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HomeMy WebLinkAbout20200919 Ver 1_S&EC Wiggins Mill Park T&E Report April 7 2020_20200715 To: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Raleigh Field Office P.O. Box 33726 Raleigh, NC 27636-3726 March 23, 2020 Re: Online Project Review Request, Wiggins Mill Park, Wilson- Wilson County, North Carolina, 13611.W11 We have reviewed the referenced project using the USFWS North Carolina Field Office’s online project review process and have followed all guidance and instructions in completing the review. We completed our review March 23, 2020 and are submitting our project review package in accordance with the instructions for further review. Our proposed action consists of: The proposed project is for the Wiggins Mill Reservoir Park The location of the project and the action area are identified on the enclosed maps. Wiggins Mill Park (35.689275, -77.957254). The site is located off Wiggins Mill Road, Wilson, Wilson County, North Carolina. Phase 1 of the project is expected to be completed by October 31, 2020. Additional phases anticipated to be completed within five years. This project review needs authorization through the USACE in Wilson County for a proposed boat ramp, boat dock, fishing dock, pedestrian trails and bridges, parking lots, bathrooms and shade structures. The enclosed project review package provides the information about the species and critical habitat considered in our review. The species conclusions table included in the package identifies our determinations for the resources that may be affected by the project. For additional information, please contact Mason Montgomery at the address listed above. Sincerely, SOIL & ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTANTS, PA Mason Montgomery Environmental Specialist, Wetlands Department Enclosures: 1) Project Request Review Package 2) S&EC T&E Species Report 3) Vicinity Maps 4) S&EC Photo Report 5) FWS Official Species List 6) NHP Report 7) FWS Species Conclusion Table 8) FWS Self-Certification Letter Wiggins Mill Park – S&EC Threatened & Endangered Species Report Page 1 of 5 March 23, 2020 S&EC Project No.: 13611.W11 To: Bartlett Engineering & Surveying, PC Attn: Robert S. Bartlett 1906 Nash Street North Wilson, NC 27893 Re: THREATENED & ENDANGERED SPECIES REPORT Wiggins Mill Park (+/- 55 acres) 3843 Wiggins Mill Road, Wilson, Wilson County, NC Dear Robert Bartlett: On March 18, 2020, Soil & Environmental Consultants, PA (S&EC) evaluated the Wiggins Mill Park project shown on the attached maps for potential endangered species. The property is located at 3843 Wiggins Mill in Wilson County, NC. Surface waters onsite flow into the Wiggins Mill Reservoir which is above Contentnea Creek in the Neuse River Basin. which has been classified in the “Classification and NC DWQ Standards Applicable to Surface Waters and Wetlands of North Carolina” as C;Sw,NSW. We obtained the attached automatically generated official species list from the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (FWS) and N.C. Natural Heritage Program (NHP) report identifying the protected species on or within one mile of the project area that could potentially be affected by the project. These FWS & NHP reports were updated as of the date of this report. The official species list is valid for 90 days. We conducted site assessments to identify potential suitable habitat and preliminary surveys for the individual species listed on the official species list. This included assessing the physical characteristics of the streams, identifying forest types and looking for evidence of the listed species onsite. This survey did not include any detailed sampling or netting. The results of the search are discussed below. March 23, 2020 S&EC Project #13611.W11 Wiggins Mill Park – S&EC Threatened & Endangered Species Report Page 2 of 5 RESULTS: The FWS official species list identified the following species for the Evaluation limits: • Red-cockaded Woodpecker (Picoides borealis), Endangered • Neuse River Waterdog (Necturus lewisi), Proposed Threatened • Carolina Madtom (Noturus furiosus), Proposed Endangered • Atlantic Pigtoe (Fusconaia masoni), Proposed Threatened • Michaux’s Sumac (Rhus michauxii), Endangered Of the species identified on the official species list, the NHP report did not identify any Federally threatened or endangered species within the project area or within 1 mile of the project area. Other State listed species were found within the project area as listed in the attached NHP report. The NHP Report Identified one natural land area and one managed land area within 1 mile of the project area. These are listed out in the attached NHP Report. RED-COCKADED WOODPECKER (Picoides borealis): S&EC personnel conducted preliminary surveys of suitable habitat (foraging and cavity trees) and individual Red-cockaded Woodpeckers (RCWs) within the project area. We found no individual RCWs within the project area. The NHP report did not