20211575 Ver 1_211025_Species Report, Hamptons at Hickory r1rdft_20211029

WETLANDS
lyya WATERS, INC.
Marty Davis
D.R. Horton
8025 Arrowridge Boulevard
Charlotte, NC 28273
RE: Threatened and Endangered Species Evaluation
Hamptons at Hickory
City of Hickory, Catawba County, NC
PIN:371305177628
Mr. Davis,
October 25, 2021
Wetlands & Waters, Inc. (W&W) has completed a cursory evaluation of the above referenced property
assemblage (hereafter referred to as "review area") for Federal threatened and endangered species and the
presence of suitable habitat for those species. Should future project -related impacts be necessary, this
report may be used by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (or other Lead Federal Agency) to determine if
additional coordination will be necessary to satisfy requirements of the Endangered Species Act.
The review area is located on the east side of 5'h Street Northeast, at the southeast quadrant of 5'1i Street
Northeast and 2 1 " Avenue Northeast. Figure 1 depicts the review area for the purpose of this report.
Methodology
Evaluation of the review area included a report of known species and critical habitat occurrences within
or in close proximity to the project area from the North Carolina Natural Heritage Program (NHP)
database (Attachment A); field reviews of known extant populations of species that may potentially be
present; and on -site field evaluations of potentially suitable habitat for Federally listed species known to
occur in Catawba County. The site evaluation focused on identifying individuals of Dwarf -Flowered
Heartleaf and Schweinitz's Sunflower within potentially suitable habitat in the review area.
Prior to conducting field evaluations, W&W staff review USFWS published data to validate diagnostic
characteristics for species that may be present. When practical, known populations of Federal threatened
and endangered species are referenced in a non -intrusive manner for confirmation of seasonal growth
patterns, diagnostic features, and behavioral characteristics.
Field surveys were performed October 20, 2021. Photographs documenting reference populations (if
applicable) and existing site conditions are included in Attachment B. Plant communities and their typical
compositions were documented on Habitat Assessment Forms included in Attachment C.
Wetlands & Waters, Inc.
WETLAND AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTANTS

4
ly
WETLANDS
ac WATERS, INC.
Species Profiles
Dwarf -flowered Heartleaf (Hexamlis naniflora)
The Dwarf -flowered Heartleaf is typically associated with Kalmia latifolia orAsimina triloba and the soil
types Pacolet, Madison, or Musella. Flowering occurs from mid -March to early June and are jug -shaped,
typically ranging from 0.23-5" long and 0.15-0.27" in diameter. The species grows in acidic soils along
bluffs and adjacent slopes, in boggy areas next to streams and creek heads, and along the slopes of nearby
hillsides and ravines (U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, 2011).
Schweinitz's Sunflower (Helianthus schweinitzii)
Habitat for Schweinitz's Sunflower includes clearings and edges of upland woods, thickets, and pastures
The species is found along roadsides, powerline clearings, old pastures, and woodland openings.
Schweinitz's Sunflower requires disturbance (blowdowns, storm, or fire) to create open areas for full
sunlight, but may also grow in open stands of trees with minimal shade. Soils may be either shallow,
sandy with high gravel content, or a clayey hardpan. The sunflower may prefer soils derived from basic
material (Krings, Goyette, Suiter, & Samuels, 2021).
Findings
The review area consists of an established golf course, constructed in the early 1970s. Falling Creek
forms the eastern review area boundary. The majority of the site is cleared fields with Golf Course
infrastructure. Forested conditions are present in the Eastern review area proximate to Falling Creek and
in isolated areas interspersed throughout the site. The site is underlain by Clifford, Codorus, and Fairview
soils. Cleared areas are part of active golf areas and have been intensively managed and frequently
landscaped.
Forested portions of the site were investigated for occurrences of Dwarf -flowered Heartleaf. The review
area lacks forested northern -facing slopes and lacks species typically found in association with Hexastylis
naniflora. Sloped areas adjacent to Falling Creek and underlain by Codorus soils provide the best
opportunity for survival of the species; however, no individuals of Dwarf -flowered Heartleaf or other
Hexastylis species were observed on site.
Clearings and Edge habitat within the review area were investigated for occurrences of Schweinitz's
Sunflower as these areas are outside of intensively maintained openings. Many areas of edge habitat
contain dense shrub growth containing Chinese Privet (Ligustrum sinense). No individuals of
Schweinitz's Sunflower or other Helianthus species were observed on site.
Conclusions
W&W conducted evaluations of potentially suitable habitat for the federally listed Dwarf -flowered
Heartleaf and Schweinitz's Sunflower within the approximately 98-acre Hamptons at Hickory project
review area. No individuals of Dwarf -flowered Heartleaf or Schweinitz's Sunflower were observed
within the review area. Because no individuals of Dwarf -flowered Heartleaf or Schweinitz's Sunflower
were observed within the review area, it is our opinion that there is no potential for a `Take' to these
species, and there will be `No Effect' on these species as a result of site development.
Wetlands & Waters, Inc.
WETLAND AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTANTS

WETLANDS
WATERS, INC.
This concludes our assessment of the presence or absence of Federal threatened and endangered species
and the presence of suitable habitat for those species. Should you require more information regarding the
results of our evaluation, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Sincerely,
Meagan Jolly
704.681.3479
Enclosures: Figure 1. Review Area
Attachment A. North Carolina Natural Heritage Program Report
Attachment B. Field Photographs
Attachment C. Habitat Assessment Forms
Wetlands & Waters, Inc.
WETLAND AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTANTS

W
ac WATERS, INC.ETLANDS
References
Krings, A., Goyette, S., Suiter, D., & Samuels, M. (2021, July). Schweinitz's Sunflower (Helianthus
schweinitzii). Retrieved from Rare plants of North Carolina:
https://projects.ncsu.edu/cals/plantbiology/ncsc/rare/images/Hellanthus schweinitzii NHP.pdf
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. (2011, December). Dwart flowered heartleafHexastylis nan flora.
Retrieved from U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Asheville Field Office.
Wetlands & Waters, Inc.
WETLAND AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTANTS

Attachment A
North Carolina Natural Heritage Program Report

NC DEPARTMENT OF
■■ ■m NATURAL AND CULTURAL RESOURCES
■. _■■N
February 12, 2021
Meagan Jolly
Wetlands & Waters, Inc.
328 East Broad Street
Statesville, NC 28677
RE: Hickory Golf Course
Dear Meagan Jolly:
Ray Cooper, Governor
D. Reid Wilson, Secretary
Walter Clark
Director, Division of Land and Water Stewardship
NCNHDE-13970
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 rod ney.butler�ncdcr.gov or 919-707-8603.
Sincerely,
NC Natural Heritage Program
0EFAR7MEN7 OF NATURAL AND CULTURAL RESOURCES
(b 121 W. JONES STREET_ RALEIG,H_ NC 27603 • 1651 MAIL SERVICE CENT£R. RALDGH. NC 27699
OFC 919.707.9120 • FAX 919.707,9E21

U
ƒ
\ \
e = 2
z
\
/ CO $ ~
/ E / 0
»
CO
\ \
CO CO
/ \
\
% >
\D CO
� ƒ
} / \ °
2
u
_
y z
\
\ -0 /
» }
CO
--E
�220
\
0 \ e z
z
_ __
m \ e
\}
\
.2
} =
.)
\\
\E
e
3
0
m cnE
\g3=
/z«ƒ
\
t(\E
\%«w
��a�
(�/\\
%
//2 \
z o u-
e E / /
z e§:
> °
^ �\
}
3 > 0 ±
e o
3
`
%_
`-
\ \
\
CO\ co\
j
\ ƒ
\
\ \ \ \
(\ \
s
CO
} e z
= a z
: z
_
/
\ = CO
y \ / _
/
/
/\
\ / / 2
D
-
\\
\ \ ~ ƒ
\ 0 0 /
% \ \
w22
s=
\ :
\ 3xo
ya2\
0
/}0U
\_>
\NCO
y 2«
CO 6u
Ln
\
_u z
CC3U
\\
\ »
�\ \
/ 2lu
=
2 z E
\ \
\
/
\ \
> e 2 0
>
: /
°
`
\ / \
E
6%
\
ƒ/gz
§
\
\/
Y
3 2 e z
woe
: =2
% / / 3
\
\
\ \ CO\
$
\
\
y
6
\ \ ( \
\
e
e
3
E
D-
t
:
®
d ^ D
°
CO
»
\ -0\
`
e
LE\\
\= z 3
4
5^
\\
CO
\
6
\ 0 ?
m
\
E±
\ ~
\
3
§ ° ° \
«
3
U 0
2
=
u?/ z
e
m
m :
\
°
/
0 / e ±
\
\
®
/ \ )E
_
y ± / 2
s
2
/
\z °s
CO
0
\ \
\\�\
3
CO
-0 \ /
« ~
\
tree
0
o
/
E
/
a/}/\
0 / n
±
/
° $
\ ± \ \
\ s / /
e
o
\ /
\ y \.2
\
/ J ®
o /
\
Z
2 / % \
e
a=
/\
\
% \
co
\
\ a
= E
CO
/
\ \
CO
s
s \
\ \ \ \
�
} /
//>r=
o
s e e e%
o
e
e»
o z© I
Z
5 Z 3% s
Z
x
x O,J
9 j=
§
\
c

