20220795 Ver 2_Biological Assessment 2024-06-11_20240611

MCCOY FARM
BIOLOGICAL ANALYSIS
Prepared using IPaC
Generated by Robert Bunch ([e-mail])
June 11, 2024
The purpose of this document is to assess the effects of the proposed project and
determine whether the project may affect any federally threatened, endangered,
proposed, or candidate species. If appropriate for the project, this document may
be used as a biological assessment (BA), as it is prepared in accordance with
legal requirements set forth under Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act (16
U.S.C. 1536 (c)).
In this document, any data provided by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is based on data as of June 11,
2024.
Prepared using IPaC version 6.110.0-rc5

MCCOY FARM BIOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1 Description of the action
5
1.1 Project name
5
1.2 Executive summary
5
1.3 Effect determination summary
5
1.4 Project description
6
1.4.1 Location
6
1.4.2 Description of project habitat
6
1.4.3 Project proponent information
7
1.4.4 Project purpose
7
1.4.5 Project type and deconstruction
7
1.4.6 Anticipated environmental stressors
10
1.5 Action area
10
1.6 Conservation measures
10
1.7 Prior consultation history
11
1.8 Other agency partners and interested parties
11
1.9 Other reports and helpful information
11
2 Species effects analysis
12
2.1 Carolina Heelsplitter
12
Justification for exclusion
12
2.2 Michaux's Sumac
12
2.2.1 Status of the species
12
2.2.2 Environmental baseline
13
2.2.3 Effects of the action
14
2.2.4 Cumulative effects
14
2.2.5 Discussion and conclusion
14
2.3 Monarch Butterfly
14
2.3.1 Status of the species
14
2.3.2 Environmental baseline
17
2.3.3 Effects of the action
17
2.3.4 Cumulative effects
18
2.3.5 Discussion and conclusion
18
2.4 Schweinitz's Sunflower
18
2.4.1 Status of the species
18
2.4.2 Environmental baseline
19
2.4.3 Effects of the action
20
2.4.4 Cumulative effects
20
2

2.4.5 Discussion and conclusion
21
2.5 Tricolored Bat
21
2.5.1 Status of the species
21
2.5.2 Environmental baseline
22
2.5.3 Effects of the action
23
2.5.4 Cumulative effects
24
2.5.5 Discussion and conclusion
24
3 Critical habitat effects analysis
25
4 Summary Discussion and Conclusion
26
4.1 Summary discussion
26
4.2 Conclusion
26
McCoyFarmBiologicalA_20240611_IPaC_CPBdoc 3

McCoyFarmBiologicalA_20240611_IPaC_CPBdoc

I DESCRIPTION OF THE ACTION
1.1 PROJECT NAME
McCoy Farm
1.2 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Based on the information you provided, write a short, high-level summary of your
project. Ideally, this should be one paragraph.
1.3 EFFECT DETERMINATION SUMMARY
SPECIES SCIENTIFIC LISTING PRESENT IN EFFECT
(COMMON NAME STATUS ACTION AREA DETERMINATION
NAME) M
Carolina Heelsplitter
Michaux's Sumac
Monarch Butterfly
Schweinitz's
Sunflower
Tricolored Bat
Lasmigona decorata
Rhus michauxii
Danaus plexippus
Helianthus
schweinitzii
Perimyotis subflavus
Endangered No
Endangered Yes
Candidate Yes
Endangered Yes
Proposed I Yes
Endangered
NE
McCoyFarmBiologicalA_20240611_IPaC_CPBdoc 5

1.4 PROJECT DESCRIPTION
1.4.1 LOCATION
.try
xk'* &,$"t
PK.el
LOCATION
Union County, North Carolina
1.4.2 DESCRIPTION OF PROJECT HABITAT
Only intermittent stream
McCoyFarmBiologicalA_20240611_IPaC_CPBdoc 6

1.4.3 PROJECT PROPONENT INFORMATION
Provide information regarding who is proposing to conduct the project, and their contact
information. Please provide details on whether there is a Federal nexus.
REQUESTING AGENCY
Private Entity
FULL NAME
Robert Bunch
STREET ADDRESS
PO Box 1730
CITY
Lexington
STATE ZIP
SC 29071
PHONE NUMBER E-MAIL ADDRESS
8034460577 [e-mail]
1.4.4 PROJECT PURPOSE
Construct a residential subdivision
1.4.5 PROJECT TYPE AND DECONSTRUCTION
This project is a residential, commercial, industrial development project.
1.4.5.1 PROJECT MAP
Include a map showing the location of each structure and activity.
McCoyFarmBiologicalA_20240611_IPaC_CPBdoc 7

