20200402 Ver 2_PNG RCW FHA 01-08-2021_20210401

RED-COCKADED WOODPECKER
BIOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT
FOR THE PIEDMONT NATURAL GAS
LINE 99 EASEMENT WIDENING PROJECT,
BRUNSWICK COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA

Prepared By:
Ms. Jeanette M. Sabo and Dr. J.H. Carter III
Dr. J.H. Carter III & Associates, Inc.
Environmental Consultants
515 F Midland Road
Southern Pines, North Carolina 28387

Submitted 8 January 2021
To:

S&ME, Inc.
9751 Southern Pine Blvd.
Charlotte, NC 28273

RED-COCKADED WOODPECKER
BIOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT
FOR THE PIEDMONT NATURAL GAS
LINE 99 EASEMENT WIDENING PROJECT,
BRUNSWICK COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA

1. INTRODUCTION
Piedmont Natural Gas (PNG) proposes to widen the easement for Line 99 from Leland to
Southport in Brunswick County, North Carolina (NC). Dr. J.H. Carter III & Associates, Inc.
(JCA) was contracted by PNG to conduct surveys and a modified foraging habitat analysis
(FHA) for the federally Endangered red-cockaded woodpecker (Picoides borealis = Dryobates
borealis) (RCW). Seven RCW clusters on private lands are located within a 0.5-mile (mi.)
radius of the proposed project. This Biological Assessment provides survey results, updated
cluster and cavity tree status and modified FHA data for BSL Clusters 1, 2, 14, 30, 31 and 40 and
EMOT Cluster 1, and evaluates the impacts of this project on the RCW pursuant to Section 7 of
the Endangered Species Act (ESA), as amended.

2. PROJECT AREA
The project area is located in the Outer Coastal Plain of southeastern NC (Figure 1). This
area is characterized by nearly level topography with narrow slopes leading into drainages.
Carolina Bays are prominent landscape features. Elevations range from 0 to 30 feet (ft.) above
mean sea level.
The project area is located in the Cape Fear River Basin. Major hydrological features
include Orton and Pretty Ponds, Morgan, Rowell and Swain Branches, Allen, Dew's, Mill,
Nancy's, Orton, Price, Sturgeon and Town Creeks, and numerous unnamed tributaries.
The most prominent soil types in the study area are Baymeade fine sand, Bragg and
Goldsboro fine sandy loam and Foreston loamy fine sand. Dominant wetland soils included
Dorovan Muck and Murville mucky fine sand (United States Department of Agriculture, Natural
Resources Conservation Service (USDA-NRCS) 2020).

