20210034 Ver 1_303-168 Rare Plant Survey Final_20210203

January 18, 2021

ELECTRONIC SUBMITTAL
[e-mail]
Mr. Shawn Pennell
Public Utilities Director
City of Hickory
1441 9th Avenue SE
Hickory, North Carolina 28601

Subject: Botanical Survey Report
Robinson/Startown Road Connectors
Hickory, Catawba County, North Carolina
CEC Project 303-168

1.0 INTRODUCTION

Civil & Environmental Consultants, Inc. (CEC) completed a botanical survey for Dwarf-Flowered
Heartleaf (Hexastylis naniflora) and Schweinitz’s Sunflower (Helianthus schweinitzii) for the City
of Hickory approximate 2.2 acre Robinson/Startown Road Connectors project located in Catawba
County, North Carolina (Figure 1).

The purpose of this project is to construct two roadway creek crossings to serve as urban collectors
for linking Eller Drive to Short Road and Lutz Boulevard extension to Eller Drive located between
Robinson Road and Robinwood Road.

The survey was conducted based upon the recommendation to complete a pre-construction rare
plant survey and habitat assessment of the project area in correspondence with the United States
Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and the North Carolina Department of Transportation
(NCDOT).

2.0 METHODOLOGY

Prior to initiating fieldwork, CEC conducted a desktop review of available topographic, aerial,
and soil maps; other relevant online resources; and regional and local floras. CEC then
completed the botanical field survey and habitat assessment of the Study Area. This report
presents and discusses the findings of this survey and assessment.

CEC botanist Kyle Filicky and ecologists Kevin Thomas, PWS & NC LSS, and Sara Keddie
completed a systematic meandering pedestrian survey of the Study Area on October 2, 2020.
CEC’s field team was equipped with a handheld global positioning system (GPS) unit, field maps,
and a digital camera to document plant communities and their distributions within the Study Area.
The field team completed Habitat Assessment Forms (HAF) and took photographs to document
the composition of these plant communities (Appendix A). A list of plant species observed within
the Study Area during the field survey is provided in Appendix B.
Mr. Shawn Pennell
CEC Project 303-168
Page 2
January 18, 2021

3.0 FINDINGS AND DISCUSSION

3.1 Hexastylis naniflora and Helianthus schweinitzii Overview

Hexastylis naniflora and Helianthus schweinitzii are both known to occur in Catawba County,
North Carolina. Hexastylis naniflora is a perennial plant that can be identified by its heart-shaped,
leathery textured, leaves that are 4-6 centimeters long. Thin leaf stems connect the leaf to an
underground stem. In the spring, small inconspicuous jug shaped flowers emerge just about the
ground. Overall, this species can be found growing in a small clump on acidic soils within hillsides
and ravines. Helianthus schweinitzii is a tall perennial plant with an average height of six feet tall.
Atop the plant are yellow composite flowers that are approximately 2 to 3 inches wide. The narrow
leaves can vary between 2 to 8 inches with the surface being rough and the underside being softer,
or hairy. The stem is also covered in minute hairs and is reddish-purple in color. This species
prefers poor soils that minimize competition from other species. Typically it can be observed
along roadsides and woodlands.

3.2 Area 1 Plant Communities

CEC identified two onsite plant communities:

• Agricultural Field; and
• Floodplain and Streambanks.

3.2.1 Agricultural Field

Agricultural field occurs in the western portion of the Study Area (Appendix A: HAF1, Figure
2A). Periodic maintenance, including tilling and clearing, has removed trees and shrubs.
Herbaceous plants dominated this community, including Zea mays (corn), Microstegium vimineum
(Japanese stilgrass), and Ipomoea lacunosa (whitestar). This plant community is underlain by
Codorus loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded. Due to competitive species and lack of
appropriate habitat requirements such as active disturbances, this area did not provide suitable
habitat for Hexastylis naniflora or Helianthus schweinitzii.

