20221367 Ver 1_App_C_T&E__20220926

Roy Cooper, Governor
■ ■■■
■■ ■ INC DEPARTMENT OF
■■■■i NATURAL AND CULTURAL RESOURCES
■ ■■
April 8, 2022
Allison Keith
Axiom Environmental
218 Snow Ave
Raleigh, NC 27603
RE: Big Bull; 22-001.02
Dear Allison Keith:
❑. Reid Wilson, Secretary
Misty Buchanan
Deputy Director, Natural Heritage Program
NCNHDE-17655
The North Carolina Natural Heritage Program (NCNHP) appreciates the opportunity to provide
information about natural heritage resources for the project referenced above.
Based on the project area mapped with your request, a query of the NCNHP database indicates that
there are no records for rare species, important natural communities, natural areas, and/or
conservation/managed areas within the proposed project boundary. Please note that although there
may be no documentation of natural heritage elements within the project boundary, it does not
imply or confirm their absence; the area may not have been surveyed. The results of this query
should not be substituted for field surveys where suitable habitat exists. In the event that rare
species are found within the project area, please contact the NCNHP so that we may update our
records.
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 found within the project area or is 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:
httr)s://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 Information provided by the NCNHP database may not be published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.
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 Federally -
listed species are 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
DEPAR7HEN7 OF NATURAL AND CULTURAL RESOURCES
121 W. JONES STREET. RALEIGH. NC 27603 • 1691 MAIL SERVICE CENTER. RALEIGH. NC 27609
OFC 919.707.9120 • FAX [phone]

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This report is for high-level screening purposes only. Staff and consultants must continue to adhere to NCDOT standard
Report Date: 03/28/2022
Big Buffalo
mil
Division:
Study Area Size
Buffer Size:
Randolph, Chatham,
AJamanoa
8,7
35757Aorao
1 Miles
User Customized Screening
EPA Level III Ecore8ion
EPA Level UV Ecoregion
HUCD:
Riparian Buffer:
CAM*:
Airport within 4miles:
Piedmont
Carolina Slate Belt
03030003
Error
No
Yes

Boundaries
Feature
Total
Nearest
Count
Coverage
Feature
FEMA Hazard Mitigation Properties
0
0
0
NCDOT ATLAS NC USACE Norfolk District Section 408 Waters
0
0
0
Historic Architecture and Archaeology
Feature
Total
Nearest
Count
Coverage
Feature
NC Historic Preservation Office Surveyed Only Points
5
N/A
1111.7 ft
NCDOT ATLAS NC Cemeteries
4
N/A
2860.1 ft
Tribal Urban Communities
3
3575.2 ac
N/A
NC Historic Preservation Office SL Points
1
N/A
N/A
NC Historic Preservation NR Points
0
0
0
NC Historic Preservation Office Local District Boundaries
0
0
0
NC Historic Preservation Office Local Points
0
0
0
NC Historic Preservation Office NR Boundaries
0
0
0
NC Historic Preservation Office NR DOE Site Boundaries Poly
0
0
0
NC Historic Preservation Office NR DOE Site Points
0
0
0
NC Historic Preservation Office NR SL Site Boundaries Poly
0
0
0
Transportation
Feature
Total
Nearest
Count
Coverage
Feature
FAA Airports
0
0
0
Conservation Area
Feature
Total
Nearest
Count
Coverage
Feature
NC Natural HeritageProgram Managed Areas
1
11.6 ac
133.7 ft
Albemarle Pamlico National Estuary Partnership Regional Trails
0
0
0
Blue Ridge Forever Appalachian Trail Centerline
0
Oft
0
Catawba Main Stem (1000 foot Buffer)
0
0
0
NC Conservation Tax Credit Program Properties
0
0 ac
0
NC Critical Areas
0
0
0
NC DEQ CAMA Counties (DCM List)
0
0
0
NC DEQ DCM Coastal Reserve Boundary
0
0
0
NC DEQ Oceanfront Setback Factors
0
0
0
NC DEQ Outstanding Resource Water Management Zones
0
0
0
NC DEQ Primary Fish Nursery Areas
0
0
0
NC DEQ Unique Wetlands
0
0
0
NC Natural Heritage Natural Areas (NHNA)
0
0
0
NC Public Beach and Waterfront Access
0
0
0
NC Shellfish Growing Area Classifications
0
0 ac
0
NCDOT ATLAS NC Coastal Public Trust Shorelines AEC
0
0
0
2of7

