HomeMy WebLinkAbout19930786 Ver 2_Report_20070821
Biological Evaluation
for
The Reserve at St. James Plantation
Brunswick County, NC
Prepared for:
The Reserve Development Company, LLC
St. James, NC
Prepared by:
Land Management Group, Inc
Wilmington, NC
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July 2007
Table of Contents
List of Figures, Tables, and Appendices ............................................................................ iii
1.0 Introduction ........................................................................................................................4
2.0 Protected Species .............................................................................................................. ..4
3.0 Survey Information .......................................................................................................... ..4
3.1 Experience of Surveyor ......................................................................................... ..4
3.2 Survey Methods Used ............................................................................................ ..5
4.0 NC Natural Heritage Program Search Results ............................................................. ..6
5.0 Site Description ................................................................................................................ ..6
6.0 Species ............................................................................................................................... ..6
6.1 Animals ........................................................................................................................ ..8
6.1.1 American Alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) .......................................... ..9
6.1.2 Eastern Cougar (Felis concolor couguar) ..................................................... 10
6.1.3 Red-cockaded Woodpecker (Picoides borealis) ........................................... 10
6.1.4 Shortnose Sturgeon (Acipenser brevirostrum) ............................................. 10
6.1.5 Wood Stork (Mycteria americana) .............................................................. 11
6.2 Plants ............................................................................................................................ 11
6.2.1 Cooley's Meadowrue (Thalictrum cooleyi) ................................................... 11
6.2.2 Roughleaf Loosestrife (Lysimachia asperulaefolia) ..................................... 12
7.0 Summary ...........................................................................................................................12
8.0 References .........................................................................................................................13
ii
List of Figures, Tables, and Appendices
Table 1. Federally-listed endangered and threatened species observed in Brunswick
County, NC, excluding marine species .............................................................................8
Figure 1. Topographic map ............................................................................................................14
Figure 2. 2003 aerial photograph of tract .......................................................................................15
Appendix A. Pictures of site
iii
Threatened and Endangered Species Report
The Reserve at St. James Plantation
Brunswick County, NC
1.0 Introduction
On several days in June and July of 2007, staff of Land Management Group, Inc.
evaluated a tract of land known as the Reserve at St. James Plantation for its potential to
support federally-listed threatened or endangered species. The project site is located in
Brunswick County, southeast of the intersection of Highway 211 and Midway Road in St.
James, NC (Figure 1). It is located within the Lower Cape Fear River Basin and is
2372.24 acres in size.
2.0 Protected Species
This report evaluates the potential of federally protected species to occur within
the above-mentioned tract. Species with the federal classification of Endangered (E),
Threatened (T), or Officially Proposed (P) for such listing are protected under the
Endangered Species Act (ESA) of 1973, as amended.
3.0 Survey Information
3.1 Experience of Surveyor
Kim Williams of Land Management Group, Inc. was the principal
investigator for the threatened and endangered species survey on this tract. Ms.
Williams has a Bachelor of Science in Biology and a Master of Environmental
Management with a concentration in Resource Ecology. Her education has
included several classes in taxonomy such as ornithology, entomology,
dendrology, and wetland plant identification. Her experience with threatened and
endangered species of the Coastal Plain region includes working with the North
Carolina Natural Heritage Program in Raleigh and The Nature Conservancy in
4
Durham to compile species and community information for areas along the
Waccamaw River, writing a master's thesis on the optimal burning frequency for
rough-leaf loosestrife and Venus flytrap in the Green Swamp, and attending
several field trips with The Nature Conservancy and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service to observe rare species in the region in order to expand this knowledge.
Ms. Williams has been employed with Land Management Group, Inc. for eight
years and has performed many threatened and endangered species surveys and
biological assessments for tracts in the Coastal Plain region.
