENTS
(Continued)
Section Title
SECTION 5 -RESULTS AND DISCUSSION .................................................................. 5-1
5.1 Avian Resources
5.1.1 Spring Migration Survey ................................
5.1.2 Breeding Survey .............................................
5.1.3 Fall Migration ................................................
5.1.4 Winter Period .................................................
5.1.5 Other Avian Resources ..................................
5.1.6 Project Affects to Avian Resources ...............
5.2 Mamm alian Resources .................................................
5.2.1 Project Affects to Mammals ...........................
5.3 Amphi bian and Reptile Resources ...............................
5.3.1 Project Affects to Reptiles and Amphibians..
5.4 High-Value Wildlife Areas ...........................................
SECTION 6 -SUMMARY ........................................................................................... 6-1
SECTION 7 -REFERENCES ........................................................................................ 7-1
APPENDICES
APPENDIX A -WILDLIFE SPECIES GUILDS
No.
ii

LIST OF FIGURES
Title
No.
Figure 3-1 Project location map ............................................................................... ............. 3-2
Figure 3-2 Ecoregions associated with the Project area ........................................... ............. 3-3
Figure 3-3 Wildlife inventory study locations (Sheet 1 of 5) ................................... ........... 3-11
Figure 3-3 Wildlife inventory study locations (Sheet 2 of 5) ................................... ........... 3-12
Figure 3-3 Wildlife inventory study locations (Sheet 3 of 5) ................................... ........... 3-13
Figure 3-3 Wildlife inventory study locations (Sheet 4 of 5) ................................... ........... 3-14
Figure 3-3 Wildlife inventory study locations (Sheet 5 of 5) ................................... ........... 3-15
Figure 5-1 Total spring bird abundance by habitat macrosite .................................. ............. 5-8
Figure 5-2 Spring migration bird relative abundance-top 10 species ....................... ............. 5-9
Figure 5-3 Spring bird species richness by habitat macrosite .................................. ........... 5-11
Figure 5-4 Highest bird species richness for spring season by point ....................... ........... 5-12
Figure 5-5 Total breeding bird abundance by habitat macrosite .............................. ........... 5-15
Figure 5-6 Breeding bird relative abundance-top 10 species ................................... ........... 5-16
Figure 5-7 Breeding bird species richness by habitat macrosite .............................. ........... 5-17
Figure 5-8 Highest bird species richness for breeding season by point ................... ........... 5-18
Figure 5-9 Total fall migration bird abundance by habitat macrosite ...................... ........... 5-21
Figure 5-10 Fall migration bird relative abundance-top 10 species ........................... ........... 5-22
Figure 5-11 Fall migration species richness by habitat macrosite .............................. ........... 5-24
Figure 5-12 Highest bird species richness for fall migration season by point ........... ........... 5-25
Figure 5-13 Total winter species abundance by habitat macrosite ............................. ........... 5-27
Figure 5-14 Winter bird relative abundance-top 10 species ....................................... ........... 5-28
Figure 5-15 Total winter species richness by macrosite area ..................................... ........... 5-29
Figure 5-16 Mammalian species richness by habitat macrosite ................................. ........... 5-35
Figure 5-17 Herpetile species richness by habitat macrosite ..................................... ........... 5-41
Figure 5-18 High-value wildlife areas (Sheets 1 of 5) ............................................... ........... 5-47
Figure 5-18 High-value wildlife areas (Sheets 2 of 5) ............................................... ........... 5-48
Figure 5-18 High-value wildlife areas (Sheets 3 of 5) ............................................... ........... 5-49
Figure 5-18 High-value wildlife areas (Sheets 4 of 5) ............................................... ........... 5-50
Figure 5-18 High-value wildlife areas (Sheets 5 of 5) ............................................... ........... 5-51
iii

LIST OF TABLES
Table Title
No.
Table 3-1 List of wildlife inventory stations/points and associated community types..... . 3-16
Table 5-1 A list of bird species identified within or near the Yadkin-Pee Dee River
Project area ....................................................................................................... ... 5-2
Table 5-2 Total number of individual birds and species per survey period ...................... ... 5-6
Table 5-3 Total bird abundance and species richness during spring surveys by station,
point, and macrosite habitat-type combinations ............................................... ... 5-7
Table 5-4 Total bird abundance and species richness during breeding surveys by
station, point, and macrosite habitat-type combinations ................................... . 5-13
Table 5-5 Total bird abundance and species richness during fall migration surveys by
station, point, and macrosite habitat-type combinations ................................... . 5-19
Table 5-6 Total bird abundance and species richness during winter surveys by station,
point, and habitat-type combinations ................................................................ . 5-26
Table 5-7 A list of mammal species identified in or near the Yadkin-Pee Dee River
Project area ....................................................................................................... . 5-32
Table 5-8 Mammalian species observed within the Project area macrosite habitats........ . 5-34
Table 5-9 A list of reptile and amphibian species identified in or near the Yadkin-Pee
Dee River Project area ...................................................................................... . 5-37
Table 5-10 Amphibian and reptile species observed within the Project area macrosite
habitats .............................................................................................................. . 5-40
Table 5-11 Areas identified as a high value wildlife community within or near Project
lands .................................................................................................................. . 5-44
iv

Acronym List
Federal/State Agencies
Advisory Council on Historic Preservation (ACHP)
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC)
National Park Service (NPS)
National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS)
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
National Resource Conservation Service (MRCS) formerly known as Soil Conservation Service
National Weather Service (NWS)
North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources (NCDENR)
North Carolina Environmental Management Commission (NCEMC)
North Carolina Department of Natural and Economic Resources, Division of Environmental
Management (NCDEM)
North Carolina Division of Parks and Recreation (NCDPR)
North Carolina Division of Water Resources (NCDWR)
North Carolina Division of Water Quality (NCDW~
North Carolina Natural Heritage Program (NCNHP)
North Carolina State Historic Preservation Officer (NCSHPO)
North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC)
South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR)
South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (SCDHEC)
State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO)
U. S. Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE)
U. S. Department of Interior (DOI)
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA)
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS)
U.S. Geological Survey (USGS)
U. S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)
U.S. Forest Service (LTSFS)
Other Entities
Alcoa Power Generating, Inc., Yadkin Division (APGI)
Progress Energy (Progress)
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNCCH)
Facilities/Places
Yadkin -Pee Dee River Project (entire two-development projectinduding both powerhouses, dams
and impoundments)
Blewett Falls Development (when referring to dam, powerhouse and impoundment)
Blewett Falls Dam (when referring to the structure)
Blewett Falls Hydroelectric Plant (when referring to the powerhouse)
Blewett Falls Lake (when referring to the impoundment)
AL-1

List
Tillery Development (when referring to dam, powerhouse and impoundment)
Tillery Dam (when referring to the structure)
Tillery Hydroelectric Plant (when referring to the powerhouse)
Lake Tillery (when referring to the impoundment)
Documents
401 Water Quality Certification (401 WQC)
Draft Environmental Assessment (DEA)
Environmental Assessment (EA)
Environmental Impact Statement (EIS)
Final Environmental Assessment (FEA)
Initial Consultation Document (ICD)
Memorandum of Agreement (MOA)
National Wetland Inventory (NWI)
Notice of Intent (NOI)
Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NOPR)
Preliminary Draft Environmental Assessment (PDEA)
Programmatic Agreement (PA)
Scoping Document (SD)
Shoreline Management Plan (SMP)
Laws/Regulations
Clean Water Act (CWA)
Code of Federal Regulations (CFR)
Electric Consumers Protection Act (ECPA)
Endangered Species Act (ESA)
Federal Power Act (FPA)
Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act (FWCA)
National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)
National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA)
Terminology
Alternative Relicensing Process (ALP)
Cubic feet per second (cfs)
Degrees Celsius (C)
Degrees Fahrenheit (F)
Dissolved oxygen (DO)
Feet (ft)
Gallons per day (gpd)
Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
Gigawatt Hour (GWh)
Global Positioning System (GPS)
Grams (g)
AL-2

List
Horsepower (hp)
Kilogram (kg)
Kilowatts (kW)
Kilowatt-hours (kWh)
Mean Sea Level (msl)
Megawatt (MW)
Megawatt-hours (MWh)
Micrograms per liter (µg/L)
Milligrams per liter (mg/L)
Millimeter (mm)
Million gallons per day (mgd)
National Geodetic Vertical Datum (NGVD)
National Wetlands Inventory (NWI)
Non-governmental Organizations (NGOs)
Ounces (oz.)
Outstanding Remarkable Value (ORV)
Parts per billion (ppb)
Parts per million (ppm)
Pounds (lbs.)
Power Factor (p.£)
Probable Maximum Flood (PMF)
Project Inflow Design Flood (IDF)
Rare, Threatened, and Endangered Species (RTE)
Ready for Environmental Assessment (REA)
Resource Work Groups(RWG)
Revolutions per Minute (rpm)
Rights-of--way (ROW)
Stakeholders (federal and state resource agencies, NGOs, and other interested parties)
Volts (V)
AL-3

Executive Summary
Progress Energy is currently relicensing the Blewett Falls and Tillery hydroelectric developments
(i.e., Yadkin-Pee Dee River Hydroelectric Project, FERC No. 2206) with the Federal Regulatory
Commission (FERC). As part of the relicensing process, Progress Energy established Resource
Working Groups (RWGs) to identify environmental issues associated with Project operations and
develop study plans. The Terrestrial RWG identified the need for additional terrestrial wildlife
surveys in the high value wildlife habitat areas around Blewett Falls Lake, Lake Tillery, and along
the Pee Dee River and its tributaries in the immediate area downstream of the Blewett Falls Dam.
Progress Energy agreed to conductterrestrial wildlife surveys during 2004 and early 2005 as part of
its relicensingprocess (i.e., Terrestrial RWG Issue No. 8, "Wildlife Inventories"). The surveys were
performed in accordance with the study plan developed within the Terrestrial RWG and approved by
the Terrestrial RWG.
Surveys for wildlife resources were conducted in North Carolina from the Yadkin River just
upstream of the Uwharrie River confluence through to downstream of the Blewett Falls Dam. The
study included a total of 14 stations with 44 sampling points located along the various stations
transects. The habitat combinations or macrosites (e.g., Grassy Islands Complex) are made up of a
combination of 14 separate habitat types. These stations are located in habitats within the Project
boundary, or within the operational zone of influence (e.g., backwaters on Blewett Falls Lake and
flood easements), or as requested bythe Terrestrial RWG, two Progress Energy landholdings outside
of the Project boundaries (e.g., Pee Dee River Gabbro Slopes area).
The river, reservoirs, and adjacent areas provide habitat for large numbers of avian fauna (e.g.,
neotropical songbirds, waterbirds, waterfowl, and shorebirds), as well as a diverse herpetile and
mammalian community. This is due to the presence of several large contiguous tracts offorest land,
wetlands, and other natural communities; the juxtaposition of several habitat types; and several high
value habitats.
Spring bird species richness was highest in the large contiguous forested habitats such as the
Hitchcock Creek, Gabbro Slopes, Blewett Falls Dam area, and Lake Tillery/iJwharrie area. The
individual points with the highest species richness include those in the Hitchcock Creek, Gabbro
Slopes, Blewett Falls Dam area, and Lake Tillery/iJwharrie River area. Breeding bird species
richness was highest in the forested habitats adjacentto the various waterbodies such as the Pee Dee
River (e. g., Lower Little River area), the Lake Tillery/iJwharrie area, and Blewett Falls Dam but was
also high in large contiguous, forested habitats such as the Gabbro Slopes. Fall migration species
richness was again highest in the forested habitats adjacent to the various waterbodies such as the
Blewett Falls Dam area, Grassy Islands, and Pee Dee River but was also high in large, contiguous
forested habitats such as the Gabbro Slopes. These habitats provide quality foraging and stopover
(i.e., resting) habitats. Winter species richness was again highest in the forested habitats adjacentto
the various waterbodies such as the Grassy Islands and Lake Tillery Dam but was also high in large,
contiguous forested habitats such as Hitchcock Creek.
A great blue heron breeding colony is located in a loblolly pine stand along the west shoreline
overlooking the Tillery Developmenttailwater. Primary foraging habitat for this colony is located in
the immediately adjacent tailwater areabelowthe dam. The tailwater and adjacent shoreline below
Tillery Dam provides food, cover, and nesting habitat for both adults and juvenile birds through
ES-1

Executive
most of the year. The number of great blue herons and other wading birds, in addition to the
associated foraging use, in this tailwater area is dependent on the flow (no units or one unit in
operation) and subsequenttailwater elevation. W ith a lower water level, more wading birds use this
habitat area due to low velocity flows, exposed substrate for wading and hunting use, and isolated
foraging pools.
The majority of wetlands is associated with Blewett Falls Lake. The presence ofthe Project also has
a positive affect on the avian fauna that utilize the lakes and reservoirs, due to the juxtaposition of
high quality habitats such as wetlands and adjacent tracts of contiguous forest habitats. Based on
field observations, excessive flooding during nesting, breeding/egg laying, and fledging periods for
avian species, caused by seasonal flooding and the associated water releases from the upstream
reservoirs into downstream bottomlands of Blewett Falls Lake, can have anegative affect (although
not significant affect) on local ground, shrub and low cavity nesting species. Any rise in reservoir
levels (i. e., 2.0 ft or more above adjacent emergent wetlands or normal pool of 177.2 ft' at the dam)
during the nesting and breeding/egg laying period could also have an effect on breeding waterfowl,
such as wood duck, mallard, and Canada goose andtheir chicks and nests. High-water levels during
the fledgling period for waterfowl are not a factor because most waterfowl chicks can swim soon
after hatching.
Water levels falling more than 1.5 ft below the normal maximum operating level in the area of
Grassy Islands for more than four hours during the waterfowl brood rearing period of June and July,
the fall migratory period of August through October, and the wintering period of November through
February can negatively affect waterfowl by reducingforaging and cover habitat and exposingthese
birds to increased predation. During these low-water periods, the emergent wetlands at Blewett
Falls Lake are not inundated. Based on the review of Blewett Falls hourly headpond datafrom 1983
through 2000, approximately 60 percent ofthe hourly lake levels at Blewett Falls Dam are at levels
greater in depth than 175.7 ft (i. e., 1.5 ft below the normal operating pool level). The Grassy Islands
are located 5 miles upstream from the dam and the extent of change in water elevations is expected
to be less than that experienced atthe dam. However, these low-water levels, and associated affects,
usually only occur during the periods when the Blewett Falls Dam flashboards are out for a period of
time. Affects to these species during the normal daily operations are not significant.
There were 12 mammal species observed during the surveys and an additional 7 species listed
through incidental observations. A total of 40 species have been observed in the general area ofthe
Project. The highest mammalian abundance and species richness during the surveys was found in
the Grassy Islands Complex at the forest and water interface. Seven species were observed in this
area including several semi-aquatic species such as the beaver, muskrat, and otter. All facility
structures including both powerhouses and ancillary buildings were surveyed for roosting bats
during the summer of 2004. No bats or evidence of bat use were documented in these structures.
Overall, the structures associated with the Project area did not provide suitable bat roosting habitat
due to lack of access, warm temperatures, and noise levels.
The majority ofmammalian species within the Project areawill notbe affected by Project operations
due to the fact that they are mobile and inhabit the more terrestrial areas. Based on field
' Unless otherwise noted, all elevations are NAVD 88.
ES-2

Executive
observations, reservoir water levels 2.0 ft below the normal maximum operating level for a period of
time (more than one day) may adversely affect several aquatic and semi-aquatic species such as the
muskrat and beaver. Based on the review of Blewett Falls Lake hourly headpond data from 1983
through 2000, approximately 75 percent ofthe hourly lake levels at Blewett Falls Dam are at levels
greater in depth than 175.2 ft (i.e., 2.0 ft below the normal operating pool level). However, it is
assumed that these low water levels and associated affects, usually only occur during the periods
when the Blewett Falls Dam flashboards are out.
There were 20 herpetile (reptile and amphibian) species observed during the surveys and an
additional 11 species listed through incidental observations. Based on existing literature and records
searches, a total of 96 species have been observed in the general four-county area of the Project.
The highest herpetile abundance and species richness during the surveys was found in the Grassy
Islands Complex in the bottomland and wetland habitats. The forested habitats ofthe Gabbro Slopes
and Hitchcock Creek area also had relatively high species richness due to the large and contiguous
tracts of mature forest land found at this site.
It is unlikely that hydro operations would influence most of the terrestrial herpetile species to any
significant degree. It is, however, possible that hydro operations could influence certain semi-
aquatic and aquatic species by influencing the amount of suitable aquatic and wetland habitat
available during certain periods of operation. Based on field observations at Blewett Falls Lake,
reservoir water levels 1.5 ft or more below the normal maximum operating level for more than one
day may adversely these several aquatic and semi-aquatic species (such as the bullfrog) by limiting
habitat availability and increasing predation especially duringthe breeding period. Reservoir water
levels greater than 1.5 ft below the normal maximum operating level for more than one day in the
winter, with the subsequentfreezingand desiccation of substrates can cause mortality in hibernating
species such as turtles and frogs due to freezing ofthe individuals. However, these water levels are
assumed to occur duringthe infrequentperiods when the Blewett Falls Dam flashboards are outfor a
period of time. Affects to these species during the normal daily operations are not significant.
Areas within the Project boundary, in the zones of influence, and the two land holdings requested by
the Terrestrial RWG were reviewed and surveyed to identify those areas determined to be "high
value wildlife habitat." Information from the Terrestrial RWG meetings and information from
literature (e. g., N.C. Natural Heritage Program Reports) was used in the reconnaissance of these
high-value habitats. These areas were evaluated based on plant community type, unique features,
and the results of the wildlife inventories. The following describes several of the important
attributes of these selected wildlife areas:
^ The large undisturbed and contiguous forested habitats associated with the Grassy Islands,
Lower Little River, Gabbro Slopes and Hitchcock Creek areas provide high value breeding
and foraging wildlife habitat for avian and herpetile species.
^ The persistent emergent wetlands (e.g., southern wild rice beds) associated with the Grassy
Island Complex provide important waterfowl, passerine, and herpetile foraging and cover
habitat.
^ Grassy Islands/Smith Lake provides winter refuge for numerous waterfowl species including
wood ducks, mallards, buffleheads, and scaup. Several large vernal pools with rich amphibian
breeding assemblages are also associated with the Grassy Island bottomlands.
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Executive
^ Riverine area adjacent to Pee Dee National Wildlife Refuge has a high concentration of
wintering waterfowl including species such as the mallard, American black duck, wood duck,
and Canada goose.
^ The Lake Tilley tailwater provides high value foraging habitatfor wading and waterbirds and
is adjacentto the growing great blue heron breeding colony.
ES-4

Section 1 -Introduction
Progress Energy is currently relicensing the Blewett Falls and Tillery hydroelectric developments
(i.e., Yadkin-Pee Dee River Hydroelectric Project, FERC No. 2206) with the Federal Regulatory
Commission (FERC). As part of the relicensing process, Progress Energy established RWGs during
May 2003 to identify environmental issues associated with Project operations and develop study
plans, if necessary, specific to Project lands and associated lakes and tailwaters. The Terrestrial
RW G identified the need for additional terrestrial wildlife surveys in the high value wildlife habitat
areas around Blewett Falls Lake, Lake Tillery, and along the lower Pee Dee River and its tributaries.
Progress Energy agreed to conductterrestrial wildlife surveys during 2004 and early 2005 as part of
its relicensing process (i.e., Terrestrial RWG Issue No. 8, "Wildlife Inventories"). This report
describes the objectives, methods, and results of these surveys.
1-1

Section 2 -Study Objectives
The objectives ofthis terrestrial wildlife field inventory are to: (1) identify and map the high-value
wildlife habitat areas within the FERC Project boundaries, within specific corporate landholdings,
and zone of operational influence; (2) characterize existing terrestrial wildlife populations;
(3) qualify the relationship of existing wildlife population distribution under the current operating
regime and assess the effects of current and reasonable future Project-related hydropower operations
(e.g., fluctuations and drawdowns) on these wildlife communities; and (4) provide information to
assist in developing any potential protection, mitigation, and enhancement measures.
2-1

Section 3 -Site Description
3.1 General Description
The Project is located on the Yadkin-Pee Dee River in south central North Carolina (Figure 3-1).
The Yadkin-Pee Dee River basin is the second largest in North Carolina covering 7,213 min as
measured at the North Carolina-South Carolina state line (NCDWQ 1998). The Yadkin-Pee Dee
River originates near the town of Blowing Rock and flows northeasterly for approximately 100
miles from the Blue Ridge Mountains into the Piedmont physiographical region. As the river turns
southeast, it enters an area in Central North Carolina that has experienced considerable urban
growth. This growing urban area extends from Charlotte to Raleigh/Durham and is known as the
Piedmont Crescent (ASU 1999). Just to the south of the Piedmont Crescent, the region enters an
area known as the Uwharrie Lakes Region. This region is named for the chain of six reservoirs
located along this reach of the Yadkin-Pee Dee River, two of which are Lake Tillery and Blewett
Falls Lake. It is in this region that the Uwharrie River joins the Yadkin River at the upper end of
Lake Tillery to form the Pee Dee River.
The flow of the Yadkin-Pee Dee River is regulated by a federal flood control development and six
hydroelectric developments on the main stem of the river (Figure 3-1). The first development,
traveling downstream fromthe headwaters, is the W. Scott Kerr Dam, afederal flood control project.
The next four developments make up the Yadkin Project. These four hydroelectric developments,
High Rock, Tuckertown, Narrows, and Falls, are owned and operated by APGI and are located along
a 38-mile stretch ofthe river (river miles 272 to 234). High Rock Reservoir is operated as a storage
reservoir and serves as the principal storage and water regulation facility for the lower Yadkin-Pee
Dee River (APGI 2002).
The next two hydroelectric developments (dams and powerhouses) on the river, located at river
miles 218 and 188 are the Tillery and Blewett Falls Developments, which constitute Progress
Energy's Yadkin-Pee Dee River Project. The primary purpose ofthe Project is to provide peaking
and load-following generation. Its ability to provide such benefits and meet other flow-related needs
is largely dependent on the schedule offlows being released from upstream reservoirs. Currently, an
agreement between APGI and Progress Energy governs the release of waters from APGI
developments to the Progress Energy developments. Additional Project-related information is
discussed in the Initial Consultation Document for the Project (Progress Energy 2003).
Most ofthe study area is located within the "Piedmont" Level III ecoregion (Figure 3-2) (Griffith et
al. 2002). The Piedmont ecoregion includes Lake Tillery downstream to the Blewett Falls Dam.
The remaining area downstream of Blewett Falls is located withinthe Southeastern Plains ecoregion.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) defines ecoregions as areas ofrelative homogeneity in
ecological systems andtheir components. The EPA portrays areas within whichthere is similarity in
the mosaic of all biotic and abiotic components of both terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. Factors
associated with spatial differences in the quality and quantity of ecosystem components, including
soils, vegetation, climate, geology, and physiography, are relatively homogeneous within an
ecoregion. These regions separate different patterns in human stresses on the environment and
different patterns in the existing and attainable quality of environmental resources. Ecoregion
classifications are effective for inventorying and assessing national and regional environmental
resources and for developing biological criteria and water quality standards (Griffith et al. 2002).
3-1

Section 3
Site
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s
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Figuee 3-1 Project location map.
3-2