list any known elemental occurrence within the project area or within 1 mile of it. We found no ideal suitable habitat (e.g., Long Leaf pine forests) within the project area. The pine stand onsite is too young (± 15 years old) to be considered suitable habitat. Along the road in the middle of the property there are mature Long Leaf pines, and Loblolly pines. No cavities were observed in the larger pines. Given the lack of species present, and no presence of suitable habitat we concluded that the project would have “No effect” on RCWs. NEUSE RIVER WATERDOG (Necturus lewisi): S&EC personnel conducted preliminary surveys of the streams onsite for potential suitable habitat for the Neuse River Waterdog. The NHP report did not list any known elemental occurrence within the project area or within 1 mile of it. This species is found in the Neuse River and Tar River basins. The suitable habitat this species is found in is typically medium to large streams and rivers with a moderate gradient and large bed material. The Neuse River Waterdog also needs riffles, runs, and pools. While March 23, 2020 S&EC Project #13611.W11 Wiggins Mill Park – S&EC Threatened & Endangered Species Report Page 3 of 5 we did not specifically sample for the species, we also did not find any evidence of the species while conducting our preliminary surveys of the streams for potential suitable habitat Our preliminary survey concluded that potential suitable habitat does not exist onsite. There are only wetlands and open water onsite. Due to this we have concluded that the project would have “No effect” on the Neuse River Waterdog. CAROLINA MADTOM (Noturus furiosus): S&EC personnel conducted preliminary surveys of the streams onsite for potential suitable habitat for the Carolina Madtom. The NHP report did not list any known elemental occurrence within the project area or within 1 mile of it. This species is found in the Neuse River and Tar River basins. The suitable habitat this species is found in is also medium to large streams and rivers with a moderate gradient and large bed material. The Carolina Madtom also needs continuous year-round flow, and cover for nesting habitat. While we did not specifically sample for the species, we also did not find any evidence of the species while conducting our preliminary surveys of the streams for potential suitable habitat Our preliminary survey concluded that potential suitable habitat does not exist onsite. There are only wetlands and open water onsite. Due to this we have concluded that the project would have “No effect” on the Carolina Madtom. ATLANTIC PIGTOE (Fusconaia masoni): S&EC personnel conducted preliminary surveys of the streams onsite for potential suitable habitat for the Atlantic Pigtoe. The NHP report did not list any known elemental occurrence within the project area or within 1 mile of it. The suitable habitat for this species consists of medium sized creeks to large rivers with excellent water quality. This species typically lives in streams with coarse sand and gravel with moderate to high flowing water. While we did not specifically sample for the species, we also did not find any evidence of the species while conducting our preliminary surveys of the streams for potential suitable habitat March 23, 2020 S&EC Project #13611.W11 Wiggins Mill Park – S&EC Threatened & Endangered Species Report Page 4 of 5 Our preliminary survey concluded that potential suitable habitat does not exist onsite. There are only wetlands and open water onsite. Due to this we have concluded that the project would have “No effect” on the Atlantic Pigtoe. MICHAUX’S SUMAC (Rhus michauxii): S&EC personnel conducted preliminary surveys of suitable habitat within the project area. We visited a known population of Michaux’s sumac within Wake County prior to conducting our preliminary surveys. We found no individual Michaux’s Sumac species within the project area. The NHP report did not list any known elemental occurrence within the project area. We found suitable habitat within the project areas to include primarily disturb open areas along fences, fields, roads, and open waters. It should be noted that this preliminary survey was done outside of the optimal survey window (May- October). Given the lack of species present, but presence of suitable habitat we concluded that the project would “May affect, but not likely adversely affect” Michaux’s sumac. BALD EAGLE (Haliaeetus leucocephalus): S&EC personnel conducted preliminary surveys of suitable habitat, nesting sites, and individual Bald Eagles within the project area. During our survey, we found no evidence of Bald Eagles or any nesting sites within the project area. The NHP report did not identify any known nests onsite or within 1 mile of the site. Given the lack of species present, we have concluded that the project is “Unlikely to disturb nesting bald eagles”. We believe no Eagle Act Permit is required. NORTHERN LONG-EARED BAT (Myotis septentrionalis): S&EC personnel