20030147 Ver 2_Existing Rare Threatened and Endangered Wildlife_20070511

Yadkin-Pee Dee River Hydroelectric Project
FERC No. 2206
EXISTING RARE, THREATENED, AND
ENDANGERED TERRESTRIAL
WILDLIFE POPULATIONS
Terrestrial Resources Working Group
Issue No. 1 - Monitoring of Existing RTE Populations
PROGRESS ENERGY
NOVEMBER 2005
D 2005 Progress Energy

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Section Title Page No.
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
3.1 General Description
3.1.1 Piedmont Ecoregion ...............................................................
3.1.2 Southeastern Plains ................................................................
3.2 Terrestr ial Vegetation and Communities .............................................
3.2.1 Terrestrial Natural Communities ...........................................
3.2.2 Wetland Natural Communities ..............................................
3.3 Station Descriptions .............................................................................
3.3.1 Dutch John Creek Area ..........................................................
3.3.2 Gold Mine Branch Longleaf Pine Forest ...............................
3.3.3 Lower Uwharrie River/Hidden Lakes Area ...........................
3.3.4 Morrow Mountain State Park and Adjacent Reservoir Areas
3.3.5 Jacobs Creek Area .................................................................
3.3.6 Tillery Dam and Tailrace Area/Great Blue Heron Colony....
3.3.7 Leak Island Area ....................................................................
3.3.8 Pee Dee National Wildlife Refuge Area ................................
3.3.9 Brown Creek Area .................................................................
3.3.10 Lower Little River Area ........................................................
3.3.11 Grassy Islands Complex ........................................................
3.3.12 Blewett Falls Dam and Tailrace Area ....................................
3.3.13 Pee Dee River Gabbro Slopes and Floodplain ......................
3.3.14 Hitchcock Creek and Pee Dee River Slopes Area .................
......... 3-1
......... 3-4
......... 3-4
......... 3-5
......... 3-6
......... 3-7
....... 3-10
....... 3-10
....... 3-10
....... 3-12
....... 3-12
....... 3-12
....... 3-18
....... 3-19
....... 3-19
....... 3-20
....... 3-20
....... 3-21
....... 3-24
....... 3-24
....... 3-25
SECTION 4 -METHODS ............................................................................................ 4-I
4.1 Prepare RTE Species List .......................................................... ..................... 4-1
4.2 Survey Existing RTE Populations .............................................. ..................... 4-1
4.2.1 Reptile and Amphibian Survey Methods ..................... ..................... 4-5
4.2.2 Bird Survey Methods ................................................... ..................... 4-5
4.2.2 Mammal Survey Methods ............................................ ..................... 4-6
4.3 Schedule for Conducting Field Surveys ..................................... ..................... 4-6
i

TABLE OF CONTENTS
(Continued)
Section Title
4.4 Targeted RTE Species ..................................................................................... 4-6
4.5 Assess the Effects of Hydropower Operations ............................................. 4-13
SECTION 5 -RESULTS AND DISCUSSION .................................................................. 5-1
SECTION 6 -SUMMARY ........................................................................................... 6-1
SECTION 7 -REFERENCES ........................................................................................ 7-1
APPENDICES
APPENDIX A - A COMPILED LIST OF BIRD SPECIES IDENTIFIED WITHIN OR NEAR THE
YADKIN-PEE DEE RIVER PROJECT AREA
APPENDIX B - A COMPILED LIST OF MAMMAL SPECIES IDENTIFIED PV OR NEAR THE
YADKIN-PEE DEE RIVER PROJECT AREA
APPENDIX C - A COMPILED LIST OF REPTILE AND AMPHIBIAN SPECIES IDENTIFIED
IN OR NEAR THE YADKIN-PEE DEE RIVER PROJECT AREA
No.
ii

LIST OF FIGURES
Figure Title Page 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) ....................... ....................... 3-13
Figure 3-3 Wildlife inventory study locations (Sheet 2 of 5) ....................... ....................... 3-14
Figure 3-3 Wildlife inventory study locations (Sheet 3 of 5) ....................... ....................... 3-15
Figure 3-3 Wildlife inventory study locations (Sheet 4 of 5) ....................... ....................... 3-16
Figure 3-3 Wildlife inventory study locations (Sheet 5 of 5) ....................... ....................... 3-17
iii

LIST OF TABLES
Table Title Page No.
Table 3-1 Inventory stations, survey points, and associated community habitat types..... 3-11
Table 4-1 North Carolina state- orfederally-listed terrestrial wildlife species known to
occur within the Pee Dee River four-county area (Anson, Montgomery,
Richmond, and Stanly Counties) and could potentially occur within the
Project area based on preferred habitat type ........................................................ 4-2
Table 5-1 RTE terrestrial wildlife species identified in the Project area, 2004-2005.......... 5-1
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
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)
Tillery Development (when referring to dam, powerhouse and impoundment)
Tillery Dam (when referring to the structure)
AL-1

List
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 ft per second (cfs)
Degrees Celsius (C)
Degrees Fahrenheit (F)
Dissolved oxygen (DO)
Ft (ft)
Gallons per day (gpd)
Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
Gigawatt Hour (GWh)
Global Positioning System (GPS)
Grams (g)
Horsepower (hp)
Kilogram (kg)
Kilowatts (kW)
Kilowatt-hours (kWh)
Mean Sea Level (msl)
AL-2

List
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)
Protection, Mitigation, and Enhancement Measures (PM&E)
Rare, Threatened, and Endangered Species (RTE)
Ready for Environmental Assessment (REA)
Resource Work Groups(RWG)
Revolutions per Minute (rpm)
Rights-of--way (ROW)
River mile (RM)
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 No. 220 with the Federal Energy Regulatory
Commission (FERC). As part of the relicensing process, Progress Energy established Resource
Working Groups (RWG) to identify environmental issues associated with Project operations and
develop study plans. The Terrestrial RWG identified the need for additional terrestrial wildlife
surveys (including rare, threatened, and endangered [RTE] surveys) around Blewett Falls Lake, Lake
Tillery, and along the Pee Dee River and its tributaries in the immediate area downstream of Blewett
Falls Dam. Progress Energy conducted these surveys during 2004 and 2005 as part of the
relicensing process (i.e., Terrestrial RWG Issue No. 1). The surveys were conducted in accordance
to a study plan developed with input from the RWG and was approved by the RWG.
Surveys were conducted in 2004 to 2005 to identify existing populations ofstate- orfederally-listed
terrestrial wildlife species within the FERC Project boundaries and zone of operational influence of
the Tillery and Blewett Hydroelectric Plants. Two additional Progress Energy landholdings outside
the Project boundary and zone of influence were included in the scope. These two sites (Gabbro
Slopes and Hitchcock Creek) were recommended for study by stakeholders in the RWG due to their
regional resource importance.
A total of six RTE species were identified during the surveys all birds. Only one ofthese species,
the bald eagle, is federally listed. The other five species are listed by the North Carolina Natural
Heritage Program as Significantly Rare. An active bald eagle nest has been consistently located at
Tater Top Mountain in Morrow Mountain State Park for the past several years. Two additional
active bald eagle nests are known within the Project area one below Tillery Dam and one above
Blewett Dam. Adult and young eagles are consistently observed perching or soaringthroughoutthe
Yadkin-Pee Dee River area
The characterization of existing terrestrial RTE wildlife populations under the current plant
operating regimes indicates that effects to these populations may be positive, nonexistent, or are very
limited. As observed during the relicensing studies, impacts to species during the normal daily
operations are not significant. However, reservoir water levels greater than 2.0 to 3.0 ft below
normal pool for a period of more than one day may adversely affect several aquatic and semi-aquatic
species (e.g., American bittern [Botaurus lenriginosus] primarily in the Grassy Islands area). Based
on the review ofheadpond elevation datafrom 1982 to 2000, this condition occurred approximately
3 percent of the time at Lake Tillery and approximately 15 percent (at 3 ft) of the time at Blewett
Falls Lake. These lower elevations at Blewett Falls are assumed to be due to the infrequent loss of
flashboards at the dam.
High water during the nesting/breeding/fledglingperfods can also have negative effect to aquatic
water birds, such as American bittern by temporarily changing their habitat community and
associated breeding and foraging habitat. There are no planned changes in current operating
conditions.
ES-1

Section 1 -Introduction
Progress Energy is currently relicensing the Blewett Falls and Tillery hydroelectric developments
(i.e., Yadkin-Pee Dee River Hydroelectric Project No. 2206) with FERC. As part ofthe 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 RWG identifiedthe needto document any state-
orfederally-listed RTE terrestrial wildlife species populations within around Lake Tillery. Progress
Energy agreed to conduct terrestrial wildlife surveys during 2004 and early 2005 not only around
Lake Tillery but also around Blewett Falls Lake as part of its relicensing process (i.e., Terrestrial
RWG Issue No. 1, "Monitoring of Existing Rare, Threatened, and Endangered Species
Populations"). This report describes the objectives, methods, and results of these surveys. This
study was performed in accordance with the study plan developed within and approved by the
Terrestrial RWG.
1-1

Section 2 -Study Objectives
During 2003, the Terrestrial RWG discussed, identified, and finalized the objectives for this study to
be: (1) to identify existing populations ofstate- orfederally-listed terrestrial wildlife species within
the FERC Project boundaries and zone of operational influence of the Tillery Hydroelectric Plant;
(2) to qualify the relationship of existing RTE wildlife populations distribution under the current
operating regimes and assess the effects of current and reasonable future Project-related hydropower
operations (e.g., fluctuations and drawdowns) on these wildlife populations; and (3) to provide
information to assist in developing any potential protection, mitigation, and enhancement measures.
The original scope of these objectives was expanded to include lands within the FERC Project
boundaries and zone of operational influence ofthe Blewett Hydroelectric Plant and two additional
land holdings just below the Blewett Plant. These two areas (Pee Dee River Gabbro Slopes and
Hitchcock Creek) are corporate landholdings outside the Projectboundaryand zone of influence but
were requested to be surveyed by the RWG because of their regional resource importance.
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 River basin is the second largest in North Carolina covering 7,213 square miles 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 Alcoa Power Generating,
Inc., Yadkin Division (APGI) and are located along a 38-mile stretch of the river (river miles [RM]
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 nexttwo hydroelectric developments (dams and powerhouses) on the river, located at RMs 218
and 188 are the Tillery and Blewett Falls Developments, which constitute Progress Energy's
Yadkin-Pee Dee River Project. The primary purpose of the 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 of flows 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. Addition 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 which there 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
3-1