Section 3
Site

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3-3

Section 3 Site Descripti
A description of the Level III ecoregions and the associated Level IV "sub" ecoregions (Figure 3-2)
are described below:
3.1.1 Piedmont Ecoregion
The northeast-southwest trending Piedmont ecoregion comprises a transitional area between the
mostly mountainous ecological regions of the Appalachians to the northwest and the relatively flat
coastal plain to the southeast. It is an erosional terrain ofmoderately dissected irregular plains with
some hills, with a complex mosaic of Precambrian and Paleozoic metamorphic and igneous rocks.
Most rocks of the Piedmont are covered by a thick mantle of saprolite, except along some major
stream valley bluffs and on a few scattered granitic domes and flatrocks. Rare plants and animals
can be found on the rock outcrops. Stream drainage in the Piedmonttends to be perpendicular to the
structural trend of the rocks across which they flow (Griffith et al. 2002).
The soils are generally finer-textured than those found in coastal plain regions with less amounts of
sand and a higher percentage of clay. Several major land cover transformations have occurred
(Ecoregions [Figure 3-3]) in the Piedmont over the past 200 years, from forest to farm, back to
forest, and now in many areas, spreading urban and suburbanization. The historic oak-hickory-pine
forest is now in planted pine or has reverted to successional pine and hardwood woodlands, with
some pasture in the landcover mosaic (Griffith et al. 2002).
Within the Piedmontecoregion, the Projectareafrom Lake Tillery downstream to approximately the
Rocky Creek confluence is located within the Carolina Slate Belt "sub" ecoregion. This region
extends from southern Virginia through the Carolinas and includes mineral rich metvolcanic and
metasedimentary rocks with slatey cleavage. Streams tend to dry up and water yields to wells are
low in this region due to low water-bearing rockformations (Griffith et al. 2002). The Project area
from Rock Creek downstream to the Little River confluence is located with the Triassic Basin "sub"
region. This area is characterized by an unusual geology consisting of unmetamorphosed shales,
sandstones, mudstones, siltstones and conglomerates.
3.1.2 Southeastern Plains
The Southeastern Plains ecoregion is located between the Piedmont and Middle Atlantic Coastal
Plain ecoregions. The physiography consists of dissected irregular plains with moderate to steep
sides and low to moderate sandy bottomed streams (Griffith et al. 2002). The soils typically consist
of medium to coarse Creataceous or Tertiary-age sand, loamy sand, and sandy loam. Seepage and
groundwater support steady streamflows and saturated wetlands (Griffith et al. 2002).
On drier sites, turkey oak and blackjack oak grow with longleaf pine and wiregrass cover. Red
maple and evergreen shrubs are common in the wetland areas. Within the Southeastern Plain
ecoregion, from Blewett Falls Lake Dam downstream through part of South Carolina is located
within the Sand Hills "sub" ecoregion (Griffith et al. 2002).
3-4

Section 3 Site Descripti
3.2 Terrestrial Vegetation and Communities
Wildlife habitat is frequently described as an area supporting aparticulartype ofvegetation forfood
and cover, in combination with other resources such as water and environmental conditions
including climate, predators and competition (Morrison et al. 1992). According to Morrison et al.
(1992), high quality wildlife habitat can be defined as those areas that afford conditions necessary
for relatively successful survival and reproduction over relatively long periods when compared with
other similar environments.
In general, the majority of terrestrial natural communities alongthe Yadkin-Pee Dee River shoreline
consists of hardwood and pine woodland. These deciduous areas can range from dry to mesic
hardwood forest to rather extensive piedmont bottomland forest (Schafale and Weakley 1990).
Planted and managed pine stands are also scattered throughout and adjacent to the shoreline areas.
Representative tree species in these deciduous areas include red maple (Ater rubrum), boxelder (A.
negundo), sycamore (Platanus occidentalis), sweet gum (Liquidambar styraciflua), white ash
(Fraxinus americana), red oak (Quercus rubs), southern red oak (Q. falcata), willow oak (Q.
phellos), white oak (Q. alba), and chestnut oak (Q. montana). Loblolly pine (Pinus taeda), Virginia
pine (P. virginiana), shortleaf pine (P. echinata), and longleaf pine (P. palustris) are also scattered
throughout this community (Bates 2002; EA 2000; Sorrie 2001).
Typical shrubs and vines include mountain laurel (Kalmia larifolia), deerberry (T~accinium
stamineum), dangleberry (Gaylussacia frondosa), common serviceberry (Amelanchier arborea), St.
John's wort (Hypericum hypericoides), fetter-bush (Leucothoe racemosa), poison ivy
(Toxicodendron radicans), Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia), greenbrier (Smilax spp.),
and muscadine grape (Viris rotundifolia) (Bates 2002; EA 2000; Sorrie 2001).
The representative and rather diverse herbaceous plant community typically consists of bottlebush
grass (Elymus hystrix), poverty oatgrass (Danthonia spicata), tick trefoil (Desmodium
rotundifolium), white avens (Geum canadense), perfoliate bellwort (Uvularia perfoliata), upright
yellow woodsorrel (Oxalis stricta), woodland sunflower (Helianthus divaricatus), white wood aster
(Aster divaricatus), whorled coreopsis (Coreopsis verricillata),halberd-leaved yellow violet (Viola
hastata), black bugbane (Cimicifuga racemosa), Virginia dayflower (Commelina virginica),
Carolina elephantfoot (Elephantopus carolinianus), downy rattlesnake-plantain (Goodyera
pubescens), ebony spleenwort (Asplenium platyneuron), Christmas fern (Polysrichium
acrosricoides), and broom-sedge (Andropogon virginicus) (Bates 2002; Sorrie 2001).
Larger stands of monotypic pine plantation are also found within some of the Progress Energy
landholdings. Most of these areas are actively managed for timber production. The common pine
species include loblolly and shortleaf pine. The relatively sparse understory, due to the closed
canopy, typically consists of Japanese honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica), and poison ivy.
Terrestrial natural communities that are classified by the NC Natural Heritage Program and found
within the study area include the following types. According to Schafale and Weakley (1990), a
natural community is a distinct and reoccurring assemblage of populations of plants, animals,
bacteria, and fungi naturally associated with each other and their physical environment. A natural
3-5

Section 3 Site Descripti
community is characterized by vegetation composition and physiognomy, animal assemblages,
topography, soils, hydrology, and other abiotic factors (Schafale and Weakley 1990). Natural
communities found in the Project area include the following types:
^ Dry Oak-Hickory Forest -This common community is typically found on ridgetops, upper
slopes, steep south-facing slopes, and other dry areas on acidic soils (Schafale and Weakley
1990). This community is found throughout the Piedmont and Coastal Plain area of North
Carolina. Species representative of the canopy include water oak, white oak, southern red
oak, blackjackoak(Q. marilandia), red maple, sweet gum, and Virginiapine. Representative
understory and shrub species include American hornbeam (Carpi~rus caroliniana), flowering
dogwood, persimmon (Diospyros virginiana), American holly (Ilex opaca), sourwood
(Oxydendrum arboreum), sparkleberry, and Virginia creeper. The typical herb species include
ebony spleenwort, spotted wintergreen (Chimaphila maculata), rattlesnake hawkweed
(Hieracium venosum), arrowleaf heartleaf (Hexastylis arifolia), northern oatgrass, and
creeping bushclover (Lespedeza repens) (Bates 2002; Schafale and Weakley 1990).
Representatives of this community are found on the west shoreline of Lake Tillery in
association with the Morrow Mountain area, north of the Lake Tillery Dam, and along the
slopes of the Little River north of Blewett Falls Lake.
^ Dry-Mesic Oak-Hickory Forest -This community is typically located on mid slopes, low
ridges, flats on acidic soils (Schafale and Weakley 1990). The canopy of this community
consists for chestnut oak (Q. montana), water oak, white oak, willow oak, bitternut hickory
(Carya cordiformis), American beech (Fagus grandifolia), and shortleaf pine (P. echinata).
The understory layer includes American hornbeam, black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia),
American basswood (Tilia americana), flowering dogwood, spicebush (Lindera benzoin),
bigleaf snowball (Styrax grandifolius), sparkleberry, Japanese honeysuckle, common
greenbrier (Smilax rotundifolia), and poison ivy. Herbs typical of this community include
ebony spleenwort, southern lady fern (Athyrium asplenoides), rattlesnake fern (Botrychium
virgiania~rum), spotted wintergreen, plume grass (Erianthus contortus), may apple
(Podophyllum peltatum), Christmas fern, false Solomon's Seal (Smilacina racemosa), and
little sweet trillium (Trillium cuneatum) (Bates 2002). A good community representative is
found along the east shore slopes of Lake Tillery in the Dutch John Creek area.
^ Basic Oak-Hickory Forest -This community is found on slopes, ridges, upland flats, and
other dry areas associated with basic or circumneutral soils (Schafale and Weakley 1990).
Locations ofthis community are scattered throughoutthe Piedmont. The species found inthis
community are indicative of basic soils and include canopy and shrub species such as chalk
maple (Ater leucoderme), downy serviceberry (Amelanchier arborea), Georgia hackberry
(Celris tenuifolia), eastern redbud (Cercis canadensis), flowering dogwood, American beech,
smooth blackhaw (Viburnum prunifolium), painted buckeye (Aesculus sylvarica), and
sweetshrnb (Calycanthus floridus). Herbs include thick-pod white wild indigo (Baprisia
alba), dwarf iris (Iris verna), downy false indigo (Aureolaria virginica), and bracken fern
(Pteridium aquilinum) (Bates 2002; Sorrie 2001). A good representative ofthis community is
found below the Blewett Falls Lake Dam within the Gabbro Slopes and Hitchcock Creek
areas.
3-6

Section 3 Site Descripti
^ Pine Plantation -This community consists of managed pine plantation consisting of loblolly
and shortleaf pine. Due to the pine density, the shrub and herb layer is typically sparse.
Japanese honeysuckle and poison ivy can be common in certain locations. This community is
scattered along Lake Tillery and Blewett Falls Lake and also is adjacent to areas such as
Hitchcock Creek.
^ Early Successional Communities -The early successional communities include existing
maintained utility right-of--ways and recent timber harvesting areas. The existing utility
corridors are maintained in an early successional stage ranging from herbaceous to shrub-
dominated habitats depending upon maintenance schedules and native vegetation. Timber
harvesting is common throughout the area and clearcutting is one of the dominant harvest
techniques. Vegetation composition and structure associated with these areas gradually
change over time through natural successional processes. Blackberries, raspberries (Rubus
spp.), broom-sedge, and other herbaceous plants typically dominate these areas in the firstfew
years following the harvest. Fast growing tree species such as cherries (Prunus spp.),
sweetgum, red maple, and pines gradually shade the herb species and quickly dominate the
clearcuts. These early successional habitats generally remain thick and shrubby for up to 20
years following harvest unless they are replanted in the first few years.
^ Agricultural Areas -Agricultural cover types along the Yadkin-Pee Dee River include
cropland, pastures, hayfields, and fallow fields. The most common croplands include cotton,
soybeans, and corn. Agricultural areas are common along the Pee Dee River between Lake
Tillery and the upper reaches of Blewett Falls Lake including areas within the Pee Dee
National Wildlife Refuge and Leak Island.
Palustrine (i.e., freshwater) wetlands are relatively common within and adjacentto the waterbodies
associated with the Yadkin-Pee Dee study area. The majority of the wetlands within the study area
are associated with islands and the surrounding shoreline floodplains of Blewett Falls Lake. The
areaknown as the Grassy Islands is representative ofthese wetland areas. These islands are found in
the upper reaches of the impoundment. Emergent and scrub/shrub wetlands are also associated with
several ofthe larger protected coves distributed in the upper portion of Blewett Falls Lake and Lake
Tillery (CP&L 2002a). Wetland natural communities that are classified by the North Carolina
Natural Heritage Program and found within the Project area include the following types.
^ Piedmont Bottomland Forest -The bottomland forests consist of floodplain ridges and
second and third terraces adjacentto the river channel or at least open water ofthe reservoirs.
The hydrology in this system is typically seasonally flooded (i.e., surface water present for
extended periods at certain times ofthe year) to temporarily flooded. Although depending on
the terrace location, semi-permanently, and intermittently flooded areas are also found within
this community. The bottomland hardwood community consists of a high quality wetland and
mature forest community. This community is diverse in vegetative structure and species
richness and is relatively undisturbed. Most ofthe bottomland forest areas are associated with
the Grassy Islands and surrounding floodplains of Blewett Falls Lake. These islands and
floodplains are found in the upper reaches ofthe impoundment and support some ofthe best
remaining bottomland forests in the piedmont of North Carolina (Sorrie 2001). There are
several areas where swamp chestnut oaks, willow oaks, and loblolly pines are estimated to be
3-7

Section 3 Site Descripti
at least 150 to 200+ years old and have a diameter at breast height (dbh) from 3 to 4 ft. This
area is an excellent representative of relatively undisturbed Piedmont bottomland community,
which has been classified as Rare (S3) in North Carolina (Schafale and Weakley 1990).
The vegetation associated with the bottomlands forests consist of a mature canopy of various
trees such as sycamore, green ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica), American elm (Ulmus
americana), red maple, lowland hackberry (Celris laevigata), swamp chestnut oak, water oak,
willow oak, loblolly pine, and cottonwood (Populus deltoides). These mature canopytrees are
at least 80 to 100 years in age. In most of the bottomlands, the shrub and vine layer consisted
of muscadine (Viris rotundifolia), poison ivy, greenbrier, cross vine (Bignonia capreolata),
black willow (Salix nigra), Chinese privet, and pawpaw. This shrub and vine layer varied in
density depending on the local hydrologic conditions. The typical herb layer consisted false
nettle (Boehmeria cylindrica), Indian wild oats, fleabane species (Erigeron spp.), violet
species (Viola spp.), sedge species (Carex spp.), giant cane, Pennsylvania smartweed
(Polygonum pensylvanicum), and marsh pepper smartweed (P. hydropiper). The herb layer
can be nonexistentto quite dense depending on the duration of standing water and the extent of
canopy closure.
In several areas, including some channel fringe and cove areas, dense, monotypic stands of
southern wild rice or giant cutgrass (Zizaniaopsis miliacea) are evident. Black willow and
crimson-eyed mallow (Hibiscus moscheutos) are also found in the higher portions of these
coves. These large, permanently to semi-permanently flooded areas are found in the vicinity
of Mountain Island Creek confluence, fringing the Grassy Islands and alongthe west shoreline
within several large coves.
^ Piedmont Levee Forest -This natural community is associated with natural levee and point
bar deposits on large floodplains, especially within Blewett Falls Lake (Schafale and Weakley
1990). The community is typically bordered by the river channel and grades into and is
closely associated with the bottomland hardwood community. The canopy is dominated by a
mixture of large trees including sycamore, river birch, sugarberry (Celris laevigata), boxelder,
sweetgum, American elm, and cottonwood. These mature canopy trees are typically at least
80 to 100 years in age. The shrub and vine layer consisted of muscadine, poison ivy,
greenbriar, cross vine, black willow, spicebush, and pawpaw. This shrub and vine layer varies
in density depending on the local hydrologic conditions. The typical herb layer consists of
false nettle, river oats, fleabane species, violet species, sedge species (Carex spp.), giant cane,
and smartweed species (Polygo~rum spp). The Grassy Islands associated with Blewett Falls
Lake exhibit some ofthe bestremaining levee communities in the piedmont ofNorth Carolina
(Sorrie 2001).
^ Oxbow Lake -This natural community, known as Smith Lake, is associated with relic river
channel meanders with permanent hydrology (Schafale and Weakley 1990). Within Blewett
Falls Lake, this community is associated with an old oxbow/slough(s) of the Little River.
These oxbows and sloughs are old historical channels believed to have formed as the Little
River migrated north to its present location. A unique water tupelo (Nyssa aquarica) swamp
community is located approximately 2,000 ft upstream ofthe confluence ofthe Pee Dee River
and Smith Lake. Sorrie (2001) believes that this specific Oxbow Lake community occurs
3-8

Section 3 Site Descripti
nowhere else in the Piedmontregion ofNorth Carolinaand is of Statewide Significance. This
community, including several ofthe representative plant species, is usually found only in the
Coastal Plain physiographic region.
^ Piedmont Alluvial Forest -This seasonally or intermittently flooded forested wetland
community is located along river and stream floodplains within the Project area In the
Project area the typical canopy species include the sycamore, red maple, river birch, and
willow oak. The understory species include red maple, spicebush, box elder (Ater negundo),
ironwood, and American holly. Shrubs and vines include brook-side alder, swamp rose,
common elderberry, southern arrowwood (Vibur~rum dentatum), poison ivy, and Virginia
creeper. Representative herbs include cane, southern lady fern, rattlesnake fern, fringed sedge
(Carex crinita), shallow sedge (C. lurida), Virginia dayflower (Commelina virginica), spotted
jewelweed (Impariens capensis), fowl manna grass (Glyceria striata), Japanese grass
(Microstegium vimeneum), early meadowrne (Thalictrum dioicum), green dragon (Arisaema
triphyllum), and perfoliate bellwort (Bates 2002; Schafale and Weakley 1990). The invasive
Chinese privet and Japanese honeysuckle can be prevalent in several areas alongthe Yadkin-
Pee Dee River.
Associated with this community, as well as the other bottomlands, are scattered ephemeral or
vernal pool depressional areas. These pools are subject to seasonal fluctuation and provide
important breeding areas for several amphibian species such as mole salamanders. Emergent
hydrophytes such as lizard's-tail (Saururus cernuus), sedges (Carex spp.), rare Coastal Plain
species such as water purslane (Didiplis diandra), and peripheral stands of large water tupelo
are also associated with these vernal pools.
^ Other Wetland Communities -Several other wetland communities are found throughout the
Project area One of the more common emergent wetlands, especially on Lake Tillery,
includes shoreline fringing areas consisting ofwater willow (Jusricia americana). The water
willow beds found on Lake Tillery are the most frequently mapped habitat types on the lake
(CP&L 2001a). These semi-permanently flooded areas can be found at the mouth of the
Uwharrie River, the Richmond Creek confluence, and a fringe along the majority of the
southern Lake Tillery shoreline.
Submergent and aquatic bed wetlands can also be found throughout study area, especially in
protected coves within Lake Tillery. Due to the turbid conditions within Blewett Falls Lake, aquatic
bed wetlands are uncommon. These permanently to semi-permanently flooded wetlands include
aquatic species such as pondweed (Potomogeton spp.), muskgrass (Chas spp.), coontail
(Ceratophyllum sp.), and brittle naiad (Najas minor).
3.3 Station Descriptions
Surveys for wildlife resources were conducted in North Carolina from the Yadkin River just
upstream of the Uwharrie River confluence to downstream of Blewett Falls Lake (Figure 3-3). The
study started with a total of 14 stations with 44 points located along the various stations transects.
The habitat combinations or macrosites are made up of a combination of 14 separate habitat types.
Each station was described eiven a senarate habitat combination that best described the area with the
3-9

Section 3 Site Descripti
station (Table 3-1). These stations are located in habitats within the Projectboundary, or within the
operational zone of influence (e.g., backwaters on Blewett Falls Lake), or within two landholdings
outside ofthe Projectboundaries (e.g., Gabbro Slopes and HitchcockCreekareas). A description of
the wildlife inventory stations are as follows.
3.3.1 Dutch John Creek Area
The Dutch John Creek Area is located north of the confluence of the Uwharrie and Yadkin Rivers
and is not bordered by Lake Tillery. During the first spring survey, it was determined that this site
was outside of Projectboundariesand outside zone of operational influence (Figure 3-3). Due to the
station location, no further surveys were conducted at this site. The point has 80 percent forest
canopy coverage with an estimated average height of 50 ft with approximately two snags observed.
This area was designated by the North Carolina Natural Heritage Program as regionally significant
primarily because of its large, unfragmented predominately Dry Oak-Hickory Forest in the upper
elevations which provides habitat for interior forest animals (Bates 2001).
The canopy ofthis community consists for chestnut oak, water oak, white oak, willow oak, bitternut
hickory, American beech, and shortleaf pine. The understory layer includes American hornbeam,
American basswood, flowering dogwood, spicebush, bigleaf snowball, sparkleberry, Japanese
honeysuckle, greenbrier, and poison ivy. Herbs typical ofthis community include ebony spleenwort,
rattlesnake fern, spotted wintergreen, plume grass, Christmas fern, and false Solomon's Seal.
3.3.2 Lake Tillery/Lower Uwharrie River Area
The part ofthe Uwharrie River corridor identified as State Significantbythe North Carolina Natural
Heritage Program is upstream of the flowage easement or property of Progress Energy. Along the
lower Uwharrie River, just before the confluence with the Yadkin/Pee Dee River, residences line the
western shoreline. The eastern shoreline, which is within the zone of Proj ect influence, is primarily a
narrow Piedmont Alluvial Forest with mature red maple, river birch, willow oak, water oak, sweet
gum, and sycamore. The understory layer is dominated with tag alder, flowering dogwood,
American holly, muscadine grape, poison ivy, crossvine, river oats, and Christmas fern. The station
has 75 percentforest canopy coverage with an estimated average height of 60 ft with four observed
snags. Several large ephemeral or vernal pools within the floodplain and two backwater coves
(locally known as Hidden Lakes) are located to the south of the Uwharrie River. Dense layers of
vegetation lined the shores ofthese Hidden Lakes, from the dominanttrees inthis Piedmont Alluvial
3-10

Section 3
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3-11

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3-12

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3-13

Section 3
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3-14

Section
Site
Figure 3-3 Wildlife inventory study locations (Sheet 5 of 5).
3-1~

Section 3 Site Descripti
Table 3-1 List of wildlife inventory stations/points and associated community types.
General Location Number Specific Location Name Community Habitat Type
of Points
Lake Tillery 1 Jacobs Creek Area Mesic Oak-Hickory
Lake Tillery 4 Lower Uwharrie River Corridor Piedmont Bottomland and Alluvial Forest;
isolated Floodplain Ephemeral Pools and
adjacentwaterbodies ("Hidden Lakes")
Lake Tillery 2 Morrow Mountain State Park Alluvial Forest and Reservoir
Pee Dee River 4 Tillery Dam and Tailrace Area Tailrace, Piedmont Bottomland, Alluvial
including the great blue heron Forest, Mesic Oak-Hickory Forest, and
colony Reservoir
Pee Dee River 1 Leak Island Agriculture, Mesic Oak-Hickory Forest and
Riverine
Pee Dee River 1 Brown Creek Piedmont Bottom land Forest and Levee Forest
Pee Dee River 2 Pee Dee National Wildlife Riverine and Piedmont Bottomland Forest
Refuge Area
Pee Dee River 3 Lower Little River PiedmontBottomlandForestandLevee Forest
Grassy Islands /Smith 14 total Grassy Islands/Smith Lake Variety of floodplain and Mesic slope forests,
Lake Complex emergent marshes, Levee and Alluvial Forest
and Piedmont Bottomland forest
Grassy Islands /Smith 6 Grassy Islands Piedmont Bottomland Forest, Levee Forest
Lake
Grassy Islands /Smith 2 Oxbow Lake (Smith Lake) PiedmontBottomlandForest, and Oxbow Lake
Lake
Grassy Islands /Smith 2 Water Tupelo Swamp Area Oxbow Lake and PiedmontBottomlandForwt
Lake
Grassy Islands /Smith 2 Mountain Creek/S. Rice Beds Piedmont Bottomland Forest, Levee Forest,
Lake Oxbow Lake
Grassy Islands /Smith 4+ Vemal Pools Isolated Floodplain Ephemeral Pool
Lake
Lower Pee Dee River 3 Blewett Falls Dam and Tailrace Tailrace, Reservoir, Mesic Oak-Hickory Forest
Area
Lower Pee Dee River 4 Pee Dee River Gabbro Slopes and Basic Oak-Hickory forest and Piedmont
Floodplain Bottomland/Levee Forest
Lower Pee Dee River 3 Hitchcock Creek and Pee Dee Basic Mesic and Basic Oak-Hickory Forests,
River Slopes Piedmont Bottomland Forest
3-16

