20070812 Ver 1_12 Feb 2005 Rare, Threatened and Endangered Species Survey Draft Report (2)_20080502

Yadkin Project
FERC No. 2197
RARE, THREATENED AND ENDANGERED (RTE)
SPECIES SURVEY
DRAFT STUD YREPORT
FEBRUARY 2005
YADKIN PROJECT
FERC No. 2197
RARE, THREATENED AND ENDANGERED (RTE)
SPECIES SURVEY
DRAFT STUDYREPORT
Prepared for
ALCOA POWER GENERATING INC.
Yadkin Division
293 NC 740 Highway
Badin, NC 28009-0576
Prepared by
NORMANDEAU ASSOCIATES, INC.
25 Nashua Road
Bedford, NH 03110
R-19556.002
February 2005
RTE Species
Draft
Table of Contents
Page
SUMMARY ........................................................................................................................................ iv
1.0 INTRODUCTION ....................................................................................................................1
2.0 BACKGROUND ......................................................................................................................1
3.0 STUDY AREA ..........................................................................................................................1
4.0 STUDY PURPOSE AND OBJECTIVES ..............................................................................3
5.0 STUDY METHODS .................................................................................................................3
5.1 METHODS FOR DEVELOPING THE RARE, THREATENED AND ENDANGERED SPECIES
LIST ..................................................................................................................................3
5.2 PLAN AND SCHEDULE FOR CONDUCTING RTE FIELD STUDIES .......................................4
5.3 FIELD SURVEYS ................................................................................................................8
6.0 SUMMARY OF EXISTING STUDIES AND INFORMATION ON THE
PROJECT AREA .....................................................................................................................9
7.0 RESULTS OF FIELD SEARCHES .......................................................................................9
8.0 DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS .................................................................................15
9.0 REFERENCES CITED .........................................................................................................17
APPENDIX A: RTE Species Survey-Yadkin Project: Reptiles and Amphibians
RTE Species Report-Draft 2/17/05 11
RTE Species
Draft
List of Figures
Figure 1. Locus of Yadkin Project .................................................................................
Figure 2. Approximate location of RTE findings during April through October field
surveys on Yadkin Project Lands ..................................................................
List of Tables
Table 1. Final List of Rare, Threatened and Endangered Species for Yadkin Project
Search for Terrestrial and Wetland Species only, Including Insects. Birds and
Aquatic Wildlife were handled by others ...........................................................
Table 2. RTE Species recorded in the Yadkin River study area, 2004 ............................
Page
2
11
Page
10
RTE Species Report-Draft 2/17/05 in
RTE Species
Draft
SUMMARY
The Rare, Threatened and Endangered (RTE) Species Survey Report presents the results of a survey
of RTE species and their habitats at the Yadkin Project. The study was conducted by Normandeau
Associates, Inc. (NAI) as part of the FERC relicensing process for the Yadkin Project. The study was
conducted in accordance with the Final Study Plan that was developed by Yadkin in consultation with
the Wetlands, Wildlife and Botanical Issue Advisory Group (IAG). Specific objectives identified in
the Final Study Plan included:
¦ Determine the RTE species that may occur in the Project area and that may be affected by Project
operations, and conduct focused field searches for those species.
¦ Evaluate potential effects of Project operations on RTE species of concern and their habitats.
At the outset of the study, NAI worked closely with the Wetlands, Wildlife and Botanical JAG to
develop a regional list of RTE species that was ultimately refined to include those species known to
occur or were likely to occur in the Yadkin Project area. In total, 36 species were included on the
final search list. Most of the search list species were plant species, but the list also included
mammals, reptiles, amphibians and dragonflies (odonates).
Three field surveys were conducted by NAI in 2004, one each in the spring, summer and fall. NAI
was assisted in its field searches by several local experts including Peter Diamond and Mark Lewis
from the North Carolina Zoological Park. The table below lists the RTE species that were found
within the Yadkin Project during 2004.
RTE Species recorded in the Yadkin Project study area, 2004.
Plant Species Common Name RTE' Location
Amorpha schwerinii Piedmont Indigo-bush SR-T Falls Reservoir
High Rock Reservoir
Narrows Reservoir
Tuckertown Reservoir
Baptisia alba Thick-pod White Wild Indigo SR-P Falls Reservoir
Cirsium carolinianum Carolina Thistle SR-P Falls Reservoir
Helianthus laevigatus Smooth Sunflower SR-P Tuckertown Reservoir
Helianthus schweinitzii Schweinitz's Sunflower E Falls Reservoir
Lotus helleri Heller's Trefoil SR-T,
FSC Fall Transmission Line
Porteranthus stipulatus Indian Physic
(= Gillenia stipulata) SR-P Tuckertown Reservoir
Ruellia purshiana Pursh's Wild Petunia SR-O Falls Transmission Line
Sohdago plumosa Yadkin River Goldenrod E, FSC Falls Reservoir
Animal Species
Crotalus horridus Timber Rattlesnake SC Falls Transmission Line
SR-T = Significant Rare Throughout (NC)
SR-O = Significantly Rare Other (NC)
SC = Special Concern (NC)
SR-P = Significantly Rare Peripheral (NC)
E = Endangered in NC
FSC = Federal Special Concern
RTE Species Report-Draft 2/17/05 1V
RTE Species Draft
As shown, the rare species found at the Yadkin Project included nine plants and one reptile, the
timber rattlesnake. Most of the rare plant species found occurred in lightly forested to open, primarily
herbaceous communities, often associated with steep slopes overhanging the water, or overhanging
road cuts. Amorpha schwerinii, the piedmont indigo-bush, was the most abundant and widespread of
the nine plant species.
The only non-plant species found in these surveys was the timber rattlesnake (Crotalus horridus)
which was observed along the Falls transmission line corridor. However, it is known that the Project
also supports several breeding pairs of bald eagle (Hahaeetus leucocephalus) which were the subject
of a separate survey and report entitled An Assessment of the Bald Eagle and Great Blue Heron
Breeding Populations Along the High Rock, Tuckertown, Narrows and Falls Reservoirs in Central
North Carolina: 2004 Breeding Season.
After reviewing the location of the rare species and their habitats within the Project, NAI concluded
that due to their upland locations, most of the rare species found would not be impacted by the
operation of the project and the related changes in reservoir water levels. The exceptions are those
species found in the tailwater areas including Solidago plumosa, Amorpha schwerinii and Baptisia
alba which were all found on Falls reservoir in the vicinity of the Narrows tailwater. These three
species seem to benefit from periodic scouring associated with high flow releases from Narrows dam
that help to remove competing vegetation. The effects of tailwater flows on Solidago plumosa
(Yadkin River goldenrod) is the subject of a separate study being conducted by APGI as part of the
ongoing relicensing.
RTE Species Report-Draft 2/17/05 v
RTE Species Draft
1.0 INTRODUCTION
Alcoa Power Generating Inc. (APGI) is applying to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission for a
new license for the Yadkin Hydroelectric Project. The Project consists of four reservoirs (High Rock,
Tuckertown, Narrows, and Falls, Figure 1), dams, and powerhouses located on a 38-mile stretch of
the Yadkin River in central North Carolina. The Project generates electricity to support the power
needs of Alcoa's Badin Works and its other aluminum operations, or is sold on the open market.
To address concerns over potential impacts of Project operations on RTE species a comprehensive
survey for terrestrial and aquatic species was needed, particularly in light of the numerous new
occurrences (post 1990) of listed species that have been documented in the Yadkin Project vicinity.
