Parcel 82 87 Reclamation_ExtractedRCW_BA

RED-COCKADED WOODPECKER
BIOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT
FOR 9 PROPOSED BORROW PITS
FOR THE HAMPSTEAD BYPASS (R-3300B)
NEAR HAMPSTEAD, PENDER COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA

Prepared By:
Ms. Jan Goodson, Alicia Jackson and Dr. J.H. Carter III
Dr. J.H. Carter III & Associates, Inc.
Environmental Consultants
515F Midland Road
Southern Pines, North Carolina 28387

Submitted 22 July 2022

Mr. Josh Bell
SM&E Engineers
2016 Ayrsley Town Blvd., Suite 2-A
Charlotte, NC 28273
RED-COCKADED WOODPECKER
BIOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT
FOR 9 PROPOSED BORROW PITS
FOR THE HAMPSTEAD BYPASS (R-3300B)
NEAR HAMPSTEAD, PENDER COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA

INTRODUCTION
Conti Civil, LLC, was contracted by the North Carolina Department of Transportation
(NCDOT) to construct the United States Highway (US Hwy) 17 Bypass of the Town of Hampstead
on a new location from south of NC Hwy 210 to north of Hampstead, Pender County, NC. The
project is identified in NCDOT’s Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) as R-3300B.
Conti Civil, LLC, is in the process of clearing and grubbing for the Bypass and has proposed
9 borrow sites to utilize for the northern end of the R-3300B portion of the Hampstead Bypass
project. Two proposed borrow sites are located within the 0.5 mile (mi.) radius foraging habitat
partition of an active red-cockaded woodpecker (Dryobates borealis) (RCW) cluster (Private land
(PVT) 1). Seven additional borrow sites are located nearby, but outside the PVT 1 0.5 mi. radius
foraging habitat partition. All 9 borrow sites and the PVT 1 RCW cluster are located on the
Jamestown Pender property owned by NCDOT. The RCW is a federally endangered species and is
subject to protection pursuant to Sections 7 and 9 of the Endangered Species Act (ESA), as amended.
Conti Civil, LLC, contracted Dr. J. H. Carter III and Associates, Inc. (JCA) in July 2022 in
order to evaluate potential impacts to the RCW due to the proposed borrow pits. All known RCW
cavity trees associated with Cluster PVT 1 were visited and a RCW foraging habitat analysis (FHA)
was conducted to assess removal of habitat associated with the 2 borrow sites located within the PVT
1 0.5 mi. radius foraging habitat partition. In addition, a 0.5 mi. radius RCW cavity tree survey of
the 7 remaining borrow pits was conducted. This report contains the results of the RCW survey and
the updated PVT 1 foraging habitat analysis.

PROJECT AREA
The proposed project area is located in the Outer Coastal Plain of southeastern NC (Figure 1).
The area has a nearly level topography, ranging in elevation from 35 to 65 feet (ft.) above mean sea
level. The predominant soils in the project area include Kureb and Leon fine sand, Torhunta mucky
2

Figure 1. General location of the proposed borrow pits for the northernmost portion of the Hampstead
Bypass (R-3300B), near Hampstead, Pender County, North Carolina.
Copyright:© 2013 National Geographic Society, i-cubed, Esri, HERE, Garmin, ©
OpenStreetMap contributors, and the GIS user community
HOLLY SHELTER GAME LAND
fine sandy loam and Murville and Pamlico muck (US Department of Agriculture (USDA), Natural
Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) 2022). The project is located in the Cape Fear River Basin.
Major hydrological features within the general project area include the Northeast Cape Fear River,
Old Topsail and Nixon Creeks, Trumpeter Swamp, and numerous other unnamed tributaries.
Historically, uplands in the project area were vegetated with longleaf pine (Pinus palustris)
dominated communities including Xeric Sandhill Scrub (Coastal Fringe subtype), Pine-Scrub Oak
Sandhill (Coastal Fringe subtype) and Mesic Pine Savanna (Coastal Plain subtype), while wetland
communities included Wet Pine Flatwoods (Typic subtype), Pond Pine Woodland, High Pocosin and
Coastal Plain Small Stream Swamp (Schafale, in preparation (prep.)). Frequent fires on the uplands
penetrated the edges of wetland communities creating distinct, diverse ecotones.
Several Carolina Bays occurred in the project area. Carolina Bays are elliptic wetland
depressions from one to several hundred acres (ac.) in size and were originally vegetated with various
hydrophytic communities including Pocosin, Wet Pine Flatwoods and Pond Pine Woodland. Many
have been drained and converted to other land uses. These vegetative communities occurred on
Murville mucky fine sand, Torhunta mucky fine sandy loam and Muckalee loam.
Another community in the project area most closely resembled Cypress-Gum Swamp. This
community did not contain a significant pine component and would not be expected to be used for
foraging by RCWs. However, it does contain sufficient cypress-conifer trees to serve as travel or
dispersal corridors.
Much of the project area has been converted from its natural state, with the exception of the
North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission’s (NCWRC) Holly Shelter Game Land (HSGL)
(Figure 1). Industrial forestry, agriculture, drainage, fire exclusion, and commercial and residential
developments have altered the natural landscape in much of the area. HSGL is a wildlife
management area and supports large areas of relatively undisturbed pine forests that are burned
regularly. HSGL also supports approximately 36 RCW groups that are part of the Coastal NC
Primary Core Recovery Population within the Mid-Atlantic Coastal Plain Recovery Unit (United
States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) 2003).