Section 3
Site
3-2
Figure 3-1 Project Location map

Section 3
Site
/ ,. ~

~~~ ~ ~ Hph Rock Dam
45c Tuckcrtovm Dam

Nanov~s Onm
/ ~. Falls Dam
Tillery Dam

trld,~ j
~ fro„r Blewet•
'
~
i
~ : :.r:
•
ax "
~
ax .- ,
~145or
~~. _ ~-
~
~ ~
~ ~~

~^ (~
t
45b ~ ~~

•[/ `

~~'
i--~--1
~1<i/a~A~~a
, /
~
'

/~ ~
/~ ~ \
/ 1~ q-
65
63h \ ~` / ~' ~ 63h
ssl
Atlantic
Ocean
Lagen4 Oax swemosam PeslWra pruc. s«men AkraseamenlrY M1bunrens
u n.emon O~tpeurnun errler rrrla ena CoaeulM1Wanee pea Rwn Alanlam
O aSS sownem Ima Nadmeee ~9]h. Cmdna fttlwoc4a ®Q} &wD Bans
Q <50 Sn~enan Cwta! PlarmaY ~Bkr Alq-a14M~c FloapMa err low Tanaces 09A. Amy~Otlea IAOUStam
Q ax Ca1dn19tle 8W 65 smabeeuem Rlrm ~ t~ Earem Bbe Rg0e FWJeh
O •x. r:Dnnem room Pwemmt l~ esD sane neh O aim sa,naron r.wnam ~j'~
O ur rvonnem Wla. wemmo-a p~s~.Rwnp co+xr wn OFJ<. s:~.aary `
O asp Trassc e.ems X851 A11adq SDUpwm Loam Perna QWxr-l•x Ecirgnr
[•aSr Y.mps M1!anan ~BSp. SOrlneatlem ibo~lem err Law lmaox Caalrn Gnmin GE P'nank JAt Cvnsod JA :xt~Seb
61 Ni4Ala 4RmRC Coeur Rtln 66 &w Ritlpa 0 S 10 jp IA P IAdlae W H LM D R 1.1o<Pnerycn i F Ggvv. J 8
'
~T.e I.Iq-Allarf,~e ilr SUS ~9C~ tfew Rrq Mrvv
[•~UO. Cnesvamaa-Pamlw lv.largs aro TgrAWnr. ~d6C SWnon Cryrrne R~Dpes rf4 AlaMxn ~

' aW SldWme VB ~
W2 Ecoeeigrs of `lortn CUaw arO SaW
Crolru iwbr poder An maD ew~W.•re..t aummuYreba.
~7.d VerynnSrnarrVarosaM CCU4Y AIrsirn ~66e. SOUnsrn $eCmTtary RgpH IA~
~!', scre tat pp pppl Reftm. VCynu US Gedopral $~ Ylm.!P
Figure 3-2 Ecoregions associated ~s1th the P>r•oject area.
3-3

Section 3 Site Descripti
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).
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 ahigher percentage of clay. Several major land covertransformations have occurred 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 metavolcanic 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 Cretaceous 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
3-4

Section 3 Site Descripti
ecoregion, from Blewett Falls Lake Dam downstream through part of South Carolina is located
within the Sand Hills "sub" ecoregion (Griffith et al. 2002).
3.2 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
consist of hardwood and pine woodlands. 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 elephants-foot (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.
3-5

Section 3 Site Descripti
3.2.1 Terrestrial Natural Communities
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
community is characterized by vegetation composition and physiognomy, animal assemblages,
topography, soils, hydrology, and other abiotic factors (Schafale and Weakley 1990).
3.2.1.1 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, blackjack oak (Q. marilandia), red maple,
sweet gum, and Virginia pine. Representative understory and shrub species include American
hornbeam (Carpinus 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 alongthe slopes of
the Little River north of Blewett Falls Lake.
3.2.1.2 Dry-MesicOak-Hickory Forest
This community is typically located on mid slopes, low ridges, flats on acidic soils (Schafale and
Weakley 1990). The canopy ofthis community consists for chestnut oak (Q. montana), water oak,
white oak, willow oak, bitternuthickory (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 ofthis 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 Soloman'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.
3.2.1.3 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 of this community are scattered
throughout the Piedmont. The species found in this community are indicative of basic soils and
include canopy and shrub species such as chalk maple (Ater leucoderme), downy serviceberry
3-6

Section 3 Site Descripti
(Amelanchier arborea), Georgia hackberry (Celris tenuifolia), eastern redbud (Cercis canadensis),
flowering dogwood, American beech, smooth blackhaw (Vibur~rum 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 aquili~rum) (Bates 2002; Sorrie 2001). A good representative of this
community is found below the Blewett Falls Lake Dam withinthe Pee Dee River Gabbro Slopes and
Hitchcock Creek areas.
3.2.1.4 Pine Plantarion
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 locations. This community is scattered along Lake Tillery and Blewett Falls
Lake and also is adjacent to areas such as Hitchcock Creek.
3.2.1.5 Early Successional Communiries
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 throughoutthe area and clearcutting is one of the
dominant harvest techniques. Vegetation composition and structure associated with these areas
gradually change overtime through natural successional processes. Blackberries, raspberries (Rubus
spp.), broom-sedge, and other herbaceous plants typically dominate these areas in the firstfewyears
following the harvest. Fast growing tree species such as cherries (Pru~rus 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.
3.2.1.6 Agricultural Areas
Agricultural covertypes 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.
3.2.2 Wetland Natural Communities
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 wetlands. 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.
3-7

Section 3 Site Descripti
3.2.2.1 PiedmontBottomlandForest
The bottomland forests consist of floodplain ridges and second and third terraces adjacent to the
river channel or at least open water of the reservoirs. The hydrology in this system is typically
seasonally flooded (i.e., surface water present for extended periods at certain times of the year) to
temporarily flooded. Although depending on the terrace location, semipermanently, 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 of the
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 of the
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 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 (Fraxi~rus 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 canopy trees 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), blackwillow (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 (Polygo~rum pensylvanicum), and marsh pepper 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.
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 along the west shoreline within several large coves.
3.2.2.2 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
(Populus deltoides). These mature canopy trees are typically at least 80 to 100 years in age. The
3-8

Section 3 Site Descripti
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 (Polygonum spp). The
Grassy Islands associated with Blewett Falls Lake exhibit some of the best remaining levee
communities in the piedmont of North Carolina (Sorrie 2001).
3.2.2.3 Oxbow Lake
This natural community, locally 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 of the confluence of the Pee Dee River and Smith Lake. Sorrie
(2001) believes that this specific Oxbow Lake community occurs nowhere else in the Piedmont
region of North Carolina and is of Statewide Significance. This community, including several ofthe
representative plant species, is usually found only in the Coastal Plain physiographic region.
3.2.2.4 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 areathe 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 (Viburnum 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 meadowrue (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 along the 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.
3.2.2.5 Other Wetland Communiries
Several other wetland communities are foundthroughoutthe Project area. One ofthe 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
3-9

Section 3 Site Descripti
mapped habitat types on the lake (CP&L 2001a). These semipermanently 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 rare, threatened, and endangered species were conducted in North Carolina from the
Yadkin River just upstream of the Uwharrie River confluence south to just downstream of Blewett
Falls Lake (Figure 3.3). The study started with atotal of 14 stations with 44 points located alongthe
various transects. There was a combination of 14 separate habitattypes. Each station was described
givenaseparatehabitatcombinationthatbestdescribedtheareawiththestation(Table3-1). These
stations are located within the Project boundary, or within the operational zone of influence (e. g.,
backwaters on Blewett Falls Lake), or within the two requested Progress Energy landholdings
outside ofthe Projectboundaries (e.g., Pee Dee River Gabbro Slopes area). Below are descriptions
of the wildlife inventory stations.
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 Projectboundaries, and outside zone of operational influence (Figure 3.3). Due to the
station location, no further surveys were conducted at this site.
3.3.2 Gold Mine Branch Longleaf Pine Forest
The Gold Mine Branch Longleaf Forest 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
thatthissite is outside of Project boundaries, and outside zone of operational influence (Figure 3.3).
Due to the station location, no further surveys were conducted at this site.
3-10

Section 3
Site
Table 3-1 Inventory stations, survey povits, and associated commwiity habitat types.
Station Name Number of Paints Community Habitat Type
Lake Tillery 7 total
Lower tTwharrie River 4 Piedmont Bottomland and Alluvial Forest;
isolated Floodplain Ephemeral Pools and
adjacent waterbodies
Morrow h~ountain State Park 2 Alluvial Forest and Reservoir
Jacobs Creek Area 1 h~Iesic Oak-Hickory
Pee Dee River
Tillery Dam and Tailrace Area 11 total
4
Tailrace, Piedmont Bottomland, Alluvial
(including the great blue heron colony) Forest, Mesic Oak-Hickory Forest, and
Reservoir
Leak Island 1 Agriculture, Mesic Oak-Hickory Forest and
Riverine
Pee Dee National Wildlife Refuge Area 2 Riverine and Piedmont Bottomland Forest
Brown Creek 1 Piedmont Bottomland Forest and Levee Forest
Lower Little River 3 Piedmont Bottomland Forest and Levee Forest
Grassy Islands Complex 14 total
Grassy Islands 6 Piedmont Bottomland Forest, Levee Forest
Oxbow Lake (Smith Lakel 2 Piedmont Bottomland Forest, and Oxbow Lake
Water Tupelo Swamp Area 2 Oxbow Lake and Piedmont Bottomland Forest
Mountain Creek/Southern Rice Beds 2 Piedmont Bottomland Forest, Levee Forest,
Oxbow Lake
Vernal Pools 4+ Isolated Floodplain Ephemeral Pool
Lower Pee Dee River 10 total
Blewett Falls Dam and Tailrace Area. 3 Tailrace, Reservoir,l\rlesic Oak-Hickory Forest
Pee Dee River Gabbro Slopes and 4 Basic Oak-Hickory forest and Piec~nont
Floodplain BottomlandlLevee Forest
Hitchcock Creek and Pee Dee River 3 Basic IL~Iesic and Basic Oak-Hickory Forests,
Slopes Piedmont Bottomland Forest
3-11

Section 3 Site Descripti
3.3.3 Lower Uwharrie River/Hidden Lakes Area
The part of the Uwharrie River corridor identified as State Significant by the NC 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 of the Hidden Lakes, from the dominant trees in this
Piedmont Alluvial Forest community of red maple, sugarberry, and tulip tree to the silky dogwood,
buttonbush, green ash, black willow, 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 chara fringes the
emergent vegetation at this site. There is one wildlife inventory station and four sample points
within this area. The sample points are located in the Alluvial Forest community (Figure 3.3 and
Table 3-1).
3.3.4 Morrow Mountain State Park and Adjacent Reservoir Areas
Morrow Mountain State Park covers approximately 4,700 acres of upland and wetland areas in
Sternly 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 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.
3.3.5 Jacobs Creek Area
The Jacobs Creek Area is located onthe Sternly County side of Lake Tillery abouthalfway down the
lake. Duringthe first spring survey, it was determinedthatthissfte has residential developmentthat
is not conducive to providing quality wildlife habitat (Figure 3.3). No further surveys were
conducted at this site.
3-12

Section 3
Site
,}~
,.
Kadin Dam. -art ,' ,ry •
a t ~ ,,~!
f~~ •~ 9}.r, ~ ••
~. ,. Y x ~'~ `l
`_ - 1.. '~ ~~• , Uut:.h •.luhn (ncl.:\rca
a~ t _t
~ ~ ,
-- _ l cdA \Unc 13r:mdh
Lonelc:dPinc P(>r~yl
- ,,:pup Falls l)atn :-v,~ ~ .
`r~~;.r~.;;
` / ; ~ 'w . ;
. ~,t' •. ~ `.~. I.al.c Iillcn~lu~~cr
+ y _ .. ,t
\lorrou \luunlain j. , __
StatcPark.\rca ~~"~' ~ ~~~ r' - ~ --
,. K t ~ I~f r ~ .Yr 4.
r .,tom ~., ~ r ~ i ~ ~i
Morrow Mountain ~'
_ F
;~n.e,,,. :State_Park.c ~u h ~~-r '"'
e/
~' ~
~' ., " .. i . ' ~ National Foiest
~.: ~ Bald ISaelc \ca
i~
~.M~ i~ (
t _. _.
_ - l..
,w~
_ t `'r 11 t.
\ I + ! i. t
~,/ ~ t«. ~ . ~ a,
,,
11(J . T /
n w. ~.. f I. ~ •.
t \ t
!
r1
r
t ~! ;
Sheet 1 of 5
. ~ Proien Bandary
Parks (Qdaeedl
,. - ~ wldi~le lnventwy Study Areas
Base date sgp4C M Tne United Stdn Getlagitl Svey
v and ESPo On+x TetoN ssdAzsociafes mzmesrotQsl
iaolty ttresponv6My!ar the xcuary eid ronptetmess
Flgure l.ocatkn dbe dda IAerzh'_'005
Fi;ur-e 3-3 ~~ilcllife in~rentoi•y study locations (Sheet 1 of 5).
3-13

Section 3
Site

~ ~,
• ~~,~ _,
-
~ ~
~,
r
~ r ';
•
. t
I. ~ t s .
...~ .. t ,,
..i
u
{~ %' 0 1
_. ...
'_ r ~
i ~ .
a
\ . _
-
,
;
~
~ i
~

,,,
..... ~b ...
:!
+ C `~ ... 1 ... " .
..
_.
' >
j ~
j

~.

,
~, j
- _
~
1
~1 - f
'
~
Il ,
r
i
K. ~~. } _
,
. _

_. - - - _.1
..- ----
f~}
- - - 'i-
1 ~ ~ ~~
a +
\
p

t-. ~ ~~ ~.
~ ~ ~:
i

_- -~-~-- - -- - -- 'T _~ --~-'-~ -

;~
~_. --
~
`
~•' ,y3'`
':} > i - ..
' ~
'fe
..
./
.........,.
~ a
I

~ ~
~ t
~: ~ ~_ ~ ~ v r,i .....
'
n t ~ __ -'
-. ^, _ ~ : i
~
i )~
\ ~i
_~ ~ 3 _

~
--- .
Grcat 131uc
.~ Rald I~,a_~Ic \csl - Ilenm HuuF,cn

~..~. Sheet 2 of 5
~ Ro~ect eoaedary
.. ..
- ., ~ vaWide lnwrkory Study Areas
r.l._ x ._.
s ~~

Fapa. t«afa, .. taosyurcey<recery im a<nccuacr ew ~ompz:me>_
d n: a,~., Marcn zoos
Figure 3-3 V4~ilcilife inventory study locations (Sheet 2 of 5).
3-14

Section 3
Site
:'
~~ ,
~ ~ ~ .:1 - -
@ ~
o ~ ~!_`~ !• 1 ' ~ ~ ,1~ > ate' ~
~ _:~ 4
_ _\ ~~ z._. ..1
r. \
~; ~ ~~ , _
y _
a ,
i
t~.
`'~ / ?. ~ ~
.~ y n 1, ' ~. r ~
i
__ t m- t, r
~ .~,r~ yr 1
~~f
•,
• ~ •
y} i ~ 4 ~~ r ~ _ j
_ \; ~ _ ,.lr-:- ~ _N .ter - ~.
'!on„ r ' Lcal, Island ~..1 ~ ~~ }A " -;., ~ i' j.
.. 7a _ •\
~zt ~ ~. \ / f 1 i .
~'; r ~.>
13ruwn t'rcck ~; ~ ~ '~\
", _ ,,. ~.
,~.~ _
~_- yam.--- '~~"
- .. - i _._
'~~
Sheet 3 of 5
_ _ ~ Rotect Boundary
_ ~ VJldlrfe lrnentory Study Areas
Bice aaa. 4 ~"r ~ ~ --
v aN ES?i C 0.1,x] t -
iu>rty are;a~aCLry!a tlx x<uxy aN wnpkir~.r~
Flgun laalbn dtie dda IArrzh?OJS
Figure 3-3 ~~Fildlife inventory study locations (Sheet 3 of 5).
3-15

Section 3
Site
'.'
i,
~: _ _
•r ~ ~ i `w
"` >
I ~ \ ~ Loyrcr Lilllc r '' rr r,`~.~{t~.. ...
'~ i'',.
,. . jl _ I _ .~,.
~- r ~ ,
!.. . 2' 1... ~: i
~~~`\
,~ I , l I ( ..~~ ~
i I - - ° -- - ~ ~ I`'- I r=~
i ~,,~• ~ T
"i ~ i
1; ,
Ilc ` ~
t
~. ~ ~ -<e .. ~.~.c
~,r ~ y ~
~.YL 1 .4_ ~*c
4 * z'~
t ~ ,. '~
_ , t
K,. T ,, _ I V V • 1.
' i xr ' 'may ''~ I `\`
',..
i t.
. ~•~` _
Sheet 4 of 5
,' ~ aoi«r t3«~,dary
VJItl1~7<Inwntory Study Aroa.
,, Bas<Caa sipp~! bl 71,e UrKM Sues Oeobgical Surer
v andESFt Demeiatel andA;vx,aes assuRCSro kgal
~- 43dlly brr~msibltly fb fie actuary drq comDkfeness
flqur.lxatlon - dTe Oaa µaRt1?WS
Figure 3-3 V4~ildlife inventory stucly locations (Sheet 4 of 5).
3-16