conducted preliminary surveys for suitable habitat and individual Northern Long- eared Bats (NLEB’s) within the project area. During our survey, we found no induvial species. Due to the nature of the project being park development, we concluded that the project would “May affect, but not likely to adversely affect” NLEB’s. CONCLUSION: After completing the habitat assessments and preliminary surveys, S&EC completed the attached “Species Conclusion Table” and “Self-Certification Letter”. Using language typically used by the FWS in their conclusion letters, we have concluded that it appears the proposed project is not likely to March 23, 2020 S&EC Project #13611.W11 Wiggins Mill Park – S&EC Threatened & Endangered Species Report Page 5 of 5 adversely affect any federally-listed endangered or threatened species, their formally designated critical habitat, or species currently proposed for listing under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). We strongly recommend requesting a concurrence letter from the FWS. Sincerely, SOIL AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTANTS, PA Mason Montgomery Environmental Specialist, Wetlands Department Attachments: 1. USGS Vicinity Map 2. Soil Survey Vicinity Map 3. Aerial Map 4. Photo Report 5. FWS List of threatened and endangered species that occur in your proposed location, and/or may be affected by your proposed project. Official Species List. March 11, 2020 6. NHP report re: Wiggins Mill Park. March 11, 2020 7. S&EC – FWS Species Conclusion Table. March 23, 2020 8. S&EC – FWS Self-Certification Letter. March 23, 2020 References: -North Carolina Natural Heritage Program. 2017. Biotics Database. Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Raleigh, North Carolina. -US Fish and Wildlife Service. Information for Planning and Consultation (IPaC) & Raleigh Ecological Services Field Office Online Project Reviews website. -U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 2017. Species status assessment report for the Atlantic Pigtoe (Fusconaia masoni). Version 1.2. March, 2017. Atlanta, GA. -U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 1993. Michaux’s Sumac Recovery Plan. Atlanta, Georgia: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 30pp. -U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 2003. Recovery Plan for the Red-cockaded Woodpecker (Picoides borealis) Second Revision. Atlanta GA 316 pp. -U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service/ Southeast Region. 2019. Carolina Madtom. Species Profile. https://www.fws.gov/southeast/wildlife/fishes/carolina-madtom/. - U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service/ Southeast Region. 2019. Neuse River Waterdog. Species Profile. https://www.fws.gov/southeast/wildlife/amphibians/neuse-river-waterdog/ Project Number: KMProject Manager: 1" = 1000'Scale: 03/23/2020Date: Map Title: Source: USGS MapWiggins Mill Park Wilson County, NC Wilson CountyUSGS 2019 Quad ¯0 1,000 2,000 Feet 13611.W11 Project Number: KMProject Manager: 1" = 1000'Scale: 03/23/2020Date: Map Title: Source: Soil Survey MapWiggins Mill Park Wilson County, NC Wilson County Soil Survey Sheet 5 ¯0 1,000 2,000 Feet 13611.W11 Source:Wilson County GISNC OneMapWIGGINS MILL RDPRIVATENC Center for Geographic Information & AnalysisWIGGINS MILL RDPRIVATENC Center for Geographic Information & AnalysisμAerial Photo MapWiggins Mill ParkWilson County, NCProject No.13611.W11Project Mgr.:KMScale:1" = 250'03/23/20200 500 1,000250FeetLegendParcel BoundariesLimits of Wetland EvaluationEdge of Jurisdictional Open WaterJurisdictional WetlandSAW-2019-02038 Job #: 13611.W11 March 23, 2020 1 Threatened and Endangered Species Photo Report for the Wiggins Mill Park Photo 1: Fence along Wiggins Mill Road Photo 2: Wetland below open water area. Job #: 13611.W11 March 23, 2020 2 Photo 3: Road through property Photo 4: Pine stand Job #: 13611.W11 March 23, 2020 3 Photo 5: Large pines Photo 6: Edge of open water Job #: 13611.W11 March 23, 2020 4 Photo 7: Edge of open water March 11, 2020 United States Department of the Interior FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE Raleigh Ecological Services Field Office Post Office Box 33726 Raleigh, NC 27636-3726 Phone: (919) 856-4520 Fax: (919) 856-4556 In Reply Refer To: Consultation Code: 04EN2000-2020-SLI-0843 Event Code: 04EN2000-2020-E-01900 Project Name: Wiggins Mill Park Subject:List of threatened and endangered species that may occur in your proposed project location, and/or may be affected by your proposed project To Whom It May Concern: The species list generated pursuant to the information you provided identifies threatened, endangered, proposed and candidate species, as well as proposed and final designated critical habitat, that may occur within the boundary of your proposed project and/or may be affected by your proposed project. The species list fulfills the requirements of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) under section 7(c) of the Endangered