20121081 Ver 3_More Info Received_20240109

AGENT AUTHORIZATION FORM
PROPERTY LEGAL DESCRIPTION:
LOT NO. N/A PLAN NO. N/A
PARCELID(s): 2819760912000,2819678860000
STREET ADDRESS: Payne Branch Road, Old Blowing Rock Road
Property Owner: Appalachian State University
The undersigned, registered property owners of the above noted property, do hereby authorize
Carrie Caviness, PhD , of Interface Environmental Consulting, LLC
(Contractor/Agent) (Consulting Firm)
to act on my behalf and take all actions necessary for the processing, issuance and acceptance
of this permit or certification issued by the North Carolina Department of Environmental
Quality (NCDEQ) and/or the Army Corp of Engineers (USACE) and any standard and special
conditions attached.
Property Owner's Address (if different than property above):
University Property Office, BB Dougherty Administration Bldg, 438 Academy Street, Boone, 28608
Telephone: Michelle Novacek, Director of Real Estate, 828-262-8776
We hereb rtify the abo information
the bes of ou knowled .
rll-i�
Authorized Signature: Daniel T. Layzell,
Date: ` 2—/ 6
d in tiis application is true and accurate to
ancellor of Finance and Operations

AGENT AUTHORIZATION FORM
PROPERTY LEGAL DESCRIPTION:
LOT NO. N/A PLAN NO. _N/A
PARCEL ID(s): 2819587780000
STREET ADDRESS: 276 /278 OLD BLOWING ROCK RD Boone NC 28607
Property Owner: _Blue Ridge Conservancy
The undersigned, registered property owners of the above noted property, do hereby authorize
.Carrie Caviness , of Interface Environmental Consulting,
LLC (Contractor/Agent) (Consulting
Firm)
to act on my behalf and take all actions necessary for the processing, issuance and acceptance
of this permit or certification and any standard and special conditions attached.
Property Owner's Address (if different than property above):
416 Aho Road, Blowing Rock / Mailing: PO Box 568, Boone, NC 28607
Telephone:_ [phone]
We hereby certify the above information submitted in this application is true and accurate to
the best of our owledge.
a "-, 1.5-,y r. C, � M, LrA�
—Authorized Signature:
Date: // ` Zo ` -2

United States Department of the Interior
FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE
Asheville Ecological Services Field Office
160 Zillicoa Street
Asheville, NC 28801-1082
Phone: [phone] Fax: [phone]
In Reply Refer To:
Project Code: 2023-0047373
Project Name: MFG Section 5
February 21, 2023
Subject: List of threatened and endangered species that may occur in your proposed project
location or may be affected by your proposed project
To Whom It May Concern:
The enclosed species list identifies threatened, endangered, proposed and candidate species, as
well as proposed and designated critical habitat, that may occur within the boundary of your
proposed project and/or may be affected by your proposed project. The enclosed species list
fulfills the requirements of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) under section 7(c) of the
Endangered Species Act (Act) of 1973, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.).
Please note that new species information can change your official species list. Under 50 CFR
402.12(e) of the regulations implementing section 7 of the Act, the accuracy of this species list
should be verified after 90 days. The Service recommends you visit the ECOS-IPaC website at
regular intervals during project planning and implementation to ensure your species list is
accurate or obtain an updated species list.
The purpose of the Act is to provide a means whereby threatened and endangered species and the
ecosystems upon which they depend may be conserved. Under sections 7(a)(1) and 7(a)(2) of the
Act and its implementing regulations (50 CFR 402 et seq.), Federal agencies are required to
utilize their authorities to carry out programs for the conservation of threatened and endangered
species and to determine whether projects may affect threatened and endangered species and/or
designated critical habitat.
A biological assessment (BA) or biological evaluation (BE) should be completed for your
project. A BA is required for major construction activities (or other undertakings having similar
physical impacts) considered to be Federal actions significantly affecting the quality of the
human environment as defined in the National Environmental Policy Act (42 U.S.C. 4332(2) (c))
(NEPA). For projects other than major construction activities, the Service suggests that a BE be
prepared to determine effects of the action and whether those effects may affect listed species
and/or designated critical habitat. E?ects of the action are all consequences to listed species or
critical habitat that are caused by the proposed action, including the consequences of other

02/21/2023
activities that are caused by the proposed action. A consequence is caused by the proposed action
if it is reasonably certain to occur and would not occur "but for" the proposed action..
Recommended contents of a BABE are described at 50 CFR 402.12. More information and
resources about project review and preparing a BA/BE can be found at the following web link:
https://www.fws. gov/office/asheville-ecological-services/asheville-field-office-online-review-
process-overview.
If a Federal agency determines listed species and/or designated critical habitat maybe affected
by the proposed project, the agency is required to consult with the Service pursuant to 50 CFR
402. The Service is not required to concur with "no effect" determinations from Federal action
agencies. If consultation is required, the Service recommends that candidate species, proposed
species, proposed critical habitat, and at -risk species be addressed within the consultation. More
information on the regulations and procedures for section 7 consultation, including the role of
permit or licensed applicants, can be found in the "Endangered Species Consultation Handbook"
at the following web link: https://www.fws.gov/media/endangered-species-consultation-
handhnnk.
Migratory Birds: In addition to responsibilities to protect threatened and endangered species
under the Act, there are additional responsibilities under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA)
and the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act (BGEPA) to protect native birds from project -
related impacts. Any activity, intentional or unintentional, resulting in take of migratory birds,
including eagles, is prohibited unless otherwise permitted by the Service (50 C.F.R. Sec. 10.12
and 16 U.S.C. Sec. 668(a)). More information about MBTA and BGEPA can be found at the
following web link: https://www.fws.gov/program/migratory-birds.
We appreciate your consideration of Federally listed species. The Service encourages Federal
agencies to include conservation of threatened and endangered species in their project planning
to further the purposes of the Act. Please contact our staff at 828-258-3939, if you have any
questions. In any future correspondence concerning this project, please reference the
Consultation Code which can be found in the header of this letter.
Attachment(s):
• Official Species List
• USFWS National Wildlife Refuges and Fish Hatcheries
■ Migratory Birds
■ Wetlands

02/21/2023
OFFICIAL SPECIES LIST
This list is provided pursuant to Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act, and fulfills the
requirement for Federal agencies to "request of the Secretary of the Interior information whether
any species which is listed or proposed to be listed may be present in the area of a proposed
action".
This species list is provided by:
Asheville Ecological Services Field Office
160 Zillicoa Street
Asheville, NC 28801-1082
[phone]

02/21/2023
PROJECT SUMMARY
Project Code: 2023-0047373
Project Name: MFG Section 5
Project Type: Recreation - New Construction
Project Description: Proposed Greenway Trail
Project Location:
The approximate location of the project can be viewed in Google Maps: https://
www.google.com/maps/(a)36.1880181,-81.65569056124534,14z
Counties: Watauga County, North Carolina

02/21/2023 3
ENDANGERED SPECIES ACT SPECIES
There is a total of 7 threatened, endangered, or candidate species on this species list.
Species on this list should be considered in an effects analysis for your project and could include
species that exist in another geographic area. For example, certain fish may appear on the species
list because a project could affect downstream species.
IPaC does not display listed species or critical habitats under the sole jurisdiction of NOAA
Fisheries1, as USFWS does not have the authority to speak on behalf of NOAA and the
Department of Commerce.
See the "Critical habitats" section below for those critical habitats that lie wholly or partially
within your project area under this office's jurisdiction. Please contact the designated FWS office
if you have questions.
NOAA Fisheries, also known as the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), is an
office of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration within the Department of
Commerce.
MAMMALS
NAME
STATUS
Gray Bat Myotis grisescens
Endangered
No critical habitat has been designated for this species.
Species profile: https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/6329
Northern Long-eared Bat Myotis septentrionalis
Threatened
No critical habitat has been designated for this species.
Species profile: https:Hecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/9045
Tricolored Bat Perimyotis sub flavus
Proposed
No critical habitat has been designated for this species.
Endangered
Species profile: https:Hecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/10515
Virginia Big -eared Bat Corynorhinus (=Plecotus) townsendii virginianus
Endangered
There is final critical habitat for this species. Your location does not overlap the critical habitat.
Species profile: https:Hecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/8369
REPTILES
NAME STATUS
Bog Turtle Glyptemys muhlenbergii Similarity of
Population: U.S.A. (GA, NC, SC, TN, VA) Appearance
No critical habitat has been designated for this species. (Threatened)
Species profile: https:Hecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/6962

02/21/2023
4
INSECTS
NAME STATUS
Monarch Butterfly Danaus plexippus Candidate
No critical habitat has been designated for this species.
Species profile: https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/9743
FLOWERING PLANTS
NAME STATUS
Virginia Spiraea Spiraea virginiana Threatened
No critical habitat has been designated for this species.
Species profile: https:Hecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/1728
CRITICAL HABITATS
THERE ARE NO CRITICAL HABITATS WITHIN YOUR PROJECT AREA UNDER THIS OFFICE'S
JURISDICTION.