Accordingly, an inventory was conducted of federal and state-listed RTE species potentially impacted
by continued Yadkin Project operations. The study area included reservoir and tailwater shorelines,
tributary mouths (at the confluence with the Project reservoirs), remnant riverine habitats (the upper
end of High Rock) and other Project lands, including the transmission line corridors and areas around
the dams and powerhouses. Previous survey work done by Natural Heritage Program and by other
contractors served as a starting point for this study and was used to help identify the focus species.
2.0 BACKGROUND
As part of the relicensing process, APGI prepared and distributed, in September 2002, an Initial
Consultation Document (ICD), which provided a general overview of the Project. Agencies,
municipalities, non-governmental organizations and members of the public were given an opportunity
to review the ICD and identify information and studies that were needed to address relicensing issues.
To further assist in the identification of issues and data/study needs, APGI formed several Issue
Advisory Groups (IAGs) to advise APGI on resource issues throughout the relicensing process.
Through meetings, reviews and comments, the Wetlands, Wildlife and Botanical JAG assisted in
developing the Study Plans for the various resource issues, and will further review and comment on
the findings resulting from the implementation of the study plans. The Wetlands, Wildlife and
Botanical JAG was interested in the current status of RTE species of terrestrial and aquatic plants and
wildlife at the Yadkin Project under existing conditions, assessment of how these habitats could be
affected by existing Project operations, and any changes that may occur as a result of altered Project
operations, if proposed. This report presents the findings of the RTE Species studies, following
implementation of the Final Study Plan, dated June 2003. Other groups of species not on the
terrestrial RTE list were handled separately: birds (Center for Conservation Biology), and fish and
aquatic invertebrates (Normandeau Associates, Fish and Aquatics group).
3.0 STUDY AREA
The RTE Species Study Area encompassed all four reservoirs under APGI management: High Rock,
Tuckertown, Narrows, and Falls. Upstream project limits extended up the Yadkin River to the project
limits defined by the 655 foot USGS water level elevation (identified by APGI as the maximum
influence of High Rock dam). This point is approximately 1 mile north of Boone's Cave State Park.
On the South Branch of the Yadkin, the project limits were defined by the same water level elevation,
which occurred approximately 6 miles from its confluence with the Yadkin River. The downstream
project limits extended approximately 1 mile below Falls Dam, which was estimated to be the
RTE Species Report-Draft 2/17/05
RTE Species Draft
Figure 1. Locus of Yadkin Project.
RTE Species Report-Draft 2/17/05 2
RTE Species Draft
maximum extent of riverme flow in the Falls dam tailrace during low water on Pee Dee Reservoir.
All wetlands and riparian habitats within the zone of influence of reservoir operations were included
in the study area, as well as all lands within 200 feet of the shoreline.
RTE species surveys were also performed on the Falls and Narrows transmission line corridors and
project land within the vicinity of the four dams and powerhouses. The two transmission line
corridors are approximately 4.6 miles in length. The survey included the maintained corridor plus an
additional area extending 50 feet from either side. The land and facilities in the immediate area of the
four dams, including parking lots and access roads were also included.
4.0 STUDY PURPOSE AND OBJECTIVES
On March 13, and April 25, 2003 the Wetlands, Wildlife and Botanical JAG discussed objectives for
the RTE study. Over the course of those discussions the following objectives were identified for the
study.
Determine the RTE species that may occur in the Project area and that may be affected by
Project operations, and conduct focused field searches for those species.
¦ Evaluate potential effects of Project operations on RTE species of concern and their habitats.
5.0 STUDY METHODS
5.1 METHODS FOR DEVELOPING THE RARE, THREATENED AND ENDANGERED
SPECIES LIST
A preliminary list of rare, threatened and endangered (RTE) species for the five counties in the
project area was compiled from the North Carolina Natural Heritage Program (NCNHP) County Lists
as updated May 2003, the North Carolina Fish and Wildlife Service (NCFWS) County Lists updated
February 2003, and the US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) State list updated September 2003.
Supplemental sources included several local inventories (Baranski 1993 and 1994), a Uwharrie
National Forest draft list (Kaufman 2003), and consultation with experts on individual species or
groups. The botanical experts consulted included Mom Bates, North Carolina Plant Conservation
Program; Peter Diamond, Horticultural Taxonomist, North Carolina Zoo; and Alan Weakley,
University of North Carolina Herbarium, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Mary Kay
Clark, NC State Museum of Natural Sciences, was consulted for her informed opinion on
Rafinesque's Big-Eared Bat, as was Sarah McRae, NCNHP, regarding odonates.
Habitat and behavior data were collected for each species on the list and used to determine if the
species should be included on the Yadkin Project RTE Search list. Criteria for inclusion on the list
were the following:
Reservoir Species
¦ could occur within 200 feet of the reservoir full-pool boundary, and
¦ could be influenced by reservoir operations.
RTE Species Report-Draft 2/17/05
RTE Species Draft
Transmission line Species
could occur within 50 feet of the clearings for the Project's two transmission line corridors
and four powerhouses.
Each species was given a ranking based on its geographic distribution and habitat requirements. This
ranking was used to divide the list into the following categories: Priority, Secondary, Transmission
Line, and Excluded. Species on the NC Plant Watch List were not included because, in general, these
species are at a lower level of concern than those on the State and Federal rare species lists.
Definitions of Search List Categories
Priority -known to occur or likely to occur in Project Area; will be the object of intensive search
efforts in likely habitats.
Secondary - not known to occur, but may be present; field biologists will be fully aware of plant
features and habitat characteristics should the species or its habitats be encountered during field work
Transmission line - known to occur or likely to occur in Project Area; will be the object of intensive
search efforts in likely habitats.
Excluded - not likely to occur in project area, based on either geographic distribution or habitat
requirements.
A draft of the RTE list was presented at the October 8, 2003, Wetland Wildlife and Botanical IAG
meeting for review and comment. After incorporation of their recommendations and further
discussion and input from the specialists, the list was circulated to the IAG February 3, 2004, for
additional review and comment. The resulting list was considered final for the start of the April 2004
field survey. The final list had 14 Priority species, 17 Secondary species, 5 Transmission Line
species, and 32 excluded species (Table 1).
5.2 PLAN AND SCHEDULE FOR CONDUCTING RTE FIELD STUDIES
Three field surveys were planned and undertaken during 2004. Each coincided with a different season
(spring, summer, and fall), and lasted 10, 9 and 13.5 days respectively. Three NAI senior biologists
participated, for a collective total of 55 person-days. For 2, 3 and 3 days respectively during each
season, the NAI biologists were joined by a local botanist, Peter Diamond, from the North Carolina
Zoological Park in Asheboro. Additional field surveys, specifically for reptiles and amphibians, were
conducted between June and August by Mark Lewis, also of the North Carolina Zoological Park.
Diamond and Lewis conferred with NAI at other times as well, both in print and in person.
Scheduling of the field surveys throughout the growing season ensured that all plant species on the
search list could be encountered, if present, in a reasonably detectable and identifiable condition
during at least one life-history stage. Observations of listed animal species also benefited from the
same dispersed effort, as each species' behavior changed from season to season. The relatively large
number of listed plant species, many with specialized habitat needs and markedly seasonal
manifestations, required the continued services of the local botanist to help refine the survey team's
search patterns.
RTE Species Report-Draft 2/17/05 4
M
M
U)
CD
n
C
C
CD
C
0
v
0
N
20
N
to
Table 1. Final List of Rare, Threatened and Endangered Species for Yadkin Project Search for Terrestrial and Wetland Species
only, Including Insects. Birds and Aquatic Wildlife were handled by others.
