20200255 Ver 1_PCN Form Submission_20200214

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?*
C Yes r No
Change only if needed.
BIMS # Assigned
20200255
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:
Winterlake Drive site
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
2/14/2020
Nearest Body of Water
Catawba Creek
Basin
Catawba
Water Classification
C
Site Coordinates
Latitude:
35.2302
A. Processing Information
County (or Counties) where the project is located:
Gaston
Is this project a public transportation project?*
r Yes r No
Longitude:
-81.1654
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?*
IT $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
F 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:
F 401 Water Quality Certification - E)iress
F Riparian Buffer Authorization
1f. Is this an after -the -fact permit application?*
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
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 r No
B. Applicant Information
1d. Who is applying for the permit?
r Owner W Applicant (other than owner)
le. Is there an Agent/Consultant for this project?*
r Yes r No
2. Owner Information
2a. Name(s) on recorded deed:
JM Gunter Family Trust
2b. Deed book and page no.:
2c. Responsible party:
Roberta Gunter
2d.Address
Street Address
113 Patrick Street
Address tine 2
City
Gastonia
Postal / Zip Cate
28054
2e. Telephone Number:
[phone]
2g. Email Address:*
[e-mail]
3. Applicant Information (if different from owner)
State / Province / Region
NC
Country
Gastonia
2f. Fax Number:
r Yes r No
r Yes r No
3a. Name:
Thomas Pearson

3b. Business Name:
JP Development Group
3c.Address
Street Address
4301 Fairview Oaks Drive
Address Line 2
CKY
Charlotte
Postal / Zip Code
28217
3d. Telephone Number:
[phone]
3f. Email Address:*
daniel. kuefler@v,etlands-epg. com
4. Agent/Consultant (if applicable)
4a. Name:
Daniel Kuefler
4b. Business Name:
Wetlands & Environmental Planning Group
4c.Address
Street Address
10612-D Providence Road
Address tine 2
City
Charlotte
Postal / Zip Code
28227
4d. Telephone Number:
[phone]
4f. Email Address:*
[e-mail]
Agent Authorization Letter*
agent auth _duplicate.pdf
State / Province / legion
NC
Country
USA
3e. Fax Number:
State / Prmince / legion
NC
Country
USA
4e. Fax Number:
67.31 KB
C. Project Information and Prior Project History C^U
1. Project Information
1b. Subdivision name:
(if appropriate)
1c. Nearest municipality/ town:
Gastonia
2. Project Identification
2a. Property Identification Number:
please see attached parcel map
2c. Project Address
Street Address
Intersection of Elam Street & Winterlake Drive
Address Line 2
City
Gastonia
Postal / Zip Code
3. Surface Waters
3a. Name of the nearest body of water to proposed project:*
Catawba Creek
3b. Water Resources Classification of nearest receiving water:*
C
2b. Property size:
19.2
State / Province / Region
NC
Country