1.4.5.2 BUILDING
STRUCTURE COMPLETION DATE
Unspecified
REMOVAUDECOMMISSION DATE (IF APPLICABLE)
Not applicable
STRESSORS
List which elements of the land, air, and water might be impacted.
DESCRIPTION
Describe the "who, what, when, where, and how" at the appropriate level of detail
that is necessary to evaluate the exposure and response of the listed species and
designated critical habitats to that activity.
1.4.5.3 HOUSE
STRUCTURE COMPLETION DATE
Unspecified
REMOVAUDECOMMISSION DATE (IF APPLICABLE)
Not applicable
STRESSORS
List which elements of the land, air, and water might be impacted.
DESCRIPTION
Describe the "who, what, when, where, and how" at the appropriate level of detail
that is necessary to evaluate the exposure and response of the listed species and
designated critical habitats to that activity.
McCoyFarmBiologicalA_20240611_IPaC_CPBdoc 8

1.4.5.4 ROAD
STRUCTURE COMPLETION DATE
Unspecified
REMOVAUDECOMMISSION DATE (IF APPLICABLE)
Not applicable
STRESSORS
List which elements of the land, air, and water might be impacted.
DESCRIPTION
Describe the "who, what, when, where, and how" at the appropriate level of detail
that is necessary to evaluate the exposure and response of the listed species and
designated critical habitats to that activity.
1.4.5.5 CONSTRUCT BUILDING
ACTIVITY START DATE
Unspecified
ACTIVITY END DATE
Unspecified
STRESSORS
List which elements of the land, air, and water might be impacted.
DESCRIPTION
Describe the "who, what, when, where, and how" at the appropriate level of detail
that is necessary to evaluate the exposure and response of the listed species and
designated critical habitats to that activity.
McCoyFarmBiologicalA_20240611_IPaC_CPBdoc 9

1.4.5.6 FINISH GRADING
ACTIVITY START DATE
Unspecified
ACTIVITY END DATE
Unspecified
STRESSORS
List which elements of the land, air, and water might be impacted.
DESCRIPTION
Describe the "who, what, when, where, and how" at the appropriate level of detail
that is necessary to evaluate the exposure and response of the listed species and
designated critical habitats to that activity.
1.4.6 ANTICIPATED ENVIRONMENTAL STRESSORS
Describe the anticipated effects of your proposed project on the aspects of the land, air
and water that will occur due to the activities above. These should be based on the
activity deconstructions done in the previous section and will be used to inform the
action area.
1.5 ACTION AREA
The action area is the specific spatial polygon encompassing all of the areas where
land, water, or air will be detectably changed due to the proposed project and any other
activities that would not occur but for the proposed action. This typically does not
include the broader area where affected wildlife might travel or move to after being
exposed to those modifications within the action area. The action area should not be
confused with other geographic descriptions, such as: analysis area, project area,
recovery unit, management unit, etc. These may be helpful in analyzing population
effects, but are not an equivalent substitute for the regulatory description of an action
area.
Depending on the nature of the project, the action area may extend beyond the limits of
the actual project location. IPaC will prompt you through the process to help you
determine an appropriate action area. Once determined, effects to species should be
considered throughout the action area.
1.6 CONSERVATION MEASURES
McCoyFarmBiologicalA_20240611_IPaC_CPBdoc 10

1.7 PRIOR CONSULTATION HISTORY
Provide information on any previous consultation(s) on this project with USFWS,
including dates and outcomes. Information from prior consultations may be helpful to the
biologist reviewing the project. If you wish to upload/attach consultation documents,
please do so under Section '1.8 Other Reports and helpful Information'.
1.8 OTHER AGENCY PARTNERS AND INTERESTED PARTIES
Identify any other agencies (Federal, State, Local, Tribal) involved in the project, and
include each agency's role, the appropriate contact, and their contact information. Also,
as applicable and available, provide information regarding any known interested parties.
1.9 OTHER REPORTS AND HELPFUL INFORMATION
Communicate any other helpful information that you have not previously provided. You
can also upload additional files that may be helpful (e.g., reports) and they will become
an Appendix to this document.
McCoyFarmBiologicalA_20240611_IPaC_CPBdoc 11

