20200013 Ver 1_PCN Form Submission_20191230

DWR
mrlslon of Water Resources
Pre -Construction Notification (PCN) Form
September 29, 2018 Ver 3
Initial Review
Has this project met the requirements for acceptance in to the review process?*
r Yes
r No
Is this project a public transportation project?*
G Yes r No
Change only if needed.
BIMS # Assigned
20200013
Is a payment required for this project?*
r No payment required
r Fee received
r Fee needed - send electronic notification
Reviewing Office *
Nboresville Regional Office - [phone]
Information for Initial Review
1a. Name of project:
Azalea Ridge
1a. Who is the Primary Contact?*
Daniel Kuefler
1b. Primary Contact Email:*
d a n ie I. kuefle r@wetl ands-epg. co m
Date Submitted
12/30/2019
Nearest Body of Water
South Stanley Creek
Basin
Catawba
Water Classification
WS-IV
Site Coordinates
Latitude:
35.3259
A. Processing Information
County (or Counties) where the project is located:
Gaston
Is this project a public transportation project?*
r Yes r No
Longitude:
-81.0452
1a. Type(s) of approval sought from the Corps:
W Section 404 Permit (wetlands, streams and waters, Clean Water Act)
r Section 10 Permit (navigable waters, tidal waters, Rivers and Harbors Act)
1b. What type(s) of permit(s) do you wish to seek authorization?
* Nationwide Permit (NWP)
* Regional General Permit (RGP)
7 Standard (IP)
Version#*
1
What amout is owed?*
r $240.00
r $570.00
Select Project Reviewer*
Alan Johnson:eads\adjohnson1
1c. Primary Contact Phone:*
[phone]

1c. Has the NWP or GP number been verified by the Corps?
r Yes r No
Nationwide Permit (NWP) Number:
NWP Numbers (for multiple NWPS):
1d. Type(s) of approval sought from the DWR:
W 401 Water Quality Certification - Regular
r Non-404 Jurisdictional General Permit
r Individual Permit
29 - Residential Developments
le. Is this notification solely for the record because written approval is not required?
For the record only for DWR401 Certification:
For the record only for Corps Permit:
r 401 Water Quality Certification - E)press
r Riparian Buffer Authorization
1f. Is this an after -the -fact permit application?*
r Yes IT No
1g. Is payment into a mitigation bank or in -lieu fee program proposed for mitigation of impacts?
r Yes r No
1g. Is payment into a mitigation bank or in -lieu fee program proposed for mitigation of impacts?
r Yes r No
Acceptance Letter Attachment
1h. lathe project located in any of NC's twenty coastal counties?
r Yes r No
1j. Is the project located in a designated trout watershed?
r Yes IT No
B. Applicant Information
1d. Who is applying for the permit?
W Owner r Applicant (other than owner)
le. Is there an Agent/Consultant for this project?*
r Yes r No
2. Owner Information
2a. Narri on recorded deed:
Charles Jonas Hwy Properties, LLC
2b. Deed book and page no.:
2c. Responsible party:
J.Bart Hopper
2d.Address
Street Address
1616 Cleveland Avenue
Address Line 2
City
Charlotte
Postal / Zip Code
28203
2e. Telephone Number:
[phone]
2g. Email Address:*
[e-mail]
4. Agent/Consultant (if applicable)
State / Province / Region
NC
Country
USA
2f. Fax Number:
r Yes r No
r Yes r No
4a. Name:
Daniel Kuefler

4b. Business Name:
Wetlands & Environmental Planning Group
4c.Address
Street Address
10612-D Providence Road, PMB 550
Address tine 2
CKY
Charlotte
Postal / Zip Code
28227
4d. Telephone Number:
[phone]
4f. Email Address:*
d a n ie I. kuefle r@wetlands-epg. co m
Agent Authorization Letter*
Agent Authorization _duplicate.pdf
State / Province / Region
NC
Country
USA
4e. Fax Number:
257.31 KB
C. Project Information and Prior Project History C^)
1. Project Information
1b. Subdivision name:
(d appropriate)
1c. Nearest municipality/ town:
Mount Holly
2. Project tt Identification
2a. Property Identification Number: 2b. Property size:
220906 78.1
2c. Project Address
Street Address
Intersection of Charles Jonas Hwy & Green Acres Rd, Mount Holly, NC
Address Line 2
(Sty State / Rovince / Flegion
Postal / Zip Code Gantry
3. Surface Waters
3a. Name of the nearest body of water to proposed project:*
South Stanley Creek
3b. Water Resources Classification of nearest receiving water:*
WS-IV
3c. What river basin(s) is your project located in?*
Catawba
3d. Please provide the 12-digit HUC in which the project is located.