3.2.2 Floodplain and Streambanks

Floodplain and Streambanks was found throughout the central portion of the Study Area corridor
(Appendix A: HAF2, Figure 2A). The tree canopy was made up of Liriodendron tulipifera
(tuliptree), Juglans nigra (black walnut), and Celtis occidentalis (hackberry). Understory species
included Carpinus caroliniana (American hornbeam), Ligustrum vulgare (European privet),
Lindera benzoin (spicebush), Quercus phellos (willow oak), and Rosa multiflora (multiflora rose).
Herbaceous plants observed include Microstegium vimineum, Rudbeckia laciniata (cutleaf
coneflower), Smilax rotundifolia (roundleaf greenbrier), and Persicaria maculosa (spotted
ladysthumb). Liana species included Vitis vulpina (frost grape) and Lonicera japonica (Japanese
honeysuckle). This plant community is underlain by Codorus loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes,
Mr. Shawn Pennell
CEC Project 303-168
Page 3
January 18, 2021

frequently flooded. This habitat is not suitable to support Hexastylis naniflora or Helianthus
schweinitzii because of competitive species and stream bank disturbances.

3.3 Area 2 Plant Communities

CEC identified three onsite plant communities:

• Floodplain Slopes and Riverine Complex;
• Floodplain and Streambanks; and
• Hayfield.

3.3.1 Floodplain Slopes and Riverine Complex

Floodplain Slopes and Riverine Complex was found throughout the central portion of the Study
Area (Appendix A: HAF1, Figure 2B). Characteristic tree species in this plant community are
Liriodendron tulipfera, Betula nigra (riverbirch), and Juglans nigra while Ligustrum vulgare,
Rosa multiflora, and Lindera benzoin comprised the shrub layer. Herbaceous species included
Rudbeckia laciniata, Microstegium vimineum, Polystichum acrostichoides (Christmas fern),
Persicaria longiseta (spotted ladysthumb), Verbesina alternifolia (wingstem), Chenopodium
album (lambsquarter) and Dichanthelium clandestinum (deertongue). Liana species included Vitis
vulpina (frost grape) and Lonicera japonica (Japanese honeysuckle). This plant community is
underlain by Dan River loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded. This habitat is not suitable
to support Hexastylis naniflora or Helianthus schweinitzii because of competitive species and
stream bank disturbances.

3.3.2 Regenerating Pasture

Regenerating Pasture was found throughout the Study Area (Appendix A: HAF2, Figure 2B).
Liriodendron tulipifera and Platanus occidentalis (sycamore) dominated the tree stratum, while
Liriodendron tulipifera, Acer rubrum (red maple), and Ligustrum vulgare dominated the tree sub
canopy and shrub stratum. Polystichum acrostichoides occupied a sparse herbaceous layer.
Lonicera japonica was the only liana species observed. This plant community is underlain by Dan
River loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded. This habitat is not suitable to support
Hexastylis naniflora or Helianthus schweinitzii because of competitive species and previous land
use.

3.3.3 Hayfield

Hayfield was found within the northern portion of the Study Area (Appendix A: HAF3, Figure
2B). Poa pratensis (Kentucky bluegrass) and Trifolium repens (white clover) were observed in
the herbaceous stratum. This plant community is underlain by Dan River loam, 0 to 2 percent
slopes, frequently flooded. This habitat is not suitable to support Hexastylis naniflora or
Helianthus schweinitzii because of active and repetitive disturbances.

Mr. Shawn Pennell
CEC Project 303-168
Page 4
January 18, 2021
4.0 CONCLUSIONS
CEC identified and assessed two plant communities within Area 1 and three plant communities
within Area 2 during the October 2, 2020 botanical survey of City of Hickory approximate 2.2
acre Robinson/Startown Road Connectors project. The plant communities present within the
project study area do not provide suitable potential habitat for Hexastylis naniflora or Helianthus
schweinitzii due to the absence of habitat requirements and competition from other plant species.
CEC respectfully requests your review and concurrence of the results of this rare plant survey.
Please contact Kyle Filicky ([e-mail] or 412-249-3128) if you have any questions
regarding the rare plant survey or our findings. Thank you for your prompt assistance in this
matter.
Sincerely,
CIVIL & ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTANTS, INC.
Kyle Filicky, PWS Kevin Thompson PWS, NC LSS
Botanist/ Project Manager Senior Project Manager