2 SPECIES EFFECTS ANALYSIS
This section describes, species by species, the effects of the proposed action on listed,
proposed, and candidate species, and the habitat on which they depend. In this
document, effects are broken down as direct interactions (something happening directly
to the species) or indirect interactions (something happening to the environment on
which a species depends that could then result in effects to the species).
These interactions encompass effects that occur both during project construction and
those which could be ongoing after the project is finished. All effects, however, should
be considered, including effects from direct and indirect interactions and cumulative
effects.
2.1 CAROLINA HEELSPLITTER
This species has been excluded from analysis in this environmental review
document.
JUSTIFICATION FOR EXCLUSION
No perennial stream
2.2 MICHAUX'S SUMAC
2.2.1 STATUS OF THE SPECIES
This section should provide information on the species' background, its biology and life
history that is relevant to the proposed project within the action area that will inform the
effects analysis.
2.2.1.1 LEGAL STATUS
The Michaux's Sumac is federally listed as 'Endangered' and additional information
regarding its legal status can be found on the ECOS species profile.
2.2.1.2 RECOVERY PLANS
Available recovery plans for the Michaux's Sumac can be found on the ECOS species
profile.
2.2.1.3 LIFE HISTORY INFORMATION
No description available
McCoyFarmBiologicalA_20240611_IPaC_CPBdoc 12

2.2.1.4 CONSERVATION NEEDS
Describe the general, principal conservation needs of the species. These are typically
actions that reduce or eliminate threats or relieve factors limiting the species'
reproduction, numbers, or distribution. These may not be limited to the action area. If
they are outlined in another document (e.g., the recovery plan), you may refer back to it.
WWAA0U/I:Z0701Ail:101IF_11111=1_1y44l0l:1
The environmental baseline describes the species' health within the action area only
at the time of the consultation, and does not include the effects of the action under
review. Unlike the species information provided above, the environmental baseline is at
the scale of the Action area.
2.2.2.1 SPECIES PRESENCE AND USE
unknown
2.2.2.2 SPECIES CONSERVATION NEEDS WITHIN THE ACTION AREA
Describe the species conservation needs for survival and recovery specifically within the
action area, and the role and importance of the action area in meeting these needs.
Discuss any conservation strategies from the recovery plan that pertain to the action
area. If the action area overlaps a management unit, recovery unit, etc., discuss the role
and condition of that specific unit.
2.2.2.3 HABITAT CONDITION (GENERAL)
Discuss the current quantity and quality of habitat within the action area relative to the
species' biological and conservation needs.
2.2.2.4 INFLUENCES
Describe any past, present, or ongoing activities or influences that have affected the
reproduction, numbers, or distribution of the species within the action area, considering
the threats identified in the listing, recovery, or SSA documents. Influences should
include both anthropogenic and natural sources (e.g., disease, predation, and climate
change).
2.2.2.5 ADDITIONAL BASELINE INFORMATION
If you have more information about the environmental baseline for this species in your
action area that would help augment the general understanding of it, provide it here.
McCoyFarmBiologicalA_20240611_IPaC_CPBdoc 13