-
2
z
E
cn
cn
D-
o
\
e
/
4
u D D D
9 / / /
z u u u
/ YYY
® \\0
cn
0 u u u
\L
■
\ 3
/ �
2 /
\ �
\ o m m
E \o)o)
( \ \ \
©z,00
/ e D D D
± ± o o o
44\\u
\\222
\\0
> > >
CC) CC)w w w
xxeee
ra
s
/

01
I
Ol I

Attachment B
Field Photographs

DIRECTION 35.750420N ACCURACY 6 m
260 deg(T) 081-31772OW DATUM WGS84
Protected
RH Hickory Golf Species 2021-10-20
Typ. Course edge
DIRECTION 35.75040°N ACCURACY 4 m
288 deg(T) 081.318740W DATUM WGS84
�.. .
Protected
Hickory Golf Species 2021-10-20
TVD. Course edge
DIRECTION 35.750390N ACCURACY 5 m
201 deg(T) 081-318720W DATUM WGS84
=1
Protected
RH Hickory Golf Species 2021-10-20
TvD. Course edge
DIRECTION 35,75057"fit ACCURACY 8 m
239 deg(T) 081.31928OW DATUM WGS84
Iw
1.
-. '_ �' yam•. ' '
� � ...
l
�4, Al
Y Y_`, ^�iC max.
.� '�;y 'd
•a
}n"y
f•
... ..
Protected
RH Hickory Golf
Species
2021-10-20
Tva. Course edoe

DIRECTION 35.750440N ACCURACY 4 m
271 deg(T) 081.32035°W DATUM WGS84
k
K
Protected
RH Hickory Golf Species 2021-10-20
Tva, Course edae
DIRECTION 35.75143°N ACCURACY 4 m
20 deg(T) 081.32279°W DATUM WGS84
Protected
Hickory Golf Species 2021-10-20
Tvo. Course edae
DIRECTION 35.75045ON ACCURACY 4 m
280 deg(T) 081.32160°W DATUM WGS84
i
M
.�"• . Ike "�
Protected
RH Hickory Golf Species 2021-10-20
Tvo. Course edge
DIRECTION 35.75143°N ACCURACY 5 m
35 deg(T) 081-322430W DATUM WGS84
Xym�J f id
'• ]p
�-L
qqyy�„f�.
� � 1
r ,
Protected
1H Hickory Golf Species 2021-10-20
Tva. Course edae

DIRECTION 35.75401°N ACCURACY 4 m OTRECTION 35.75401°N ACCURACY 4 m
346 deg(T) 081.31E330W DATUM WG584 193 dag(T) 081.318330W DATUM WG584
_ .: :i'���• -Vw yy- .'S: r.....r.,�r' "'q5-A : r'-ri:- �-.
[- �. � � ,;�i ••may ;,. ,.'�y • _
x. '�• yet-�. �'s.'?:-kf �'..SY' �''-`�'-_ _ .,-:.+.
.] f�r'...'.AJ4 •ry': Hj".yw, :'. �'. ':.I, ' ^'r .1 . '_WSJ ':J.a i
yv. -y�.' •.... •.. � r L:.'..,. -dam .iil A F .-` .
•i C
Protected Protected
RH Hickory Golf species 2021-10-20 RH Hickory Golf species 2021-10-20
Typ. Course edge Typ. Course edge
DIRECTION 35.75424°N ACCURACY 4 m DIRECTION 35.75522°N ACCURACY 7 m
155 deg(T) 081.31814°W DATUM WG584 7 deg(T) 081.31753°W DATUM WG584
Ag
114,
- .•r. 'i:#y�., •ram ,jy,i
' - s - - ~� k _ _ 1 ,fit►,.},:. .� � -� }S4
Protected Protected
RH Hickory Golf species 2021-10-20 RH Hickory Golf species 2021-10-20
Typ. Course edqe Typ. Course edqe

DIRECTION 35.75520~w ACCURACY 4 m
188 deg(T) 081.31755`w DATUM 06S84
I w1w.
74
Protected
RM Hickory Golf species 2821-10-20
Tvo' Course cdne
DIRECTION 35.75496"w ACCURACY 5 m
59 deg(T) 081'31768"N DATUM wG684
TZ below culvert outlet Hickory Golf outlet 2031-I0-20
DIRECTION
224 deg(T)
-
35.75493"w ACCURACY 4 m
081'31758"w DATUM 0GS84
'
/
|
-
, m'
'
TZ no Trib above e� Hickory Golf 2821-I0-I0
cart path
DIRECTION 35.755020w x2cunA[Y 5 m
80 deg(T) 081'31752Ow DATUM N6S84
PP
TZ below culvert
xM Hickory Golf
outlet
2821-I0-20