FIGURES

Area 1
Area 2
www.cecinc.com
333 Baldwin Road - Pittsburgh, PA 15205-9072412-429-2324 800-365-2324
DRAWN BY:
DATE:
APPROVED BY:
PROJECT NO:
FIGURE N O:1
CITY OF HICKO RYROBINSON ROAD/STARTOWN ROAD CONNECTORCATAWBA COUNTY, NORT H CAROLINA
JLR11/9/2020
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STUDY BOUND ARY
* Hand signature on file
NO DATE DESCRIPTION
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333 Baldwin Road - Pittsburgh, PA 15205-9072412-429-2324 800-365-2324
DRAWN BY:
DATE:
APPROVED BY:
PROJECT NO:
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CITY OF HICKO RYROBINSON ROAD/STARTOWN ROAD CONNECTORCATAWBA COUNTY, NORT H CAROLINA
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333 Baldwin Road - Pittsburgh, PA 15205-9072412-429-2324 800-365-2324
DRAWN BY:
DATE:
APPROVED BY:
PROJECT NO:
FIGURE N O:2B
CITY OF HICKO RYROBINSON ROAD/STARTOWN ROAD CONNECTORCATAWBA COUNTY, NORT H CAROLINA
JLR11/9/2020
0 75 150
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HAF AND PHOTO LOCATION MAPAREA 2DRAFTDRAFT303-168CHECKED BY:
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APPENDIX A
HABITAT ASSESSMENT FORM

1
Habitat Assessment Form
Project 303-168 Client/Site
City of
Hickory/Area 1 County Catawba Form ID HAF1
Date October 2,2020 Investigators KKF, SMK Location Coordinates 35.684092, -81.298926
Target Species
Dwarf-Flowered Heartleaf (Hexastylis naniflora), Schweinitz’s Sunflower (Helianthus schweinitzii)
Habitat Name Agricultural Field
Habitat Description Field is actively maintained
Soil Codorus loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded (CsA)
Aspect Slope Light Topo Position Moisture
N NE Flat X Open Crest Inundated
S NW X 0-10% Partial Upper slope Saturated
E X SE 10-35% Filtered Mid-slope Moist (Mesic)
W SW 35%+ Shaded X Lower slope X Dry (Mesic)
None Vertical Bottom Dry (Xeric)
Stratum/Life form Height (feet) Percent Cover Characteristic Species
Emergent tree - - None
Tree canopy - - None
Tree sub-canopy - - None
Tall shrub (>3ft) - - None
Short shrub (<3ft) - - None
Herb 0.2-6 95 Zea mays, Microstegium vimineum, Ipomoea lacunosa
Liana - - None
Non-vascular - - None
Reasons target species not found
X Disturbances Exotics X
Habitat
destroyed X
Unsuitable
habitat X
May have never
occurred here Other
Comments
Unsuitable habitat caused by invasive plants and agricultural maintenance
2
Habitat Assessment Form
Photo 1-1: Overview Facing Northeast Photo 1-2: Overview Facing Southwest
Photo 1-3: Overview Facing Northeast Photo 1-4: Overview Facing Southwest
1
Habitat Assessment Form
Project 303-168 Client/Site
City of
Hickory/Area 1 Counties Catawba Form ID HAF2
Date October 2,2020 Investigators KKF, SMK Location Coordinates 35.684124, -81.298709
Target Species
Dwarf-Flowered Heartleaf (Hexastylis naniflora), Schweinitz’s Sunflower (Helianthus schweinitzii)
Habitat Name Floodplain and Riverine Complex
Habitat Description Floodplain and streambanks
Soil Codorus loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded (CsA)
Aspect Slope Light Topo Position Moisture
N NE Flat Open Crest Inundated
S NW X 0-10% X Partial Upper slope Saturated
E X SE 10-35% Filtered X Mid-slope X Moist (Mesic)
W SW 35%+ Shaded Lower slope X Dry (Mesic)
None Vertical Bottom Dry (Xeric)
Stratum/Life form Height (feet) Percent Cover Characteristic Species
Emergent tree - - None
Tree canopy 50-60 60 Liriodendron tulipifera, Juglans nigra, Celtis occidentalis
Tree sub-canopy 30-40 10 Carpinus caroliniana, Ligustrum vulgare, Lindera benzoin
Tall shrub (>3ft) 10 5 Quercus phellos
Short shrub (<3ft) 7 7 Rosa multiflora
Herb 0.5-4 80 Microstegium vimineum, Rudbeckia laciniata, Smilax
rotundifolia, Persicaria maculosa
Liana 2-30 40 Lonicera japonica, Vitis vulpina
Non-vascular - - None
Reasons target species not found
X Disturbances X Exotics
Habitat
destroyed X
Unsuitable
habitat X
May have never
occurred here Other
Comments
Unsuitable habitat due to dominance of invasive plants and stream bank erosion.