Section 3
Site
'tir• ,
s ~ - r i
s. ,,. ~',
iA I
s .^:y _ . -
~ ~ ~; 1 0 ~;
. ,,.~" p`
i q. ~
' - ... ,
_ - - .~
,,
" 9~T
- Rlc~~dl Falb '
1
~;..
_ I _.. ...5 -i. - ~. Xy-._ a.
j ~ • k i 4S
' l ~ - ;rlrY .E
• ~ J 't ' i' i+ ~ 7~
I -~ llcc k~,
-} ~ i
-; ~ _.. ~ - r I I-ro st„hc.
~}~ rD :-,
:~i S I .~
<~
,,F// I fi~___ 7_...
~~ /''y` ~~./`1 ~IIIL11~11.1~1. 1'L't'I:
M
r
• I 1 _
~ 1,
y ~ ~ ~ ~- ~ \'T )~
Y ~ ..~ ~, T~1, ~. j'
f
1 - r
~^. _ I ~'~ ~ ~ A
\. _ ~ ,.
1'
Sheet 5 of 5
O Rojecl Boundary '~
... ~ VAWI~Ie ImeMOry Study Areas
_.. Bm! Cda xgged W Tie UntM States Gtolo®ral suyey
v aMESP.i BemeTaTrl sdASSUiAles msumes nO 4gsl
... , tabLLy a re<.pana0ldy la the arcvacy an0 wmpktmess
Flgule Loeal{!n d Oe dda Mtrs h 2005
Figure 3-3 ~~ildlife im~entory study locations (Sheet 5 of 5}.
3-17

Section 3 Site Descripti
3.3.6 Tillery Dam and Tailrace 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 at this 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.
The tailwater areafor 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.
3-18

Section 3
Site Description
t~ a. ., ~ ~ ~ ._
C. r a,,,;,F ~ a - - .~ NI~C}~K~ r'_ ie N"~ '* 1 ~ ~ ~ fit
+r-~ . ~ ~a 3f~Cit v'f~ ~^_."<gcy~. ..i< x ~~^ ' ~i[.'~e 11~
.~.~' G '
. ~ ~yW• i. M+.
Si:
i ~ ~•~~
ni-su.- v Ft~4.aCi„-~16F
The Lake Tillery Dam tailwater during low flows. Notice large area of water willow and
foraging use by wading birds such as the great blue heron.
3.3.7 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 of riverine,
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, is 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).
3.3.8 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
just above the NC Highway 109 Bridge. These approximately 8,843 acres are part ofthe Savannah-
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 of the Pee Dee River
from flooding the upper terraces except in extreme precipitation events. The west shore of the
refuge consists of Piedmont Bottomland Forest and Levee Forest dominated by canopy species such
as red maple, hackberry, water oak, sycamore, sweet gum, and box elder. Understory vegetation
such as giant cane, Christmas fern, Japanese honeysuckle, and poison ivy are common at this site.
3-19

Section 3 Site Descripti
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).
3.3.9 Brown Creek Area
The Brown Creek area nearthe confluence with the Pee Dee River is similarto other upstream areas
along the river. At this site, steep river banks also keep the fluctuating water level ofthe river from
flooding the upper terraces except in extreme precipitation events. This area consists of Piedmont
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 points 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 and the Pee
Dee River.
3.3.10 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 sweet gum. 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 and the Pee Dee River.
3-20

Section 3
Site
Photogt•a~h of the Lower Little River and the adjacent Levee Forest community.
3.3.11 Grassy Islands Complex
The area known as the Grassy Island Complex occurs in the upper half of BleuTett Falls Lake. This
area supports a v~ride variety of communities on the numerous islands, sloughs, rocky slopes, vernal
pools, and expansive bottomland floodplains that have formed naturally by liver flows 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 fevT 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 1 mile long) occur in the tz~ansitional area
between the free-flowing Pee Dee River and Blewett Falls Lake. These islands formed as the river
meandered, changed channels, and accompanying sediment loads were deposited. ttjithin these
original bottomlands were geomorphic features known as point bar/swale and natural levee deposits
{'vUharton et al. 1982). Most sediment deposition, characteristicallyhigh in Piedmont livers, 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
form a natural levee on the convex side of the meanders. Currently, the islands are the higher
3-21

Section 3 Site Descripti
elevation areas of these original point bars and to some extent the natural levee formations. The
Swale formations (inmost cases the open water channels between the islands) and the majority ofthe
original point bars have been inundated by the impoundment.
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. Bottomlandforestsoccuronthefloodplainridgesandterraces
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).
Semipermanently, 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 ofthe bottomland terrace. These vernal pools are typically fringed by large watertupelo
and water hickory.
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 varied in density depending on the local hydrologic conditions. The typical herb layer
consisted false nettle, river oats, fleabane species (Erigeron spp.), Virginia dayflower, pennywort,
violet species (Viola spp.), sedge species (Carex spp.), 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 southern wild rice or giant cut-grass can be found among the islands in
several protected coves and backwaters. These wetlands are a unique plant community to the
Piedmont of North Carolina(Sorrie 2001). Wetland shrubs such ascrimson-eyed mallow (Hibiscus
moscheutos), buttonbush, and black willow (Salix nigra) are found along the fringes of these
emergent areas.
Connected to the Pee Dee River by a narrow canal, an oxbow lake know as Smith Lake is thoughtto
be an old historical channel of the Little River which is presently over 1.5 miles to the north of the
oxbow. A mature water tupelo stand at the northern end ofthe oxbow lake, primarily along the west
side of the oxbow, is a unique habitat in the North Carolina Piedmont (Sorrie 2001). The changing
river course has left several channels or sloughs that are inundated and drained by the dynamic water
level ofthe Pee Dee River in conjunction withthe combination ofpower plant operations and inflow
from natural precipitation events within the basin. An estimated 300 water 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
3-22

Section 3
Site
community. Although the sluub and herb layer is sparse within the sloughs due to frequent water
inundation {i.e., semi-permanent}, several commonherb species {e.g., lizard-tail, clearweed, inflated
sedge, and pennytivort} 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 {Figure 3.3
andTable 3-1}.
S .. ~ K.
~ ~ 1 •(
r '71 14 ; r
1.~ `
;.,, f a
/'1 ~
,~' iJ"
~ 3 ~
Southern
the Grassy Islands complex.
3-23

Section 3
i~'
~ ~
The water tupelo swamp associated
3.3.12 Blewett Falls Dam and Tailrace Area
with Smith Lake.
Site Description
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 points 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 above the dam.
3.3.13 Pee Dee River Gabbro Slopes and Floodplain
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
wood aster (Aster divaricatus). There is approximately 75 percent canopy closure at this station
3-24

Section 3 Site
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 as
mentioned earlier in the report was selected as requested by stakeholders in the Terrestrial RWG due
to its resource importance {Figure 3.3 and Table 3-1).
3.3.14 Hitchcock Creek and Pee Dee River Slopes 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 dry, 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 vrith 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 {Solidago 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 piedmontlmountain species coexisting {Sorrie 2001). This station and associated four survey
points are outside Project bouncl<~ries and the zone of operational influence but as mentioned earlier
3-25

Section 3
Site
in the report was selected as requested by stakeholders in the Terrestrial RWG due to its resource
importance (Figure 3.3 and Table 3-1}.
3-26
View of Hitchcock Creek Basic 11~Iesic Uak Hickory Forest.

Section 4 -Methods
The methodology used to conduct RTE species surveys was approved by the Terrestrial RWG in
December 2003 to address Terrestrial Issue No. 1 -Ongoing Monitoring of Existing RTE
Populations. Below are the tasks and methods for this study.
4.1 Prepare RTE Species List
Based on existing literature and databases such as South Carolina and North Carolina Natural
Heritage Program database information, county species lists, agencies databases, and other
information such as Christmas bird counts and discussions with area biologists, a list of terrestrial
wildlife species known or potentially occurring in or near the study areawas compiled (Appendices
A through C). From this list, state- or federally-listed terrestrial wildlife species known or
potentially occurring in or near the four-county study area was identified.
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'. In addition, two locations
outside of the Projectboundarytyere requested by stakeholders in the RWGto be surveyed. 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 resource agency biologists and
local experts were also contacted for information on additional habitats of importance.
A Project-wide landscape assessment was conducted to determine areas likely to provide suitable
habitat for the known or potentially-occurring terrestrial RTE wildlife species. A list of 14
preliminary survey locations was selected and included in the original study plan (Table 3-1). Three
of these original sites were subsequently dropped or modified because they were determined to be
outside the area of Project influence (i.e., Dutch John Creek and Gold Mine Branch Longleaf Pine
Forest) or the area was not present as expected from initial analysis (i.e., residential developments
along Jacobs Creek).
Existing information on the preferred/critical habitats and the specific breeding periods were
reviewed for each of these species and the list was further refined to include only those species that
may be present within the Project area based on community habitattypes potentially present within
the study area. A list of 25 targeted RTE species was reviewed and approved by the RWG.
Subsequently, a second mammal species, the southeastern myotis, was added to the list since it was
collected during a bat survey conducted at the Pee Dee National Wildlife Refuge in August 2004.
The final list with 26 RTE species was used for this study (Table 4-1).
4.2 Survey Existing RTE Populations
Directed surveys were conducted within the areas selected for each ofthe 26 targeted species based
on species-specific habitat preferences, habits, or previously known occurrences. In addition to
surveying the selected established stations for identified RTE species, special surveys were
conducted for bald eagle and bats within the Project facilities. Aerial surveys of bald eagle nesting
4-1

