20210821_USFS_Woodpecker

8/17/2021
Yahoo Mail - RE: [External Email]carteret county sand mine
RE: [External Email]carteret county sand mine
From: Hudson, Rondall -FS ([e-mail])
To: [e-mail]
Date: Monday, August 2, 2021, 12:40 PM EDT
Hello James,
My wildlife biologist made a field visit to the Carteret site this morning to verify RCW data. There does not appear to any
nesting trees within the within the 150-ft boundary required by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service RCW Recovery Plan.
However, the west side of the project area is within RCW foraging habitat. Although not required, it would be helpful to
the specie's recovery if the 50-ft buffer on the west side was increased. My wildlife biologist suggested an additional 100
ft, but any amount would be helpful.
The Roberts Road site is within the 150-ft buffer required by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's RCW Recovery Plan.
Expanding the existing 50-ft buffer on the National Forest boundary to 100 ft would bring the project into compliance. An
alternative to increasing the buffer, would be timing restrictions on equipment use during the breeding season (April -
July).
We very much appreciate you and your client working with us on this very important issue. Do not hesitate to contact me
with any questions or clarifications.
Best regards,
Ron Hudson
District Ranger
Forest Service
National Forests in North Carolina, Croatan Ranger District
p:252-638-5628 x4001
c:252-649-5452
f: 252-637-9113
[e-mail]
141 East Fisher Avenue
New Bern, NC 28560
www.fs.fed.us
Caring for the land and serving people
From: James Izzell <[e-mail]>
Sent: Monday, August 2, 2021 10:26 AM
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8/17/2021
Yahoo Mail - RE: [External Email]carteret county sand mine
To: Hudson, Rondall -FS <[e-mail]>
Subject: Re: [External Email]carteret county sand mine
Any update on the RCW review for the mining sites?
Thanks,
James Izzell
Sent from my Pad
On Jul 30, 2021, at 10:33 AM, Hudson, Rondall -FS <[e-mail]> wrote:
Hello James,
My wildlife biologist, Kathleen Mahoney, is currently reviewing both the Roberts Road and Carteret mines. We
have a copy of the permit application for Roberts Road, but not Carteret. The letter we received for Carteret lacks
details on the mining operation. Kathleen said it would be helpful if she had the Carteret application describing the
design and operation of the mine. If so, she could have her comments back to you by the end of the day.
Best regards,
Ron Hudson
District Ranger
Forest Service
National Forests in North Carolina, Croatan Ranger District
p:252-638-5628 x4001
c:252-649-5452
f: 252-637-9113
[e-mail]
141 East Fisher Avenue
New Bern, NC 28560
www.fs.fed.us
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8/17/2021 Yahoo Mail - RE: [External Email]carteret county sand mine
Caring for the land and serving people
From: James Izzell <[e-mail]>
Sent: Friday, July 30, 2021 9:48 AM
To: Hudson, Rondall -FS <[e-mail]>
Subject: Re: [External Email]carteret county sand mine
Mr. Hudson;
Has your wildlife biologist had a chance to review this?
Thanks,
James Izzell
Sent from my iPhone
On Jul 22, 2021, at 1:58 PM, Hudson, Rondall -FS <[e-mail]> wrote:
Hello James,
No worries with the name. I have been called much worse.
My wildlife biologist is out of town this week. We will get back with you next week with some specifics. As I
understand it, the RCW trees are not on your client's property, but on the National Forest. The RCW nest trees
are so import we have them mapped. RCW's are very sensitive to machinery noise during the nesting period.
Machinery is not allowed to operate within a certain radius of nest trees. Our neighbors, such as Weyerhaeuser
Timber, routinely consult with us so as not impact the RCW population which is Federally protected. Mitigations
may include an increased buffer or timing restrictions on periods of operation.
I am curious, are you also working with Sunland Sand and Gravel on their Carteret Dirt Pit permit request? That
project will likely have similar issues with RCW.
Best regards,
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8/17/2021
Yahoo Mail - RE: [External Email]carteret county sand mine
Ron Hudson
District Ranger
Forest Service
National Forests in North Carolina, Croatan Ranger District
p:252-638-5628 x4001
c:252-649-5452
f: 252-637-9113
[e-mail]
141 East Fisher Avenue
New Bern, NC 28560
www.fs.fed.us
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<image002.png>
<image003.png>
Caring for the land and serving people
From: James Izzell <[e-mail]>
Sent: Thursday, July 22, 2021 1:24 PM
To: Hudson, Rondall -FS <[e-mail]>
Cc: Rick Williford <[e-mail]>
Subject: [External Email]carteret county sand mine
[External Email]
If this message comes from an unexpected sender or references a vague/unexpected topic;
Use caution before clicking links or opening attachments.
Please send any concerns or suspicious messages to: [e-mail]
Mr Hudson;
I sent the email below earlier this morning. I apologize for the name, I had "Roberts Road" on my mind.
Just to let you know, the property adjoining to the west of this one is also going to apply for a new mining
permit. I'm sure the same comment will apply.
Thanks
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8/17/2021
Yahoo Mail - RE: [External Email]carteret county sand mine
Mr. Roberts;
I am writing in reference to a proposed small sand mine on Roberts Road near Newport,
Carteret County NC. I am a consultant, assisting the applicant obtain the necessary
permits. I was given your contact information as part of a response letter concerning the
NC Mining Permit Application review. In that letter, one item states:
"US Forrest Service (USFS) has identified possible habitat for Red Cockaded Woodpecker
in Croatan National Forest. Please provide a study or statement from USFS on your
proposed mitigation methods to avoid an adverse impact to wildlife. Please contact Ron
Hudson, District Ranger ([e-mail]), (252-638-5628 x4001) for more
information"
The mine is located on Roberts Road, Lat/long: 34.7816 /-76.9088. There is an existing
sand mine on the property, and the owner is simply wanting to expand the mining area by
18 acres. The timber on the property was cut in recent years, and there is no "old growth"
pines that we could see in the vicinity of the sand pit.
Can you help us to "provide a study or statement" on any "mitigation methods to avoid an
adverse impact to wildlife"? We are not aware of any potential impact to wildlife.
thank you,
James Izzell
Carolina Geological Services
919-302-4411
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