1

Figure 1. General location of the Piedmont Natural Gas Line 99 easement widening project in
Brunswick County, North Carolina.
Line 99
2
Much of the study area has been converted from its historic natural state when the
uplands were vegetated with longleaf pine (Pinus palustris) dominated communities and
pocosins and bays were vegetated with pond pine (P. serotina) dominated communities.
Loblolly (P. taeda) and slash pines (P. elliottii) are widely present throughout the study area due
to past forestry plantings or in the case of loblolly pine, site capture following logging. Logging,
drainage, development and prolonged fire exclusion have altered the natural landscape in much
of this portion of the county.
Habitats were divided into vegetative community types: Xeric Sandhill Scrub (Coastal
Fringe subtype), Pine-Scrub Oak Sandhill (Coastal Fringe subtype), Mesic Pine Savanna
(Coastal Plain subtype), Wet Pine Flatwoods (Sand Myrtle subtype), Sandy Pine Savanna (Rush-
Featherling subtype), Pond Pine Woodland, High Pocosin, Estuarine Fringe Pine Forest
(Loblolly Pine subtype), Managed Loblolly and Longleaf Pine Forests and Pine Plantations (in
part Schafale 2018).
Xeric Sandhill Scrub (Coastal Fringe subtype) occurs on xeric, excessively drained
coarse sands. The overstory consists of longleaf pine in varying densities with turkey oak
(Quercus laevis) as the dominant midstory species. Carolina wiregrass (Aristida stricta) is
dominant in the ground cover, which may be sparse overall.
Pine-Scrub Oak Sandhill (Coastal Fringe subtype) occurs on fine sands and has an
overstory consisting of longleaf or loblolly pine and a mixed scrub oak or xeric hardwood
understory/midstory. The ground cover is dominated by Carolina wiregrass and a diversity of
herbaceous species.
Mesic Pine Savanna (Coastal Plain subtype) occurs on loamy sands and has an overstory
of longleaf pine. It is distinguished from the Pine-Scrub Oak Sandhill habitat by an absence of
scrub oaks in the midstory. The ground cover in stands subject to regular burning is dominated
by Carolina wiregrass and a diversity of other grasses and herbs. With little or no fire
management, the understory/midstory usually contains mixed mesic hardwoods, where sweet
gum (Liquidambar styraciflua) can be prominent. Infrequent burning, fire exclusion and/or
previous site disturbances (logging, farming) can lead to an overstory of loblolly pine or mixed
pines.
Wet Pine Flatwoods (Sand Myrtle subtype) is a community specific to Brunswick
County. It occurs on sandy soils ranging from wet to mesic and has a longleaf pine or pond pine
3
canopy. This community type is typically low in species richness, but has an abundance of sand
myrtle (Kalmia buxifolia) in the shrub layer and is dominated by Carolina wiregrass in the
ground cover.
Sandy Pine Savanna (Rush-Featherling subtype) occurs only in Brunswick, Pender and
Onslow Counties and is distinguished by an abundance of rush-featherling (Pleea tenuifolia) and
Carolina Wiregrass in the ground cover. Wiregrass forms tall hummocks in this community type
creating more ground relief than in other Savanna types.
Pond Pine Woodland has a canopy dominated by pond pine, along with loblolly bay
(Gordonia lasianthus), sweet bay (Magnolia virginiana), red maple (Acer rubrum) and
sometimes Atlantic white cedar (Chamaecyparis thyoides). The dense shrub layer includes titi
(Cyrilla racemiflora), fetterbush (Lyonia lucida), sweet gallberry (Ilex coriacea), inkberry (Ilex
glabra), swamp red bay (Persea palustris) and switch cane (Arundinaria tecta). The latter
species may dominate the shrub layer after severe fires or repeated burns.
High Pocosin occurs on poorly drained peat deposits and wet sands and generally has a
canopy of often stunted pond pine with a scattering of swamp red bay, loblolly bay and sweet
bay. Fetterbush, titi, sweet gallberry, inkberry and laurel-leaf greenbrier (Smilax laurifolia)
dominate the dense shrub layer.
Estuarine Fringe Pine Forest (Loblolly Pine subtype) occurs adjacent to sounds or
estuaries and has a loblolly pine dominated canopy. Typically, common wax myrtle (Morella
cerifera) dominates or co-dominates the shrub layer, while shrubs typical of Pond Pine
Woodland, such as titi and fetterbush, are absent.
Managed Loblolly and Longleaf Pine Forest types occur on old field and/or modified
(drained and/or intensively site prepared) sites. The dominant overstory species are loblolly pine
and/or longleaf pine, sometimes mixed with hardwoods such as sweet gum, water oak (Quercus
nigra), other oaks and red maple. The understory/midstory is often tall and dense and consists of
hardwood saplings, pine regeneration and vines. Herbaceous ground cover is often sparse unless
burned frequently.
Pine Plantations consist of planted pines on various soil types, including wet or drained
mineral soils. The overstory is typically loblolly or slash pine and a dense midstory develops
quickly. Sweet gum is often the dominant midstory species, but other mesic hardwoods and tall
shrubs also occur. Herbaceous ground cover is often sparse unless burned frequently.
4
Eastern NC contains the Coastal NC Primary Core Population for RCWs in the Mid-
Atlantic Coastal Plain Recovery Unit and includes RCWs on the Croatan National Forest (CNF),
Holly Shelter Game Land and Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune. Military Ocean Terminal
Sunny Point, located within the survey area, is listed as a Significant Support Population for the
Mid-Atlantic Coastal Plain Recovery Unit (US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) 2003).

3. PROJECT DESCRIPTION
PNG proposes to widen the easement for Line 99 for approximately 26.6 miles, from
north of Interstate (I)-140 in Leland to east of East Moore Street in Southport, Brunswick County
(Figure 2). The easement will be widened from 20 ft. to 50 ft. Line 99 predominately follows
along streets, railroads and powerline rights-of-way (ROW). PNG was not able to obtain
additional easements along some portions of the line (Figure 2).