Section 4 Methods
Table 4-1 North Carolina state- or federally-listed terrestrial wildlife species known to occur within the Pee Dee River four-county area
(Anson, Montgomery, Richmond, and Stanly Counties) and could potentially occur within the Project area based on preferred
habitat type.
Common Name Federal
Status State
Status preferred Habitat Pee Dee
River Range Directed Survey Areas Survey Occurrence
Four-toed --- Species of Vemal pools, bogs, and other Year-round Uwharrie River Corridor, Tillery Not observed during inventories.
Salamander Concem wetlands in hardwood forests; Dam and Tailrace area, Grassy
Springs with sphagnum moss Islands Complex, Gabbro Slopes
preferred. and floodplain
Mole Salamander --- Species of Breeds in fish-free Year-round Uwharrie River Corridor, Tillery Not observed during inventories;
Concem semipermanent woodland Dam and Tailrace area, Grassy to be targeted during late winter
ponds and vernal pools; Islands Complex, Gabbro Slopes 2005
forages in adjacent woodlands and floodplain
Timber Rattlesnake --- Species of Wetland forest in coastal Year-round Morrow Mountain State Park, Not observed during inventories.
Concem plain; rocky upland forests Blewett Dam area, Gabbro Slopes
elsewhere area, and Hitchcock Creek
Anhinga --- Significantly Coastal wooded lakes or Summer, Grassy Islands Complex, Lower Observed at Grassy Island
Rare ponds, or open swamps Breeding, Little River Complex summer 2004
American Bittern --- Significantly CoastaFtidewater fresh or Summer, Grassy Islands Complex Heard at Mountain Creek rice
Rare brackish marshes Migration beds summer 2004
Bachman's Sparrow Species of Species of Open longleaf pine forests; old Year-round, No appropriate habitat located Not observed during inventories
Concern Concem fields Migration within survey area to conduct a
directed survev
Bald Eagle Threatened Threatened Mature forests near large body Year-round, Tater Top Mountain, Lake Tillery Observed at Uwharrie River
(proposed for of water Migration Dam, Blewett Falls Dam, Leak Corridor, Tater Top Mountain,
delisting) Island, and along all shorelines Lake Tillery Dam, Grassy Island
Complex, Blewett Falls Dam, Pee
Dee River, Leak Island
Black-billed Cuckoo --- Significantly Mountainous deciduous Migration Grassy Islands Complex, Lower Not observed during inventories.
Rare forests, mainly at higher Little River, Uwharrie River area-
elevations bottomland forest areas
Black-throated --- Significantly Coastal nonriverine wetland Migration Grassy Islands Complex, Lower Not observed during inventories.
Green Warbler- Rare forests, especially associated Little River, Uwharrie River area-
coastal plain pop with white cedar or cypress bottomland forest areas
4-2

Section 4 Methods

Common Name Federal
Status State
Status preferred Habitat Pee Dee
River Range Directed Survey Areas Survey Occurrence
Brown Creeper --- Species of Mountain high elevation Winter, Grassy Islands Complex, Lower Not observed during inventories.
Concem forests, favoring spruce-fir Migration Little River, Brown Creek,
mixed with hardwoods Hitchcock Creek, Uwharrie River
area-bottomland forest areas
Henslow's Sparrow Species of Significantly Coastal clear-cut pocosins and Rare, Winter No appropriate habitat located Not observed during inventories.
Concern Rare other damp weedy fields within survey area to conduct a
directed survey
Hermit Thrush --- Significantly Mountain spruce-fir forests Migration, Grassy Islands Complex, Lower Observed in Grassy Island
Rare Winter Little River, Uwharrie River, Complex and Gabbro Slopes fall
Gabbro Slopes-Oak-Hickory 2004
Forests
Lark Sparrow --- Significantly Sandhills barren, sandy fields Rare No appropriate habitat located Not observed during inventories.
Rare with scattered saplings within survey area to conduct a
directed survey
Little Blue Heron --- Species of Coastal forests or thickets on Year-round Uwharrie River Corridor, Lake Not observed during inventories.
Concem maritime islands Tillery Dam and Tailrace, Grassy
Islands Complex, Blewett Falls
Loggerhead Shrike --- Species of fields and old pastures with Year-round No appropriate habitat located Not observed during inventories.
Concem perches and thorny scrubs within survey area to conduct a
directed survev
Magnolia Warbler --- Significantly Mountain spruce-fir forests, Migration Grassy Islands Complex, Lower Heard at Grassy Islands Complex
Rare especially in immature stands Little River, Brown Creek, fall 2004
Hitchcock Creek, Uwharrie River
area-bottomland forest areas
Mississppi Kite --- Significantly Coastal mature, extensive Summer, Grassy Islands Complex, Lower Not observed during inventories.
Rare bottomland forests, mainly in Breeding Little River, Uwharrie River area-
Roanoke River floodplain bottomland forest areas
Northern Harrier --- Significantly Coastal/tidewater extensive Winter, Grassy Islands Complex, Pee Dee Observed at Leak Island fall and
Rare brackish marshes Migration River winter 2004
Peregrine Falcon --- Endangered cliffs (for nesting); coastal Migration No appropriate habitat located Not observed during inventories.
ponds and mudflats (foraging within survey area to conduct a
in winter) directed survey
Red-cockaded Endangered Endangered Open stands of old growth Year-round No appropriate habitat located Not observed during inventories.
Woodpecker longleaf/loblolly pine (> 80 within survey area to conduct a
yrs) directed survey
4-3

Section 4 Methods

Common Name Federal
Status State
Status preferred Habitat Pee Dee
River Range Directed Survey Areas Survey Occurrence
Sharp-shinned --- Significantly Mountain piedmont forests Winter, Grassy Islands Complex, Lower Not observed during inventories.
Hawk Rare and woodlands Breeding, Little River, Uwharrie River area-
Migration bottomland forest areas and Oak-
Hickory Forests
Snowy Egret --- Species of Coastal forests or thickets on Year-round Uwharrie River Corridor, Lake Not observed during inventories
Concem maritime islands Tillery Dam and Tailrace, Grassy (observed during past tailrace
Islands Complex, Blewett Falls surveys).
Dam and Tailrace
Swainson's Warbler --- Watch List bottomlands, swamps, and Migration, Uwharrie River Corridor, Tillery Not observed during inventories.
stream bottoms Breeding Dam and Tailrace area, Leak
Island, Brown Creek, Lower
Little River, Grassy Islands
Complex, Gabbro Slopes and
floodplain, Hitchcock Creek
Tricolor Heron --- Species of Coastal forests or thickets on Year-round Uwharrie River Corridor, Lake Not observed during inventories.
Concem maritime islands Tillery Dam and Tailrace, Grassy
Islands Complex, Blewett Falls
Dam and tailrace
Southeastern Myotis Species of Species of Buildings, hollow trees, Year-round, Project facilities Not observed during inventories.
Concern Concem forested areas near water though * recently documented at Pee Dee
hibernate in NWR.
winter
Rafinesque's Big- Species of Threatened Colonial roosts in old Year-round Tillery and Blewett powerhouses Not observed during inventories.
eared Bat Concern buildings, caves and mines, and power plant structures
usually near water
4-4

Section 4 Methods
locations within the Project lands in recent years have documented the continued nesting activity of
these threatened species along the Pee Dee River corridor. During the early summer field surveys in
2004, the three known nesting locations within the Project area were viewed by land to determine
nesting activity. At the request of the NCWRC, the powerhouses and other structures associated
with Blewett and Tillery Hydroelectric Plants were added as aspecies-specific location and
surveyed for the presence of bats.
In addition to directed surveys, RTE species observed duringthe surveys conducted forthe Wildlife
Inventory Study (Terrestrial Issue No. 8) or any incidental sightings of RTE species were noted.
The methodologies associated with the various wildlife surveys conducted with the Blewett Falls
Lake and Lake Tillery Project area are described below. The methods associated with the reptile and
amphibian, bird, and mammal surveys were agreed upon by the Terrestrial RWG before surveys
began in 2004. These methods following conventional wildlife survey techniques.
4.2.1 Reptile and Amphibian Survey Methods
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 for the study and will include information on species numbers, life
stages, habitat conditions, and survey conditions. Species richness (total number of species) was
determined.
4.2.2 Bird Survey Methods
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
4-5

Section 4 Methods
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 corporate lands. 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 rookery 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.
4.2.2 Mammal Survey Methods
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 the other wildlife surveys.
4.3 Schedule for Conducting Field Surveys
Surveys were conducted as scheduled from March 2004 through March 2005. Specific time periods
were dictated by species type (see methods above). One exception was the originally planned field
work for September 2004 was postponed afew weeks due to poor weather conditions and autumn
tropical storms. However, the majority ofthe sites were surveyed at least once duringthe scheduled
periods; most sites were surveyed two to three times.
Two special directed surveys were conducted. Bald eagle nests previously identified within the
Project areawere surveyed in March 2004 and power plant buildings and structures were surveyed
for bats or sign of bats in June 2004.
4.4 Targeted RTE Species
A description of the 26 targeted RTE species are listed below. The preferred community habitat
type or habitatrequirements of each species were reviewed to determine in which ofthe established
4-6

Section 4 Methods
survey stations they would most likely be found (Table 4-1). Special effort was made at these
locations to look for the targeted species based on their specific habits and needs.
^ Four-toed Salamander (Hemidactylium scutatum)
The four-toed salamander (North Carolina Special Concern) is a small, slender brown amphibian
with a white underside and scattered black dots on its back. As its name indicates, this salamander
has fourtoes on each hind foot. This bog-dwelling species inhabits vernal pools, shallow ponds, and
other wetlands in hardwood forests where mosses (specifically sphagnum moss) are abundant. In
piedmontNorth Carolina, the four-toed salamanderfemale lays a large mass of eggs under the moss
in early March and the larvae hatch in May. The search for this salamander was primarily at stations
where vernal pools, hillside seeps, and other wetlands were found in hardwood forests, specifically
the Lower Uwharrie River corridor, Lake Tillery Dam and tailrace area, throughout the Grassy
Islands complex, and in the wet areas of the Pee Dee River Gabbro Slopes and floodplain.
^ Mole Salamander (Ambystoma talpoideum)
The mole salamander (North Carolina Special Concern) is gray or brown with a large head and a
stocky body. The adult has a bluish gray underside. White flecks are present on the top, sides,
undersides, and on the short, thick legs. This secretive amphibian lives in underground burrows
most of the year but congregates in fish-free semipermanent woodland ponds and vernal pools
duringthe breeding season in the winter. Females attach lay loose clusters of eggs to stems or other
objects in these shallow ponds. The search for this salamander was also at stations with known
vernal pools and other wetlands, specifically the Lower Uwharrie River corridor, Lake Tillery Dam
and tailrace area, throughout the Grassy Islands complex, and in the wet areas of the Pee Dee River
Gabbro Slopes and floodplain.
^ Timber Rattlesnake (Crotalus horridus)
The timber rattlesnake (North Carolina Special Concern), also known as canebrake rattlesnake, is a
large, heavy-bodied snake that has different color phases depending on the local region. The phase
most likely encountered in the southern piedmont has apinkish-tan background with dark black or
brown wavy crossbands although the yellow phase which has a yellow or tan background with
brown or black crossbands may also be found. Like other pit vipers, its head is very broad in
comparison to the neck, pupils are elliptical, end of tail has one or more rattles, and it has heat-
sensitive pits. Timber rattlesnakes are found primarily in wetland forests in the coastal plain or in
the rocky upland forests elsewhere and winters in deep crevices of rock outcrops when available.
Both of these habitat types may be found within the Project area. This venomous reptile maybe
active day or night but nocturnal activity is especially common during the hot summer months.
Directed searches for this species were primarily within the dry, rocky upland forests of Morrow
Mountain State Park, around Blewett Falls Dam area, and in the uplands areas ofthe Pee Dee River
Gabbro slopes and Hitchcock Creek.
4-7

Section 4 Methods
^ Anlunga (Anhinga anhinga)
The anhinga (North Carolina NHP Significantly Rare) is a large, mostly blackish water bird with a
thin long neck, a narrow long pointy bill, and a long tail with white tips. Both sexes have large
silvery upperwing coverts but the male has a black head and neck while the female has a buff
colored head and neck. This uncommon bird is often seen soaring hawk like, often in flocks.
Perches and stands like a cormorant with wings half extended. The anhingaprefers coastal wooded
lakes or ponds, or open swamps and roosts in trees over water. Its breeding range is generally south
and east of the Project area along the coast of the Carolinas but an occasional sighting maybe seen
during the summer season or during migration. Surveys for anhingas were concentrated along the
forested shorelines of the Grassy Islands complex and the Lower Little River where suitable habitat
exists.
^ American Bittern (Botaurus lentiginosus)
The American bittern (North Carolina NHP Significantly Rare) is a stocky brown heron with ablack
stripe from the base of its bill downs its neck. The outer wing flight feathers are black. This
uncommon bird has yellow legs and tends to point its thick bill upward while standing. It prefers
reedy lakes, coastal or tidewater fresh or brackish marshes. The solitary American bittern maybe
seen within the Project area primarily during migration and in the summer. It winters along the
coast. Directed searches were conducted within the marshy emergent areas and southern rice bed
areas within the Grassy Islands complex.
^ Baclunan's Sparrow (Aimophila aestivalis)
The Bachman's sparrow (North Carolina Special Concern/Federal Species of Concern) has a striped
reddish-brown back and a dingy buff colored unstreaked breast contrasted to the whitish belly. The
Bachman's sparrow may be seen within the North Carolina piedmont year-round or during
migration. An uncommon bird, this solitary and secretive bird and prefers open longleaf pine forests
with patchy understory of grass and brush. This habitat does not occur within the Proj ect area Since
no appropriate habitat was located within the survey areas, no directed surveys were conducted for
the Bachman's sparrow.
^ Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalas)
The bald eagle (North Carolina Threatened/Federal Threatened [proposed for delisting]) is a
distinctive large brown bird of prey with a white head and tail as an adult and a massive yellow bill.
Juveniles are all brown including a dark bill with varying degrees of white patches as it matures.
Bald eagles are found along lakes, rivers, and coasts where large trees afford nest sites and perch
trees with unobstructed view ofthe water. The Pee Dee River shoreline and the two impoundments
within the Project areaprovide suitable habitatfor this bird species to nest, roost, and perch and can
be viewed year-round throughoutthe area. Bald eagles were observed during most ofthe surveys in
2004. Nests were documented near Tater Top Mountain at Morrow Mountain State Park, Lake
Tillery Dam tailrace area, and above Blewett Falls Dam for the past several years. These nesttrees
were located from land during the 2004 study period and were determined to be active.
4-8