PROJECT SITE
Jamestown Pender property owned by NCDOT consists of 2 parcels totaling approximately
665 total ac. (Figures 1 and 2). The entire NCDOT property is fire suppressed and is primarily
vegetated with Pond Pine Woodland, High Pocosin and Carolina Bays (Figure 2). Approximately
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Legend
RCW Cluster PVT 1 cavity trees
RCW Cluster PVT 1 0.5 mile radius foraging habitat partition
Proposed borrow sites inside the PVT 1 foraging habitat partition
Proposed borrow sites outside the PVT 1 foraging habitat partition
Exisitng access roads
New access road to be buiilt
0.5 mile radius RCW survey area of borrow sites outside PVT 1 foraging habitat partition
Hampstead Bypass (R-3300B) right-of-way
Jamestown Pender property
Holly Shelter Game Land (HSGL) boundary
0.5 mile radius RCW foraging habitat partitions on HSGL
Figure 2. The location of 9 proposed Conti Civil, LLC, borrow sites to be used in the construction of the Hampstead Bypass (R-3300B), north of Hampstead, Pender County, North Carolina. The figure also
shows the proximity of proposed borrow sites F and G to red-cockaded woodpecker (Dryobates borealis) (RCW) private land cluster (PVT) 1's 0.5 radius foraging habitat partition and the 0.5 mile
RCW survey area for borrow sites A, B1, D1, D2, D3, E1 and H.
4
0 0.2 0.40.1 Miles¯
150 ac. of upland habitat on the property was forested with longleaf pine and Xeric Sandhill Scrub
(Coastal Fringe subtype and Pine-Scrub Oak Sandhill (Coastal Fringe subtype) vegetative
communities. The southeasternmost portion of the property located along US Hwy 17 contained a
naturally regenerated loblolly (Pinus taeda) and longleaf pine stand approximately 30 years old
(Figure 2).
According to Google Earth Pro, the longleaf pine stands on the 2 westernmost upland ridges
were heavily thinned in 2005. Today, these upland ridges are forested with moderately dense
longleaf pine approximately 25-30 years old. In some areas of the westernmost upland ridges,
remnant second-growth longleaf pines remain on the edges of the uplands. The easternmost upland
ridges are forested with moderately dense longleaf pine regeneration and sparsely to moderately
dense second- and old-growth longleaf pine. The northern portion of the easternmost upland ridge
contains active RCW cluster PVT 1 (Figure 2). Sparse to moderately dense turkey oak (Quercus
laevis) occurs within and immediately adjacent to the RCW cluster. It should be noted that this
property was impacted by a 1986 wildfire that burned 73,000 ac. in Pender County, NC.
The northwestern portion of the property is adjacent to the Castle Bay residential community
and a large drainage system. The northern portion of the property is adjacent to loblolly pine
plantations and dense pocosin. The eastern perimeter of the property is adjacent to dense pocosin,
Carolina Bay and longleaf pine vegetative communities located on the HSGL. The southern portion
of the property is adjacent to commercial and residential developments, small forested parcels and
US Highway 17 (Figure 2).

PROJECT DESCRIPTION
Conti Civil, LLC, will construct a four-lane, divided highway from south of NC Highway 210
to US Highway 17 north of Hampstead, NC. The Bypass project is located on a new location and is
approximately 5.6 miles in length.
Borrow sites are required to bring excavated material from outside of the project limits for
use in the construction of the highway. The proposed borrow sites involve excavation of borrow
materials and wasting of unsuitable organic material and vegetative debris.
Conti Covil, LLC, is requesting approval for 9 potential borrow sites (A, B1, D1, D2, D3, E1,
F, G and H) (Figure 2). Two borrow sites (F and G) are located within the 0.5 mi. radius PVT 1
foraging habitat partition and total 29.33 ac. (Table 1). Seven borrow sites (A, B1, D1, D2, D3, E1
and H) are located outside the 0.5 mi. radius foraging habitat partition for PVT 1 and total 108.19 ac.
(Table 1).

Table 1. The acreage and location of 9 proposed borrow sites to be used for construction
of the Hampstead Bypass (R-3300B), Hampstead, Pender County, North Carolina.

Borrow
Site
Size
(in acres) Location
F 13.82 Within the PVT 1 0.5 mi. radius foraging habitat partition
G 15.51 Within the PVT 1 0.5 mi. radius foraging habitat partition
Total 29.33

A 47.70 Outside the PVT 1 foraging habitat partition
B1 24.60 Outside the PVT 1 foraging habitat partition
D1 13.37 Outside the PVT 1 foraging habitat partition
D2 4.42 Outside the PVT 1 foraging habitat partition
D3 2.32 Outside the PVT 1 foraging habitat partition
E1 11.89 Outside the PVT 1 foraging habitat partition
H 3.89 Outside the PVT 1 foraging habitat partition
Total 108.19

Approximately 9.3 miles of existing woods roads will be improved (cleared of vegetation to
10 ft. wide and graveled) for access to the borrow sites. Approximately 0.5 mi. of new access road
will be constructed cut to 10 ft. wide and graveled (Figure 2).

