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Home My WebLink About20191578 Ver 1_BR-0011 Bat memo Cherokee slopes_20191115Roy COOPER GOVERNOR STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION November 30, 2018 TO: Bill Barrett, Environmental Senior Specialist Environmental Coordination & Permitting Group, EAU FROM: Melissa Miller, Environmental Program Consultant Biological Surveys Group, EAU TAMES H. TROGDON, III SECRETARY SUBJECT: Section 7 survey results for the northern long-eared bat (Myotis septentrionalis), Indiana Bat (Myotis sodalis) and gray bat (Myotis grisescens) associated with the replacement of Bridge No. 02 over Slow Creek on NC 141 in Cherokee County, TIP No. 1311-0011. The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT, Division 14) proposes to replace Bridge No. 02 over Slow Creek on NC 141 in Cherokee County, TIP No. BR-0011. The existing bridge is a single span structure with metal beams, deck, guard rails and timber end walls. The overall length of the structure is 41 feet. Northern long-eared bat The project to replace Bridge No. 02 has been reviewed for effects on the northern long- eared bat (NLEB). As of May 4, 2015, NLEB is listed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) as "Threatened" under the Endangered Species Act of 1973. As of November 30, 2018, NLEB is listed by USFWS (http://www.fws.gov/raleighlspecieslcntylist/nc counties.html) as "current" in Cherokee County. According to the North Carolina Natural Heritage Program (NHP) Biotics Database, most recently updated October 2018, the nearest NLEB hibernacula record is 10.6 miles northwest of the project (EO ID 34127) and no known NLEB roost trees occur within 150 feet of the project area. EO 34127 represents Radford Cave sites with multiple observations from 2008 to 2014. Mailing Address: TELEPHONE: 919-707-6000 Location: NC DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION FAX: 919-212-5785 CENTURY CENTER, BUILDING B PROJECT DEVELOPMENT & 1020 BIRCH RIDGE DRIVE ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS UNIT WEBSITE:NCDOTGOV RALEIGH NC 27610 1598 MAIL SERVICE CENTER RALEIGH NC 27699-1598 NCDOT has also reviewed the USFWS Asheville Field office website (http://www.fws.gov/asheville/htmis/project review/NLEB in WNC.html) for consistency with NHP records. This project is located entirely outside of the red highlighted areas (12- digit HUC) that the USFWS Asheville Field Office has determined to be representative of an area that may require consultation. The closest 12 digit (0602000020701) red HUC is approximately 6 miles away (Hanging Dog Creek). On June 20, 2018, NCDOT biologists assessed the bridge project footprint for potential NLEB habitat. No evidence of bats was observed. River birch and Cherry were noted within the project footprint. These trees receive approximately 7+ hours of sunlight daily. Indiana Bat The project to replace Bridge No. 02 has also been reviewed for effects on the Indiana bat (MYSO). As of March 11, 1967, the Indiana bat was listed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) as "Endangered" under the Endangered Species Act of 1973. As of November 30, 2018 the Indiana bat is listed by USFWS as "current" in Cherokee County (httl2://www.fws.gov/raleigh/specieslcntylist/nc counties.html). According to the North Carolina Natural Heritage Program (NHP) Biotics Database, most recently updated in October 2018, MYSO have been documented in Cherokee County. USFWS, North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (WRC) and NHP data indicate that the closest known occurrence of MYSO is approximately 8 miles northwest of the project site (EO ID 32450). EO ID 32450 represents Hanging Dog Creek site with mist net and observation records of two adult females in 2007. On June 20, 2018, NCDOT biologists assessed the bridge project footprint for potential MYSO habitat. No evidence of bats was observed. River birch and Cherry were noted within the project footprint. These trees receive approximately 7+ hours of sunlight daily. Gray Bat The project to replace Bridge No. 02 has also been reviewed for effects on the gray bat (MYGR). As of April 28, 1976, the gray bat was listed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) as "Endangered" under the Endangered Species Act of 1973. According to the USFWS Cherokee County webpage (accessed November 30, 2018), (http://www.fws.gov/raleigh/specieslcntylist/nc counties.html), the gray bat is listed by USFWS as "current" in Cherokee County. According to the North Carolina Natural Heritage Program (NHP) Biotics Database, most recently updated in October 2018, MYGR have not been documented in Cherokee County. NHP data indicate that the closest known occurrence of MYGR is approximately 30 miles northeast of the project site (EO ID 38506). EO 38506 represents an observation near Fontana Lake. On July 3, 2018, a MYGR was observed roosting in a bridge approximately 3.5 miles south of BR-0011. This information is based on personal communication and although it has been verified, has not yet been updated and assigned an EO number in NHP as of this writing. On June 20, 2018, NCDOT biologists assessed the bridge project footprint for potential MYGR habitat. No evidence of bats was observed. No caves or mines are located within the project footprint. Final design, tree clearing, and percussive activities information will be provided in the permit application. ACOE will make all determinations for all listed species in county (per Lori Beckwith 7/17/18). If you need any additional information, please contact Melissa Miller at 919-707-6127.