02/21/2023
USFWS NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE LANDS
AND FISH HATCHERIES
Any activity proposed on lands managed by the National Wildlife Refuge system must undergo a
'Compatibility Determination' conducted by the Refuge. Please contact the individual Refuges to
discuss any questions or concerns.
THERE ARE NO REFUGE LANDS OR FISH HATCHERIES WITHIN YOUR PROJECT AREA.

02/21/2023
MIGRATORY BIRDS
Certain birds are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act! and the Bald and Golden Eagle
Protection Act2.
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.
3. 50 C.F.R. Sec. 10.12 and 16 U.S.C. Sec. 668(a)
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 see exact
locations of where birders and the general public have sighted birds in and around your project
area, visit the E-bird data mapping tool (Tip: enter your location, desired date range and a species
on your list). For projects that occur off the Atlantic Coast, additional maps and models detailing
the relative occurrence and abundance of bird species on your list are available. Links to
additional information about Atlantic Coast birds, and other important information about your
migratory bird list, including how to properly interpret and use your migratory bird report, can be
found below.
For guidance on when to schedule activities or implement avoidance and minimization measures
to reduce impacts to migratory birds on your list, click on the PROBABILITY OF PRESENCE
SUMMARY at the top of your list to see when these birds are most likely to be present and
breeding in your project area.
BREEDING
NAME SEASON
Bald Eagle Haliaeetus leucocephalus Breeds Sep 1 to
This is not a Bird of Conservation Concern (BCC) in this area, but warrants attention Aug 31
because of the Eagle Act or for potential susceptibilities in offshore areas from certain types
of development or activities.
Black -billed Cuckoo Coccyzus erythropthalmus Breeds May 15
This is a Bird of Conservation Concern (BCC) throughout its range in the continental USA to Oct 10
and Alaska.
htWs:Hecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/9399

02/21/2023
NAME
BREEDING
SEASON
Bobolink Dolichonyx oryzivorus
Breeds May 20
This is a Bird of Conservation Concern (BCC) throughout its range in the continental USA
to Jul 31
and Alaska.
Canada Warbler Cardellina canadensis
Breeds May 20
This is a Bird of Conservation Concern (BCC) throughout its range in the continental USA
t0 Aug 10
and Alaska.
Chimney Swift Chaetura pelagica
Breeds Mar 15
This is a Bird of Conservation Concern (BCC) throughout its range in the continental USA
t0 Aug 25
and Alaska.
Golden -winged Warbler Vermivora chrysoptera
Breeds May 1
This is a Bird of Conservation Concern (BCC) throughout its range in the continental USA
t0 Jul 20
and Alaska.
https:Hecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/8745
Prairie Warbler Dendroica discolor Breeds May 1
This is a Bird of Conservation Concern (BCC) throughout its range in the continental USA to Jul 31
and Alaska.
Red-headed Woodpecker Melanerpes erythrocephalus Breeds May 10
This is a Bird of Conservation Concern (BCC) throughout its range in the continental USA t0 Sep 10
and Alaska.
Rusty Blackbird Euphagus carolinus Breeds
This is a Bird of Conservation Concern (BCC) only in particular Bird Conservation Regions elsewhere
(SCRs) in the continental USA
Wood Thrush Hylocichla mustelina Breeds May 10
This is a Bird of Conservation Concern (BCC) throughout its range in the continental USA to Aug 31
and Alaska.
PROBABILITY OF PRESENCE SUMMARY
The graphs below provide our best understanding of when birds of concern are most likely to be
present in your project area. This information can be used to tailor and schedule your project
activities to avoid or minimize impacts to birds. Please make sure you read and understand the
FAQ "Proper Interpretation and Use of Your Migratory Bird Report" before using or attempting
to interpret this report.
Probability of Presence (■)
Each green bar represents the bird's relative probability of presence in the 10km grid cell(s) your
project overlaps during a particular week of the year. (A year is represented as 12 4-week
months.) A taller bar indicates a higher probability of species presence. The survey effort (see
below) can be used to establish a level of confidence in the presence score. One can have higher
confidence in the presence score if the corresponding survey effort is also high.

02/21/2023 3
How is the probability of presence score calculated? The calculation is done in three steps:
The probability of presence for each week is calculated as the number of survey events in
the week where the species was detected divided by the total number of survey events for
that week. For example, if in week 12 there were 20 survey events and the Spotted Towhee
was found in 5 of them, the probability of presence of the Spotted Towhee in week 12 is
0.25.
2. To properly present the pattern of presence across the year, the relative probability of
presence is calculated. This is the probability of presence divided by the maximum
probability of presence across all weeks. For example, imagine the probability of presence
in week 20 for the Spotted Towhee is 0.05, and that the probability of presence at week 12
(0.25) is the maximum of any week of the year. The relative probability of presence on
week 12 is 0.25/0.25 = 1; at week 20 it is 0.05/0.25 = 0.2.
3. The relative probability of presence calculated in the previous step undergoes a statistical
conversion so that all possible values fall between 0 and 10, inclusive. This is the
probability of presence score.
Breeding Season( )
Yellow bars denote a very liberal estimate of the time -frame inside which the bird breeds across
its entire range. If there are no yellow bars shown for a bird, it does not breed in your project
area.
Survey Effort (1)
Vertical black lines superimposed on probability of presence bars indicate the number of surveys
performed for that species in the 10km grid cell(s) your project area overlaps. The number of
surveys is expressed as a range, for example, 33 to 64 surveys.
No Data (—)
A week is marked as having no data if there were no survey events for that week.
Survey Timeframe
Surveys from only the last 10 years are used in order to ensure delivery of currently relevant
information. The exception to this is areas off the Atlantic coast, where bird returns are based on
all years of available data, since data in these areas is currently much more sparse.
■ probability of presence breeding season I survey effort — no data
SPECIES JAN FFEIB1 APR MAIY IJIU1N 1JJU1L 1AUG SEP OCT NOVVVDEC
Bald EagleIF
l+li AlLL�Iv+ ++++ ++�+ ++±��� gill ��■ ���1
Non -BCC I
Vulnerable
Black -billed ++++ ++++ ++++ ++++ T+++ '+++ +A ll++ ++++ ++++
Cuckoo