Section 4 Methods
^ Black-billed Cuckoo (CoccyZUS erythropthaGnus)
The black-billed cuckoo (North Carolina NHP Significantly Rare) is a slender, brown-backed bird
with a plain white breast. It has a thin black bill, small white tail spots, and the adult has a narrow
red eye-ring. This uncommon, solitary bird prefers mountainous deciduous forests, often in wet
openings with willows, and may be found in the Project area during migration. Direct searches for
the black-billed cuckoo were conducted in the bottomland hardwood areas of the Grassy Islands
complex, Lower Little River, and Lower Uwharrie River.
^ Black-throated Green Warbler (Dendroica virens waynea)
The coastal plain population oftheblack-throated green warbler (North CarolinaNHP Significantly
Rare) is a small bird with arelatively longtail. This perching bird has abright yellow face, an olive
green crown and back, and awhitish-yellow underside with darkstreaks along its sides. The coastal
plain population breeds in nonriverine wetland forests, especially where white cedar or cypress are
mixed with hardwoods. Direct searches for this migratory warbler were conducted in the
bottomland hardwood areas ofthe Grassy Islands complex, Lower Little River, and Lower Uwharrie
River.
^ Brown Creeper (Certhia americana)
The brown creeper (North Carolina Special Concern) is a very small, slender bird that is cryptic
brown above and white below. It has a slender bill that is curved slightly downward and a stifftail
which braces against the tree while this climber ascends the tree. Normally solitary but may mix
with flocks of other small song birds. This bird prefers mountain high elevation forests, favoring
spruce-fir mixed with hardwoods but may frequent the Project area during migration and duringthe
winter. This bird may use the bottomland hardwood areas of the Grassy Islands complex, Lower
Little River, Brown Creek, Hitchcock Creek, and Lower Uwharrie River during migration or during
the winter.
^ Henslow's Sparrow (Ammodramus henslawia)
The secretive, rare Henslow's sparrow (North Carolina NHP Significantly Rare/Federal Species of
Concern) is a very small short-tailed, large but flat-headed sparrow. Its striped olive-colored head
with reddish wings and back identifies this bird. It has a big pale bill and fine strips on the breast.
The Henslow's sparrow has a distinctive, odd song which may be the best way to identify this
species. This bird prefers damp grassy meadows with old matted vegetation. Within the four
counties surrounding the Project area, Henslow's sparrow has only been identified during awinter
Christmas bird count survey in the Pee Dee National Wildlife Refuge. Its preferred habitat does not
occur within the Project area; therefore, no directed surveys were conducted for the Henslow's
sparrow.
^ Hermit Thrush (Catharus guttatus)
The hermit thrush (North Carolina NHP Significantly Rare) is a heavily spotted brown thrush with a
reddish tail and a thin white eye-ring. Similar to the Swainson's thrush, it has a habit of cocking its
4-9

Section 4 Methods
tail and letting it slowly drop. It prefers mountain spruce-fir forests for breeding but may migrate
through the Project area or winter there. Directed surveys were conducted in the Oak-Hickory
Forests of the Grassy Islands complex, Lower Little River, and the Pee Dee River Gabbro Slopes
area.
^ Lark Sparrow (Chondestes grammacus)
The lark sparrow (North Carolina NHP Significantly Rare) has towhee-like white tail corners which
are distinctive for this sparrow species. It also has a single central dark spot on a clean whitish
breast and a bold head and face pattern of red, black, and white. Avery rare species for this area, it
may be found in pastures, farms, sandhill barrens, or open fields with scattered saplings. This
habitat doesnotoccurwithintheProjectarea. Within the four countiessurroundingtheProjectarea,
the lark sparrow has only been identified during a winter Christmas bird count survey in the Pee Dee
National Wildlife Refuge. No directed surveys were conducted for this species.
^ Little Blue Heron (Egretta caerulea)
The little blue heron (North Carolina Special Concern) is a slender, medium-sized heron that is
bluish gray with a dark maroon or brown neck. It has a pale bluish bill tipped with black and dull
yellow legs. Breeds along the coast in forests or thickets on maritime islands but may frequent
inland year-round along edges of shallow marshy ponds. Surveys were conducted for this species
alongthe shorelines of the coves and marshy areas of the Lower Uwharrie River and Grassy Island
complex and in the tailrace areas of Lake Tillery Dam and Blewett Falls Dam.
^ Loggerhead Shrike (Lanius ladovicianus ludovicianus)
The loggerhead shrike (North Carolina Special Concern) is a gray bird with black wings, black tail
with white edges, and broad blackmask. With its heavy blackbill and big head, its slightly smaller
than a robin. This solitary shrike is similar to its relative, the northern shrike, whose range is from
Virginia northward. The loggerhead shrike can be found in open pastures and fields with perches
and thorny scrubs year-round in the piedmontNorth Carolina region. Although this species has been
frequently documented during surveys conducted within the four-county region, its preferred habitat
does not occur within the Project area. No directed surveys were conducted for this species.
^ Magnolia Warbler (Dendroica magnolia)
The magnolia warbler (North Carolina NHP Significantly Rare) is a small, relatively long tailed
warbler with a gray head, narrow white wing bars, white undertail coverts, a broad white band
crossed midway on its tail, heavily black streaked sides, and a bright yellow breast and rump.
Breeding males have an additional black band under its neck and a white wing panel. Although its
preferred breeding habitat is primarily in mountain spruce-fir forests, the magnoliawarblermay be
observed in piedmont North Carolina in any wooded or brushy area during migration. Direct
searches forthis migratory warbler were conducted in the bottomland hardwood areas ofthe Grassy
Islands complex, Lower Little River, Brown Creek, Hitchcock Creek, and Lower Uwharrie River.
4-10

Section 4 Methods
^ Mississppi Kite (Ictinia mississippiensis)
The Mississippi kite (North Carolina NHP Significantly Rare) is slender, sleek falcon-like shaped
bird that is dark gray above and lighter below with a much lighter gray head. The unbarred tail and
underwing are blackish and the outermost primaries are shortened. This solitary raptor is most often
seen soaring over open or wooded areas and nests in the summer from the piedmont to the coast in
tall trees of mature, extensive bottomland forests. Surveys forthis species were conducted along the
bottomland hardwood areas ofthe Grassy Islands complex, Lower Little River, and Lower Uwharrie
River.
^ Northern Harrier (Circus cyaneus)
The northern harrier (North CarolinaNHP Significantly Rare) is a slender, longtailed, long pointed-
wingedhawk with distinctive white uppertail coverts (rump). Males are pale gray with wing tips
black and females are streaked brown. This solitary bird often glides with its wings in a dihedral
angle low over marshes, farmland, and grasslands. It breeds along coastal or tidewater extensive
brackish marshes but maybe observed along the North Carolina piedmont during winter or during
migration. Direct surveys for the northern harrier were conducted near the marshes and agricultural
fields along portions of the Grassy Islands complex and the Pee Dee River, especially Leak Island
and the Pee Dee National Wildlife Refuge.
^ Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus)
The peregrine falcon (North Carolina Endangered) has the characteristic pointed wings, narrow tail,
and quick wing beats indicative of all falcons. This solitary bird, about the size of a crow, is slate
gray on the top and uniformly patterned underneath with a whitish neck and breast and distinctive
black "sideburns". Peregrine falcons nest on cliff ledges or buildings in cities and mayforage in the
winter and during migration near ponds, mudflats, and other open areas near water. Any sighting
within the Project area would be transient in nature. No appropriate habitat was located within the
survey areas; therefore, no directed surveys were conducted for the peregrine falcon.
^ Red-cockaded Woodpecker (Picoides borealis)
The red-cockaded woodpecker (North Carolina Endangered/Federal Endangered) has a black cap,
black and white barred back and flanks, and a white cheek patch. This colonial bird is found in open
stands ofold-growth longleaf, and sometimes loblolly, pine savannas. Rare but local year-round
residents may be found in scattered patches of managed forests in the sandhills region of North
Carolina. This habitat does not occur within the Project area. Since no appropriate habitat was
located within the survey areas, no directed surveys were conducted for this species.
^ Sharp-shinned Hawk (Accipiter striatus)
The sharp-shinned hawk (North Carolina NHP Significantly Rare) is the smallest accipiter in the
U. S. with the characteristic small head, short rounded wings and long tail It has a dark gray back
and a rusty barred breast. The tip ofthe barred tail is slightly notched or squared. This uncommon,
solitary hawkprefers mountain or piedmontforests and woodlands and may migrate, winter, or even
4-11

Section 4 Methods
breed inthe North Carolinapiedmont. Directed surveys were conducted in the Oak-Hickory Forests
of the Grassy Islands complex, Lower Little River, and the Pee Dee River Gabbro Slopes area.
^ Snowy Egret (Egretta thula)
The snowy egret (North Carolina Special Concern) has distinctive yellow feet with black legs
(during breeding). This small white heron has a slender black bill and yellow lores. It is primarily a
solitary bird but may be found in large groups in the North Carolina piedmont around marshes,
swamps, and ponds year-round. The snowy egret has been identified previously near the Project
area and was identified foraging for small fish in the Tillery tailrace area shallow waters in 2002.
Surveys were conducted along the shorelines ofthe coves and marshy areas of the Lower Uwharrie
River and Grassy Island complex and in the tailrace areas of Lake Tillery Dam and Blewett Falls
Dam.
^ Swainson's Warbler (Limnothlypis swainsonia)
The Swainson's warbler (North Carolina W atch List) is a dull olive-brown above and plain yellow-
white below bird with a brown crown, a light eyebrow stripe, and a distinctive very large pale bill.
This uncommon species can be found in patches of brush within mature deciduous forests in
bottomlands, swamps, and stream bottoms although not always near water. This bird may be found
in the region during migration or breeding. Direct searches for this migratory warbler were
conducted in the bottomland hardwood areas ofthe Lower Uwharrie River, Tillery Dam and tailrace,
Leak Island, Brown Creek, Lower Little River, Pee Dee River Gabbro slopes and floodplain, and
Hitchcock Creek.
^ Tricolor Heron (Egretta tricolor)
The tricolor heron (North Carolina Special Concern), also called the Louisiana heron, is a slender,
dark gray and brown heron with a contrasting white belly and under wing coverts. It is much
smaller than the great blue heron. This typically solitary heron often nests and roosts in mixed
colonies and may be found in open shallow water or marshy pools year-round in the North Carolina
piedmont. Within the four counties surrounding the Project area, the tricolor heron has only been
identified during a winter Christmas bird count survey in the Pee Dee National Wildlife Refuge.
Surveys were conducted for this species along the shorelines of the coves and marshy areas of the
Lower Uwharrie River and Grassy Island complex and in the tailrace areas of Lake Tillery Dam and
Blewett Falls Dam.
^ RaFmesque's Big-eared Bat (Plecotus rafinesqueia)
The Rafinesque's (or Eastern) big-eared bat (North Carolina Threatened/Federal Species of
Concern), as its name indicates, has tremendous ears (> 1 inch high) j oined in the middle which is the
characteristic that distinguishes this pale brown batfrom all others in North Carolina. The bases of
the white-tipped ventral hairs are black. This colonial mammal roosts in old buildings, caves and
mines, usually near water. Special directed surveys were conducted in the Tillery and Blewett
Hydroelectric Plants powerhouses and structures.
4-12

Section 4
Methods
^ Southeastern Myotis (Myotis austroriparius)
The southeastern (or Mississippi) myotis (North Carolina special Concern/Federal Species of
Concern) has dull yellowish brown, woolly hair. In the Atlantic and Gulf Coastal Plain in the
southeastern U.S., it is common atbest in cypress-gum swamps and abandoned buildings adjaoentto
permanent sources of water, over which it forages. Special surveys for bats were conducted in the
Tillery and Blewett Hydroelectric Plants powerhouses and structures.
4.5 Assess the Effects of Hydropower Operations
The habitat requirements, habits, and life cycles for each ofthe 26 potential RTE species that maybe
within the Project area were reviewed and compared to the influences of the current power plant
operation regime on these criteria.
4-13

