HomeMy WebLinkAbout20201146 Ver 1_IRT Agency Comments_20221018 (3)From: Matthews, Kathryn H
To: Jessoo. Jordan E CIV USARMY CESAW (USA); Tuawell. Todd J CIV USARMY CESAW (USA); Browning. Kimberly D
CIV USARMY CESAW (USA); Bowers. Todd; Dunn. Maria T.; Wilson. Travis W.; Davis. Erin B; Wells. Emily N;
twvla.cheatwood
Subject: [Non-DoD Source] Re: [EXTERNAL] SAW-2020-01123 (Newman Ranch Mitigation Bank) Draft Prospectus
Date: Wednesday, July 22, 2020 12:08:41 PM
Dear Jordan,
Please find below our comments on this draft prospectus. The draft prospectus states that the
site is located in-between two separate sections of North Carolina Division of Mitigation
Service's proposed Hornet's Nest site. We don't believe that the Service has had the
opportunity to review the Hornet's Nest site plans, but our comments for this site also apply
for those sites.
Federally Protected Species
If a project contains suitable habitat for any of the federally -listed species known to be present
within Harnett County, the proposed action has the potential to adversely affect those
species. The current Federally -listed species that are known to be present in the county
include red -cockaded woodpecker (Dryobates [= Picoides] borealis) and rough -leaved
loosestrife (Lysimachia asperulaefolia) along with other species.
Red -cockaded woodpecker
RCWs live together in family groups. The preferred habitat of RCWs is an open, park -like
pine stand with little undergrowth. However, RCW cavity trees have been found in
suboptimal habitats, such as pocosins with larger amounts of undergrowth. RCW clusters
(aggregations of cavity trees) may be found in longleaf pine stands, but loblolly, short -leaf,
pond, slash, Virginia, and pitch pine are also used. Living pines (greater than 30 years old) are
preferred for foraging habitat, and mature live trees (greater than 60 years old) are used for
roosting and nesting cavities (NCNHP, 2001). There are active RCW clusters less than one
mile from the project area. The draft prospectus doesn't state the age of the pine stands on -
site, although it does indicate that the longleaf pine (Pious palustris) stands to the north are
young. Although it may be unlikely that RCW nesting habitat is on the site, it is possible that
RCW foraging habitat is present and used by nearby RCW clusters.
If the proposed project will remove pine trees greater than or equal to 10-inch diameter at
breast height (DBH), the Service recommends that foraging habitat surveys be conducted on
site using methods in Appendix 4 of the Service's "Recovery plan for the red -cockaded
woodpecker (Picoides borealis): second revision (Service 2003; recovery plan). Appendix 4
of the recovery plan is available on the web at
Blockedhttps://www.fws.gov/rcwrecovery/files/RecoveryPlan/survey_protocol.pdf.
If suitable foraging habitat is found within the site and will be impacted by mitigation plans,
then surveys for active red -cockaded woodpecker cavity trees should be conducted in all
appropriate habitat on the site and within a one -half -mile radius, If red -cockaded woodpeckers
are observed within one-half mile of the project area or if active cavity trees are found, the
project has the potential to affect the red -cockaded woodpecker, and you should contact this
office for further information.
We recommend that the existing stands of longleaf pine be preserved and managed
appropriately to become high quality habitat (including such actions as prescribed burning,
undergrowth vegetation management, etc.). From the draft prospectus, it appears that there
may be other significant acreages of soils on the site that are not poorly drained. Longleaf
pine would likely flourish in these areas, and we recommend that other upland portions of the
site be considered for planting and management of longleaf pine.
Rough -Leaved Loosestrife
Rough -leaved loosestrife is a perennial herb. This species generally occurs in the ecotones or
edges between longleaf pine uplands and pond pine pocosins (areas of dense shrub and vine
growth usually on a wet, peaty, poorly drained soil) on moist to seasonally saturated sands and
on shallow organic soils overlaying sand. The grass -shrub ecotone, where rough -leaved
loosestrife is found, is fire -maintained, as are the adjacent plant communities (longleaf pine -
scrub oak, savanna, flatwoods, and pocosin).
The draft prospectus states that during preliminary investigations, rough -leaved loosestrife
was not identified on -site, and that suitable habitat is not present. However, based on the soil
types and habitat descriptions, the Service believes that some of the edge habitat on the site
may be suitable. We also agree with the prospectus' statement that habitat improvements may
benefit listed species, including rough -leaved loosestrife. We recommend that site surveys be
conducted, if further investigations determine that suitable habitat is present.
We appreciate the opportunity to comment on this project. We regret that current COVID-19
restrictions prohibit Service staff from field work, but we look forward to continued
coordination on this site. If you have any questions concerning these comments, please
contact me through email for the fastest response.
Kathy Matthews
Fish and Wildlife Biologist
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
551-F Pylon Drive
Raleigh, NC 27606
919-856-4520, x. 27