3.2 SuYVey Methods Used
Habitat with the potential for supporting protected species was identified
through aerial photographs, soils maps, and topographic maps of the property and
by ground truthing certain areas throughout the site. All forested areas within the
tract and within ahalf--mile radius of the tract were surveyed for red-cockaded
woodpecker habitat. In addition, a search of the North Carolina Natural Heritage
Program database in Raleigh, North Carolina was performed to establish if there
were any known records of rare species or community types within or near the
tract.
The results of this report are based on due diligence including
observations made on the dates noted and on other information gathered from
maps and databases. It is not intended to be absolute, but gives a reasonable
determination about the presence or absence of federally protected species within
the site.
4.0 NC Natural Heritage Program Search Results
A search of the North Carolina Natural Heritage Program database was conducted
to determine whether any state or federally listed rare species have previously been
observed within or near the project area (1/2 mile radius). This search found several rare
plants, animals, and community types within and surrounding the site. Within the site,
5
Carolina goldenrod (Solidago pulchra; state-listed Endangered and federal-listed Federal
Species of Concern) was observed in the northern corner of the tract. In addition, brown
bogbottom (Lachnocaulon minus; state watch-list species) was observed in one of the
smaller Carolina Bays in 1993. A rare community type, Wet Pine Flatwoods, was noted
in the center of the tract. Finally, most of the tract (except for the southwestern corner and
a small area along the eastern property line) is located within a Natural Heritage Priority
Site, the Boiling Spring Lakes Wetlands Complex. This is because of the number of rare
species, community types, and Carolina Bays in the area.
There were also several rare plant, animal, and community type sightings
surrounding the tract. Several rare plant species have been observed to the west and north
of the tract. In 2000, over 500 rough-leaf loosestrife (Lysimachia aspe~ulifolia; state-
listed and federal-listed Endangered) approximately 60 Venus flytrap (Dionaea
muscipula; state-listed Significantly Rare-Limited (also as Special Concern) and federal-
listed as Federal Species of Concern), and between 25 and 50 spoonflower (Peltandra
sagittifolia; state-listed as Significantly Rare) individuals were all observed in a
powerline right-of--way located just southwest of the tract. Additionally, in 1996, red-
cockaded activity was noted approximately one-half mile south of the site. A cavity hole
and several start holes were noted in this area. In 1999, the presence a RCW was noted
less than one-half mile east of the property, along NC 211.
5.0 Site Description
The site is located in Brunswick County, southwest of the intersection of
Highway 211 and Midway Road in St. James, NC. A site delineation of 404 wetlands was
performed by Land Management Group, Inc. and was approved by the U.S. Army Corps
of Engineers on 06/12/02. The site contains a total of 1,290 acres of 404 wetlands, most
of which are Carolina Bays. Most of the wetlands can be classified as non-riparian,
however the upper limits of Polly Gully Creek, one unnamed tributary to Polly Gully
Creek, and two unnamed tributaries of Beaverdam Creek exist within the property
(Figure 1). All of these tributaries are classified as SC, Sw, and HQW by the NC
6
Division of Water Quality. The SC classification is given to all tidal salt waters protected
for secondary recreation such as fishing, boating and other activities involving minimal
skin contact; aquatic life propagation and survival; and wildlife. Stormwater controls are
required under CAMA and there are no categorical restrictions on discharges. The
Swamp Waters designation is a supplemental classification intended to recognize those
waters that generally have naturally occurring very low velocities, low pH and low
dissolved oxygen. No specific restrictions on development are involved. The High
Quality Waters designation is a supplemental classification intended to protect waters
with quality higher than state water quality standards. There are associated wastewater
treatment and development controls enforced by DWQ.
