20210455 Ver 1_14_21-108 Bridal Veil Falls Slide_Concurrence_Macon Co_20210226

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

1
January 19, 2021
Patrick J. Breedlove
NC Department of Transportation
Division 14
253 Webster Road
Sylva, NC 28779

Subject: 21-108, Section 7 Concurrence for Bridal Veil Falls Slide (Disaster Damage),
Macon County, North Carolina; Federal Aid #: 17014.1056011

Dear Mr. Breedlove,

On January 5, 2021, we received your email requesting section 7 concurrence on effects the
subject project may have on the federally endangered Indiana bat (Myotis sodalis), Northern
long-eared bat (NLEB, Myotis septentrionalis) and Gray bat (Myotis grisescens). 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).

You have committed to remove trees required for the project during October 15th to April 15th,
avoiding impacts to potentially roosting bats. Accordingly, we concur with your determination
that the proposed project may affect, but is not likely to adversely affect, the Indiana bat and
Northern long-eared bat. We would agree with a “no effect” determination for Gray bat.

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 21-108.

Sincerely,

Janet Mizzi
Field Supervisor