02/21/2023 4
BCC Rangewide
(CON)
Bobolink BCC Rangewide ++++ ++++ ++++ + I I III 11t+ ++++ I I I I I I ++ 1+++ ++++ ++++
(CON)
Canada Warbler BCC Rangewide ++++ ++++ ++++ ++++ ++++ ++2 ++++ ++++
(CON) yy *■■■■ ■��■■�■■ ��� ��
Chimney Swift BCC Rangewide ++ ++++ ++++ 1+ +T+$ ITT TT 1+++ +
+ ++++
(CON)
Golden -winged Warbler ++++ ++++ ++++ ++++ ++++ + 4ji III+ ++++ +0++ ++++ ++++ ++++
BCC Rangewide
(CON) + Prairie Warbler
BCC Rangewide ++++ ++++ ++++ *+++ ++++ ++++ ++00 ++Ty
, 0+++ ++++ ++++
(CON) yy +
Red-headed
Woodpecker 4+* ++++ ++++ ++++ ++++ +*+
++ +�++ ++++ ++++
BCC Rangewide
(CON)
Rusty Blackbird ++++ 4+6 +as1 l I I I I ++ ++++ ++++ ++++ ++++ ++++
BCC -BCR
Wood Thrush BCC Rangewide ++++ ++++ ++++ +N I 1 Nell 111111111++1$11110+0 ++++ ++++
(CON)
Additional information can be found using the following links:
• Birds of Conservation Concern https://www.fws.gov/program/migratory-birds/species
■ Measures for avoiding and minimizing impacts to birds https://www.fws.gov/library—/
collections/avoiding-and-minimizinp--incidental-take-migratorv-birds
■ Nationwide conservation measures for birds https://www.fws.gov/sites/default/files/
documents/nationwide-standard-conservation-measures.pdf
MIGRATORY BIRDS FAQ
Tell me more about conservation measures I can implement to avoid or minimize impacts
to migratory birds.
Nationwide Conservation Measures describes measures that can help avoid and minimize
impacts to all birds at any location year round. Implementation of these measures is particularly
important when birds are most likely to occur in the project area. When birds may be breeding in
the area, identifying the locations of any active nests and avoiding their destruction is a very
helpful impact minimization measure. To see when birds are most likely to occur and be breeding
in your project area, view the Probability of Presence Summary. Additional measures or permits

02/21/2023
may be advisable depending on the type of activity you are conducting and the type of
infrastructure or bird species present on your project site.
What does IPaC use to generate the list of migratory birds that potentially occur in my
specified location?
The Migratory Bird Resource List is comprised of USFWS Birds of Conservation Concern
(BCQ and other species that may warrant special attention in your project location.
The migratory bird list generated for your project is derived from data provided by the Avian
Knowledge Network (AKN). The AKN data is based on a growing collection of survey, banding,
and citizen science datasets and is queried and filtered to return a list of those birds reported as
occurring in the 10km grid cell(s) which your project intersects, and that have been identified as
warranting special attention because they are a BCC species in that area, an eagle (Eagle Act
requirements may apply), or a species that has a particular vulnerability to offshore activities or
development.
Again, the Migratory Bird Resource list includes only a subset of birds that may occur in your
project area. It is not representative of all birds that may occur in your project area. To get a list
of all birds potentially present in your project area, please visit the Rapid Avian Information
Locator (RAIL)Tool.
What does IPaC use to generate the probability of presence graphs for the migratory birds
potentially occurring in my specified location?
The probability of presence graphs associated with your migratory bird list are based on data
provided by the Avian Knowledge Network (AKN). This data is derived from a growing
collection of survey, banding, and citizen science datasets.
Probability of presence data is continuously being updated as new and better information
becomes available. To learn more about how the probability of presence graphs are produced and
how to interpret them, go the Probability of Presence Summary and then click on the "Tell me
about these graphs" link.
How do I know if a bird is breeding, wintering or migrating in my area?
To see what part of a particular bird's range your project area falls within (i.e. breeding,
wintering, migrating or year-round), you may query your location using the RAIL Tool and look
at the range maps provided for birds in your area at the bottom of the profiles provided for each
bird in your results. If a bird on your migratory bird species list has a breeding season associated
with it, if that bird does occur in your project area, there may be nests present at some point
within the timeframe specified. If "Breeds elsewhere" is indicated, then the bird likely does not
breed in your project area.
What are the levels of concern for migratory birds?
Migratory birds delivered through IPaC fall into the following distinct categories of concern:
1. "BCC Rangewide" birds are Birds of Conservation Concern (BCC) that are of concern
throughout their range anywhere within the USA (including Hawaii, the Pacific Islands,
Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands);

02/21/2023
2. 'BCC - BCR" birds are BCCs that are of concern only in particular Bird Conservation
Regions (BCRs) in the continental USA; and
3. "Non -BCC - Vulnerable" birds are not BCC species in your project area, but appear on
your list either because of the Eagle Act requirements (for eagles) or (for non -eagles)
potential susceptibilities in offshore areas from certain types of development or activities
(e.g. offshore energy development or longline fishing).
Although it is important to try to avoid and minimize impacts to all birds, efforts should be made,
in particular, to avoid and minimize impacts to the birds on this list, especially eagles and BCC
species of rangewide concern. For more information on conservation measures you can
implement to help avoid and minimize migratory bird impacts and requirements for eagles,
please see the FAQs for these topics.
Details about birds that are potentially affected by offshore projects
For additional details about the relative occurrence and abundance of both individual bird species
and groups of bird species within your project area off the Atlantic Coast, please visit the
Northeast Ocean Data Portal. The Portal also offers data and information about other taxa besides
birds that may be helpful to you in your project review. Alternately, you may download the bird
model results files underlying the portal maps through the NOAA NCCOS Integrative Statistical
Modeling and Predictive Mapping of Marine Bird Distributions and Abundance on the Atlantic
Outer Continental Shelf project webpage.
Bird tracking data can also provide additional details about occurrence and habitat use
throughout the year, including migration. Models relying on survey data may not include this
information. For additional information on marine bird tracking data, see the Diving Bird Study
and the nanotag studies or contact Caleb Spiegel or Pam Lorin.
What if I have eagles on my list?
If your project has the potential to disturb or kill eagles, you may need to obtain a permit to avoid
violating the Eagle Act should such impacts occur.
Proper Interpretation and Use of Your Migratory Bird Report
The migratory bird list generated is not a list of all birds in your project area, only a subset of
birds of priority concern. To learn more about how your list is generated, and see options for
identifying what other birds may be in your project area, please see the FAQ "What does IPaC
use to generate the migratory birds potentially occurring in my specified location". Please be
aware this report provides the "probability of presence" of birds within the 10 km grid cell(s) that
overlap your project; not your exact project footprint. On the graphs provided, please also look
carefully at the survey effort (indicated by the black vertical bar) and for the existence of the "no
data" indicator (a red horizontal bar). A high survey effort is the key component. If the survey
effort is high, then the probability of presence score can be viewed as more dependable. In
contrast, a low survey effort bar or no data bar means a lack of data and, therefore, a lack of
certainty about presence of the species. This list is not perfect; it is simply a starting point for
identifying what birds of concern have the potential to be in your project area, when they might
be there, and if they might be breeding (which means nests might be present). The list helps you
know what to look for to confirm presence, and helps guide you in knowing when to implement
conservation measures to avoid or minimize potential impacts from your project activities,

02/21/2023
should presence be confirmed. To learn more about conservation measures, visit the FAQ "Tell
me about conservation measures I can implement to avoid or minimize impacts to migratory
birds" at the bottom of your migratory bird trust resources page.