V. METHODS
A variety of resources were utilized in preparation for field surveys, including aerial
photographs, Google Earth Pro, topographic maps and the Soil Survey of Pender County, NC (USDA
NRCS 2022) and access to in-house PVT 1 FHA data. Natural communities were classified
according to Schafale (in prep.) and plant nomenclature follows Weakley et al. (2022).

STATUS OF RCW CLUSTER PVT 1
A JCA biologist updated the stage, shape and activity status of all known RCW cavity trees
associated with RCW Cluster PVT 1 on 18 May 2022. The cluster was also visited on 8 July 2022.

HABITAT EVAULATION AND RCW SURVEY OF BORROW SITES
Borrow sites F and G, located within the PVT 1 0.5 mi. radius foraging habitat partition, were
visited and the RCW foraging habitat suitability was evaluated on 7 and 8 July 2022 (Figure 2). The
interior and permitter of borrow sites F and G were walked on foot.
A JCA biologist was escorted to borrow sites A, B1, D1, D2, D3, E1 and H by a Conti Civil,
LLC employee in a Kubota utility vehicle (Figure 2). The utility vehicle allowed access to cleared
paths that were created to access the interior of the borrow sites for soil testing. The perimeter of
borrow sites A, B1, D1, D2, D3, E and H was either driven in the utility vehicle or walked. Pine
forested habitat within the 0.5 mi. radius of the borrow sites was evaluated and/ or surveyed for RCW
cavity trees on 8 and 9 July 2022. Areas were accessed on foot and by vehicle (Figure 2).
The age of several pines within each borrow site was taken with an increment borer. For field
purposes only, pine basal area (BA) of pines > 8 inches diameter at breast height (dbh) was
approximated. Habitat descriptions and notes were recorded in a field notebook.

RCW FORAGING HABITAT ANALYSIS (FHA)
A FHA was conducted in 2014 for another project and pine stand data were updated in 2018,
in 2019 and on 7 and 8 July 2022. A 0.5 mi. radius foraging circle was drawn around the center of
the affected RCW cluster (PVT 1) and subsequently modified using the Territorial Partitioning
Method (Carter and Associates 1995). Territorial Partitioning better approximates individual RCW
territories where multiple foraging circles overlap one another. This method of analysis establishes
an axis between the center of each overlapping cluster and extends a perpendicular line from the mid-
point of that axis to the perimeter of the one-half mile circle or an intervening partition line.
Sample plots were placed every 5 chains (1 chain = 66 ft.) along transects spaced
approximately 5 chains apart within the 0.5 mi. radius foraging habitat partition for PVT Cluster 1.
One hundred and fifty-two plots were sampled. Foraging substrate for the partition was measured
with a 10-factor BA prism using the prism-plot method. Pine BA, the number of pines ≥ 4 inches in
diameter at breast height (dbh) in 2-inch diameter classes and the age of a representative dominant
pine were obtained in each plot.
Impacts to foraging habitat were assessed using the “Regional Standard for Managed Stability
(RSMS) Guidelines for the Outer Coastal Plain in Southeastern North Carolina and Northeastern
South Carolina” (Carter 2012).
Foraging habitat was also evaluated pursuant to a memorandum issued by then USFWS RCW
Recovery Coordinator, Ralph Costa, on 4 May 2005. According to the guidance presented in the
memorandum, an incidental take is assumed for the group/cluster if the post-project foraging habitat
totals are below the minimum pine BA and/or acreage required by the Standard for Managed
Stability (SMS). Foraging habitat data were updated during a site visit on 7-8 July 2022.

RSMS foraging habitat standards for the Outer Coastal Plain of southeastern NC and
northeastern South Carolina (SC) (Carter 2012)

The RSMS Guidelines require a minimum of 3,000 ft.2 of pine BA on at least 75 ac. of good
quality suitable foraging habitat as defined (USFWS 2003, Carter 2012) or as modified below. The
minimum dbh of pines varies from 4 to 10 inches depending on vegetative community type (Table
2). Because the minimum pine BA requirements also vary among community types, the minimum
area necessary to achieve 3000 ft.2 of pine BA will usually exceed 75 ac. These geographically
restricted and habitat specific guidelines have been used to evaluate various projects in southeastern
NC and northeastern SC which were subsequently approved by the USFWS.

Table 2. Summary of red-cockaded woodpecker RSMS foraging habitat requirements for the Outer
Coastal Plain of southeastern North Carolina and northeastern South Carolina.

The following Standard for Managed Stability (SMS) guidelines (USFWS 2003) are
applicable in southeastern NC and northeastern SC with the changes in bold below.
(1) Pine stands must be at least 30 years of age or older.
(2) Average BA of pines ≥ 8 inches dbh should be between 30 and 70 ft.2/ac., except in pocosins
and bays where pine BA can be as low as 20 ft.2/ac. in stems > 4 inches dbh and managed
pine stands and plantations where pine BA should be between 40 and 70 ft.2/ac.