030501011304
4. Project Description and History
4a. Describe the existing conditions on the site and the general land use in the vicinity of the project at the time of this application:*
The site is covered with a mixed pine/hardwood forest. General land use in the vicinity is a mixture undeveloped land and residential/ commercial
developments.
4b. Have Corps permits or DWR certifications been obtained for this project (including all prior phases) in the past?*
r' Yes r No r' Unknown
4d. Attach an 8 1/2 X 11 excerpt from the most recent version of the USGS topographic map indicating the location of the project site. (for DWR)
USGS _duplicate.pdf 123.04KB
4e. Attach an 8 1/2 X 11 excerpt from the most recent version of the published County NRCS Soil Survey map depicting the project site. (for DWR)
Soils _duplicate.pdf 543.54KB
4f. List the total estimated acreage of all existing wetlands on the property:
0.37

4g. List the total estimated linear feet of all existing streams on the property:
2022
4h. Explain the purpose of the proposed project:*
The project consists of one road crossing, grading, fill & sewer installation for a residential development.
41. Describe the overall project in detail, including indirect impacts and the type of equipment to be used:*
Excavation and grading of the site will use standard equipment - excavator, dump trucks, track hoe, etc.
4j. Please upload project drawings for the proposed project.
Plans _duplicate.pdf 7.01 MB
5. Jurisdictional Determinations
5a. Have the wetlands or streams been delineated on the property or proposed impact areas?*
r Yes r No f Unknown
Comments:
5b. If the Corps made a jurisdictional determination, what type of determination was made?*
r Preliminary r Approved r Not Verified r Unknown f N/A
Corps AID Number:
SAW-2019-01232
5c. If 5a is yes, who delineated the jurisdictional areas?
Name (if known): Nic Nelson
Agency/Consultant Company: WEPG
Other:
5d. List the dates of the Corp jurisdiction determination or State determination if a determination was made by the Corps or DWR
The site was field -verified by USAGE (Catherine Janiczak) on 8/14/19. A copy of the signed Notification of Jurisdictional Determination (PJD) is attached.
5411. Jurisdictional determination upload
delineation _duplicate.pdf 642.23KB
6. Future Project Plans
6a. Is this a phased project?*
r Yes r No
Are any other NWP(s), regional general permit(s), or individual permits(s) used, or intended to be used, to authorize any part of the proposed project or related activity?
No.
D. Proposed Impacts Inventory
1. Impacts Summary
la. Where are the impacts associated with your project? (check all that apply):
r Wetlands W Streams -tributaries r Buffers
r Open Waters F Pond Construction
3. Stream Impacts
3a. Reason for impact (?)
3b.lmpact type *
3c. Type of impact*
3d. S. name*
3e. Stream Type*
3f. Type of
3g. S. width*
3h. Impact
❑
(?)
Jurisdiction*
length*
S1
Road Crossing
9
Permanent
Culvert Jream
J
Perennial
DWR
3
�(�
Average (feet)
earfeet)
S2
Road Crossing
9
Permanent
Bank Stabilization
Stream J
Perennial
DWR
3
25
Average (feet)
(linearfeet)
S3
Road Crossing
Temporary
Dewatering
Stream J
Perennial
DWR
3
20
Average (feet)
(linearfeet)
3i. Total jurisdictional ditch impact in square feet:
0
3i. Total permanent stream impacts: 3i. Total temporary stream impacts:
165 20
3i. Total stream and ditch impacts:
185

3j. Comments:
Permanent Stream Impacts total 165 LF for one road crossing.Of these, 25 LF will be for stabilizing rip rap belowthe culvert that will be installed at
existing bed elevations and will not contribute to a Loss -to -Waters of the U.S.
E. Impact Justification and Mitigation u
1. Avoidance and Minimization
1a. Specifically describe measures taken to avoid or minimize the proposed impacts in designing the project:
Due to the location of the on site streams and wetland, opportunities to avoid these areas were limited. Impacts to site surface waters associated with
the proposed development were limited through site selection, location, design, & location/orientation of the proposed lots and access routes.
