20230443 Ver 1_U-5312_NRTR_FINAL_20230327

NATURAL RESOURCES TECHNICAL REPORT
Improvements to NC-421 from SR 1226 (Westgate Drive)to the Yadkin River
Wilkes County,North Carolina
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Division 11
March 2023

Natural Resources Technical Report U-5312 Wilkes County,N.C.
1.0 INTRODUCTION
The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) proposes to improve NC
421 from SR 1226 (Westgate Drive) to just west of the Yadkin River(Figures 1 and 2).
The following Natural Resources Technical Report(NRTR) has been prepared to assist in
the preparation of the appropriate environmental documentation.
2.0 METHODOLOGY
All work was conducted in accordance with the NCDOT Environmental Coordination
and Permitting's Preparing Natural Resources Technical Reports Procedure and the
September 2021 NRTR Template. Field work was conducted between January 8-11,
2013 and February 21, 2023. Water resources identified in the study area have not been
verified by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) or the North Carolina Division
of Water Resources (NCDWR) at this time. A preliminary jurisdictional determination
(PJD) package will be submitted to the USACE and NCDWR. The principal personnel
contributing to the field work and document is provided in the appendix.
3.0 TERRESTRIAL COMMUNITIES
Three terrestrial communities were identified in the study area. Figure 3 shows the
locations and extents of these terrestrial communities. Terrestrial community data are
presented in the context of total coverage of each type within the study area(Table 1).
Table 1. Coverage of terrestrial communities in the study area
Community Dominant Species scientific name Coverage ac.
Mesic Mixed Hardwood Forest tulip poplar(Liriodendron tulipifera)
(Piedmont subtype) northern red oak(Quercus rubra) 12.3
white oak uercus alba
river birch(Betula nigra)
Piedmont Levee Forest green ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica) 1.8
iant cane Arundinaria i antea
Bradford pear(Pyrus calleryana)
Maintained/Disturbed mimosa(Albizia julibrissin) 111.7
fescue Festuca sp.)
Total 125.8
4.0 PROTECTED SPECIES
4.1 Endangered Species Act Protected Species
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) lists the following federally protected
species within the study area,under the Endangered Species Act(ESA) (Table 2). For
each species, a discussion of the presence or absence of habitat is included below along
with the Biological Conclusion rendered based on survey results in the study area.
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Natural Resources Technical Report U-5312 Wilkes County,N.C.
Table 2. ESA Federally rotected species within the StudyAreal
Scientific Name Common Name Federal Habitat Biological
Status Present Conclusion
Glyptemys muhlenbergii bog turtle T(S/A) No Not Required
M otis grisescens gray bat E Yes Unresolved
Myotis septentrionalis northern long-eared bat T Yes Unresolved
Perimyotis subflavus tricolored bat PE Yes Unresolved
IIPaC data checked for study area on 2/7/2023,T—Threatened,E—Endangered,PE—Proposed
Endangered,T(S/A)—Threatened(Similarity of Appearance)
Bog turtle
USFWS Recommended Survey Window: April 1 —October (visual), April 1 —June 15
(breeding/nesting)
Recommended Biological Conclusion: Not Required
No suitable habitat for the bog turtle occurs within the study area. The study area
does not contain wetlands suitable for bog turtles. Although wetlands exist, they
are small, do not have suitable peaty or mucky soils for bog turtles to inhabit, do
not contain suitable refugia for a population of bog turtles to persist, and are not
connected to other, larger bog-type wetlands nearby. A North Carolina Natural
Heritage Program (NCNHP) Data Explorer report dated February 13, 2023,
indicates no known occurrences of this species within 1.0 mile of the study area.
Gray bat
USFWS Recommended Survey Window: May 15 —August 15
Recommended Biological Conclusion: Unresolved
NCDOT is requesting surveys for bat species through the Biological Surveys
Group. A NCNHP Data Explorer report dated February 13, 2023, indicates no
known occurrences within 1.0 mile of the study area.
Northern long-eared bat
USFWS Recommended Survey Window: June 1 —August 15
Recommended Biological Conclusion: Unresolved
NCDOT is requesting surveys for bat species through the Biological Surveys
Group. A NCNHP Data Explorer report dated February 13, 2023, indicates no
known occurrences within 1.0 mile of the study area.
Tricolored bat
Recommended Biological Conclusion: Not Required
This species is currently under review for listing under the ESA in the near future.
NCDOT is requesting surveys for bat species through the Biological Surveys
Group. NCNHP data explorer report dated February 13, 2023, revealed no
documented occurrences of this species within 1.0 mile of the study area. At this
time, no biological conclusion is required for this species; however, if one were
required, the recommended biological conclusion would be Unresolved.
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Natural Resources Technical Report U-5312 Wilkes County,N.C.
4.2 Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act
The Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act is enforced by the USFWS. Golden eagles do
not nest in North Carolina. 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 in February 2023 using 2021 color aerials.
Water bodies large enough to be considered potential feeding sources were identified
within the study area and within a 1-mile radius of the study area. Due to the presence of
potentially suitable foraging habitat, an additional survey for bald eagle nests and nesting
habitat was performed within the study area and within 660 feet of the study area for the
project. Forested areas in and surrounding the study area are comprised of mature
hardwoods, young, planted pines, and mature planted pines. Field survey of these areas
by two observers on February 17, 2023,revealed no bald eagle nests. A NCNHP data
explorer report, dated February 13, 2023, indicates no known occurrences of this species
within 1.0 mile of the study area. Due to the lack of observed nests, known occurrences
and minimal impact anticipated for this project, it has been determined that this project
will not affect this species.
5.0 WATER RESOURCES
Water resources in the study area are in the Yadkin-Pee Dee River basin(United States
Geological Survey [USGS] Hydrologic Unit 03040101). Six streams were identified in
the study area (Table 3). The location of these water resources is shown in Figures 4A-
4C.
Table 3. Streams in the study area
NCDWR Bank Bankfull
Map Best Usage Depth
Stream Name ID Index Number Classification Hight wif th (in)
UT to Yadkin River SB 12-(34) WS-IV 5 5 12
Millers Creek SC 12-36 WS-IV 4 10 18
UT to Millers Creek SE 12-36 WS-IV 4 5 9
Tucker Hole Creek SG 12-37-(1) WS-IV; Tr 6 20 24
12-37-(2) WS; Tr, CA
UT to Tucker Hole Creek SH 12-37-(2) WS; Tr, CA 5 8 10
UT to Tucker Hole Creek SI 12-37-(1) WS-IV; Tr 2 2 3
3 March 2023

