20191362 Ver 1_T&E Supplemental info for R133 ePCN Form_20191007

Supplemental Information
ePCN Form — NCDOT Division 10 — Old Cottonville Road (SR 1923) over Hardy Creek
Project Number 17BP.10.R.133
G. Supplemental Information
5. Endangered Species and Critical Habitat
STV conducted protected species habitat assessments on September 27, 2017. As of June 27, 2018,
the United States Fish and Wildlife (USFWS) lists two federally protected species, under the
Endangered Species Act (ESA) for Stanly County (Table 1). For each species, a discussion of the
presence or absence of habitat is included below along with the Biological Conclusion rendered
based on survey results in the study area.
Table 1. ESA federally protected species listed for Stanly County
Scientific Name
Common Name
Federal
Status
Habitat
Present
Biological
Conclusion
Helianthus schweinitzii
Schweinitz's sunflower
E
Yes
NE
M otis se tentrionalis
Northern long-eared bat
T
Yes
MA-NLAA
E - Endangered
T - Threatened
MA-NLAA - May Affect — Not Likely to Adversely Affect
NE - No Effect
Schweinitz's sunflower
USFWS Optimal Survey Window: late August -October
Habitat Description: Schweinitz's sunflower is a plant endemic to the Piedmont of North and South
Carolina. The few sites where this rhizomatous perennial herb occurs in relatively natural
vegetation are found in Xeric Hardpan Forests. The species is also found along roadside
rights -of -way, maintained power lines and other utility rights -of -way, edges of thickets and
old pastures, clearings and edges of upland oak -pine -hickory woods and Piedmont longleaf
pine forests, and other sunny or semi -sunny habitats where disturbances (e.g., mowing,
clearing, grazing, blow downs, storms, frequent fire) help create open or partially open
areas for sunlight. The plant is intolerant of full shade and excessive competition from other
vegetation. Schweinitz's sunflower occurs in a variety of soil series, including Badin,
Cecil, Cid, Enon, Gaston, Georgeville, Iredell, Mecklenburg, Misenheimer, Secrest,
Tatum, Uwharrie, and Zion, among others and is generally found growing on shallow
sandy soils with high gravel content; shallow, poor, clayey hardpans; or shallow rocky
soils, especially those derived from mafic rocks.
Biological Conclusion: No Effect
Suitable habitat for Schweinitz's sunflower is present in the project study area (PSA) along
roadside shoulders. Plant by plant surveys were conducted by STV biologists throughout
areas of suitable habitat on September 27, 2017. No individuals of Schweinitz's sunflower
were observed and the September field survey was conducted during the flowering season.
A review of NCNHP records on January 2, 2019 indicates no known occurrences within
one mile of the PSA and no effect to Schweinitz's sunflower is anticipated.
Supplemental Information — Stanly 162

Northern long-eared bat
USFWS Recommended Survey Window: June 1 — August 15
Habitat Description: In North Carolina, the northern long-eared bat (NLEB) occurs in the
mountains, with scattered records in the Piedmont and coastal plain. In western North
Carolina, NLEB spend winter hibernating in caves and mines. During the summer, NLEB
roost singly or in colonies underneath bark, in cavities, or in crevices of both live and dead
trees (typically >3 inches dbh). Males and non -reproductive females may also roost in
cooler places, like caves and mines. This bat has also been found, rarely, roosting in
structures like barns and sheds, under eaves of buildings, behind window shutters, in
bridges, and in bat houses. Foraging occurs on forested hillsides and ridges, and
occasionally over forest clearings, over water, and along tree -lined corridors. Mature
forests may be an important habitat type for foraging.
Biological Conclusion: Exempt
Potential foraging habitat exists within the wooded areas of the PSA. There are records of
NLEB being located in Stanly County. The NCNHP website was reviewed on January 2,
2019 to determine the locations of the nearest populations of NLEB. The NCNHP
determined that no populations of NLEB were present within one mile of the project study
area. The USFWS record of occurrence for the NLEB is greater than 40 miles from the
PSA and there will be no blasting or other percussive activities. The USACE has developed
a Standard Local Operations Procedure for Endangered Species (SLOPES) to address
NLEB when they are the lead agency, which NCDOT will follow for this project. This
procedure applies to projects in NCDOT Divisions 9-14. The requirements of the SLOPES
for the NLEB will be completed prior to Let and will be submitted to the USACE. A
Biological Conclusion is not required. As per the recommendation of the USFWS, a tree
cutting moratorium between June 1 through and including July 31 will be implemented as
feasible to further reduce the probability of "take" for this species.
Supplemental Information — Stanly 162