3c. What river basin(s) is your project located in?*
Catawba
3d. Please provide the 12-digit HUC in which the project is located.
030501011502
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 entire site is wooded; there is a disturbed pine dominated forest on the upland slopes, and the lower slopes and stream corridors are dominated
by a disturbed mixed hardwood forest community.
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 127.59KB
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 177.76KB
4f. List the total estimated acreage of all existing wetlands on the property:
0.155
4g. List the total estimated linear feet of all existing streams on the property:
1015
4h. Explain the purpose of the proposed project:*
The project consists of one road crossing, grading, fill & sewer installation for a mixed -use development.
4i. 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 1.51MB
5. Jurisdictional Determinations
5a. Have the wetlands or streams been delineated on the propertyor proposed impact areas?*
r Yes r No r Unknown
Comments:
The site was field -verified by USACE (Catherine Janiczak) on 7/10/19. A copy of the signed
Notification of Jurisdictional Determination (PJD) is attached.
5b. If the Corps made a jurisdictional determination, what type of determination was made?*
r Preliminary r Approved r Not Verified r Unknown r N/A
Corps AID Number:
SAW-2019-00967
5c. If 58 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 USACE (Catherine Janiczak) on 7/10/19. A copy of the signed Notification of Jurisdictional Determination (PJD) is
attached.
Sd1. Jurisdictional determination upload
deliniation _duplicate.pdf 168.54KB
6. Future Project Plans
6a. Is this a phased project?*
r Yes O No
7b. If yes, explain.
Future modifications to the existing on site dam are expected in order to meet safety requirements.
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):
W Wetlands W Streams -tributaries r Buffers
r Open Waters r Pond Construction
2. Wetland Impacts
2a. Site #* (?) 2a1 Reason (?) 2b. Impact type * (?) �2�e of W. 2d. W. name * 2e. Forested * 2f. Type of 2g. Impact
Jurisdicition*(?) 11 area
N1 Road Crossing P Bottomland Hardwood Forest Wetland D Yes Corps 0.066
(acres)
2g. Total Temporary Wetland Impact
0.000
2g. Total Wetland Impact
0.066
2g. Total Permanent Wetland Impact
0.066
2h. Comments:
0.066 ac of impacts to wetland D. A french drain will be installed to maintain hydrology to the top of the unimpacted portion of the wetland.
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*
Road Crossing Permanent Culvert Stream C Perennial Corps 3 82
S1 g p Average (feet) (lir�rfeet)
3P
Road Crossing
Temporary
Dewatering
Stream C
Perennial
Corps
3
Average (feet)
10
(lir�rfeet)
31. Total jurisdictional ditch impact in square feet:
0
31. Total permanent stream impacts:
82
31. Total stream and ditch impacts:
92
31. Total temporary stream impacts:
10
3j. Comments:
Riprap installed downstream of the culvert for bank stabilization will be installed above the Ordinary High Water Mark to avoid additional stream
impacts.
E. Impact Justification and Mitigation
1. Avoidance and Minimization
la. 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. The
road
crossing has been designed to be as narrow as possible with 2:1 slopes. Baffles will be used within the culvert to aid in the accumulation and retention
of natural substrate. A french drain will be installed near the top of the unimpacted portion of wetland C to maintain hydrology.
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.
Rip rap installed to armor the banks below the road crossing will be placed above the OHWM and will not require additional impacts. Utility crossings
will be bored 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 r 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

la. 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 15A NCAC 02H .1003(2)?
r Yes r No
2c. Does this project have a stormwater management plan (SMP) reviewed and approved under a state stormwater program or state -approved local government stormwater
program?
r Yes r No
2d. Which of the following stormwater management program(s) apply:
W Local Government F State
Local Government Stormwater Programs
V Phase II r NSW r USMP r Water Supply
Please identify which local government stormwater program you are using.
City of Gastonia
Comments:
Storm water on the site will be handled by facilities shown on the attached plans. The stormwater plan has not yet been submitted to the City of
Gastonia but will be designed to meet their criteria.
G. Supplementary Information
1. Environmental Documentation
la. 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 (15ANCAC 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 f• No
3. 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.
Future upgrades to the existing dam onsite are anticipated for safety reasons but are not expected to result in additional impacts.
4. Sewage Disposal (DWR Requirement)
4a. Is sewage disposal required by DWR for this project?*
r Yes r Nor WA
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 f• No
5d. Is another Federal agency involved?*
r Yes r No r Unknown
Se. 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.?
r Yes r 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 226.45KB
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.ncdcr.gov/hpoweb/
7c. Historic or Prehistoric Information Upload
8. Flood Zone Designation (Corps Requirement)
8a. Will this project occur in a FEMA-designated 100-year floodplain?*
r Yes r No
8c. What source(s) did you use to make the floodplain determination?*
GastonCounty GIS; www.fema.gov
Miscellaneous c^U
Comments
A compiled PCN packet is attached, including ORM, cover letter, forms, photos, authorizations and other supplementary documentation.
Miscellaneous attachments not previously requested.
Winterlake PCN _compiled 021420.pdf 5.66MB
Signature U
*
W 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
Date
2/14/2020