Scientific Name Common Name Source State* Federal- County Habitat Notes
Priority
Amorpha schwerinii Piedmont indigo-bush 1 SR-T M, R, S, Dd dry forests
Aster georgianus Georgia aster 1,2 T Cl M, R, S, Dd open woods and roadsides
Aster mirabilis Piedmont aster 1 SR-T S rich slopes and bottomlands
Baptisia alba Thick-pod white wild indigo 1 SR-P M, S open woodland clearings
Baptisia albescens Thin-pod white wild indigp 1 SR-P M, R, S open woodland clearings
Cardamine dissecta Dissected toothwort 1 SR-P M, R, Dd rich woods, bottomlands
Carex impressinervia Ravine sedge 1,2 SR-T FSC M wet forests
Cirsium carolinianum Carolina thistle 1 SR-P M, R forests, disturbed areas, basic soils
Helenium brevifolium Littleleaf sneezeweed 1 E M, R bogs, seeps, riverbanks
Helianthus schweinitzii Schweinitz's sunflower 1, 2, 3 E E M, R, S, Dd open woods and roadsides
Plantago cordata Heart-leaf plantain 1 E Dd beds of small, slate-bottomed perennial streams
Porteranthus stipulatus Indian Physic 1 SR-P M, Dd forests and open woods, mainly over mafic rocks
Solidago plumosa Yadkin River goldenrod 1,2 E FSC M, S riverside rocks
Solidago radula var. radula Western rough goldenrod 1 SR-P S dry woodlands over mafic rocks
Secondary
Ambystoma talpoideum Mole salamander 1 SC M, R fish-free semipermanent woodland ponds
Anemone berlandierz Southern anemone/thimbleweed 1 SR-P M, R, S thin soils around rock outcrops
Carex bushii Bush's sedge 1 SR-P R open wet areas
Collinsonia tuberosa Piedmont horsebalm 1 SR-P M rich hardwood forests
Corynorhinus rafinesquii Rafinesque's big-eared bat * * * E FSC old buildings, hollow trees, caves, mines, near water
Crotalus horridus Timber rattlesnake 1 SC M, S, Dd rocky, upland forests
Fothergilla major Large witch-alder 1 SR-T M, S dry ridgetop or bluff forests
Gomphus abbreviatus Spine-crowned clubtail 1 SR M rivers
Gomphus fraternus Midland clubtail 1 SR S rocky rivers
Hemidactylium scutatum Four-toed salamander 1 SC M wetlands in hardwood forests
Hexalectris spicata Crested coralroot 1 SR-P S, Dd, D dry or mesic woods on basic soils
Quercus austrina Bluff oak 1 SR-P M bluff and bottomland forests
Ruellia purshiana Pursh's wild-petunia 1 SR-O M glades, woodlands over mafic/calcareous rocks
Spartina pectinata Freshwater cordgrass 1 SR-P M freshwater marshes
Stachys sp I Yadkin hedge nettle 1 SR-T M sandy edges of forested floodplains
Tradescantia virginiana Virginia spiderwort 1 SR-P M rich woods on circumneutral soils
Verbena rzparia Riverbank vervain 1,2 SR-T FSC S habitat not known
Transmission lines
Echinacea laevigata Smooth coneflower 1, 2, 3 E-SC E M glades and open areas over mafic rocks
Gnaphalium hellerz var hellerz Heller's rabbit tobacco 1 SR-P M, R, Dd dry woodlands, openings, glades over mafic rocks
Helianthus laevigatus Smooth sunflower 1 SR-P M, R, S shaly open woods and roadsides
m
ti
(D
C?
(D
C4

(continued)

Table 1. (Continued)
Scientific Name Common Name Source State* Federal- County Habitat Notes
Lotus helleri Carolina birdfoot-trefoil/Heller's trefoil 1,2 SR-T FSC R, S, Dd, D open woods over clay soils, roadsides
Parthenium auriculatum Glade wild quinine 1 SR-T M glades and openings over mafic rocks
Excluded
Arabis missouriensis Missouri rockcress 1 SR-P S thin soils around basic rock outcrops
Aster laevis var concinnus Narrow-leaf aster 1 SR-P S forests, woodland borders over mafic rocks
Baptisia minor Prairie blue wild indigo 1 T S glades and open forests on basic soils
Clemmys muhlenbergii Bog turtle 2,3 T T/SA Dd bogs, wet pastures
Cyperus houghtonii Houghtons umbrella sedge 1 SR-P dry soil
Desmodium ochroleucum Cream ticktrefoil 1,2 SR-T FSC D sandy/rocky woodland openings
Dicanthelium annulum Ringed witch grass 1 SR-P dry, sandy or rocky woods, borders of thickets
Dodecatheon meadia var meadia Eastern shooting star 1 SR-P S, Dd rich rocky woods over mafic or calcareous rocks
Erynnis mar2ialis Mottled duskywing 1 SR M upland woods, needs Ceanothus americanus
Fixsenia favonius ontario Northern oak hairstreak 1 SR M dry oak-dominated woods
Gomphus consanguis Cherokee clubtail 1 SR D spring-fed streams
Helenium pinnatifidum Dissected sneezeweed 1 SR-P R savannahs and open mucky sites
flex amelanchier Sarvis holly 1 SR-P M blackwater swamps and riverbanks
Isoetes piedmontana Piedmont quillwort 1 T R granite flatrocks and diabase glades
Isoetes virginica Virginia quillwort 1,2 SR-L FSC R upland depression swamp forests
Juglans cinerea Butternut 2 FSC S coves, stream benches, rock ledges
Lilium canadense ssp editorum Red Canada lily 1 SR-P S bogs, wet meadows
Lindera subcoriacea Bog spicebush 1,2 E FSC M streamhead pocosins, white cedar swamps, bogs
Masticophis flagellum Coachwhip 1 SR S dry sandy woods, pine/oak sandhills
Matelea decipiens Glade milkvine 1 SR-P S, Dd thin woodlands over mafic or calcareous rocks
Minuartia unifiora Single-flowered sandwort 1 E R granite flatrocks
Oxypolis ternata Savanna/Piedmont cowbane *** FSC wetlands, wet swales, bogs
Pellaea wrightiana Wright's cliff-brake 1 E-SC S rock outcrops, mafic or with nutrient-rich seepage
Pituophis melanoleucus melanoleucus Northern pinesnake 1,2 SC FSC M dry, sandy woods, pine/oak sandhills
Platanthera integra Yellow fringeless orchid 1 T R savannas
Portulaca smalhi Small's portulaca 1 T R granite flatrocks and diabase glades
Puma concolor couguar Eastern cougar 1, 2, 3 E E M needs open forest
Quercus prinoides Dwarf Chinquapin oak 1 SR-P S dry, rocky slopes
Rhus michauxii Michawes sumac 1, 2, 3 E-SC E D sandhills, sandy forests, woodlands and edges
Silphium terebinthinaceum Prairie dock 1 SR-P D diabase glades, open/semi-open areas, mafic rocks
Sistrurus miliarius Pigmy rattlesnake 1 SC M pine flatwoods, pine/oak sandhills
Solidago ptarmicoides Prairie goldenrod 1 E R diabase glades
(continued)
m
V
fD
fD
C4
O
a?i
M
M
U)
CD
0
C
C
0
v
0
N
W
N
J
Table 1. (Continued)
Notes:
1 NC Natural Heritage Program County lists updated May 2003,
NHP List of Rare Animal Species 2001, and NHP list of Rare Plant Species, 2002
2 US Fish & Wildlife Service North Carolina County lists updated 2/2003
3 US Fish and Wildlife Service TESS State list updated 2/2004
* based on NCNHP County lists updated May 2003
** based on USFWS County lists updated 2/2003
*** State and/or Federally listed but not found in counties
CI = Consideration for listing- no protected status
E = Endangered
E/PT = Endangered Potentially Threatened
E-SC = Endangered but available commercially
FSC = Federal Special Concern - no protected status
SC = Special Concern
SR = Significantly Rare
SR-L = Significantly Rare Limited
SR-O = Significantly Rare Other
SR-P = Significantly Rare Peripheral
SR-T = Significantly Rare Throughout
T = Threatened
T/SA = Threat. due to Similarity of Appearance -
no effect on land-management activities by private landowners
Counties
S Stanly
R Rowan
M Montgomery
Dd Davidson
D Davie
Expert Reviewers
Dr. Alan Weakley, Curator, UNC Herbarium, Chapel Hill, NC
Dr. Moni Bates, NC Plant Conservation Program
Dr. Peter Diamond, NC Zoological Park, Asheboro, NC
Sarah McRae, Natural Heritage Program, Raleigh, NC
Dr. Mary Kay Clark, NC Museum of Natural Sciences, Raleigh, NC
Mr. Mark Lewis, NC Zoological Park, Asheboro, NC
Dr. Dennis Herman, NC Museum of Natural Sciences, Raleigh, NC
m
V
fD
(?