2
Habitat Assessment Form

Photo 2-1: Overview Facing Northeast (Upstream) Photo 2-2: Overview Facing Southeast (Left-Descending Bank)

Photo 2-3: Overview Facing Southwest (Downstream) Photo 2-4: Overview Facing Northwest (Right-Descending Bank)

Photo 2-5: Overview Facing Northeast (Upstream) Photo 2-6: Overview Facing Northeast (Upstream)

1
Habitat Assessment Form
Project 303-168 Client/Site
City of
Hickory/Area 2 Counties Catawba Form ID HAF1
Date October 2,2020 Investigators KKF, SMK Location Coordinates 35.685942, -81.302052
Target Species
Dwarf-Flowered Heartleaf (Hexastylis naniflora), Schweinitz’s Sunflower (Helianthus schweinitzii)
Habitat Name Floodplain slopes and Riverine Complex
Habitat Description Floodplain slopes and streambanks of Muddy Creek
Soil Dan River loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded (DaA)
Aspect Slope Light Topo Position Moisture
N NE Flat Open Crest Inundated
S NW X 0-10% X Partial Upper slope Saturated
E X SE 10-35% Filtered X Mid-slope X Moist (Mesic)
W SW 35%+ Shaded Lower slope X Dry (Mesic)
None Vertical Bottom Dry (Xeric)
Stratum/Life form Height (feet) Percent Cover Characteristic Species
Emergent tree - - None
Tree canopy 70-90 40 Liriodendron tulipifera, Betula nigra, Quercus nigra, Juglans
nigra
Tree sub-canopy 40-50 20 Liriodendron tulipifera, Betula nigra
Tall shrub (>3ft) 3-15 20 Ligustrum vulgare, Rosa multiflora, Lindera benzoin
Short shrub (<3ft) 1-3 10 Ligustrum vulgare, Rosa multiflora, Lindera benzoin
Herb 0-5 65 Rudbeckia laciniata, Microstegium vimineum, Polystichum
acrostichoides, Persicaria longiseta, Verbesina alternifolia,
Chenopodium album, Dichanthelium clandestinum
Liana 5-30 45 Lonicera japonica, Vitis vulpina
Non-vascular - - None
Reasons target species not found
X Disturbances X Exotics
Habitat
destroyed X
Unsuitable
habitat X
May have never
occurred here Other
Comments
Unsuitable habitat, competitive species, and regenerating pasture habitat
2
Habitat Assessment Form
Photo 1-1: Overview Facing Northwest (Upstream) Photo 1-2: Overview Facing Southeast (Downstream)
1
Habitat Assessment Form
Project 303-168 Client/Site
City of
Hickory/Area 2 Counties Catawba Form ID HAF2
Date October 2,2020 Investigators KKF, SMK Location Coordinates 35.686295, -81.301564
Target Species
Dwarf-Flowered Heartleaf (Hexastylis naniflora), Schweinitz’s Sunflower (Helianthus schweinitzii)
Habitat Name Regenerating Pasture
Habitat Description A successional immature forest that was previously pasture
Soil Dan River loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded (DaA)
Aspect Slope Light Topo Position Moisture
N NE X Flat Open X Crest Inundated
S NW 0-10% Partial Upper slope Saturated
E SE 10-35% Filtered Mid-slope Moist (Mesic)
W SW 35%+X Shaded Lower slope X Dry (Mesic)
X None Vertical Bottom Dry (Xeric)
Stratum/Life form Height (feet) Percent Cover Characteristic Species
Emergent tree 50-60 5 Liriodendron tulipifera
Tree canopy 30-40 25 Liriodendron tulipifera, Platanus occidentalis
Tree sub-canopy 20-30 40 Liriodendron tulipifera, Acer rubrum, Ligustrum vulgare
Tall shrub (>3ft) 3-15 60 Liriodendron tulipifera, Acer rubrum, Ligustrum vulgare
Short shrub (<3ft) 1-3 20 Ligustrum vulgare
Herb 1 5 Polystichum acrostichoides
Liana 5-30 60 Lonicera japonica
Non-vascular - - None
Reasons target species not found
Disturbances X Exotics X
Habitat
destroyed X
Unsuitable
habitat X
May have never
occurred here Other
Comments
Unsuitable habitat due to past pasture use and dominance of competitive species
2
Habitat Assessment Form
Photo 2-1: Overview Facing Northeast Photo 2-2: Overview Facing Southwest
Photo 2-3: Overview Facing East Photo 2-4: Overview Facing North
1
Habitat Assessment Form
Project 303-168 Client/Site
City of
Hickory/Area 2 Counties Catawba Form ID HAF3
Date October 2,2020 Investigators KKF, SMK Location Coordinates 35.686367, -81.302052
Target Species
Dwarf-Flowered Heartleaf (Hexastylis naniflora), Schweinitz’s Sunflower (Helianthus schweinitzii)
Habitat Name Hayfield
Habitat Description Actively maintained pasture/hayfield
Soil Dan River loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded (DaA)
Aspect Slope Light Topo Position Moisture
N NE X Flat X Open X Crest Inundated
S NW 0-10% Partial Upper slope Saturated
E SE 10-35% Filtered Mid-slope Moist (Mesic)
W SW 35%+ Shaded Lower slope X Dry (Mesic)
X None Vertical Bottom Dry (Xeric)
Stratum/Life form Height (feet) Percent Cover Characteristic Species
Emergent tree - - None
Tree canopy - - None
Tree sub-canopy - - None
Tall shrub (>3ft) - - None
Short shrub (<3ft) - - None
Herb 0.5 95 Poa pratensis, Trifolium repens
Liana - - None
Non-vascular - - None
Reasons target species not found
X Disturbances Exotics X
Habitat
destroyed X
Unsuitable
habitat X
May have never
occurred here Other
Comments
Unsuitable habitat due to active maintenance of pasture/hayfield.
2
Habitat Assessment Form
Photo 3-1: Overview Facing Northwest Photo 3-2: Overview Facing North