Section 3 Site Descripti
Forest community of red maple, sugarberry, and tulip tree to the silky dogwood, buttonbush, green
ash, blackwillow, and tag alder understory. The herbaceous emergent layer is diverse and includes
numerous sedge species including broadleaf arrowhead, Ludwegia, Lizard's-tail, and pickerel weed.
Dense submerged aquatic vegetation consisting of charafringes the emergentvegetation atthis site.
There is one wildlife inventory station and four associated sample points within this area. The
sample points are located in the Alluvial Forest community (Figure 3-3 and Table 3-1).
3.3.3 Morrow Mountain State Park and Adjacent Reservoir Areas
Morrow Mountain State Park covers approximately 4,700 acres of upland and wetland areas in
Stanly County including approximately four linear miles of shoreline on Lake Tillery. Steep
Piedmont Acidic Cliffrock outcrops, Piedmont Heath Bluff dominated by mountain laurel, and Dry-
Mesic Oak-Hickory Forest with oaks, hickory, shortleaf pine, and Virginia pine communities
characterized the habitat from Falls Dam to the Morrow Mountain State Park public boat ramp.
River birch, water oak, red maple, pawpaw, giant cane, and river oats dominate these moist shoreline
areas. The station has 65 percent forest canopy coverage with an estimated average height of 60 ft
with three snags observed. Progress Energy primarily has only flowage easements along the
shoreline of Morrow Mountain State Park. There are two wildlife inventory stations with one
associated sample pointfor each station (Figure 3-3 and Table 3-1). The sample points are located
in the Alluvial Forest community and the adjacent reservoir.
3.3.4 Tillery Dam Area/Great Blue Heron Colony
This station includes sample sites both immediately above and below the Tillery Dam. The area
immediately above Tillery Dam on the west shoreline of Lake Tillery is managed as a loblolly pine
plantation. The understory is sparse and consists primarily of Japanese honeysuckle and anglers
heavily use the area for bank fishing. The west shore area below the dam is a Piedmont Alluvial
Forest dominated by mature plantation loblolly pines with an understory dominated with the non-
native, invasive species Japanese honeysuckle and Chinese privet. There also are scattered areas of
Mesic Oak-Hickory forest at this site including dominant canopy species of water oak, red oak,
pignut hickory, and sweet gum. The understory consists primarily of American holly, flowering
dogwood, pipsissewa (Chimaphila maculate) and arrowleaf heartleaf (Hexastylis arifolia). The
station has approximately 85 percent forest canopy coverage with an estimated average height of
65 ft with six snags observed.
There is an established great blue heron breeding colony in the loblolly pines along the west
shoreline (i.e., loblolly pine plantation) adjacent to the tailrace area. Approximately 80 pairs of
herons were counted in this growing breeding colony in 2004. A bald eagle nest has consistently
been observed in this area overthe pastthree years. There is one wildlife inventory station and three
associated sample points atthis site (Figure 3-3 and Table 3-1). The sample points are located inthe
Alluvial Forest community within Project boundaries and one point also overlooks adjacent Lake
Tillery just to the west of the dam.
3-17

Section 3
(...y` t
r ~ ~

Site

.w- : `(~
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The Lake Tillery Dam tailwater during low flows. Notice large area of water willow and
the foraging use by wading birds such as the great blue heron.
The tailwater area for this survey extends 0.5 miles from the base of Tillery Dam to the NC Highway
731 bridge. Numerous rocks and emergent vegetation consisting of water willow and smartweeds
(Periscaria spp.) are scattered in this tailwater area and are exposed primarily during low flow
conditions when the power plant is not operating or it is generating at less than full load. This
tailwater area is extensively used for foraging by a variety of wading and waterbirds including the
great blue herons associated with the adjacent breeding colony. There is one station with one
associated point overlooking the tailwater foraging area.
3.3.5 Leak Island Area
Leak Island is located in Richmond County approximately six miles below the Tillery Dam and
south of the confluence with the Rocky River. This island sits within the Pee Dee River at the
northern boundary of the Pee Dee National Wildlife Refuge. Habitat consists primarily ofriverine,
agricultural fields (e.g., corn), and a Mesic Mixed Hardwood riparian fringe consisting ofred maple,
sycamore, water oak, red oak, muscadine, and poison ivy. Several large snags with cavities are
located in this fringe. A bald eagle, along with several juveniles, has been commonly observed on
Leak Island, although no nesting site has been found to date. There is one station with one
associated point associated with Leak Island (Figure 3-3 and Table 3-1).
3.3.6 Pee Dee National Wildlife Refuge Area
The Pee Dee National Wildlife Refuge straddles both sides of the Pee Dee River between Lake
Tillery and Blewett Falls Lake in Anson and Richmond Counties below Leak Island down river to
3-18

Section 3 Site Descripti
just above the NC Highway 109 Bridge. These approximately 8,843 acres are part oftheSavannah-
Santee-Pee Dee Ecosystem comprising 3,000 acres ofbottomland hardwoods, 1,200 acres ofupland
pine forest; and 4,300 acres of croplands, old fields, moist soil units and mixed pine hardwoods.
Cooperative farming is associated with 1,150 refuge acres, with 20 percent of crops left in the field
for wildlife food and cover. Steep river banks keep the fluctuating water level ofthe Pee Dee River
from flooding the upper terraces except in extreme precipitation events. The west shore of the
refuge consists ofPiedmont Bottomland Forest and Levee Forest dominated by canopy species such
as red maple, hackberry, water oak, sycamore, sweetgum, and box elder. Understory vegetation
such as giant cane, Christmas fern, Japanese honeysuckle, and poison ivy are common at this site.
There is one wildlife inventory station with two associated sample points within this area. The
sample points are located in the Bottomland/Levee Forest community and adjacent Pee Dee River
(Figure 3-3 and Table 3-1).
3.3.7 Brown Creek Area
The Brown Creek area, near the confluence with the Pee Dee River and within the Pee Dee National
Wildlife Refuge, is similarto other upstream areas alongthe Pee Dee. Atthis site, steep river banks
also keep the fluctuating water level ofthe river from floodingthe upper terraces except in extreme
precipitation events. This areaconsists ofPiedmont Bottomland Forest and Levee Forest dominated
by canopy species such as red maple, hackberry, water oak, sycamore, sweetgum, and box elder.
Understory vegetation such as giant cane, Christmas fern, Japanese honeysuckle, and poison ivy are
also common at this site. There is one wildlife inventory station with one associated sample point
within this area (Figure 3-3 and Table 3-1). The sample point is located in the Levee Forest
community and adjacent to Brown Creek.
3.3.8 Lower Little River Area
The Lower Little River is listed by the North Carolina Natural Heritage Program as Regionally
Significant primarily due to its large remaining natural tract of high quality bottomland with a high
canopy diversity of hardwoods mixed with loblolly pines in this river terrace community (Sorrie
2001). The Little River enters the Pee Dee River just upstream of Blewett Falls Lake. A Piedmont
Levee Forest community with river birch, sycamore, hackberry, and box elder along the shoreline
gives way to aPiedmont Bottomland Forest inland and on the flatterraces about 8 to 15 ft above the
river (Sorrie 2001). The bottomland forest consists of a canopy ofred maple, river birch, sycamore,
hackberry, green ash, and sweetgum. Flowering dogwood, pawpaw, ironwood (Carpi~rus
caroliniana), American holly, giant cane, Japanese honeysuckle, muscadine, poison ivy, and
Chinese privet make up the subcanopy and understory. The station has approximately 70 percent
forest canopy coverage with an estimated average height of 65 ft. At least nine snags with large
cavity openings were observed. There is one wildlife inventory station with three associated sample
points within this area (Figure 3-3 and Table 3-1). The sample points are located adjacent to the
Levee Forest community.
3-19

Section 3
Site
Photogl•aph of the Lower Little Ri~~er and the adjacent Levee Forest community.
3.3.9 Grassy Islands/Smith Lake/Water Tupelo Swamp Area
The area known as the Grassy Island Complex occurs in the upper half of Blewett Falls Lake. This
area supports a wide variety of communities on the numerous islands, sloughs, rocky slopes, vernal
pools, and expansive bottomland floodplains that have formed naturally by river flo~Ts and
sedimentation. The area has a mixture of managed loblolly pine plantation forests, slope forests,
levee forests, emergent wetlands, and bottomland hardwood forests along the Pee Dee River
shoreline. The complex is notable for its mixture of coastal plain and piedmontlmountain species
co-existing side by side (Sorrie 2001). The Grassy Islands Complex is a natural area of Statewide
Ecological Significance as designated by the North Carolina Natural Heritage Program. The North
Carolina Natural Heritage Program states that very few intact bottomlands of any significant size
remain in the Piedmont region. Thus, the Program has classified this system as Rare (S3} in the
Piedmont. Project lands incorporate all Grassy Islands with significant acreage on the Richmond
County side and only a narrow flowage easement along the west shore on the Anson County side.
The vegetated islands of varying sizes (the largest is over one mile long} occur in the transitional
area between the free-flowing Pee Dee River and Elewett Falls Lake. These islands formed as the
river meandered, changed channels, and accompanying sediment loads were deposited. Within these
original bottomlands were geomorphic features known as point bar/swale and natural levee deposits
(tATharton et al. 1982}. Most sediment deposition, characteristicallyhigh in Piedmont rivers, occurs
along the main channel waterways during the periodical overbank flooding. Materials (e.g., alluvial
sands and silts) are eroded along the concave sides of the channel meanders and redeposited on the
convex bends to form the point bars. During overbank flooding, small ridges of bed load deposition
3-20

Section 3 Site Descripti
form a natural levee on the convex side of the meanders. Currently, the islands are the higher
elevation areas of these original point bars and to some extent the natural levee formations.
The wetlands associated withthe Grassy Islands and the associated floodplains alongthe mainland
shoreline (including tributary floodplains of streams such as Mountain Creek and Coleman Creek)
are generally classified as Piedmont Bottomland Forest and Levee Forest by the North Carolina
Natural Heritage Program (Sorrie 2001; Schafale and Weakley 1990). Other specific communities
such as Piedmont Swamp Forest, emergent marsh, and Floodplain Pool appear to be inclusions
within this broader community type. Bottomland forests occur onthefloodplainridgesandterraces
adjacent to the river channel. The hydrology or water regime in this system is typically seasonally
flooded (i.e., surface water present for extended periods at certain times of the year). Although,
semi-permanently, intermittently, and temporarily flooded areas are found within these bottomland
areas. This area includes a series of ephemeral or vernal pools that occur within the slight
depressions of the bottomland terrace. These perched vernal pools are typically fringed by large
water tupelo and water hickory. These vernal pools can be seasonally flooded by the adjacent river.
The vegetation associated with the bottomlands forests consist of a mature canopy of various trees
such as sycamore, green ash, American elm, red maple, lowland hackberry, and cottonwood. These
mature canopy trees were at least 80 to 100 years in age. No mature oaks were found on these
bottomlands. The stations at this site typically have approximately 75 percent forest canopy
coverage with an estimated average height of 65 to 70 ft. From 6 to 12 snags with large cavity
openings were observed in this area. In most ofthe bottomlands, the shrub and vine layer consisted
of muscadine, poison ivy, greenbriar, cross vine, black willow, and pawpaw. This shrub and vine
layer varies in density depending on the local hydrologic conditions. The typical herb layer
consisted false nettle, river oats, fleabane species (Erigeron spp.), Virginia dayflower, pennywort
(Hydrocotyle verricillata), violet species, sedge species, giant cane, Pennsylvania smartweed, and
marshpepper smartweed (P. hydropiper). The herb layer can be nonexistent to quite dense
depending on the duration of standing water and the extent of canopy closure.
Large monotypic areas of persistent southern wild rice or giant cut-grass (Zizaniopsis miliacea) are
found among the islands in several protected coves and backwaters. These wetlands are a unique
plant community in the Piedmont of North Carolina (Sorrie 2001). Wetland shrubs such as crimson-
eyed mallow, buttonbush, and black willow are found along the fringes of these emergent areas.
3-21

Section 3 Site
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Southern «iltl rice beds located «ztlun the Gi•ass~° Islands eomple~.
Connected to the Pee Dee River by a narrow channel, the oxbow lake known as Smith Lake is
thought to be an old historical channel of the Little River that has migrated over 1.5 miles to the
north of Smith Lake. A mature water tupelo stand at the northern end of the oxbow lake, pzimarily
along the west side of the oxbow, is a unique habitat in the North Carolina Piedmont (Sorrie 2401).
The changing river course has left several channels or sloughs that are inundated and drained by the
dynamic water level of the Pee Dee River in conjunction with power plant operations and inflow
from natural precipitation events vrithin the basin. An estimated 300 Mater tupelos, with ages
ranging from about 10 to 250+ years, populate the portion of the swamp area owned by Progress
Energy. In addition to the water tupelo in and along the edges of the sloughs, red maple and water
hickory on the slightly higher elevations characterize this healthy, self-sustaining wetland
community. Although the shrub and herb layer is sparse within the sloughs due to frequent water
inundation (i.e., semi-permanent), several commonherb species (e.g., lizard-tail, cleai~veed, inflated
sedge, and pennywort) were identified in this area. On either side of the oxbow lake is a broad flat
terrace above the 5- to 10-ft bank that supports the adjacent bottomland hardwood forest. The
Grassy Islands complex is within the Project boundary (Figure 3-3 and Table 3-1).
3-22

Section 3 Site Descrioti
`+1
i~ `' ~f
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The water tupelo swamp associated with the Oxbow known as Smith Lake.
3.3.10 Blewett Falls Dam Area
This area includes upland pine/hardwood forest above the Blewett Falls Dam and along the tailrace
area. Mature canopy trees include sweet gum, loblolly pine, and water oak. Red cedar, flowering
dogwood, and Japanese honeysuckle are common in the subcanopy and understory. The stations at
this site typically have approximately 60 percentforest canopy coverage with an estimated average
height of 55 ft. Few snags with cavities were observed in this area. This station also includes points
overlooking the lake such as near the boat access area and a point overlooking the tailwater below
the dam (Figure 3-3 and Table 3-1). For the past several years an eagle nest has consistently been
observed in the area near the dam.
3.3.11 Pee Dee River Gabbro Slopes
This North Carolina Natural Heritage Program State Significant natural area follows the eastern
shore of the Pee Dee River in Richmond County below Walls Landing at Seaburn Branch to just
below U.S. Highway 74. The unique geology of the area, gabbro rock which weathers to basic soils,
supports good quality hardwood Basic Mesic Oak-Hickory forest and a drier Basic Oak-Hickory
forest on rocky slopes (Sorrie 2001). This very diverse area also has a wide river terrace which
supports good quality floodplain Piedmont Levee Forest with diverse canopy species, Piedmont
Bottomland Forest; and two large marshy beaver ponds. Like most of the Pee Dee River megasite,
this area is notable for its mixture of coastal plain and piedmontlmountain species coexisting.
Predominant canopy species at this station include the tulip poplar, red maple, bitternut hickory,
sycamore, overcup oak (Q. lyrata), red oak, and sweet gum. The subcanopy and understory includes
winged elm, red maple, spicebush (Lindera benzoin), redbud, Chinese privet; giant cane, and white
3-23

Section 3 Site
wood aster {Aster divarfcal'us). There is approximately 75 percent canopy closure at this station
with two snags with nest cavities. Upper slopes have been converted to loblolly pine plantation.
The southern edge of this unique site abuts the Hitchcock Creek Area. This station and associated
four survey points are outside Project boundaries and the zone of operational influence, but were
requested to be surveyed by stakeholders in the Terrestrial RWG due to its resource importance
{Figure 3-3 and Table 3-1}.
3.3.12 Hitchcock Creek Area
This area is located in Richmond County along the Pee Dee River below U. S. Highway 74, across a
railroad track, to just below Hitchcock Creek. Listed as having Regional Significance by North
Carolina Natural Heritage Program, the area supports several plant communities from a Piedmont
Levee Forest of the numerous near-shore islands and banks along the floodplain of the Pee Dee
River to a Basic Oak-Hickory Forest on the d1.y, upland slopes. Rocky slopes, steep ravines and
floodplain forests flank Hitchcock Creek and portions ofthe Pee Dee River. Like the geology of the
Gabbro Slopes Area, rare gabbro bedrock weathers to form relatively high pH soils. Along
Hitchcock Creek to the confluence Frith the Pee Dee River, the alluvial forest is composed of
sycamore, water oak, river birch, sweetgum, pignut hickory, red maple, and loblolly pine, with
hornbeam, AmeiYCan holly, Florida maple, Uaccinium spp., pawpaw, Chinese privet, Christmas fern,
arrowleaf heartleaf, and goldenrod {Solta'ago spp.} in the understory. The canopy closure at this site
is approximately 75 percent. Upslope and away from the numerous ravines the area has been planted
in loblolly pine. Hitchcock Creek/Pee Dee River Slopes is notable for its mixture of coastal plain
and piedmont~mountain species coexisting {Sorrie 2441}. This station and associated four survey
points are outside Project boundaries and the zone of operational influence but were requested to be
3-24
View of Gabbro Slopes Basic 11Zesic Oak Hickory Forest.

Section
Site
sm~veyed by stakeholders in the Terrestrial RtttG due to its resource importance (Figure 3-3 and
Table 3-1}.
3-2~
View of Hitchcock Creek Basic Alesic Oak-Hickory Forest.

Section 4 -Methods
The following section describes the methodologies associated with the various wildlife surveys
conducted within the Blewett Falls Lake and Lake Tillery Project area. The methods associated with
the bird, herpetile (reptiles and amphibians), and mammal surveys were agreed upon during the
various terrestrial RWG meetings in 2003 and 2004. These methods are consistent with the RWG-
approved study plan. These methods follow conventional wildlife survey techniques.
4.1 Birds
Surveys for avian resources were conducted through use of point counts along established transects
(Cooperrider et al. 1986; Ralph et al. 1993; Ralph et al. 1995). Point counts for avian species
involved a qualified observer surveying at established sample points and recording all the birds seen
and heard over aten minute period. The point counts for migratory species began near sunrise and
continued throughthe day in an effortto capture both passerine and non-passerine species. Breeding
bird surveys focused on the time period from sunrise through approximately 10:30 a.m. to coincide
with the territorial males' peaksingingtime. The order in whichthe points were surveyed changed
from survey to survey to reduce temporal bias. The approximate location of each bird detected was
recorded on afield map along with notes on activity. This reduced the probability of recording the
same individual more than once and was used to estimate the number of birds present at each point
(i.e., relative abundance). Strip census or meander surveys were also conducted in the area of the
point count surveys to bolsterthe probability of species occurrence. A strip census involves walking
aline established through an area and recording individuals observed along the line.
The point count stations were located in representative habitat areas within the entire Project area,
areas within the zone of operational influence, or within the two areas (Gabbro Slopes and
Hitchcock Creek) requested by stakeholders inthe Terrestrial RWG. Waterfowl and other waterbird
survey points were located in or adjacenttowetland, tailrace, riverine, or shoreline areas in an effort
to more accurately document these species. Additional significant areas such as the known great
blue heron colony were also documented.
Each station was visited twice during the spring migration period (early March through late May);
twice during the breeding period (late May through late July); and four times during the fall
migration period (mid-August through mid-December). A winter survey (mid-January)
concentrating on waterbird and waterfowl species was also conducted along the waterbodies (i.e.,
reservoirs and riverine areas) and wetlands. The migration surveys during the spring and fall
coincided with the passage of weather fronts (i.e., warm fronts in the spring and cold fronts in the
fall) (Lincoln 1989). Surveys were not conducted when rain or wind interfered with the audibility of
bird sounds, or when fog or rain interfered with bird identification. Species richness (total number
of species) and abundance at each station point was determined.
There were slight changes in original survey dates due to poor weather conditions, high water and
several autumn tropical storms (September). However, these changes had no bearing on the
verification of species orthe potential presence ofmost species. The majority of sites were surveyed
at least once during the survey periods but most were surveyed two to three times.
4-1

Section 4 Methods
4.2 Mammals
Surveys for mammals were conducted through use of visual encounter surveys along designated
transects established during the survey. The visual encounter surveys were augmented through
incidental observations and observations of sign of presence such as tracks, scat, and den areas.
Mammal surveys were conducted concurrently with avian survey dates.
4.3 Reptiles and Amphibians
Surveys for the aquatic species (frogs, salamander, and turtles) consisted of direct searches for egg
masses and larval forms in any pool areas, searching shallow water zones for amphibians, and
turning over rocks, debris, and litter to find both adults and larval amphibians. At least two, 2- to
3-hour nocturnal surveys were also conducted inthe study areato document breedingarnphibian use
in the early spring. Limited dip-net and funnel trap sampling was conducted in the aquatic areas and
the vernal pool areas.
Terrestrial species such as lizards, snakes, and certain salamanders were surveyed through use of
visual encounter surveys along designated transects established during the survey. The visual
encounter surveys will be augmented through cover-object surveys (e.g., turning over rocks, logs
and other debris).
Surveys for both aquatic and terrestrial species were conducted through the appropriate breeding
periods which can include early spring (i.e., late March) forthe vernal pool breeding species such as
most mole salamanders and between June and September for the aquatic and terrestrial species.
Survey forms were developed forthe study and include information on species numbers, life stages,
habitat conditions, and survey conditions.
determined.
Species richness (total number of species) was
4.4 General Wildlife Resources
The characterization of the existing wildlife community involved the techniques described above.
This task was used to provide necessary information and help identify the representative wildlife
species and habitats found in these areas.
4.5 Identify High Value Habitat Areas
Areas within the Project boundary, within selected corporate landholdings (Gabbro Slopes and
Hitchcock Creek), and in the zones of influence were reviewed and surveyed to identify those areas
determined to be "high value wildlife habitat." These selected areas were evaluated based on plant
community type, unique features, and the results of the wildlife inventories including species
abundance and richness. The agency biologists and local experts were also contacted for
information on additional habitats of importance.
4-2

Section 5 -Results and Discussion
This section of the report is a compilation of the data that was gathered during the wildlife
inventories. Surveys for wildlife resources were conducted in North Carolinafromthe Yadkin River
just upstream of the Uwharrie River confluence through to downstream of Blewett Falls Lake
(Figure 3-3). The 14 stations have a total of 44 individual sampling points located in 14 different
habitat types.
5.1 Avian Resources
The various habitat areas, associated with the Pee Dee River basin, provide excellent breeding,
migratory stopover, and wintering habitat for a high diversity of bird species including both
neotropical songbirds, resident species, waterbirds, and waterfowl. Species such as the prothonotary
warbler (Prothonotary citrea), hooded warbler (Wilsonia citrina), yellow-throated warbler
(Dendroica dominica), red-eyed vireo (Vireo olivaceus), Acadian flycatcher (Empidonax virescens),
wood thrush (Hylocichla mustelina), yellow-billed cuckoo (Coccyzus americanus), pileated
woodpecker (Dryocopus pileatus), red-bellied woodpecker (Melanerpes caroli~rus), wood duck (Aix
sponsa), barred owl (Strix varia), wild turkey (Meleagris gallopavo), and red-shouldered hawk
(Buteo lineatus) are indicative ofthe diverse habitats. Other species frequently observed alongthis
river corridor include the northern rough-winged swallow (Stelgidopteryx serripennis), belted
kingfisher (Ceryle alcyon), osprey (Pandion haliaetus), turkey vulture (Cathartes aura), and great
blue heron (Ardea herodias).
The river corridor, including both reservoirs and adjacent wetlands, also attracts a wide variety of
waterfowl. Waterfowl species commonly observed in this area include the wood duck, green-
wingedteal (Anas crecca), black duck (A rubripes), mallard (A. platyrhynchos), and Canada goose
(Branta canadensis). These species are especially attracted to the flooded bottomlands and the
southern wild rice stands within the larger coves. The Pee Dee National Wildlife Refuge, which is
adjacent to the Pee Dee River between Lake Tillery and Blewett Falls Lake, is known and managed
for its large number of wintering waterfowl.
The Pee Dee River, including the Project area and the Pee Dee National Wildlife Refuge, is listed by
the North American Waterfowl Management Plan (Atlantic Coast Joint Venture) as a North Carolina
Focus Area(NAWMP undated). The bottomland hardwood forests and adjoining upland buffers are
listed as high value habitats for black duck, mallard and the wood duck.
The North CarolinaPartners in Flight (NCPIF 2005) have identified several priority bird species for
bottomlands and forested wetlands. These species are primarily neotropical songbirds such as the
Acadian flycatcher, hooded warbler, northern parnla, Prothonotary warbler, and wood thrush and are
experiencing long-term devlines.
The timing for the avian study was during the spring migration period (March 22 to May 14, 2004),
the breeding period (May 25 to July 27, 2004), the fall migratory period (September 21 to
November 30, 2004), and the winter period for winter migrants, residents and waterfowl
(January 19, 2005). As shown in Table 5-1, there were 110 separate bird species observed during
the surveys and an additional 12 species listed through incidental observations. A total of 216
species have been observed in the general area ofthe Project. The table contains the common name
and alpha codes from the Bird Banding Laboratory (Patuxent 2005) and the scientific name (Alsop
2001) of each species.
5-1