C4
rz)
RTE Species Report
5.3 FIELD SURVEYS
Access to each reservoir shoreline was attained primarily by boat, usually from a public access point,
occasionally from a private boat ramp with the owner's consent. Non-navigable headwaters were
sampled from road crossings or private lands with the owners' permission. The immediate environs of
each dam were reached, with ALCOA authorization, via a combination of boat, automobile, and
walking. Narrows and Falls transmission line corridors were surveyed on foot, with one or more
biologists walking in a zigzag pattern in the corridor and the forested edge. All known locations of
listed species (North Carolina Center for Geographic Information and Analysis 2002) were revisited.
Additional locations similar to those with records of occurrence were surveyed, possibly for the first
time.
The search of new areas included consideration of the following criteria:
¦ Slope, including litter and soil depth;
¦ Aspect (especially north-facing and south-facing slopes);
¦ Surface drainage (e.g. seeps, swales, depressions, stream sides and bottoms);
¦ Soil chemistry (e.g. nutrient availability, basic/acidic characteristics);
¦ Outcrops;
¦ Tree canopy closure.
These criteria were applied incidentally, wherever relevant, during all other survey components,
including habitat evaluation, cover type ground-truthing, wetland inspection, the Water Willow-dock
survey, and sample observations made in natural communities of the Yadkin River corridor as
described by Baranski (1994).
A map of the State's relevant surficial geology (Goldsmith et al. 1988) provided a rough indication of
the substrate conditions to be expected in the Project Area. Once at a particular location, investigators
would rely on secondary but site-specific indicators of soil nutrient status. For example, rich woods
are likely to support a forest cover dominated by trees that include notably Tulip Tree, Basswood,
White Ash and Sugar Maple sites of lower nutrient status are likely to support a relatively high
biomass of ericaceous shrubs (e.g. Rhododendron and Vaccinium). The common species thus prepare
the investigator for the listed species that are most likely to occur with them in any given site. Within
the site, attention would typically focus on the landscape anomalies: physical extremes of height,
depth, steepness, wetness or drought, light or darkness. Openings in the prevailing Piedmont forest
canopy would also receive special attention, whether these were the result of incidental events (e.g.
flooding, fire or windthrow) or deliberate management (e.g. silviculture, agriculture, electric power
transmission).
Plants at each sample site were sought by slow meander scans. This method additionally yielded
incidental encounters with many reptiles and amphibians. The herpetofauna were also actively
sought: primarily in and near wetlands, and under stones and woody debris. During spring and
summer, many frog and toad species were identified by their vocalization. Some turtles were caught
by hand, but most were identified at shoreline basking sites. Vernal pools were searched for
amphibian egg masses and juveniles.
RTE Species Report-Draft 2/17/05
RTE Species Report
Incidental to other work, riverine and floodplain forest trees were noted for attributes that might
support summer maternity and foraging roosts of Rafinesque's Big-eared Bat (Corynorhinus
rafinesquei). Similarly incidental observations were made of adult odonates, in the slight chance of a
listed dragonfly sighting: Spine-crowned Clubtail (Gomphus abbreviatus) and Midland Clubtail (G.
fraternus).
6.0 SUMMARY OF EXISTING STUDIES AND INFORMATION ON THE
PROJECT AREA
Baranski (1993, 1994) summarized the nature and extent of previous field studies in the Yadkin River
corridor. He found that studies of three counties (Rowan, Davie and Davidson) during the previous 2
to 3 decades had resulted in the addition of 51 taxa to the listed flora for these counties. He concluded
that relatively little botanical field work had been carried out in the region prior to 1968, the date of
publication ofManual of the vascular fora of the Carolinas (Radford, Ahles and Bell). However,
Baranski's 1993 work in the Yadkin River corridor added only a few new species to the then current
list of plant rarities cited by Weakley (1990), and no listed animals. The plant list has since been
updated by Amoroso and Finnegan (2002) for the NCNHP on a county-by-county basis. LeGrand,
Hall and Finnegan (2001) have done the same for rare animal species. The latest updates are available
electronically from the USFWS (2003) and NCNHP (2003). These updated species lists include most
of the protected species reported in the Yadkin Project Shoreline Management Plan as occurring in
the Project Area (Yadkin, Inc. 1999), with the exception of the buckthorn (Bumelia lycioides) and
water parsnip (Sium suave). The protected species list in the Yadkin Project Relicensing Initial
Consultation Document (ALCOA 2002) covers a larger geographic area than does the Shoreline
Management Plan, and includes Watch List species, but also agrees closely with the agency updates.
Baranski noted the accumulation of sediment in the upper reaches of High Rock Reservoir, and the
young plant communities associated with it. This dynamic process does not promote the unique
microsite conditions that favor the establishment and survival of unusual species. Before the
construction of dams in the study area, the deeply dissected Piedmont plateau would have provided a
great variety of ravine habitats, often steep and rocky, running the gamut of hydrologic conditions
from cool, moist, shady stream bottoms to hot, dry, sunny ridges, with all imaginable combinations of
these factors in between. Permanent inundation of the original land-water interface along the Yadkin
River and the lower reaches of its tributaries in the study area would have eliminated many of these
habitats and their associated unusual plant communities. Much of botanical interest still remains in
the natural areas described by Schafale and Weakley (1990) and identified on the ground by Baranski
(1993, 1994), usually on slopes that by reason of their relative steepness have been spared intensive
logging and management. Those steep slopes that escaped permanent inundation by the reservoirs
provide many of the best locations for listed species, from the zone of intermittent floodwater
scouring (now to be found only in dam tail-race areas) on up. Such conditions are most in evidence
around Tuckertown and Falls Reservoirs (Diamond, pers. comm. 2004).
7.0 RESULTS OF FIELD SEARCHES
Table I lists the rare North Carolina plant and animal species considered by prior review (Section 5.1)
to be most likely to occur in the study area. Table 2 shows which of these species were actually found
during the 2004 field work, and where they occurred (Figure 2). Endangered and rare plant field
RTE Species Report-Draft 2/17/05
M
M
U)
n
N
C
0
v
0
N
W
0
N
0
Table 2. RTE Species recorded in the Yadkin River study area, 2004.
Plant Species RTE' Location Number3 Regeneration3 Remarks
Amorpha schwerinii Piedmont Indigo-bush SR-T F
HR
N
T 15 (10 Fl&Fr)
1,500 (150 Fl&Fr)
1 Fl
90 (40 Fl&Fr) V
V, S
V
V 2 populations; 3 disjunct individuals.

2 populations, 1 widely dispersed W shore.