Xeric
Sandhill
Scrub

Pine-
Scrub
Oak
Sandhill
Mesic
Pine
Savanna
Wet Pine
Flatwoods/
Sandy Pine
Savanna
Pond Pine
Woodland
High
Pocosin
Old Field/
Managed
Loblolly &
Longleaf

Pine
Plantation
Pine BA
(Min.)
30 ft2/acre
(8 inches dbh min.)
20 ft2/acre
(4 inches
dbh min.)
40 ft2/acre (10 inches dbh
min.)
Pine BA
(Max.) 20 ft2/acre (< 8 inches dbh) N/A 20 ft2/acre (< 10 inches
dbh)
Hardwood
BA
(overstory
maximum)
<10 ft2/ac
Midstory/
Understory
Density &
Height
Sparse and/or < 7 ft. in height N/A Sparse and/or < 7 ft. in
height
(3) Average BA of pines < 8 inches dbh should be less than 20 ft.2/ac. (except in High Pocosin).
(4) No hardwood midstory exists, or if a hardwood midstory is present, it must be sparse and less
than 7 ft. in height, except in Pond Pine Woodland, pocosins and bays where there is no
hardwood midstory height or density limitation.
(5) Total stand BA, including overstory hardwoods, should be less than 80 ft.2/ac.
(6) Overstory hardwood BA must be ≤ 10 ft.2/ac.
(7) All land counted as foraging habitat must be within 200 ft. of another foraging stand or the
cluster.
Habitats were divided into vegetative community types such as Xeric Sandhill Scrub (Coastal
Fringe subtype), Pine-Scrub Oak Sandhill (Coastal Fringe subtype), Mesic Pine Savanna (Coastal
Fringe subtype), Wet Pine Flatwoods (Typic subtype), Pond Pine Woodland, High Pocosin, Old
Field and Managed Natural Loblolly and Longleaf Pine Forests and Pine Plantations (Schafale, in
prep.) (Carter 2012). Non-foraging or unsuitable habitat was also evaluated. Non-foraging habitat
consisted of hardwood drains, bays or pocosins devoid of pine trees, clear-cuts, agricultural lands,
permanently cleared areas, treeless developed areas and road and powerline rights-of-way.
Stands in Xeric Sandhill Scrub, Pine-Scrub Oak Sandhill, Mesic Pine Savanna, Wet Pine
Flatwoods and Pond Pine Woodland communities require ≥ 30 ft.2/ac. (8-inch dbh minimum) of pine
BA.
Stands in High Pocosin required ≥ 20 ft.2/ac. (4-inch dbh minimum) of pine BA. Pine
Plantations and Old Field/Managed Natural Loblolly and Longleaf stands require pine BA ≥ 40 ft.2 of
pine BA/ ac. (10-inch dbh minimum).
Pine stands were assessed by the density and height of the midstory in accordance with the 2003
RCW Recovery Plan (USFWS 2003) and its designation of quality requirements for RCW foraging
habitat. Determining midstory density was subjective, but followed these basic criteria: a stand with a
sparse hardwood midstory had few or no hardwoods present, a stand with a dense hardwood midstory
had limited visibility and movement through the stand was difficult, and a stand with a moderately dense
hardwood midstory was intermediate. Each habitat type was further subdivided according to hardwood
midstory height. Midstory hardwoods less than 7 ft. in height were considered low, hardwoods from 7-
15 ft. high were considered moderate and hardwoods more than 15 ft. high were considered tall.
Pine stands that met the RSMS overstory guidelines and had a sparse hardwood midstory, a
moderately dense hardwood midstory that was low in height or a dense hardwood midstory that was
low in height were considered “suitable” foraging habitat (except in Pond Pine Woodland and High
Pocosin communities).
“Potentially suitable habitat” was described as stands that met most requirements, but
exceeded the maximum limits for pine BA in certain dbh classes, hardwood midstory density/ height
and/or overstory hardwood density. These stands have the necessary pine BA and could meet the
SMS with midstory removal, prescribed burning and/or thinning. Stands with suitable overstory
characteristics containing a moderately dense or dense midstory that was moderate or tall in height
were in this potentially suitable category.
All stands on sites managed for pine dominance that did not fall into the suitable or
potentially suitable categories were classified as “future potential habitat.” These stands will require
time and management to meet the RSMS requirements.
RCW foraging habitat separated by more than 200 ft. from other foraging habitat was
considered non-contiguous and was not counted as available habitat (USFWS 2003). Habitat made
non-contiguous by project impacts was subtracted from post-project totals.
AutoCAD™ design files of the project (via SM&E) were converted to an ArcGIS™ shapefile
and overlaid on the PVT Cluster 1 foraging habitat delineation map in order to calculate the acreage
of suitable, potentially suitable and future potential RCW foraging habitat within the foraging habitat
partition for PVT Cluster 1.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
RCW
The RCW is a small black and white woodpecker with horizontal bars on its back, spotted
flanks and a white belly. The cap and chin stripe are black and the male has a small, difficult to see,
red spot on each side of the black cap. It is most easily identified by the large white cheek patches
that distinguish it from similar species (USFWS 2003).
The RCW is endemic to mature, fire-maintained pine forests in the southeastern United
States, where it was historically common. Prime nesting habitat for RCWs includes open, mature
southern pine forests dominated by longleaf, loblolly, pond (Pinus serotina), slash (P. elliotii) or
other southern yellow pine species greater than 60 years of age with little or no mid- or understory
development. Pine flatwoods and pine-dominated savannas, which have been maintained by frequent
fires, serve as ideal nesting and foraging habitat for RCWs. Potential foraging habitat is defined as
open pine or pine/ hardwood stands 30 years of age or older (USFWS 2003). Logging, fire exclusion
and conversion of forestlands for agricultural and other uses have destroyed most of this species’
habitat (USFWS 2003).