02/21/2023
WETLANDS
Impacts to NWI wetlands and other aquatic habitats may be subject to regulation under Section
404 of the Clean Water Act, or other State/Federal statutes.
For more information please contact the Regulatory Program of the local U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers District.
Please note that the NWI data being shown may be out of date. We are currently working to
update our NWI data set. We recommend you verify these results with a site visit to determine
the actual extent of wetlands on site.
FRESHWATER FORESTED/SHRUB WETLAND
■ PF01C
RIVERINE
■ R4SBC
■ R3UBHx
■ R3UBH
FRESHWATER EMERGENT WETLAND
■ PFM1 Ah

02/21/2023
IPAC USER CONTACT INFORMATION
Agency: Interface Environmental Consulting, LLC
Name: Sarah Duke
Address:
42 Hodges Lane
City:
Banner Elk
State:
NC
Zip:
28604
Email
[e-mail]
Phone:
8287735523

Pt9H Jk11Y"IJf*
ffrwp"7.
United States Department of the Interior
FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE
Asheville Ecological Services Field Office
160 Zillicoa Street
Asheville, NC 28801-1082
Phone: [phone] Fax: [phone]
In Reply Refer To: September 14, 2023
Project code: 2023-0125616
Project Name: Middle Fork Greenway - Boone Gorge Park
Federal Nexus: no
Federal Action Agency (if applicable):
Subject: Technical assistance for 'Middle Fork Greenway - Boone Gorge Park'
Dear Carrie Caviness:
This letter records your determination using the Information for Planning and Consultation
(IPaQ system provided to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) on September 14, 2023,
for 'Middle Fork Greenway - Boone Gorge Park' (here forward, Project). This project has been
assigned Project Code 2023-0125616 and all future correspondence should clearly reference this
number. Please carefully review this letter. Your Endangered Species Act (Act) requirements
are not complete.
Ensuring Accurate Determinations When Using IPaC
The Service developed the IPaC system and associated species' determination keys in accordance
with the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (ESA; 87 Stat. 884, as amended; 16 U.S.C. 1531 et
seq.) and based on a standing analysis. All information submitted by the Project proponent into
IPaC must accurately represent the full scope and details of the Project.
Failure to accurately represent or implement the Project as detailed in IPaC or the Northern
Long-eared Bat Rangewide Determination Key (Dkey), invalidates this letter. Answers to certain
questions in the DKey commit the project proponent to implementation of conservation
measures that must be followed for the ESA determination to remain valid.
Determination for the Northern Long -Eared Bat
Based upon your IPaC submission and a standing analysis, your project is not reasonably certain
to cause incidental take of the northern long-eared bat. Unless the Service advises you within 15
days of the date of this letter that your IPaC-assisted determination was incorrect, this letter
verifies that the Action is not likely to result in unauthorized take of the northern long-eared bat.

09/14/2023 IPaC Record Locator: 305-131368835 2
Other Species and Critical Habitat that May be Present in the Action Area
The IPaC-assisted determination for the northern long-eared bat does not apply to the following
ESA -protected species and/or critical habitat that also may occur in your Action area:
■ Bog Turtle Glyptemys muhlenbergii Similarity of Appearance (Threatened)
• Gray Bat Myotis grisescens Endangered
■ Green Floater Lasmigona subviridis Proposed Threatened
■ Monarch Butterfly Danaus plexippus Candidate
• Tricolored Bat Perimyotis sub flavus Proposed Endangered
■ Virginia Big -eared Bat Corynorhinus (=Plecotus) townsendii virginianus Endangered
■ Virginia Spiraea Spiraea virginiana Threatened
You may coordinate with our Office to determine whether the Action may cause prohibited take
of the animal species and/or critical habitat listed above. Note that if a new species is listed that
may be affected by the identified action before it is complete, additional review is recommended
to ensure compliance with the Endangered Species Act.
Next Steps
Coordination with the Service is complete. This letter serves as technical assistance. All
conservation measures should be implemented as proposed. Thank you for considering federally
listed species during your project planning.
We are uncertain where the northern long-eared bat occurs on the landscape outside of known
locations. Because of the steep declines in the species and vast amount of available and suitable
forest habitat, the presence of suitable forest habitat alone is a far less reliable predictor of their
presence. Based on the best available information, most suitable habitat is now expected to be
unoccupied. During the interim period, while we are working on potential methods to address
this uncertainty, we conclude take is not reasonably certain to occur in areas of suitable habitat
where presence has not been documented.
If no changes occur with the Project or there are no updates on listed species, no further
consultation/coordination for this project is required for the northern long-eared bat. However,
the Service recommends that project proponents re-evaluate the Project in IPaC if: 1) the scope,
timing, duration, or location of the Project changes (includes any project changes or
amendments); 2) new information reveals the Project may impact (positively or negatively)
federally listed species or designated critical habitat; or 3) a new species is listed, or critical
habitat designated. If any of the above conditions occurs, additional coordination with the
Service should take place before project implements any changes which are final or commits
additional resources.
If you have any questions regarding this letter or need further assistance, please contact the
Asheville Ecological Services Field Office and reference Project Code 2023-0125616 associated
with this Project.

09/14/2023 IPaC Record Locator: 305-131368835 3
Action Description
You provided to IPaC the following name and description for the subject Action.
1. Name
Middle Fork Greenway - Boone Gorge Park
2. Description
The following description was provided for the project'Middle Fork Greenway - Boone Gorge
Park':
This project includes a linear greenway corridor (trail and boardwalk), two
pedestrian bridges, a greenway trailhead, and stream and wetland restoration
activities.
The approximate location of the project can be viewed in Google Maps: https:
www. uoo v-le.com/mans/036.18807004999999.-81.65505481895721.14z
� 'Plinry
:,-i•
IhV for [01
: -
{.C.
Li
�r*1
V J.J., :' X w

09/14/2023 IPaC Record Locator: 305-131368835 4
DETERMINATION KEY RESULT
Based on the answers provided, the proposed Action is consistent with a determination of "may
affect, but not likely to adversely affect" for the Endangered northern long-eared bat (Myotis
septentrionalis).
QUALIFICATION INTERVIEW
1. Does the proposed project include, or is it reasonably certain to cause, intentional take of
the northern long-eared bat or any other listed species?
Note: Intentional take is defined as take that is the intended result of a project. Intentional take could refer to
research, direct species management, surveys, and/or studies that include intentional handling/encountering,
harassment, collection, or capturing of any individual of a federally listed threatened, endangered or proposed
species?
No
2. Do you have post -white nose syndrome occurrence data that indicates that northern long-
eared bats (NLEB) are likely to be present in the action area?
Bat occurrence data may include identification of NLEBs in hibernacula, capture of
NLEBs, tracking of NLEBs to roost trees, or confirmed acoustic detections. With this
question, we are looking for data that, for some reason, may have not yet been made
available to U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
No
3. Does any component of the action involve construction or operation of wind turbines?
Note: For federal actions, answer `yes' if the construction or operation of wind power facilities is either (1) part
of the federal action or (2) would not occur but for a federal agency action (federal permit, funding, etc.).
No
4. Is the proposed action authorized, permitted, licensed, funded, or being carried out by a
Federal agency in whole or in part?
No

09/14/2023 IPaC Record Locator: 305-131368835
PROJECT QUESTIONNAIRE

09/14/2023 IPaC Record Locator: 305-131368835
IPAC USER CONTACT INFORMATION
Agency: Blue Ridge Conservancy
Name: Carrie Caviness
Address: 476 Hidden Pond Rd
City: Boone
State: NC
Zip: 28607
Email [e-mail]
Phone: [phone]

Specific Indicators tolook
Species Common Name
Scientific Name
Listing Status
HABITAT
Effect Determination Notes:
Effect Determination
for
Roost sites are nearly exclusively restricted to caves throughout the year
(Hall and Wilson 1966, Barbour and Davis 1969, Tuttle 1976), though only a
few percent of available caves are suitable (Tuttle 1979). Winter roosts are
Gray Bat
Myotis grisescens
Endangered
in deep vertical caves with domed halls. Large summer colonies utilize caves
Caves
There are no caves located within
No effect
that trap warm air and provide restricted rooms or domed ceilings;
the proposed project site.
maternity caves often have a stream flowing through them and are separate
from the caves used in summer by males.
Northern Long-eared Bat
Myotis septentrionalis
Threatened
SPECIES COVERED BY DETERMINATION KEY - See MA Consistency Letter: NLEB
See DKey
May effect, but not likely to
adversly effect
Inhabit caves year round
(karsttopography),
Virginia Big -eared Bat
Corynorhinus townsendii virginianus
dominated by oak-
Carst landscape dominated by Oak -Hickory OR Beech -Maple -Hem lock
Caves
There are no caves located within
No effect
hickory OR beech -maple-
Forests.
the proposed project site.
hemlock forests