Section 5 Results and Discussions
Table 5-1 A list of bird species identified within or near the Yadkin-
Project area. Pee Dee River

Commou Name (AOU Code) CBC
PDNWR
CBC
SCPD
USGS
Routes
USFWS
PDNWR NC
Heritage
program MMSP Progress
bird Euergy
List Wddlife
Iuveutories Progress
Euergy
Iucideutal
Observations
Gr. White-Fronted Goose (GWFG) X
Snow Goose (LSGO) X
Canada Goose (CAGO) X X X X X X X
Attantic Brant (ATBR) X
Tundra Swan (WHSW) X X
Wood Duck (WODU) X X X X X X X
Gadwall (GADW) X X
American Widgeon (AMWI) X X X X
American Black Duck (ABDU) X X X X X
Mallard (MALL) X X X X X X X
Blue-winged Teal(BWTE) X X X X
Northern Shoveler (NSHO) X X X X
Northern Pintail (NSHO) X X X
Am. Green-winged Teal (AGWT) X X X X X
Canvasback (CANS X X
Redhead (REDH) X X
Ring-necked Duck (RNDU) X X X X X
Greater Scaup (GRSC) X X X
Lesser Scaup (LESC) X X X X X
Buftlehead (BUFF) X X X X X
Common Goldeneye (COGO) X X
Hooded Merganser (HOME) X X X X
Red-breasted Merganser (RBME) X X X X
Ruddy Duck (RUDU) X X X X
Wild Turkey X X X X X X X X
Northern Bobwhite X X X X X X X X
Red-throated Loon (RTLO) X
Common Loon (COLO) X X X
Pied-billed Grebe (PBGR) X X X X X
Homed Grebe (HOGR) X X
Double-crested Cormorant (DCCO) X X X X X X
Anhinga (ANHI) X X X
American Bittern IAMBI) X X X
Least Bittern (LEBI) X X
Great Blue Heron (GBHE) X X X X X X X
Great Egret (GREG) X X X X X X
Snowy Egret (SNEG) X X
Little Blue Heron (LBHE) X X
Tricolor Heron (Louisiana) (TRHE) X
Cattle Egret (CAEG) X X X
Green Heron (Green-backed) (GRHE) X X X X X X
Black-crowned Night-Heron (BCNH) X X X
Yellow-crowned Night-Heron(YCNH) X
White Ibis (WHIB) X
Glossy Ibis (GLIB) X
Wood Stork (WOST) X
Black Vulture (BLW) X X X X X X X
Turkey Vulture (TUW) X X X X X X X X
Osprey (OSPR) X X X X X X
Mississippi Kite (MIKI) X X X
Swallow-tailed Kite (STKI) X
5-2

Section 5
Results and Discussions
NC MMSP Progress Progress
CBC CBC USGS USFWS Euergy Euergy
Commou Name (AOU Code) PDNWR SCPD Routes PDNWR Heritage bird Wddlife Iucideutal
program List
Iuveutories Observations
Bald Eagle (BAEA) X X X X X X X
Northern Harrier (NOHA) X X X X X
Sharp-shinned Hawk (SSHA) X X X X X
Cooper's Hawk (COHA) X X X X X X X
Red-shouldered Hawk (BSHAI X X X X X X X X
Broad-winged Hawk (BWHA) X X X X X X
Red-tailed Hawk (RTHA) X X X X X X X
Golden Eagle (GOEA) X
American Kestrel (AMKE) X X X X X X
Merlin (MERE) X
Peregrine Falcon (PRFA) X X
Black Rail (BLRA) X
King Rail (KIRA) X
Virginia Rail (VIRA) X
Purple Gallinule (PUGA) X
Common Moorhen (COMO) X X X
American Coot (AMCO) X X X X
Killdeer (KILL) X X X X X X
Greater Yellowlegs (GRYE) X X
Lesser Yellowlegs (LEYE) X X X
Solitary Sandpiper (SOSA) X X
Spotted Sandpiper (SPSA) X X X
Upland Sandpiper (UPSA) X
Least Sandpiper (LESA) X X
Short-billed Dowitcher (SBDO) X
Common Snipe (COSN) X X X X
American Woodcock (AMWO) X X X X X X
Bortaparte's Gull (BOGU) X X X
Rine-billed Gull (BBGUI X X X X X X
Herrine Gull (HERGI X X X X
Black Tem (BETE) X
Rock Pigeon (Dove) X X X X X X
Mourning Dove (MODO) X X X X X X X X
Black-billed Cuckoo (BBCU) X X
Yellow-billed Cuckoo (YBCU) X X X X X X
Barn Owl (BNOW) X X X
Eastern Screech-Owl (EASO) X X X X X X
Great Homed Owl (GHOW) X X X X X X
Barred Owl (BDOW) X X X X X X X
Common Nighthawk (CONI) X X X
Chuck-wiles-widow(CW WI) X X X X X X
Whip-poor-will (WPWI) X X X X
CMmnevSwift(CHSWI X X X X X
Ruby-throated Hummingbird (RTHU) X X X X
Belted Kingfisher (BEKI) X X X X X X X
Red-bellied Woodpecker (RBWO) X X X X X X X X
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (YBSA) X X X X X
Downy Woodpecker (DOWO) X X X X X X X
Hairv Woodpecker (HAWOI X X X X X X
Red-cockaded Woodpecker (RCWO) X X X X
Yellow-shafted Flicker (YSFL) X X X X X X
Eastern Wood-Peewee (EAWP) X X X X X
5-3

Section 5
NC MMSP Progress Progress
CBC CBC USGS USFWS Euergy Euergy
Commou Name (AOU Code) PDNWR SCPD Routes PDNWR Heritage bird Wddlife Iucideutal
program List
Iuveutories Observations
Yellow-bellied Flycatcher (YBFL) X
Acadian Flycatcher (ACFL) X X X X X X
Eastern Phoebe (EAPH) X X X X X X
Great Crested Flycatcher (GCFL) X X X X X X X
Eastern Kingbird (EAKII X X X X X
Loggerhead Skuike (COSH) X X X X X X
White-eyed Vireo (WEVI) X X X X X X
Blue-headed Vireo (Solitary) (BHVI) X X X X X X X
Red-eyed Vireo (REVD X X X X X X
Blue Jay (BLJA) X X X X X X X
American Crow (AMCRI X X X X X X
Fish Crow (FICR) X X X X X
X X X
Tree Swallow (TRESI X X X
No. Rough-winged Swallow (NRWS) X X X X
Cliff Swallow (CLSW) X X
Barn Swallow (BARS) X X X X X
Carolina Chickadee (CACH) X X X X X X X
Tufted Titmouse (ETTI) X X X X X X
Red-breasted Nuthatch (RBNU) X X X X X
White-breasted Nuthatch (WBMU) X X X X X X X
Brown-headed Nuthatch(BHNU) X X X X X
Brown Creeper (BRCR) X X X X
Carolinta Wren (CARW) X X X X X X X
House Wren (HOWR) X X X X X
Winter Wren (WIWR) X X X X X
Sedge Wren (SEWRI X
Marsh Wren (MAWRI X
Golden-crowned Kinglet (GCKI) X X X X X
Ruby-crowned Kinglet (RCKI) X X X X X
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (BGGN) X X X X X X
Eastern Bluebird (EABL) X X X X X X X
Swainson's Thrush (SWTH) X X
Hermit Thrush (HETH) X X X X X X
Wood Thrush (WOTH) X X X X X X
American Robin (AMRO) X X X X X X
Gray Catbird (GRCA) X X X X X X X
Northern Mockingbird (HOMO) X X X X X X
Brown Thrasher (BRTH) X X X X X X
European Starling (EUST) X X X X X X X
American Pinit (AMPII X X X
Cedar Waxwing (CEDW) X X X X X
Orange-crowned Warbler (OCWA) X X
Yellow Warbler (YWAR) X X X X
Chestnut-sided Warbler (CSWA) X X
Magnolia Warbler (MAWA) X X X
Cane Mav Warbler (CMWAI X
Black-throated Blue Warbler (BTBW) X X
Yellow-romped Warbler (UYRW) X X X X X X
Results and Discussions
Yellow-throated Warbler (YT WA) X X X X X
5-4

Section 5
Results and Discussions
NC MMSP Progress Progress
CBC CBC USGS USFWS Euergy Euergy
Commou Name (AOU Code) PDNWR SCPD Routes PDNWR Heritage bird Wddlife Iucideutal
program List
Iuveutories Observations
Pine Warbler (PIWA) X X X X X X X
Prairie Warbler (PRAW) X X X X
Palm Warbler (YPWA) X X X X
Blackpoll Warbler (BLPW) X X
Black and White Warbler (BAW Wl X X X X X X
American Redstart (AMRE) X X X X
Prothonotary Warbler (PROW) X X X X X
Worm-eating Warbler (WEWA) X
Swainson's Warbler (SW WA) X X
Ovenbird (OVEN) X X X X X X
Northern Waterthrush (NOWA) X
Louisiarta Waterthrush (LOWA) X X X X
Kentucky Warbler (KEWA) X X
Common Yellowthroat (COYE) X X X X X X X
Hooded Warbler (HOWA) X X X X X X
Canada Warbler (CAWA) X
Yellow-breasted Cktat (YBCH) X X X X X X
Summer Tanager (SUTA) X X X X X X
Scarlet Tanager(SCTA) X X X X X
Eastern Towhee (EATO) X X X X X X X
Bachman's Sparrow (BAGS) X X X
American Tree Sparrow (AT SP) X
CMpping Sparrow (CHSP) X X X X X X
Field Sparrow (FISP) X X X X X X X
Vesper Sparrow (VESP) X X
Lark Sparrow CLASP) X X
Savannah Sparrow (SANS) X X X X
Grasshopper Sparrow (GRSP) X X X X X
Henslow's Sparrow (HESP) X
Seaside Sparrow (SESP) X
Fox Sparrow (FOSP) X X X X
Song Sparrow (SOSP) X X X X X X X
Lincoln's Sparrow (LISP) X
Swamp Sparrow (SWSP) X X X X
White-throated Sparrow (WTSP) X X X X X X
White-crowned Sparrow (EWCS) X X
Dark-eved Junco (UDEJI X X X X X
Northern Cardirtal (NOCA) X X X X X X X X
Rose-breasted Grosbeak (RBGR) X X
Blue Grosbeak (BLGR) X X X
Indigo Bunting (INBU) X X X X X X
Bobolink (BOBO) X X
Red-winged Blackbird (RWBL) X X X X X X X
Eastern Meadowlark (EAME) X X X X X X X
X
Brewer's Blackbird BRBLI X X
Common Grackle (COGR) X X X X X X X
Brown-headed Cowbird (BHCO) X X X X X X
Orchard Oriole (ORORI X X X X
Baltimore Oriole (BAOR) X X X
Purple Finch (PUFI) X X X X
Red Crossbill (RECR) X
5-5

Section 5 Results and Discussions
NC MMSP Progress Progress
Commou Name (AOU Code) CBC CBC USGS USFWS Heritage bird Euergy Euergy
PDNWR SCPD Routes PDNWR program List Wddlife Iucideutal
Iuveutories Observations
Pine Siskin (PISI) X X X X
American Goldfinch (AMGO) X X X X X X
Evening Grosbeak (EVGR) X X X X
House Sparrow (HOSP) X X X X X X
NOTES
- AOU: American Ornithologists Union bird order, 7th Edition, 44th Supplement.
- CBC PDNWR: Christmas Bird Count Historical Pee Dee National Wildlife Refuge.
- USGS Breeding Bird Survey routes: North American Breeding Routes NC17, NC 207, NC215, NC216, NC 900,
NC 904, SC 900.
- USFWS PDNWR: Birds of Pee Dee National Wildlife Refuge.
- NC/SC Heritage Program: Montgomery County Natural Heritage Inventory, Natural Areas Inventory for
Richmond County and the North Carolina Natural Heritage Program County element occurrence database by
county (Anson, Montgomery, Richmond, and Stanly Counties, North Carolina).
- MMSP bird list: Checklist for the 169 known species of bird at Morrow Mountain State Park.
The total number of birds observed by Progress Energy (i.e., species abundance) and the total
number of species (i. e., species richness) were tabulated (Table 5-2). The total bird count includes
the number of birds observed within the 50-meter circular plot; and the number of birds observed
outside the 50-meter circular plot within the 10-minute sampling period; and miscellaneous
observations, which were observations of birds outside the 10-minute sampling period. The total
species count includes all bird species observed within the 50-meter circular plot and all bird species
outside the 50-meter circular plot; and miscellaneous species observations. The total number of
birds observed during the surveys was approximately 4,811 individual birds.
Table 5-2 Total number of individual birds and species Der survey period.
Survey Period Total Number of Birds Total Number of Species
Spring Migration 1,876 64
Breeding 563 65
Fall Migration 1,225 50
Winter 1,147 37
Total 4,811
5.1.1 Spring Migration Survey
Spring bird abundance was high in several habitat areas, including tailraces, Piedmont Bottomland
Forest, Mesic Mixed Hardwood Forest, and Basic Oak-Hickory Forests with the highest abundance
at the Lake Tillery Tailrace, Lake Tillery/iJwharrie River, and Blewett Falls Lake (Table 5-3 and
Figure 5-1). The tailraces provide foraging habitat for several migratory and resident waterbirds
including gulls, cormorants, and herons. Transitions between the habitat types in these areas also
provides habitat for species that prefer forest edges, as well as species that prefer open water
habitats. Birds with high abundance in the spring season include the double-crested cormorant
(Phalacrocorax auritus), ring-billed gull (Carus delawarensis), American goldfinch (Carduelis
tristas), cliffswallow (Hirundo pyrrhonota), Bonaparte's Gull (Carus Philadelphia), American crow
(Corvus brachyrhynchos), Carolina wren (Thryothorus ludovicianus), great blue heron (Ardea
herodias), and eastern tufted titmouse (Baeolophus bicolor) (Figure 5-2).
5-6

Section 5 Results and Discussions
Table 5-3 Total bird abundance and species richness during spring surveys by station,
point, and macrosite habitat-type combinations.
Bird Spring Spring
Bird Survey Station Survey Habitat Type Abundance Species
Point Richness
Piedmont BottomlandBasic Oak-
Hitchcock Creek WPT034 21 11
Hickory Forest
PiedmontBottomlandBasic Oak-
Hitchcock Creek WPT035 24 13
Hickory Forest
Piedmont BottomlandBasic Oak-
Hitchcock Creek WPT036 18 14
Hickory Forest
Total Station 63 Mean = 12.7
Piedmont BottomlandBasic Oak-
Gabbro Slopes WPT030 16 11
Hickory Forest
Piedmont BottomlandBasic Oak-
Gabbro Slopes WPT031 31 15
Hickory Forest
Piedmont BottomlandBasic Oak-
Gabbro Slopes WPT032 15 10
Hickory Forest
Piedmont BottomlandBasic Oak-
Gabbro Slopes WPT033 17 11
Hickory Forest
Total Station 79 Mean = 12.0
Blewett Falls Dam WPTOl Reservoir/Mesic Oak-Hickory Forest 47 6
Blewett Falls Dam WPT02 Tailrace 177 10
Blewett Falls Dam WPT03 Reservoir/Mesic Oak-Hickory Forest 69 9
Total Station 293 Mean = 83
Grassy Islands WPTOl l Piedmont Bottomland Forest 18 8
Grassy Islands WPT012 Piedmont Bottomland/Levee Forest 18 10
Mountain Creek WPT016 Piedmont Bottomland Forest 21 7
Mountain Creek/S
Rice
. WPT017 Piedmont Bottomland Forest 37 12
Beds
Smith Lake
WPT07 Oxbow Lake 17 7
Oxbow/Tupelo Swamp
Smith Lake
WPT06 Oxbow Lake 16 12
Oxbow/Tupelo Swamp
Total Station 127 Mean = 93
Lower Little River WPT 023 Piedmont Bottomland Forest 21 10
Lower Little River WPT 022 Piedmont Bottomland Forest 13 10
Lower Little River WPT 021 Piedmont Bottomland Forest 20 10
Total Station 102 Mean = 10.0
Lake Tillery Dam WPT029 Riverine Tailrace 507 5
Lake Tillery Dam WPT026 Mesic Mixed Hardwood Forest 29 11
Mesic Mixed Hardwood
Lake Tillery Dam WPT027 123 14
ForestBeservoir
Total Station 659 Mean = 10.0
Lake Tillery /Uwharrie
WPT038 Piedmont Bottomland Forest 229 12
River
Lake Tillery /Uwharrie
WPT039 Piedmont Bottomland Forest 21 16
River
Lake Tillery /Yadkin Mesic Mixed Hardwood
WPT042 351 6
River ForestBeservoir
Total Station 601 Mean = 113
5-7

Section 5
Results and Discussions
U
~a
c
7
a
Q
GO
c
.~
c
N
Macrosite !~• ea
Figure 5-1 Total spring bird abiuidance by habitat macrosite.
O Lake 'Tillery D am
^ Lake 'ISllery
^Lower Pee Dee
^ Grassy Islands
^ Gabbro Slopes
^Hitchcock Creek
^ Pee D ee River
5-8

Section 5
Results and Discussions
c
G
K
e;
a
R
d
.~
0.1
Figure 5-2 Spring migration bird relative abundance-top 10 species.
DCCO-Double
Crested Cormorant
RBGU-Rfng-billed
Gull
AMGO-American
Goldfinch
CLSGV-Cliff Swallow
BOGU-B onaparte's
Gul I
AMCR-Ame~•ican
C'IYJW
C ARt\'-Carolina Wren
GBHE- Cn•eat Blue
Heron
TLTV[J-Turkey Vulture
ETTI-Eastern Tufted
Tihnouse
5-9
DCCO RBGU AMGO CLSW BOGU AMCR CARW GBHE TUVU ETTI
Su•d Species (AOU Code)

Section 5 Results and Discussions
Spring species richness was observed as highest in the large contiguous forested habitats such as the
Hitchcock Creek, Gabbro Slopes, the Blewett Falls Dam area, and the Lake Tillery/iJwharrie area
(Table 5-3 and Figure 5-3). The individual points with the highest species richness include those in
the Hitchcock Creek, Gabbro Slopes, Blewett Falls Dam area, and the Lake Tillery/iJwharrie River
areas (Figure 5-4).
5.1.2 Breeding Survey
Breeding bird abundance was high in several habitat areas, includingtailraces,Piedmont Bottomland
Forest, Mesic Mixed Hardwood Forest, and Basic Oak-Hickory Forests with the highest abundance
at the Grassy Island complex, Pee Dee River areabetween Lake Tillery and Blewett Falls Lake, and
the Gabbro Slopes area (Table 5-4 and Figure 5-5). Transitions between the habitat types in these
areas provide habitat for species that prefer forest edges, as well as species that prefer open water
habitats. Birds with high abundance in the breeding season include the red-eyed vireo (Vireo
olivaceus), blue-gray gnatcatcher (Polioprila caerulea), American crow, Prothonotory warbler
(Protonotaria citrea), cliff swallow, barn swallow (Hirundo rusrica), Carolina wren, northern
cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis), tufted titmouse, and double-crested cormorant (Figure 5-~.
Several of these species including the red-eyed vireo, blue-gray gnatcatcher, and Prothonotary
warbler are neotropical migrants that prefer large tracts of contiguous forest (i.e., the Grassy Islands
bottomlands) for breeding.
Breeding species richness was observed as highest in the forested habitats adjacent to the various
waterbodies such as the Pee Dee River (e.g., Lower Little River area), the Lake Tillery/iJwharrie
area, and Blewett Falls Dam but was also high in large contiguous forested habitats such as the
Gabbro Slopes (Table 5-4 and Figure 5-7). Species such as the Prothonotary warbler, hooded
warbler (Wilsonia citrina), yellow-throated warbler (Dendroica dominica), red-eyed vireo, Acadian
flycatcher (Empidonax virescens), wood thrush (Hylocichla mustelina), yellow-billed cuckoo
(Coccyzus americanus), pileated woodpecker (Dryocopus pileatus), red-bellied woodpecker
(Melanerpes carolinus), wood duck (Aix sponsa), barred owl (Strix varia), and red-shouldered hawk
(Buteo lineatus) are indicative ofthese communities. The individual points withthe highest species
richness include those in the Gabbro Slopes, Blewett Falls Dam area, Grassy Islands, and the Pee
Dee River (Figure 5-8). The bird species observed during the breeding surveys are indicative ofthe
habitat types present in the Project area.
5.1.3 Fall Migration
Bird abundance during the fall migration period was high in habitat areas such as the Lake Tillery
tailrace, Piedmont Bottomland Forest (e.g., Grassy Islands), Pee Dee River area between Lake
Tillery and Blewett Falls Lake, and the Gabbro Slopes area (Table 5-5 and Figure 5-9). These
habitats provide quality foraging and stopover (i.e., resting) habitats. Birds with high abundance
during the fall migration season include the double-crested cormorant, great blue heron (Ardea
herodias), mallard (Anas platyrhynchos), American crow, red-winged blackbird (Agelaius
phoeniceus), Canada goose (Branta candensis), American black duck (A. rubripes), wood duck (Aix
sponsa), and blue jay (Cyanocitta cristata) (Figure 5-10). Several ofthese species are waterbird and
waterfowl that use the tailrace and wetland areas such as the emergent rice beds for foraging and
cover habitats.
5-10

Section 5
Results and Discussions
N
W
d
C
.C
v
N
U
m
a
N
C
0
`~
L
~_
C
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N
Niaca•osite Area
Figure 5-3
Spring bird species richness by habitat macrosite.
^Hitchcock CYeek
^Blewett Falls Dam
^ Gabbro Slopes
^ Lake TSllery
^Lake'ISlleiy Dam
O Pee D ee River
5-11

Section 5
Results and Discussions
Vl
VI
U_
m
U
d
N
Survey Points
^ Lake TlllerylUwhazrie (\UPT'039)
^ Crabbro Slopes (WPT031)
^LakeTilleryDam (WP'In27)
^Hitchcock G5'eek (WP'It)36)
^ Iti4ountain Creek/P.ice Beds (~nIP"I'017)
^ Smith Lake Owbow•;Tt~pelo (~xIP'IU7)
^ Lake TIIIerylUwhazrie (WPTD38)
^ Cmbbro Slopes (~~JPT'030)
^ Crabbro Slope (WP'In33)
Figure 5-4 Highest bird species i-iclmess for spring season bj~ posit.
5-12