STATUS OF RCW CLUSTER PVT 1
Active PVT Cluster 1 contained 7 live pines with cavities in various stages of completion
(Table 3 and Figure 2). Three cavities are currently active and 2 cavities are possibly active. Two
previously known cavity trees were found to be dead. No new cavity trees were found during the
survey. Three RCWs (presumably a potential breeding group) were seen during the 18 May 2022
site visit and no RCWs were seen or heard during the 8 July 2022 visit.
Cluster PVT 1 is located adjacent to the HSGL RCW population that is part of the Coastal
NC Primary Core Recovery Population within the Mid-Atlantic Coastal Plain Recovery Unit
(USFWS 2003).

Table 3. Activity status of red-cockaded woodpecker (RCW) cavity trees located on the NCDOT
Jamestown property northeast of Hampstead, Pender County, North Carolina (updated
May 2022).
Cavity
Tree
Number
Cavity
Stage
Cavity
Shape
Cavity
Activity
Cavity
Height
(in feet)
Cavity
Direction
(in degrees)
Northing* Easting*
16560 Cavity Enlarged Possibly
Active 23 6 241526.16 2397645.86
16561 Advanced
Start
Healing
over Relic 15 208 241762.96 2397615.37
16562 Cavity Normal Active 12 218 241775.08 2397423.66
16563 Cavity Enlarged Inactive 17 284 241564.59 2397000.82
16564 DEAD 241658.98 2397644.72
16565 DEAD 241635.76 2397188.49
16566
Cavity Enlarged Relic 29 57
241624.63 2397200.16 Cavity Slightly
Enlarged
Possibly
Active 35 13
16567 Cavity Normal Active 25 152 241659.64 2397223.12
16568 Cavity Normal Active 19 38 241598.99 2397233.62
* Coordinates are in NAD 1983 State Plane North Carolina FIPS 3200 feet

HABITAT EVAULATION AND RCW SURVEY OF 9 BORROW SITES
Borrow sites A and B1 (47.70 ac., 24.60 ac, respectively) (Figure 2, Table 1) are located
outside the 0.5 mi. radius foraging habitat partition for RCW Cluster PVT 1. Both borrow sites are
located in the same fire suppressed Carolina Bay system that contains a sparse to moderately dense
overstory of pond pine with an average age of 39 years old (4 pines were aged). A few very scattered
second-growth pond pines were seen in the overstory. The midstory and understory is extremely
dense and consists of loblolly bay (Gordonia lasianthus), swamp red bay (Tamala palustris), titi
(Cyrilla racemiflora) and wax myrtle (Morella cerifera). Fetterbush (Lyonia lucida ), sweet
gallberry (Ilex coriacea) and laurel-leaf greenbrier (Smilax laurifolia) dominate the dense shrub
layer. No RCW cavity trees were found during the survey.
Borrow sites D1, D2 and D3 (13.37, 4.42 and 2.32 ac, respectively) (Figure 2, Table 1) are
located outside the 0.5 mi. radius foraging habitat partition for RCW Cluster PVT 1. All 3 of these
borrow sites are located on an abandoned blueberry farm. Historical aerial photographs viewed on
Google Earth Pro show the blueberry farm was maintained until approximately 2005. The aerial
photographs also show these borrow pit sites are within a Carolina Bay. Today, approximately 2/3 of
these borrow sites are vegetated with a dense overstory of loblolly and pond pines approximately 20
years old (2 pines were aged). The midstory and understory is moderately dense to dense and
contains titi, sweet gum (Liquidambar stryaciflua), titi, fetterbush, wax myrtle and blueberries
(Vaccinium spp.). In the remaining areas, rows of blueberries are still present. No RCW cavity trees
were found during the survey.
Borrow site E1 (11.89 ac.) (Figure 2, Table 1) is located outside the 0.5 mi. radius foraging
habitat partition for RCW Cluster PVT 1. This borrow pit is within the same Carolina Bay borrow
sites D1, D2 and D3. The overstory contains a sparse to moderately dense overstory of pond pine
with an average age of 44 years (4 pines were aged). A few very scattered second-growth pond pines
were seen in the overstory. The midstory and understory is extremely dense and consists of loblolly
bay, swamp red bay, titi and wax myrtle. Fetterbush, sweet gallberry and laurel-leaf greenbrier
dominate the dense shrub layer. No RCW cavity trees were found during the survey.
Borrow site F (13.82 acres) (Figure 2, Table 1) is located within the PVT 1 0.5 mi. radius
foraging habitat partition and contains a sparse to moderately dense overstory of longleaf and pond
pine regeneration. The average age of pines is 27 years (3 pines were aged) and most pines were less
than 8 inches dbh. The site contained a sparse to moderately dense midstory and shrub layer of wax
myrtle, swamp red bay, loblolly bay and inkberry (Ilex glabra). A dense ground cover of Carolina
wiregrass (Aristida stricta) was also present. No RCW cavity trees were found during the survey.
Borrow site G is 15.51 acres in size (Figure 2, Table 1). Approximately 10.21 acres of this
borrow site is located within the PVT 1 0.5 mi. radius foraging habitat partition and approximately
5.30 acres is located outside the foraging habitat partition (Figure 2). The area contains a sparse to
moderately dense overstory of longleaf, loblolly and pond pine regeneration with an average age of
29 years (4 pines were aged). Most pines were less than 8 inches dbh. Some areas contained an
overstory of scattered second-growth longleaf pines that were stunted. The midstory and shrub layer
was moderately dense with wax myrtle, swamp red bay, loblolly bay, sweet gallberry and inkberry.
A moderately dense ground cover of Carolina wiregrass was also present. The southern portion of G
is highly disturbed and has an overstory of very sparse longleaf pine and a Fescue spp. ground cover.
No RCW cavity trees were found during the survey.
Borrow site H (3.89 ac.) (Figure 2, Table 1) is located outside the 0.5 mi. radius foraging
habitat partition for RCW Cluster PVT 1. This borrow pit is within the same Carolina Bay complex
as borrow sites D1, D2 and D3 and E1 and contains the same habitat description as borrow site E1
above. No RCW cavity trees were found during the survey.