2.2.3 EFFECTS OF THE ACTION
This section considers and discusses all effects on the listed species that are caused by
the proposed action and are reasonably certain to occur, including the effects of other
activities that would not occur but for the proposed action.
2.2.3.1 INDIRECT INTERACTIONS
Provide a brief overview of what the applicable science has discovered regarding the
species and its response to the stressors that each project activity may cause. This
should include an explanation of the pathways and mechanisms that have potential to
translate environmental change (impact) into response and effects to individuals.
2.2.3.2 DIRECT INTERACTIONS
Provide details on the ways effects might directly interact with an individual of the
species, e.g., running them over, crushing or smothering an individual, etc.
2.2.4 CUMULATIVE EFFECTS
Identify and provide information on any anticipated future state or private activities, not
involving Federal activities, that are reasonably certain to occur within the action area.
These actions are considered cumulative effects under the Endangered Species Act.
For each action that fits the definition of a cumulative effect, provide information about
the specific predicted effects from those actions on the individuals or habitat within the
action area. Use the same level of detail describing impact -response -effect as you did in
the effects of the action section for this proposed project.
2.2.5 DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION
This is the section where the summaries of the effects from the stressors are reviewed
and a final effect determination for the individuals of the species from the proposed
action is made. They will fall into one of two categories: No effect or May affect.
For "May affect" determinations, the summaries should directly inform a further division
into categories of May affect, but not likely to adversely affect or May affect, but
likely to adversely affect.
2.3 MONARCH BUTTERFLY
2.3.1 STATUS OF THE SPECIES
This section should provide information on the species' background, its biology and life
history that is relevant to the proposed project within the action area that will inform the
effects analysis.
McCoyFarmBiologicalA_20240611_IPaC_CPBdoc 14

2.3.1.1 LEGAL STATUS
The Monarch Butterfly is federally listed as 'Candidate' and additional information
regarding its legal status can be found on the ECOS species profile.
2.3.1.2 RECOVERY PLANS
Available recovery plans for the Monarch Butterfly can be found on the ECOS species
profile.
McCoyFarmBiologicalA_20240611_IPaC_CPBdoc 15

2.3.1.3 LIFE HISTORY INFORMATION
Note - the monarch is a candidate species and not yet listed or proposed for listing.
Consultation with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service under section 7 of the Endangered
Species Act is not required for candidate species, like the monarch. We encourage
agencies, however, to take advantage of any opportunity they may have to conserve the
species.
For information on monarch conservation, visit https://www.fws.gov/initiative/pollinators/
monarchs, http://www.mafwa.org/?page_id=2347, and, for the West, https-.//wafwa.org/
committees-working-groups/monarch-working-group/.
Adult monarch butterflies are large and conspicuous, with bright orange wings
surrounded by a black border and covered with black veins. The black border has a
double row of white spots, present on the upper side of the wings. Adult monarchs are
sexually dimorphic, with males having narrower wing venation and scent patches. The
bright coloring of a monarch serves as a warning to predators that eating them can be
toxic.
During the breeding season, monarchs lay their eggs on their obligate milkweed host
plant (primarily Asclepias spp.), and larvae emerge after two to five days. Larvae
develop through five larval instars (intervals between molts) over a period of 9 to 18
days, feeding on milkweed and sequestering toxic chemicals (cardenolides) as a
defense against predators. The larva then pupates into a chrysalis before emerging 6 to
14 days later as an adult butterfly. There are multiple generations of monarchs produced
during the breeding season, with most adult butterflies living approximately two to five
weeks; overwintering adults enter into reproductive diapause (suspended reproduction)
and live six to nine months.
In many regions where monarchs are present, monarchs breed year-round. Individual
monarchs in temperate climates, such as eastern and western North America, undergo
long-distance migration, and live for an extended period of time. In the fall, in both
eastern and western North America, monarchs begin migrating to their respective
overwintering sites. This migration can take monarchs distances of over 3,000 km and
last for over two months. In early spring (February -March), surviving monarchs break
diapause and mate at the overwintering sites before dispersing. The same individuals
that undertook the initial southward migration begin flying back through the breeding
grounds and their offspring start the cycle of generational migration over again.
2.3.1.4 CONSERVATION NEEDS
Describe the general, principal conservation needs of the species. These are typically
actions that reduce or eliminate threats or relieve factors limiting the species'
reproduction, numbers, or distribution. These may not be limited to the action area. If
they are outlined in another document (e.g., the recovery plan), you may refer back to it.
McCoyFarmBiologicalA_20240611_IPaC_CPBdoc 16