Section 5 Results and Discussions
Table 5-4 Total bird abundance and species richness during breeding surveys by
station, poin t, and macrosite habitat-type combinations.
Bird Breeding
Breeding
Bird Survey Station Survey Habitat Type Species
Abundance
Point Richness
Hitchcock Creek WPT034 Piedmont BottomlandBasic Oak-Hickory 20 11
Forest
Hitchcock Creek WPT035 Piedmont BottomlandBasic Oak-Hickory 12 11
Forest
Hitchcock Creek WPT036 Piedmont BottomlandBasicOak-Hickory 17 7
Forest
Total Station 49 Mean = 9.7
Gabbro Slopes WPT030 Piedmont BottomlandBasic Oak-Hickory 27 21
Forest
Gabbro Slopes WPT031 Piedmont BottomlandBasic Oak-Hickory 16 12
Forest
Gabbro Slopes WPT032 Piedmont BottomlandBasic Oak-Hickory 18 12
Forest
Gabbro Slopes WPT033 Piedmont BottomlandBasic Oak-Hickory 22 16
Forest
Total Station 83 Mean =133
Blewett Falls Dam WPTOl Reservoir/Mesic Oak-Hickory Forest 20 11
Blewett Falls Dam WPT02 Tailrace 48 14
Blewett Falls Dam WPT03 Reservoir/Mesic Oak-Hickory Forest 8 5
Total Station 76 Mean =10.0
Grassy Islands WPT09 Piedmont Bottomland Forest 16 9
Grassy Islands WPTOl l Piedmont Bottomland Forest 14 8
Grassy Islands WPT012 Piedmont Bottomland/Levee Forest 16 13
Grassy Islands WPT013 Piedmont Bottomland/Levee Forest 14 9
Grassy Islands WPT014 Piedmont Bottomland Forest 16 16
Grassy Islands/S. WPTO15 Piedmont Bottomland Forest 13 10
Rice Beds
Mountain Creek WPT016 Piedmont Bottomland Forest 44 11
Mountan Creek/S. WPT017 Piedmont Bottomland Forest 14 14
Rice Beds
Smith Lake WPT07 Oxbow Lake 11 7
Oxbow/Tupelo
Swamp
Smith Lake WPT06 Oxbow Lake 8 5
Oxbow/Tupelo
Swamp
Total Station 166 Mean = 9.6
Lower Little River WPT 023 Piedmont Bottomland Forest 19 14
Lower Little River WPT 022 Piedmont Bottomland Forest 19 13
Lower Little River WPT 021 Piedmont Bottomland Forest 20 14
Browns Creek WPT020 Piedmont Bottomland Forest 15 9
Pee Dee NWR WPT045 Piedmont Bottomland Forest 17 11
Leak Island WPT019 Piedmont Bottom land Forest 12 8
Total Station 102 Mean =11.5
Lake Tillery Dam WPT029 Riverine Tailrace 22 8
Lake Tillery Dam WPT025 Mesic Mixed Hardwood Forest 10 8
Lake Tillery Dam WPT026 Mesic Mixed Hardwood Forest 12 10
Lake Tillery Dam WPT027 Mesic Mixed Hardwood ForesUReservoir 12 11
Total Station 56 Mean = 93
5-13

Section 5
Results and Discussions
Bird Breeding
Bird Survey Station Survey Habitat Type Breeding Species
Abundance
Point Richness
Lake Tillery WPT038 Piedmont Bottomland Forest
/Uwharrie River 14 13
Lake Tillery WPT039 Piedmont Bottomland Forest
/Uwharrie River 16 13
Lake Tillery /Yadkin WPT041 Mesic Mixed Hardwood Forest/Reservoir
River 17 11
Lake Tillery /Yadkin WPT042 Mesic Mixed Hardwood Forest/Reservoir
River 28 8
Total Station 75 Mean =113
5-14

Section 5
Results and Discussions
~.~e
.~
0.1
nn
c
~.
0.1
Macrosite Area
Figure 5-5 Total breedvig bird abundance by habitat ~nacrosite.
^ cirassy Islands
^ Pee Dee River
^ Cmbbro Slopes
^ Lovver Pee Dee River
^ Lake Tillery•
^ Lake Tillery Dam
^ Hitchcock Creek
5-15

Section 5
Results and Discussions
d
u
R
C
R
t
a;
d
.~
a
ax
m
`c
F
Figure 5-6 Breedvig bird relative abundance-top 10 species.
REPI-Red-eyed Vireo
BGGN-Blue-gray Cmatcatche<
f1MCR-~Lne~ican Glow
PROW-Protlionotaty \Varbler
CL SW-Cliff Stivallow
BARS-Barn Stivallow
CARW-Carolina Wren
NOCA-Northern Cat dinal
ETTI-Eas4em Tufted Titmouse
DCCO-Double-Crested
Comorant
5-16
REVI BGGN AMCR PROW CLSW BARS CARW NOCA ETTI DGCO
I~rd Species (AOU Code)

Section 5
Results and Discussions
m
c
x
yyV
~V
m
~V
d
a
rn
lbiacrosite Area
Figure 5-7 Breedvig bird species richness by habitat macrosite.
^Gabbro Slopes
^Pee Dee River
^Lake Tillery
^Blewett Falls Dam
^Hitchcock Creek
^ Grassv Islands
^Lake Tillery Dam
5-17

Section 5
Results and Discussions
i
a
~,
m
.~
m
a
Survey Points
^ Gabbro Slope (~~'PTT330)
^ Crabbro Slope (WPTD33)
^ Blewett Falls Dam (WP'I.02)
^ Mnt Creek/Ri ce Beds (\§'PT017)
^ Grassy Islands (VdPTD13)
^ Lower Little River (~vPT'023)
^ Lotiver Little River (~WPT'021)
^ Grassy Islands (WP'Ini2)
^ Lower Little River (~?~IPT022)
^ Lake Tiller}=tUrvliarrieRwer (`NPT'038)
^ Lake Tiller}=~'U~vharrie River (~~v'PTD'39)
Figure 5-$ Highest bird species richness for breeding season by point.
5-1R

Section 5 Results and Discussions
Table 5-5 Total bird abundance and species richness during fall migration surveys by
station, poin t, and macrosite habitat-type combinations.
Bird
Fall Fall Species
Bird Survey Station Survey Habitat Type
Ab undance Richness
Point
Hitchcock Creek WPT034 Piedmont BottomlandBasic Oak-Hickory
1 1
Forest
Hitchcock Creek WPT035 Piedmont BottomlandBasic Oak-Hickory
22 12
Forest
Hitchcock Creek WPT036 Piedmont BottomlandBasic Oak-Hickory
8 4
Forest
Total Station 31 Mean = 5.7
Gabbro Slopes WPT030 Piedmont BottomlandBasic Oak-Hickory
48 17
Forest
Gabbro Slopes WPT031 Piedmont BottomlandBasic Oak-Hickory
15 12
Forest
Gabbro Slopes WPT032 Piedmont BottomlandBasic Oak-Hickory
14 12
Forest
Gabbro Slopes WPT033 Piedmont BottomlandBasic Oak-Hickory
25 12
Forest
Total Station 102 Mean = 6.6
BlewettFalls Dam WPTOl Reservoir/Mesic Oak-Hickory Forest 27 17
BlewettFallsDam WPT02 Tailrace 35 11
BlewettFalls Dam WPT03 Reservoir/Mesic Oak-Hickory Forest 21 7
Total Station 76 Mean = 7.0
Grassy Islands WPT09 Piedmont Bottomland Forest 16 8
Grassy Islands WPTOl l Piedmont Bottomland Forest 11 6
Grassy Islands WPT012 Piedmont Bottomland/Levee Forest 15 9
Grassy Islands WPT013 Piedmont Bottomland/Levee Forest 51 22
Grassy Islands WPT014 Piedmont Bottomland Forest 61 15
Grassy Islands/S. WPTO15 Piedmont Bottomland Forest

Rice Beds 24 14
Mountain Creek WPT016 Piedmont Bottomland Forest 24 14
Mountain Creek/S WPT017 Piedmont Bottomland Forest
.
Rice Beds 36 13
Smith Lake WPT07 Oxbow Lake
Oxbow/Tupelo 22 12
Swamp
Smith Lake WPT06 Oxbow Lake
Oxbow/Tupelo 28 6
Swamp
Total Station 305 Mean = 6.6
Lower Little River WPT 023 Piedmont Bottomland Forest 19 6
Lower Little River WPT 022 Piedmont Bottomland Forest 10 3
Lower Little River WPT 021 Piedmont Bottomland Forest 9 6
Brown Creek WPT020 Piedmont Bottomland Forest 21 7
Pee Dee NWR WPT045 Piedmont Bottomland Forest 164 7
Leak Island WPT019 Piedmont Bottom land Forest 68 9
Total Station 291 Mean = 6.3
Lake Tillery Dam WPT029 Riverine Tailrace 236 10
Lake Tillery Dam WPT025 Mesic Mixed Hardwood Forest 32 14
Lake Tillery Dam WPT026 Mesic Mixed Hardwood Forest 17 12
Lake Tillery Dam WPT027 Mesic Mixed Hardwood Forest/Reservoir 98 20
Total Station 383 Mean = 4.7
5-19

Section 5
Results and Discussions
Bird
Fall Fall Species
Bird Survey Station Survey Habitat Type
Abundance Richness
Point
Lake Tillery WPT038 Piedmont Bottomland Forest

/Uwharrie River 5 5
Lake Tillery WPT039 Piedmont Bottomland Forest

/Uwharrie River 15 9
Lake Tillery /Yadkin WPT041 Mesic Mixed Hardwood Forest/Reservoir
River
Lake Tillery /Yadkin WPT042 Mesic Mixed Hardwood Forest/Reservoir
River
Total Station 30 Mean = 53
5-20

Section 5
Results and Discussions
^ Lake Ttilery Dam
^ Grassy Islands
^ Pee Dee River
^ Gabin o Slopes
^ Lower Pee Dee River
^ Hitchcock Creek
^ Lake Tillery
Macrosite area
Figure 5-9 Total fall migration bird abundance by habitat macrosite.
5-21

Section 5
Results and Discussions
c
se
c
e;
K
rx
cyv
0
F
Bird Species (AOII Cade)
Figure 5-1Q Fall migration bird relative abmidance-top 10 species.
DCCO-Double-Crested
Cormorant
GBHE-Cheat Blue Heron
1VIALL•IvIallard
A1t~ICR-American Crow
R«BL-Red-winged
Blackbird
CAGO-Canada Goose
ABDU-American Black
Duck
WODU-Wood Duck
BL JA-Blue Tay
5-22
Drip='~=~ ~.:RHE. NftaLL AMC'R RWBL C.~.GO ABDU WODU BLS ~.

Section 5 Results and Discussions
Fall migration species richness was again highest in the forested habitats adjacent to the various
waterbodies such as the Blewett Falls Dam area, the Grassy Islands, and Pee Dee River butwas also
high in large, contiguous forested habitats such as the Gabbro Slopes (Table 5-5 and Figure 5-11).
Species such as the great blue heron, fish crow (Corvus ossifragus), belted kingfisher (Ceryle
alcyon), American robin (Turdus migratorius), and yellow-shafted flicker (Colaptes auratus) were
frequently observed in these areas. The individual points with the highest species richness include
those in the Blewett Falls Dam area, Gabbro Slopes area, Grassy Islands, and the Pee Dee River
(Figure 5-12). There was a noticeable absence of shorebirds (besides a few killdeer and spotted
sandpipers) throughoutthe Project area duringthe 2004 fall migratory period. This absence maybe
due to the tropical storms passing through the Project area during the migratory period. However,
large migrating flocks of sandpipers including least sandpipers, solitary sandpipers, and greater
yellowlegs have been observed at Blewett Falls Lake in past years.
5.1.4 Winter Period
Bird abundance during the winter survey period was high in habitat areas such as the open water of
the Pee Dee River between Lake Tillery and Blewett Falls Lake and the upper Lake Tillery area
(Table 5-6 and Figure 5-13). These habitats provide quality loafing (i.e., resting) and foraging
habitats for waterfowl and waterbird species. Birds with high abundance during the winter season
include the ring-billed gull, mallard, wood duck, American crow, blue jay, and Bonaparte's gull
(Figure 5-14). Several of the species, such as the ring-billed gull and mallard, were found in large
foraging or loafing flocks.
Winter species richness was again highest in the forested habitats adjacent to the various
waterbodies such as the Grassy Islands and Lake Tillery Dam but was also high in large, contiguous
forested habitats such as Hitchcock Creek (Table 5-6 and Figure 5-15). Species such as the wood
duck, mallard, American black duck, double-crested cormorant, great blue heron, American crow,
blue jay, Eastern tufted titmouse, ruby-crowned kinglet, and white-throated sparrow were frequently
observed in these areas. Winter bird species richness is typically less than the breeding and
migratory indices due to the loss ofthe large neotropical songbird component and due to the fact that
most of the passerine species (e. g., woodpeckers, chickadees, titmice, kinglets, pine warblers,
bluebirds) are in large, mixed roving foraging flocks.
5.1.5 Other Avian Resources
In addition to the above-mentioned surveys, field surveys were conducted of the great blue heron
nesting colony located adjacentto the Lake Tillery tailrace. The nesting habitat (rookery) is located
in the loblolly pine stand along the west shoreline overlooking the Tillery tailwater. Foraging
habitat for this colony is located in the tailwater area below the dam. The tailwater and adjacent
shoreline below Tillery Dam provides food, cover, and nesting habitat for both adults and juvenile
birds through most of the year. The number of great blue heron and other wading birds present in
this tailwater area is dependent on the flow (no units or one unit in operation) and subsequent
tailwater elevation (CP&L 2001 and 2002b). With a lower water level, more wading birds use this
habitat area. Observations suggestthat the low flows provide better foraging and habitat conditions
than the higher and swifter flows. During the low flows, numerous pools with prey species are
provided within the exposed rock outcrops and emergent vegetation.
5-23

Section 5
Results and Discussions
^Blewett Falls Dam
^Grassy Islartds
^Gabbro Slopes
^ Pee Dee River
^Hitchcock Creek
^ Lake Tillery
^ Lake Tillery Dam
A~iacrosite ~r•ea
Figure 5-11 Fall migration species richness b`r habitat macrosite.
5-24

Section 5
Results and Discussions
d
v
d
.~
d
c.
Survey Points
^Gabbro Slopes (SNPT'013)
^ Lake Tillery Dam (WPT027)
^ Gabbro Slopes (WPT030)
^ Blewett Falls Dam (WP'I01)
^ Grassy Islands (WP'ID14)
^ Lake Tillery Dam (WPT'025)
^ Grassy Islatids/Rice Beds (WPTD15)
^Mountain Creek (PJPTn16)
^ &Iountain Creek/Rice Beds (WPTD17)
^ Smith Lake OxbowlTiipelo (1WPT07)
Figure 5-12 Highest bird species richness for fall migration season by point.
5-25

Section 5 Results and Discussions
Table 5-6 Total bird abu ndance and species richness during win ter surveys by station,
point, and habitat-type combinations.
Bird Winter
Winter
Bird Survey Station Survey Habitat Type Species
Abundance
Point Richness
Hitchcock Creek WPT034 Piedmont BottomlandBasic Oak-Hickory
1 1
Forest
Hitchcock Creek WPT035 Piedmont BottomlandBasic Oak-Hickory
22 12
Forest
Hitchcock Creek WPT036 Piedmont BottomlandBasic Oak-Hickory
8 4
Forest
Total Station 31 Mean = 5.7
Gabbro Slopes WPT030 Piedmont BottomlandBasic Oak-Hickory
15 7
Forest
Gabbro Slopes WPT031 Piedmont BottomlandBasic Oak-Hickory
8 7
Forest
Gabbro Slopes WPT032 Piedmont BottomlandBasic Oak-Hickory
1 1
Forest
Gabbro Slopes WPT033 Piedmont BottomlandBasic Oak-Hickory
6 5
Forest
Total Station 30 Mean = 5.0
Blewett Falls Dam WPTOl Reservoir/Mesic Oak-Hickory Forest 8 4
Blewett Falls Dam WPT02 Tailrace 22 7
Blewett Falls Dam WPT03 Reservoir/Mesic Oak-Hickory Forest 33 5
Total Station 63 Mean = 53
Mountain Creek WPT016 Piedmont Bottomland Forest 13 6
Mountain Creek/S WPT017 Piedmont Bottomland Forest
.
Rice Beds 18 5
Smith Lake WPT07 Oxbow Lake
Oxbow/Tupelo 49 5
Swamp
Smith Lake WPT06 Oxbow Lake
Oxbow/Tupelo 12 9
Swamp
Total Station 92 Mean = 63
Browns Creek WPT020 Piedmont Bottomland Forest 9 4
Pee Dee NWR WPT045 Piedmont Bottomland Forest 423 5
Leak Island WPT019 Piedmont Bottom land Forest 7 4
Total Station 439 Mean = 43
Lake Tillery Dam WPT027 Mesic Mixed Hardwood Forest/Reservoir 101 6
Total Station 101 Mean = 6.0
Lake Tillery /Yadkin WPT041 Mesic Mixed Hardwood Forest/Reservoir
346 3
River
Lake Tillery /Yadkin WPT042 Mesic Mixed Hardwood Forest/Reservoir
46 1
River
Total Station 422 Mean = 2.0
5-26

Section 5
Results and Discussions
w
c
s
e;
.5
r
Figure 5-13 Total winter species abundance by habitat macrosite.
^ Pee D ee River
^ Lake Tillery
^ Lake Tillery D am
^ Cn~assv Islands
^Lower Pee Dee River
O Hitchcock Creek
^ Gabbro Slopes
5-27

Section 5
Results and Discussions

t
K
t
e;
F4
`o
H
Bird Species (AOIJ Code)
Figure 5-14 «'viter bird relative abundance-top 10 species.
RBGU-Ring-Billed Gull
MALL-Mallard
WODU-'JJood Duck
AMCR-American Crow
BLJA-Blue Jay
BDGU-Bonaparte's Gull
RB WO-Red-bellied
'
+i
Joodpecker
~ C CG-Do ub I e-crested
Cormorant
CACH-Carolina
Chickadee

5-2R
RBGU MALL '~~nCiLT7 ABDU AMCR BL7A BOGU RBWO DCCO CACH

Section 5
Results and Discussions
a
L
a
'e
.6
5
Macrosite Area
Figure 5-15 Total ~~~inter species richness b3' macrosite area.
^ Grassy Islands
^ Lake Tllle~}~ Dam
^ HitchcockCreek
^ Lotiver Pee Dee River
^ Gabbro Slopes
^ Pee Dee River
5-29

Section 5 Results and Discussions
The great blue heron colony contains more than 78 pairs and has been active at least since 2001
(CP&L 2002b). The continued growth in the colony is expected to increase as long as there is ample
food in the tailwater and relatively undisturbed nesting habitat. Nest activity and egg-laying is
typically initiated inmid-March. The great blue heron young start hatching as soon as early April
and by mid-June, fledglings are observed wading with adults in the tailwater (Progress Energy
2003).
5.1.6 Project Affects to Avian Resources
Based on the results and discussions provided in the above sections, it can be determined thatthere
is potential for impacts both negative and positive on avian species resulting from Project
operations.
The presence of the Project has a positive affect on the avian fauna that utilize the lakes and
reservoirs. The river, reservoirs, and adjacent areas provide habitatfor large numbers of avian fauna
(e.g., neotropical songbirds, waterbirds, waterfowl, and shorebirds). This is due to the presence of
several large continuous tracts of forest land, wetlands, and other natural communities; the
juxtaposition of several habitat types and several high-value habitats.
The Lake Tilley tailwater provides high value foraging habitat for wading and waterbirds and is
adjacentto the growing great blue heron breeding colony. The use ofthis tailwaterforaging area is
dependent on the flow and subsequent tailwater elevation. With a lower water level (i.e., no
generation or one unit generation), numerous shallow pools with small fish are available for
foraging, and exposed rocks and emergent vegetation is apparent. Changes to the existing flow
regime could result in an impact to great blue heron foraging and nesting preference at this site.
The habitat suitability index for the great blue heron states that the optimal foraging habitat for the
species includes shallow water (0 to 0.5 meters in depth), clear water with a firm substrate, and a
huntable population of small fish (<25 cm in length) (Short and Cooper 1985). The model also
states that the foraging area needs to be free of human disturbances (100 meters from foraging and
only occasional disturbance) during the four hours following sunrise or preceding sunrise. This
tailwater foraging area meets these habitat requirements.
The majority of the wetlands are associated with Blewett Falls Lake. Excessive flooding during
nesting, breeding/egg laying, and fledging periods for avian species, caused by seasonal flooding
and the associated water releases from upstream reservoirs into downstream bottomlands of Blewett
Falls Lake, can have a negative affect (although not significant affect) on local ground, shrub and
low cavity nesting species. The nesting and egg laying period for these typical ground, shrub and
low cavity nesting species, which does not include waterfowl, is from April to July. This period is
when the males are staking out territories, finding potential locations for nests, and constructing
nests (Terres 1980). Flooding during this period could drive the mated pairs out of their territories
and could potentially destroy any nest that had been constructed. The primary areafor this type of
seasonal or temporary flooding withinthe Project includes the Grassy Islands of Blewett Falls Lake.
Some examples ofthese ground and shrub nesting species include neotropical migrants and resident
species such as the black-and-white warbler (Mniorilta varia), Prothonotary warbler, ovenbird
(Seiurus aurocapillus), Louisianawaterthrush, common yellowthroat (Geothlypis trichas), eastern
5-30

Section 5 Results and Discussions
towhee (Pipilo erythrophthalmus), Carolina wren, song sparrow, and red-winged blackbird (Alsop
2001).
Based on field observations, any rise in reservoir levels in the Grassy Islands and at Blewett Falls
Lake (i.e., 2.0 ft or more above adjacent emergent wetlands or normal pool) during the nesting and
breeding egg laying period could have an effect on breeding waterfowl, such as wood duck, mallard,
and Canada goose and their chicks and nest. The primary nesting period for these waterfowl species
is from May to July, which is the time when the species finding locations for nesting and
construction ofthe nest (Terres 1980). Rise in reservoir levels as indicated above could potentially
destroy any nest that had been constructed at the reservoirs edge (i.e., emergent wetlands). The
fledgling period for waterfowl is not a factor due to the fact that most chicks of waterfowl can swim
soon after hatching.
Water levels falling more than 1.5 ft below the normal maximum operating level in the Grassy
Islands area for more than four hours during the waterfowl brood rearing period of June and July, the
fall migratory period of August through October, and the wintering period of November through
February can negatively affect waterfowl by reducingforaging and cover habitat and exposingthese
birds to increased predation. Based on the review of Blewett Falls hourly headpond datafrom 1983
through 2000, approximately 60 percent ofthe hourly lake levels at Blewett Falls Dam are at levels
greater in depth than 175.7 ft (i. e., 1.5 ft below the normal operation pool level). The Grassy Islands
are located 5 miles upstream from the dam and the extent of change in water elevations is expected
to be less than that experienced at the dam. However, these low-water levels, and thus affects,
usually only occur during the periods when the Blewett Falls Dam flashboards are out for a period of
time. Affects to these species during the normal daily operations are not significant.
5.2 Mammalian Resources
The reservoirs, river and riparian shoreline, and adjacent habitats such as forested wetlands provide a
variety of habitat for several aquatic and semi-aquatic species including the beaver, muskrat, river
otter, mink (Mustela vison), and raccoon (Procyon lotor) (Table 5-7). Sign of presence (i.e., white
wood, tracks, bank dens, middens, and scat) for all of these species were observed along the
shoreline. Muskrat use appears to be localized and limited by the location of persistent emergent
wetlands (i.e., water willow beds and the southern wild rice beds). Several active beaver bank dens
with low water entrances were observed along the east shore of Blewett Falls Lake in the vicinity of
the Grassy Islands. Several muskrat bank dens were also observed in this area.
Small mammals observed or expected in the forested upland and bottomland areas withinthe Project
area include the short-tailed shrew (Blarina brevicauda), white-footed mouse (Peromyscus
leucopus), little brown bat, eastern red bat, and eastern cottontail Other common mammals include
the eastern chipmunk (Tamias striates), southern flying squirrel, gray fox, and long-tailed weasel.
The white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) and coyote are frequently observed in the area.
Transient black bears (Ursus americanus) have been known to pass through the Project area.
5-31