NCDOT ATLAS NC Ocean Hazard Erodible AEC 0
NCDOT ATLAS NC Public Trust Unvegetated Beach AEC 0
NCDOT ATLAS NC Significant Coastal Archaeological Resources AEC 0
NCDOT ATLAS NC Unique Coastal Geologic Formations AEC 0
USFWS National Wildlife Refuges 0
USGS Protected Area Database 0
Fish and Aquatics Feature
Count
0
0
0
0
0
0 ac
Total
Coverage
0
0
0
0
0
0
Nearest
Feature
NC DEQ DMF Reef Guide Artificial Reefs
0
0
0
NC DEQ DMF Reef Guide Oyster Sanctuaries
0
0
0
NC Submerged Aquatic Vegetation
0
0 ac
0
NC WRC Public Mountain Trout Waters
0
0 ft
0
NOAA Essential Fish Habitat
0
0
0
Hydrography
Feature
Total
Nearest
Count
Coverage
Feature
NCDOT ATLAS NC Open Water Polygons
5
14.9 ac
780.9 ft
NCDOT NC FEMA Stream Study
5
27677.5 ft
761.1 ft
National Flood Hazard Layer Flood Hazard Boundaries
40
75931.6 ft
13.8 ft
NCDOT Hosted NC DEQ 303d and 305b Streams
4
28048.8 ft
2137.7 ft
USGS Drainage Areas of Selected Sites
4
N/A
2714.8 ft
NC Major Hydrography Streams Rivers (CGIAJ
3
6769.1 ft
2185.9 ft
NC 24K Streams 2014
2
28048.8 ft
2137.7 ft
NC DEQ Water Supply Watershed III
2
28048.8 ft
2137.7 ft
NC USGS Stream Gaging Stations
2
N/A
N/A
NCDOT ATLAS NC Hydrography
132
109019.5 ft
101.3 ft
NC DEQ Major Basins
1
3575.2 ac
N/A
NC DEQ Water Supply Watersheds
1
3575.2 ac
N/A
National Park Service Park Boundaries
0
0 ac
0
NC DEQ DCM Oceanfront & Inlet Shorelines
0
0 ft
0
NC DEQ DRAFT 2016 DWR 303(d) Water Quality Assessment
0
0
4915.0 ft
NC DEQ Riparian Buffer Areas
0
0
0
NC DEQ Water Supply Watershed I
0
0 ft
0
NC DEQ Water Supply Watershed II
0
0 ft
0
NC DEQ Water Supply Watershed IV
0
0
0
NC Falls Lake Boundary
0
0
0
NC Goose Creek Watershed Boundary
0
0
0
NC High Rock Watershed Boundary
0
0
0
NC Jordan Lake Watershed Boundary
0
0
0
NC Perry Creek Watershed Boundary
0
0
0
NC Randleman Lake Watershed Boundary
0
0
0
3of7

NC Wild and Scenic Rivers (CGIA�
0
0
0
NC WRC Boating Locations
0
0
0
NCDOT ATLAS NC Western Watersheds Draining to Critical Habitat
0
0
0
NOAA Datums Stations
0
0
0
TVA Reservoirs
0
0
0
US Army Corps of Engineers Federal Navigation channels
0
0
0
US DHS HIFLD Coast Guard Regulated Navigational Areas
0
0 ac
0
USACE Channel Area
0
0 ac
0
USACE Channel Lines
0
0 ft
0
USACE Channel Quarter
0
0 ac
0
USACE Channel Reach
0
0 ac
0
USACE Corps Projects Area
0
0 ac
0
USACE Corps Projects Point
0
0
0
USFWS Coastal Barrier Resources Act Areas
0
0
0
Mitigation
Feature
Total
Nearest
Count
Coverage
Feature
NC Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program Easements
0
0 ac
0
NCDOT Mitigation Site Polygons
0
0 ac
0
North Carolina Division of Mitigation Services Property Easements
0
0
3062.0 ft
Physiography
Feature
Total
Nearest
Count
Coverage
Feature
NCDOT ATLAS NC USDA Hydric Soils
26
665.4 ac
52.7 ft
NC Gridded Soil Survey gSSURGO
189
3575.2 ac
13.0 ft
NCDOT ATLAS NC NRCS Prime Farmland Soils
147
3444.1 ac
13.0 ft
Threatened and Endangered
Feature
Total
Nearest
Count
Coverage
Feature
NC Natural Heritage Element Occurrences
1
3.3 ac
N/A
Combined Bridge Inspections
0
0
0
NCDOT ATLAS NC Mines
0
0
0
NCDOT ATLAS NC Northern Long -Eared Bat Hibernation And Or
0
0
0
Maternity Sites by HUC 12
USFWS ECOS Critical Habitat (lined
0
0 ft
0
USFWS ECOS Critical Habitat (polygon)
0
0 ac
0
Water Quality
Feature
Total
Nearest
Count
Coverage
Feature
NC DEQ Coal Ash Structural Fills (CCB)(CLOSED)
0
0
0
NC DEQ High Quality Waters
0
0
0
NC DEQ Nutrient Sensitive Waters
0
0
0
NC DEQ Outstanding Resource Waters
0
0
0
NC Industrial Outfalls
0
0
0
NC Surface Water Quality Classification (CGW
0
0
0
NCDOT Stormwater Controls
0
0
0
4of7