2.3.2 ENVIRONMENTAL BASELINE
The environmental baseline describes the species' health within the action area only
at the time of the consultation, and does not include the effects of the action under
review. Unlike the species information provided above, the environmental baseline is at
the scale of the Action area.
2.3.2.1 SPECIES PRESENCE AND USE
unknown
2.3.2.2 SPECIES CONSERVATION NEEDS WITHIN THE ACTION AREA
Describe the species conservation needs for survival and recovery specifically within the
action area, and the role and importance of the action area in meeting these needs.
Discuss any conservation strategies from the recovery plan that pertain to the action
area. If the action area overlaps a management unit, recovery unit, etc., discuss the role
and condition of that specific unit.
2.3.2.3 HABITAT CONDITION (GENERAL)
Discuss the current quantity and quality of habitat within the action area relative to the
species' biological and conservation needs.
2.3.2.4 INFLUENCES
Describe any past, present, or ongoing activities or influences that have affected the
reproduction, numbers, or distribution of the species within the action area, considering
the threats identified in the listing, recovery, or SSA documents. Influences should
include both anthropogenic and natural sources (e.g., disease, predation, and climate
change).
2.3.2.5 ADDITIONAL BASELINE INFORMATION
If you have more information about the environmental baseline for this species in your
action area that would help augment the general understanding of it, provide it here.
2.3.3 EFFECTS OF THE ACTION
This section considers and discusses all effects on the listed species that are caused by
the proposed action and are reasonably certain to occur, including the effects of other
activities that would not occur but for the proposed action.
McCoyFarmBiologicalA_20240611_IPaC_CPBdoc 17

2.3.3.1 INDIRECT INTERACTIONS
Provide a brief overview of what the applicable science has discovered regarding the
species and its response to the stressors that each project activity may cause. This
should include an explanation of the pathways and mechanisms that have potential to
translate environmental change (impact) into response and effects to individuals.
2.3.3.2 DIRECT INTERACTIONS
Provide details on the ways effects might directly interact with an individual of the
species, e.g., running them over, crushing or smothering an individual, etc.
2.3.4 CUMULATIVE EFFECTS
Identify and provide information on any anticipated future state or private activities, not
involving Federal activities, that are reasonably certain to occur within the action area.
These actions are considered cumulative effects under the Endangered Species Act.
For each action that fits the definition of a cumulative effect, provide information about
the specific predicted effects from those actions on the individuals or habitat within the
action area. Use the same level of detail describing impact -response -effect as you did in
the effects of the action section for this proposed project.
2.3.5 DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION
This is the section where the summaries of the effects from the stressors are reviewed
and a final effect determination for the individuals of the species from the proposed
action is made. They will fall into one of two categories: No effect or May affect.
For "May affect" determinations, the summaries should directly inform a further division
into categories of May affect, but not likely to adversely affect or May affect, but
likely to adversely affect.
2.4 SCHWEINITTS SUNFLOWER
It* 01&1Ilf-A 01'Y61 a 1111:I �9 »01I:&I
This section should provide information on the species' background, its biology and life
history that is relevant to the proposed project within the action area that will inform the
effects analysis.
2.4.1.1 LEGAL STATUS
The Schweinitz's Sunflower is federally listed as 'Endangered' and additional
information regarding its legal status can be found on the ECOS species profile.
McCoyFarmBiologicalA_20240611_IPaC_CPBdoc 18

2.4.1.2 RECOVERY PLANS
Available recovery plans for the Schweinitz's Sunflower can be found on the ECOS
species profile.
2.4.1.3 LIFE HISTORY INFORMATION
Helianthus schweinitzii is a perennial species of the sunflower genus Helianthus Linnaeus, a
large genus of the aster family Asteraceae, which is one of the largest and most familiar families
of flowering plants. Schweinitz's sunflower is generally 2 meters in height however, young,
stressed, or injured plants can be substantially shorter, for example, mowed plants can flower at
less than 0.5 meters. Alternatively, plants in ideal conditions can reach 3 meters in height.
Compared to most sunflowers in eastern North America, Schweinitz's sunflower has relatively
small heads measuring 6 to 15 millimeters across with a vibrant yellow color. Other Helianthus
species are readily distinguished by larger heads often measuring more that 1.5cm wide.
2.4.1.4 CONSERVATION NEEDS
Describe the general, principal conservation needs of the species. These are typically
actions that reduce or eliminate threats or relieve factors limiting the species'
reproduction, numbers, or distribution. These may not be limited to the action area. If
they are outlined in another document (e.g., the recovery plan), you may refer back to it.
2.4.2 ENVIRONMENTAL BASELINE
The environmental baseline describes the species' health within the action area only
at the time of the consultation, and does not include the effects of the action under
review. Unlike the species information provided above, the environmental baseline is at
the scale of the Action area.
2.4.2.1 SPECIES PRESENCE AND USE
unknown
2.4.2.2 SPECIES CONSERVATION NEEDS WITHIN THE ACTION AREA
Describe the species conservation needs for survival and recovery specifically within the
action area, and the role and importance of the action area in meeting these needs.
Discuss any conservation strategies from the recovery plan that pertain to the action
area. If the action area overlaps a management unit, recovery unit, etc., discuss the role
and condition of that specific unit.
2.4.2.3 HABITAT CONDITION (GENERAL)
Discuss the current quantity and quality of habitat within the action area relative to the
species' biological and conservation needs.
McCoyFarmBiologicalA_20240611_IPaC_CPBdoc 19