Species Act (Act) of 1973, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.). New information based on updated surveys, changes in the abundance and distribution of species, changed habitat conditions, or other factors could change this list. Please feel free to contact us if you need more current information or assistance regarding the potential impacts to federally proposed, listed, and candidate species and federally designated and proposed critical habitat. Please note that under 50 CFR 402.12(e) of the regulations implementing section 7 of the Act, the accuracy of this species list should be verified after 90 days. This verification can be completed formally or informally as desired. The Service recommends that verification be completed by visiting the ECOS-IPaC website at regular intervals during project planning and implementation for updates to species lists and information. An updated list may be requested through the ECOS-IPaC system by completing the same process used to receive the enclosed list. Section 7 of the Act requires that all federal agencies (or their designated non-federal representative), in consultation with the Service, insure that any action federally authorized, funded, or carried out by such agencies is not likely to jeopardize the continued existence of any federally-listed endangered or threatened species. A biological assessment or evaluation may be prepared to fulfill that requirement and in determining whether additional consultation with the Service is necessary. In addition to the federally-protected species list, information on the species' life histories and habitats and information on completing a biological assessment or 03/11/2020 Event Code: 04EN2000-2020-E-01900   2 evaluation and can be found on our web page at http://www.fws.gov/raleigh. Please check the web site often for updated information or changes If your project contains suitable habitat for any of the federally-listed species known to be present within the county where your project occurs, the proposed action has the potential to adversely affect those species. As such, we recommend that surveys be conducted to determine the species' presence or absence within the project area. The use of North Carolina Natural Heritage program data should not be substituted for actual field surveys. If you determine that the proposed action may affect (i.e., likely to adversely affect or not likely to adversely affect) a federally-protected species, you should notify this office with your determination, the results of your surveys, survey methodologies, and an analysis of the effects of the action on listed species, including consideration of direct, indirect, and cumulative effects, before conducting any activities that might affect the species. If you determine that the proposed action will have no effect (i.e., no beneficial or adverse, direct or indirect effect) on federally listed species, then you are not required to contact our office for concurrence (unless an Environmental Impact Statement is prepared). However, you should maintain a complete record of the assessment, including steps leading to your determination of effect, the qualified personnel conducting the assessment, habitat conditions, site photographs, and any other related articles. Please be aware that bald and golden eagles are protected under the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act (16 U.S.C. 668 et seq.), and projects affecting these species may require development of an eagle conservation plan (http://www.fws.gov/windenergy/ eagle_guidance.html). Additionally, wind energy projects should follow the wind energy guidelines (http://www.fws.gov/windenergy/) for minimizing impacts to migratory birds and bats. Guidance for minimizing impacts to migratory birds for projects including communications towers (e.g., cellular, digital television, radio, and emergency broadcast) can be found at: http:// www.fws.gov/migratorybirds/CurrentBirdIssues/Hazards/towers/towers.htm; http:// www.towerkill.com; and http://www.fws.gov/migratorybirds/CurrentBirdIssues/Hazards/towers/ comtow.html. Not all Threatened and Endangered Species that occur in North Carolina are subject to section 7 consultation with the U.S Fish and Wildlife Service. Atlantic and shortnose sturgeon, sea turtles,when in the water, and certain marine mammals are under purview of the National Marine Fisheries Service. If your project occurs in marine, estuarine, or coastal river systems you should also contact the National Marine Fisheries Service, http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/ We appreciate your concern for threatened and endangered species. The Service encourages Federal agencies to include conservation of threatened and endangered species into their project planning to further the purposes of the Act. Please include the Consultation Tracking Number in the header of this letter with any request for consultation or correspondence about your project that you