Discussions with the City of Mount Holly resulted in one road crossing being removed from the original design. The project has been designed as a
low
density site and will retain over 26.5 ac of undisturbed native forest as tree -save areas.
1b. Specifically describe measures taken to avoid or minimize the proposed impacts through construction techniques:
Construction techniques will implement approved erosion control methods to avoid/minimize impacts to onsite/adjacent offsite receiving conveyances.
The single road crossing has been designed be as narrow as possible while meeting the specifications of the City of Mount Folly. The crossing will
utilize a large headwall and 2:1 slopes where possible to minimize impacts. Stabilizing rip rap placed downstream of the crossing will be installed at
exting bed elevations and will not contribute to a Loss -of -Waters of the U.S. Utilities have been strategically located to avoid additional impacts.
2. Compensatory Mitigation for Impacts to Waters of the U.S. or Waters of the State
2a. Does the project require Compensatory Mitigation for impacts to Waters of the U.S. or Waters of the State?
r Yes f• No
2b. If this project DOES NOT require Compensatory Mitigation, explain why:
F. Stormwater Management and Diffuse Flow Plan (required by DWR)
1. Diffuse Flow Plan
1a. Does the project include or is it adjacent to protected riparian buffers identified within one of the NC Riparian Buffer Protection Rules?
r Yes r No
If no, explain why:
2. Stormwater Management Plan
2a. Is this a NCDOT project subject to compliance with NCDOT's Individual NPDES permit NCS000250?*
r Yes r No
2b. Does this project meet the requirements for low density projects as defined in 15ANCAC 02H .1003(2)?
r Yes r No
Comments:
G. Supplementary Information u
1. Environmental Documentation
1a. Does the project involve an expenditure of public (federal/state/local) funds or the use of public (federal/state) land?*
r Yes r No
2. Violations (DWR Requirement)
2a. Is the site in violation of DWR Water Quality Certification Rules (15A NCAC 2H .0500), Isolated Wetland Rules (15A NCAC 2H .1300), or DWR Surface Water or Wetland Standards or
Riparian Buffer Rules (15A NCAC 2B .0200)? *
r Yes r No
I Cumulative Impacts (DWR Requirement)
3a. Will this project result in additional development, which could impact nearby downstream water quality?*
r Yes r No
3b. If you answered "no," provide a short narrative description.
4. Sewage Disposal (DWR Requirement)

4a. Is sewage disposal required by DWR forth is project?*
r Yes r Nor NIA
4b. Describe, in detail, the treatment methods and dispositions (non -discharge or discharge) of wastewater generated from the proposed project. If the wastewater will be treated
at a treatment plant, list the capacity available at that plant.
Wastewater generated on the site will be transported to the nearest treatment facility via sewer lines.
5. Endangered Species and Designated Critical Habitat (Corps Requirement)
5a. Will this project occur in or near an area with federally protected species or habitat?*
r Yes r No
5b. Have you checked with the USFWS concerning Endangered Species Act impacts?*
r Yes r No
5d. Is another Federal agency involved?*
r Yes r No r Unknown
5e. Is this a DOT project located within Division's 1-8?
r Yes r No
5f. Will you cut any trees in order to conduct the work in waters of the U.S.?
r Yes r No
5g. Does this project involve bridge maintenance or removal?
r Yes r No
5h. Does this project involve the construction/installation of a wind turbine(s)?*
r Yes r No
5i. Does this project involve (1) blasting, and/or (2) other percussive activities that will be conducted by machines, such as jackhammers, mechanized pile drivers, etc.?
C Yes C No
5j. What data sources did you use to determine whether your site would impact Endangered Species or Designated Critical Habitat?
A threatened/Endangered species assessment was conducted in which no species were identified. Habitat does exist for the Northern Long Eared Bat
but the project is exempt as noted in the included T&E report.
Consultation Documentation Upload
T&E _duplicate.pdf 236.92KB
6. Essential Fish Habitat (Corps Requirement)
6a. Will this project occur in or near an area designated as an Essential Fish Habitat?*
r Yes r No
6b. What data sources did you use to determine whether your site would impact an Essential Fish Habitat?*
No essential fish habitat in this region.