US EPA Superfund Sites
Wetlands
0 0 0
Feature Total Nearest
Count Coverage Feature
NC Division of Coastal Management Coastal Wetland Inventory
0
0 0
NCDOT ATLAS NC NRTR Preliminary Jurisdictional Wetlands
0
0 0
Project ATLAS Lenoir County Wetlands
0
0 ac 0
U-6187 Wetland Model
0
0 ac 0
5 of 7

Created by: axiom_nc Date/Time Executed: 03/28/2022 2:35 PM
Application version: 1.14.7.0
Report Disclaimer:
While the N.C. Department of Transportation strives to provide complete and accurate information, the data provided in
this screening report are reported "as is." This report does not replace field data collection and data verification
conducted by licensed professionals. No warranty is expressed or implied regarding the accuracy of available data for
general or scientific purposes. NCDOT shall under no circumstances be responsible for any errors or omissions which
may occur in these records, nor liable for any actions taken as a result of reliance upon any information contained within
this web site from whatever source, or any consequences from such reliance.
How to read this report:
User -defined Project Study Area = The final polygon that the user created in the Screening Tool. This study area
includes any buffers the user added within the application.
Layer Name = Layer selected for Screening. You may click the hyperlink to access additional layer details.
Field Name = Calculated result for a specific field within a layer that was selected for Screening (using Set Field).
Feature Count = Number of unique features (points, lines, and/or polygons) from a particular GIS layer that are within or
intersecting the user -defined project study area.
Values displayed the Output Report: (N/A vs 0)
N/A: When this value is displayed it indicates that the calculation requested cannot be completed do to a limitation
of the geometry. For example, you cannot calculate the area of a point.
0: When this value is displayed it means that the calculation was able to be performed with no limitations due to the
input geometry, however the result was 0. For example, your study area did not overlap a hydrography feature,
therefore the resulting overlap length is 0.
Total Coverage = Total number of linear feet (lines) or area (polygons) from a particular GIS layer that are contained
within the user -defined project study area. N/A under Total Coverage refers to point layers as point layers cannot have
coverage.
Nearest Feature = Distance from the boundary of the user -defined project study area to next closest feature (point, line,
or polygon) for a particular GIS layer within the vicinity (1 mile) of the project study area boundary. Zero (0) under
Nearest means there are no features in the project vicinity (1 mile buffer).
Availability of Web Services:
The layers referenced in this report utilize web services. If any web services were unavailable at the time of the report
execution, related errors are noted in the following table:
Service Name
National Flood Hazard Layer FIRM
Panels
USACE Western NC Waters
Service Uri
Error Thrown
https://hazards.fema.gov/gis/nfhl/rest/ser Error returned from service:
vices/FIRMette/NFHLREST FIRMette/M Pagination is not supported.
apServer/1
https://services6.arcciis.com/bRKU5OXoV Error Message: count
OUOEK25/arcgis/rest/services/Western_
NC Waters/FeatureServer
6 of 7

