20210297 Ver 1_Cherokee County - B182 - NC Hertiage Program_20210322

NCNHDE-13963
February 11, 2021
Patrick Breedlove
NCDOT-Division 14
253 Webster Road
Sylva, NC 28779
RE: Cherokee County - Bridge 182; 17BP.14.R.205
Dear Patrick Breedlove:
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 Information provided by the NCNHP database may not be published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, Land and Water 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 [e-mail] or 919-707-8603.
Sincerely,
NC Natural Heritage Program
Natural Heritage Element Occurrences, Natural Areas, and Managed Areas Intersecting the Project Area
Cherokee County - Bridge 182
Project No. 17BP.14.R.205
February 11, 2021
NCNHDE-13963
Element Occurrences Documented Within 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 33016 Cryptobranchus
alleganiensis
alleganiensis
Eastern Hellbender 2016-07-05 BC 3-Medium ---Special
Concern
G3T2 S3
Freshwater Fish 37298 Moxostoma breviceps Smallmouth Redhorse 2016-07-05 E 3-Medium ---Significantly
Rare
G5 S2
No Natural Areas are Documented within the Project Area
No Managed Areas Documented within the Project Area
Definitions and an explanation of status designations and codes can be found at https://ncnhde.natureserve.org/help. Data query generated on February 11, 2021; source: NCNHP, Q4 January 2021. Please
resubmit your information request if more than one year elapses before project initiation as new information is continually added to the NCNHP database.
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Natural Heritage Element Occurrences, Natural Areas, and Managed Areas Within a One-mile Radius of the Project Area
Cherokee County - Bridge 182
Project No. 17BP.14.R.205
February 11, 2021
NCNHDE-13963
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 33016 Cryptobranchus
alleganiensis
alleganiensis
Eastern Hellbender 2016-07-05 BC 3-Medium ---Special
Concern
G3T2 S3
Amphibian 15281 Pseudacris
brachyphona
Mountain Chorus Frog 2019-03-15 A 3-Medium ---Special
Concern
G5 S2
Bird 15757 Vermivora cyanoptera Blue-winged Warbler 1976-05-31 H 3-Medium ---Significantly
Rare
G5 S2B
Freshwater Fish 37298 Moxostoma breviceps Smallmouth Redhorse 2016-07-05 E 3-Medium ---Significantly
Rare
G5 S2
Vascular Plant 37078 Platanthera integrilabia White Fringeless
Orchid
1935-08-02 H 5-Very
Low
Threatened Special
Concern
Historical
G2G3 SH
No Natural Areas are Documented Within a One-mile Radius of the Project Area
Managed Areas Documented Within a One-mile Radius of the Project Area
Managed Area Name Owner Owner Type
Nantahala National Forest - Tusquitee Ranger
District
US Forest Service Federal
Definitions and an explanation of status designations and codes can be found at https://ncnhde.natureserve.org/help. Data query generated on February 11, 2021; source: NCNHP, Q4 January 2021. Please
resubmit your information request if more than one year elapses before project initiation as new information is continually added to the NCNHP database.
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