Baptisia alba Thick-pod White Wild Indigo SR-P F 17 Fl V
Cirsium carolinianum Carolina Thistle SR-P F 10 (5 Fl&Fr) V, S
Helianthus laevigatus Smooth Sunflower SR-P T 1 V mown roadway verge.
Helianthus schweinitzii Schweinitz's Sunflower E F 30 (5 Fl) V, S 2 stands 100 feet apart.
Lotus hellerz Heller's Trefoil SR-T,
FSC Ft 1 Fl&Fr V observations limited by recent logging.
Porteranthus stipulatus Indian Physic
(= Gillenia stipulata) SR-P T 52 V, S
Ruellia purshiana Pursh's Wild Petunia SR-O Ft 1 Fl&Fr V observations limited by recent logging .
Sohdago plumosa Yadkin River Goldenrod E, FSC F 275 (75 Fl) V, S 3 populations, E & W banks, scoured by
Narrows Dam tailrace.
Animal Species
Crotalus horridus Timber Rattlesnake SC Ft 1 gravid female
1 SR-T = Significant Rare Throughout (NC)
SR-P = Significantly Rare Peripheral (NC)
SR-O = Significantly Rare Other (NC)
E = Endangered in NC
SC = Special Concern (NC)
FSC = Federal Special Concern
2 F = Falls Reservoir
Ft = Falls transmission line
HR = High Rock Reservoir
N = Narrows (Badin) Reservoir
T = Tuckertown Reservoir
3 S = Seedling
F1= Flower
FR = Fruit
V = Vegetative
m
ti
fD
fD
C4
0
1
M
M
U)
(D
-0
N
m
C)
0
v
0
N
W
O
tP
Amorpha schwerinii
High Rack
Dam High Rio
Tuckeirt
Amorpha schwerinii
laevigatus
Amorpha schwerinii b Z?- - _ - Q
stipulatus

Dam
Legend
Norniandeau GPS Points
Approximate Extent of Population
Yadkin Project
NORMANDEAU ASSOCIA TES INC.
ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTANTS
25 Nashua Road Bedford. New Hampshire 031105500
Da[e N5, --1-4 1 inch equals 6.000 feet

c
{_
Narrows
Solidago p]ymasa
rr`' ?•? Baptisia alba
? - dyarrc.rs __
Darn
Solidago plumosa Baptisia alba
Amorpha schwerinii
Helianthus schweinitzii
F a lis-
1
°y Lotus helleri Cirsium carolinianum
Ruellia purshiana • Falls
Crotalus h rridus Da"'
Amorpha schwerinii
m
fD
(D
C4
fD
0

Figure 2. Approximate location of RTE findings during April through October field surveys on Yadkin Project Lands.
RTE Species Report
survey forms for each rare species population were sent to the North Carolina Natural Heritage
Program for inclusion in their database.
With the exception of Porteranthus stipulatus (Gillenia stipulata), the 8 other plant species of Table 2
occurred in lightly forested to open, primarily herbaceous communities. Amorpha schwerinii, the
most abundant and widespread of all 9, showed a strong proclivity for forest edge locations, often on
steep slopes overhanging water or road cuts. It could also grow in level uplands wherever the forest
canopy was open enough. The largest population, along the east shore of High Rock Reservoir, grew
mainly under forest cover that appeared to be in the process of suppressing A. schwerinii
regeneration, as only about 10% of the estimated 1,500 plants had flower and fruit, and few plants of
seedling size were observed. In unmanaged forest, this population might be expected to renew its
vigor following the periodic reduction of tree density by wind or fire. In the Project Area, this and
most of the other rarities listed may now depend largely on the forest clearings created by human
activity.
Steep bedrock slopes afforded A. schwerinii additional openings of a semi-permanent nature because
of the severe constraints on soil accumulation, water retention and hence on tree seed germination and
seedling establishment. This kind of site supported species that were apparently even less tolerant of
shade, i.e. Baptisia alba, Cirsium carohnianum and Helianthus schweinitzii. The Baptisia showed no
sign of seedling regeneration and appeared somewhat suppressed by the invasive Lonicera X Bella, a
shrub honeysuckle. The Cirsium and Helianthus both had immature plants of future promise despite
the small total number of individuals in their respective populations.
The coincidence of steep bedrock with periodic current scouring below each dam apparently
promotes conditions that favor Amorpha schwerinii, Baptisia alba, Cirsium carohnianum and
Helianthus schweinitzii to some degree. Nearest the water, only 1 of the 9 species, Solidago plumosa,
appears capable of tolerating this coincidence in its severest degree: the virtual absence of soil and the
scouring effects of currents and wave action created during spill events. Though S plumosa was
probably more widespread prior to dam construction, today it survives in the Project Area primarily
in the Falls Dam tailrace shoreline environment, clinging to rock fissures closer to the water than any
other upland plant. This species is currently the object of separate study being conducted by APGI
and is monitored by a local conservation group (Bates 2004). Beyond NAI's observation that it is
apparently doing well in a few scour-zone sites, no attempt is made here to provide the more detailed
information to be expected of the local S. plumosa task force in the ensuing year or two.
Helianthus laevigatus, Lotus helleri and Ruelha purshiana were recorded only in unforested
locations: the first in an annually mown roadway verge near the Tuckertown Reservoir, the others in
the Falls Dam transmission line right-of-way, which is subject to the suppression of woody
regeneration by mowing or herbicide applications about once every three years. The natural habitat of
all three includes open-canopy forest, but wildfire suppression in the Project Area probably affords
them less opportunity than historically for widespread persistence outside the managed clearings
characteristic of transportation and power transmission systems. The robust growth habit of H.
laevigatus (a potential height of 2.5 m) enables it to compete in relatively moist sites with rank
vegetation (e.g. Verbesina, Bidens, Solidago and other Helianthus species). In contrast, the much
shorter, weaker-stemmed L. helleri and R. purshiana do best in relatively dry sites, where drought-
hardy and taller plants (e.g. Andropogon virginicus, Apocynum cannabinum) may be present but
discontinuous in cover. Roadways and transmission lines maintain linear openings of varying soil
moisture as they cut across a landscape's heights and hollows, exposing the primarily herbaceous
RTE Species Report-Draft 2/17/05 12
RTE Species Report
community to sun at every angle for differing lengths of time. Conditions favorable to a great
diversity of light-demanding herbaceous plant species therefore may be found within these artificial
landscape features. Continual human disturbance of such features, however, does not necessarily
work to the benefit of rare species. For instance, no trace of H. laevigatus, L. helleri and R. purshiana
could be found in autumn following their initial discovery in June. The Hehanthus had apparently
been mown, and the others obliterated by the movement of heavy logging equipment along the
transmission line right-of-way. These 3 species were assigned a token population count of 1 in
Table 2.
The shade-tolerant, forest-dwelling Porteranthus stipulatus was found in only one place, a location of
previous record constituting a steep, northwest-facing slope of young upland hardwoods bordering the
Tuckertown Reservoir. This was a relatively moist site with moderate herbaceous and shrub cover
owing to the lightly shading forest canopy overhead. It appeared that the steep slope might aid
Porteranthus (evidently a successful species here) by promoting the periodic dislodgement
downgradient of forest litter and consequent exposure of mineral soil patches for germination
opportunities. Survival of this population might also depend on the occasional windthrow to provide
small canopy gaps. The present canopy of oaks, hickories and Sugar Maple admits a modicum of
sunlight that appears to favor the vigorous growth of seedlings.
Timber Rattlesnake (Crotalus horridus) was the only target animal species in Table 2 reported from
the 2004 surveys. One gravid female was found in the Falls Dam transmission line right-of-way. This
observation confirms anecdotal reports of other rattlesnake sightings in the vicinity of the Falls Dam
transmission line as a result of logging operations carried out during the summer and autumn of 2004
(Olson 2004).