USACE Trout Watersheds
USACE Western NC Water Buffers
Conservation Easements (National
Conservation Easement Database)
North Carolina Effective Flood zones
https://services6.arcciis.com/bRKU5OXoV Error Message: count
OUOEK25/arcgis/rest/services/NC_Trout_
Watersheds/ FeatureServer
https://services6.arcciis.com/bRKU5OXoV Error Message: count
OUOEK25/arcgis/rest/services/Western_
NC Waters Buffers/FeatureServer
https://server2.tplciis.or,/q arcgis2/rest/sery
ices/National/NCED_CompleteDB/MapS
erver/O
https://hazards.fema.gov/gis/nfhl/rest/ser
vices/FIRMette/NFHLREST FIRMette/M
apServer/20
Connection Error:
HTTPSConnectionPool
(host='server2.tplgis.org',
port=443): Max retries exceeded
with url:
/arcgis2/rest/services/National/NCE
D_CompleteDB/MapServer/O/query
(Caused by NewConnection Error
('<req u ests. packages. u rl I i b3. con ne
ction.VerifiedHTTPSConnection
object at Ox0000012C83DE5240>:
Failed to establish a new
connection: [Errno 11001]
getaddrinfo failed',))
Connection Error:
HTTPSConnectionPool
(host='hazards.fema.gov',
port=443): Max retries exceeded
with url:
/gis/nfh I/rest/services/FIRMette/N F
H LREST_FI RMette/MapServer/20/
query (Caused by
ReadTimeoutError
("HTTPSCon nection Pool
(host='hazards.fema.gov',
port=443): Read timed out. (read
timeout=3)",))
7 of 7

INC: Explore Location resources
https://ipac.ecosphere.fws.gov/location/QV6GLXZFMJHFRLSPGAH...
IPaC
IPaC resource list
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
This report is an automatically generated list of species and other resources such as
critical habitat (collectively referred to as trust resources) under the U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service's (USFWS) jurisdiction that are known or expected to be on or near the project
area referenced below. The list may also include trust resources that occur outside of the
project area, but that could potentially be directly or indirectly affected by activities in the
project area. However, determining the likelihood and extent of effects a project may have
on trust resources typically requires gathering additional site -specific (e.g.,
vegetation/species surveys) and project -specific (e.g., magnitude and timing of proposed
activities) information.
Below is a summary of the project information you provided and contact information for
the USFWS office(s) with jurisdiction in the defined project area. Please read the
introduction to each section that follows (Endangered Species, Migratory Birds, USFWS
Facilities, and NWI Wetlands) for additional information applicable to the trust resources
addressed in that section.
Location
Chatham County, North Carolina
�µ hcy'Apr, R!
W
Local office
C
Raleigh Ecological Services Field Office
t. [phone]
1 of 12 3/28/2022, 3:56 PM

INC: Explore Location resources
JEJ [phone]
https://ipac.ecosphere.fws.gov/location/QV6GLXZFMJHFRLSPGAH...
MAILING ADDRESS
Post Office Box 33726
Raleigh, INC 27636-3726
PHYSICAL ADDRESS
551 Pylon Drive, Suite F
Raleigh, INC 27606-1487
0105
FOB
2 of 12 3/28/2022, 3:56 PM

INC: Explore Location resources
https://ipac.ecosphere.fws.gov/location/QV6GLXZFMJHFRLSPGAH...
Endangered species
The primary information used to generate this list is the known or expected range of each
species. Additional areas of influence (AOI) for species are also considered. An AOI
includes areas outside of the species range if the species could be indirectly affected by
activities in that area (e.g., placing a dam upstream of a fish population even if that fish
does not occur at the dam site, may indirectly impact the species by reducing or
eliminating water flow downstream). Because species can move, and site conditions can
change, the species on this list are not guaranteed to be found on or near the project
area. To fully determine any potential effects to species, additional site -specific and
project -specific information is often required.
Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act requires Federal agencies to "request of the
Secretary information whether any species which is listed or proposed to be listed may be
present in the area of such proposed action" for any project that is conducted, permitted,
funded, or licensed by any Federal agency. A letter from the local office and a species list
which fulfills this requirement can only be obtained by requesting an official species list
from either the Regulatory Review section in IPaC (see directions below) or from the local
field office directly.
For project evaluations that require USFWS concurrence/review, please return to the IPaC
website and request an official species list by doing the following:
1. Draw the project location and click CONTINUE.
2. Click DEFINE PROJECT.
3. Log in (if directed to do so).
4. Provide a name and description for your project.
5. Click REQUEST SPECIES LIST.
Listed speciesi and their critical habitats are managed by the Ecological Services Program
of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and the fisheries division of the National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA Fisheries).
Species and critical habitats under the sole responsibility of NOAA Fisheries are not shown
on this list. Please contact NOAA Fisheries for species under theirjurisdiction.
1. Species listed under the Endangered Species Act are threatened or endangered; IPaC
also shows species that are candidates, or proposed, for listing. See the listing status
page for more information. IPaC only shows species that are regulated by USFWS (see
FAQ).
2. NOAA Fisheries, also known as the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), is an
3 of 12 3/28/2022, 3:56 PM

