small whorled pogonia.pdf

Natural Resources Technical Report STIP U-6018, Guilford and Randolph Counties, N. C.
Small whorled pogonia
USFWS recommended survey window: Mid -May through Early -July
Biological Conclusion: No Effect
Potential habitat for small whorled pogonia, consisting of forest edge and small
canopy gaps within the mixed hardwood and mixed pine/hardwood forest areas is
present within the Guilford County portion of the study area. ESI biologist Jeff
Harbour completed surveys for this species on May 16, 2019 based on
consultation with Dale Suiter of USFWS regarding potential habitat types in
Guildford County. No individuals of small whorled pogonia were observed in
any areas of potential habitat during this survey of the U-6018 study area. A
review of NCNHP data, accessed August 2019, indicates no occurrences of small
whorled pogonia within 1.0 mile of the study area.
Northern long-eared bat
USFWS has developed a programmatic biological conclusion (PBC) in conjunction with
the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), the USACE, and NCDOT for the northern
long-eared bat (NLEB) in eastern North Carolina. The PBO covers the entire NCDOT
program in Divisions 1-8, including all NCDOT projects and activities. The
programmatic determination for NLEB for the NCDOT program is "May Affect, Likely
to Adversely Affect". The PBO provides incidental take coverage for NLEB and will
ensure compliance with Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act for five years for all
NCDOT projects with a federal nexus in Divisions 1-8, which includes Guilford and
Randolph Counties, where STIP U-6018 is located.
4.2 Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act
The bald eagle is protected under the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act and enforced
by the USFWS. Habitat for the bald eagle primarily consists of mature forests in
proximity to large bodies of open water for foraging. Large dominant trees are utilized
for nesting sites, typically within 1.0 mile of open water.
A desktop-GIS assessment of the project study area, as well as the area within a 1.0-mile
radius of the project limits, was performed on July 30, 2018 using recent color aerials.
Surface waters PA and PD, within the study area, and other unnamed open waters that are
within 1.0 mile of the study area may provide suitable foraging habitat for bald eagles.
No bald eagle nests were identified within the study area or within 660 feet of the study
area based on review of any suitable nest trees visible from publicly accessible roads.
Additionally, a review of the NHP database, which was accessed August 2019, revealed
no known occurrences of this species within 1.0 mile of the project study area. Due to
the lack of known occurrences and minimal impact anticipated for this project, it has
been determined that this project will not affect this species.
4 September 2019