APPENDIX B
ENDANGERED SPECIES REFERNCE SITES PHOTO PAGES

Endangered Species Reference Site
Robinson/Startown Road Corners
Client Name: City of Hickory
Project Number: 303-168

Description: Overview of a Helianthus schweinitzii narrow leaf and reddish-purple stem in Huntersville, NC
Date Taken: 10/2/2020

Description: Overview of Helianthus schweinitzii yellow composite flowers in Huntersville, NC
Date Taken: 10/2/2020

Endangered Species Reference Site
Robinson/Startown Road Corners
Client Name: City of Hickory
Project Number: 303-168

Description: Overview of heart-shaped leaf of Hexastylis naniflora at Murray’s Mill Historic Site, NC
Date Taken: 10/2/2020

Description: Overview Hexastylis naniflora clump at Murray’s Mill Historic Site, NC
Date Taken: 10/2/2020

APPENDIX C
KYLE FILICKY BOTANICAL RESUME

Kyle K. Filicky, PWS
Assistant Project Manager
Mr. Filicky holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Science from
Westminster College. He leads stream and wetland delineations; performs rare,
threatened, and endangered plant surveys; leads vegetation monitoring efforts;
conducts fish, benthic macroinvertebrate, and freshwater mussel surveys.
Mr. Filicky has observed the following species and associated critical habitat:
•Eastern Prairie Fringed Orchid (Platanthera leucophaea) | within wet prairies in
northern and central Ohio.
•Running Buffalo Clover (Trifoloium stoloniferum) | within old logging roads, forest
hillslopes, cemeteries, and stream banks in West Virginia and Ohio.
•Virginia Sneezeweed (Helenium virginicum) and Mountain Doll's Daisy (Boltonia
Montana) | within Appalachian sinkhole and vernal pool habitats in northern Virginia.
•Northeastern Bulrush (Scirpus ancistrochaetus) | various wetland habitats and
vernal pool habitats throughout Pennsylvania.
•Virginia Spiraea (Spiraea virginiana) | various wetlands and rocky stream bank
habitats throughout West Virginia.
•Heller's Blazing Star (Liatris helleri) and Blue Ridge Goldenrod (Solidago
spithamaea) | within exposed high elevation summits of the Appalachian Mountains in
North Carolina.
•Lakeside Daisy (Hymenoxys herbacea) | within alvars in northwestern Ohio.
•Pitcher's Thistle (Cirsium pitcheri) | on sand dunes adjacent to Lake Michigan in
Michigan.
•Northern Monkshood (Aconitum noveboracense) | within cliff bases and talas
slopes in northeastern Ohio.
•American Hart’s Tongue Fern (Asplenium scolopendrium var. americanum) |
within forested coulees, gorges, and dolomitic limestone outcroppings in southeastern
New York.
•Harperella (Ptillimnium nodosum) | on granite outcrops within swift moving streams
in West Virginia and Maryland.
•Small Whorled Pogonia (Isotria medeoloides) | in mature forests in Pennsylvania.
•Schweinitz's Sunflower (Helianthus schweinitzii) | in disturbed/maintained
roadsides and fields throughout the piedmont in North Carolina.
•Dwarf-Flowered Heartleaf (Hexastylis naniflora) | in acidic soils on hillsides and
ravines throughout the peidmont in North Carolina.
7 YEARS EXPERIENCE
EDUCATION
B.S., Environmental Science, Westminster
College, 2014
EXPERTISE
Federal Threatened and Endangered Plant
Surveys
State Threatened and Endangered Plant
Surveys
Wetland and Stream Delineations
Avian Surveys
Macroinvertebrate Collection
Fish Identification and Electrofishing
Sampling
Vegetation Data Collection
CERTIFICATIONS
Professional Wetland Scientist (PWS)
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Approved Surveyor
West Virginia
Harperella
Northeastern Bulrush
Running Buffalo Clover
Small Whorled Pogonia
Virginia Spiraea
Pennsylvania
Northeastern Bulrush
Running Buffalo Clover
Small Whorled Pogonia
Ohio
Running Buffalo Clover
Pennsylvania Wild Plant Management
Permit, Pennsylvania Department of
Conservation and Natural Resources
Type III Scientific Collector Permit,
Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission
West Virginia Department of Agriculture
Commercial Herbicide Technician
Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture
Commercial Herbicide Technician
2
Kyle K. Filicky