IPaC: Explore Location resources
https://ipac.ecosphere.fws.gov/location/QV6GLXZFMJHFRLSPGAH...
office of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration within the Department
of Commerce.
The following species are potentially affected by activities in this location:
Birds
NAME STATUS
Red -cockaded Woodpecker Picoides borealis Endangered
Wherever found
No critical habitat has been designated for this species.
https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/7614
Fishes
NAME STATUS
Cape Fear Shiner Notropis mekistocholas Endangered
Wherever found
There is final critical habitat for this species. The location of
the critical habitat is not available.
https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/6063
Clams
NAME STATUS
Atlantic Pigtoe Fusconaia masoni Threatened
Wherever found
There is final critical habitat for this species. The location of
the critical habitat is not available.
https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/5164
I nsects
NAME STATUS
Monarch Butterfly Danaus plexippus Candidate
Wherever found
No critical habitat has been designated for this species.
https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/9743
Flowering Plants
NAME STATUS
4 of 12 3/28/2022, 3:56 PM

IPaC: Explore Location resources https://ipac.ecosphere.fws.gov/location/QV6GLXZFMJHFRLSPGAH...
Harperella Ptilimnium nodosum Endangered
Wherever found
No critical habitat has been designated for this species.
https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/3739
Critical habitats
Potential effects to critical habitat(s) in this location must be analyzed along with the
endangered species themselves.
THERE ARE NO CRITICAL HABITATS AT THIS LOCATION.
Migratory birds
Certain birds are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act! and the Bald and Golden
Eagle Protection Acts.
Any person or organization who plans or conducts activities that may result in impacts to
migratory birds, eagles, and their habitats should follow appropriate regulations and
consider implementing appropriate conservation measures, as described below.
1. The Migratory Birds Treaty Act of 1918.
2. The Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act of 1940.
Additional information can be found using the following links:
• Birds of Conservation Concern http://www.fws.gov/birds/management/managed-
species/
birds-of-conservation-concern.php
• Measures for avoiding and minimizing impacts to birds http://www.fws.gov/birds
/management/project-assessment-tools-and-guidance/
conservation-measures.php
• Nationwide conservation measures for birds http://www.fws.g ratorybirds
it
/pdf/management/nationwidestandardconservationmeasures.pdf
The birds listed below are birds of particular concern either because they occur on the
USFWS Birds of Conservation Concern (BCC) list or warrant special attention in your
project location. To learn more about the levels of concern for birds on your list and how
this list is generated, see the FAQ below. This is not a list of every bird you may find in this
location, nor a guarantee that every bird on this list will be found in your project area. To
5 of 12 3/28/2022, 3:56 PM

RCW SLOPES Manual — North Carolina
March 2022
US Army Corps
of Engineers..
Big Buffalo Mitigation Site
Appendix B — Red -cockaded Woodpecker Effects Determination Key
ORM2 No.: Date 3/31 /2022
USFWS Reference No. (if applicable):
1) Is the action areal located within the RCW consultation area (see Appendix A and project -specific
results from a project -specific IPaC or internal USACE GIS review)?
a) Yes......................................................................................................................................................go to 2
b) No..................................................................................................................................................No effectZ
2) Is the action areal located in the northeastern coastal plain (see Appendix A)?
a) Yes.......................................................................................................................................................go to 3
b) No (the project is located in piedmont, sandhills, or southeastern coastal plain)..................go to 4
3) Is the action areal located in a forested area with pine trees present in northeast North Carolina (e.g.,
high pocosin, Atlantic white cedar, nonriverine swamp forests, pond pine woodland, coastal fringe
evergreen forest, wet successional pine/pine-hardwood forest, or pine plantation or uplands)? If yes,
are the pine trees greater than 30 years of age (if stand age is not readily determined, refer to Table
1 for a description of the minimum dbh of 30-year-old pines associated with each community type).
If the answer to both of these questions is yes, choose Yes below. If the answer to one or both
questions is no, then choose No below.
a) Yes.......................................................................................................................................................go to 8
b) No...................................................................................................................................................No effectZ
4) Is the action areal located within suitable RCW foraging or nesting habitat (pine or pine/hardwood
stands in which 50% or more of the dominant trees are pines and the dominant pine trees are 30
years of age or older or >_8-inches dbh')?
a) Yes.......................................................................................................................................................go to 5
b) No...................................................................................................................................................No effectZ
5) Will any activity in the action area' remove trees equal to or greater than 8 inches dbh; or will any
activity occur within 200 feet of known RCW cavity trees? If unable to determine the location of a
cavity tree with confidence, contact the USFWS Raleigh Ecological Services Field Office.
a) Yes (to one or both).........................................................................................................................go to 6
b) No.........................................................................................................................................................NLAA'
12