Middle Fork Greenway
Boone Gorge Park
Site Photo Sheet
Photographsl0/2023

' ljL Y' # i � �i . -�.. .�'¢r�- p�aygr. �,• ■ - ' :�.�..�� �•' � �•d�1Y . § T�•�A. rs e �.. w
a .V
�•. ]� "i��� .!. -fin �� 1�,�s _.
.. .. ^�. �� � yid- a,f • � � - , v ,� '_
- fir' •� - :�._ - .',- �i . � �.•���•.. �.
Rfver. ri,ght.i:�
• � � •sue �ii. �.�, g" �'„ .��' � 'q.� - - _'���

� �' Rai .i Y M • � 'S�'�.,., +� - .. _' � �L. ��� 'v
.6p•, -1j' '• -"rjati -i.�� _ ..r �' s.' 'S ".r __.- - ._•�. .::w� '-. ,�.A _ �� j. i+•_. f
NA
— 'i,-: - �:��' - - •-� ..�; :i 6:;�. _a t� � i+'''m ice. dpY
PdW
N� b. d
-
v
,/y •�f -� I�lY' - -t �'�! Spa. . �� •. f 3.^� :'� €'Y i _ - � �F .'rb�.� . .
- ��• .l.�f a � p - � � _ .� `~��-` - .ems ,.�. .. +►��.,. �
X:h 1. �_ - :. y '''� wi yTy - _� - .'S. � - ..)--.•_ - -
-
-- _ ._ arrows'. �� i.' :.� ,.,.. �:�#. ..�'{�`.�.� '.. - _ ..� ...ac`�'... ��e•-4 _ i� '�

r-�
y.. �.�
.. �•
.� � � ��„„�. �•.:
!
r
UT1 MFNR UT2 MFNR
Temporary pipe crossings (HDPE 12" min) propose at UT1 and
UT2 MFNR. Temporary impacts of 20' are proposed at each
crossing which includes 10' of pipe length. These crossings
are proposed downslope of span boardwalk (permanent
crossing)
Sheet 3

Temporary span crossing for construction to be
installed just upstream of the proposed span
pedestrian bridge and set in place on gravel footers.
No permanent or temporary impacts are anticipated
at Bridge 2 with the exception of streambank sloping
and rip rap stabilization along the river right
streambank (20').
Looking from River Right to River Left at
Bridge 2 location
(downstream bridge)
Sheet 4

f.:
Ati-.:
-..
•y��f
Looking downstream at ADA Fishing pier
location along River Right MFNR
25' of permanent and temporary impacts are
proposed at the fishing pier location. Impacts include
streambank sloping beginning below the OHWM and
placement of permanent rip rap stabilization.
Sheet 5

Proposed permanent and temporary impacts
include streambank sloping, toe wood
streambank structure, and a log vane structure
coupled with a midchannel bar removal. Impacts
equal 250'. All work is proposed from the river
right streambank.
Looking downstream on River Right at
streambank stabilization site
Sheet 6

Surveyed
BRC Parcel
r-'/N:281958778000F
_A11=
LEGEND
SURVEYED BOUNDARY
SURVEYED ADJOIN
COUNTY GIS BNDY
MFNR TOP OF BANK
PERM EASEMENT REQUEST
MFG ALIGNMENT
MFG BOARDWALK/BRIDGE
0 200 400
Feet
BANK STABILIZATION
PERM IMPACTS
ADA FISHING PER
PERM IMPACTS
BR DGE 2
PERM IMPACTS
GIS Bndy
ASU Parcel
PIN: 2819678860000
PERM EASEMEN
c
\ REQUEST (,n
—3.635 ACRE'
w
N
MFG Alignment S�R� U, _ �, eyEO Toe
UT MFNR "�"'yam Gore
TEMP IMPACTS °°"(to be
determined
Surveyed EPHEMERAL '%, by survey)
BRC Parcel —1.7 acres
PIN: 2819587780000 TEMP IMPACTS No Adjoin
BRIDGE 1
TEMP IMPACTS J�
_ rRM EASEMENT,/
EQUEST
0.503 ACRES
\ \ GIS Bndy
I \ Wat Co Parcel
J \\ Surveyed PIN: 2819761780000
Adjoin Line \ r
\\ PIN:2819664689000
\ GIS Bndy
ASU Parcel
\\ PIN: 2819760912000
GIS Bndy
ASU Parcel
\ SIN: 2819762 9000
BASIS OF DATA
SURVEYED BRC BOUNDARY DATA PROVIDED BY SURVEY PROS, INC.
SURVEYED EASEMENT LINES PROVIDED BY MATTERN & CRAIG ENGINEERS AND SURVEYORS, INC.
GIS BOUNDARY LINES AND AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHY ARE PUBLICLY AVAILABLE DATA .
EASEMENT REQUEST AREAS AND MFG ALIGNMENTS GENERATED BY IEC, LLC. (11 /2023)
0
IEC

PROPOSED INVASIVE
REMOVAL REG FLOODWAY
600 ems° LINE FROM FRIS
\ SURVEYED TOP
OF BANK
\ X00 \ `
xoo PROPOSED TOEWOOD
SLOPING FOR PROPOSED LOGVANE
PEDESTRIAN ACCESS
+
PROPOSED STREAMBANK
` \ SLOPING
PROPOSED INVASIVE
REMOVAL
PROPOSED ADA
FISHING PIER
0 60 120
�
Fee\ � �00

UPPER
LEFT
BRIDGE
(BRIDGE
tream
1)
3248
3240
'
y
\\'----
♦
f
3232
Boreho
--
-----
3224
1+ 5 1+50 1+25
1+00
Station
3216
0+75 0+50 0+25
0+00 -0 10
BRIDGE 1 TEMP IMPACTS
DUE TO CONSTRUCTION; SETTING
TEMP CROSSING AND ACCESSING
\ ABUTMENT LOCATIONS FOR
CONCRETE POURS
Ok00
N
W
Z�Z
f�
7
Q
U
o
LEGEND
BRIDGE ABUTMENT 322 .
Q a nu 2 / REG FLOODWAY
—� _ / (SURVEYED)

LOWER BRIDGE
(BR DGE 2)
3176
13168
------
2 6-----
----------------
----------- -
3160
, 6 „
'
3152
RIVE
RIGHT
ore hRIVER
LEFT
3144
1+ 5 1+50 1+25
1+ DO
Station
0+75 0+50 0+25 3136
0+00 -0 10
/ RIVER G
8 F LEFT RIVER
o RIGHT
BRIDGE ABUTMENTS + �� BRIDGE 2 PERM IMPACTS
STREAMBANK SLOPING AND
r J ( STABILIZATION. RIPRAP
PROP GREENWAY CURRENTLY PROPOSED; TBD
ALIGNMENT REVISE TO MATTING PER
58 STRUCTURAL ENGINEERS REC
o
LEGEND
n ' / REG FLOODWAY
LOW SPOT/
FLOW -WAY TOB/OHWM
(SURVEYED)