According to the Brunswick County Generalized Soil Survey, uplands within the
site are classified as Leon fine sand, Kureb fine sand, and Mandarin fine sand. Wetlands
within the site are shown as Murville fine sand. Uplands support loblolly pine (Pinus
taeda), live oak (Quercus virginiana), longleaf pine (P. palustris), wax myrtle (Myrica
cerifera), and turkey oak (Q. laevis). Pond pine (P. serotina), loblolly bay (Gordonia
lasianthus), black gum (Nyssa sylvatica), red bay (Persea borbonia), and titi (Cyrilla
racemiflora) are the dominant plant species that exist in the wetlands on this property
(Figure 2). There are several dirt logging roads located throughout the tract, most are
approximately 20' wide. A majority of the uplands within the tract have been cleared of
most or all of its vegetation in anticipation of residential development.
Surrounding land use currently consists of previous phases of St. James Plantation
residential development to the east and southeast, undeveloped land to the west, Highway
211 to the north, and undeveloped land to the southwest. Please note that NC
Department of Transportation is proposing a road that will extend from Highway 211 to
the west end of Oak Island and will be located just west of this tract. NC DOT has
acquired a portion of the St. James property in order to construct the road. Environmental
impacts associated with this road (including those that were once on St. James property)
have been evaluated through the road's permitting process.
7
6.0 Species
The following table contains a list of federally protected species known to occur
in Brunswick County, NC. A short description of each of these species and their preferred
habitats are noted in this section. Species descriptions are based on information taken
from Radford et al. (1964), Amoroso & Weakley (1999), and LeGrand & Hall (1999),
unless otherwise referenced.
Table 1. List of federally protected species observed in Brunswick County, NC, excluding marine
species
Common Name Scientific Name Status
Animals
American alligator Alligator mississippiensis T(S/A)
Eastern cougar Felis concolor couguar E
Red-cockaded woodpecker Picoides borealis E
Shortnose sturgeon Acipenser brevirostrum E
Wood stork Mycteria americana E
Plants
Cooley's meadowrue Thalictrum cooleyi E
Rough-leaf loosestrife Lysimachia asperulaefolia E
KEY:
Status Definition
Endangered A taxon "in danger of extinction throughout all or a significant portion of
its range."
Threatened A taxon "likely to become endangered within the foreseeable future
throughout all or a significant portion of its range."
T(S/A) Threatened due to similarity of appearance - a species that is threatened
due to similarity of appearance with other rare species and is listed for its
protection.
6.1 Animals
6.1.1 American Alligator (Alligator mississippiensis)
The American alligator is found in North Carolina to the Florida Keys and
west to central Texas (Conant & Collins, 1998). It lives primarily in freshwater
swamps and marshes, but also in rivers, lakes, and smaller bodies of water. The
8
alligator is known to inhabit the AIWW and likely inhabits the larger sections of
Beaverdam Creek. The alligator may also inhabit sections of Ash Swamp.
According to the NC Natural Heritage Program database, there are no
documented sightings of this species within the site. No stream disturbance will
occur. Therefore, this project is not likely to affect the American alligator.
6.1.2 Eastern Cougar (Felis concolor couguar)
The eastern cougar is a large, unspotted, long-tailed cat with a tawny hue.
This mammal feeds primarily on deer, but its diet may also include small
mammals, wild turkeys, and occasionally domestic livestock, when available
(Cummings & Yarrow, 1996). Sightings have been reported in three North
Carolina areas including the Nantahala National Forest, the northern portion of
the Uwharrie National Forest, and the State's southeastern counties. No
preference for specific habitat types has been noted. Its primary need is apparently
for a large wilderness area (25 or more square miles for males, 5-20 square miles
for females) with an adequate food supply. No individuals or signs of individuals
were observed during the survey. This tract is bound by development to the north
and east with a new bridge being constructed to the west. This site may be too
small to provide appropriate habitat for the cougar.