submit to our office. If you have any questions or comments, please contact John Ellis of this office at john_ellis@fws.gov. 03/11/2020 Event Code: 04EN2000-2020-E-01900   3 ▪ Attachment(s): Official Species List 03/11/2020 Event Code: 04EN2000-2020-E-01900   1    Official Species List This list is provided pursuant to Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act, and fulfills the requirement for Federal agencies to "request of the Secretary of the Interior information whether any species which is listed or proposed to be listed may be present in the area of a proposed action". This species list is provided by: Raleigh Ecological Services Field Office Post Office Box 33726 Raleigh, NC 27636-3726 (919) 856-4520 03/11/2020 Event Code: 04EN2000-2020-E-01900   2 Project Summary Consultation Code:04EN2000-2020-SLI-0843 Event Code:04EN2000-2020-E-01900 Project Name:Wiggins Mill Park Project Type:DEVELOPMENT Project Description:Unknown Project Location: Approximate location of the project can be viewed in Google Maps: https:// www.google.com/maps/place/35.68994983647943N77.95461865291762W Counties:Wilson, NC 03/11/2020 Event Code: 04EN2000-2020-E-01900   3 1. Endangered Species Act Species There is a total of 5 threatened, endangered, or candidate species on this species list. Species on this list should be considered in an effects analysis for your project and could include species that exist in another geographic area. For example, certain fish may appear on the species list because a project could affect downstream species. IPaC does not display listed species or critical habitats under the sole jurisdiction of NOAA Fisheries , as USFWS does not have the authority to speak on behalf of NOAA and the Department of Commerce. See the "Critical habitats" section below for those critical habitats that lie wholly or partially within your project area under this office's jurisdiction. Please contact the designated FWS office if you have questions. NOAA Fisheries, also known as the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), is an office of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration within the Department of Commerce. Birds NAME STATUS Red-cockaded Woodpecker Picoides borealis No critical habitat has been designated for this species. Species profile: https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/7614 Endangered Amphibians NAME STATUS Neuse River Waterdog Necturus lewisi There is proposed critical habitat for this species. Your location is outside the critical habitat. Species profile: https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/6772 Proposed Threatened Fishes NAME STATUS Carolina Madtom Noturus furiosus There is proposed critical habitat for this species. Your location is outside the critical habitat. Species profile: https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/528 Proposed Endangered 1 03/11/2020 Event Code: 04EN2000-2020-E-01900   4 Clams NAME STATUS Atlantic Pigtoe Fusconaia masoni There is proposed critical habitat for this species. Your location is outside the critical habitat. Species profile: https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/5164 Proposed Threatened Flowering Plants NAME STATUS Michaux's Sumac Rhus michauxii No critical habitat has been designated for this species. Species profile: https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/5217 Endangered Critical habitats THERE ARE NO CRITICAL HABITATS WITHIN YOUR PROJECT AREA UNDER THIS OFFICE'S JURISDICTION. NCNHDE-11623 March 11, 2020 Robert Zarzecki Soil & Environmental Consultants, PA 8412 Falls of Neuse Road, Suite 104 Raleigh, NC 27615 RE: Wiggins Mill Park; 13611.W11 Dear Robert Zarzecki: The North Carolina Natural Heritage Program (NCNHP) appreciates the opportunity to provide information about natural heritage resources for the project referenced above. A query of the NCNHP database indicates that there are records for rare species, important natural communities, natural areas, and/or conservation/managed areas within the proposed project boundary. These results are presented in the attached ‘Documented Occurrences’ tables and map. The attached ‘Potential Occurrences’ table summarizes rare species and natural communities that have been documented within a one-mile radius of the property boundary. The proximity of these records suggests that these natural heritage elements may potentially be present in the project area if suitable habitat exists. Tables of natural areas and conservation/managed areas within a one-mile radius of the project area, if any, are also included in this report. If a Federally-listed species is documented within the project area or indicated within a one-mile radius of the project area, the NCNHP recommends contacting the US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) for guidance. Contact information for USFWS offices in North Carolina is found here: https://www.fws.gov/offices/Directory/ListOffices.cfm?statecode=37. Please