Section 5 -Results and Discussion
Surveys were conducted as outlined in the approved study plans in 2004 to 2005 to identify existing
populations of state- or federally-listed terrestrial wildlife species within the FERC Project
boundaries and zone of operational influence ofthe Tillery and Blewett Falls Hydroelectric Plants,
andtwoProgressEnergylandholdingsoutsidetheProjectboundarybelowtheBlewettPlant. These
two natural areas (Gabbro Slopes and Hitchcock Creek) were added in response to RWG requests.
Within the scope of the study, 26 RTE terrestrial wildlife species (two amphibians, one reptile, 21
birds, and two mammals) were known to occur within the four-county area and could potentially
occur within the Project area if the preferred habitattype is available (Table 4-1). All RTE species
observed during the directed surveys based on appropriate community habitat type, during the
wildlife surveys conducted for the Wildlife Inventory Study (Terrestrial Issue No. 8), or as an
incidental sighting while in the Project area were included in this report.
Six RTE species were identified during the field study: three birds during the breeding season and
three birds during migratory periods (Table 5-1). Five of the six species were observed within the
diverse habitats of the Grassy Islands Complex Area. Bald eagle was the only federally-listed
species observed within the FERC Project boundary or zone of operational influence ofthe Tillery
Hydroelectric Plant.
Table 5-1 RTE terrestrial wildlife species identified in the Project area, 2004-2005.
Common Name Listedi Location Identified
Anhinga SR Grassy Island Complex -Grassy Islands
American Bittern SR Grassy Island Complex -Mountain Creek southern rice beds
Lower Uwharrie River, Morrow Mountain State Park - Tater Top Mountain,
Bald Eagle T Lake Tillery Dam, Grassy Islands Complex -Grassy Islands, Blewett Falls
Dam, Pee Dee River -Leak Island
Hermit Thrush SR Grassy Islands Complex, Pee Dee River Gabbro Slopes Area
Magnolia Warbler SR Grassy Islands Complex -Grassy Islands
Northern Harrier SR Pee Dee River -Leak Island
1 Listed codes: SR=North Carolina Natural Heritage Program Significantly Rare, T = Threatened (NC and Federal)
The anhinga and the American bittern were identified at the Grassy Islands Complex during the
summer survey 2004. The anhinga was observed flying overhead along the Grassy Islands and the
bittern was heard calling within the Mountain Creek southern wild rice emergent wetlands. These
birds prefer wooded lakes, ponds, or swamps and marshes habitatthat is abundant in this area of
Blewett Falls Lake.
The bald eagle is currently listed asfederal/state threatened but this large raptor has been proposed
by USFWS for delisting. The mature forests along the Pee Dee River shoreline and the two
impoundments within the Project area provide suitable habitat for this bird species to nest, roost,
perch, and feed and can be viewed year-round throughout the area. Adults and young bald eagles
have been routinely observed in the Project area for at least the past five years and were observed
during most of the surveys in 2004 at several different locations. Nests have been documented near
Tater Top Mountain at Morrow Mountain State Park, Lake Tillery Dam tailrace area, and above
Blewett Falls Dam for the past several years. During 2004, all three of these known nesting sites
5-1

Section 5 Results and Discussions
were visited by land and were determined to be active by observing adults tending or perching on or
near the each nest.
The three migratory species were observed during the fall and winter survey periods. The North
Carolina Natural Heritage Program listed Significantly Rare species hermit thrush and magnolia
warbler were observed atthe Grassy Islands Complex in autumn 2004. There was a second sighting
of the hermit thrush at the Pee Dee River Gabbro Slopes area in the fall. These species prefer the
mountain spruce-fir forests and likely migrate through the Pee Dee River region in route to their
over-wintering locations in Central and South America. The northern harrier, another Significantly
Rare species, was observed duringthe fall and winter 2004 surveys alongthe Pee Dee River at Leak
Island. This species also uses the Pee Dee River corridor as a migratory route and wintering area.
The large patches ofundisturbed mature trees alongthe river corridor provide migratory birds areas
to rest and feed.
Probably due to the rarity of RTE species, none of the 15 remaining target listed bird species were
observed during the 2004 to 2005 surveys. Of these, five species prefer habitattypes that were not
found within the Project area The Bachman's sparrow and the red-cockaded woodpecker prefer
open, old growth longleafpine forests; the Henslow's sparrow prefers coastal clear-cutpocosins; the
lark sparrow prefers sandhill barrens and sandy fields; and the loggerhead shrike prefers fields and
old pastures with perches and thorny scrubs. Although the shrike has been frequently documented
during surveys conducted within the four-county region, its preferred community type is not located
within the Project area. Four woodland song birds (black-billed cuckoo, black-throated green
warbler, brown creeper, and Swainson's warbler) could have been present in the bottomland
hardwood forests within the Project area during the late spring and summer breeding period and
during migration but none were identified. The little blue heron, snowy egret, and tricolor heron
could potentially be seen within the Project area year-round along the edges of shallow marshy
ponds such as in the tailrace areas or in the back cove areas within the Grassy Islands Complex;
however, none were observed during the surveys. The bottomland forests at the Grassy Islands
Complex, the Lower Little River, and the Lower Uwharrie River were communities where directed
searches for Mississippi kite and sharp-shinned hawk were conducted. Neither of these rare birds
was observed. The peregrine falcon prefers cliffs for nesting but maybe seen passing through the
Pee Dee River corridor during migration.
No listed mammal, reptile or amphibian species were documented during the field surveys in 2004
and early 2005. The two listed mammal species that could potentially occur within the Project area
were the Rafinesque's big-eared bat and the southeastern myotis. The buildings associated withthe
Tillery and Blewett Hydroelectric Plants were surveyed in 2004 and neither bats nor evidence of bat
presence were found. Neither the two salamander species (four-toed salamander and mole
salamander) nor the reptile species (timber rattlesnake) were observed during the surveys in 2004
and early spring 2005 although these rare species have been identified within the four-county area.
The characterization of existing terrestrial RTE wildlife populations under the current plant
operating regimes indicates that effects to these populations are either positive, nonexistent, or are
very limited. It is unlikely that hydro operations would influence the listed terrestrial reptile and
amphibian species to any significant degree. The timber rattlesnake prefers drier, upland
environments and is quite mobile. It is possible, however, that hydro operations could influence the
5-2

Section 5 Results and Discussions
listed aquatic amphibian species such as the four-toed salamander and the male salamander, by
influencing the amount of suitable aquatic and wetland habitat available during certain periods of
operation. Based on field observations at Lake Tillery and Blewett Falls Lake, reservoir water levels
greater than 2.0 to 3.0 ft below normal pool for more than one day may adversely affect several
aquatic and semi-aquatic species by limiting habitat and increasing predation especially during the
breeding period (Graves and Anderson 198'x. Based on the review ofheadpond elevation datafrom
1982 to 2000, this condition occurred approximately 3 percent of the time at Lake Tillery and
approximately 15 percent ofthe time at Blewett Falls Lake. These lower elevations at Blewett Falls
are assumed to be due to the infrequent loss of flashboards at the dam.
Impacts to these species during the normal daily operations are not significant. Ambystomid
salamanders, such as the listed mole salamander, prefer hydrologically isolated vernal pools (i.e.,
lack fish predators) in bottomland habitats. These vernal pool habitats are not hydrologically
connected to any potential hydraulic effect from the daily hydro operations and thus will not be
affected by any reservoir water level.
Based on the review of the populations of RTE bird species associated with the Project area, it can
be determined that there is potential for impacts, both negative and positive, from Project operations.
Based on field observations, excessive flooding during nesting, breeding/egg laying, and fledging
periods for bird species, caused by water releases from the upstream reservoirs due to large
precipitation events into downstream bottomlands of Blewett Falls Lake, can have anegative affect
(although not a significant affect) on local ground, shrub and low cavity nesting species. The
American bittern, which was heard during the summer among the southern rice beds at Mountain
Creek, is a species that nests low to the ground and in emergent vegetation. Flooding during the
breeding season (May to June) could drive the mated pairs out and could potentially destroy any nest
that had been constructed. The primary areafor this type of seasonal or temporary flooding within
the Project includes the Grassy Islands of Blewett Falls Lake and specifically the southern wild rice
wetlands. A decrease in water level in these wetland areas can also affect this species through a
temporary loss of foraging habitat. Impacts to these species during the normal daily operations are
not significant.
The presence of the Project also has a positive affect on the avian fauna that utilize the lakes and
reservoirs. All listed RTE bird species observed around the Project areause the aquatic resources to
varying extent. An example is the Lake Tilley tailrace area which provides high value foraging
habitat for wading and waterbirds such as the listed little blue heron, snowy egret, and the tricolor
heron. The use of this tailrace area as a foraging 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, and exposed rocks and emergentvegetation inapparent.
The federally-threatened bald eagle has often been observed feeding in this area.
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 the survey
conducted in the summer 2004, the structures associated with the power plants did not provide
suitable bat roosting habitat.
5-3

Section 6 -Summary
Twenty-six RTE terrestrial wildlife species (two amphibians, one reptile, 21 birds, and two
mammals) were known to occur within the four-county area and could potentially occur within the
Project area if the preferred habitat type is available. A total of six RTE species were identified
during the surveys all birds. Only one of these species, the bald eagle, is federally listed. The
other five species are listed by the North Carolina Natural Heritage Program as Significantly Rare.
These species include the anhinga, American bittern, hermitthrnsh, magnoliawarbler, and northern
harrier. However, the hermit thrush, magnolia warbler, and northern harrier were observed during
the migratory periods.
The only federally-listed RTE species observed around Lake Tillery was the bald eagle. An active
bald eagle nest has been consistently located at Tater Top Mountain in Morrow Mountain State Park
for the past several years. Two additional active bald eagle nests are known within the Project area
one below Tillery Dam and one above Blewett Dam. Adult and young eagles are consistently
observed perching or soaring throughout the Yadkin-Pee Dee River area.
The characterization of existing terrestrial RTE wildlife populations under the current plant
operating regimes indicates that effects to these populations may be positive, nonexistent, or are very
limited. Based on field observations and analysis, reservoir water levels greater than 2.0 to 3.0 ft
below normal pool for a period of more than one day may adversely affect several aquatic and semi-
aquatic species (e. g., American bittern in the area of the Grassy Islands) by temporarily changing
their habitat community and associated breeding and foraging habitat. Based on the review of
headpond elevation datafrom 1982 to 2000, this condition occurred approximately 3 percent ofthe
time at Lake Tillery and approximately 15 percent ofthe time (at 3 ft) at Blewett Falls Lake. These
lower elevations at Blewett Falls are assumed to be due to the infrequent loss of flashboards at the
dam. Impacts to species during the normal daily operations are not significant.
6-1

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.
Bates, M. 2001. Montgomery County Natural Heritage Inventory. In association with: The Land
Trust for Central North Carolina, Salisbury, North Carolina. The North Carolina Natural
Heritage Program, Division of Parks and Recreation, Department of Environment and
Natural Resources, Raleigh, North Carolina.
Beane, J.C. 1999. North Carolina 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, Massachusetts. pp. 289.
Conant, R., and J.T. Collins. 1991. Reptiles and Amphibians of Eastern/Central North America
Peterson Field Guide Series. Houghton Mifflin Company. Boston, Massachusetts. pp. 450.
Cooperrider, A.Y., R.J. Boyd, H. R. Stuart (eds.). 1986. Inventory and Monitoring of Wildlife
Habitat. U.S. Dept. Inter., Bur. Land Manage. Denver, Colorado. 858 pp.
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. FERCProjectNo. 2206). Environmental Services Section, CP&L AProgress Energy
Company. New Hill, North Carolina
2002. 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, North Carolina.
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, New York. pp. 676.
EA Engineering, Science, and Technology. 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.
7-1

Section 7 References
Framatome ANP DE&S. 2002. Terrestrial resources report associated with the survey of Smith
Lake oxbow swamp and adjacent bottomland wetlands. Yadkin-Pee Dee Hydroelectric
Project (LT.S. FERC Project No. 220. Prepared for CP&L - A Progress Energy Company.
Framatome ANP DE&S. Charlotte, North Carolina.
Gatens, L.J. 1999. North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, List ofmammal species in Anson,
Montgomery, Richmond, and Stanly 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., Omernik, J.M., Comstock, J.A., Schafale, M.P., McNab, W.H., Lenat, D.R.,
MacPherson, T.F., Glover, J.B., and Shleburne, V.B. 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. North Carolina 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, North
Carolina. pp. 264.
National Audubon Society. 2002. The Christmas Bird Count Historical Results [Online]. Pee Dee
National Wildlife Refuge (Count Circle: NCPD) Counts 97-103. Available
http://www.andubon.org/bird/cbc. (Accessed November 18, 2003.)
2002. The Christmas Bird Count Historical Results [Online]. Pee Dee Area (Count Circle:
SCPD) Counts 94-103. Available http://www.audubon.org/bird/cbc. (Accessed January 9,
2004.)
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, North Carolina. http://207.4.179.38/
nrid/viewPub.php?majorGroup=BIRD&park=MOMO. (version January 9, 2004.)
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).
http://www.ncsparks.net/nhp/county.html. (version January 14, 2004.)
7-2