4. METHODS
4.1. RCW Survey
A variety of resources were utilized in preparation for field surveys, including aerial
photographs, topographic maps, soil surveys (USDA-NRCS 2020) and historical RCW cavity
tree data. Natural communities and plant nomenclature in the project area were classified
according to Schafale (2018) and Weakley (2020), respectively.
JCA biologists conducted aerial surveys using a Robinson R-22 piloted by staff of Total
Flight Solutions, Inc., from Louisburg, NC. Biologists surveyed for RCW cavity trees within a
0.5-mile radius (RCW survey area) of the Line 99 easement corridor (approximately 18,394
acres (ac.)) in October 2020. JCA biologists focused on suitable and potentially suitable habitat.
The project area was surveyed primarily using north-south and east-west cross-hatched transects,
generally with different biologists flying opposing directions in order to increase chances of
cavity tree detection. Transect widths varied with visibility and habitat quality, but typically
averaged around 500 ft. in suitable and potentially suitable habitat. All potential RCW nesting
habitat was surveyed. Efforts were made to ground truth RCW cavity trees and clusters found
within the RCW survey area.

5
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UV87
UV133
UV132
UV211
UV1492
UV1472
UV1426
UV1573
UV1411
UV1419
UV1528
UV1521
UV1540
UV1539
UV1455
UV1486
UV1520
UV1552
UV1531
UV1438
UV1492
UV132
UV133
UV87
UV211
UV211 UV87BRU 75
BRU 70BRU 71
BSL 7
BSL 2
BSL 40
BSL 37
EMOT 1
BSL 26
BSL 14
BSL 33
BSL 31
BSL 17 BSL 18
BSL 13
BSL 30 BSL 30A
BRU 80
BRU 77
BRU 79
BRU 78BRU 76
RC 1
RC 2
RC 11
RC 7
RC 9
MOT 2MOT 7
MOT 1
RC 6
RC 10
RC 3
MOT 4
RC 4MOT 6
MOT 5B
RC 5
MOT 3
MOT 8
MOT 3A
MOT 5A
EASE 2
RC 8
MOT 5
Source: Esri, DigitalGlobe, GeoEye, Earthstar Geographics, CNES/Airbus DS, USDA, USGS,AeroGRID, IGN, and the GIS User Community
RCW cavity trees
Line 99 proposed easement
0.5-mile radius foraging partitions
RCW survey area
Tax parcels with no proposed easement
MOTSU boundary
0 2.5 51.25 Miles
Figure 2. Location of red-cockaded woodpecker (Dryobates borealis)(RCW) partitions, clusters and cavity trees impacted by, or within the vicinity of the Piedmont Natural Gas easement widening project in Brunswick County, North Carolina.
BRU 1
BSL 1
6
Potential RCW nesting habitat was defined as pine or pine-hardwood stands ≥ 60 years of
age (USFWS 2003). Large forested tracts with potentially suitable habitat were surveyed on foot
using parallel transects.
The activity status of all known RCW cavity trees within BSL Clusters 1, 2, 14, 30 and
40 and EMOT Cluster 1 were updated in October and November 2020. Newly found RCW
cavity trees were flagged and their locations were documented using a Trimble® Geo7X GPS
unit and plotted on an aerial photograph.

4.2. RCW FORAGING HABITAT ANALYSES
A modified FHA (pine-forested habitat analysis) was used to determine presence/absence
of pine within 0.5-mile radius foraging habitat partitions. The modified FHA was used due to
the minor foraging habitat impacts to cluster partitions. The modified FHA methodology was
discussed and approved by the USFWS for this project (John Hammond, USFWS, personal
communication).
Pine-forested habitat analyses for BSL Clusters 2, 14, 30 and EMOT Cluster 1 were
completed in October and November 2020. BSL Cluster 1 and 40 were omitted from pine-
forested habitat analyses because the clusters are abandoned and project construction occurs in
non-contiguous habitat, east of the 310-315 ft. wide powerline ROW.
Stands were delineated using aerial photographs according to characteristics such as pine
age or density, hardwood-pine, lowland/swamp hardwoods, open water and non-foraging habitat
(roads, buildings, open habitat). Hardwood encroachment in a given pine stand was assessed by
the density and height of the midstory in accordance with the 2003 RCW Recovery Plan
(USFWS 2003) and its designation of quality requirements for RCW foraging habitat.
Impacts were assessed pursuant to Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act, as amended,
using the Standard for Managed Stability (SMS) guidelines (USFWS 2003). Foraging habitat
was also evaluated pursuant to a memorandum issued by then USFWS Regional Director,
Noreen E. Walsh, on 4 May 2005. According to the guidance presented in the memorandum, an
incidental take is assumed for the group/cluster if the post-project foraging habitat totals are
below the minimum pine BA and/or acreage required by the SMS. The SMS requires a
minimum of 3,000 square feet (ft.2) of pine BA in stems >10 inches dbh on at least 75 ac. of
good quality foraging habitat (USFWS 2003).
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Forested acreage removals for affected partitions associated with active clusters BSL 2,
30 and 31 and EMOT Cluster 1, and abandoned clusters BSL Clusters 14 and 40 were based on
the Line 99 easement file provided by PNG. To calculate project removals, biologists created and
overlaid a geographic information system (GIS) layer of the project design onto an aerial
photograph. JCA biologists calculated foraging habitat removals using ArcGIS™ software.
RCW foraging habitat separated by more than 200 ft. of non-habitat from another foraging stand
or the cluster itself was considered noncontiguous and was not counted as available habitat
(USFWS 2003). Habitat made noncontiguous by project impacts was subtracted from post-
project totals.