note that natural heritage element data are maintained for the purposes of conservation planning, project review, and scientific research, and are not intended for use as the primary criteria for regulatory decisions. Information provided by the NCNHP database may not be published without prior written notification to the NCNHP, and the NCNHP must be credited as an information source in these publications. Maps of NCNHP data may not be redistributed without permission. Also please note that the NC Natural Heritage Program may follow this letter with additional correspondence if a Dedicated Nature Preserve, Registered Heritage Area, Clean Water Management Trust Fund easement, or an occurrence of a Federally-listed species is documented near the project area. If you have questions regarding the information provided in this letter or need additional assistance, please contact Rodney A. Butler at rodney.butler@ncdcr.gov or 919-707-8603. Sincerely, NC Natural Heritage Program Natural Heritage Element Occurrences, Natural Areas, and Managed Areas Intersecting the Project Area Wiggins Mill Park Project No. 13611.W11 March 11, 2020 NCNHDE-11623 No Element Occurrences are Documented within the Project Area There are no documented element occurrences (of medium to very high accuracy) that intersect with the project area. Please note, however, that although the NCNHP database does not show records for rare species within the project area, it does not necessarily mean that they are not present; it may simply mean that the area has not been surveyed. The use of Natural Heritage Program data should not be substituted for actual field surveys if needed, particularly if the project area contains suitable habitat for rare species. If rare species are found, the NCNHP would appreciate receiving this information so that we may update our database. No Natural Areas are Documented within the Project Area Managed Areas Documented Within Project Area* Managed Area Name Owner Owner Type NC Department of Transportation Mitigation Site NC Department of Transportation State *NOTE: If the proposed project intersects with a conservation/managed area, please contact the landowner directly for additional information. If the project intersects with a Dedicated Nature Preserve (DNP), Registered Natural Heritage Area (RHA), or Federally-listed species, NCNHP staff may provide additional correspondence regarding the project. Definitions and an explanation of status designations and codes can be found at https://ncnhde.natureserve.org/content/help. Data query generated on March 11, 2020; source: NCNHP, Q1 Jan 2020. Please resubmit your information request if more than one year elapses before project initiation as new information is continually added to the NCNHP database. Page 2 of 4 Natural Heritage Element Occurrences, Natural Areas, and Managed Areas Within a One-mile Radius of the Project Area Wiggins Mill Park Project No. 13611.W11 March 11, 2020 NCNHDE-11623 Element Occurrences Documented Within a One-mile Radius of the Project Area Taxonomic Group EO ID Scientific Name Common Name Last Observation Date Element Occurrence Rank Accuracy Federal Status State Status Global Rank State Rank Amphibian 35990 Anaxyrus quercicus Oak Toad 1949-05-02 X 5-Very Low ---Significantly Rare G5 S2 Freshwater Bivalve 35432 Alasmidonta undulata Triangle Floater 2011-05-10 E 3-Medium ---Threatened G4 S3 Freshwater Bivalve 36524 Elliptio fisheriana Northern Lance 2011-05-11 E 3-Medium ---Significantly Rare G4 S3 Freshwater Bivalve 36498 Elliptio roanokensis Roanoke Slabshell 2011-05-11 E 3-Medium ---Special Concern G3 S3 Freshwater Bivalve 36513 Lampsilis radiata Eastern Lampmussel 2011-05-11 E 3-Medium ---Threatened G5 S3 Freshwater Bivalve 36507 Strophitus undulatus Creeper 2011-05-11 E 3-Medium ---Threatened G5 S3 Natural Areas Documented Within a One-mile Radius of the Project Area Site Name Representational Rating Collective Rating NEU/Contentnea Creek below Wiggins Mill Aquatic Habitat R4 (Moderate)C4 (Moderate) Managed Areas Documented Within a One-mile Radius of the Project Area Managed Area Name Owner Owner Type NC Department of Transportation Mitigation Site NC Department of Transportation State Definitions and an explanation of status designations and codes can be found at https://ncnhde.natureserve.org/content/help. Data query generated on March 11, 2020; source: NCNHP, Q1 Jan 2020. Please resubmit your information request if more than one year elapses before project initiation as new information is continually added to the NCNHP database. Page 3 of 4 Powered by TCPDF (www.tcpdf.org) Page 4 of 4 Species Conclusions Table Project Name: Wiggin Mills Park Date: 03/23/2020 Species / Resource Name Conclusion ESA Section 7 / Eagle Act Determination Notes / Documentation Red-cockaded Woodpecker Picoides borealis No suitable habitat present No effect Preliminary survey conducted by S&EC staff on March 18, 2020. Neuse River Waterdog Necturus lewisi No suitable habitat