7. Historic or Prehistoric Cultural Resources (Corps Requirement)
7a. Will this project occur in or near an area that the state, federal or tribal governments have designated as having historic or cultural preservation status?*
r Yes
r No
7b. What data sources did you use to determine whether your site would impact historic or archeological resources?*
SHPO's website: http://gis.ncder.gov/hpovveb/
7c. Historic or Prehistoric Information Upload
8. Flood Zone Designation (Corps Requirement)
8a. Will this project occur in a FEMA-designated 100-year floodplain?*
C Yes r No
81b. If yes, explain how project meets FEMA requirements:
No grading / fill will occur in the floodplain.
8c. What source(s) did you use to make the floodplain determination?*
Gaston County GIS; www-.fema.gov
U
Miscellaneous
Comments
A compiled PCN package is attached, including ORM, cover letter, forms, plans, authorizations, maps, photos and other supplementary materials.
Miscellaneous attachments not previously requested.
CR Jonas PCN 123019 _Compiled.pdf 10.74MB

Signature U
FJ By checking the box and signing below, I certify that:
• I have given true, accurate, and complete information on this form;
• I agree that submission of this PCN form is a "transaction" subject to Chapter 66, Article 40 of the NC General Statutes (the "Uniform Electronic Transactions Act");
• I agree to conduct this transaction by electronic means pursuant to Chapter 66, Article 40 of the NC General Statutes (the "Uniform Electronic Transactions Act");
• I understand that an electronic signature has the same legal effect and can be enforced in the same way as a written signature; AND
• I intend to electronically sign and submit the PCN form.
Full Name:
Daniel Kuefler
Signature
0r'1161.-O
Date
12/30/2019

)6(EPG
Wetlands and Environmental Planning Group Leonard S. Rindner, PLLC.
Agent Authorization Letter
The purpose of this form is to authorize our firm to act on your behalf in matters related to aquatic
resource (i.e. stream/wetlands) identification/mapping and regulatory permitting. The
undersigned, who are either registered property owners or legally authorized to conduct due
diligence activities on the property as identified below, do hereby authorize associates of
Leonard S. Rindner, PLLC, Wetlands and Environmental Planning Group (WEPG) to act on my
behalf and take all actions necessary for the processing, issuance, and acceptance of applicable
permit(s) and/or certification(s).
Project/Site Name; C R Jonas Hwy Site
Property Address: C R Jonas Highway, Gaston County, NC
Parcel Identification Number (PIN): 220906
Select one: 1 am the current property owner
Name: J. Bart Hopper
Company: Charles Jonas Hwy Properties, LLC
Mailing Address: 1616 Cleveland, Ave., Charlotte, NC 28203
Telephone Number: 704-805-4801
Electronic Mail Address: bhoppei'@hoppet'comtnunities.com
P"Lf ri '
Owner l I erested Aver * / Other Date
* The Interested Buyet/Other acknoWedges that an agreement and/or formal contract to purchase and/or conduct
due diligence activities exists between the current property owner and the signatory of this authorization in cases
ivhere the property is not oyvned by the signatory.
Charlotte Office: www.wetlands-epg.com Asheville Office:
10612-D Providence Rd. 1070 Tunnel Rd., Bldg. I
PMB 550 Suite 10, PMB 283
Charlotte, NC 28277 Asheville, NC 28805