5. RESULTS
5.1. Red-cockaded Woodpecker – Dryobates borealis
The RCW is a small black and white woodpecker with horizontal bars on its back,
spotted flanks and a white belly. The cap and chin stripe are black and the male has a small,
difficult to see, red spot on each side of the black cap. It is most easily identified by the large
white cheek patches that distinguish it from similar species (USFWS 2003).
The RCW is endemic to mature, fire-maintained pine forests in the southeastern United
States, where it was historically common. Prime nesting habitat for RCWs includes open,
mature southern pine forests dominated by longleaf, loblolly, pond, slash or other southern
yellow pine species greater than 60 years of age with little or no mid- or understory
development. Pine flatwoods and pine-dominated savannas, which have been maintained by
frequent fires, serve as ideal nesting and foraging habitat for RCWs. Potential foraging habitat is
defined as open pine or pine/ hardwood stands 30 years of age or older (USFWS 2003).
Logging, fire exclusion and conversion of forestlands for agricultural and other uses have
destroyed most of this species’ habitat (USFWS 2003).

5.2. RCW Clusters Impacted
One new RCW cavity tree was found during the 2020 surveys in BSL Cluster 31. There
are 4 active clusters and 3 abandoned clusters and their associated habitat within the Line 99
easement corridor and RCW survey area (Figure 3).
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BSL 7
BSL 2
BSL 40
BSL 37
EMOT 1
BSL 14
BSL 33
BSL 26
BSL 31
BSL 18
BSL 13
BSL 17
BSL 30
BSL 30A
BRU 77
BRU 79
BRU 76
BRU 78
BRU 80
RC 9
MOT 2
MOT 7
MOT 1
RC 3
MOT 6
MOT 8
MOT 3
RC 5
EASE 2
MOT 4
RC 8
RC 7
RC 4
MOT 3A
RC 10
RC 6
Source: Esri, DigitalGlobe, GeoEye, Earthstar Geographics, CNES/Airbus DS, USDA, USGS,AeroGRID, IGN, and the GIS User Community
RCW cavity trees
0.5-mile radius foraging partitions
RCW survey area
Line 99 proposed easement
MOTSU boundary
Streets
0 0.5 10.25 Miles
Figure 3. Location of red-cockaded woodpecker (Dryobates borealis) (RCW) partitions, clusters and cavity trees impacted by, or within the vicinity of, the Piedmont Natural Gas easement widening project in Boiling Spring Lakes and near Southport in Brunswick County, NC.
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BSL Cluster 1 contained 12 relic cavity trees with cavities in various stages of
completion and suitability (Table 1). No new cavity trees were found. The closest RCW cavity
tree (UT 3) is 0.43 mile west of the Line 99 easement corridor and contains a relic advanced
start.
BSL Cluster 2 contained 13 cavity trees with cavities in various stages of completion and
suitability (Table 1). Three cavities were active and 2 cavities were possibly active. No new
cavity trees were found. The closest RCW cavity tree (#16581) is 703 ft. west of the Line 99
easement corridor and contains an active cavity.
BSL Cluster 14 contained 27 cavity trees with cavities in various stages of completion
and suitability (Table 1). No cavities were active. No new RCW cavity trees were found. The
closest RCW cavity tree (#203) is 113 ft. west of the Line 99 easement corridor and contains a
relic start.
BSL Cluster 30 contained 16 cavity trees with cavities in various stages of completion
and suitability (Table 1). Two cavities were active and one cavity was possibly active. No new
RCW cavity trees were found. One RCW cavity tree (#16484) that contains a relic cavity occurs
within the proposed easement and 7 cavity trees occur within 200 ft. of the proposed easement
(Table 1).
BSL Cluster 31 contained 15 cavity trees with cavities in various stages of completion
and suitability (Table 1). Three cavities were active and one substart was active. One new RCW
cavity tree was found. The closest RCW cavity tree (new tree (nt) 1) contains a relic start and is
1,077 ft. east of the proposed easement line.
BSL Cluster 40 contained 7 cavity trees with cavities in various stages of completion and
suitability (Table 1). No cavity trees were active. The closest RCW cavity tree (#16582) is 510
ft. west of the Line 99 easement corridor and contains a relic cavity.
EMOT Cluster 1 contained 15 cavity trees with cavities in various stages of completion
and suitability (Table 1). Four cavities and 2 starts were active and 2 cavities were possibly
active. The closest RCW cavity tree (nt 3) is 167 ft. east of the Line 99 easement corridor and
contains an inactive start.