Section 5
Results and Discussions
Table 5-7 A list of mammal species identified in or near the Yadkin-Pee Dee River
Project area.
Progress Progress

NCMNS USFWS
ri
a MMSP Energy Energy
Common Name He
t
ge
Counties PDNWR Mammals Wildlife Incidental
program
Inventories Observations
Opossum X X X
Southeastern Shrew X X
Shorttail Shrew X
Carolina Shorttail Shrew X X
Eastern Mole X
Star-nosed Mole X X
Little Brown Bat X
Big Brown Bat X X
Silver Haired Bat X
Southeastern Myotis X
Eastern Red Bat X X
Hoary Bat X
Evening Bat X
Rafinesque's Big-eared

Bat X
Eastern Cottontail X X X
Marsh Rabbit X
Eastern Chipmunk X X X
Eastern Gray Squirrel X X X X
Eastem Fox Squirrel X X
Southern Flying Squirrel X X X
American Beaver X X X X X
Eastem Harvest Mouse X
White-footed Mouse X X X
Cotton Mouse X
Golden Mouse X
Hispid Cotton Rat X X
Pine Vole X
Muskrat X X X X
House Mouse X X
Coyote X
Red Fox X X
Gray Fox X X
Black Bear
Raccoon X X X X
Long-tailed Weasel X
Mink X X
Striped Skunk X X
Northern River Otter X X X X
Bobcat X X X X
Mountain Lion X
White-tailed Deer X X X X
5-32

Section 5 Results and Discussions
Surveys for mammals were conducted through use of visual encounter surveys along designated
transects established during the survey. As shown in Table 5-8, there were 12 mammal species
observed duringthe surveys and an additional seven species listedthrough incidental observations.
A total of 40 species have been observed in the general area ofthe Project. The highestmammalian
abundance and species richness during the surveys was found in the Grassy Islands complex at the
forest and water interface (Figure 5-16). Seven species were observed in this area including several
semi-aquatic species such as the beaver, muskrat and otter. This high mammalian richness is likely
due to the diverse habitats and large tracts of forest land located in this area. The Hitchcock Creek
area also had relatively high species richness due to the large and contiguous tracts of mature forest
land found at this site.
All facility structures including both powerhouses and ancillary buildings were surveyed for roosting
bats duringthe summer of 2004. No bats or evidence ofbat use was documented in these structures.
Overall, the structures associated with the Project area did not provide suitable batroosting habitat.
Mostfacilitieswere constructed ofmaterials such as concrete, which can produce high temperatures
and would deter bats from day roosting or roosting between foraging bouts. These buildings tend to
be quite warm and have a high sound level (low frequency vibration) or have frequent visits by
workers.
In August of 2004, a bat survey ("Bat Blitz 2004")was conducted at the Pee Dee National Wildlife
Refuge, a total of seven species were captured including the eastern red bat (Lasiurus borealis),
evening bat (Nycriceius humeralis), Seminole bat (L. seminolus), big brown bat (Eptesicus fuscus),
eastern pipistrelle (Pipistrellus subflavus), Brazilian free-tailed bat (Tadarida brasiliensis), and
southeastern myotis (Myoris austroriparius). The southeastern myotis is listed atthe federal level as
Species of Concern and at as Special Concern by North Carolina.
5.2.1 Project Affects to Mammals
The majority ofmammalian species within the Project areawill notbe affected by Project operations
due to the fact that they are mobile and inhabit the more terrestrial areas. Based on field
observations and analysis, reservoir water levels falling 2.0 ft below the normal maximum operating
level for more than one day may adversely affect several aquatic and semi-aquatic species such as
the muskrat and beaver (Allen and Hoffman 1984; Allen 1983). These lower water levels expose the
bank den entrances and can increase the risk of predation and foraging difficulties (Allen and
Hoffman 1984; Allen 1983). Based on the review of Blewett Falls Lake hourly headpond datafrom
1983 through 2000, approximately 75 percent of the hourly lake levels at Blewett Falls Dam are at
levels greater in depth than 175.2 ft (i.e., 2.0 ft below the normal operating pool level). However,
these water levels and associated affects, are assumed to occur during the periods when the Blewett
Falls Dam flashboards are out. Also the food supply for these two aquatic mammals is in adequate
supply and is not affected by Project operations. Affects to these aquatic species duringthe normal
daily operations are not significant.
5-33

Section 5 Results and Discussions
Table 5-8 Mammalian species observed within the Project area macrosite habitats.
Macrosite Area Observed Mammal Species
Hitchcock Creek Muskrat
Beaver
Gray Squirrel
Raccoon
White-tailed Deer
Gabbro Slopes Gray Squirrel
White-tailed deer
Raccoon
Blewett Falls Dam Gray Squirrel
White-tailed deer
Raccoon
Grassy Islands/Smith Lake Muskrat
Beaver
Raccoon
Cotton Rat
Bobcat
Coyote
White-tailed Deer
Lower Little River Muskrat
Beaver
Pee Dee River Beaver
Tillery Lake Dam Gray Squirrel
White-tailed Deer
Raccoon
Tillery Lake/Uwharrie River Gray Squirrel
Beaver
Muskrat
White-tailed Deer
5-34

Section 5
Results and Discussions
F
c
m
'~
z
11~facrosite Area
Figure 5-16 Mammalian species richness by habitat macrosite.
^Grassy Islands
^Hitchcock Creek
^ Lake Tillery
^ Gabbro Slopes
^ Lower Pee Dee
^ Lake Tillery Dam
^ Pee Dee River
5-35

Section 5 Results and Discussions
Based on the habitat suitability index for the muskrat and beaver, these species require apermanent
supply of water and prefers a seasonably stable water level. Lakes, reservoirs, and rivers with an
extreme annual or seasonal fluctuation in the water level are unsuitable habitat for muskrats and
beavers (Allen and Hoffman 1984; Allen 1983). Small water level fluctuations have no effect on the
accessibility to the burrow. Moderate and longer term fluctuations that affect the burrow entrance
only provide marginal aquatic mammal habitat.
Several bat species use the Project area (e.g., tailwaters and open water) and associated forested
habitats (e.g., bottomland forests) for foraging and roosting. Riparian areas along the edges of the
reservoirs contain trees sufficiently large that they could provide potential roost sites. However,
Project affects on the current bat populations are negligible. There are no planned changes in
current operating conditions such as changing water level in the reservoirs. All facility structures
including both powerhouses and ancillary buildings were surveyed for roosting bats during the
summer of 2004. No bats or evidence of bat use was documented in these structures. Overall, the
structures associated with the Project area did not provide suitable bat roosting habitat.
5.3 Amphibian and Reptile Resources
Ninety-six species of reptiles and amphibians are known to occur in the counties of Anson,
Montgomery, Richmond, and Stanly (Table 5-9). Commonly observed species include the
American toad (Bufo americanus), Fowler's toad (B. woodhousii fowleri), green treefrog (Hyla
cinerea), bull frog (Rana catesbeiana), three-lined salamander (Eurycea longicauda guttolineata),
common snapping turtle (Chelydra serpenrina), box turtle (Terrapene Carolina), Eastern painted
turtle (Chrysemys pitta), blackrat snake (Elaphe obsoleta), northern water snake (Nerodia sipedon),
Eastern garter snake (Thamnophis sirtalis), Eastern fence lizard (Sceloporus undulates), five-lined
skink (Eumeces fasciatus), and six-lined racernnner (Cnemidophorus sexlineatus). The bottomland
and wetland communities provide idea breeding and foraging habitats for these species.
Surveys for reptiles and amphibians (herpetile) were conducted through use of visual encounter
surveys along designated transects established during the survey and through direct searches at
habitats such as vernal pools. As shown in Table 5-10, there were 20 herpetile species observed
duringthe surveys and an additional 11 species listedthrough incidental observations. Atotal of 96
species have been observed in the general four county area of the Project. The highest herpetile
abundance and species richness during the surveys was found in the Grassy Islands complex in the
bottomland and wetland habitats (Figure 5-1'~. The forested habitats ofthe Pee Dee River Gabbro
Slopes and Hitchcock Creek area also had relatively high species richness due to the large and
contiguous tracts of mature forest land and adjacent wetlands found at this site.
5-36

Section 5
Results and Discussions
Table ~-9 A list of reptffe and amphibian species identified vi or near the Yadkin-Pee
Dee River Project area.
Progress Progress
Common Name NCNINS USFWS Herat 6e MIVISP Energy Energy
Counties PDN~VR A•nQ~ , m Herps Wildlife Incidental
Marbled Salamander X X X X
Mole Salamander X X X
Tiger Salamander X X
Southern Dusky Salamander X
Northern Dusky Salamander X X X X
Northern Two-lined Salamander X
Southern T~ti~o-lined Salamander X X X
Three-lined Salamander X X
Dwarf Salamander X X
Faur-toed Salamander X X
Eastern American Toad X X X X
Fowler's Toad X X X X
Oak Toad
Southern Toad X
Northern Cricket Frog X X X
Eastern Cricket Frog X
Southern Cricket Frog X X
Pine Barrens Treefrog X X
Cope's Gray Frog X
Green Treefrog X
Pine Woods Treefrog
Squirrel Treefrog X
Gray Treefrog X X X X
Spring Peeper X X X
Northern Spring Peeper X
Southeastern Chorus Frog X X X X
Little Grass Frog X
Eastern Narrow-mouthed Toad X X
X
American Bullfrog X X X X
Green Frog X X X X
Pickerel Frog X X X X X
Florida Leopard Frog X
5-37
Greater Siren X
Eastern Newt X X X
Spotted Salamander X X X X
Mabee's Salamander X
Northern Red Salamander X X X
Eastern Snadefoot X X

Section 5 Results and Discussions

Common Name
NCIl~INS
Counties
USFVVS Her t ae
PDNWR Prog-•am
NINISP
Herps Progress
Energy
Wildlife
Inventories Progress
Energy
Incidental
Observations
Southern Leopard Frog X X X
Carpenter Frog X
REPTILES
Gulf Coast Spiny Softshell X X
Eastern Snapping Turtle X X
Eastern Painted Turtle X X X X
Spotted Turtle X
Chicken Turtle X
Striped Iy1ud Turtle X
Eastern Iy1ud Turtle X X
Eastern River Cooter X X
Coast<~1 Plain Cooter X
Common 1~•Iusk Turtle {Stinkpot) X X
Eastern Box Turtle X X X X X
Yellow-belly Slider X X X X
Northern Green Anole X X X
Eastern Fence Lizard X X X
Northern Fence Lizard X X
Common Five-lined Skink X X
Southeastern Five-lined Skink X
Broad-headed Skink X X X
Ground Skink X X
Six-lined Racerunner X
Eastern Six-lined Racerunner X X
Eastern Slender Glass Lizard X X
Eastern Glass Lizard X
Copperhead X X X
Eastern Cottonmouth X X
Eastern Wormsnake X X
Scarlet snake X
Northern Scarlet Snake X
Northern Black Racer X X X
Ring-necked Snake X X
Corn Snake X X
Black Rat snake X X X X
Eastern Mucl snake
Eastern Hog-nosed Snake X X
Southern Hog-nosed Snake X X X
Mole King snake X X
Eastern King snake X X
Scarlet King snake X
Eastern Milk snake X X
Eastern Coachwhip X X X
Red-bellied Water snake X X
Banded Water snake X
Northern Water snake X X X
Common Water snake X
Brown ~~'ater snake X X
Rough Green snake X
5-3R

Section 5 Results and Discussions

Common Name
NCMNS
Counties
USFWS Heritage
PDNWR p~.ogram
D~ID~ISP
Herps Progress
Energy
Wildlife
Inventories Progress
Energy
Incidental
Observations
Northem Rough Green snake X
Northem Pine snake X X X
Brown Snake X
Queen Snake X
DeKay's Brownsnake X
Northem Red-bellied Snake X
Southeastern Crowned Snake X X
Eastern Ribbon snake X
Eastem Garter snake X X X X
Rough Earth snake X
Eastem Smooth Earth snake X X
Timber Rattlesnake X X X
Carolina Pigmy Rattlesnake X X X
5-39

Section 5 Results and Discussions
Table 5-10 Amphibian and reptile species observed within the Project area macrosite
habitats.
Macrosite Observed Herpetile Species
Hitchcock Creek Northem Cricket Frog (43)
Eastern Newt (Red Eft) (1)
Green Frog (3+)
Gabbro Slopes Eastern Newt (Red Eft) (1)
Spotted Salamander (egg masses)
Gray Treefrog (4)
Northem Cricket Frog (1)
Spring Peeper (50+)
American Toad (3)
Green Frog (1)
Red-bellied Watersnake (1)
BlewettFalls Dam Yellow-bellied Slider (5)
Painted Turtle (1)
Grassy Islands/Smith Lake Northem Cricket Frog (15)
Southem Cricket Frog (8)
Spring Peeper (50+)
Southeastern Chorus Frog (200+)
Gray Treefrog (2)
Southem Leopard Frog (1)
Pickerel Frog (1)
American Toad (1)
Fowler's Toad (1)
Spotted Salamander (1 and egg masses)
Green Anole (2)
Eastern Fence Lizard (3)
Black Rat Snake (1)
Northem Water Snake (2)
Yellow-bellied Slider (12)
Eastern Box Turtle (1)
Painted Turtle (3)
Lower Little River Black Rat Snake (1)
Northem Water Snake (1)
Green Anole (1)
Yellow-bellied Slider
Pee Dee River Yellow-bellied Slider (4)
Tillery Lake Dam Northern Cricket Frog (3)
Gray Treefrog (2)
Green Anole (1)
Yellow-bellied Slider (~
Tillery Lake/Uwharrie River Yellow-bellied Slider (3)
Green Frog (4)
American Toad (1 and egg masses)
Rana sp. (egg masses)
5-40

Section 5
Results and Discussions
N
H
d
c
r
U
N
Qf
U
d
a
w
m
m
x
1V'Iacrosite Area
Figure 5-17 Herpetile species richness by habitat macrosite.
^ Grassy Islands
^ Gabbro Slopes
^ Pee Dee River
^ Lake Tillery Dam
^ Hitchcock Creek
^ Lake Tillery
^ Blewett Falls Dam
5-41

Section 5 Results and Discussions
5.3.1 Project Affects to Reptiles and Amphibians
It is unlikely that hydro operations would influence most of the terrestrial herpetile species to any
significant degree. Most of the species (e. g., black rat snake, box turtle) prefer drier, upland
environments and are quite mobile. It is possible that hydro operations could influence certain
aquatic species such as the bullfrog, northern cricket frog, green frog, spring peeper, northern water
snake, and yellow-bellied slider by influencing the amount of suitable aquatic and wetland habitat
available during certain periods of operation. Increases in the fluctuation of water levels can affect
amphibians andthe associated species richness by the: 1) stranding of egg masses when water levels
drop; and (2) reducing the emergent vegetation the amphibians rely for cover and foraging
(Washington State 2003). Based on field observations, reservoir water levels 1.5 ft or more below
the normal full pool for more than one day can adversely effect these several aquatic and semi-
aquatic species (such as the bullfrog) by limiting habitat and increasing predation especially during
the breeding period (Graves and Anderson 1987). Low reservoir water levels greater than 1.5 ft
below the normal operating level in the winter period (for more than one day) and the subsequent
freezing of substrates can cause mortality in hibernating species such as turtles and frogs due to
freezing ofthe individuals. Based on the review of Blewett Falls Lake hourly headpond data from
1983 through 2000, approximately 60 percent of the hourly lake levels at Blewett Falls Dam are at
levels greater in depth than 175.7 ft (i.e., 1.5 ft below the normal operating pool level). The Grassy
Islands are located 5 miles upstream of the dam and the extent of change in water elevations is
expected to be less than that experienced at the dam. However, these low water levels usually only
occur during the periods when the Blewett Falls Dam flashboards are out for a period of time.
Affects to these species during the normal daily operations are not significant.
Ambystomid salamanders (i.e., mole salamanders), such as the marbled and spotted, prefer
hydrologically isolated vernal pools (i.e., lackfish predators) in bottomland habitats. Based onfield
observations, these vernal pool habitats are not hydrologically connected to the daily hydro
operations (perched depressions) and thus will not be affected by any reservoir water level changes
and the associated Project operations. Although high water events due to large spring rain events
can scour these vernal pools of egg masses and larvae as was the situation in late March 2005. The
Grassy Islands, Uwharrie River, and Lake Tillery Dam vernal pools were inundated with more than
3 ft of surface flow during this period.
5.4 High-Value Wildlife Areas
Areas within the Project boundary and in the zones of influence were reviewed and surveyed to
identify those areas determined to be "high-value wildlife habitat'. These selected areas were
evaluated based on the plant community type(s), unique features, potential use by wildlife species,
existing information (e.g., North Carolina Natural Heritage Program inventories), and the results of
the wildlife inventories including species abundance and richness. Table 5-11 and Figure 5-18
identify these high-value wildlife lands.
The following describes several of the important attributes of these selected wildlife areas:
5-42

Section 5 Results and Discussions
^ The large undisturbed and contiguous forested habitats associated with the Grassy Islands,
Lower Little River, Pee Dee River Gabbro Slopes, and Hitchcock Creek areas provide high
value breeding and foraging wildlife habitat for avian and herpetile species.
^ The emergent wetlands (e.g., southern wild rice beds) associated with the Grassy Islands
complex provide important waterfowl, passerine, and herpetile foraging and cover habitat.
^ Grassy Islands/Smith Lake provides winter refuge for numerous waterfowl species including
wood ducks, mallards, buffleheads, and scaup. Several large vernal pools with rich amphibian
breeding assemblages are also associated with the Grassy Island bottomlands. Bottomland
forest communities tend to have high wildlife value due to the predominance of woody plant
communities that offer protection, roosting areas and nest cavities (e.g., snags), food and
favorable microclimates for many species (Martin et al. 1993). Also the adjacentwaterbodies
such as the Pee Dee River provides an important source of food for resident and transient
species such as neotropical songbirds, waterfowl, fish-eating birds, aquatic and semi-aquatic
reptiles and amphibians, and aquatic mammals (Martin et al. 1993). This community, as
documented in the Grassy Islands Complex, provides a diversity and interspersion of habitat
features. These large and contiguous habitats also provide anatural corridorfor dispersal and
migration along the river system (Martin et al. 1993).
^ Riverine area adjacent to Pee Dee National Wildlife Refuge has a high concentration of
wintering waterfowl including species such as the mallard, American black duck, wood duck,
and Canada goose. The Pee Dee River in Anson County, which includes the Pee Dee National
Wildlife Refuge is listed by the North American Waterfowl ManagementPlan (Atlantic Coast
Joint Venture) as aNorth Carolina focus area (i.e., critical areas for wintering, migratory, and
breeding waterfowl) because this area provides high value bottomland wetlands that benefit
the black duck, mallard and wood duck (NAWMP undated).
^ The Lake Tilley tailwater provides high value foraging habitatfor wading and waterbirds and
is adjacentto the expanding great blue heron breeding colony.
5-43

Section 5 Results and Discussions
Table 5-ll Areas identified as a high value wildlife community within or near Proiect lands.
High Value Wildlife Areas Location Project Lands Location Description
Bailin Mafic Macrosite
Falls Dam Slope U.S. Forest Service lands in Montgomery Outside Project Lands _ 1 Site has Piedmont Monadnock Forest,
(State Significant) County; directly downstream of Falls Dam mile north of Falls Dam Piedmont Heath Bluff, Basic Oak-Hickory
on the Yadkin River; adjacent to the upper Forest, and Piedmont Mafic Cliff Supports
reaches of Lake Tillery numerous rare plant populations and natural
communities.
Dutch John Creek Area U.S. Forest Service and private lands in Only narrow flowage Site has large, unfragmented Dry Oak-Hickory
(Regional Significant) Montgomery County; _ 6,000 ft downstream easementjustbelow Falls Forest and Piedmont Heath Bluff Site
of the Falls Dam to just below Falls Dam Dam on Project Lands supports several rare plant populations.
and above Uwharrie River confluence
Gold Mine Branch U.S. Forest Service lands; located in Only narrow flowage Site supports a remnant Piedmont Longleaf
Longleaf Pine Forest Montgomery County at upper reaches of easement on Project Lands Pine Forest that is uncommon within the
(State Significant) Lake Tillery north of the Uwharrie River county.
Lake Tillery/Lower Adjacent to Morrow Mountain State Park Strip of Progress Energy Variety of bottomland hardwood, several
Uwharrie River lands and the Uwharrie River corridor land along Uwharrie River vernal pools and a diverse emergent wetland
(includes the "Hidden Lakes" area) and within zone of area.
operational influence
Pee Dee River Megaszte~
Lower Little River Above Blewett Falls Lake in Richmond Strip of Progress Energy This site contains bottomland hardwood and
(Regional Significant) County along Little River and at the land along southeast bank of levee forests. Supports high diversity of avian
confluence with Pee Dee River Little River resources.
Pee Dee River Grassy Just below the confluence of the Little River Project boundary Variety of floodplain and slope forests,
Islands/Oxbow Site and Pee Dee River in Richmond County, incorporates all Grassy extensive marshes, several diverse vernal
(State Significant) broadening to cover both sides of the Pee Islands with significant pools, and an oxbow lake/water tupelo
Dee River as it flows into Blewett Falls acreage on Richmond swamp; large expanse of mature levee forest
Lake above the Grassy Islands and County side; only narrow and bottomland hardwood forest, unique
extending south to Bell Pond flowage easement on Anson southern wild rice wetlands. Piedmont and
side and below Grassy coastal species, including several rare species,
Islands found together at this site. Highest avian,
herpetile, and mammalian species diversity in
the Project area. Most of the area in the
5-44

Section 5 Results and Discussions
High Value Wildlife Areas Location Project Lands Location Description
Pee Dee River Gabbro East of Pee Dee River in Richmond County Outside of Project boundary, Mixed hardwood community that has
Slopes Significant downstream of Walls Landing at Seabum although approximately 102 developed over high-base soil and gabbro
Natural Heritage Area Branch to U. S. Highway 74 acres corporately owned by intrusion; supports areas of Basic Mesic
(Regional Significant) Progress Energy; _ 2 miles Forest but majority is drier Basic Oak-Hickory
below BlewettFalls Dam Forest. Piedmont and coastal species,
including rare species, found together at this
site. High diversity of avian and herpetile
resources.
Hitchcock Creek/ Richmond County side of Pee Dee River Outside of Projectboundary, Gabbro rock formation with relatively basic
Pee Dee River Slopes from U. S. 74 to just below Hitchcock Creek although a portion soils with Mesic Basic Forest and Basic Oak-
(Regional Significant) corporately owned by Hickory Forest; site has rocky slopes, steep
Progress Energy _ 2'h ravine, and floodplain forest. Supports several
miles below Blewett Falls rare plant populations. High diversity of avian
Dam and hemetile resources.
Bald Eagle Nesting Areas
Tillery Dam Just below Tillery Dam in either Stanly or Active nest will likely be Nest of breeding pair has been constructed in
Montgomery County, either north or south within Project Lands near various trees in area on both sides of the river
of NC 731 this area for several years; active and inactive nests
identified in 2001-2003.
Blewett Dam Just above Blewett dam in Anson County Active nest will likely be Active nests were identified in 2001-2003.
within Project Lands near
this area
Leak Island Leak Island in Richmond County just north Outside of Project Lands; -6 Eaglets have been observed in this area and
of the Pee Dee NWR miles below Tillery Dam, sections of shoreline are suitable for nests
south of confluence with along this section of river but none have been
Rocky River identified to date.
Osprey Nesting Area On one of the Grassy Islands in the upper Active nest is within Project One active nest has been identified in this area
reaches of Blewett Fall Lake Lands near this area for several years.
Great Blue Heron Breeding Below Tillery Dam in Stanly County along Inside Project Lands Growing colony with over 78 pairs. Adjacent
Colony adjacent loblolly pine plantation area west of tailwater is an important foraging habitat. The
the tailwater Important foraging habitat current breeding colony (loblolly pines stand)
includes the tailwater during low flows has at least a 250 meter disturbance-free area
around it (Short and Cooper 1985).
Refuges an d 1~Idtife
Management Areas
Morrow Mountain State On Lake Tillery just downstream of Falls Narrow flowage easement 4,700 acres
Park Dam in Stanlv County on Proiect Lands
5-45

