20200233 Ver 1_20-136_ConcurrenceBridgeNo.115_NC66VadeMecumCreek_StokesCo_20200212

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A United States Department of the Interior
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9 ' FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE
�gRCH 3 yea Asheville Field Office oFE
160 Zillicoa Street Suite #B
Asheville, North Carolina 28801
February 5, 2020
Amy Euliss
Division 9 Environmental Officer
375 Silas Creek Parkway
Winston Salem, NC 27127-7167
Subject: 20-136 Bridge Replacement, Bridge No. 15 on NC 66 over Vade Mecum Creek in
in Stokes County.
Dear Ms. Euliss,
On January 6, 2020 we received your email requesting section 7 concurrence on effects the
subject project may have on the federally endangered gray bat (Myotis grisescens). The
following revised comments are provided in accordance with section 7 of the Endangered
Species Act of 1973, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1531-1543) (Act).
A bridge survey for bats and evidence of roosting bats on 06/29/2017 was negative. You have
also agreed to confirm the absence of bats before demolition occurs. The North Carolina Mines
dataset was reviewed in ATLAS on December 31, 2019 for the presence of mines, and none
were found. Additionally, a field review of the project area on June 29, 2017 was conducted to
identify presence of caves, and none were found. Accordingly, we concur with your
determination that the proposed project may affect, but is not likely to adversely affect, the gray
bat.
Therefore, we believe the requirements under Section 7(c) of the Endangered Species Act
(ESA) of 1973, as amended (16 U.S.C. 15 31 - 1543), are fulfilled. Obligations under Section 7
of the ESA 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 this 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. Claire Ellwanger of our staff at
828/258-3939, Ext. 42235. In any future correspondence concerning these projects, please
reference our Log Number 20-136.

Sincerely,
--original signed —
Janet Mizzi
Field Supervisor