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Table 1. Location and status of red-cockaded woodpecker (Dryobates borealis) cavity trees in BSL Clusters 1, 2, 14, 30, 31 and 40 and EMOT 1 in Brunswick County, North Carolina, 2020.Cluster Tree #StageActivityNorthing EastingCommentsBSL 1 Untagged (UT) 1 CavityRelic 3765800.31415 773918.255148BSL 1 UT 2Advanced StartRelic 3765762.70663 773923.437846BSL 1 UT 3Advanced StartRelic 3765580.88728 774034.915617BSL 1 UT 4 CavityRelic 3765668.91205 774007.392558BSL 1 UT 5 CavityCavity3765839.11973 773972.655708BSL 1 UT 6Advanced StartRelic 3765828.11200 773884.465050BSL 1 UT 7 CavityRelic 3765855.14257 773863.513440 Several enlarged cavitiesBSL 1 3503 Drilled CavityRelic 3765657.10402 773953.759033BSL 1 3504 CavityRelic 3765682.37352 773996.091987BSL 1 3506 StartRelic 3765674.70695 774012.292130BSL 1 3507 CavityRelic 3765643.63331 774016.239071BSL 1 3548 CavityRelic 3765980.61175 773781.874034BSL 2 16044 CavityRelic 3768630.23833 774344.375943 Turpentine scarBSL 2 16045 CavityRelic 3768646.63077 774353.329298 Lightning and turpentine scarBSL 2 16050CavityRelic 3768874.58444 774237.102656 Honeybees in cavity, old-growth longleafBSL 2 16053CavityRelic 3768510.31815 774141.065219 Scar at 6 ft.BSL 2 16054 CavityRelic 3769094.34004 774071.074220 Multiple enlarged cavities, turpentine scarBSL 2 16570CavityPoss. Act. 3768708.27450 774395.507224BSL 2 16575 CavityActive3768661.90410 774393.014515BSL 2 16576 CavityRelic 3768654.56744 774397.738843BSL 2 16577 CavityPoss. Active3768644.26519 774410.277510 Possibly active startBSL 2 16578CavityRelic 3768676.13858 774422.421981BSL 2 16579 CavityActive3768688.93158 774314.775209 Turpentine scarBSL 2 16580 StartRelic 3768621.85156 774285.146266 Turpentine scarBSL 2 16581 CavityActive3768961.81429 774431.944239BSL 14 UT 1 CavityRelic 3772999.64026 774120.991734BSL 14 49 CavityRelic 3773048.31256 773957.382338BSL 14 50 CavityRelic 3773038.55753 773940.957860BSL 14 64 CavityRelic 3773518.53502 773490.667351BSL 14 91 CavityRelic 3773502.92707 773531.342618BSL 14 203 StartRelic 3773285.20666 774254.023306 113 ft. west of proposed easementBSL 14 16041CavityRelic 3772846.20947 773970.692716BSL 14 16489 CavityRelic 3773492.50514 773677.528001 EnlargedBSL 14 16490Advanced StartRelic 3773499.53278 773680.212026 Healed overBSL 14 16491Advanced StartInactive3773495.44887 773680.35869711
Table 1 (continued). Location and status of red-cockaded woodpecker (Dryobates borealis) cavity trees in BSL Clusters 1, 2, 14, 30, 31 and 40 and EMOT 1 in Brunswick County, North Carolina, 2020.Cluster Tree #StageActivityNorthing EastingCommentsBSL 14 16492 Advanced Start Relic 3773491.11583 773725.682068BSL 14 16505CavityRelic 3772760.18063 773657.532804BSL 14 16585 StartRelic 3772405.06122 773652.154566BSL 14 16586 CavityRelic 3772522.85835 773617.162221BSL 14 16587 CavityRelic 3772773.53383 773625.558155BSL 14 16588Advanced StartRelic 3772906.60508 773514.399398BSL 14 16589 CavityRelic 3772910.87366 773500.959329BSL 14 16590 CavityRelic 3772903.66892 773494.688196BSL 14 16593 CavityRelic 3773168.79929 773598.071609BSL 14 16594 CavityRelic 3773059.41863 773692.306322BSL 14 16595 CavityRelic 3773000.29137 773756.703755BSL 14 16596 StartRelic 3772925.71609 773723.292297BSL 14 16597 CavityRelic 3773123.62808 773911.657379BSL 14 16598 CavityPoss. Active3773071.90846 773880.470147BSL 14 16599 StartRelic 3773373.64968 773927.037921BSL 14 16600 StartRelic 3773197.55971 774169.122940BSL 30 UT 1 InsertInactive3773886.61828 774199.211591 66.5 ft. east of easementBSL 30 UT 2 CavityActive3773894.70445 774016.044469BSL 30 C6 CavityInactive3773810.13997 774206.478417 13.5 ft. east of easementBSL 30 92 StartRelic 3773710.29663 773843.676189BSL 30 115 StartInactive3773497.49090 774392.254296 115 ft. east of easementBSL 30 205 CavityRelic 