20160270 Ver 1_USFWS Comments_20160315

United States Department of the Interior
FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE
Asheville Field Office
160 Zillicoa Street
Asheville, Narth Garolina 28801
July 17, 2015
Ms. Amy Euliss
Division 9 Environmental Officer
North Carolina Department of Transportation
375 Silas Creek Parkway
Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27127
Dear Ms. Euliss:
Subject: Endangered Species Consultation for Potential Impacts to the Northern Long-eared
Bat from the Replacement of Bridge No. 283 on SR 1893 (Priddy Farm Road) in
Forsyth County, North Carolina, TIP No. BD-5109AC, WBS No. 45355.1.29
As requested by the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) in your letter of
July 2, 2015, we have reviewed the natural resources information and biological conclusion with
regard to the federally threatened northern long-eared bat (NLEB) (Myotis septentrionalis) for
the subject project. The proposed project includes replacing Bridge No. 283 on SR 1893 (Priddy
Farm Road) in Forsyth County, North Carolina. We provide the following comments in
accordance with the provisions of section 7 of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended
�16 u.s.c. 1 s31-1 s43� �a�t�.
Habitat for the NLEB exists along the project corridor and has been evaluated for potential
impacts from project implementation. According to the information provided, no caves or mines
were found from a desktop search conducted for the project footprint and within one-half mile of
the project. The only structure that will be demolished was checked for bat use and none was
observed. The closest summer record for the NLEB is more than 50 miles fram the project
vicinity. Potential summer roosting habitat (in the form of forested patches interspersed with
farm fields) does exist within the project area, and some trees will be cleared during project
implementation.
Based on: (1) the negative surveys for wintering habitat, (2) the fact that no sign of bat use was
found during structure surveys, and (3) a commitment by the NCDOT to conduct minimal
tree-clearing and their agreement to a tree-cutting moratorium between May 15th and August 15th
(of any year) for the subject project, we agree that implementation of this project is "not likely to
adversely affecY' the NLEB in the project area. In view of this, we believe the requirements
under section 7(c) of the Act are fulfilled. However, obligations under section 7 of the Act must

be reconsidered if: (1) new information reveals impacts of this identified action that may affect
listed species or critical habitat in a manner not previously considered, (2) this action is
subsequently modified in a manner that was not considered in �his review, or (3) a new species is
listed or critical habitat is determined that may be affected by the identified action.
If you have questions about these comments, please contact Ms. Marella Buncick of our staff at
828/258-3939, Ext. 237. In any future correspondence concerning this project, please reference
our Log No. 4-2-15-386.
Sincerely,
- - original signed - -
Janet A. Mizzi
Field Supervisor