[phone]
[e-mail]

USGS MAP C R Jonas Hwy Gaston County, NC For study purposes only Subject to USACE/NCDEQ verification Reviewed By: LSR 7/2/19 Prepared for: Hopper Communities FIGURE 3 Drawn By: DCK PROJECT BOUNDARY STUDY LIMITS(+/- 78.ac)LOCATION Lat: 35.3259 ºN Long: -81.0452 ºW HUC: 03050101 (Catawba) USGS QUAD Mt. Holly, NC SCALE 1:24,000 ACRES 78. South Stanley Creek
SOIL MANUSCRIPT MAP C R Jonas Hwy Gaston County, NC For study purposes only Subject to USACE/NCDEQ verification Reviewed By: LSR 7/2/19 Prepared for: Hopper Communities FIGURE 4a Drawn By: DCK PROJECT BOUNDARY STUDY LIMITS(+/- 78.ac)
NRCS SOILS MAP - Legend C R Jonas Hwy Gaston County, NC For study purposes only Subject to USACE/NCDEQ verification Reviewed By: LSR 7//19 Prepared for: Hopper Communities FIGURE 4b Drawn By: DCK
EXIST 18" SSSSSS
SS >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>0400 300EXH-1Dwg. No:FORAZALEA RIDGEHOPPER COMMUNITIESMOUNT HOLLY, NORTH CAROLINAScale:Date:By:EXISTING SITE CONDITIONS EXHIBITT:\PROJECTS\2017 PROJECTS\17054 Jonas Site - Mt Holly - Hopper\CAD\SHEETS\SITE CDs\17054-CULVERT PLAN.dwg12/12/2019Job #:By:17054MT/RS1"= 300'NorthAZALEA RIDGE / 17054PERENNIALSTREAM C94 LF ONSITE ONLYSTREAM BUFFEREX. WETLAND B0.009 AC ONSITE ONLYINTERMITTENTSTREAM E440 LF ONSITE ONLYEX. WETLAND F0.2 AC ONSITE ONLYPERENNIALSTREAM J1112 LF ONSITE ONLYPERENNIALSTREAM I376 LF ONSITE ONLYEX. WETLAND G0.09 AC ONSITE ONLYEX. WETLAND H0.07 AC ONSITE ONLYSTREAM BUFFERSTREAM BUFFERPARCEL ID: 220906TOTAL SITE AREA: 78.13 ACRESAPPLICATION TRACKING NUMBER:SAW-2019-01232EX. WETLAND D0.001 AC ONSITE ONLYPROJECT GRADINGBOUNDARY FORPROP. OFFSITESEWER EXTENSIONFigure 7
Authorized OfficialDateCity of Mount Holly, North CarolinaPlan Approval for Roadway, Drainage, Water & SewerFigure 8
ROSEWOOD DR.(50' PUBLIC R/W)30' SSRW+1200+1300+1400+1500+16 00
+17 00
+1800+1900669.28LPE=654.70LPE=649.03LPE=647.26LPE=638.25LPE=631.77LPE=632.97LPE=636.40LPE=640.25LPE=644.07LPE=633.80LPE=641.805-28YHD10'X10' FHE101991007374717268697067102>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>08050EXH-2Dwg. No:FORAZALEA RIDGEHOPPER COMMUNITIESMOUNT HOLLY, NORTH CAROLINAScale:Date:By:RPW STREAM A CROSSING EXHIBIT IMPACT #1T:\PROJECTS\2017 PROJECTS\17054 Jonas Site - Mt Holly - Hopper\CAD\SHEETS\SITE CDs\17054-CULVERT PLAN.dwg12/12/2019Job #:By:17054MT/RS 1"= 50'NorthAZALEA RIDGE / 17054APPLICATION TRACKING NUMBER:SAW-2019-01232WATERSHED DISTRICT: CATAWBA RIVER PROPOSED BUA=±23.9% (<24% MAX., LOW DENSITY)DEVELOP AS: DETACHED SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENTIALPROPOSED # OF LOTS: 131PROP. 84" CMPCULVERT(±140 LF STREAM IMPACT)±25 LF TYPE 2 RIP-RAP 18"THICKNESS OVER FABRICKEYED IN GROUND ATPRE-CONSTRUCTIONSTREAMBED ELEVATIONSPROJECT GRADINGBOUNDARY FORPROP. OFFSITESEWER EXTENSIONFigure 9
651.2645.1711+50 12+00644.3641.72637.9638.2712+50 13+00633.3634.82622.7631.3713+50 14+00614.7628.27610.8626.3814+50 15+00610.2625.75612.3626.3615+50 16+00619.2628.23626.8631.3416+50 17+00628.1635.61634.5640.1017+50 18+00641.5644.59641.1649.0818+50RCP18" RCP5-2418" RCP5-2518" RCP15" RCP5-2724" RCP5-1024" RCPPROP. 84" ALUMINIZED CMP W/ 1' BURY08050EXH-3Dwg. No:FORAZALEA RIDGEHOPPER COMMUNITIESMOUNT HOLLY, NORTH CAROLINAScale:Date:By:RPW STREAM A CROSSING EXHIBITT:\PROJECTS\2017 PROJECTS\17054 Jonas Site - Mt Holly - Hopper\CAD\SHEETS\SITE CDs\17054-CULVERT PLAN.dwg12/12/2019Job #:By:17054MT/RS1"= 50'NorthAZALEA RIDGE / 17054APPLICATION TRACKING NUMBER:SAW-2019-01232600610620PROP. 8" 40' DIPSS XINGROSEWOOD DR.600610620630630Figure 10