Section 5
Results and Discussions
High Value Wildlife Areas Location Project Lands Location Description
Uwharrie National Forest Boarders on Lake Tillery in Montgomery Not within Project 50,189 acres; housing development along
County from Falls Dam south to NC 24/27 boundaries eastern shoreline south of Uwharrie River to
NC 24/27.
Pee Dee National Boarder both sides of the Pee Dee River Outside of Project Lands; 8,843 acres; refuge is part of the Savannah-
Wildlife Refuge between Tillery and Blewett Falls in Anson 6+ miles south of Tillery Santee-Pee Dee Ecosystem. Important
and Richmond Counties Dam waterfowl area.
5-46

Section 5
Results anti Discussions
'r
Falls Dam Slope
Kadin Dam' ~\'1 .
>. ~ .. ~ ~
~" ~ '~F
~~.~ r•`~ ~..` ~r_ t:• ~r~~;.. ~ 1 Dutch John Creek Area
~ ~• ~ (,
~ ~ . ~ ~ ,~
t ~3v ~ r '• ~ l +a"~ ~ .~d~
r " ,p`;~!' ',,;:' Gold Mine Branch
"" :~ ~ ` Longleaf Pine Forest
- 1 ally Dam ~ _ ~^ ! '•~
err
~ , ~)1 ~,~7,j ~. 1
t
~ a ~ ,
^'_ "~ ~ / Lake Tillery/Lower
a.r _ ~ Uvdharrie River Area
.. ' ~ w.
~_
Morrow Mountain; / `I % ~ ''
' ; State Park i ~~ ;~ i >~ 1:i '?
c l ~y{ /~~
,- ~ P
" sa Uwharrie
fi ~ .zt
"" ~ '~"'• Na6onai f=orest
s ~, { ,''
.~ ""'i r ~'~` '.
_~. ~,,A ~
Bald Eagle Nest ;~~ ~
:t'), ~N
_ -- ~ ~~ t i _..
/ y .t,
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r ~,
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Sheet 1 of 5
Hlgh Value Wildllie Area
.ti. ~ Parks (Detailed)
Prgecl Bourtda ry sa:e ata>~rd crtro vmrd srnrr ceaoq¢alSu~ey
' and ESfS Devn<ia~ttl mdn;;antes asvanrsro legal
IaQlty a ie;pmvEM1ty la N Mcuacy aM cdrgktmrs;
Flgure (.oeaLLOn - dhe Eta Wrzn?005
Figure 5-18 High-value ~~~ildlife areas (Sheets 1 of 5}.
5-47

Section 5
Results and Discussions
_/ `.`. 'E
i :~>r I-Y1h:1111C . ~.
i \ rtlunal I of kwl
r.. I , -'`
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(
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N ~" ,+ .
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r
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. Heron Colony 'i ~ lillen D Im
Bald Eagle Nest (2) - ~ -^
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Sheet 2 of 5
Hlgtl Vxue Wiltliile Area
O Pprks (~elsilpq)
_ OPrO~ed eounOarY Base Ean npW~Mhihe W+M 9ku GegymlSUxY
mE ESRI prvneiaMl M0.vaWe mymnmky+l
IndbY aiemai.0lMla Te xtV aryaM mlrgbYneu
n4aa LeWlta da~<aaa IAmF:DJS
Figure 5-15 High-value wildlife areas (Sheets 2 of ~.
5-4~

Section 5
Results anti Discussions
Figure 5-18 High-value wildlife areas (Sheets 3 of 5}.
5-49

Section 5
Results anti Discussions
Figure 5-18 High-value wildlife areas (Sheets 4 of 5~.
5-50

Section 5
Results and Discussions
r' -- -
i ,,
~~- ;:
- ~'
rr ~~ ~. ~4y ' ..
:.~ '
I \ 'fa t \.3
v.l ~ __. ~. /..
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Sheet 5 of 5
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- OPmject BOUntlary Beu eae anMmuy ine Unna SrorL GeaogalSmn
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Figure 5-15 High-value wildlife areas (Sheets 5 of ~.
5-51

Section 6 -Summary
The following summary is a compilation ofthe data gathered during the wildlife surveys, as well as
the specific impact analysis. Spring species richness was highest in the large contiguous forested
habitats such as Hitchcock Creek, Gabbro Slopes, Blewett Falls Dam area, and Lake
Tillery/iJwharrie area. The individual points with the highest species richness include those in the
Hitchcock Creek, Gabbro Slopes, Blewett Falls Dam area, and the Lake Tillery/iJwharrie River
areas. The tailraces provides foraging habitat for several migratory and resident waterbirds
including gulls, cormorants, and herons.
Breeding species richness was observed highest in the forested habitats adjacent to the various
waterbodies such as the Pee Dee River (e.g., Lower Little River area), the Lake Tillery/iJwharrie
area, and Blewett Falls Dam but was also high in large contiguous forested habitats such as the
Gabbro Slopes. Fall migration species richness was again highest in the forested habitats adjacentto
the various waterbodies such as Blewett Falls Dam area, the Grassy Islands, and Pee Dee River but
was also high in large, contiguous forested habitats such as the Gabbro Slopes. These habitats
provide quality foraging and stopover (i.e., resting) habitats. Winter species richness was again
highest in the forested habitats adjacent to the various waterbodies such as the Grassy Islands and
Lake Tillery Dam but was also high in large, contiguous forested habitats such as Hitchcock Creek.
A great blue heron breeding colony is located in the loblolly pine stand along the west shoreline
overlooking the Tillery tailwater. Foraging habitat for this colony is located in the tailwater area
below the dam. The tailwater and adjacent shoreline below Tillery Dam provides food, cover, and
nesting habitatfor both adults and juvenile birds through most ofthe year. The number of great blue
heron and other wading birds in this tailwater area is dependent on the flow (no units or one unit in
operation) and subsequenttailwater elevation. W ith a lower water level, more wading birds use this
habitat area. Changes to the existing flow regime could result in an impactto the heron foraging and
nesting preference at the site.
Flooding during nesting, breeding/egg laying, and fledging periods for avian species, caused by
seasonal flooding and the associated releases from upstream reservoirs downstream bottomlands of
Blewett Falls Lake, can have a negative affect (although not significant affect) on local ground,
shrub, and low cavity nesting species. Based on field observations and analysis, rise in reservoir
levels (i. e., 2.0 ft or more above adjacent emergent wetlands or normal pool at the Grassy Islands
area) during the nesting and breeding/egg laying period could also have an effect on breeding
waterfowl, such as wood duck, mallard, and Canada goose and their chicks and nest. The primary
nesting period for these waterfowl species is from May to July, which is the time when the species
finding locations for nesting and construction of the nest. Any excessive rise in reservoir levels
could potentially destroy any nest that had been constructed at the reservoirs edge (i. e., emergent
wetlands). The fledgling period for waterfowl is not a factor due to the fact that most chicks of
waterfowl can swim soon after hatching. Water levels falling more than 1.5 ft below the normal
maximum operating level (for more than four hours) during the waterfowl brood rearing period of
June and July, the fall migratory period of August through October, and the wintering period of
November through February can negatively affect waterfowl by reducing foraging and cover habitat
and exposing these birds to increased predation. Based on the review of Blewett Falls Lake hourly
headpond data from 1983 through 2000, approximately 60 percent of the hourly lake levels at
Blewett Falls Dam are at levels greater in depth than 175.7 ft (i.e., 1.5 ft below the normal operating
6-1

Section 6
pool level). The Grassy Islands are located approximately 5 miles upstream from the dam and the
extent of change in elevation is expected to be less than at the dam. However, these low water
levels, and thus affects, usually only occur during the periods when the Blewett Falls Dam
flashboards are outfor aperiod of time due to uncontrollable flood events. Affects to these species
during the normal daily operations are not significant. The effects of operation of the Project also
have a positive affect on the avian faunathat utilize the lakes and reservoirs. The river, reservoirs,
and adjacent areas provide habitat for large numbers of avian fauna (e.g., neotropical songbirds,
waterbirds, waterfowl, raptors, and shorebirds).
There were 12 mammal species observed during the surveys and an additional seven species listed
through incidental observations. A total of 40 species have been observed in the general area ofthe
Project. The highest mammalian abundance and species richness during the surveys was found in
the Grassy Islands complex at the forest and water interface. Seven species were observed in this
area including several semi-aquatic species such as the beaver, muskrat and otter. All facility
structures including both powerhouses and ancillary buildings were surveyed for roosting bats
during the summer of 2004. No bats or evidence of bat use was documented in these structures.
Overall, the structures associated with the Project area did not provide suitable batroosting habitat.
The majority of mammalian species within the Proj ect area will not be affected by Proj ect operations
because they are mobile and inhabitthe more terrestrial areas. Based on observations and analysis,
reservoir water levels 2.0 ft below the normal maximum operating level for more than one day can
adversely affect several aquatic and semi-aquatic species such as the muskrat and beaver. These
lower water levels expose the bank den entrances and can increase the risk of predation and foraging
difficulties. Based on the review of Blewett Falls Lake hourly headpond data from 1983 through
2000, approximately 75 percent ofthe hourly lake levels at Blewett Falls Dam are at levels greater in
depth than 175.2 ft (i.e., 2.0 ft below the normal operating pool level). However, these lower water
levels are assumedto only occur during the periods when the Blewett Falls Dam flashboards are out.
There were 20 herpetile species observed during the surveys and an additional 11 species listed
through incidental observations. Atotal of96 species have been observed in the general four county
area of the Project. The highest herpetile abundance and species richness during the surveys was
found in the Grassy Islands Complex in the bottomland and wetland habitats. The forested habitats
of the Gabbro Slopes and Hitchcock Creek area also had relatively high species richness due to the
large and contiguous tracts of mature forest land found at this site.
It is unlikely that hydro operations would influence most of the terrestrial herpetile species to any
significant degree. It is possible that hydro operations could influence certain semi-aquatic and
aquatic species by influencing the amount of suitable aquatic and wetland habitat available during
certain periods of operation. Based on field observations and analysis, reservoir water levels 1.5 ft
or more below the normal maximum operating level for a period of time (more than one day) can
adversely these several aquatic and semi-aquatic species (such as the bullfrog) by limiting habitat
and increasing predation especially during the breeding period. Low reservoir water levels greater
than 1.5 ft below the normal maximum operating level in the winter period for more than one day
and the subsequent freezing of substrates can cause mortality in hibernating species such as turtles
and frogs due to freezing of the individuals. Based on the review of Blewett Falls Lake hourly
headpond data from 1983 through 2000, approximately 60 percent of the hourly lake levels at
6-2

Section 6
Blewett Falls Dam are at levels greater in depth than 175.7 ft (i.e., 1.5 ft below the normal operating
pool level). The Grassy Islands are located approximately 5 miles upstream from the dam and the
extent of change in elevation is expected to be less than atthe dam. However, these low water levels
usually only occur during the periods when the Blewett Falls Dam flashboards are out for a period of
time. Affects to these species during the normal daily operations are not significant.
Areas within the Project boundary and in the zones of influence were reviewed and surveyed to
identify those areas determined to be "high value wildlife habitaY'. The following describes several
of the important attributes of these selected wildlife areas:
^ The large undisturbed and contiguous forested habitats associated with the Grassy Islands,
Lower Little River, Pee Dee River Gabbro Slopes and Hitchcock Creek areas provide high
value breeding and foraging wildlife habitat for avian and herpetile species.
^ The emergent wetlands (e.g., southern wild rice beds) associated with the Grassy Islands
Complex provide important waterfowl, passerine, and herpetile foraging and cover habitat.
^ Grassy Islands/Smith Lake provides winter refuge for numerous waterfowl species including
wood ducks, mallards, buffleheads, and scaup. Several large vernal pools with rich amphibian
breeding assemblages are also associated with the Grassy Island bottomlands.
^ Riverine area adjacent to Pee Dee National Wildlife Refuge has a high concentration of
wintering waterfowl including species such as the mallard, American black duck, wood duck,
and Canada goose.
^ The Lake Tilley tailwater provides high value foraging habitatfor wading and waterbirds and
is adjacentto the expanding great blue heron breeding colony.
6-3

Section 7 -References
Allen, A.W. 1983. Habitat suitability index models: beaver. USFWS. FWS/OBS-82/10.30
revised. pp. 20.
Allen, A.W., and R.D. Hoffman. 1984. Habitat suitability index models: muskrat. USFWS.
FWS/OBS-82/10.46. pp. 27.
Alsop III, Fred J. 2001. Birds of North America-Eastern Region. DK publishing, Inc., New York,
NY.
APGL 2002. Yadkin Hydroelectric Project FERC No. 2197 NC Project Relicensing, ICD,
September, 2002. ALCOA Power Generating Inc., Yadkin Division, Badin, NC.
Appalachian State University. 1999. North Carolina's Central Park: assessingtourismand outdoor
recreation in the Uwharrie Lakes region. Appalachian State University, September 1999.
Bates, M. 2001. Montgomery County Natural Heritage Inventory. In association with: The Land
Trust for Central North Carolina, Salisbury, NC. The North Carolina Natural Heritage
Program, Division of Parks and Recreation, Department of Environment and Natural
Resources, Raleigh, NC.
Beane, J.C. 1999. NC Museum of Natural Sciences, Reptile and Amphibian County Records
(Anson, Montgomery, Richmond, and Stanly Counties, North Carolina).
Burt, W.H., and R.P. Grossenheider. 1976. A Field Guide to the Mammals. Peterson Field Guide
Series. Houghton Mifflin Company. Boston, MA. pp. 289.
Carolina Power & Light. 2001. Survey of Wading Bird Use and Great Blue Heron Nesting Activity
in the Tailwater of the Tillery Hydroelectric Plant. Yadkin-Pee Dee Hydroelectric Project
(LT. S. FERC Project No. 2206). Environmental Services Section, CP&L A Progress
Energy Company. New Hill, NC.
2002a. Terrestrial resource report associated with the Smith Lake Oxbow Swamp and
adjacent bottom lands. Yadkin-Pee Dee Hydroelectric Project (FERC No. 2206). New Hill,
NC.
2002b. Survey of Wading Bird Use and Great Blue Heron Nesting Activity in the Tailwater
of the Tillery Hydroelectric Plant 2002. Yadkin-Pee Dee Hydroelectric Project (LT. S.
FERC Project No. 2206). Environmental Services Section, CP&L A Progress Energy
Company. New Hill, NC.
Conant, R., and J.T. Collins. 1991. Reptiles and Amphibians of Eastern/Central North America
Peterson Field Guide Series. Houghton Mifflin Company. Boston, MA. pp. 450
Cooperrider, A.Y., R.J. Boyd, and H.R. Stuart (eds.). 1986. Inventory and Monitoring of Wildlife
Habitat. U.S. Dept. Inter., Bur. Land Manage. Denver, CO. 858 pp.
7-1

Section 7 References
Cowardin, L.M., V. Carter, F.C. Golet, and E.T. LaRoe. 1979. Classification of Wetlands and
Deepwater Habitats of the United States. U.S. Dept. of Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service.
FWS/OBS-79/31. pp. 131
Crump, M.L. and N.J. Scott, Jr. 1994. Visual Encounter Surveys. Pp. 84-92 in Measuring and
Monitoring Biological Diversity: Standard methods for Amphibians (Heger ed.).
Smithsonian Institution Press, Washington D.C.
DeGraaf, R.M and J.H. Rappole. 1995. Neotropical Migratory Birds-natural History, Distribution,
and Population Change. Comstock Publishing Associates. Ithaca, NY. pp. 676.
EA. 2000. Botanical and terrestrial wildlife resources study: Blewett Falls Hydroelectric Plant.
Prepared for Carolina Power & Light Company. EA Engineering, Science, and Technology,
Baltimore Branch. Sparks, Maryland.
Framatome ANP, Inc. 2002. Terrestrial resources report associated with the survey of Smith Lake
oxbow swamp and adjacentbottomlandwetlands. Yadkin-Pee Dee Hydroelectric Project(LJ.
S.FERCProjectNo.220~. Prepared forCP&L AProgressEnergyCompany.Framatome
ANP DE&S. Charlotte, NC.
Gatens, L.J. 1999. NC Museum of Natural Sciences, List of mammal species in Anson,
Montgomery, Richmond, and Sternly Counties, North Carolina).
Graves, B.M., and S.H. Anderson. 1987. Habitat suitability index models: bullfrog. USFWS. Biol.
Rep 82(10.138). pp. 22.
Griffith, G.E., J.M. Omernik, J.A. Comstock, M.P. Schafale, W.H. McNab, D.R. Lenat, T.F.
MacPherson, J.B. Glover, and V.B. Shleburne. 2002. Ecoregions of North Carolina and
South Carolina (color poster). Reston, Virginia, U.S., Geological Survey (map scale
1:1,500,000).
LeGrand, H.E., S.E. McRae, S.P. Hall, and J.T. Finnegan. 2004. 2004 Natural Heritage Program
list of rare animal species in North Carolina NC Natural Heritage Program.
Martin, W.H., S.G. Boyce, and A.C. Echternacht (eds.). 1993. Biodiversity of the Southeastern
United States: Lowland Terrestrial Communities. John Wiley and Sons. New York, New
York. 502 pp.
Martof, B.S., W. M. Palmer, J.R. Bailey, and J.R. Harrison. 1980. Amphibians and Reptiles ofthe
Carolinas and Virginia The University of North Carolina Press. Chapel Hill, NC. pp. 264.
Morrison, M.L., B.G. Marcot, and R.W. Mannan. 1992. Wildlife-Habitat Relationships: Concepts
and Applications. The University of Wisconsin Press. pp. 342.
7-2

Section 7 References
National Audubon Society. 2002. The Christmas Bird Count Historical Results. Pee Dee National
Wildlife Refuge (Count Circle: NCPD) Counts 97-103. [Online] URL:
http://www.audubon.org/bird/cbc. (Accessed November 18, 2003.)
. 2002. The Christmas Bird Count Historical Results. Pee Dee Area (Count Circle: SCPD)
Counts 94-103. [Online] URL: http://www.audubon.org/bird/cbc. (Accessed January 9,
2004.)
North American Waterfowl Management Plan. Undated. Atlantic Coast Joint Venture Plan. pp.
106.
North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources. Undated. Checklistforthe169
known species ofbird at Morrow Mountain State Park. North Carolina State Parks, Division
of Parks and Recreation. Unpaginated. Raleigh, NC. [Online] URL: http://207.4.179.38
/nrid/viewPub.php?majorGroup=BIRD&park=MOMO. (Accessed January 9, 2004.)
North Carolina Division of Water Quality. 1998. Yadkin-Pee Dee River basinwide water quality
management plan. May 1998. NCDENR, DWA, Raleigh, NC.
North Carolina Natural Heritage Program. 2004. Guide to federally listed endangered and
threatened species of North Carolina.
. Undated. The North Carolina Natural Heritage Program County element occurrence database
by county (Anson, Montgomery, Richmond, and Stanly Counties, North Carolina). [Online]
URL: http://www.ncsparks.net/nhp/county.html. (Accessed January 14, 2004.)
North Carolina Partners in Flight. 2005. A bird conservation plan for North Carolina NCWRC,
Raleigh, NC.
Peterson, R.T. 1980. Eastern Birds. Peterson Field Guide Series. Houghton Mifflin Company.
Boston, MA. pp. 384.
Plans, W.S., W.F. Megahan, and G.W. Minshall. 1983. Methods for evaluating stream, riparian,
and biotic conditions. USDA- Intermountain For. and Range Exp. Station. General
Technical Report INT-138. Ogden, UT. 70 pp.
Potter, E.F, J.F. Parnell, and R.P. Teulings. 1980. Birds of the Carolinas. The University ofNorth
Carolina Press. Chapel Hill, NC. pp. 408.
Progress Energy. 2003. Initial Consultation Document. Yadkin-Pee Dee River Project, FERC No.
2206. Section 4.6, Wildlife Resources, Rare, Threatened, and Endangered Species.
Patuxent Wildlife Research Center. 2003. Bird Banding Laboratory, The North American Bird
Banding Program. U. S. Department ofthe Interior, U.S. Geological Survey. [Online] URL:
http://www.pwrc.usgs.gov/bbl/default.htm. (Accessed April 2005.)
7-3

Section 7 References
Ralph, C.J., G.R. Geupel, P. Pyle, T.E. Martin, and D.F. DeSante. 1993. Handbook of Field
Methods for Monitoring Landbirds. Gen. Tech. Rep. PSW-GTR-144. Albany, CA: Pacific
Southwest Research Station, Forest Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture. 41 pp.
Ralph, C.J., J.R. Sauer, and S. Droege (Technical Editors). 1995. Monitoring Bird Populations by
Point Counts. Gen. Tech. Rep. PSW-GTR-149. Albany, CA: Pacific Southwest Research
Station, Forest Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture. 187 pp.
Sauer, J.R., J.E. Hines, G. Gough, L Thomas, and B.G. Peterjohn. 1992 The North American
breeding bird survey results and analysis, Version 96.4. (North American Breeding Routes
NC17, NC 207, NC215, NC216, NC 900, NC 904, SC 900) Patuxent Wildlife Research
Center, Laurel, Maryland.
Schafale, M.P. and A.S. Weakley. 1990. Classification of the Natural Communities of North
Carolina. NC Natural Heritage Program. Raleigh, NC.
Short, H.L., and R.J. Cooper. 1985. Habitat suitability index models: great blue heron. USFWS
Biol. Rep. 82(10.99). pp. 23.
Sorrie, B.A. 2001. Natural Areas Inventory for Richmond County. Sponsored by: The Land Trust
for Central North Carolina, Salisbury, NC, and Sandhills Area Land Trust. The North
Carolina Natural Heritage Program, Division of Parks and Recreation, Department of
Environment and Natural Resources, Raleigh, NC.
Sousa, P.J., and A.H. Farmer. 1983. Habitat suitability index models: wood duck. USFWS.
FWS/OBS-82/10.43. pp. 27.
South Carolina Department of Natural Resources. Undated. South Carolina rare, threatened &
endangered species inventory. South Carolina Department ofNatural Resources (Darlington
and Chesterfield Counties, South Carolina). Columbia SC. [Online] URL:
http://www.dnr.state.sc.us.pls.heritage/county_species.list. (Accessed January 14, 2004.)
Swift, B.L., J.S. Larson, and R.M. DeGraaf. 1984. Bird density and diversityto habitat variables in
forested wetlands. Wilson Bull. 96(1) pp. 48-59.
Terres, J.K. 1980. The Audubon Society Encyclopedia ofNorth American Birds. Alfred A. Knopf,
New York, NY. pp. 1109.
U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Undated. Birds of Pee Dee National Wildlife Refuge. U. S. Fish and
Wildlife Refuge Service. Unpaginated. Jamestown, ND: Northern Prairie Wildlife Research
Center Home Page. http://www.npwrc.usgs.gov/resource/othrdata/chekbird/r4/peedee.htm
(version May 22, 1998).
Washington Department of Ecology and Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. 2003.
Wetlands in Washington State. Volume 1, Chapter 4- A synthesis of the science.
7-4