ADA FISHING PER
STA 2+ 02
3172
316
168
316
71
316
160
CD
315
C
315
152
r�
314
�°
314
144
314
313
136
1+00
0+00
—0+10
Station
3
3
3
3
3
,-SMOOTH TRANSITION FROM
4
ELEV 3158.
ASPHALT TO DECKING
TYPICAL
—
FLOW
DEPTH
a��NDriu
UTSLOPE O 5%
2
SLOPE (4:1)
a
4
�iN 12' own+
0+75 0+50 0+25
PERMANENT IMPACT
DUE TO SLOPING AND
V/—X//j/�RIPRAP STABILIZATION
PROP ADA FISHING PIER
AND ADJACENT STREAMBANK
SLOPING CONTOURS
RIVER
RIGHT
I C(`CN In
/ REG FLOODWAY
TOB/OH WM
(SURVEYED)

t a f . Fred a6dr$55. sbGdC resoufce 5krnrn
Lam
Y}`
•- f �. tin
DO C mplea IV 4k
r
ilrn . O
3hi3ijowl� ntr
Fi dogma Co+*E I .. J:�
A _ lot
7- � le,
15 CA r+
ivy Dr 221
Krlj,
gvua Drir's -Dry
00, Pq It 4 ,p � � 1z
�+ a= +� `Irl��e Or
VVT0249 $arnAU!kUL Create a ' r ��
rr+IAve
Sea rch Results A? TrOu+tlpdi Un
,r5ti,•.
Find res-o4,rces w1thin a hLiffer
Spatial Rema t � U �`
Only return features that intersect with the shape�� �
T r I drawn c�n the mapI L VN
1
'+110
+ 1� Clear this shape after apiplyino the query,
41 4:� -%rl
"r,
� 0 Apply a search distance
5 it 0.5 miles
% Result IayeF name 0
- Find resources Yrlthin a buffer _Query I,esi }
f L AVr` CP �
M ,•f
sy,;�
�i 00004
e -tap N V
I
I
r
I
I
,•�.r �� �`��Tr�`��;tip
Nco f
4 I E2.54 J=6 A GMMW
c6�
0
#� Crlr Farm
oar d�
11** 045 W N Ln
F
wr%y aye
E e7 r '36
C
4 #tf)2v YwT0260 J . 0. Manawn
OA Cxn � t 0.4N House
Deartiord Rol
.-I
WT0275 Camie Cr4cher
Huge
.Pj0r,
IL
►r S
f $arhlb �#
1
'P ` AA �
k kh �.P
#*
t� 43
S
?tart■ uF t4ort4 CeFo ma CPDT, Err,. H ERE, Garman, INCREMENT P. NGA. 0 # t•
Pf

National Flood Hazard Layer FI RMette ," FEMA
8199'44"W 36o11'39"N
I - l .V,000
0 250 500 1,000 1,500 2,000
Basemap: USGS National Map: Orthoimagery. Data refreshed October, 2020
Legend
SEE FIS REPORT FOR DETAILED LEGEND AND INDEX MAP FOR FIRM PANEL LAYOUT
Without Base Flood Elevation (BFE)
Zone A, V, A99
SPECIAL FLOOD With BFE or Depth zone AE, AO, AH, VE, AR
HAZARD AREAS Regulatory Floodway
0.2%Annual Chance Flood Hazard, Areas
of 1% annual chance flood with average
depth less than one foot or with drainage
areas of less than one square mile zone x
Future Conditions 1% Annual
Chance Flood Hazard zonex
Area with Reduced Flood Risk due to
OTHER AREAS OF Levee. See Notes. Zone x
FLOOD HAZARD ��� Area with Flood Risk due to Leveezone D
NO SCREEN Area of Minimal Flood Hazard zone
Q Effective LOMRs
OTHER AREAS Area of Undetermined Flood Hazard zone D
GENERAL -- - - Channel, Culvert, or Storm Sewer
STRUCTURES IIIIIII Levee, Dike, or Floodwall
V Cross Sections with 1% Annual Chance
t7•s Water Surface Elevation
a - - - Coastal Transect
—w— Base Flood Elevation Line (BFE)
Limit of Study
Jurisdiction Boundary
— --- Coastal Transect Baseline
OTHER
_ Profile Baseline
FEATURES
Hydrographic Feature
Digital Data Available N
No Digital Data Available
MAP PANELS
Unmapped
The pin displayed on the map is an approximate
point selected by the user and does not represent
an authoritative property location.
This map complies with FEMA's standards for the use of
digital flood maps if it is not void as described below.
The basemap shown complies with FEMA's basemap
accuracy standards
The flood hazard information is derived directly from the
authoritative NFHL web services provided by FEMA. This map
was exported on 2/20/2023 at 3:10 PM and does not
reflect changes or amendments subsequent to this date and
time. The NFHL and effective information may change or
become superseded by new data over time.
This map image is void if the one or more of the following map
elements do not appear: basemap imagery, flood zone labels,
legend, scale bar, map creation date, community identifiers,
FIRM panel number, and FIRM effective date. Map images for
unmapped and unmodernized areas cannot be used for
regulatory purposes.

r ,
Ca�ouw4
N r elw,sl...ui
,11111111L.�
}; + . - -d
JP �Orea%
Triurriph i-rr
� T Y�1411111 11k1g
k err)
36a6 IT
L�n
}
A:$h!ey'Ll�
�81.669 36.196 Degrees
00 m
+� oom to
,. Surface Water Classifications:
Stream Index:
low"
Stream Narne:
Description:
r•S j
0 Classification:
Date of Class.:
1hfh�+ Anne +G-I;e C'1nrr rn�nin
k%
L'.
curve
/\ 13 X
10-1-2-(14)
Middle Fork South Fork New
River
From Boone Darn of
Appalachian State University to a
point 0.4 rrrile downstream of
U.S. Hw s. 221 & 321
wS-N-1
January 31, 1993
Yarn.011 K870b
38750
I&
03
r-3
Legend Lagers Print
00
r,;fY 0
© Surface Water Classifications:
0-
C
4abo
U-fe1Ln
f'ra'; 'p"Jat r
L J
P 't la fo wr F r C%
SLate of North Carolina DOT, Tennessee STS G I r Esri, HERE, G armIn, I NC REMEf T P, Intermap, US S, METI{'f --- Powered by Esri
Stream Index -
Stream Flame:
Desch ption,
Classification:
Date of Class. -
what does this Class.
mean?
Fiver Basin:
10--1- -(1 )
Middle Fork South Fork
New River
From Roane Darn of
Appalachian State
University toapoint 0.
mile downstream of U.S.
i--I wars . 221 & 321
ws-Ev:+ >
January 31, 199
View
New

U
��� U.S. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR The National Map U S BOONE QUADRANGLE
U.S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY I Ic NORTH CAROLINA - WATAUGA COUNTY
science for a changing world ` vv Topo "" 7.5-MINUTE SERIES
-81.7500'
36.2500' 433000ME
4011000mN
10
09
08
07
06
05
04
03
02
01
MA
00
MV
99
34
36.1250' 33 34
-81.7500'
35
35
36
36
Produced by the United States Geological Survey
MN, ,
North American Datum of 1983 (NAD83)
World Geodetic System of 1984 (WGS84). Projection and Gil
1 000-meter grid: Universal Transverse Mercator, Zone 17S
This map is not a legal document. Boundaries may be 7°2f
generalized for this map scale. Private lands within government 131 MILS
reservations may not be shown. Obtain permission before 7 MILS
entering private lands.
Imagery .....................................................NAIP, September 2020 - September 2020
Roads ......................................... U.S. Census Bureau, 2016 - 2016
Roads within US Forest Service Lands ........................ FSTopo Data UGRID AND MAGNETIC NORTH
DE AT C
with limited Forest Service updates, Not Available DECLINATION AT CENTER OF SHEET
Names............................................................................GNIS, 1980 - 2022 U.S. National Grid
Hydrography...............................National Hydrography Dataset, 2002 2018 100,000 - rn Square 10
Contours............................................National Elevation Dataset, 2022
Boundaries ..............Multiple sources; see metadata file 2017 2021 MA
`b0
Wetlands.................FWS National Wetlands Inventory Not Available MV
Grid Zone Designation
17S
37
37
38
38
SCALE 1:24 000
39
39
40
1 0.5 0 KILOMETERS 1 2
1000 500 0 METERS 1000 2000
1 0.5 0 1
MILES
1000 0 1000 2000 3000 4000 5000 6000 7000 8000 9000 10000
FEET
CONTOUR INTERVAL 40 FEET
NORTH AMERICAN VERTICAL DATUM OF 1988
This map was produced to conform with the
National Geospatial Program US Topo Product Standard
41
40 41
NORTH
CAROLINA
QUADRANGLE LOCATION
1 Sherwood
1 2 3 2 Zionville
3 Todd
4 5 4 Valle Crucis
5 Deep Gap
6 Grandfather Mountain
6 7 8 7 Globe
8 Buffalo Cove
ADJOINING QUADRANGLES
42
42
43
443000ME
ROAD CLASSIFICATION
Expressway Local Connector
Secondary Hwy Local Road
Ramp 4WD
I. Interstate Route 0 US Route O State Route
B FS Primary Route 0 FS Passenger FS High
Route Clearance Route
Check with local Forest Service unit
for current travel conditions and restrictions.
BOONE, NC
2022
-81.6250°
36.2500'
11
10
R
08
07
05
04
03
02
01
MA
00
MV
99
3998000m N
36.1250'
-81.6250'
vm
LO
00
LO
00
I--
M N
(0U)
o 0
M in
v�
Z
r` LL
LU
ZQ
N C7
ZZ

