20201951 Ver 1_21-071_DOT_Cascade Lake Rd slide Conc_Transylvania (2)_20210205

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United States Department of the Interior
FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE
Asheville Field Office
160 Zillicoa Street Suite #B
Asheville, North Carolina 28801
December 15, 2020
Kevin Barnett
NC Department of Transportation
Division 14
253 Webster Road
Sylva, North Carolina 28779
Subject: 21-071, Section 7 Concurrence for emergency repairs, Cascade Lake Road (State
Road 1536), Transylvania County, North Carolina
Dear Mr. Barnett,
On November 2, 2020, we received your email requesting section 7 concurrence on effects the
subject project may have on the federally endangered Appalachian elktoe (Alasmidonta
raveneliana). You provided additional information on December 3 & 4, 2020. The following
comments are provided in accordance with section 7 of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as
amended (16 U.S.C. 1531-1543) (Act).
A major rain event associated with the remnants of Hurricane Zeta occurred in Transylvania
County, NC during the final week of October, 2020. This event resulted in the sloughing off of a
portion of Cascade Lake Road, which is approximately 100 feet upslope of the Little River. The
section of the Little River in the subject area supports a known population of Appalachian elktoe,
raising concerns for sediment input associated with the washout. Given the site constraints, risk
of further erosion/sedimentation, and immediate need to stabilize the roadbed and reinstall
roadside drainage, an emergency repair is underway. You have committed to employ any
methods possible to reduce further sediment input into the Little River and to stabilize the site as
quickly as possible. Accordingly, we concur with your determination that the proposed project
may affect, but is not likely to adversely affect, the Appalachian elktoe.
Therefore, we believe the requirements under Section 7(c) of the Endangered Species Act
(ESA) of 1973, as amended (16 U.S.C. 15 31 - 1543), are fulfilled. Obligations under Section 7
of the ESA must be reconsidered if: (1) new information reveals impacts of this identified action
that may affect listed species or critical habitat in a manner not previously considered, (2) this
action is subsequently modified in a manner that was not considered in this review, or (3) a new
species is listed or critical habitat is determined that may be affected by the identified action.
If you have questions about these comments please contact Ms. Holland Youngman of our staff
at 828/258-3939, Ext. 42235. In any future correspondence concerning these projects, please
reference our Log Number 21-071.

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Sincerely,

Janet Mizzi
Field Supervisor