600610620PROP. ROSEWOOD DR. 50' ROWPROP. HEADWALLTOP @ ±611.1PROP. 40'-8" DIP SS XINGINVERT @ +/- 616.1±140 LF OFSTREAM IMPACTPER WATERWAYPROP. ELEV.@ ±626.30-70-60-50-40-30-20-100 10203040506070-80PROP. ELEV.@ ±626.0PROP. ELEV.@ ±626.82:1 MAX SLOPEGROUND ELEV.@ ±606INV. @ 605GROUND ELEV.@ ±603.8INV. @ 602.8± 127 LF OF 84" ALUMINIZEDCMP CULVERT @1.4% SLOPE,W/ 1' BURY10'2.5'6'5'1.5'EX. CREEKBOTTOM1.5'GUARD RAILGUARD RAILPROP. ELEV.@ ±610.93' MIN10'2.5'6'5'600610620630± 25' LONG TYPE 2 RIP-RAP18" THICKNESS OVER FABRICKEYED IN GROUND ATPRECONSTRUCTIONSTREAMBED ELEVATIONSPROP. 18" RCP SD XINGINVERT @ +/- 621.5PROP. 8" WL ELEV.INVERT @ ±623.125-YR ELEV. @ 612.4550-YR ELEV. @ 613.48100-YR ELEV. @ 614.75PROP. HEADWALLTOP @ ±613.280630-90-100±25 LF OFRIPRAPAND ±20 LF TOTAL OF TEMPORARY IMPACT FOR COFFER DAMS03015EXH-4Dwg. No:FORAZALEA RIDGEHOPPER COMMUNITIESMOUNT HOLLY, NORTH CAROLINAScale:Date:By:RPW STREAM A CROSS SECTION IMPACT #1T:\PROJECTS\2017 PROJECTS\17054 Jonas Site - Mt Holly - Hopper\CAD\SHEETS\SITE CDs\17054-CULVERT PLAN.dwg12/12/2019Job #:By:17054MT/RS1"= 15'NorthAZALEA RIDGE / 17054APPLICATION TRACKING NUMBER:SAW-2019-01232Figure 11
5-28Authorized OfficialDateCity of Mount Holly, North CarolinaPlan Approval for Roadway, Drainage, Water & Sewer11-08-2019Figure 12

FIGURE NO.
13 
Azalea Ridge 
Gaston Co., NC 

STREAM BANK STABILIZATION 
Typical Detail – N.T.S. 
SUBJECT TO USACE/NCDEQ VERIFICATION 

DATE:

8/26/2019 
Drawn By:
LSR HAC
Reviewed By:
DELINEATION MAP C R Jonas Hwy Gaston Co., NC For study purposes only Subject to USACE/NCDEQ verification Reviewed By: LSR 7/2/19 Prepared for: Hopper Communities FIGURE 14 Drawn By: NRN PROJECT BOUNDARY STUDY LIMITS (+/- 78. ac) WETLAND G -0.09 ac WETLAND H -0.07 ac WETLAND F -0.2 ac INTERMITTENT STREAM E -440 lf PERENNIAL STREAM J -1,112 lf PERENNIAL STREAM I - 376 lf WETLAND D -0.001 ac PERENNIAL STREAM C -94 lf WETLAND B -0.009 ac 1 2 LOCATION Lat: 35.3259ºN Long: -81.0452 ºW HUC: 03050101 (Catawba) 3 4 5 6 NCDEQ STREAM FORM E NCDEQ STREAM FORM I USACE WETAND FORM C USACE UPLAND FORM DP1 ***USACE VERIFICATION 8/14/19***
Threatened / Endangered / Protected Species
Evaluation
For CR Jonas Highway
Gaston County, North Carolina
By: Lisa R. Gaffney
December 9, 2019
CR Jonas Highway - Threatened / Endangered / Protected Species Evaluation
222
GENERAL LANDSCAPE DESCRIPTION:
The CR Jonas Highway site (+/-78.2 acres) is located just east of Charles Raper
Jonas Highway 27, and just south of Stanley Creek in Gaston County, North
Carolina. It can be found on the Mt. Holly, NC USGS Topographic Quadrangle
Map; latitude is 35.3259 N, longitude is -81.0452 W. The topography consists of
upland ridges above moderate slopes grading into drainages and unnamed
tributaries to Stanley Creek, with the elevation ranging from 650 to 710 ft. (Figure
1). The entire site is wooded; there is a mix of disturbed pines and hardwoods
on the ridges, and the lower slopes and stream corridors are dominated by a
mixed hardwood forest community. There is a small overhead power line along
the highway corridor that is managed by periodic mowing.