0.5 MILE RADIUS SURVEY OF BORROW SITES A, B1, D1, D2, D3, E1 and H
Approximately 450 ac. of pine forested habitat within the 0.5 mi. radius RCW survey area of
borrow sites A, B1, D1, D2, D3, E and H was evaluated and/ or surveyed for RCWs. With the
exception of one area, all pine forested habitat north of the Hampstead Bypass corridor and west of
Hoover Road (State Road 1569) contain dense loblolly pine plantations less than 40 years old and
hardwood pine drains (Figure 2). A narrow upland pine ridge is located west of borrow sites A, D1,
D2 and D3, but off of the Jamestown Pender property. The ridge contains second- and old growth
longleaf pine with a dense midstory and understory of scrub oaks (Quercus spp.).
Pine forested habitat within the 0.5 mi. RCW survey area and south of the Hampstead Bypass
corridor is a mix of residential and commercial developments, small forested parcels and a school
complex. The small forested parcels are fragmented and contain a mix of longleaf and lobollly pine
stands of various ages.
No RCW cavity trees were found during the survey.

FHA
The pre-project RSMS foraging habitat totals for PVT Cluster 1 were 5,518.55 ft.2 of pine BA
on 120.44 ac. of suitable habitat, 995.48 ft.2 of pine BA on 18.46 ac. of potentially suitable habitat
and 2.818.99 ft.2 of pine BA on 265.74 ac. of future potential habitat (includes pine stems ≥ 4 and/or
≥ 8 inches dbh as appropriate) (Table 4).
Table 4. Pre-project, project removals and post-project red-cockaded woodpecker (RCW) foraging habitat totals using the Regional Standard for Managed Stability Guidelines for the Outer Coastal Plain in Southeastern
North Carolina (NC) and northeastern South Carolina (Carter 2012) within the 0.50-mile radius foraging partition for Private Lands (PVT) Cluster 1, northeast of Hampstead, Pender County, North Carolina.
Impacts calculated for proposed borrow pits F and G to be used for the Hampstead Bypass project (R-3300B), July 2022.
Overstory
Hardwoods
A 104.14 65 74.66 12.56 10.21 5.55 0.55 0.68 10.77 6.23 85.42 18.79 0.00 Sparse Sparse Low 29.67 184.85 5.50 34.26
Sparse Moderate 7.34 45.75 0.37 2.31
Moderate Low 12.39 77.20 0.91 5.68
Moderate Moderate 25.64 159.74 6.97 43.43
Dense Low 26.18 163.08 8.31 51.79
Dense Moderate 2.92 18.19
Subtotal 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 104.14 648.81 22.07 137.47
B 161.59 48 60.60 10.43 5.77 3.00 0.00 0.00 5.77 3.00 66.37 13.43 2.40 Sparse Moderate Low 3.48 46.70
Moderate Moderate 5.71 76.65 0.09 1.19
Moderate Tall 2.17 29.17
Dense Low 23.30 312.96 0.01 0.11
Dense Moderate 64.26 862.97 0.42 5.65
Dense Tall 62.68 841.73
Subtotal 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 161.59 2,170.18 0.52 6.95
C 18.46 105 128.72 20.45 64.40 45.29 7.01 8.63 71.41 53.91 200.13 74.37 0.00 Moderate Sparse Low 9.47 510.38
Sparse Moderate 0.87 47.11
Moderate Low 2.32 125.10
Moderate Moderate 1.07 57.96
Moderate Tall 4.73 254.92
Subtotal 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 18.46 995.48 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
D 120.44 55 143.45 24.82 36.16 19.65 1.10 1.36 37.26 21.00 180.71 45.82 1.40 Moderate Sparse Moderate 1.44 65.90
Dense Low 1.68 77.00
Dense Moderate 77.86 3,567.50
Dense Tall 39.46 1,808.15
Subtotal 120.44 5,518.55 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
Total 404.64 120.44 5,518.55 0.00 0.00 18.46 995.48 0.00 0.00 265.74 2,818.99 22.58 144.42