Natural Resources Technical Report U-5312 Wilkes County,N.C.
There are no designated High-Quality Waters (HQW), water supply watersheds (WS-I or
WS-II), Outstanding Resource Waters (ORW) or streams identified in the North Carolina
2022 Final 303(d) list of impaired waters within 1.0 mile downstream of the study area.
6.0 REGULATORY CONSIDERATIONS
6.1 Clean Water Act Waters of the U.S.
Six streams were identified in the study area(Table 4). The locations of these streams
are shown on Figures 4A-4C. The streams in the study area have been designated as cool
water streams for the purpose of stream mitigation.
Table 4. Status of streams in the study area
Length Compensatory River
Map ID (ft.) Classification Mitigation Basin
Required Buffer
SB 100 Perennial Yes Not subject
SC 222 Perennial Yes Not subject
SE 235 Perennial Yes Not subject
SG 728 Perennial Yes Not subject
SH 162 Perennial Yes Not subject
SI 62 Intermittent Yes Not subject
Total 1,509
*Study area reduced from original 2013 area. Reduced study area is based on final design. There are no
other streams,except ones listed in Table 4,within the reduced study area.
One wetland was identified within the study area(Table 5). The location of this wetland
is shown on Figures 4A-4C. The wetland in the study area is located within the Yadkin-
Pee Dee River basin(USGS Hydrologic Unit 03040101). A USACE wetland
determination form is included in a separate PJD package.
Table 5. Characteristics of wetlands in the study area
Map NCWAM NCWAM Hydrologic 404/401 Area (ac.)
ID* Classification Forested Rating Classification or 401 in Study
Area
Bottomland
WZ Hardwood Yes High Riparian 404/401 0.44
Forest
*Study area reduced from original 2013 area. Reduced study area is based on
final design. There are no other wetlands,except Wetland Z,within the reduced Total 0.44
study area.
6.2 Construction Moratoria
Wilkes County is a designated as a trout county,but no construction moratoria are
required.
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Natural Resources Technical Report U-5312 Wilkes County,N.C.
6.3 N.C. River Basin Buffer Rules
This project occurs within the Yadkin-Pee Dee River basin,which does not have any buffer
rules administered by NCDWR. Therefore, no NCDWR buffer rules apply to any streams
within the study area.
6.4 Rivers and Harbors Act Section 10 Navigable Waters
There are no Section 10 waters within the study area.
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Natural Resources Technical Report U-5312 Wilkes County,N.C.
7.0 REFERENCES
Duncan, W.H. and Duncan, M.B. 1998. Trees of the Southeastern United States. Athens:
The University of Georgia Press. 322 pp.
Environmental Laboratory. 1987. Corps of Engineers Wetlands Delineation Manual.
Technical Report Y-87-1,U. S. Army Engineer Waterways Experiment Station.
Vicksburg, Mississippi.
Environmental Laboratory. 1992. Clarification and Interpretation of the 1987 Manual,
memorandum from Major General Arthur E. Williams.
Environmental Laboratory. 2010. Regional Supplement to the Corps of Engineers Wetland
Delineation Manual: Eastern Mountains and Piedmont Region(Version 2.0). U.S.
Army Engineer Research and Development Center. Vicksburg,Mississippi.
Natureserve. 2010. NatureServe Explorer: An online encyclopedia of life [web
application]. Version 7.1. NatureServe, Arlington, VA.
http://explorer.natureserve.org. (Accessed: December 14, 2010).
N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Division of Water Quality.
Water Quality Assessment and Impaired Waters List(2022) Final 303(d) list.
https:Hedocs.deq.nc.gov/WaterResources/DocView.aspx?dbid=0&id=2361776&c
r=1.
N.C. Natural Heritage Program. Data Explorer, 2022. Biotics Database. Department of
Natural and Cultural Resources, Raleigh,North Carolina. (February 13, 2023).
N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission. Bog Turtle Fact Sheet. 2006.
http://www.ncwildlife.org/pg07—wildlifespeciescon/nongame—bogturtle—lores.pdf.
(Accessed: February 22, 2008).
N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission. North Carolina Mussel Atlas:
http://www.ncwildlife.org/wildlife_species_con/WSC_Mussel_l.htm. (Accessed:
October 20, 2010).
Radford, A.E., Ahles, H.E. and Bell, C.R. 1968. Manual of the Vascular Flora of North
Carolina. Chapel Hill: The University of North Carolina Press. 1183 pp.
Schafale, M.P. 2012. Guide to the Natural Communities of North Carolina: Fourth
Approximation. North Carolina Natural Heritage Program, Division of Parks and
Recreation,NCDEHNR. Raleigh,North Carolina. 208 pp.
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. 1965. Section 10 Wilmington District Waters. Available:
www.saw.us ace.army.mil/Missions/RegulatoryPennitProgram/Juridiction.aspx.
6 March 2023