Section 7
References
Wharton, C.H., W.M. Kitchens, and T.W. Sipe. 1982. The Ecology of Bottomland Hardwood
Swamps ofthe Southeast: A Community Profile. U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Biological
Services Program, Washington, D.C. FWS/OBS-81/37. pp. 133.
Webster, W.D., J.F. Parnell, and W.C. Biggs. 1985. Mammals of the Carolinas, Virginia, and
Maryland. The University of North Carolina Press. Chapel Hill, NC. pp. 254.
7-5

APPENDICES

APPENDIX A
WILDLIFE SPECIES GUILDS

REPRESENTATIVE TERRESTRIAL WILDLIFE SPECIES GUILDS
BOTTOMLAND HARDWOOD FLOODPLAIN WETLANDS

~ °S.
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~ ~
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~ R
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a~
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y v,
Scientific Name Common Name Habit Requirements /Notes
Potential Project Affects
S White-tailed deer are at home in many Increased recreational use of the Project area by
p of the natural communities of the humans (i.e. access for hunting) has the potential to
x c Fu Odocoileus virginianus White-tailed Deer region. Prime habitat is broken areas affect this species negatively causing them to seek
W of re-generating forest with cropland other suitable area with less human activity.
interspersed throughout
Sp Associated with wetland habitats and Although the occurrence is infrequent high water
x c Su Procyon lotor Raccoon stream corridors. events have the potential to reduce the available
F suitable habitat for this species impacting food and
Typically found along small wooded Althoughthe occurrence is infrequentextremely low
S streams which it dams to form small water events have the potential to de-water bank den
p impoundments called beaver ponds. sites. This could expose this species to additional
x c Fu Castor canadensis Beaver Also found in large rivers and lakes predation lowering population levels.
W where it often forms bank dens as
opposed to open water lodges when it
forms an impoundment of its own.
S The preferred habitat of gray squirrels Although the occurrence is infrequent high water
p is extensive tracts of mature forests of events during the winter months could potentially
x c Fu Sciurus carolinensis Gray Squirrel oaks, hickories, and beeches mixed inundate stored food sources causing increased
W with other hardwoods and various mortality rates and lowered reproductive success.
species of conifers.
This species is normally a forest Although the occurrence is infrequent extremely dry
dweller, but it does not hesitate to years could lower water levels within the Project
utilize attics and crevices in buildings, area causing lower production of preferred food
caves, and crevices in rocks for sources forcing this species to abandon roost sites
Sp daytime retreats. Favorite roosts are within the Project area and relocate to areas with
x c Su Eptesicus fuscus Big Brown Bat under the loose bark of dead trees and better food sources.
F in cavities of trees. These bats emerge
rather early in the evening and feed
among the trees, often following a
regular route from one treetop to
another and back again.
Appendix A - 1

a~
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~ ~
Y
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y =
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a~
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y v,
Scientific Name Common Name Habit Requirements /Notes
Potential Project Affects
S Eastem moles prefer moist, sandy, or Although the occurrence is infrequent high water
p loamy soil. They occur m meadows, events have the potential to mandate the tunnel
x c Fa Scalopus aguaficus Eastem Mole gardens, cultivated fields, river system andnests ofthis species forcing relocationto
W bottoms, mountain slopes, and forests. higher ground outside the Project boundary within
suitable soil types.
Short-tailed shrews occur in forested Although the occurrence is infrequent high water
Sp areas and their associated meadows events have the potential to inundate the tunnel
Su and openings. Adequate cover and system and nests ofthis species forcing relocation to
u F Blaring carolinensis Southern Short-tailed Shrew food appear to be more important in higher ground outside the Project boundary.
W determining their presence than type of
soil or veeetation.
S
p The Southeastern Shrew prefers Although the occurrence is infrequent high water

a floodplain forests and the borders of events have the potential to mandate the tunnel
u F Sorex longirostris Southeastern Shrew swamps. It has also been found in dry system used by this species forcing relocation to
W upland locations, including fields and higher ground outside the Project boundary.
pastures.
The species is presentinawidevariety Increased recreational use of the Project area by
Sp of habitats from relatively dry upland humans (i. e. access for hunting/trapping) has the
x c Su Didelphisvirginiana Virginia Opossum areas to those of considerable wetness, potential to affect this species negatively causing
F but it prefers woodedbottomlandsnear them to seek other suitable area with less human
W streams, ponds, swamps, and other activity.
sources of water.
Typically found in marshes, rivers, Although the occurrence is infrequent high water
x c W Anas platyrhynchos Mallard lakes, wooded swamps and bays with events can inundate food sources necessary for this
shallow water where rt is able to dabbling duck; Low water (de-watering) events can
dabble cause food sources to be dried out.
This species is typically found in Although the occurrence is infrequent low water
Sp wooded swamps, rivers and ponds. events can cause the necessary bottomland hardwood
x c Sa Aixsponsa Wood Duck forests that are usually flooded providing suitable
F habitat to be dry; This can also concentrate birds on
W the remaining suitable habitat exposing larger
concentrations of birds to predators.
Appendix A - 2

w
a~ ~ °
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4. R ~ R ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Scientific Name Common Name Habit Requirements /Notes Potential Project Affects
0
~' a~ Rx
~'
y v,
This species is found in damp woods Although the occurrence is infrequent the flooding of
or older thickets, withmoistsoilwhere foraging habitat (i. e. damp areas with earthworms
earthworms are easily found. It prefers present) as well as nesting habitat through extreme
areas with woody vegetation for water level fluctuations can cause negative stress for
singing grounds, and feeding areas this migratory game bird.
Sp with cover or near forest edges as
x c Su Scolopax minor American Woodcock opposed to large, open areas. They
F nest m a vanety of habitats such as
W open fields, mixed forests, bushfields,
and coniferous forests. It is a forest-
dwelling shorebird, and is less aquatic
than most of its relatives, though it still
often frequents bottom lands and wet
meadows.
S
p This is a species of woods, especially Although the occurrence is infrequent high water

u hardwood forests, and wooded events can have a potential negative unpact on this
x c F Meleagris gallopavo Wild Turkey swamps. species by inundating favored food sources such as
W seeds, nuts, atoms, buds, and berries; especially
during the fall.
This species prefers coniferous, Although the occurrence is infrequent high water
deciduous, and mixed forests. events or flooding can negatively affect this species
Sp However, it may prefer more open or indirectly by causing lower population levels in
x r Su Accipiter cooperii Cooper's Hawk patchy landscapes such as woodlots, some prey species especially in small mammals
F npanan forests, or forested patches m which can account of over 20 percent of this raptors
W a matrix of farmland. It is often found diet.
near forest openings or edges, and near
a stream, lake, or other body of water.
This species is typically found in This raptor can be negatively impacted by the Project
Sp woodlands, wooded rivers, and in an indirect way; by impacting its prey including
x c Su Buteo lineatus Red-shouldered Hawk timbered swamps. small mammals, the largest of these being rabbits
F and squirrels as well as reptiles, such as snakes,
W amphibians, including toads, frogs and lizards, small
birds and large insects.
Appendix A - 3

a~
~ w
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~ R ~
~ ~
Y
~ R
y =
C R

~' 0
a~
~'
Rx

y v,
Scientific Name Common Name Habit Requirements /Notes
Potential Project Affects
This species is typically found in This raptor can be negatively impacted by the Project
woodlands, woodedriverbottoms, and in an indirect way; by impacting its prey including
wooded swamps. meadow voles its main prey, followed by shrews and
deer mice. Other mammals include rats, squirrels,
Sp young rabbits, bats, moles, opossums, mink, and
x c Su Strix varia Barred Owl weasels. Birds are taken occasionally, including
F woodpeckers, grouse, quail, jays, blackbirds, and
W pigeons. They also eat small fish, turtles, frogs,
snakes, lizards, crayfish, beetles, crickets, and
grasshoppers. The Project could potentially
negatively affect all of these species thereby
S
p This species is typically found in pine Although the occurrence is infrequent this species

x u Su
Caprimulgus carolinensis foresees, aver woodlands, and wooded
Chuck-Wiles-Widow could be negatively impacted by the Project through

F groves. water fluctuations affecting insect populations, its
main food source.
This species of snake is at home in The northern water snake would most likely be
Sp almost any aquatic habitat including impacted by the Project in an indirect way: through
x c Su Nerock~a sipedon sipedon Northern Water Snake swamps, marshes, bogs, streams, lowering populations of prey species due to water
F ponds, lakes and their adjacent fluctuations affecting those speciesbreedinghabitats
W habitats. (frogs, salamanders, insects, crayfish, and small
mammals).
S
p Usually found in swamps, wet ditches, Although the occurrence is infrequentthe Project has

u and seepages along springs, and in the potentially negatively affect on this species
u F Eurycea guttolineata Three-lined Salamander forested floodplains throughout all of through de-watering the breeding and larval-stage
W North Carolina. habitats causing lower reproductive success and
increased mortality.
Pickerel frogs commonly inhabit cool, Although the occurrence is infrequent the Project has
wooded streams, seeps and springs the potentially negatively affect on this species
S
p although they are also found in many through de-watering the breeding habitat (permanent

u otherhabitats. In the South, itcanalso and semi-permanent pools) causing lower
x c F Rana palustris Pickerel Frog be found in the relatively warm, turbid reproductive success.
W waters of floodplain swamps. These
frogs tend to wander far into grassy
fields or into weed-covered areas in
the summer.
Appendix A - 4

REPRESENTATIVE TERRESTRIAL WILDLIFE SPECIES EMERGENT WETLANDS

~ °S.
~ v-
o
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4. R `~
~ R ~
~ ~
Y
~ R
y =
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~' 0
a~
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y v,
Scientific Name Common Name Habit Requirements /Notes
Potential Project Affects
~p Never far from water (Semi-aquatic); .vitnougn the occurrence is mtrequent the
x c Su Mustela vison Mink has associated with most types of dewatering of wetland habitats would reduce the
F wetlands. total available usable habitat in the Project area;
W thereby reducing the total number of individuals.
Sp Although the occurrence is infrequent extremely
x c Su Procyon lotor Raccoon Associated with wetland habitats and high flows have the potential to reduce the available
F stream corridors. den sites and food sources; lowering reproductive
W success.
~p .vitnougn the occurrence is innequent extreme cows
Su Emergent wetlands dominated by (high or low) have the potential to reduce the
x c F Ondatra zibethicus Muskrat rushes and cattails as well as open available den sites and food sources; lowering
W water areas. reproductive success.
Sp Damp meadows and marshes with a Although the occurrence is infrequent high flows
x c Su Microtus pennsylvanicus Meadow Vole dense layer of herbaceous material have the potential to inundate the preferred habitat
F (including runways to food and nesting sites) of this
~„ covenng the ground. _ , ,. , . ~ ,... ,_:_~ _.__ .a...«:... .....
Sp Typically found in marshes and Although the occurrence is infrequent high flows
r Su Sylvilagus palustris Marsh Rabbit swamps as well as wooded have the potential to inundate the preferred habitat
F floodplains. (including food and nesting sites) of this species;
W lowering reproductive success.
Typically found in marshes, rivers and The Project has the potential to increase hunting
bays with shallow water where it is opportunities (an access issue); thereby increasing
able to dabble. mortality rates. Although the occurrence is
x c W Anas crecca Green-winged Teal infrequent low water levels in the Project have the
potential to de-water the normally shallow water
areas needed by this species for feeding causing
neeative affects.
Typically found in marshes, rivers, Although the occurrence is infrequent high water
x c W Anas platyrhynchos Mallard lakes, wooded swamps and bays with events can inundate food sources necessary for this
shallow water where rt is able to dabbling duck; Low water (de-watering) events can
dabble. cause food sources to be dried out.
Typically found in marshes, lakes and Although the occurrence is infrequent high water
x c W Anas strepera Gadwall ponds with shallow water where it is events can inundate food sources necessary for this
able to dabble like other `marsh dabbling duck; Low water (de-watering) events can
ducks'. cause food sources to be dried out.
Appendix A - 5

a~
~ w
°
O C•
4. R
~ `~
R ~
~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Scientific Name Common Name Habit Requirements /Notes Potential Project Affects

~'
a 0
~
~'
Rx

y v,
Sp Associated with marshes, swamps, Although the occurrence is infrequent low water
x c Su Ardea herodias Great Blue Heron shores and tideflats as well as levels in the Project have the potential to de-water
F bottom land hardwood forests for the normally shallow water areas needed by this
W nesting. species for feeding causing negative affects.
Although the occurrence is infrequent high water
events or flooding can negatively affect this species
x u W Circus cyaneus Northern Harrier Marshes, fields and other open areas indirectly by causing lower population levels in
suitable for hunting techniques. some prey species especially in small mammals;
causing this species to relocate to areas with better
hunting opportunities.
Although the occurrence is intrequent prolonged low
Cattail and bulrush (both brackish and Water events have the potential to reduce the
x u W Cistothorus palustris Marsh Wren freshwater) marshes. available wintering habitat within the Project area;
causing this species to relocate to other areas with
high quality preferred habitat available.
Sp Although the occurrence is infrequent prolonged low
Breeds in marshes, brushy swamps, water events have the potential to reduce the
x c Fu Agelaiusphoeniceus Red-winged Blackbird hayfields; forages also in cultivated availablehabitatwithintheProjectarea;causingthis
W land, along edges of water. species to relocate to other areas with high quality
preferred habitat available.
S Prefers shallow water withinmarshes, Although the occurrence is infrequent high water
p wet meadows, ponds as well as events have the potential to negatively affect this
x u Fu Kinosternan subrubrum Eastern Mud Turtle ditches. Has a strong tolerance for species by deeply inundating its favored habitat it
W brackish water. prefers shallow water areas for its optimum habitat-
forcing it to seek additional areas.
Sp YreYers quiet water with a muddy Although the occurrence is mtiequent extremely
r Su Trachemys scripts elegans Red-eared Slider bottom and a profusion of vegetation. high flows have the potential to scour this species
F Often basks on logs and masses of favored habitat; forcing it to seek additional areas
W vegetation. with muddy bottoms and emergent vegetation.
Found in all types of freshwater Although the occurrence isinfrequentverydryyears
Sp habitats, including streams, ponds, causing low or no water to be available in this
x u Su Nerocka fasciata fasciata Banded Water Snake lakes and marshes species' preferredhabitatcouldpotentiallyreduce its
F prey species; lowering reproductive success or
W forcing individuals to find alternative living
locations.
Appendix A - 6

w
a~ ~ °
O C• `~ ~
4. R ~ R ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Scientific Name Common Name Habit Requirements /Notes Potential Project Affects
0
~' a~ Rx
~'
y v,
Sp .vltnougn the occurrence is mirequent ary years with

u Often found in emergent wetlands low water events could cause the preferred habitatof
x u F Seminatrix pygaea Black Swamp Snake where hyacinths are common and this species, areas where water hyacinths abound, to
W plentiful. be degraded; causing individuals to seek alternative
living locations.
Although the occurrence is infrequent extreme water
Sp
Often found in ponds
small lakes events, both high and low, have the potential to

x c Su
Notophthalmusviridescens ,
,
Red-spotted Newt marshes or other permanent or semi-
affect this species. Low water events could dry out
F viridescens permanentbodiesofunpollutedwater. breeding and/or resting areas, and high water events
W could scour away egg masses lowering reproductive
success.
Occurs in the muddy environs of Although the occurrence is infrequent extremely
Sp springs, muddy seeps along small high flows have the potential to scour this species
Su
x r Pseudotritan mantanus streams, etc. Will often escape
Eastern Mud Salamander favored habitat; forcing it to seek additional areas
F montanus predators by burrowing into muck or with muddy bottoms.
W taking refuge in crayfish burrows or
other holes.
Although the occurrence is infrequent extreme water
Sp Habitats include swamps, borders of events, both high and low, have the potential to
x u Su Hyla cinerea Green Treefrog lakes and streams, floating vegetation, affect this species. Low water events could dry out
F or almost any place well supplied with breeding and/or resting areas, and high water events
W water or dampness. could scour away egg masses lowering reproductive
success.
Aquatic and preferringlargerbodiesof Although the occurrence is infrequent, the Project
S
p water than most other frogs. A has a potentially negatively affect on this species

u resident of lakes, ponds, bogs, through de-watering the breeding habitat (permanent
x c F Rana catesbeiana Bullfrog sluggish portions of streams; usually and semi-permanent pools) causing lower
W seen at waters edge or amidst reproductive success.
vegetation or snags among which it
can hide from predators.
Appendix A - 7

REPRESENTATIVE TERRESTRIAL WILDLIFE SPECIES SCRUB/SHRUB WETLANDS
v-
~ °S. ~ o
C C.
L Y G m •a
. R
4 .'~~ R ~ r+
Y
= R
C
~
v p _
~ a~ R~
~ ~'
y v,
Scientific Name Common Name Habit Requirements /Notes
Potential Project Affects
S White-tailed deer are at home in many Increased recreational use of the Project area by
p of the natural communities of the humans (i. e. access for hunting) has the potential to
x c Fu Odocoileus virginianus White-tailed Deer region. Prime habitat is broken areas affect this species negatively causing them to seek
W of re-generating forest with cropland other suitable area with less human activity.
Sp Typically prefers forests where there Increased recreational use of the Project area by
x c Su Pelisrufus Bobcat are areas of dense thickets associated humanshasthepotentialtoaffectbobcatsnegatively
F with forest re-generation. causing them to seek other suitable area with less
W human activity.
Sp Never far from water (Semi-aquatic); Although the occurrence is infrequent the
x r Su Mustela vison Mink has associated with most types of dewatering of wetland habitats would reduce the
F wetlands. total available usable habitat in the Project area;
W thereby reducine the total number of individuals.
S Prefers habitat consisting of a The Project is likely to have few if any negative
p patchwork of brushy field edges and effects on this highly adaptable species.
x c Fu Canis latrans Coyote farm fields, however can be found in
W almost any type of natural community
Can be found in a variety of habitats Although the occurrence is infrequent high water
Sp including sphagnum bogs, moist events have the potential to reduce the available
c Su Synaptomys cooperi Southern Bog Lemming meadows, canebrakes, borders of suitable habitat for this species impacting surface
F marshes, moist woodlands, thickets and sub-surface tunnel systems. However, since this
W and orchards. species is not known from in the Project area it is
unlikely to be affected in any way.
Typically associated with areas of Although the occurrence is infrequent high water
Sp moist woodlands and low thickets events have the potential to reduce the available
x c Su Ochrotamys nuttalli Golden Mouse offering ample protective cover or suitable habitat for this species impacting nest site
F where there is an understory of bushes availability especially in the winter months when
W and vines, especially honeysuckle, this species uses underground nests.
greenbrier, and grape.
S
p Typically found in areas of disturbed Although the occurrence is infrequent high water

u habitat preferring old fields, brushy events have the potential to reduce the available
x c F Sylvilagus floridanus Eastern Cottontail edges and other habitats characterized suitable habitat for this species impacting food and
W by mixtures of herbaceous and nest site availability.
shrubby plants.
Appendix A - 8

w
a~ ~ °
C C.
L Y G m •a
. R
4 .'~~ R ~ r+
Y
= R
C
~
v p _
~ a~ R~
~ ~'
y v,
Scientific Name Common Name Habit Requirements /Notes
Potential Project Affects
Sp Prefers thickets, brush, marshes, Although the occurrence is infrequent prolonged
x c Su Melospiza melodic Song Sparrow roadsides and garden areas. periods of high water could adversely affect this
F species by limiting production of preferred foods
W (seeds) and/or inundation of nest sites.
Sp YreYers brushy or scrubby areas, but Although the occurrence is mtiequent prolonged
x c Su Spizella pusilla Field Sparrow can be found in a variety of habitats. periods of high water could adversely affect this
F species by limiting production of preferred foods
W (seeds) and/or inundation of nest sites.
Sp Typically found in thickets, suburban Although the occurrence is infrequent prolonged
x c Su Cardinalis cardinalis Northern Cardinal gardens and woodland edges. periods of high water could adversely affect this
F species by limiting production of preferred foods
W (seeds/insects) and/or inundation of nest sites.
S Breeds m marshes, brushy swamps, Although the occurrence is mtrequent prolonged low
p hayfields; forages also m cultivated water events have the potential to reduce the
x c Fu Agelaius phoeniceus Red-winged Blackbird land, along edges of water. available habitat within the Project area; causing this
W species to relocate to other areas with high quality
nreferred habitat available.
S
p Prefers swamps, marshes and wet Although the occurrence is infrequentprolongedlow

u thickets. water events have the potential to reduce the
x c F Geothlypistrichas CommonYellowthroat availablehabitatwithintheProjectarea;causingthis
W species to relocate to other areas with high quality
preferred habitat available.
Prefers swamps, bogs, stream bottoms, The Project could potentially affect this species in a
S
p woodland brush; locally in negative way through extreme high water levels.

x r Su
Limnothlypis swainsonii rhododendron-hemlock tangles m
Swainson's Warbler Although the occurrence is infrequent these extreme
central Appalachians. high water levels could inundate the preferred
nesting sites (near ground level in low shrubs) for
this species.
S
p Typically found in bushes, swamp The Project could potentially affect this species by

x u Su
Dendroica petechia edges, stream edges and garden areas.
Yellow Warbler causing its preferred food source (insects) to be
limited forcing it to find other suitable locations with
more food sources.
Typically found agricultural areas, Although the occurrence is infrequent high water
Sp fields, marsh edges and wet brushy events can have a potential negative impact on this
r Su Phasianus colchicus Ring-necked Pheasant areas. species by inundating favored food sources such as
F seeds, buds, and bemes; especially during the fall.
W However, since this species is not known from in the
Project area it is unlikely to be affected in any way.
Appendix A - 9

w
a~ ~ °
C C.
L Y G m •a
. R
4 .'~~ R ~ r+
Y
= R
C
~
v p _
~ a~ R~
~ ~'
y v,
Scientific Name Common Name Habit Requirements /Notes
Potential Project Affects
S This snake occupies a wide variety of The Project could potentially affect this species by
p habitats including meadows, marshes, causing its preferred food source (frogs, toads,
x c Fa Thamnophis sirtalis sirtalis Eastern Garter Snake woodlands, hillsides, along streams salamanders, earthworms, some insects, etc.) to be
W and brushy areas while in search of limited forcing it to find other suitable locations with
Found in many different habitat types Although the occurrence is infrequent high water
including brooks, near springs, and in events can have a potential negative impact on this
Sp seepage areas. Perhaps most common species by inundating its preferred habitat forcing it
x c Sa Desmognathusfuscusfuscus NorthemDuskySalamander along edges of small woodland to find other suitable locations that are not
F streams where stones, chunks of wood, mandated.
W and miscellaneous debris provide
ample shelter both for the salamanders
and their food.
S Typically found hiding beneath all Although the occurrence is infrequent high water
p types of objects including masses of events can have a potential negative impact on this
x c Su Eurycea cimgera Southern Two-lined wet leaves in river or creek swamps. species by inundating its preferredhabitatespecially
F Salamander in winter when it retreats under ground to wait for
W warmer weather.
S Occurs in an extremely wide variety of Although the occurrence is infrequent the Project has
p habitats including damp thickets with a potentially negatively affect on this species
x c Fa Bufo americanus American Toad a dependable supply of water during through de-watering the breeding habitat(permanent
W the breeding season. and semi-permanent pools) causing lower
reproductive success.
S Typically found in gardens, weed or Although the occurrence isintiequenttheProjecthas
p brush tangles, woods, trees, vines - a potentially negatively affect on this species
x u Fa Hylasguirella SquirrelTreefrog most places close to moisture, food, through de-watering the breeding habitat(permanent
W and a hiding place. and semi-permanent pools) causing lower
reproductive success.
Appendix A - 10