Section 7 References
North American Waterfowl Management Plan . Undated. Atlantic Coast Joint Venture Plan. pp.
106.
Peterson, R.T. 1980. Eastern Birds. Peterson Field Guide Series. Houghton Mifflin Company.
Boston, Massachusetts. pp. 384.
Platts, 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, North Carolina. pp. 408.
Progress Energy. 2003. Initial Consultation Document. Section 4.6, Wildlife Resources, Rare,
Threatened, and Endangered Species.
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, California: 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.
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, South Carolina.
http://www.dnr.state.sc.us.pls.heritage/county_species.list. (version January 14, 2004.)
Schafale, M.P. and A.S. Weakley. 1990. Classification of the Natural Communities of North
Carolina. North Carolina Natural Heritage Program. Raleigh, North Carolina.
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, North Carolina, and Sandhills Area Land Trust. The
North Carolina Natural Heritage Program, Division ofParks and Recreation, Department of
Environment and Natural Resources, Raleigh, North Carolina.
7-3

Section 7
References
Sousa, P.J., and A.H. Farmer. 1983. Habitat suitability index models: wood duck. USFWS.
FWS/OBS-82/10.43. pp. 27.
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.
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, North Carolina. pp. 254.
7-4

APPENDICES

APPENDIX A
A COMPILED LIST OF BIRD SPECIES IDENTIFIED WITHIN OR NEAR
THE YADKIN-PEE DEE RIVER PROJECT AREA

A COMPILED LIST OF BIRD SPECIES IDENTIFIED WITHIN OR NEAR
THE YADKIN-PEE DEE RIVER PROJECT AREA
NC MIylgp Progress Progress
Common Name (AOU Code) CBC CBC USGS USFWS Heritage bird Energy Energy
PDNWR SCPD routes PDNWR Program list Wildlife Incidental
Inventories Observations
Gr_ White-Fronted Goose X
Snow Goose (LSGO) X
Canada Goose (CAGO) X X X X X X X
Tundra Swan (WHSW) X X
Wood Duck (WODil) X X X X X X X
Gadwall (GADW) X X
American Widgeon (AMWI) X X X X
American Black Duck (ABDil) X X X X X
Mallard (MALL) X X X X X X X
Blue-winged Teal (BWTE) X X X X
Northem Shoveler (NSHO) X X X X
Northem Pintail (NSHOI X X X
Am. Green-winged Teal X X X X X
(AGWT)
Canvasback (CANS X X
Redhead (REDH) X X
Ring-necked Duck (RNDin X X X X X
Greater Scaun (GRSCI X X X
Lesser Scaup (LESC) X X X X X
Bufflehead (BiIFFI X X X X X
Common Goldeneye (LOGO) X X
Hooded Merganser (HOME) X X X X
Red-breasted Merganser

~~) X X X X
Ruddy Duck (RUDin X X X X
Wild Turkey X X X X X X X X
Northem Bobwhite X X X X X X X X
Red-throated Loon BTLOI X
Common Loon(COLO) X X X
Pied-billed Grebe (PBGR) X X X X X
Homed Grebe (HOGR) X X
Double crested Cormorant X X X X X X
Anhinga (ANHI) X X X
American Bittern IAMBI) X X X
LeastBittem(LEBI) X X
Great Blue Heron (GBHE) X X X X X X X
Great Effet (GREGI X X X X X X
Snowy Egret (SNEG) X X
Little Blue Heron (LBHE) X X
Tricolor Heron (Louisiana) X
Cattle Egret (CAEG) X X X
Green Heron (Green-backed) X X X X X X
(GBHE)
Appendix A - 1

Progress Progress
NC MIylgp
CBC CBC USGS USFWS Energy Energy
Common Name (AOU Code)
Heritage
PDNWR SCPD
PDNWR bird W
ldlif I
id
l
routes
Program list i
e nc
enta
Inventories Observations
Black-crowned Night-Heron
X X X
Yellow-crowned Night-
Heron(YCNH) X
White Ibis (WHIB) X
Glossy Ibis (GLIB) X
Wood Stork (WOST) X
Black Vulture (BLV[I) X X X X X X X
Turkey Vulture (TUV[I) X X X X X X X X
Osprey (OSPR) X X X X X X
Mississippi Kite (IvIIKI) X X X
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 (RSHA) 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
American Kestrel (AMKE) X X X X X X
Merlin (MERLI X
Pere¢rine Falcon (PRFA) X X
B1ackRail(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
Bonaparte's Gull (BOGU) X X X
Ring-billed Gull (RBGU) X X X X X X
Herring Gull (HERG) 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
Eastern Screech-Owl (FASO) 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-will's-widow (CWWI) X X X X X X
Appendix A - 2

NC MIylgp Progress Progress
CBC CBC USGS USFWS Energy Energy
Common Name (AOU Code) PDNWR SCPD routes Heritage
PDNWR bird Wildlife Incidental
Program list
Inventories Observations
Whip-poor-will (WPWI) X X X X
Chimney Swift(CHSW) X X X X X
Ruby-throated Hummingbird
X X X X
Belted Kingfisher(BEKI) X X X X X X X
Red-headed Woodpecker X X X X X X X X
(RHWO)
Red-bellied Woodpecker X X X X X X X X
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker X X X X X
(YB SA)
Downy Woodpecker (DOWO) X X X X X X X
Hairy Woodpecker (HAWO) X X X X X X
Red-cockaded Woodpecker X X X X
Yellow-shafted Flicker (YSFL) X X X X X X
Pileated Woodpecker (PIWO) X X X X X X X X
Eastern Wood-Peewee (EAWP) X X X X X
Yellow-bellied Flycatcher X
Acadian Flycatcher(ACFL) X X X X X X
Eastern Phoebe (EAPH) X X X X X X
Great Crested Flycatcher X X X X X X X
Eastern Kingbird (SAKI) X X X X X
Loggerhead Shrike (COSH) X X X X X X
White-eyed Vireo (WE VI) X X X X X X
Yellow-throated Vireo (YTVI) X X X X X
Blue-headed Vireo (Solitary) X X X X X X X
Red-eyed Vireo (RE VI) X X X X X X
Blue Jay (BLJA) X X X X X X X
American Crow (AMCR) X X X X X X
Fish Crow (FICR) X X X X X
Homed Lark (HOLA) X X X
Purple Martin (PUMA) X X X X X
Tree Swallow (TRES) X X X
No. Rough-winged Swallow 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
X X X X X X X
Brown-headed Nuthatch X X X X X
Brown Creeper (BRCR) X X X X
Carolina 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
Appendix A - 3

Progress Progress
NC MMSP
CBC CBC USGS USFWS Energy Energy
Common Name (AOU Code) Heritage
PDNWR SCPD
PDNWR bird
W
Idlif I
id
l
routes
Program ~
e
list nc
enta
Inventories Observations
Sedge Wren (SEWR) X
Marsh Wren (MAWRI X
Golden-crowned Kinglet 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
Grav Catbird (GRCAI X X X X X X X
Northem Mockingbird X X X X X X
Brown Thrasher (BRTHI X X X X X X
European Starling (EUST) X X X X X X X
American Pipit (AMPI) X X X
Cedar Waxwing (CEDW) X X X X X
Orange^crownedWarbler X X
Northem Parula (NOPA) X X X X X X
Yellow Warbler (YWAR) X X X X
Chestnut-sided Warbler X X
(CSWA)
Magnolia Warbler (MAWA) X X X
Cape May Warbler (CMWA) X
Black-throated Blue Warbler X X
Yellow-romped Warbler
X X X
X X X
Blk-throated Green Warbler X X
BTU)
Yellow_throatedWarbler X X X X X
Pine Warbler (PIWA) X X X X X X X
Prairie Warbler (DRAW) X X X X
Palm Warbler (YPWA) X X X X
Blackooll Warbler BLPW) X X
Black and White Warbler X X X X X X
(BAW W)
American Redstart (AMRE) X X X X
Prothonotary Warbler (PROW) X X X X X
Worm-eating Warbler X
(WEWA)
Swainsods Warbler (SWWAI X X
Ovenbird (OVEN) X X X X X X
Northem Waterthrush (NOWA) X
Louisiana Waterthrush X X X X
(LOWA)
Kentucky Warbler (KEWA) X X
Common Yellowthroat (COPE) X X X X X X X
Hooded Warbler (HOWA) X X X X X X
Appendix A - 4

NC MIylgp Progress Progress
CBC CBC USGS USFWS Energy Energy
Common Name (AOU Code) PDNWR SCPD routes PDNWR Heritage bird Wildlife Incidental
Program list Inventories Observations
Canada Warbler (CAWA) X
Yellow-breasted Chat (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 X
(AT SP)
Chipping Sparrow (CHSP) X X X X X X
Field Sparrow (FISPI 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 (LISPI X
Swamp Sparrow (SWSP) X X X X
White-throated Sparrow X X X X X X
White-crowned Sparrow X X
(EWCS)
Dark-eyed Junco (iIDEJ) X X X X X
Northern Cardinal (NOCA) X X X X X X X X
Rose-breasted Grosbeak X X
Blue Grosbeak (BLGR) X X X
Indigo Bunting (INBU) X X X X X X
Bobolink (HOBO) X X
Red-winged Blackbird (RWBL) X X X X X X X
Eastern Meadowlark (FAME) X X X X X X X
Yellow-headed Blackbird
(YHBL) X
Rusty Blackbird (RUBE) X X X X
Brewer's Blackbird (BRBL) X X
Common Grackle (COGR) X X X X X X X
Brown-headed Cowbird X X X X X X
Orchard Oriole (OROR) X X X X
Baltimore Oriole (BAOR) X X X
Purple Finch (PUFI) X X X X
House Finch (HOFI) X X X X
Red Crossbill IRECRI X
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
Appendix A - 5

1 Taxonomic classification follows: American Ornithologists Union bird order, 7th Edition, 44th Supplement August
2003. Bolded common name indicates a state or federal listed rare, threatened, or endangered species.
z List compiled from the following sources:
CBC PDNWR:
National Audubon Society. 2002. The Christmas Bird Count Historical Results [Online]. Pee Dee National Wildlife
Refuge (Count Circle: NCPD) Counts 97-103. Available http://www.audubon.org/bird/cbc [11/18/03]
CBC SCPD:
National Audubon Society. 2002. The Christmas Bird Count Historical Results [Online]. Pee Dee Area (Count Circle:
SCPD) Counts 94-103. Available http://www.audubon.org/bird/cbc [01/09/04]
USGS routes:
Sauer, J.R., J.E. Hines, G. Gough, I. Thomas, and B.G. Peterjohn. 1997. The North American breeding bird survey
results and analysis, Version 96.4. (North American Breeding RoutesNC17, NC 207, NC215, NC216, NC 900,
NC 904, SC 900) Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, Laurel, Maryland.
EA Engineering Science, and Technology. 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.
USFWS PDNWR:
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Undated. Birds of Pee Dee National Wildlife Refuge. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Refuge
Service. Unpaginated. Jamestown, ND: Northem Prairie Wildlife Research Center Home Page.
http://www.npwrc.usgs.gov/resource/othrdata/chekbird/r4/peedee.htm (version 22MAY98).
USFWS CSNWR:
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 1991. Birds of Carolina Sandhills National Wildlife Refuge. U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Refuge Service. Unpaginated. Jamestown, ND: Northem Prairie Wildlife Research Center Home Page.
http://www.npwrc.usgs.gov/resource/othrdata/chekbird/r4/sandhill.htm (version 22MAY98).
NC/SC Heritage Program:
NCNHP. Undated. The North Carolina Natural Heritage Program County element occurrence database by county
(Anson, Montgomery, Richmond, and Stanly Counties, North Carolina).
http://www.ncsparks.net/nhp/county.html (version 01/14/2004).
SCDNR. Undated. South Carolina rare, threatened & endangered species inventory. South Carolina Deparhnent of
Natural Resources (Chesterfield, Darlington, and Marlboro Counties, South Carolina). Columbia SC.
http://www.dnr.state.sc.us.pls.heritage/county_species.list (version 01/14/2004)
Bates, M. 2001. Montgomery County Natural HeritageInventory.Inassociationwith:TheLandTrustforCentralNorth
Carolina, Salisbury, NC. The North Carolina Natural Heritage Program, Division of Parks and Recreation,
Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Raleigh, NC.
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.
MMSP bird list:
NCDENR. Undated. Checklist for the 169 known species of bird at Morrow Mountain State Park. North Carolina State
Parks, Division of Parks and Recreation. Unpaginated. Raleigh, NC.
http://207.4.179.38/nrid/viewPub.php?majorGroup=BIRD&par1~MOM0 (version 01/09/04).
Progress Energy Incidental sightings:
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 (U. S. FERC Project No. 2206).
Environmental Services Section, CP&L - A Progress Energy Company. New Hill, NC
Appendix A - 6