RCW SLOPES Manual — North Carolina
March 2022
6) Is the action areal located in suitable RCW nesting habitat (in the sandhills and piedmont: pine or
pine/hardwood stands that contain pines 60 years in age or older or >_10 inches dbh; in the
southeastern coastal plain: pine or pine/hardwood stands that contain pines >_8 inches dbh, including
but not limited to pine flatwoods, pocosin, pine savannah, upland pine/hardwood)?
a) Yes........................................................................................................................................................go to 9
b) No.........................................................................................................................................................go to 7
7) Does suitable nesting habitat occur within 0.5 miles of suitable foraging habitat that would be
impacted by any activity in the action areal?
a) Yes......................................................................................................................................................go to 9
b) No.........................................................................................................................................................NLAA'
8) Refer to Table 1 in the SLOPES for the northeastern North Carolina habitat type in the action areal.
Are pine trees with a dbh equal to or greater than that shown in Table 1 proposed to be removed in
the action areal, or is the action areal within 200 feet of a cavity tree? If the answer to either of these
questions is yes, choose Yes below. If unable to determine the location of a cavity tree with
confidence, then contact the USFWS Raleigh Field Office.
a) Yes......................................................................................................................................................go to 9
b) No.........................................................................................................................................................NLAA'
9) Contact the appropriate USACE representative for a pre -application meeting to determine if a survey
is necessary (for a list of USACE representatives please see the contact list at http://saw-
reg.usace.army.mil/FO/PM List.pdf). Note that project -specific information, such as a delineation of
waters of the U.S., project plans, and details concerning certain activities on disturbances that would
occur in the action areal (e.g. percussive activities, forest management, or similar disturbances), may
be needed for the USACE to determine the action area(s)l of the project. If a survey is required and
agreed to by the applicant, all suitable RCW nesting habitat within 0.5 miles of the action areal should
be surveyed according to USFWS protocol for the presence of RCW cavity trees'. If the applicant is
unwilling or unable to conduct the survey, standard consultation with the USFWS should begin. Such
surveys are conducted by running line transects through stands and visually inspecting all medium-
sized and large pines for evidence of cavity excavation by RCWs. Transects must be spaced so that all
trees are inspected and are run north -south.
Was a survey performed?
a) Yes, a survey was performed, and RCW cavity trees were observed.......................................go to 10
b) Yes, the survey was submitted to the USFWS for concurrence, and the USFWS concurred with the
results (no RCW cavity trees were observed)................................................................................NLAA'
c) No, the USACE determined that a survey was not required and the USFWS
concurred.............................................................................................................................................NLAA'
d) No, a survey was not performed..........................................................................Consultation required'
10) Does the project involve activities or disturbances in the action areal (e.g., percussive activities, forest
management, or similar disturbances) within the 200-foot cavity tree buffer, and/or cause removal or
damage to RCW cavity trees (e.g., via root compaction, soil compaction)? If yes to either or both then
consultation is required.
a) Yes............................................................................................................................Consultation required'
b) No......................................................................................................................................................go to 11
13