6.1.3 Red-Cockaded Woodpecker (Picoides borealis)
The red-cockaded woodpecker is generally found in open pine woodlands
and savannas with large old pines for nesting and roosting habitat (USFWS,
2003). Cavity trees are located in open stands with little or no hardwood midstory
or overstory. Minimum age of cavity trees is between 60 and 80 years depending
on tree and site factors. Foraging habitat is provided in pine and pine hardwood
stands 30 years old or older with foraging preference for pine trees 10 inch DBH
or larger. In good, well-stocked pine habitat, sufficient substrate can be provided
on 80 to 125 acres. The aggregate of cavity trees (cluster) may include 1 to 20 or
more cavity trees on 3 to 60 acres. The average cluster is about 10 acres. The
9
territory for a group averages about 200 acres, but may range from 60 to over 600
acres.
Many of the upland sections of this tract have been cleared of vegetation
in order to prepare the area for development. Other areas support young longleaf
or loblolly stands. Some upland areas located in the southwest part of the tract
were found to contain scattered longleaf pines that were greater than 12" DBH.
These areas were surveyed and trees greater than 10" DBH were evaluated for the
presence of an RCW cavity. No cavities or individuals were observed during the
survey. Adjacent forested areas were inspected for potential RCW habitat. No
individuals or cavities were observed. Therefore, this project is not likely to affect
the red-cockaded woodpecker.
6.1.4 Shortnose Sturgeon (Acipenser bYevirostrum)
The shortnose sturgeon inhabits the lower sections of larger rivers and
coastal waters along the Atlantic coast. It may spend most of the year in brackish
or salt water and move into fresh water only to spawn. The fish feeds on
invertebrates and stems and leaves of macrophytes. The project area does not
contain appropriate habitat for this species.
6.1.5 Wood Stork (MycteYia americana)
The wood stork is a highly colonial species that usually nests in large
rookeries and feeds in flocks in freshwater and brackish marshes, narrow tidal
creeks, or flooded tidal pools (USFWS, 1986). The bird's primary diet consists of
small fish, especially topminnows and sunfish. United States breeding is restricted
to Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina, where it nests in cypress or mangrove
swamps. The wood stork moves northward after breeding, as far as Arkansas and
Tennessee in the Mississippi Valley and the southeastern tip of North Carolina on
the Atlantic Coast. The project area does not contain appropriate habitat for this
species.
10
6.2 Plants
6.2.1 Cooley's Meadowrue (Thalictrum cooleyi)
Cooley's meadowrue prefers moist to wet bogs and savannas with neutral
soils (Leonard, 1987). The flowers of this unisexual plant have no petals. The
sepals on male plants are pale yellow to white and those of female plants are
green. Cooley's meadowrue flowers in mid- to late June. This plant is shade-
intolerant and wet sites exposed to sunlight may provide suitable habitat. All
proposed wetland crossings were evaluated for Cooley's meadowrue in mid-June
of 2007. The majority of the crossings contained thick vegetation and would not
provide suitable habitat for this species. Several crossings were kept in a mowed
condition with a prevalence of herbaceous species such as soft rush, cinnamon
fern, and yellow-eyed grass. These areas could provide appropriate habitat.
However, no plants were observed.
6.2.2 Rough-leaf Loosestrife (Lysimachia asperulaefolia)
Rough-leaf loosestrife generally occurs in the ecotones between pine
savannas and pocosins, on moist to seasonally saturated sands, and on shallow
organic soils overlaying sand (USFWS, 1993). Because this plant is shade-
intolerant, moist areas exposed to sunlight, provide suitable habitat. All proposed
wetland crossings were evaluated for rough-leaf loosestrife in mid-June of 2007.
The majority of the crossings contained thick vegetation and would not provide
suitable habitat for this species. Several crossings were kept in a mowed condition
with a prevalence of herbaceous species such as soft rush, cinnamon fern, and
yellow-eyed grass. These areas could provide appropriate habitat. However, no
plants were observed.