present No effect Preliminary survey conducted by S&EC staff on March 18, 2020. Carolina Madtom Noturus furiosus No suitable habitat present No effect Preliminary survey conducted by S&EC staff on March 18, 2020. Atlantic Pigtoe Fusconaia masoni No suitable habitat present No effect Preliminary survey conducted by S&EC staff on March 18, 2020. Michaux’s Sumac Rhus michauxii Suitable habitat present, species not present May affect, not likely to adversely affect Preliminary survey conducted by S&EC staff on March 18, 2020. Survey conducted outside of optimal survey window (May through October). Bald Eagle Haliaeetus leucocephalus Unlikely to disturb nesting bald eagles No Eagle Act Permit Required Preliminary survey conducted by S&EC staff on March 18, 2020. Northern Long-eared Bat Myotis septentrionalis Suitable habitat present, species not present May affect, not likely to adversely affect Preliminary survey conducted by S&EC staff on March 18, 2020. Critical Habitat No critical habitat present No effect Acknowledgement: I agree that the above information about my proposed project is true. I used all of the provided resources to make an informed decision about impacts in the immediate and surrounding areas. Mason Montgomery / Environmental Specialist, Wetlands Department at S&EC, PA 03/23/2020 Signature /Title Date Raleigh Field Office P.O. Box 33726 Raleigh, NC 27636-3726 Date:__________________________ Self-Certification Letter Project Name______________________________ Dear Applicant: Thank you for using the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) Raleigh Ecological Services online project review process. By printing this letter in conjunction with your project review package, you are certifying that you have completed the online project review process for the project named above in accordance with all instructions provided, using the best available information to reach your conclusions. This letter, and the enclosed project review package, completes the review of your project in accordance with the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1531-1544, 87 Stat. 884), as amended (ESA), and the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act (16 U.S.C. 668-668c, 54 Stat. 250), as amended (Eagle Act). This letter also provides information for your project review under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (P.L. 91-190, 42 U.S.C. 4321-4347, 83 Stat. 852), as amended. A copy of this letter and the project review package must be submitted to this office for this certification to be valid. This letter and the project review package will be maintained in our records. The species conclusions table in the enclosed project review package summarizes your ESA and Eagle Act conclusions. Based on your analysis, mark all the determinations that apply: “no effect” determinations for proposed/listed species and/or proposed/designated critical habitat; and/or “may affect, not likely to adversely affect” determinations for proposed/listed species and/or proposed/designated critical habitat; and/or “may affect, likely to adversely affect” determination for the Northern long- eared bat (Myotis septentrionalis) and relying on the findings of the January 5, 2016, Programmatic Biological Opinion for the Final 4(d) Rule on the Northern long-eared bat; “no Eagle Act permit required” determinations for eagles. Applicant Page 2 We certify that use of the online project review process in strict accordance with the instructions provided as documented in the enclosed project review package results in reaching the appropriate determinations. Therefore, we concur with the “no effect” or “not likely to adversely affect” determinations for proposed and listed species and proposed and designated critical habitat; the “may affect” determination for Northern long-eared bat; and/or the “no Eagle Act permit required” determinations for eagles. Additional coordination with this office is not needed. Candidate species are not legally protected pursuant to the ESA. However, the Service encourages consideration of these species by avoiding adverse impacts to them. Please contact this office for additional coordination if your project action area contains candidate species. Should project plans change or if additional information on the distribution of proposed or listed species, proposed or designated critical habitat, or bald eagles becomes available, this determination may be reconsidered. This certification letter is valid for 1 year. Information about the online project review process including instructions, species information, and other information regarding project reviews within North Carolina is available at our website http://www.fws.gov/raleigh/pp.html. If you have any questions, you can write to us at Raleigh@fws.gov or please contact Leigh Mann of this office at 919-856-4520, ext. 10. Sincerely, /s/Pete Benjamin Pete Benjamin Field Supervisor Raleigh Ecological Services Enclosures - project review package