3773577.46531 773607.102363BSL 30 241Advanced StartRelic 3773563.50359 773698.374218BSL 30 1090 CavityPoss. Active3773496.47938 774346.518974 97 ft. east of easementBSL 30 16483 CavityRelic 3773471.65628 774213.716114BSL 30 16484 CavityRelic 3773748.15749 774207.194143 Within easement project removalsBSL 30 16485 CavityInactive3773650.80216 774198.252715 120 ft. west of proposed easementBSL 30 16486 CavityRelic 3773627.07103 774184.531329 186 ft. west of proposed easementBSL 30 16487CavityInactive3773643.91279 774037.362452BSL 30 16488Advanced StartInactive3773653.44693 774024.983921BSL 30 16510 CavityActive3773706.06217 774172.135145 147 ft. west of easementBSL 30 16571A CavityInactive3773539.72993 774114.882791BSL 31 New Tree 1 SubstartActive3774325.56887 774387.830780BSL 31 1 StartInactive3774356.93553 774402.175004BSL 31 2 CavityInactive3774401.67997 774496.72060312
Table 1 (continued). Location and status of red-cockaded woodpecker (Dryobates borealis) cavity trees in BSL Clusters 1, 2, 14, 30, 31 and 40 and EMOT 1 in Brunswick County, North Carolina, 2020.Cluster Tree #StageActivityNorthing EastingCommentsBSL 31 7StartInactive 3774349.52989 774581.136948BSL 31 95CavityActive3774278.36822 774653.921131BSL 31 96 CavityActive3774296.69161 774587.311072BSL 31 97 CavityInactive3774222.97904 774678.539224BSL 31 98 CavityInactive3774166.35599 774777.599102BSL 31 99 CavityInactive3774179.02330 774804.237555BSL 31 100 CavityActive3774128.32442 774806.230502 InsertBSL 31 101CavityInactive3774190.59114 774790.004166BSL 31 102 CavityRelic 3774212.48185 774769.828276BSL 31 103 CavityRelic 3774221.20157 774770.882704BSL 31 104 CavityInactive3774244.66160 774736.593895BSL 31 257 CavityRelic 3774382.06776 774630.837598BSL 40 240 StartRelic 3770093.28188 774099.310739BSL 40 3550 CavityRelic 3770323.33217 774000.077655BSL 40 16429 CavityRelic 3770100.76537 774126.589255BSL 40 16455 CavityRelic 3770387.06467 773982.170566BSL 40 16582 CavityRelic 3769922.93217 774204.185134BSL 40 16583 CavityRelic 3770098.02947 774106.391888BSL 40 16584 StartRelic 3770284.33482 773987.989530EMOT 1 UT 1 CavityActive3767161.64224 774809.961941EMOT 1 UT 2 StartActive3767193.47973 774796.926548EMOT 1 UT 3 StartInactive3767352.55598 774774.187664 167 ft. east of proposed easementEMOT 1 UT 4 CavityActive3767149.10866 774857.354703EMOT 1 UT 5 StartActive3767176.06429 774843.000968EMOT 1 UT 6 CavityActive3767492.51369 775096.240144EMOT 1 UT 7 CavityPoss. active3767706.22972 775138.622671EMOT 1 UT 8 CavityPoss. active3767521.70127 775177.166612EMOT 1 UT 9 CavityRelic 3767502.77889 775166.588755EMOT 1 UT 10 CavityRelic 3767502.08387 775189.462521 Tree dying; 2 cavitiesEMOT 1 UT 11StartInactive3767232.03260 775142.263191EMOT 1 UT 12 CavityRelic 3767221.94573 775216.209259 Multiple enlarged relicsEMOT 1 UT 13Advanced StartRelic 3767711.81546 775161.922956 2 relic startsEMOT 1 UT 14 CavityRelic 3767171.10522 774993.831209EMOT 1 UT 15 Recently CompleteActive3767164.89148 774958.30225913
5.3. Modified FHA (pine-forested habitat analyses)
The pine-forested habitat analyses using 0.50-mile radius partitions follow.
5.3.1. BSL CLUSTER 2
The BSL 2 partition contains approximately 382.19 acres, of which 108.55 acres
occur east of a 330-350 ft. wide powerline ROW (approximately 32.82 acres) and is
therefore non-contiguous. BSL Cluster 2 contained 161.54 ac. of contiguous pine-
forested habitat, 18.33 acres of lowland swamp/hardwood, 3.42 acres of open water, and
55.55 acres of non-foraging habitat (roads, buildings, open habitat) (Figure 4).
The proposed Line 99 project will remove approximately 2.65 acres of pine-
forested habitat. Post-project, the BSL 2 partition will have 158.89 acres of pine-forested
habitat. This exceeds the 75-acre minimum foraging habitat requirement in the RCW
Standard of Managed Stability (USFWS 2003).