Wetlands and Environmental Planning
Agent Authorization Letter
Leonard S. Rirdner. PLLC.
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: Winterlake Drive site
Property Address: Winterlake Drive /Elam Street, Gastonia, NC
Parcel Identification Number (PIN): 3554367139, 3554366093, 3554366725, 3554352765, 3554259284, 3554350294,
3554352203,3554353222, 3554354250
Select one: I am other
Name: Thomas D. Pearson
Company: J P Development Group, LLC
Mailing Address: 14301 Fairview Oaks Drive, Charlotte, N. C. 282117
Telephone Number: 704-617-7200
Electronic Mail Address: [e-mail]
Property Ownerf Interested Buyer* /Other
Date
* The Interested Buyer/Other acknowledges 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
where the property is not owned by the signatory.
Charlotte Office: www.wetiands-epg.com Ashevilla Office,
i 612-D Providence Rd, 1070 Tunnel Rd., Bldg. l
PIXIE' 550 Suite 10, PMB 283
Charlotte, NC 28277 Asheville, NC 28805
[phone]
[e-mail]

Winterlake Drive
Gaston County, NC
USGS MAP
Subject to USACE/NCDEQ verification
FIGURE
05/01/18
Prepared for: Acres:
+/- 19.2
LOCATION
Lat: 35.2302 ºN
Long: -81.1654 ºW
HUC: 03050101 (Catawba)
PROJECT BOUNDARY
STUDY LIMITS
USGS QUAD
Gastonia
South, NC
SCALE
1:24,000
ACRES
19.2
3
Pearson Land Corporation
Winterlake Drive
Gaston County, NC
SOILS MANUSCRIPT MAP
Subject to USACE/NCDEQ verification
FIGURE
05/01/18
Prepared for: Acres:
+/- 19.2
PROJECT BOUNDARY
STUDY LIMITS
5 Pearson Land Corporation
VICINITY MAP
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PROJECT NO.
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01/08/20
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SESSION W.RRLAKE DRIVE PROPERTY CHECKED BY
4 CITY OF GASTONIA, GASTON COUNTY, N.C.
FOR: PEARSON LAND CORPORATION
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Planning U Surveying o Engineering
730 Windsor Oak Caput P.O. Bo: Elea
NC Corporate Charlotte. North Carolina, 28273 Pineville. North Carolina, 28134
��___ Registration IC-0476 704.555.1990 704.556.0505(fas) 3 or 6
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SHEET TITLE NOW OR FORMERLY
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Registration #C-0475 704.556.1090 704.558.M(fa:)
sHr 4 of 6 SFiTS