2.4.2.4 INFLUENCES
Describe any past, present, or ongoing activities or influences that have affected the
reproduction, numbers, or distribution of the species within the action area, considering
the threats identified in the listing, recovery, or SSA documents. Influences should
include both anthropogenic and natural sources (e.g., disease, predation, and climate
change).
2.4.2.5 ADDITIONAL BASELINE INFORMATION
If you have more information about the environmental baseline for this species in your
action area that would help augment the general understanding of it, provide it here.
2.4.3 EFFECTS OF THE ACTION
This section considers and discusses all effects on the listed species that are caused by
the proposed action and are reasonably certain to occur, including the effects of other
activities that would not occur but for the proposed action.
2.4.3.1 INDIRECT INTERACTIONS
Provide a brief overview of what the applicable science has discovered regarding the
species and its response to the stressors that each project activity may cause. This
should include an explanation of the pathways and mechanisms that have potential to
translate environmental change (impact) into response and effects to individuals.
2.4.3.2 DIRECT INTERACTIONS
Provide details on the ways effects might directly interact with an individual of the
species, e.g., running them over, crushing or smothering an individual, etc.
ME" M116i1111JMM WAIky/=1 :199=10&I
Identify and provide information on any anticipated future state or private activities, not
involving Federal activities, that are reasonably certain to occur within the action area.
These actions are considered cumulative effects under the Endangered Species Act.
For each action that fits the definition of a cumulative effect, provide information about
the specific predicted effects from those actions on the individuals or habitat within the
action area. Use the same level of detail describing impact -response -effect as you did in
the effects of the action section for this proposed project.
McCoyFarmBiologicalA_20240611_IPaC_CPBdoc 20

2.4.5 DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION
This is the section where the summaries of the effects from the stressors are reviewed
and a final effect determination for the individuals of the species from the proposed
action is made. They will fall into one of two categories: No effect or May affect.
For "May affect" determinations, the summaries should directly inform a further division
into categories of May affect, but not likely to adversely affect or May affect, but
likely to adversely affect.
2.5 TRICOLORED BAT
2.5.1 STATUS OF THE SPECIES
This section should provide information on the species' background, its biology and life
history that is relevant to the proposed project within the action area that will inform the
effects analysis.
2.5.1.1 LEGAL STATUS
The Tricolored Bat is federally listed as 'Proposed Endangered' and additional
information regarding its legal status can be found on the ECOS species profile.
2.5.1.2 RECOVERY PLANS
Available recovery plans for the Tricolored Bat can be found on the ECOS species
profile.
McCoyFarmBiologicalA_20240611_IPaC_CPBdoc 21