5.3.2. BSL CLUSTER 14
The BSL 14 partition contains approximately 354.97 acres, with 193.38 acres of
pine forest, 4.58 acres of hardwood-pine, 1.44 acres of lowland swamp/hardwood, 11.47
acres of open water, and 144.09 acres of non-foraging habitat (roads, buildings, open
habitat) (Figure 4).
The proposed Line 99 project will remove approximately 1.18 acres of pine-
forested habitat. Post-project, the BSL 14 partition will have 192.20 acres of pine-
forested habitat. This exceeds the 75-acre minimum foraging habitat requirement in the
RCW Standard of Managed Stability (USFWS 2003).

5.3.3. BSL CLUSTER 30
The BSL 30 partition contains approximately 205.45 acres, with 121.12 acres of
pine-forest, 24.02 acres of lowland hardwood and hardwood-pine, 21.43 acres of open
water, and 38.88 acres of non-foraging habitat (roads, buildings, open habitat) (Figure 4).
The proposed Line 99 project will remove approximately 1.36 acres of pine-
forested habitat. Post-project, the BSL 30 partition will have 119.76 acres of pine-
forested habitat. This exceeds the 75-acre minimum foraging habitat requirement in the
RCW Standard of Managed Stability (USFWS 2003).
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BSL 7
BSL 2
BSL 40
BSL 37
EMOT 1
BSL 14
BSL 33
BSL 31
BSL 18
BSL 13
BSL 30
BSL 30A
BSL 26
BSL 17
0 0.5 10.25 Miles
Figure 4. Red-cockaded woodpecker (Dryobates borealis) (RCW) habitat within the 0.5-mile radius foraging partitions for BRU 2, 14, 30, 31 and 40 and EMOT 1, Piedmont Natural Gas easement widening project in Brunswick County, North Carolina.
RCW cavity trees
Proposed Line 99 easement
0.5-mile radius foraging partitions
Non-contiguous habitat
Stands
Pine habitat
Lowland hardwoods
Open water
Non-foraging habitat
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5.3.4. BSL CLUSTER 31
The BSL 31 partition contains approximately 316.81 acres, of which 5.93 acres
occur east of a 320 ft. wide powerline ROW (approximately 10.66 acres) and is therefore
non-contiguous. BSL 31 contained 96.36 acres of contiguous pine-forested habitat, 8.82
acres of lowland hardwood, 0.15 acre of open water, and 25.97 acres of non-foraging
habitat (roads, buildings, open habitat) (Figure 4).
The proposed Line 99 project will remove approximately 0.16 acre of pine-
forested habitat. Post-project, the BSL 31 partition will have 96.20 acres of contiguous
pine-forested habitat. This exceeds the 75-acre minimum foraging habitat requirement in
the RCW Standard of Managed Stability (USFWS 2003).