Winterlake Drive
Gaston County, NC
DELINEATION MAP
Subject to USACE/NCDEQ verification
FIGURE
7 05/17/18
Updated
7/10/19
Prepared for:
Pearson Land Corporation
Acres:
+/- 19.2
PROJECT BOUNDARY
STUDY LIMITS
PERENNIAL STREAM C
-450 lf
PIPE
CULVERT
INTERMITTENT STREAM B
- lf
CULVERT
POND A
-1. ac
WETLAND E
(Fringe around pond)
-0. ac
Drawn By:
DCK
Reviewed By:
LSR
1
2
3
4
DAM
5
6
7
8
9
10
PERENNIAL STREAM H
- 0 lf
WETLAND F
-0.0 ac
WETLAND D
-0.0 ac
USACE WET
FORM E
USACE
UPLAND
DP1
NCDEQ STR
FORM C
NCDEQ STR
FORM B
PERENNIAL STREAM I
- 1 5 lf
USACE Verification 7/10/19
*** USACE Verification 7/10/19 ***
Threatened / Endangered / Protected Species
Evaluation
For Winterlake Drive
Gaston County, North Carolina
By: Lisa R. Gaffney
January 21, 2020
Winterlake Drive - Threatened / Endangered / Protected Species Evaluation
222
GENERAL LANDSCAPE DESCRIPTION:
The Winterlake Drive site (+/-19.2 acres) is located just west of Winterlake Drive,
just east of Hwy 274, and just north of Elam Street in Gaston County, North
Carolina. It can be found on the Gastonia South USGS Topographic
Quadrangle Map; latitude is 35.2302 N, longitude is -81.1654 W. The topography
consists of moderate slopes grading into a pond and an unnamed tributary to
Catawba Creek, with the elevation ranging from 740 to 770 ft. (Figure 1). The
entire site is wooded; there is a disturbed pine dominated forest on the upland
slopes, and the lower slopes and stream corridors are dominated by a disturbed
mixed hardwood forest community.
Figure 1:
Winterlake Drive - 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 January 15, 2020.
Table 1: Threatened / Endangered / Protected Species listed for Gaston
County
*Source: US Fish & Wildlife Service
**Data search on January 15, 2020
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
Winterlake Drive - 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.
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RESULTS:
The entire site is wooded; there is a disturbed Loblolly Pine (Pinus taeda)
dominated forest on the upland slopes, and the lower slopes, pond buffer and
stream corridor are dominated by a disturbed mixed hardwood forest community.
An overhead power line parallels Elam Street. There are small trails throughout
the site.
The disturbed pine dominated forest on the slopes has an average diameter at
breast height (dbh) for the canopy trees of 14 inches, with some larger trees up
to 36 inches dbh present. Mixed Oaks and Hickories dominate on lower slopes
and drainages. Canopy trees present include Loblolly Pine, Virginia Pine (Pinus
virginiana), Shortleaf Pine (P.echinata), Sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua),
Tulip Poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera), White Oak (Quercus alba), Red Oak (Q.
rubra), Southern Red Oak (Q. falcata), Willow Oak (Q. phellos), Mockernut
Hickory (Carya tomentosa), Hackberry (Celtis laevigata), American Elm (Ulmus
americana), and White Ash (Fraxinus americana). Subcanopy species present
are, Red Maple (Acer rubrum), Sourwood (Oxydendrum arboreum,Flowering
Dogwood (Cornus florida), 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 Chinese Privet
(Ligustrum sinense), Multiflora Rose (Rosa multiflora), Blueberry (Vaccinium
spp.), and Russian Olive (Elaeagnus angustifolia). Vines present are Kudzu
(Pueraria lobata), Japanese Honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica), Virginia Creeper
(Parthenocissus quinquefolia), Muscadine (Vitis rotundifolia), Catbrier (Smilax
sp.), and Poison Ivy (Toxicodendron radicans). The herb layer is sparse, and
includes Bracken Fern (Pteridium aquilinum), Christmas Fern (Polystichum
acrostichoides), Spotted Wintergreen (Chimaphila maculata), Running Pine
(Lycopodium flabelliforme), Downy Rattlesnake Plantain (Goodyera pubescens),
Violets (Viola spp.), and Japanese Stilt Grass (Microstegium vimineum).
The roadsides along Winterlake Drive and Elam Street have turf grass shoulders
and ditches, along with patches of narrow weedy buffers including scrub/shrub
thickets. The overhead power line on Elam Street has been both herbicided and
mowed. Johnson grass (Sorghum halepense), and Broomsedge (Andropogon
virginicus) are dominant, species including Blackberry (Rubus sp.), Winged
Sumac (Rhus copallinum), Sericea Lespedeza (Lespedeza cuneata), Goldenrod
(Solidago sp.), Ragweed (Ambrosia sp.), Pokeweed (Phytolacca americana),
Wingstem (Verbescina sp.), and Dogfennel (Eupatorium capillifolium).
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Threatened / Endangered / Protected Species Results
Potential habitat for Dwarf-flowered Heartleaf was examined; no suitable
habitat is present and no individuals of this species were observed.
The potential habitat for Schweinitz’s Sunflower along the roadside,
transitional areas and woods edges were examined. There was no
suitable habitat for this species, and it was not present.
The site has no suitable habitat for Bog Turtles. No individuals were
observed during the survey nor would any be expected on-site.
No suitable nesting habitat exists on the site for Bald Eagles, and there
were no sightings nor were any nesting sites 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
January 21, 2020
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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 45,000 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.