Figure 1:
CR Jonas Highway - Threatened / Endangered / Protected Species Evaluation
3333
METHODOLOGY:
The US Fish and Wildlife Service website http://www.fws.gov/endangered/ was
referenced to determine the occurrence of Threatened, Endangered and
Protected species for Gaston County North Carolina, the results of which are
listed below (Table 1). Maps and aerial photographs were assembled, and the
site was investigated during the weeks of October 28 and December 2, 2019.
Table 1: Threatened / Endangered / Protected Species listed for Gaston
County
*Source: US Fish & Wildlife Service
**Data search on October 28, 2019
Group Name Status
Flowering Plants Dwarf-flowered heartleaf
(Hexastylis naniflora)
Threatened
Flowering Plants Schweinitz's sunflower
(Helianthus
schweinitzii)
Endangered
Reptiles Bog turtle (Glyptemys
muhlenbergii)
Similarity of
Appearance
(Threatened)
Mammals Northern Long- Eared Bat
(Myotis septentrionalis)
Threatened
Birds Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus
leucocephalus)
Protected under the
Bald and Golden Eagle
Protection Act
CR Jonas Highway - Threatened / Endangered / Protected Species Evaluation
444
SPECIES DESCRIPTIONS:
Two plant species with federal protection are listed as potentially occurring in
Gaston County:
Schweinitz’s Sunflower (Helianthus schweinitzii), listed as Federally
Endangered, is typically found in open habitats which historically have
been maintained by wildfires and grazing bison and elk herds. Now most
occurrences are limited to roadsides, woodland and field edges, and utility
rights-of-way (ROW).
Dwarf-flowered Heartleaf (Hexastylis naniflora), listed as Federally
Threatened, is only found in the upper Piedmont of North and South
Carolina. It grows in acidic soils along bluffs and adjacent slopes,often in
association with mountain laurel.
Three animal species with federal protection are listed as potentially occurring in
Gaston County:
Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus), protected by the Bald and Golden
Eagle Protection Act, typically inhabits forested areas near large bodies of
open water such as lakes, marshes, seacoasts and rivers, where there are
suitable fish populations and tall trees for nesting and roosting.
Bog Turtle (Glyptemys muhlenburgii), Bog turtles live in the mud, grass
and sphagnum moss of bogs, swamps, and marshy meadows. These
wetlands are usually fed by cool springs flowing slowly over the land,
creating the wet, muddy soil needed by the turtles.
Northern Long-eared Bat (Myotis septentrionalis), listed as Federally
Threatened. During summer, northern long-eared bats roost singly or in
colonies underneath bark, in cavities, or in crevices of both live and dead
trees. Males and non-reproductive females may also roost in cooler
places, like caves and mines. It has also been found, rarely, roosting in
structures like barns and sheds. Northern long-eared bats spend winter
hibernating in caves and mines, called hibernacula.
CR Jonas Highway - Threatened / Endangered / Protected Species Evaluation
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RESULTS:
The entire site is wooded; there is a disturbed mixed pine dominated forest on
the upland slopes, and the lower slopes and stream corridors are dominated by a
disturbed mixed hardwood forest community. An overhead power line parallels
the Highway 27 roadside corridor and is managed by periodic mowing. There
are small trails and old roads on the upland ridges.