7.0 Summary
No federally protected species were observed within The Reserve at St. James
Plantation. However, sections of the tract provide suitable habitat for the red-cockaded
woodpecker, Cooley's meadowrue, and rough-leaf loosestrife. Some upland areas located
in the southwest part of the tract were found to contain scattered longleaf pines that were
11
greater than 12" DBH. Although these stands are young, they could potentially provide
suitable nesting or foraging habitat for the RCW. Yet no cavities or individuals were
observed during the survey. Therefore, this project is not likely to affect the red-cockaded
woodpecker. Several wetland road crossings were kept in a mowed condition with a
prevalence of herbaceous species and could provide appropriate habitat for Cooley's
meadowrue and rough-leaf loosestrife. However, the areas were inspected during these
plants' flowering period and no individuals were observed. Therefore, this project is not
likely to affect Cooley's meadowrue or rough-leaf loosestrife.
12
8.0 References
Amoroso, J.L. and A.S. Weakley. 1999. Natural Heritage Program list of the rare plant
species of North Carolina. North Carolina Natural Heritage Program, Division of
Parks and Recreation. N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources.
85 pp.
Conant, R. and J.T. Collins. 1998. A Field Guide to Reptiles and Amphibians;
Eastern/Central North America. Houghton Mifflin Company. 616 pp.
Cummings, C.J. & G.K. Yarrow. 1996. A Guide to South Carolina's Endangered and
Threatened Species. Clemson University Cooperative Extension Service.
Frantz, V.L. 1984. Reproduction biology of the Atlantic Coastal Plain endemic,
Lysimachia asperulaefolia (Primulaceae). Report to the North Carolina Plant
Conservation Program, Raleigh.
LeGrand, H.E. Jr. and S.P. Hall. 1999. Natural Heritage Program list of the rare animal
species of North Carolina. North Carolina Natural Heritage Program, Division of
Parks and Recreation. N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources.
91 pp.
Leonard, S. 1987. Inventory of populations of Thalictrum cooleyi and its occurrence sites
in North Carolina. Report to the North Carolina Natural Heritage Program.
Raleigh, North Carolina. 16 pp.
Russo, M. and J.M. Sweeney. 2000. Threatened and Endangered Species in Forests of
North Carolina: A Guide to Assist with Forestry Activities. International Paper
Co.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 2003. Red-cockaded woodpeckers in North Carolina.
http://nc-es.fws. ~ov/birds/rcwood.html.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 1993. Technical draft rough-leaved loosestrife recovery
plan. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Atlanta, GA. 41 pp.
13
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Map Source: Lockwoods Folly & Southport Quadrangles 7.5 minute (topographic) 1990. SCALE 1" = 5000'
The Reserve at St. James LMG Figure 1
Brunswick County, NC LANDAIANAGEMENTGRQUPir,c USGS Topgraphic Map
02-06-223 Environmental Consultants
August 2007
Map Source: 1998 NAPP aerial photography
The Reserve at St. James LMG Figure 2
Brunswick County, NC Aerial Photograph
02-06-223 LAID MANAGEMENT GROUP rec
Environmenfnl Consultnnts
August 2007
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not meant to be absolute. SCALE 1 " = 2500'
APPENDIX A. PICTURES OF SITE
1 Wetlands located within northern part of property.
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The Reserve Lazzd Management GYOUp, Lzc.
at St. James Plantation Environmental Consultants Pictures of site
Brunswick County, NC Wilmington, N.C.
July 2007
The Reserve Land Management Group, Inc.
at St. James Plantation Environmental Consultants pictures of site
Brunswick County, NC Wilmington, N.C.
July 2007
1 Longleaf pine habitat in southwestern part of tract.
Most pines are less than 8" DBH.
1 Longleaf pine habitat in southwestern part of tract.
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The Reserve Land Management Group, Inc.
at St. James Plantation Environmental Consultants Pictures of site
Brunswick County, NC Wilmington, N.C.
July 2007
1 Elevated bridge crossing stream.
Uplands located in middle part of tract.
• Much of tract has been cleared for development.