20181652 Ver 1_B#309PruittTE_20181205

Transportation
October 28, 2015
PAT McCRORY
Governar
NICHOLAS j. TENNY50N
Secretary
MEMO TO: FILE
FROM
SUBJECT:
Trish Beam, Division 12 Environmental Supervisor
Threatened/Endangered Species Survey for Bridge Replacement Project, SR
1627 (Pruitt Road), over Bull Knob Creek (Bridge #309), Cleveland County
The Division 12 Environmental Office conducted a threatened/endangered species survey on
September 21, 2015 on Bridge #309 in Cleveland County. The federally listed species for
Cleveland County (USFWS listed date April 02, 2015) is the dwarf-flowered heartleaf
(Hexastylis naniflora) and the Northern Long-Eared Bat (Myotis septentrionalis).
Dwarf-flowered heartleaf (Hexastylis naniflora) - NO EFFECT
Natural Heritage Program records document the nearest dwarf-flowered heartleaf location
approximately 2.8 miles north of the proposed project area. The heartleaf is usually found on dry
to moist ravine slopes (usually north facing and of the oak-hickory-pine forest type) and in boggy
areas near springheads. There did not appear to be suitable habitat within the proposed project
area and no species were observed. No impact on this species is anticipated.
Northern Long-Eared Bat (Myotis septentrionalis) — May Affect: Not Likely to Adversely
Affect
The Natural Heritage Program records document the nearest Northern Long-Eared Bat location
approximately 4.7 miles north of the proposed project area. During summer, Northern Long-
Eared Bats roost singly or in colonies underneath bark, in cavities, or in crevices of both live and
dead trees. They may also roost in cooler places, like caves and mines. Tree species may be used
based on suitability to retain bark or provide cavities or crevices. It has also been found, rarely,
roosting in structures like bams and sheds. Northern long-eared bats spend winter hibernating in
humid caves and mines. Bridge #309 was assessed for suitable bat habitat. The bridge does
contain suitable habitat however no bat evidence found (See attached Bat Habitat Assessment
Form). One suitable roosting tree will be impacted by the proposed project (See attached photo).
The closest listed underground mine, per NHP database is the Woodrow Prospects, 1.8 miles east
of the project site.
�No�hing Compares��
State of North Carolina I Department of Transportation I Division of Highways — Division 12
1710 East Marion Street � P.O. Box 47 I Shelby, NC 28151-0047
704 480 9020 T