DIRECTION
35.75483°N ACCURACY 4 m
178 deg(T)
081-31758OW DATUM WGS84
'Protected
RH Hickory Golf Species 2021-10-20
Tvo. Course edae
DIRECTION
5 deg(T)
35.75538°N
081.31E880W
DIRECTION 35.75451°N ACCURACY 8 m
18 deg(T) 081.31737°W DATUM WGS84
�iv ww"",
1-1Ilk—
Protected
RH Hickory Golf
Species
2021-10-20
Tvn. Course edoe
ACCURACY 4 m DIRECTION 35.75432'N ACCURACY 4 m
DATUM WGS84 168 deg(T) 081.31703°W DATUM WGS84
y -
Protected
1H Hickory Golf Species 2021-10-20
Tvo. Course edae
- . _ •�. ..... ,fir'." �°.'� �?"�r�i�=;f''� -
Protected
Hickory Golf Species 2021-10-20
Tvp. Course edge

DIRECTION 35.753840N ACCURACY 5 m DIRECTION 35.75251°N ACCURACY 4 m
153 deg(T) 081-31754OW DATUM WGS84 lfi0 deg(T) 081,31701°W DATUM WG584
Protected
Protected
rRHHickory
I Hickory Golf
Species
2021-10-20
Golf Species 2021-10-20
Typ. Course edge
Typ. Course edge
DIRECTION
35.75141°N
ACCURACY 5 m
DIRECTION 35.75104°N ACCURACY 11 m
212 deg(T)
081.31E'800W
DATUM WG584
238 deg(T) 081.31706°W DATUM WG584
jr-
r ? .
•r
I,
Protected
Protected
I Hickory Golf
Species
2021-10-20
RH Hickory Golf Species 2021-10-20
Tva. Course edae
Tva. Course edae

DIRECTION 35.75099°N ACCURACY 4 m
193 deg(T) 081.31707°W DATUM WGS84
7-�
AWL-
hU•_
Protected
Hickory Golf Species 2021-10-20
Tvo. Course edae

Attachment C
Habitat Assessment Forms

Project �d` Client/Site DI IQ - County rJ'�'' Form ID U44-p-t
Date 16-U — L4 Investigators �t Location Coordinates 1u -4� r rT.
Target Species '61 -1'11
Habitat Dame F-AA. -$ G+•-4"
Habitat Description W d. P�- S
SoilUh�+•-
Aspect
Slope
Light
TON Feeition.
Moisture
FIN NE
Flat
m Open
ElCrest
=
Inundated
S NW
©
0-10%
Partial
JZU Peer slope
Q
Saturated
E SE
❑
10-35%
Filtered
Mid -slope
=
Moist (Mesic)
0 W ZX SW
❑
35%+
Shaded
Lower slope
®
Dry (Mesic)
= None
❑ Vertical
0 Bottom
Dry (Xeric)
Stratum/Life form Height (feet)
Percent Cover
Characteristic Species
Ether ent tree
-
Tree canopy
L-. r VW, -
Tree sub -canopy
Tall shrub >3ft)
-
-
Short shrub (<3ft)
H erb
tvn(l , AIWO y t l G (-unr+ C.v►rt l .6d",
Vine
Non -vascular
-
-
Reasons target species not found
Habitat Unsuitable May have never
71 Disturbances ® Exotics destroyed ahabitat ®occurred here = Other
Comments +, - �VWJO w.t C . end �k �!, ►t.-t- Gwt�-i 41,A1 A, -
Nt) S,ti4 4v o6Y,-L,_d

Project Client/Site [J County Farm I❑ 14 Of- Z
Date [v- -Lb- Investigators p{ Location Coordinates -3S. ^j �_, 0 7�
Target Species — 3 1 -7 `{ 1�3
Habitat Name Y-, CAIII.-
Habitat Description [
k
Soil ro Y7jr�+ I Qp,,n..
Aspect
Slope.
Light
Topo Position
Moisture:
N NE
Flat
Open
Crest
L] Inundated
El S NW
©o-10%
❑
Partial
Oupper slope
Q Saturated
9E S E
❑
10-35%
❑
Filtered
L] Mid -slope
© Moist (Mesic)
W SW
35%t
® Shaded
Lower slope
E]
Dry (Mesic)
7
Fl
None
Vertical
Bottom
0
Dry (Xeric)
Stratum/Life form Height (feet)
Percent Cover
Characteristic Species
Emergent tree
-
-
Tree canopy
-
_ p
b,,;llw•� eo,L�. S ,r•.! c-L-,
Tree sub -canopy
-
- s�-
Tall shrub R)
-
-
Short shrub 3 ft)
Herb
-
- (p
�Srlc
Vine
-
-
V`�"5 i„►. Gyre Fx„r �+�1sw•� S� Cc� ivl c_ , PeiSw�
Non -vascular
-
-
Reasons target species not found
Habitat Unsuitable May have never
FIDisturbances F7 Exotics 121 destroyed Mhabitat occurred here = Other
Comments
a _ was S�rA
J&16 p 164 ( vt"
C/.'G�
1
N e 1' S or Ns^t.�•