Unsuitable foraging habitat characteristics according to the Regional SMS guidelines (RSMS) (Carter 2012).Acreage Suitable Potential Future Total-All Total-S&P3
1Average stems and BA are calculated per acre.N/A = Not Applicable Total Pre-Project 120.44 18.46 265.74 404.64 138.90
3S&P = Suitable and potentially suitable habitat.Total Removals 0.00 0.00 22.58 22.58 0.00
Total Post-Project 120.44 18.46 243.15 382.06 138.90
BA 0.00
Stand A Sparse longleaf pine (Xeric Sandhill Scrub, Pine-Scrub Oak Sandhill, Mesic Pine Savanna and Wet Pine Flatwoods habitat)Total Pre-Project 5,518.55 995.48 2,818.99 9,333.02 6,514.03
Stand B Sparse loblolly and pond pine bay/pocosin (High Pocosin)Total Removals 0.00 0.00 144.42 144.42 0.00
Stand C Moderately dense longleaf pine (Pine-Scrub Oak Sandhill, Mesic Pine Savanna and Wet Pine Flatwoods habitat)Total Post-Project 5,518.55 995.48 2,674.57 9,188.60 6,514.03
Stand D Moderately dense loblolly and pond pine bay/pocosin (High Pocosin)
≥ 8 inches
dbh
≥ 4 inches
dbh
≥ 4 inches
dbh
AcresAvg. BA Acres
Stand
Forested
Habitat
(acres)2
Stand
Age
(years)
4.0-7.9 inches
dbh
8.0-13.9 inches
dbh
Avg.
BA
Avg.
Stems
Avg.
BA
14.0+ inches
dbh
8.0+ inches
dbh
4.0+ inches
dbh Pine
Density
Hardwood
Midstory
DensityAvg.
Stems
Avg.
BA Acres BAAvg.
Stems
Avg.
BA
Avg.
Stems
Avg.
BA
Hardwood
Midstory
Height
Pre-project Removals
BA BA
2Habitat recently cleared for the NCDOT Hampstead Bypass
project (R-3300B) was classified as non-foraging habitat.
Suitable Habitat Potentially Suitable Habitat Future Potential Habitat
Acres BAAcresBAAcresBA
≥ 8 inches
dbh
Pre-project Removals Pre-project Removals
Avg.
Stems1
Project construction will remove 144.42 ft.2 of pine BA on 22.58 ac. of future potential habitat
(Figure 3, Table 4).
The post-project RSMS foraging habitat totals are 5,518.55 ft.2 of pine BA on 120.44 ac. of
suitable habitat, +995.48 ft.2 of pine BA on 18.46 ac. of potentially suitable habitat and 2,674.57 ft.2
of pine BA on 243.15 ac. of future potential habitat (includes pine stems ≥ 4 and/or ≥ 8 inches dbh,
as appropriate) (Table 4). This partition will meet the RSMS requirements post-project (Carter
2012).
The vast majority of foraging habitat available to the PVT 1 RCW group is comprised of fire
suppressed High Pocosin and Pond Pine Woodland vegetative communities. This type of habitat is
suboptimal and requires more acreage to support a group for RCWs than suitable habitat. If the
standard SMS guidelines were used per the RCW Recovery Plan (USFWS 2003), this habitat would
likely be considered unsuitable and the project could have resulted in “take” due to an overall lack of
suitable habitat. Clearly, the PVT 1 RCW group is subsisting on this habitat. The RSMS guidelines
takes into account that RCWs use this habitat and includes guidelines that allow it to be classified as
suitable or potentially suitable when certain conditions are met. .
The habitat within borrow sites F and G is classified as the Pine-Scrub Oak Sandhill
vegetative community. In the PVT 1 FHA, the areas are classified as future potential habitat due to
their age (pine stands must be at least 30 years of age or older) and low pine BA (at least 20 ft.2/ac.
(8-inch dbh minimum) of pine BA). Although these areas are classified as future potential habitat,
RCWs do use this habitat.
Forest management activities, such as prescribed burning, hand/mechanical clearing and the
installation of artificial RCW cavities, could improve potentially suitable RCW habitat and maintain
suitable habitat.

