20210558 Ver 1_U-5850 Plant Surveys_20221206

Threatened & Endangered Species and Critical Habitat
NCDOT Division 7 — STIP U-5850 SR 1007 (Randleman Road) Widening
Project Number WBS: 50239.1.1
STV Engineers, Inc. (STV) conducted field reviews of an approximate 10-acre study area on July
3, 2018, October 12, 2018, and September 8, 2021. Prior to the field reviews, STV reviewed U.S.
Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and North Carolina Natural Heritage Program (NCNHP)
online databases for information related to the occurrence of federal and state protected (threatened
or endangered) species in the study area. The USFWS IPaC protected species database reviewed
September 13, 2022, lists two federally protected species as occurring or having the potential to
occur in the study area (Table 1). Additionally, the bald eagle (Halicteetus leucocephalus) which
is protected under the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act is discussed, As of September 13,
2022, the NCNHP lists no occurrences of federally protected species within one mile of the study
area. A brief description of each species, including habitat requirements and physical
characteristics, and biological conclusion rendered based on surveys of the study area follow.
Habitat requirements for each species are based on current available literature and/or the USFWS.
Table 1. ESA federally protected species potentially occurring in the Study Areal
Scientific Name
Common Name
Federal
Habitat
Biological
Status
Present
Conclusion
Helianthus schweinitzii
Schweinitz's sunflower
E
Yes
No Effect
Isotria medeoloides
Small whorled pogonia
T
Yes
Unresolved
' INC data checked on September 13"', 2022
E - Endangered
T - Threatened
Schweinitz's sunflower
USFWS optimal survey window: Late August - October
Schweinitz's sunflower is a perennial herbaceous plant species limited to the Piedmont regions
and counties of North and South Carolina. The plant grows from one to two meters tall originating
from a cluster of tuberous roots. The plant's flower consists of yellow disk and ray flowers formed
on small heads less than 1.5 centimeter (cm) in diameter. The petals, or modified leaves, are two
to three cm long. The lanceolate leaves are arranged in an opposite pattern within the lower two-
thirds of the stem transitioning to alternate within the upper third. The typical habitat for
Schweinitz's sunflower includes periodically maintained roadsides and utility line rights -of -way
(R/Ws), old pastures, edges of upland woods, and other disturbed open areas. Soils associated
with suitable Schweinitz's sunflower habitat generally include thin upland soils clayey in texture
(and often with substantial rock fragments) which have a high shrink -swell capacity. Flowering
occurs from August to the first frost of the year.
STV Environmental Scientist Joshua I{otheimer, PWS conducted plant by plant field surveys for
the presence of Schweinitz's sunflowers on October 12, 2018, September 8, 2021 during the
flowering season and USFWS-designated optimal survey window. Suitable habitat was found
along the SR 1007 roadside and woodland edges, but no sunflowers were observed. Review of
the NCNHP records on September 13, 2022, revealed no documented occurrences or populations
of Schweinitz's sunflower in the study area or within one mile of the study area. Based on the
Supplemental Information

literature review and field survey conducted during the flowering season, it is determined that the
project would have `No Effect' on Schweinitz's sunflower.
Biological Conclusion: No Effect
Small whorled pogonia
USFWS Recommended Survey Window: Mid -May through early July
Small whorled pogonia occurs in young as well as maturing (second to third successional growth)
mixed -deciduous or mixed-deciduous/coniferous forests. It does not appear to exhibit strong
affinities for a particular aspect, soil type, or underlying geologic substrate. In North Carolina, the
perennial orchid is typically found in open, dry deciduous woods and is often associated with white
pine and rhododendron. The species may also be found on dry, rocky, wooded slopes; moist slopes;
ravines lacking stream channels; or slope bases near braided channels of vernal streams. The
orchid, often limited by shade, requires small light gaps or canopy breaks, and typically grows
under canopies that are relatively open or near features like logging roads or streams that create
long -persisting breaks in the forest canopy.
Potential habitat exists within limited areas of the forests of the study area. Plant by plant surveys
were conducted by STV Environmental Scientist Joshua Kotheimer, PWS, throughout areas of
suitable habitat on July 3, 2018. No individuals of small whorled pogonia were observed and the
July survey was conducted during the flowering season. The NCNHP website was reviewed on
September 13, 2022, to determine the locations of the nearest populations of small whorled
pogonia. The NCNHP determined that no populations of small whorled pogonia were present
within one mile of the study area. Since field surveys for small whorled pogonia are effective for
one year, the biological conclusion is unresolved; an updated field survey will need to be conducted
during the optimal survey window to render a biological conclusion for the species. The NCDOT
has a project commitment to survey the project area for small whorled pogonia and render a
biological conclusion before construction begins.
Biological Conclusion: Unresolved
Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act
The bald eagle is protected under the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act as regulated by the
USFWS. Habitat for the bald eagle primarily consists of mature forests found in association with
rivers and other large bodies of open water utilized for foraging. Large dominant trees, typically
located within one mile of these waters, are used as nesting sites. Prior to conducting field reviews,
a desktop-GIS assessment of the study area and an area within a one -mile radius of the project
limits was performed. Specifically, aerial photographs were reviewed to identify any areas of
potential foraging habitat. No water bodies large enough to be considered potential foraging
habitat for the bald eagle were identified within the study area or one -mile radius; therefore, it has
been determined that no field surveys for the species are necessary. Additionally, a review of the
NCNHP database on September 13, 2022, revealed no known occurrences of this species within
1.0 mile of the study area. Due to no nests or eagles being identified during the survey, no known
occurrences within a mile, and minimal impact anticipated for this project, it has been determined
that this project will not affect bald eagles.
Supplemental Information

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