RCW SLOPES Manual — North Carolina
March 2022
11) Has a foraging habitat analysis (FHA)' been conducted to determine whether enough foraging habitat
would remain for each RCW group post -project? For information on how to conduct an FHA', refer to
the "Procedures for Determining Foraging Habitat Availability" and the Private Land Guidelines.'
a) Yes, the FHA' has been submitted to the USFWS for concurrence' and the USFWS concurred
that adequate amounts of foraging habitat would remain post -project ................................. NLAA3
b) Yes, and review of the FHA' by the USACE along with concurrence from USFWS determined
inadequate amounts of foraging habitat would remain post -project......... Consultation required'
c) No, an FHA' has not been conducted...............................................................Consultation required'
'Action Area means all areas to be affected directly or indirectly by the Federal action and not merely the immediate area involved
in the action. Please contact the appropriate USACE representative for any questions as to the action area for the Federal action.
For a list of USACE representatives, please see the contact list at: http://saw-reg.usace.army.mil/FO/PMList.pdf.
2No effect — The proposed project would result in no effect to this species and/or its federally designated critical habitat (if
applicable). Further consultation with the USFWS Raleigh and Asheville Ecological Services field offices is not necessary for the
project as described.
3NLAA—The proposed project may affect but is not likely to adversely affect this species and/or its designated critical habitat (if
applicable). NLAA determinations for projects made pursuant to this key require no further consultation with the USFWS Raleigh
and Asheville Ecological Services field offices, therefore, consultation is considered complete for this species. For General Permits,
submittal of a Pre -Construction Notification to the USACE will be required for all NLAA determinations.
4Follow link to USFWS RCW Recovery Plan, Appendix 4 for additional information on nesting and foraging habitats, and survey
protocol (https://www.fws.gov/rcwrecoverv/files/RecoveryPlan/survey protocol.pdf)
-'Consultation required — Contact the USACE to begin this consultation process. For a list of USACE representatives please see the
contact list at http://saw-reg.usace.army.mil/FO/PMList.pdf. Further consultation with the USFWS Raleigh and Asheville
Ecological Services field offices is necessary to discern if the activity would result in a "no effect," "not likely to adversely affect,"
or "likely to adversely affect" determination.
6Follow links for additional information on conducting FHA (https://www.fws.gov/rcwrecoverv/matrix.html) and for
determining foraging habitat availability (https://www.fws.gov/ncsandhills/files/fha data collection procedures.pdf).
'Follow link for additional information regarding determination for adequate amount of foraging habitat
(https://www.fws.gov/rcwrecoverv/files/RecovervPlan/private lands guidelines.pdf).
a FHA — When an FHA is conducted, the USACE must provide the FHA to USFWS for review and concurrence.
Additional Information
14

RCW SLOPES Manual — North Carolina
March 2022
Appendix C — Conservation Recommendations
These recommendations are optional and, if implemented, would support the agency's goals toward
recovery. These recommendations are to be used at the discretion of the permittee, but any measures that
avoid and minimize effects to the species are highly encouraged by the USFWS.
1. Minimize project impacts within clusters and foraging habitat whenever possible (i.e., conduct large
pine removal outside of nesting season [April 1 to July 31], trim branches instead of complete tree
removal, switch building plans to retain large pines).
2. The USFWS strongly recommends that occupied habitats be avoided and preserved. The first measure
is to modify the project footprint to avoid direct impacts to RCW habitat. This habitat could be
designated as an environmentally sensitive area and set aside by deed restriction, easement, or
another protective covenant. If the occupied habitat on the property exceeds 5 acres (2 hectares),
then a habitat management plan is also recommended. Incorporating these recommendations into
the project design and documenting them in the habitat management plan might result in the project
being not likely to adversely affect the RCW.
3. On -site habitat enhancements are recommended by the USFWS in situations where a project
proposes to impact occupied RCW habitat. If the site has been physically altered by exotic species
invasion, lack of fire, or other anthropogenic actions, these alterations have produced on -site habitat
conditions that have resulted in marginally suitable habitats for RCW's survival and propagation. The
planned action, through project redesign, has avoided impacting a substantial portion of the habitat;
however, some habitat loss will still occur. The project proposes on -site habitat enhancements and
management actions that provide habitat quality improvements that balance losses of small amounts
of marginally suitable habitats. Incorporating these recommendations into the project and
documenting them in a habitat management plan can result in the project being not likely to adversely
affect the RCW.
4. Remove vines and thick underbrush/mid-story to improve site suitability.
5. Provision starts and/or completed cavities in suitable large pines to provide additional housing
opportunities to an RCW cluster.
15

RCW SLOPES Manual — North Carolina
March 2022
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