Assistant Project Manager
PROJECT EXPERIENCE
Pennsylvania Botanical Surveys
Pennsylvania
Role: Field Lead
Leads botanical surveys for federally and state listed endangered, threatened and rare species. Federal species surveyed for
include: Running Buffalo Clover, Small Whorled Pogonia, and Northeastern Bulrush.
Pennsylvania Rare, Threatened and Endangered Plant Monitoring
Pennsylvania
Role: Field Lead
Leads monitoring state listed species monitoring by creating and anaylyzing monitoring plots, counting mature and immature
specimens, recording plant health, estimating native vs invasive coverage and coordinating with DCNR-PNHP. State species
monitored include: Stachys cordata, Smallanthus uvedalia, Senna marilandica, and Antennaria solitaria.
West Virginia Botanical Surveys
West Virginia
Role: Field Lead
Leads botanical surveys for federally listed endangered, threatened and regional forest sensitive species. Federal species
surveyed for include: Running Buffalo Clover, Small Whorled Pogonia, Northeastern Bulrush, Shale Barren Rock-Cress,
Harperella, and Virginia Spiraea
Ohio Botanical Surveys
Ohio
Role: Field lead
Leads botanical surveys for federal and state listed endangered, threatened, rare species. Federal species surveyed for include:
Running Buffalo Clover and Northern Monkshood
Kentucky Botanical Surveys
Kentucky
Role: Field Lead
Lead projects that involve mapping potential habitat and surveying for running buffalo clover within project areas.
North Carolina Botanical Surveys
North Carolina
Role: Field Lead
Lead projects that involve mapping potential habitat and surveying for Dwarf-Flowered Heartleaf and Schweinitz's Sunflower within
project areas.
Vegetation Monitoring, Ecosystem Investment Partners, West Virginia
Role: Field Lead
Leads setting up vegetation plots along mitigated stream reaches to analyze for aerial percent cover, woody stem density,
invasive plant cover, and compiling an overall species list over approximately 20,000 acres.
Ohio Running Buffalo Clover Monitoring, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Wayne National Forest, Ohio
Role: Assistant
Assisted with monitoring Running Buffalo Clover populations with Jennifer Finfera (USWFS) and Rich Gardner (ODNAP Chief
Botanist) at two locations within Wayne National Forest. Activities included counting flowering stems, rooted crowns, and
maintenance of surrounding area.
West Virginia Running Buffalo Clover Monitoring, West Virginia Division of Natural Resources
Elkins, West Virginia
Role: Assistant
Assisted with monitoring Running Buffalo Clover populations with PJ Harmon (WVDNR) at Crouch Knob, Cheat Mountain.
Activities included GPS location, data form completion, counting flowering stems and rooted crowns, and identifying associated
species within potential habitat for running buffalo clover.
3
Kyle K. Filicky
Assistant Project Manager
West Virginia Running Buffalo Clover Monitoring, West Virginia Division of Natural Resources
Elkins, West Virginia
Role: Assistant
Assisted with monitoring Running Buffalo Clover populations with PJ Harmon (WVDNR) at Crouch Knob, Cheat Mountain.
Activities included GPS location, data form completion, counting flowering stems and rooted crowns, and identifying associated
species within potential habitat for running buffalo clover.
Ohio Vegetation Index of Biotic Integrity (VIBI), Shannon Valley Mitigation bank
Columbus, Ohio
Role: Lead
Lead field efforts in setting up modules, identifying wetland communities, collection of GPS location, data form completion, and
report writing to state agencies.
Freshwater Mussel Surveys
West Virginia and Ohio
Role: Assistant
Assist in setting up transects, conducting snorkeling and bucket surveys, identification and data collection, and relocation.
Wetland and Stream Delineations
Ohio, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia
Role: Field Lead
Lead approximately 300 miles and 100,000 acres of stream and wetland delineations for various public and private sector
projects.
South Range Wind Power Development, Scotia Wind LLC
South Range, Michigan