The disturbed pine dominated forest on the uplands has an average diameter at
breast height (dbh) for the canopy trees of 10 inches, with some larger trees up
to 24 inches dbh present. Mixed Oaks and Hickories dominate on lower slopes
and drainages. Canopy trees present include Shortleaf Pine (P.echinata),
Loblolly Pine (Pinus taeda), Virginia Pine (Pinus virginiana), Tulip Poplar
(Liriodendron tulipifera), Sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua), White Oak
(Quercus alba), Red Oak (Q. rubra), Southern Red Oak (Q. falcata), Mockernut
Hickory (Carya tomentosa), and Pignut Hickory (C. glabra). The subcanopy is
composed of Red Maple (Acer rubrum), Sourwood (Oxydendrum arboreum),
American Beech (Fagus grandifolia), Flowering Dogwood (Cornus florida),
Redbud (Cercis canadensis), American Holly (Ilex opaca), Winged Elm (Ulmus
alata), Black Cherry (Prunus serotina), Eastern Red Cedar (Juniperus virginiana),
and Black Gum (Nyssa sylvatica). The shrub layer includes Black Haw
(Viburnum prunifolium), Strawberry bush (Euonymus americanus), Chinese
Privet (Ligustrum sinense), Multiflora Rose (Rosa multiflora), Blueberry
(Vaccinium spp.), and Russian Olive (Elaeagnus angustifolia). Paw Paw
(Asimina triloba) is common on lower slopes. Vines include Japanese
Honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica), Virginia Creeper (Parthenocissus
quinquefolia), Muscadine (Vitis rotundifolia), Catbrier (Smilax sp.), and Poison Ivy
(Toxicodendron radicans). The herb layer includes Bracken Fern (Pteridium
aquilinum), Christmas Fern (Polystichum acrostichoides), Spotted Wintergreen
(Chimaphila maculata), Running Pine (Lycopodium flabelliforme), Downy
Rattlesnake Plantain (Goodyera pubescens), and Japanese Stilt Grass
(Microstegium vimineum).
The roadside along CR Jonas Highway 27 has turf grass shoulders and ditches,
along with patches of narrow weedy buffers along the tree line, with much of the
area having been mowed. Johnson grass (Sorghum halepense), and
Broomsedge (Andropogon virginicus) dominate. The transitional species include
Blackberry (Rubus sp.), Sericea Lespedeza (Lespedeza cuneata), Goldenrod
(Solidago sp.), Ragweed (Ambrosia sp.), Pokeweed (Phytolacca americana),
Wingstem (Verbescina sp.), and Dogfennel (Eupatorium capillifolium).
CR Jonas Highway - Threatened / Endangered / Protected Species Evaluation
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Threatened / Endangered / Protected Species Results
There is little to no suitable habitat for Dwarf-flowered Heartleaf on this
site, and no individuals of this species were observed.
The potential habitat for Schweinitz’s Sunflower along the roadside was
closely examined. No individuals of Schweinitz’s Sunflower were
observed.
The site has no suitable habitat for Bog Turtles. No individuals were
observed during the survey nor would any be expected on-site.
There is no suitable habitat for Bald Eagles on this site. No Eagles were
observed.
Comparing this site location to the USFWS Asheville office’s website
(http://www.fws.gov/asheville/htmls/project_review/NLEB_in_WNC.html) it
appears that the site meets the “exempt” criteria which requires no further
action under section 7 of the Endangered Species Act for the Northern
Long-eared Bat.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
Based on the site investigation and the review of available data, WEPG did not
identify any protected species occurring on the subject property. No further
investigation of the presence of protected species on this site is recommended at
this time.
Respectfully submitted,
_________________
Lisa R. Gaffney
Biologist
December 9, 2019
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Curriculum Vitae for:
Lisa R. Gaffney
Biologist / Botanist
B.S. Biology, University of North Carolina at Charlotte
Ms. Gaffney is a classically trained botanist and natural resource biologist, and has
conducted field work and investigative studies covering thousands of cumulative acres in
both North and South Carolina since 1996, including:
Cabarrus County NC Natural Heritage Inventory 1997-1998. Organized,
directed, and worked in field survey of natural areas in Cabarrus County for the
North Carolina Natural Heritage Program.
Lincoln County NC Natural Heritage Inventory 2000-2001. Organized, directed,
and worked in field survey of natural areas in Lincoln County for the North
Carolina Natural Heritage Program.
Threatened and Endangered Species Surveys and Natural Communities
Evaluation for over 50,000 acres in North and South Carolina, 1996 - present.
Located and identified at least six previously unreported populations of Federally
Endangered Schweinitz's Sunflower (Helianthus schweinitzii).
Located and identified four previously unreported populations of
Threatened Dwarf Heartleaf (Hexastylis naniflora).
Located a previously unknown population of Federally Endangered Schweinitz's
Sunflower at Redlair Farm in Gaston County, NC. This discovery led (in part) to
the purchase of the site by the State of North Carolina Plant Conservation
Program, now called Redlair Preserve. This population has become a Recovery
Site for the species.
Participated in numerous Piedmont Prairie restoration projects in Mecklenburg,
Union, Cabarrus and Gaston Counties, North Carolina.