SHEET
SCALE: 1 "=90'
0 100 200
Feet
J U R SDCT 0 NAL D ETER M NAT O N MAP
MIDDLE FORK GREENWAY SECTION 5
BOONE GORGE
W ATA U G A COUNTY, NC
REVISIONS DATE PREPARED BY:
NTERFACE ENV RONMENTAL
CONSULT NG. LLC
476 HIDDEN POND ROAD
BOONE, NC 28607
919-656-4543
I EC

Appendix 2 - PRELIMINARY JURISDICTIONAL DETERMINATION (PJD) FORM
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
A. REPORT COMPLETION DATE FOR PJD: 12/12/2023
B. NAME AND ADDRESS OF PERSON REQUESTING PJD: IEC, 476 Hidden Pond Rd Boone NC
C. DISTRICT OFFICE, FILE NAME, AND NUMBER: Asheville
D. PROJECT LOCATION(S) AND BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
(USE THE TABLE BELOW TO DOCUMENT MULTIPLE AQUATIC RESOURCES AND/OR
AQUATIC RESOURCES AT DIFFERENT SITES)
State: NC County/parish/borough: Watauga City: Boone
Center coordinates of site (lat/long in degree decimal format):
Lat.: 36.190126 Long.:-81.65734
Universal Transverse Mercator:
Name of nearest waterbody: Middle Fork South Fork New River
E. REVIEW PERFORMED FOR SITE EVALUATION (CHECK ALL THAT APPLY):
❑ Office (Desk) Determination. Date:
❑■ Field Determination. Date(s): October 2022
TABLE OF AQUATIC RESOURCES IN REVIEW AREA WHICH "MAY BE" SUBJECT TO REGULATORY
JURISDICTION.
Site
number
Latitude
(decimal
degrees)
Longitude
(decimal
degrees)
Estimated amount
of aquatic resource
in review area
(acreage and linear
feet, if applicable)
Type of aquatic
resource (i.e., wetland
vs. non -wetland
waters)
Geographic authority
to which the aquatic
resource "may be"
subject (i.e., Section
404 or Section 10/404)
MFNR
36.187100
-81.65476T
±45001f
Non -wetland
404
UT-MFNR
36.1878680
-81.654851 °
+ 1501f
Non -wetland
404
Ephemeral Channel
36.1877740
-81.6546740
±501f
Non -wetland
404
wetland 1
36.1876600
-81.6547370
+0.024ac
wetland
404

1) The Corps of Engineers believes that there may be jurisdictional aquatic resources in
the review area, and the requestor of this PJD is hereby advised of his or her option
to request and obtain an approved JD (AJD) for that review area based on an
informed decision after having discussed the various types of JDs and their
characteristics and circumstances when they may be appropriate.
2) In any circumstance where a permit applicant obtains an individual permit, or a
Nationwide General Permit (NWP) or other general permit verification requiring "pre -
construction notification" (PCN), or requests verification for a non -reporting NWP or
other general permit, and the permit applicant has not requested an AJD for the
activity, the permit applicant is hereby made aware that: (1) the permit applicant has
elected to seek a permit authorization based on a PJD, which does not make an
official determination of jurisdictional aquatic resources; (2) the applicant has the
option to request an AJD before accepting the terms and conditions of the permit
authorization, and that basing a permit authorization on an AJD could possibly result
in less compensatory mitigation being required or different special conditions; (3) the
applicant has the right to request an individual permit rather than accepting the terms
and conditions of the NWP or other general permit authorization; (4) the applicant can
accept a permit authorization and thereby agree to comply with all the terms and
conditions of that permit, including whatever mitigation requirements the Corps has
determined to be necessary; (5) undertaking any activity in reliance upon the subject
permit authorization without requesting an AJD constitutes the applicant's acceptance
of the use of the PJD; (6) accepting a permit authorization (e.g., signing a proffered
individual permit) or undertaking any activity in reliance on any form of Corps permit
authorization based on a PJD constitutes agreement that all aquatic resources in the
review area affected in any way by that activity will be treated as jurisdictional, and
waives any challenge to such jurisdiction in any administrative or judicial compliance
or enforcement action, or in any administrative appeal or in any Federal court; and (7)
whether the applicant elects to use either an AJD or a PJD, the JD will be processed
as soon as practicable. Further, an AJD, a proffered individual permit (and all terms
and conditions contained therein), or individual permit denial can be administratively
appealed pursuant to 33 C.F.R. Part 331. If, during an administrative appeal, it
becomes appropriate to make an official determination whether geographic
jurisdiction exists over aquatic resources in the review area, or to provide an official
delineation of jurisdictional aquatic resources in the review area, the Corps will
provide an AJD to accomplish that result, as soon as is practicable. This PJD finds
that there "may be" waters of the U.S. and/or that there "may be" navigable waters of
the U.S. on the subject review area, and identifies all aquatic features in the review
area that could be affected by the proposed activity, based on the following
information:

SUPPORTING DATA. Data reviewed for PJD (check all that apply)
Checked items should be included in subject file. Appropriately reference sources
below where indicated for all checked items:
❑■ Maps, plans, plots or plat submitted by or on behalf of the PJD requestor:
Map:
❑■ Data sheets prepared/submitted by or on behalf of the PJD requestor.
❑ Office concurs with data sheets/delineation report.
❑ Office does not concur with data sheets/delineation report. Rationale:
❑ Data sheets prepared by the Corps:
❑ Corps navigable waters' study:
❑ U.S. Geological Survey Hydrologic Atlas:
❑ USGS NHD data.
❑ USGS 8 and 12 digit HUC maps.
❑■ U.S. Geological Survey map(s). Cite scale & quad name:
Boone 1:24000
❑ Natural Resources Conservation Service Soil Survey. Citation:
❑ National wetlands inventory map(s). Cite name:
❑ State/local wetland inventory map(s):
❑■ FEMA/FIRM maps:
❑ 100-year Floodplain Elevation is:
❑■ Photographs: ❑ Aerial (Name & Date):
or 0 Other (Name & Date): Fall 2022
(National Geodetic Vertical Datum of 1929)
❑ Previous determination(s). File no. and date of response letter:
❑ Other information (please specify):
IMPORTANT NOTE: The information recorded on this form has not necessarily
been verified by the Corps and should not be relied upon for later jurisdictional
determinations.
Signature and date of
Regulatory staff member
completing PJD
Signature and date of
person requesting PJD
(REQUIRED, unless obtaining
the signature is impracticable)'
' Districts may establish timeframes for requestor to return signed PJD forms. If the requestor does not respond
within the established time frame, the district may presume concurrence and no additional follow up is
necessary prior to finalizing an action.