Role: Avian Surveyor & Wetland and Stream Delineator
Leads Point count surveys for common and federally listed bird surveys. Also lead delineation efforts for proposed development
sites and access roads.
Electrofishing and Macroinvertebrate Sampling
Western Pennsylvania
Role: Field Lead
The sampling includes the collection, identification and enumeration of fish and macroinvertebrates in approximately 25 miles of
stream.
Kyle K. Filicky
Assistant Project Manager
4
TRAINING
36-Hour Wetland Delineation & Regional Supplement Training, Swamp School
Raleigh, North Carolina
Role: Student
Completed: November 14th, 2014
The training includes a 4-day field and classroom workshop. Classroom work included the specific refinements to the 1987
Wetland Delineation Manual. Both manuals present changes to the analysis of soils, vegetation, and hydrology. The focus of the
discussion will be to highlight the changes as well as discuss potential ramifications of adding new wetland indicators. Many of the
public comments focused on the implication that sites might be called wetlands under the new Manuals that may not have been
identified using just the 1987 Manual. During the field portion of the class completed several data points using the new Regional
Supplement data forms. Sites have been selected to focus on the appropriate Regional Supplements and the local environmental
conditions. On all sites, the 1987 Manual will also be utilized to compare and highlight any changes in the analysis and also identify
strategies to present to the Corps if a site meets the Regional Supplement wetland criteria, but not the 1987 Manual criteria.
Wetland Plant Identification (FWS-CSP3107), U.S. Department of Interior
National Conservation Training Center, Shepherdstown, West Virginia
Role: Student
Completed: July 17th, 2015
This interagency course improved the ability of field staff to identify wetland plants using botanical manuals and floras.
The class consists of several one-day sessions on the following groups: woody plants, including winter condition; herbaceous
dicots; and grasses, sedges and rushes, and other monocotyledons. Lectures discuss morphology, terminology and identification.
Plants representative of that day's topic(s) are collected daily in the field and keyed-out in the classroom, in both directed and
individual keying exercises. The course is taught by instructors from the Fish and Wildlife Service, Natural Resources Conservation
Service and the Corps of Engineers.
Advanced Wetland Plant Identification: Grasses, Sedges, Rushes, and Composites (FWS-CSP3107), U.S. Department of
Interior
Necedah National Wildlife Refuge, Necedah, Wisconsin
Role: Student
Completed: June 24th, 2016
This inter-agency course is improved the ability of field staff to identify specific groups of wetland plants using botanical manuals
and other flora. Lectures discuss morphology, terminology and identification. Participants collect representative plants in the field
and, back in the classroom, log them in using directed and individual keying exercises. The course is taught by instructors from the
Fish and Wildlife Service, Natural Resources Conservation Service and the Corps of Engineers.
Willow Identification Workshop, Pennsylvania State University
State College, Pennsylvania
Role: Student
Completed: November 3rd, 2016
This training, led by Jim Bissell (Cleveland Natural History Museum), included overview of herbarium specimens of Salix species
found throughout Ohio.
Vernal Pool Workshop, Ohio Wetlands Association
Blacklick Woods, Columbus, Ohio
Role: Student
Completed: March 25th, 2017
This training, led by Mick Micacchion (Midwest Biodiversity Institute), began with presentations on the history of Ohio Vernal Pool
Network, ecology, macroinvertebrates, amphibians, and flora. A field portion included data collection of a vernal pool.
5
Kyle K. Filicky
Assistant Project Manager
Ohio Running Buffalo Clover Approved Surveyor Training, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Shawnee Outlook, Cincinnati, Ohio
Role: Student
Completed: May 13th, 2018