Rattlesnakes overwinter in a hibernaculum, which typically consists of deep outcrop fissures and
boulder piles with a southern aspect. Several instances of this resource occur within or adjacent to the
transmission line. Sunny locations near a rattlesnake hibernaculum provide the animals each spring
with an important means of elevating body temperature efficiently after their period of winter
quiescence. This opportunity for efficient thermoregulation is particularly important for gravid
females, whose young develop faster and emerge sooner if provided with an optimal basking
environment. In an otherwise forested landscape, electricity transmission lines afford this opportunity.
A gravid female basking in the transmission line right-of-way probably indicates the presence of a
hibernaculum in close proximity, one which the same female is likely to use for the duration of her
life, especially with the continued availability of optimal basking locations (Lewis 2004).
The larger of the two emergent wetlands that cross the Falls Dam transmission line affords potentially
suitable habitat for the two target amphibian species, Mole Salamander (Ambystoma talpoideum) and
Four-toed Salamander (Hemidactylium scutatum). Although no salamander egg masses were
observed there during 2004, one unidentified salamander larva was observed in October 2004.
Confirmation of the presence of these salamander species requires revisitation of the wetland during
winter or early spring to detect breeding activity. Set in an upland environment remote from the
reservoirs, however, this wetland faces no impact from water-level management changes.
Rafinesque's Big-eared Bat (Corynorhinus rafinesquii) is not known to occur in the five counties
within the Yadkin Project. However, it has never been the object of a specific survey, and given its
nocturnal nature and forested habitat it could be present and simply have gone undetected. It has been
described as widespread in distribution, but never abundant (Bat Conservation International 2002).
RTE Species Report-Draft 2/17/05 13
RTE Species Report
Mary Clark of the North Carolina State Museum of Natural Sciences has done the most extensive
work to date on this species in North and South Carolina. She and others have found the bats to be
most prevalent in Bald Cypress (Taxodium distichum) swamps, although the more general term
"bottomland hardwood forest" has been applied by several authors, including Clark (2000; Clark
2003). Key characteristics of this bat are that it roosts and feeds in forested wetlands near open water.
Roost and nursery trees are large in diameter, with large cavities (several feet wide and 8-10 feet tall).
Clark found that the preferred tree species was Tupelo (Nyssa sylvatica) within the sub-canopy under
mature cypress, and that a single colony will use several roost trees in close proximity. Surveys have
also noted that destruction of these trees often displaced the bats into man-made structures: old
buildings, mines and cisterns. The bats spend most of their foraging time within the forest near their
roost trees, feeding on small nocturnal insects, especially moths. Forest fragmentation impairs habitat
quality for this species, as it appears unwilling to cross large open areas.
While it is possible that C. rafinesquii may occur within the Yadkin Project lands, several constraints
merit the listing in Table 1 of this species as of secondary importance. One is that no mature cypress
swamp habitat, or its ecological equivalent, is known to occur within the Project boundary. Most of
the original Yadkin River floodplain, together with its bottomland hardwoods, disappeared under the
Project reservoirs, to be displaced upgradient as relatively narrow riparian strips along each valley
side. The resulting floodplain trees are consequently young and small; they constitute an insubstantial,
disjunct fringe except in the upper High Rock Reservoir. A second habitat constraint of the Project
area is the relative scarcity of suitable upland forest adjoining riverine and riparian vegetation. Most
of this shoreline is either developed, too recently cut, or still subject to some form of forest
management or agriculture, with the result that few if any trees of the large size suitable for maternity
or foraging roosts occur with enough frequency to serve breeding or feeding group needs. This
finding supports the initial assumption that habitat suitability in the Project Area was too low to
justify the effort involved in a search for direct evidence of the bat's presence there.
The absence of Bog Turtle (Clemmys muhlenbergi) observations should come as no surprise, since
many possible habitats in the Project Area have been searched by State and regional herpetologists
without success. The one existing record for the study area, from the Abbotts Creek catchment in
Davidson County, has turned out to belong to a neighboring county. The Bog Turtle may occur
somewhere in the Yadkin River drainage, but the Davidson county record cannot be cited as proof
(Herman 2004).
The ecology of two target dragonfly species, which appear on the secondary-priority search list, is
poorly understood. The Spine-crowned Clubtail (Gomphus abbreviatus) and Midland Clubtail (G.
fraternus) both have historical listings in one of the five counties composing the study area. Both
were found within the Yadkin River basin, but on smaller streams many miles from the mainstem
(Cuyler 2004). Mr. Duncan Cuyler, who is responsible for the county records for both species, is of
the opinion that G. abbreviatus may occur on the Project Area, and possibly G. fraternus. According
to Mr. Cuyler, G. abbreviatus is widespread in the NC Piedmont, and is abundant in the Rocky River
west of Pittsboro (outside the 5 counties of the Project). We were unable to reach Mr. Cuyler until
after the May window of opportunity for both species, so did not have the benefit of his field
expertise for the survey.
Larval habitat for both odonate species reportedly ranges from rocky, moderate- to fast-flowing rivers
to sandy/silty backwaters and lakes with emergent vegetation (Brown 2004, Western Pennsylvania
Conservancy 1994, Dunkel 2000). Reservoir construction has probably reduced the amount of
RTE Species Report-Draft 2/17/05 14
RTE Species Report
suitable riverine habitat, but some tributary inlets immediately above the zone of reservoir slack water
may provide sufficient flow combined with shallows extensive and sheltered enough to support a
suitable vegetated habitat complex. Fast flow still occurs below each dam, and if the flow extremes
are not excessive could serve larval life history needs, as confirmed anecdotally for other dams by
some odonate specialists (SaintOurs 2004, Brown 2004, McShaffrey 2004). However, the extreme
nature of this habitat in terms of flow rates and frequencies, and rapid changes in water levels would
likely prevent use of these waters by these species. Odonate observations incidental to other work
performed by NAI throughout the 2004 growing season yielded no definitive rare gomphid sightings.
8.0 DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS
In all, 10 listed species were found in the Yadkin Project Area during the 2004 survey, 9 of them
plants and 1 of them an animal (Table 2). To a varying degree, all of them indicated a positive
correlation with light intensity. At one extreme is Solidago plumosa, on bare lakeshore rock with little
soil and no competition; at the other Porteranthus stipulatus, a woodland species that seems to
regenerate well under the filtered shade of a young, open tree canopy. The other plant species occupy
small niche habitats that balance between strong sunlight and relatively intense interspecific
competition. The Timber Rattlesnake depends on open sites for thermoregulation, particularly in the
spring for gravid females. All of the rare species observed in 2004 (Table 2) are dependent on upland
habitat, not on aquatic or wetland habitat, although the Timber Rattlesnake may make seasonal use of
wetlands as a foraging area.
The Project area's history of land use helps explain its generally low habitat suitability for many of
the species listed in Table 2, as well as others that could possibly occur but were not found. The
shoreline forest comprises relatively small trees, less than a century in age, the legacy of past logging
and agriculture. Ongoing silvicultural activity around much of the study area shoreline removes many
old and/or misshapen trees that could provide maternity and foraging roosts for Rafinesque's Big-
eared Bat. A program of wildfire prevention protects the crop trees and also applies in all developed
shoreline areas, with a consequent reduction in the occurrence of early-succession fields and open-
canopy glades that plants with a prairie or savanna affinity could use. Due to the permanent
inundation of the reservoirs, floodplain habitat is limited, and many species that would be expected to
occupy such habitats have moved upgradient, where they can, on relatively steep valley sides. Vernal
pools that typically would form in floodplain backwater depressions are also very limited in the
Project area, along with all dependent amphibians. Similarly, the riffle reaches of river suitable as
larval habitat for the listed clubtail dragonfly species are also generally limited in the Project area to
short stretches of free-flowing habitat located below each of the Project dams. Areas of dense wet-
meadow and emergent growth that could support Bog Turtle lie in relatively small, disjunct patches
upstream on some tributaries. In addition, both the unseasonal changes in reservoir water levels
(primarily at High Rock) that are a part of ongoing Project operations, limit the establishment and
survival of many herbaceous wetland plants.