2002. 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 (U. S. FERC Project No. 2206).
Environmental Services Section, CP&L - A Progress Energy Company. New Hill, NC
Framatome ANP DE&S. 2002. Terrestrial resources report associated with the survey of Smith Lake oxbow swamp and
adjacent bottom land wetlands. Yadkin-Pee Dee Hydroelectric Project (U. S. FERC Project No. 2206).
Prepared for CP&L - A Progress Energy Company. Framatome ANP DE&S. Charlotte, NC.
EA Engineering Science, and Technology. 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.
Appendix A - 7

APPENDIX B
A COMPILED LIST OF MAMMAL SPECIES IDENTIFIED IN OR NEAR
THE YADKIN-PEE DEE RIVER PROJECT AREA

A COMPILED LIST OF MAMMAL SPECIES IDENTIFIED IN OR NEAR
THE YADKIN-PEE DEE RIVER PROJECT AREA

Common Name
NCMNS
Counties
USFWS
PDNWR NC
I3eritage
program
MMSP
Mammals Progress
Energy
Wildlife
Inventories progress Energy
Incidental
Observations
Opossum X X X X
Southeastem Shrew X X
Shorttail Shrew X X
Carolina Shorttail Shrew X X
Eastem Mole X X
Star-nosed Mole X X
Little Brown Myotis X X
Southeastern Myotis X
Silver Haired Bat X X
Eastem Pipistrel X
Big Brown Bat X X X
Eastem Red Bat X X
Hoary Bat X
Evening Bat X
Rafinesque's Big-eared Bat X
Eastem Cottontail X X X X
Marsh Rabbit X
Eastem Chipmunk X X X X
Eastem Gray Squirrel X X X X X
Eastem Fox Squirrel X X
Southern Flying Squirrel X X X X
Fox Squirrel X
American Beaver X X X X X X
Eastem Harvest Mouse X
White-footed Mouse X X X X
Northern River Otter X X X X X
Bobcat X X X X X
Mountain Lion X
White-tailed Deer X X X X X
1 Taxonomic classification follows the online SmithsonianNational Museum ofNatural History Mammal Species of
the World based on Wilson, D. E., and D. M. Reeder (eds). 1993. Mammal Species of the World. Smithsonian
Institution Press, 1206 pp. http://www.mm~h.si.edu/msw (version 02/04/04).
z List compiled from the following sources:
Appendix B - 1

NCMNS Counties:
Gatens, L.J. 1999. North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, List of mammal species in Anson, Montgomery,
Richmond, and Stanly Counties, North Carolina).
EA Engineering Science, and Technology. 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.
USFWS PDNWR:
PDNWR. Not dated. Mammals, amphibians and reptiles of the Pee Dee National Wildlife Refuge. U. S. Fish and
Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior. Brochure RF-42330-5.
USFWS CSNWR:
EA Engineering Science, and Technology. 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.
NC/SC Heritage Program:
NCNHP. Undated. The North Carolina Natural Heritage Program County element occurrence database by county
(Anson, Montgomery, Richmond, and Stanly Counties, North Carolina). http://www.ncsparks.net/nhp/county.html
(version 01/14/2004).
SCDNR. Undated. South Carolina rare threatened & endangered species inventory. South Carolina Department of
Natural Resources (Chesterfield, Darlington, and Marlboro Counties, South Carolina). Columbia SC.
http://www.dnr.state.sc.us.pls.heritage/county_species.list (version 01/14/2004)
Bates, M. 2001. Montgomery County Natural HeritageInventory.Inassociationwith:TheLandTrustforCentralNorth
Carolina, Salisbury, NC. The North Carolina Natural Heritage Program, Division of Parks and Recreation,
Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Raleigh, NC.
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 CarolinaNaturalHeritageProgram, Division of
Parks and Recreation, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Raleigh, NC.
MMSP mammals:
NCDENR. Undated. Checklist for the 24 known species of Mammal at Morrow Mountain State Park. North Carolina
State Parks, Division of Parks and Recreation. Unpaginated. Raleigh, NC.
http://207.4.179.38/nrid/viewPub.php?majorGroup=MAIvIIv1AL&par1~MOM0 (version 01/09/04).
Progress Energy Incidental Sightings:
Framatome ANP DE&S. 2002. Terrestrial resources report associated with the survey of Smith Lake oxbow swamp and
adj acent bottomland wetlands. Yadkin-Pee Dee Hydroelectric Project (U. S. FERC ProjectNo. 2206). Prepared for
CP&L - A Progress Energy Company. Framatome ANP DE&S. Charlotte, NC.
EA Engineering Science, and Technology. 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.
3 The southeastern myotis was added to the list following the collection of this species during the August 2004 bat
survey ("Bat Blitz 2004") conducted at the Pee Dee National Wildlife Refuge.
Appendix B - 2

APPENDIX C
A COMPILED LIST OF REPTILE AND AMPHIBIAN SPECIES
IDENTIFIED IN OR NEAR THE YADKIN-PEE DEE RIVER PROJECT
AREA

A COMPILED LIST OF REPTILE AND AMPHIBIAN SPECIES
IDENTIFIED IN OR NEAR THE YADKIN-PEE DEE RNER PROJECT
AREA
Progress Progress
Common Name NCMNS USF'«'S Heritage 1VIlVISP Energy Energy
Counties PDN~~fR program Herps Wildlife Incidental
Inventories Observations
Eastern Lesser Siren X
Greater Siren X
Eastern Newt X X X X
Spotted Salamander X X X X X
11~Iabee's Salamander X
Marbled Salamander X X X X X
Mole Salamander X X X
Tiger Salamander X X
Southem Dusky Salamander X
Northern Dusky Salamander X X X X X
Northern Two-lined Salamander X X
Southern Two-lined Salamander X X X
Three-lined Salamander X X X
Dwarf Salamander X X
Four-toed Salamander X X
~~Ihite-spotted Slimy Salamander X X
Northern Slimy Salamander X X
Eastern Mud Salamander X X X
Northern Red Salamander X X X X
Eastern Spadefoot X X X
Eastern American Toad X X X X X
Fowler's Toad X X X
Oak Toad X
Southern Toad X
Northern Cricket. Frog X X X X
Eastern Cricket Frog X
Southem Cricket. Frog X
Pine Barrens Treefroe X X
X
Gray Treefrog X X X X X
Spring Peeper X X X X
Northern Spring Peeper X
Southeastern Chorus Fro~~ X X X X
Little Grass Frog X
Carolina Gopher Frog X
American Bullfrog X X X X X
Green Frog X X X X X
Pickerel Frog X X X X X
Appendix C - 1

Progress Progress
NCMNS USFt'~TS y i ASP Energy Energy
Common Name Counties PDN~?4'R t ge
He Herps VS ildlife Incidental
program
Inventories Observations
Florida Leopard Frog X
Southern Leopard Frog X X X
Carpenter Frog X
Eastern Narrowmouth Toad X X X
Gulf Coast Spiny Softshell X X
Eastern Snapping Turtle X X X
Eastern Painted Turtle X X X X X
Spotted Turtle X X
Chicken Turtle X
Striped Mud Turtle X
Eastem Mud Turtle X X X
Eastem River Cooter X X X
Coastal Plain Cooter X
Common Musk Turtle (Stinkpot) X X X
Eastern Boa Turtle X X X X X
~ ellow-bellied Slider X X X X
Northern Green r'Lnole X X X
Eastem Fence Lizard X X X X
Northern Fence Lizard X X
Common Five-lined Skink X X X
Southeastern Five-lined Skink X X
Broad-headed Skink X X X X
Ground Skink X X X
Six-lined R~~cerumzer X X
Eastem Six-lined R<ncerunner X X
Eastern Slender Glass Lizard X X
Eastern Glass Lizard X
Copperhead X X X X
Eastem Cottonmouth X X
Eastem tUormsnake X X
Scarlet Snake X X
Northern Scarlet Snake X
Northern Black Racer X X X X
Ring-necked Snake X X
Corn Snake X X X
Black Rat Snake X X X X X
Eastem Mud Snake
Eastern Hog-nosed Snake X X X
Southern Hog-nosed Snake X X X
Nlole King Snake X X
Eastem King Snake X X X
Scarlet King Snake X
Eastem Milk Snake X X
Eastern CoachK~hip X X X
Red-bellied Water Snake X X
Banded Water Snake X
Northem Water Snake X X X
Common t?yater Snake X
Brown Water Snake X X
Rough Green Snake X X
Northem Rough Green Snake X
Appendix C - 2

Common Name
NCMNS
Counties
USFWS
PDNWR
H ntage
program
D4D~ISP
Herps Progress
Energy
Wildlife
Inventories Progress
Energy
Incidental
Observations
Northern Pine Snake X X X
Brown Snake X X
Queen Snake X
DeKay's Brownsnake X
Northern Red-bellied Snake X
Southeastern Crowned Snake X X
Eastern Ribbon Snake X X
Eastem Garter Snake X X X X X
Rough Earth Snake X
Eastem Smooth Earth Snake X X X
Timber Rattlesnake X X X
Pigmy Rattlesnake X X X
1 Taxonomic classification follows: Martof, B. S. et al. 1980. Amphibians and Reptiles of the Carolinas and Virginia
The University of North Carolina Press, Chapel Hill, NC, except for (ones in blue).
z List compiled from the following sources:
NCMNS Counties:
Beane, J.C. 1999. North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, County Records (Anson, Montgomery, Richmond, and
Stanly Counties, North Carolina).
EA Engineering, Science, and Technology. 2000. Botanical and terrestrial wildlife resources study: Blewett Falls
Hydroelectric Plant. Prepared for Carolina Power & Light Company. EA Engineering Science, and Technology,
Baltimore Branch. Sharks. Marvland.
USFWS PDNWR:
PDNWR. Not dated. Mammals, amphibians and reptiles of the Pee Dee National Wildlife Refuge. U. S. Fish and
Wildlife Service, Deparhnent of the Interior. Brochure RF-42330-5.
USFWS CSNWR:
U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Undated. Flora and Fauna at Carolina Sandhills NWR. U. S. Fish and Wildlife Refuge
Service. Unpaginated. http:Ucarolinasandhills.fws.gov/florafauna.html (version 01/12/04).
EA Engineering Science, and Technology. 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.
NC/SC Heritage Program:
NCNHP. Undated. The North Carolina Natural Heritage Program County element occurrence database by county
(Anson, Montgomery, Richmond, and Stanly Counties, North Carolina). http://www.ncsparks.net/nhp/county.html
(version 01/14/2004).
SCDNR. Undated. South Carolina rare, threatened & endangered species inventory. South Carolina Deparhnent of
Natural Resources (Chesterfield, Darlington, and Marlboro Counties, South Carolina). Columbia SC.
http://www.dnr.state.sc.us.pls.heritage/county_species.list (version 01/14/2004)
Bates, M. 2001. Montgomery County Natural HeritageInventory.Inassociationwith:TheLandTrustforCentralNorth
Carolina, Salisbury, NC. The North Carolina Natural Heritage Program, Division of Parks and Recreation,
Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Raleigh, NC.
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 CarolinaNaturalHeritageProgram, Division of
Parks and Recreation, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Raleigh, NC.
Appendix C - 3

MMSP hems:
NCDENR. Undated. Checklist for the 22 known species of amphibian atMorrow Mountain State Park. North Carolina
State Parks, Division of Parks and Recreation. Unpaginated. Raleigh, NC.
http://207.4.179.38/nrid/viewPub.php?majorGroup=AMPHIBIAN&par1~MOM0 (version 01/09/04).
NCDENR. Undated. Checklist for the 34 known species of reptile atMorrow Mountain State Park. North Carolina State
Parks, Division of Parks and Recreation. Unpaginated. Raleigh, NC.
http://207.4.179.38/nrid/viewPub.php?majorGroup=REPTILE&par1~MOM0 (version 01/09/04).
Progress Energy Incidental sightings:
Framatome ANP DE&S. 2002. Terrestrial resources report associated with the survey of Smith Lake oxbow swamp and
adj acent bottomland wetlands. Yadkin-Pee Dee Hydroelectric Project (U. S. FERC ProjectNo. 2206). Prepared for
CP&L - A Progress Energy Company. Framatome ANP DE&S. Charlotte, NC.
EA Engineering Science, and Technology. 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.
Appendix C - 4