5.3.5. EMOT CLUSTER 1
The EMOT 1 partition contains approximately 311.24 acres, of which 90.20 acres
occur west of a 328-346 ft. wide powerline ROW (approximately 34.36 acres) and is
therefore non-contiguous. EMOT 1 contained 133.61 acres of contiguous pine-forested
habitat, 35.42 acres of lowland hardwood, 4.15 acres of open water and 13.48 acres of
non-foraging habitat (roads, buildings, open habitat) (Figure 4).
The proposed Line 99 project will remove approximately 1.88 acres of pine-
forested habitat. Post-project, the EMOT 1 partition will have 131.73 acres of pine-
forested habitat. This exceeds the 75-acre minimum foraging habitat requirement in the
RCW Standard of Managed Stability (USFWS 2003).

6. CONCLUSIONS
One relic RCW cavity tree will be “taken” by the proposed PNG Line 99 easement
widening project and the design will come within 200 ft. of 7 other known RCW cavity trees
within BSL Cluster 30. Potential conservation measures for RCW habitat impacts within BSL
Cluster 30 include provisioning 2 artificial cavities on protected conservation lands in the
immediate area and a construction moratorium from 1 April to 15 July within the 200-ft. cluster
boundary.
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A relic start in BSL Cluster 14 and an inactive start in EMOT Cluster 1 occur between
147-167 ft. from the proposed easement. JCA will update cavity activity of the above referenced
trees within 200 ft. of the proposed easement immediately prior to the 2021 breeding season.
The proposed project will remove 7.23 ac. of contiguous, pine-forested habitat associated
with 4 active clusters (BSL 2, 30, 31 and EMOT 1) and one abandoned cluster (BSL 14). BSL
Clusters 2, 14, 30, 31 and EMOT Cluster 1 have enough pine-forested habitat pre- and post-
project to meet the SMS guidelines.
Pine removals within BSL Cluster BSL 1 occur east of the powerline ROW in non-
contiguous habitat and will therefore have no impact on the cluster. Abandoned BSL Cluster 40
did not have sufficient pine-forested habitat to meet the SMS guidelines pre-project. However,
all easement project impacts occur east of the powerline ROW in non-contiguous habitat.
Therefore, the project will have no impact on BSL 40.
This project may affect, but is not likely to adversely affect the RCW.

Biological Determination: May affect, not likely to adversely affect

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7.0 LITERATURE CITED
Dr. J.H. Carter III and Associates, Inc. 1995. Unpublished proprietary information on
territorial partitioning.

Schafale, Michael P. 2018 working draft. Guide to the natural communities of North Carolina:
4th approximation. NC Natural Heritage Program, Department of Environment and
Natural Resources. 217 pp.

United States Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service. 2020.
USDA website (http://websoilsurvey.nrcs.usda.gov/app/WebSoilSurvey.aspx). Accessed
November 2020.

United States Fish and Wildlife Service. 2003. Red-cockaded woodpecker recovery
plan: 2nd revision. US Fish and Wildlife Service, Atlanta, Georgia. 296 pp.

Walsh, Noreen E. 2005. Implementation procedures for use of foraging habitat guidelines and
analysis of project impacts under the red-cockaded woodpecker (Picoides borealis)
recovery plan: second revision. Memorandum, USFWS. Atlanta, GA. 12 pp.

Weakley, Alan S. 2020. Flora of the southeastern United States: North Carolina. Edition of 20
October 2020. UNC-Chapel Hill at Chapel Hill Herbarium, Chapel Hill, NC. 1076 pp.

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