Ephemeral
Channel
NC Division of Water Quality -Methodology for Identification of Intermittent and
Perennial Streams and Their Origins v. 4.11
NC DWQ Stream Identification Form Version 4.11
Date: 10/12/2022
Project/Site: MFG - Hollars
Latitude:
Evaluator: Sarah Kilby
County: Watauga
Longitude:
Total Points:
Stream Determination (circle one)
Other
Stream is at least intermittent 10.5
Ephemeral Intermittent Perennial
e.g. Quad Name:
if>_ 19 or perennial if>_ 30*
A. Geomorphology (Subtotal = t5'11) )
Absent
Weak
Moderate
Strong
1 a. Continuity of channel bed and bank
0
1
2
3
2. Sinuosity of channel along thalweg
0
1
2
3
3. In -channel structure: ex. riffle -pool, step -pool,
ripple -pool sequence
0
1
2
3
4. Particle size of stream substrate
0
1
2
3
5. Active/relict floodplain
0
1
2
3
6. Depositional bars or benches
0
1
2
3
7. Recent alluvial deposits
0
1
2
3
8. Headcuts
0
1
2
3
9. Grade control
0
0.5
1
1.5
10. Natural valley
0
1 0.5
1
1 1.5
11. Second or greater order channel
No = 0
Yes = 3
a artificial ditches are not rated; see discussions in manual
B. Hydrology (Subtotal = 0 1
12. Presence of Baseflow
0
1
2
3
13. Iron oxidizing bacteria
0
1
2
3
14. Leaf litter
1.5
1
0.5
0
15. Sediment on plants or debris
0
0.5
1
1.5
16. Organic debris lines or piles
0
1 0.5
1
1 1.5
17. Soil -based evidence of high water table?
No = 0
Yes = 3
C. Biologv (Subtotal = 2 )
18. Fibrous roots in streambed
3
2
1
0
19. Rooted upland plants in streambed
3
2
1
0
20. Macrobenthos (note diversity and abundance)
0
1
2
3
21. Aquatic Mollusks
0
1
2
3
22. Fish
0
0.5
1
1.5
23. Crayfish
0
0.5
1
1.5
24. Amphibians
0
0.5
1
1.5
25. Algae
0
0.5
1
1
1 1.5
26. Wetland plants in streambed
FACW = 0.75; OBL =
1.5 Other = 0
*perennial streams may also be identified using other methods. See p. 35 of manual.
Notes:
Sketch:
Periwinkle dominating the channel at the base.
Leaf litter is abundant throughout.
No base flow was present.
A headwater seep was located upslope of the ephemeral feature.
41

UT-MFNR
NC Division of Water Quality -Methodology for Identification of Intermittent and
Perennial Streams and Their Origins v. 4.11
NC DWQ Stream Identification Form Version 4.11
Date: 10/12/2022
Project/Site: MFG - Hollars
Latitude:
Evaluator: Sarah Kilby
County:
Longitude:
Total Points:
Stream Determination (circle one)
Other
Stream is at least intermittent 25
Ephemeral Intermittent Perennial
e.g. Quad Name:
if>_ 19 or perennial if>_ 30*
A. Geomorphology Subtotal = 13.5
Absent
Weak
Moderate
Strong
1 a. Continuity of channel bed and bank
0
1
2
3
2. Sinuosity of channel along thalweg
0
1
2
3
3. In -channel structure: ex. riffle -pool, step -pool,
ripple -pool sequence
0
1
2
3
4. Particle size of stream substrate
0
1
2
3
5. Active/relict floodplain
0
1
2
3
6. Depositional bars or benches
0
1
2
3
7. Recent alluvial deposits
0
1
2
3
8. Headcuts
0
1
2
3
9. Grade control
0
0.5
1
1.5
10. Natural valley
0
1 0.5
1
1 1.5
11. Second or greater order channel
No = 0
Yes = 3
a artificial ditches are not rated; see discussions in manual
B. Hvrirnlnnv (.quhtntal = 6.5
12. Presence of Baseflow
0
1
2
3
13. Iron oxidizing bacteria
0
1
2
3
14. Leaf litter
1.5
1
0.5
0
15. Sediment on plants or debris
0
0.5
1
1.5
16. Organic debris lines or piles
0
1 0.5
1
1 1.5
17. Soil -based evidence of high water table?
No = 0
Yes = 3
C. Bioloav (Subtotal = 5)
18. Fibrous roots in streambed
3
2
1
0
19. Rooted upland plants in streambed
3
2
1
0
20. Macrobenthos (note diversity and abundance)
0
1
2
3
21. Aquatic Mollusks
0
1
2
3
22. Fish
0
0.5
1
1.5
23. Crayfish
0
0.5
1
1.5
24. Amphibians
0
0.5
1
1.5
25. Algae
0
0.5
1
1
1 1.5
26. Wetland plants in streambed
FACW = 0.75; OBL =
1.5 Other = 0
"perennial streams may also be identified using other methods. See p. 35 of manual.
Notes:
Sketch: -Caddisfly casing were found with ease in high abundance.
-A couple of water pennies
-Base flow was present throughout
-Leaf litter was present, about 75% of channel bed
41

� Tu. STA7p 4
•Rit
;� Cunrn vN,'
North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources
State Historic Preservation Office
Ramona M. Bartos, Administrator
Governor Roy Cooper
Secretary D. Reid Wilson
Wendy Patoprsty
Blue Ridge Conservancy
PO Box 568
Boone, NC 28607
Re: Construct Boone Gorge Park, Watauga County, ER 22-1034
Dear Ms. Patoprsty:
Office of Archives and History
Deputy Secretary, Darin J. Waters, Ph.D.
wendy(a,blueridgeconservancy.org
Thank you for your letter of March 23, 2022, regarding the above -referenced undertaking. We have reviewed
the information provided and offer the following comments:
We have determined that the project as proposed will not have an effect on historic structures.
The area of potential effects (APE) for the proposed park includes a high probability, elevated landform along
the Middle Fork of the New River. One archaeological site (31 WT55) was previously recorded within the APE,
but it was never fully delineated or evaluated for listing the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP). Given
that the proposed development includes construction of trails, bridges, parking lots, streambank restoration, and
other activities requiring significant ground disturbance in the immediate vicinity of this site, we recommend
that a systematic archaeological survey be conducted prior to the initiation of construction.
The entire 32-acre project area does not need to be subjected to archaeological survey. We recommend that the
survey concentrate on portions of the APE where the slope is less than 25% with the objective of identifying any
new archaeological sites and making recommendations regarding their eligibility for the NRHP. Additionally,
site 31 WT55 should be re -located, fully delineated, and assessed for NRHP eligibility.
This work should be conducted by an experienced archaeologist who meets the Secretary of the Interior's
Professional Qualification Standards. A list of archaeological consultants who have conducted or expressed an
interest in contract work in North Carolina is available at https://archaeology.ncdcr.gov/archaeolo i_g cal -
consultant -list. The archaeologists listed, or any other experienced archaeologist, may be contacted to conduct
the recommended survey.
Please note that our office requests consultation with the Office of State Archaeology Review Archaeologist
to discuss appropriate field methodologies prior to the archaeological field investigation. You can find the
Review Archaeologist for your region at h!Ws:Harchaeology.ncdcr.gov/about/contact-0. OSA's Archaeological
Standards and Guidelines for Background Research, Field Methodologies, Technical Reports, and Curation can
be found online at: https:Hfiles.nc.gov/dncr-arch/OSA_Guidelines_Dec20l7.pdf.
Location: 109 East Jones Street, Raleigh NC 27601 Mailing Address: 4617 Mail Service Center, Raleigh NC 27699-4617 Telephone/Fax: [phone]-6898

ER 22-0134, April 21, Page 2 of 2
These comments are made in accord with G.S. 121-12(a) and Executive Order XVI. Thank you for your
cooperation and consideration. If you have questions regarding them, please contact Renee Gledhill -Earley,
environmental review coordinator, at 919-814-6579 or environmental.reviewgncdcr. og_v. In all future
communication concerning this project, please cite the above -referenced tracking number.
Sincerely, oul
v Ramona Bartos, Deputy
U State Historic Preservation Officer
Location: 109 East Jones Street, Raleigh NC 27601 Mailing Address: 4617 Mail Service Center, Raleigh NC 27699-4617 Telephone/Fax: [phone]-6898