20231521 Ver 1_HB-0002 - Haywood County - Botanical Survey (2022)_20231108

0CAROLINA
ECOSYSTEMS
MEMORANDUM
DATE: August 1, 2022
FROM: Rob Crowther, Carolina Ecosystems, Inc.
Phil May, Carolina Ecosystems, Inc.
3040 NC Hwy 42 West; Clayton, NC 27520
P:919-359-1102 — F:919-585-5570
TO: Erin Cheely, NCDOT EAU
RE: Section 7 survey results for small whorled pogonia (Isotria medeoloides)
STIP No. HB-0002
Haywood County, North Carolina
The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) proposes to replace bridges 248 and
249 on I-40 over SR 1613 (STIP HB-0002) in Haywood County, NC. Surveys for small whorled
pogonia on HB-0002 were performed within the NRTR study area.
Small whorled pogonia
As of September 9, 1982, small whorled pogonia has been listed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service (USFWS) as "Threatened" under the Endangered Species Act of 1973. According to the
USFWS Information for Planning and Consultation (IPaQ website (accessed July 14, 2022) small
whorled pogonia is listed for Haywood County.
According to the North Carolina Natural Heritage Program (NCNHP) Element Occurrence
Database (accessed July 14, 2022), there are no recorded occurrences of small whorled pogonia
within I mile of HB-0002.
Survey Methods and Results
Small whorled pogonia occurs in young as well as maturing (second to third successional growth)
mixed -deciduous or mixed-deciduous/coniferous forests. It does not appear to exhibit strong
affinities for a particular aspect, soil type, or underlying geologic substrate. In North Carolina, the
perennial orchid is typically found in open, dry deciduous woods and is often associated with white
pine and rhododendron. The species may also be found on dry, rocky, wooded slopes; moist slopes;
ravines lacking stream channels; or slope bases near braided channels of vernal streams. The
orchid, often limited by shade, requires small light gaps or canopy breaks, and typically grows
under canopies that are relatively open or near features like logging roads or streams that create
long -persisting breaks in the forest canopy.
Potential habitat was identified on a preliminary level using available GIS information, and
project -specific mapping. This was supplemented in the field with on -site observations of forested
slopes, suitable streamside areas and other potential habitat areas. Detailed surveys were
performed in all areas considered potential habitat. Surveys were performed via pedestrian traverse
of areas with potential habitat.

TIP HB-0002,
N. C.
Along surveyed areas the following common species were recorded; mockernut hickory (Carya
tomentosa), white oak (Quercus alba), red oak (Quercus rubra), great laurel (Rhododendron
maximum), Viriginia creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia), poison ivy (Toxicodendron
radicans), Christmas fern (Polystichum acrostichoides), May apple (Podophyllum peltatum), and
common violet (Viola sp.).
Biological Conclusion
Habitat for small whorled pogonia was identified throughout the project limits along forested
slopes and suitable streamside areas. These areas were surveyed by CEI biologists on June 22,
2022. No Isotria medeoloides plants were observed. Due to the lack of observed plants or recorded
occurrences near the study area, it has been determined that HB-0002 will have No Effect on this
species.
If you have any questions or need additional information, please contact me at your earliest
convenience at [phone] or [e-mail].
The following personnel contributed to this assessment:
Investigator: Rob Crowther
Education: B.S. Environmental Resources Management, 2014
Experience: Project Scientist, Carolina Ecosystems, Inc., 2018-Present
Environmental Scientist, Carolina Ecosystems, Inc., 2015-2018
Responsibilities: T&E species assessment, document review
Investigator: Preston Butler
Education: B.A. Environmental Studies, 2017
Experience: Environmental Scientist, Carolina Ecosystem Inc., 2018-present
Environmental Surveyor, Axiom Environmental, 2017-2018
Intern, EI Group, 2015-2017
Responsibilities: T&E species assessment
Investigator: Matt Harrell
Education: B.S. Environmental Science, (Water Science and Quality) 2018
Experience: Environmental Scientist, Carolina Ecosystems, Inc., 2018-Present
Lab Intern, Virginia Tech 2017
Responsibilities: Document preparation
Investigator: Phil May
Education: B.S. Biology, 1992
Experience: Senior Scientist, Carolina Ecosystems, Inc., 2006-Present
Senior Scientist, HDR Engineering, Inc., 2001-2006
Staff Scientist, GN Richardson & Assoc. 1995-2001
Responsibilities: Document review
2 August 2022

TIP HB-0002, Haywood County, N. C.
REFERENCES
N.C. Department of Transportation. "Protected Species Protocols - Survey Windows - Habitat
Descriptions." Connect NCDOT.
https://connect.ncdot. gov/resources/Environm ental/EAU/ECAP/Documents/Protected%2
OSpecies%20Protocols%20-%20Survey%20Windows%20-
%20Habitat%20Descriptions.pdf
N.C. Natural Heritage Program Data Search. Online Data Explorer. Department of Environment
and Natural Resources, Office of Land and Water Stewardship, Raleigh, NC. Accessed
July 14, 2022. hM2://ncnhde.natureserve.org/content/map
United States Fish and Wildlife Service. Information for Planning and Consultation. Montgomery
County Endangered Species. Accessed July 14, 2022. hllps://ecos.fws.gov/ipac/
August 2022