Natural Resources Technical Report U-5312 Wilkes County,N.C.
U.S. Department of Agriculture,Natural Resources Conservation Service. 1997. Soil
Survey of Wilkes County,North Carolina.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 2022. Information for Planning and Consultation.
https://ecos.fws.gov/ipac/(Accessed January 11, 2022).
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 2022.Northern long eared bat species profile.
https:Hecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/9045
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 2022. Tricolored bat species profile.
https:Hecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/10515. (Accessed December 22, 2022).
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Bog Turtles in North Carolina. http://www.fws.gov/nc-
es/reptile/bogtur.html. (Accessed: February 22, 2008).
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Gray Bat in North Carolina. http://www.fws.gov/nc-
es/mammal/graybat.html. (Accessed: October 19, 2010).
U.S. Geological Survey. 2022. Wilkesboro[map]. 1:24,000. North Carolina, Topographic
Quadrangle (7.5-minute series). Reston, VA: U.S. Department of the Interior,
USGS, 2022.
7 March 2023

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Natural Resources Technical Report U-5312 Wilkes County,N.C.
Qualifications of Contributors
Principal
Investigator: Heather Smith, LSS
Education: M.S. Soil Science,North Carolina State University, 2004
Experience: Senior Environmental Scientist, VHB, 2018-Present
Environmental Scientist, Ecological Engineering, LLP, 2015-2018
Project Manager,NCDENR Ecosystem Enhancement Program, 2008-
2015
Environmental Scientist, LG2 Environmental Solutions, LLC, 2005-
2008
Responsibilities: Wetland and stream verification, threatened and endangered species
survey, document review
Investigator: Jackson Hunt
Education: B.S. Environmental Science,North Carolina State University, 2021
Experience: Environmental Scientist, VHB, 2021-Present
Environmental Scientist,Nutrien, 2020-2020
Responsibilities: Wetland and stream verification, threatened and endangered species
survey, document preparation
Investigator: David Cooper
Education: B.S. Zoology,North Carolina State University, 1999
Experience: Senior Environmental Scientist, VHB, 2018-Present
Environmental Scientist, Ecological Engineering, LLP, 2014-2018
Environmental Scientist, S&EC, PA, 2007-2014
Curator,NC Museum of Natural Sciences, 1999-2007
Responsibilities: Document review
March 2023