20200186 Ver 2_19-308_(survey results)Apple Creek Corporate Center Phase 3_Gaston Co_20200215

United States Department of the Interior
FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE
Asheville Field Office
160 Zillicoa Street
Asheville, North Carolina 28801

May 21, 2020

Michael Iagnacco
STV Engineers, Inc.
900 West Trade Street, Suite 715
Charlotte, North Carolina 28202-1144

Dear Michael Iagnacco:

Subject: Apple Creek Corporate Center Phase 3; Gaston County, North Carolina
Log No. 4-2-19-308

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) has reviewed the information provided in your
correspondence dated April 23, 2020, wherein you solicit our comments regarding project-
mediated impacts to federally protected species. We submit the following comments in
accordance with the provisions of the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act, as amended
(16 U.S.C. 661-667e); the National Environmental Policy Act (42 U.S.C. §4321 et seq.); and
section 7 of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1531-1543) (Act).

Project Description
According to the information provided, Gaston County Economic Development Commission
propose to construct a new corporate park on 340 acres near Dallas, North Carolina. Onsite
habitats consist primarily of mixed pine/hardwood forest, and maintained scrub-shrub uplands.
Agricultural ponds, wetlands, meadows, perennial streams and their riparian habitats also occur
within the project impact area. Wetland areas in the southern portion of the site are influenced
by beaver activity. The proposed work would result in impacts to 0.299 acre of forested wetland
and 260 linear feet of impacts to unnamed tributaries to Long Creek. Surrounding landcover is
dominated by residential, commercial, and agricultural developments.

A significant portion of the site would be converted to impervious surface (approximately 98
acres). Stormwater would be managed by seven wet ponds to accommodate water quality and
peak discharge. The Applicant has developed a master stormwater management plan to satisfy
Gaston County requirements.

Federally Listed Endangered and Threatened Species
Suitable summer roosting habitat may be present in the project area for the federally threatened
northern long-eared bat (Myotis septentrionalis). However, the final 4(d) rule for this species
(effective as of February 16, 2016), exempts incidental take of this animal associated with
activities that occur greater than 0.25 miles from a known hibernation site, and greater than 150
feet from a known, occupied maternity roost during the pup season (June 1 – July 31). Based on
the information provided, the project (which may or may not require tree clearing) would occur
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at a location where any incidental take that may result from associated activities is exempt under
the 4(d) rule for this species. Although not required, we encourage the Applciant to avoid
any associated tree clearing activities during this animal’s maternity roosting season from
May 15 – August 15.

According to the information provided, suitable habitats also occur onsite for the federally
threatened bog turtle (Glyptempys muhlenbergii), dwarf-flowered heartleaf (Hexastylis
naniflora), and the federally endangered Schweinitz’s sunflower (Helianthus schweinitzii).
However, targeted surveys for these species conducted during their respective optimal survey
windows detected no evidence for these species. Moreover, no bald eagle (Haliaeetus
leucocephalus) nests were detected within 660 feet of the project limits.

Therefore, we have no concerns for project-mediated effects to these or any other federally
protected species and we require no further information at this time. Please be aware that
obligations under section 7 of the Endangered Species Act 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.

We refer you to our August 12, 2019 correspondence for general recommendations in the interest
of protecting natural resources, (many of which have been incorporated into design plans). For
the Applicant’s consideration, we also recommend the following recommendations on behalf of
beneficial pollinator species.

Pollinator Habitat
The creation and maintenance of pollinator habitats at this site may increase the value of the
project for the community and help reduce the spread of invasive exotic plants. Please consider
the following:
1. Sow native seed mixes in disturbed areas or in designated pollinator areas with plants
that bloom throughout the entire growing season.
2. Taller growing pollinator plant species should be planted around the periphery of the
site and anywhere on the site where mowing can be restricted during the summer
months. Taller plants, left un-mowed during the summer, would provide benefits to
pollinators, habitat to ground nesting/feeding birds, and cover for small mammals.
3. Low growing/groundcover native species should be planted in areas that need to be
maintained. This would provide benefits to pollinators while also minimizing the
amount of maintenance such as mowing and herbicide treatment. Milk weed species
are an important host plant for monarch butterflies.
4. Avoid mowing of flowering plants. Designated pollinator areas show be mow only
50% of the plant height, but no lower than 8 inches.
5. Avoid mowing outside the active season for rusty-patched bumble bee and other
pollinators (April 15 – October 15).
6. Leave slash piles, mulch piles, or loose dirt piles along woodland edges. These areas
provide nesting habitats and/or nest materials for some pollinators.
7. Avoid the use of pesticides and specifically neonicotinoids.
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8. Additional information regarding plant species, seed mixes, and pollinator habitat
requirements can be provided upon request.

The Service appreciates the opportunity to provide these comments. Please contact Mr. Byron
Hamstead of our staff at 828/258-3939, Ext. 42225, if you have any questions. In any future
correspondence concerning this project, please reference our Log Number 4-2-19-308.

Sincerely,

- - original signed - -

Janet Mizzi
Field Supervisor