Due to the upland locations of most of the listed species found in the Project Area, current operation
of the reservoirs and the resulting water level fluctuations and river flows would have no direct
impact on these species. The one exception would be the possible effect of potential changes in
tailwater discharge below Narrows Dam, where current and wave scour during extreme high flow
events appear to serve to periodically purge the shoreline of robust woody vegetation and mineral
fines, and promote conditions favorable to Solidago plumosa and Baptisia alba, and perhaps
RTE Species Report-Draft 2/17/05 15
RTE Species Report
Amorpha schwerinii. However, the magnitude and periodicity oftailwater discharge that could be
considered optimal for the support of these three species has not been determined, nor is it known
how any proposed modifications to project operations would change the hydrologic conditions
(magnitude, timing, duration and periodicity) below Narrows Dam. This issue is expected to be
explored more full in a separate investigation of Solidago plumosa. Absent additional information, the
assumption here is that any change from current Project operations that would modify tailwater
releases below Narrows dam, could be deleterious to these three species. Ultimately, if changes to
Project operations are proposed that would result in a change in tailwater release practices,
downstream populations of Solidago plumosa, Amorpha schwerinii and Baptisia alba should be
monitored to determine the nature and extent of any effects that could be attributed to these changes.
If the effects appear in any way adverse, the tailwater release practices should be reviewed and
modified accordingly.
Section 7.0 also documents the very important effect that other Project Area activities can have on
rare species: maintenance of early-succession plant communities in a landscape reverting to forest.
Maintenance of the transmission line corridors through periodic mowing, clearing, and herbicide
application by APGI promotes biodiversity in the Project Area and region (Normandeau 2005). The
corridors keep open tracts of undeveloped land that otherwise would grow up uniformly to forest.
Without the herbaceous strips under the transmission lines, many of the Project Area rarities would be
markedly rarer, specifically Helianthus laevigatus, H. schweinitzii, Lotus helleri, and Ruellia
purshiana; probably also Cirsium carohnianum, Baptisia alba and the rattlesnake, Crotalus horridus.
Here, routine removal of woody-plant regeneration on a cycle of 3 years or less provides enough
stability and space to maintain many light-demanding herbaceous species of the savanna and prairie
and forest gap. To a certain extent, some of these same species may also respond well to the
ephemerally open habitats created by logging, especially the two Helianthus sunflowers, which have
the potential to compete with other robust plants of forest clearings, e.g. Erechtites hieracifolia,
Eupatorium capillifolium and Baccharis halimifolia.
The widening of both transmission-line corridors in 2004 has improved the likelihood that several
listed species will either maintain or expand their presence in the Project Area for the indefinite
future. A widened transmission-line corridor, especially one that has been recently cleared, will
reduce or eliminate the crossing movements of some animals (e.g. small birds and mammals) that
now may include both forested edges in one territory (Chasko and Gates 1992; Gates 1991; Wilcove
1988). However, degradation of the habitat important to many area-sensitive species, particularly
those with a need for large, intact forest, has already occurred. Much of the adjoining forest is
routinely logged in large clear-cuts. Before that, forested land was fragmented by agriculture, more
intensively than it is now. Area-sensitive species, including those with current or near-RTE status,
would have undergone the preponderant impacts of forest fragmentation centuries ago, and more
recently at the time the original transmission lines were cut out of the newly regenerating forest.
Assuming that APGI's current operation and maintenance practices along the transmission line
corridors remains unchanged, there would be no additional adverse impacts to RTE species associated
with continued project operations. There would, however, be opportunities for enhancing current
management practices to further protect RTE species and their habitats. For example, the ideal time
to conduct logging in Timber Rattlesnake habitat is during the winter months, when the animals are
safely underground. Additionally, heavy equipment should avoid contact with possible hibernacula
RTE Species Report-Draft 2/17/05 16
RTE Species Report
and vulnerable wetland soils, either during passage or the actual logging. A vegetated buffer "no-go"
zone should be observed around wetland areas at all times.
Overall, however, the transmission-line plant community cannot be expected to support a given
species in an easily predictable way. Plant populations are dynamic, responsive to changes in
microsite conditions, interspecific and intraspecific competition, herbivory and herbicide, perhaps in
repeating cycles over several years, decades or more. Maintaining early-succession plant communities
in a transmission line right-of-way may be considered a goalin itself, without further ado. However,
periodic monitoring of the plants present may yield valuable insights. A pattern in the occurrence of
certain target species may emerge, prompting recommendations for improving current management
practices in specific ways. Research currently under way elsewhere on these or similar species may
inspire additional changes in vegetation management. With sufficient information, it may prove
feasible to introduce new rare plant species to suitable sites within the right-of-way, as a contribution
to regional biodiversity. Consultation with experts in the RTE species of interest is recommended in
order to develop appropriate management practices.
9.0 REFERENCES CITED
ALCOA. 2002. Yadkin Hydroelectric Project FERC No. 2197 NC project relicensing Initial
Consultation Document, September 2002. ALCOA Power Generating Inc., Yadkin Division,
Badin, North Carolina.
Amoroso, J. L. ed. and J. T. Finnegan. 2002. Natural Heritage Program list of the rare plant species
of North Carolina. North Carolina Natural Heritage Program, North Carolina Department of
Environment and Natural Resources, Raleigh, North Carolina.
Baranski, M. J. 1993. Natural areas inventory for Yadkin River corridor in Davie, Davidson and
Rowan Counties, North Carolina. Conservation Trust for North Carolina, Raleigh, North
Carolina.
Baranski, M. J. 1994. Natural areas inventory for Rowan County, North Carolina. Conservation
Trust for North Carolina, Raleigh, North Carolina.
Bat Conservation International. 2002. US Bats: Corynorhius rafinesquii. http://www.batcon.org.
Bates, Mom. 2004. Pers. comm. North Carolina Plant Conservation Program, Raleigh, North
Carolina.
Brown, Virginia. 2004. Pers. comm. vbrownkrinhs.org.
Chasko, G.G. and J.E. Gates. 1992. Avian habitat suitability along a transmission-line corridor in an
oak-hickory forest region. Wildlife Monographs 82:1-41. In Graham, K.L. 2001. TERRA 3:
Human influences on forest wildlife habitat. Draft report, US Fish and Wildlife Service, for
Southern Forest Resource Assessment, USDA Forest Service, Southern Research Station.
Clark, M.K. 2000. Swamp bats: Discovering bats in the Carolina swamp forests. Bat Conservation
International, V. 18:3, 9-11.
Clark, Mary Kay. 2003. Pers. Comm., NC State Museum of Natural Sciences, Raleigh, NC.
Cuyler, Duncan. 2004. Pers. Comm., Durham, NC
Diamond, Peter. 2004. Pers. Comm., North Carolina Zoological Park, Asheboro, NC.
RTE Species Report-Draft 2/17/05 17
RTE Species Report
Dunkel, Sidney W. 2000. Dragonflies through Binoculars: a field guide to dragonflies of North
America. Oxford University Press.