BIOLOGICAL CONCLUSION
Nine proposed borrow sites located on the NCDOT-owned Jamestown Pender property were
evaluated in order to determine potential impacts to the federally endangered RCW.
Borrow sites A, B1, D1, D2, D3, E1, H and approximately 5.30 acres of G are located outside
the 0.5 mi. radius foraging habitat partition for active RCW Cluster PVT 1. No RCW cavity were
found within these borrow sites nor within the 0.5 mi. RCW survey area. This portion of the project
will have no effect on the RCW.
F G
D
B
D
B
B
A
B
A
B
C
B
A
B
A
D
B
D
A
A
A
A
A
D
A
A
D
B
A
B
C
A
A
D
B
B
B
B
B
B
C
A
A
B
D
A
B
D
B
A
B
D
D
D
B
D
A
C
B
B
AA
A
B
A
C
A
B
B
A
A
B
C
D
B
A
D
B
B
A
B
D
B
A
A
A
B
B B
B
A
A AA
Stand A Sparse longleaf pine overstory (Pine-Scrub Oak Sandhill, Mesic Pine Savanna and Wet Pine Flatwoods habitat)
Stand B Sparse loblolly and pond pine bay/pocosin (High Pocosin)
Stand C Moderately dense longleaf pine (Pine-Scrub Oak Sandhill, Mesic Pine Savanna and Wet Pine Flatwoods habitat)
Stand D Moderately dense loblolly and pond pine bay/pocosin (High Pocosin)µ
Foraging habitat for red-cockaded woodpecker (Dryobates borealis) (RCW) Private Land Cluster 1 (PVT 1) impacted by proposed borrow sites F and G for the Hampstead Bypass (R-3300B),
northeast of Hampstead, Pender County, North Carolina.
Figure 3.
D
B
D
B
B
A
B
A
B
C
B
A
B
A
D
B
D
A
A
A
A
A
D
A
A
D
B
A
B
C
A
A
D
B
B
B
B
B
B
C
A
A
B
D
A
B
D
B
A
B
D
D
D
B
D
A
C
B
B
AA
A
B
A
C
A
B
B
A
A
B
C
D
B
A
D
B
B
A
B
D
B
A
A
A
B
B B
B
A
A AA
F
G
HABITAT SUITABILITY USING RSMS GUIDELINESREGIONAL STANDARD FOR MANAGED STABILITY (RSMS) GUIDELINES
Pine Density
Sparse
Moderate
Dense
Non-foraging habitat
Hardwood drain
PVT 1 PVT 1
HSGL 1PL HSGL 1PL
HSGL17A
HSGL17A
Habitat Suitability
Suitable Habitat
Future Potential Habitat
Potentially Suitable Habitat
Non-foraging Habitat
Project removalsProject removals
, , , ,
, , , ,
, , , ,
,,,,,,,,,,,,
Sparse
Moderate
Dense
Midstory Density
Low
Moderate
Tall
Midstory Height
RCW cavity trees
Borrow site F, and approximately 10.21 acres of G, are located within the 0.5 mi. radius
foraging habitat partition for active RCW Cluster PVT 1. Proposed borrow site F and the portion of
G mentioned above will remove 144.42 ft.2 of pine BA on 22.58 ac. of future potential habitat from
the PVT 1 0.5 mi. radius foraging habitat partition. Post-project, foraging habitat totals meet the
RSMS guidelines within the PVT 1 0.5 mi. radius foraging habitat partition. No RCW cavity trees
will be impacted. This portion of the borrow site project may affect, but is not likely to adversely
affect, the RCW.
REFERENCES
Carter III, J.H. 2012. Proposed red-cockaded woodpecker SMS foraging habitat standards for
the Outer Coastal Plain in southeastern North Carolina and northeastern South Carolina.
Dr. J.H. Carter III and Associates, Inc. Unpublished Report, Southern Pines, North Carolina.
6 pp.

Dr. J.H. Carter III and Associates, Inc. 1995. Unpublished proprietary information on territorial
partitioning.

. 2012. Summary of red-cockaded woodpecker foraging
habitat analyses from latest design file for US Highway 17 Bypass of Hampstead (R-3300),
Pender County, North Carolina. 4 pp. Proposal for NCDOT.

. 2015. Red-cockaded woodpecker Biological Assessment
Military Cutoff Road Extension and US Highway 17 Hampstead Bypass project, New
Hanover and Pender Counties, North Carolina. 29 pp. Submitted to NCDOT.

. 2019. Red-cockaded woodpecker Biological Assessment for
the proposed Jamestown, L.P project, The Preserve, near Hampstead, Pender County, North
Carolina. 19 pp.

Schafale, Michael P. 2018 working draft. Guide to the natural communities of North Carolina:
4th Approximation. NC Natural Heritage Program, Department of Environment and
Natural Resources. Raleigh, North Carolina. 217 pp.

Schafale, M.P., in prep. Classification of the Natural Communities of North Carolina (Fourth
Approximation). Completed sections accessible at https://www.ncnhp.org/classification-
naturalcommunities-fourth-approximation.
United States Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service. 2022. Web
soil survey. http://websoilsurvey.sc.egov.usda.gov/App/HomePage.htm. Accessed 17 July
2022.

United States Fish and Wildlife Service. 2003. Red-cockaded Woodpecker (Picoides borealis)
Recovery Plan: Second revision. US Fish and Wildlife Service, Atlanta, Georgia. 296 pp.

. 2005. Memo from N. Walsh. 4 May 2005.
Implementation procedures for use of foraging habitat guidelines and analysis of project
impacts under the red-cockaded Woodpecker (Picoides borealis) Recovery Plan: Second
Revision. 5 pp.

Weakley, A.S., and Southeastern Flora Team. 2022. Flora of the southeastern United States.
University of North Carolina Herbarium, North Carolina Botanical Garden.