This approved OH USWFS training, led by Jennifer Finfera (OH USFWS), showed us potential habitat and growing conditions of
RBC. We learned how to record specific population data including, counting flowering stems, rooted crowns, and ranking
populations. We visited three distinct populations in the southeast Ohio area.
Sedges and Rushes: Identification and Ecology
Acadia National Park and Eagle Hill Institute, Steuben, Maine
Role: Student
Completed: June 28th, 2018
This seminar, led by Dr. Anton Reznicek, offers a comprehensive overview of the systematics and ecology of sedges and rushes.
Field studies will focus on recognition of major groups and important species, but will also cover reasons for the diversity of species
in different habitats of coastal and inland Maine. Field identification and field characters are emphasized. Lab studies of specimens
and discussions will develop formal identification skills and will review the various keys that are available. Participants are
encouraged to bring their own challenging or interesting
West Virginia Appalachian Rosinweed (Silphium wasiotense), West Virginia Department of Natural Resources
Logan, West Virginia
Role: Lead
Completed: September 3rd, 2018
This field visit was with James Vanderhorst (WVDNR) to show and document a state record population of Appalachian rosinweed
I discovered in 2017.
West Virginia Small Whorled Pogonia and Virginia Spiraea Approved Surveyor Training, West Virginia Department of
Natural Resources
Elkins, Eccles, and Camp Creek State Park, West Virginia
Role: Student
Completed: June 6th, 2019
This approved WV USWFS and WVDNR training, led by Paul J Harmon (WVDNR), had a classroom study of both species. He
taught us similar species, preferred growing habitats and key identification features. A field assessment was conducting at a
known population where each individual located and recorded population data for Virginia spiraea.
Ohio Vegetation Index of Biotic Integrity (VIBI), Midwest Biodiversity Institute
Hilliard, Ohio
Role: Student
Completed: June 28th, 2019
This training, led by Mick Micacchion (Midwest Biodiversity Institute), began with presentations on the history of Ohio VIBI
protocol and assessment. A field portion included data collection, following protocol and reporting.
Pennsylvania Northeastern Botanical Excursion
Cranberry Bog, Tioga, Pennsylvania
Role: Assistant
Completed: September 10th, 2017
This site visit with Joe Isaac (Carnegie Natural History Museum) included observing Northeastern Bulrush in flowering and seed
stage, specific habitat requirements, and associated species.
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Kyle K. Filicky
Assistant Project Manager
Maryland and West Virginia Harperella Botanical Excursion
Sidleing Hill Creek, Maryland and Sleepy Creek, West Virginia
Role: Assistant
Completed: September 7th, 2019
This site visit with Scott Martin (ARM Group Inc.) included observing Harperella in flowering and seed stage, specific habitat
requirements, and associated species.
Pennsylvania Small Whorled Pogonia Botanical Excursion
Centre County, Pennsylvania
Role: Lead
Completed: June 13th, 2020
This site visit with Joe Isaac (Carnegie Natural History Museum) included observing Small Whorled Pogonia flowering in and
documentation of a new population I observed.
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS
Professional Wetland Scientist
Society of Wetland Scientists
Botanical Society of Western Pennsylvania
Botanical Society of America
PRESENTATIONS
Kyle Filicky. "Poland Municipal Forest Wildflowers." Friends of the Poland Forest, Poland, Ohio, 5/6/2019
Kyle Filicky. "Rare, Threatened, and Endangered Plants." Beaver County Conservation District, Aliquippa, Pennsylvania,
5/13/2018
Kyle Filicky. “Electrofishing and Macroinvertebrate Sampling.” Friends of the Poland Forest, Poland, Ohio, 10/26/2019
Kyle Filicky. "Botany in Ohio: More Than Buckeyes." Western Pennsylvania Botanical Society, Carnegie Natural History Museum,
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 3/9/2020