Gates, J.E. 1991. Powerline corridors, edge effects, and wildlife in forested landscapes of the Central
Appalachians. Pages 12-32 in Rodiek, J.E. and E.G. Bolen, eds. Wildlife habitats in
managed landscapes, Island Press, Washington, DC.
Goldsmith, R., D. J. Milton and J. Wright Horton, Jr. 1988. Geologic map of the Charlotte I degree X
2 degree Quadrangle, North and South Carolina. Map I-1251-E, Miscellaneous
Investigations Series, United States Geological Service, Washington, DC.
Herman, Dennis. 2004. Pers. comm. Dennis.Hermankncmail.net
Kaufman, Gary. October 6, 2004, Uwharrie National Forest. Pers. comm.,
LeGrand, H. E., S. P. Hall and J. T. Finnegan. 2001. Natural Heritage Program list of the rare animal
species of North Carolina. North Carolina Natural Heritage Program, North Carolina
Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Raleigh, North Carolina.
Lewis, M. 2004. Personal communication. North Carolina Zoological Park, Asheboro, NC.
NCNHP. 2003. http://www.ncsparks.net/nhp/elements2.ffn
McShaffrey, David. 2004. Pers. comm. mcshaffdkmarietta.edu
Normandeau Associates, Inc. 2005. Yadkin Project, FERC No. 2197. Transmission Line and
Project Facility Habitat Assessment. Draft Study Report. January 2005. Prepared for Yadkin,
Inc., Badin, NC.
North Carolina Center for Geographic Information and Analysis. 2002. Yadkin Project Natural
Heritage Element Occurrence (NHEO) coverage within 200 feet of lakes. Data set September
2002.
Olson, Marshall. 2004. Pers. comm. ALCOA, Badin, North Carolina.
SaintOurs, Jr., Frederick. 2004. Pers. comm. [e-mail]
Schafale, M. P. and A. S. Weakley. 1990. Classification of the natural communities ofNorth
Carolina, Third Approximation. North Carolina Natural Heritage Program, North Carolina
Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Raleigh, North Carolina.
USFWS. 2003. http://nc-es.fivs.gov/es.cntylist
Weakley, A. S. 1990. Natural Heritage Program list of the rare plants of North Carolina and North
Carolina plant watch list. North Carolina Natural Heritage Program, Department of
Environment, Health and Natural Resources, Raleigh, North Carolina.
Western Pennsylvania Conservancy. A survey of the dragonflies and damselflies of the Clarion River
and its tributaries. Prep. For Alleghany National Forest, USFS, Warren, PA
Wilcove, D.S. 1988. Forest fragmentation as a wildlife management issue in the eastern United
States. Technical paper presented to Annual Convention of Society of American Foresters,
19 October 1988.
Yadkin, Inc. 1999. Yadkin Project Shoreline Management Plan, Vol. 1. FERC Project No. 2197.
Yadkin, Inc., Badin, North Carolina.
RTE Species Report-Draft 2/17/05 18
RTE Species Report
APPENDIX A
RTE Species Survey-Yadkin Project: reptiles and amphibians. Report on herpetological field
survey, June-August 2004. Survey performed by Mark Lewis, North Carolina Zoological Park,
Asheboro, North Carolina.
RTE Species Report-Draft 2/17/05
RTE Species Report
RTE Species Survey - Yadkin Project
Reptiles & Amphibians
Conducted by Mark Lewis on behalf of Normandeau Associates
Objective:
To attempt to locate three specific RTE species by conducting field searches at locations most likely
to support those species within the Project area.
Survey Period:
June - August 2004
Species Surveyed:
1. Mole Salamander Ambystoma talpoideum
2. Four-toed Salamander Hemidactylium scutatum
3. Timber Rattlesnake Crotalus horridus
Survey Methods:
1. Bodies of water - perimeters were skirted by kayak; when likely habitat was found, I
disembarked, headed inland 200 feet, then turned and paralleled the shore for distances of
100-300 feet, depending upon habitat, drainage areas and topography. I then returned
directly to shore at the most distant point reached, and continued my survey along the
shoreline on foot on my way back to the boat.
2. Transmission lines - I followed a zigzag pattern along the transmission line, penetrating 50
feet into the trees on each side.
3. In all visited habitat, I turned rocks and other suitable cover sites (either man-made or
naturally occurring). Binoculars were used to extend the coverage area.
Locations Surveyed:
1. High Rock Lake
2. Tuckertown Lake
3. Narrows Lake
4. Falls Lake
5. Narrows transmission line
6. Falls transmission line
Species Found by Location:
1. High Rock Lake
• Yellowbelly Slider Trachemys scripta - Common
• Bullfrog Rana catesbeiana - Common
• Gray Treefrog Hyla chrysoscelis - Common
RTE Species Report-Draft 2/17/05
RTE Species Report
2. Tuckertown Lake
• Copperhead Agkistrodon contortrix - Common
• Yellowbelly Slider Trachemys scripta - Common
• Five-lined Skink Eumeces fasciatus - Common
• Green Frog Rana clamitans - Common
• Gray Treefrog Hyla chrysoscelis - Common
3. Narrows Lake
• Northern Watersnake Nerodia sipedon - Common
• Yellowbelly Slider Trachemys scripta - Common
• Painted Turtle Chrysemys picta - Uncommon
• Box Turtle Terrapene carolina - Common
• Green Anole Anolis carolinensis - Abundant
• Broadhead Skink Eumeces laticeps - Uncommon
• Five-lined Skink Eumeces fasciatus - Common
• Fence Lizard Sceloporus undulates - Uncommon / common
• Green Frog Rana clamitans - Common
• Gray Treefrog Hyla chrysoscelis - Common
• Slimy Salamander Plethodon glutinosus - Uncommon / common
4. Falls Lake
• Brown Watersnake Nerodia taxispilota - Rare
• Northern Watersnake Nerodia sipedon - Common
• Queen Snake Regina septemvittata - Uncommon / common
• Copperhead Agkistrodon contortrix - Common
• Yellowbelly Slider Trachemys scripta - Common
• Painted Turtle Chrysemys picta - Uncommon
• Box Turtle Terrapene carolina - Common
• Green Anole Anolis carolinensis - Abundant
• Five-lined Skink Eumeces fasciatus - Abundant
• Green Frog Rana clamitans - Common
• Bullfrog Rana catesbeiana - Common
• Gray Treefrog Hyla chrysoscelis - Common
5. Narrows transmission line
• No species found
RTE Species Report-Draft 2/17/05
RTE Species Report
6. Falls transmission line
• Eastern Hognose Snake Heterodon platirhinos - Uncommon
• Timber Rattlesnake Crotalus horridus - Target species - Uncommon
• Six-lined Racerunner Cnemidophorus sexhneatus - Abundant
Additional Information:
1. An extensive upland ephemeral pond, dry at the time of the survey, was located at the Falls
transmission line. This is a possible breeding location for the two target amphibian species.
A return visit in late winter or early spring is recommended, when the pond is likely to be full
and breeding is taking place.
2. The large colony of Race Runners located at the Falls transmission line is quite unusual for
this area. Because of the thermo-regulation needs of this species (they like it hot), the
presence of this colony is a likely indicator that this area has a large solar window and is thus
an area likely to be used by gravid reptiles, which require a greater amount of heat.
3. The Timber Rattlesnake found at the Falls transmission line appeared to be a gravid female.
Studies have shown that this species is site-loyal (hibemaculum, summer feeding areas,
giving birth, etc.); this individual probably uses this area each time she becomes gravid.
4. The population of Brown Watersnakes at Falls Lake is more than likely a disjunct one, since
this is not an expected species in the piedmont.
Signed:
Mark D. Lewis
Date:
RTE Species Report-Draft 2/17/05