2.5.1.3 LIFE HISTORY INFORMATION
The tricolored bat is a small insectivorous bat that is distinguished by its unique tricolored fur
and often appears yellowish to nearly orange. The once common species is wide ranging across
the eastern and central United States and portions of southern Canada, Mexico and Central
America. During the winter, tricolored bats are often found in caves and abandoned mines,
although in the southern United States, where caves are sparse, tricolored bats are often found
roosting in road -associated culverts where they exhibit shorter torpor bouts and forage during
warm nights. During the spring, summer, and fall, tricolored bats are found in forested habitats
where they roost in trees, primarily among leaves of live or recently dead deciduous hardwood
trees, but may also be found in Spanish moss, pine trees, and occasionally human structures.
Tricolored bats face extinction due primarily to the rangewide impacts of white -nose syndrome, a
deadly disease affecting cave -dwelling bats across the continent. White -nose syndrome has
caused estimated declines of more than 90 percent in affected tricolored bat colonies across the
majority of the species range. To address the growing threat of white -nose syndrome to the
tricolored bat and other bats across North America, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is leading
the White -nose Syndrome National Response Team, a coordinated effort of more than 150 non-
governmental organizations, institutions, Tribes, and state and federal agencies. Together we are
conducting critical white -nose syndrome research and developing management strategies to
minimize impacts of the disease and recover affected bat populations. For more information on
white -nose syndrome, please see: https://www.whitenosesyndrome.org/ For more information on
tricolored bats, please see: https://www.fws.gov/species/tricolored-bat-perimyotis-subflavus
2.5.1.4 CONSERVATION NEEDS
Describe the general, principal conservation needs of the species. These are typically
actions that reduce or eliminate threats or relieve factors limiting the species'
reproduction, numbers, or distribution. These may not be limited to the action area. If
they are outlined in another document (e.g., the recovery plan), you may refer back to it.
2.5.2 ENVIRONMENTAL BASELINE
The environmental baseline describes the species' health within the action area only
at the time of the consultation, and does not include the effects of the action under
review. Unlike the species information provided above, the environmental baseline is at
the scale of the Action area.
2.5.2.1 SPECIES PRESENCE AND USE
unknown
McCoyFarmBiologicalA_20240611_IPaC_CPBdoc 22

2.5.2.2 SPECIES CONSERVATION NEEDS WITHIN THE ACTION AREA
Describe the species conservation needs for survival and recovery specifically within the
action area, and the role and importance of the action area in meeting these needs.
Discuss any conservation strategies from the recovery plan that pertain to the action
area. If the action area overlaps a management unit, recovery unit, etc., discuss the role
and condition of that specific unit.
2.5.2.3 HABITAT CONDITION (GENERAL)
Discuss the current quantity and quality of habitat within the action area relative to the
species' biological and conservation needs.
2.5.2.4 INFLUENCES
Describe any past, present, or ongoing activities or influences that have affected the
reproduction, numbers, or distribution of the species within the action area, considering
the threats identified in the listing, recovery, or SSA documents. Influences should
include both anthropogenic and natural sources (e.g., disease, predation, and climate
change).
2.5.2.5 ADDITIONAL BASELINE INFORMATION
If you have more information about the environmental baseline for this species in your
action area that would help augment the general understanding of it, provide it here.
2.5.3 EFFECTS OF THE ACTION
This section considers and discusses all effects on the listed species that are caused by
the proposed action and are reasonably certain to occur, including the effects of other
activities that would not occur but for the proposed action.
2.5.3.1 INDIRECT INTERACTIONS
Provide a brief overview of what the applicable science has discovered regarding the
species and its response to the stressors that each project activity may cause. This
should include an explanation of the pathways and mechanisms that have potential to
translate environmental change (impact) into response and effects to individuals.
2.5.3.2 DIRECT INTERACTIONS
Provide details on the ways effects might directly interact with an individual of the
species, e.g., running them over, crushing or smothering an individual, etc.
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2.5.4 CUMULATIVE EFFECTS
Identify and provide information on any anticipated future state or private activities, not
involving Federal activities, that are reasonably certain to occur within the action area.
These actions are considered cumulative effects under the Endangered Species Act.
For each action that fits the definition of a cumulative effect, provide information about
the specific predicted effects from those actions on the individuals or habitat within the
action area. Use the same level of detail describing impact -response -effect as you did in
the effects of the action section for this proposed project.
2.5.5 DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION
This is the section where the summaries of the effects from the stressors are reviewed
and a final effect determination for the individuals of the species from the proposed
action is made. They will fall into one of two categories: No effect or May affect.
For "May affect" determinations, the summaries should directly inform a further division
into categories of May affect, but not likely to adversely affect or May affect, but
likely to adversely affect.
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3 CRITICAL HABITAT EFFECTS ANALYSIS
No critical habitats intersect with the project action area.
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4 SUMMARY DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION
4.1 SUMMARY DISCUSSION
Describe in summary form the overall effects your proposed project will have to species
and critical habitat within your action area.
4.2 CONCLUSION
Provide clear statements of conclusion that help USFWS understand your findings.
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