20040271 Ver 1_Other Agency Comments_20040304

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STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA
DEPART'1VIENT OF TRANSPORTATION
MICHAEL F. EASLEY LYNDO TIPPETT
GOVERNOR SECRETARY
March 3, 2004
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Ms. Marella Buncick
US Fish and Wildlife Service MAR 4 2004
Asheville Field Office
160 Zillicoa Street
Asheville, NC 28801 WA~~t~ ~~t%~#L1~1' $EC1'~ON
Subject: Biological Conclusion for the Schweinitz's Sunflower for the proposed widening
of I-85 from north of SR 1002 to north of SR 2120 near the town of Spencer,
Rowan County, TIP No. I-2511CB; State Project No. 8.1631503.
Dear Ms. Buncick:
The Natural Heritage Program documented one occurrence of Schweinitz's
sunflower within thirteen miles of the project study area. This occurrence is in Rowan County at
the intersection of SR 2350 and SR 1221.
A systematic survey of all potentially suitable habitat was conducted on October 6,
2003. No members of the genus Helianthus were observed.
The biological conclusion of "May Affect-Not Likely to Adversely Affect" is considered
appropriate for this species at this location. Concurrence from the US Fish and Wildlife Service
is requested for this biological conclusion under provisions of Section 7 of the Endangered
Species Act of 1973. Please provide a copy of your concurrence letter to the US Army Corps of
Engineers (Raleigh Regulatory Field Office).
If additional information is required to respond to this request, please contact Matt Haney
at [phone]. Thank you for your assistance.
Sincerely,
1d-~ ~-.
Gregory .Thorpe, Ph.D.
. Environmental Management Director
Project Development and Environmental Analysis Branch
cc: Mr. John Hennessy, NCDWQ Mr. Eric Alsmeyer, USACE
Ms. Marla Chambers, NCWRC
Ms. Becky Fox, USEPA
Mr. John F. Sullivan, III, FHWA
Mr. David Franklin, USACE, Wilmington
MAILING ADDRESS: TELEPHONE: [phone] LOCATION:
NC DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION FAX: [phone] TRANSPORTATION BUILDING
PROJECT DEVELOPMENT AND ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS 1 SOUTH WILMINGTON STREET
1548 MAIL SERVICE CENTER WEBSITE: WWW.DOH.DOT.STATE.NC.US RALEIGH NC
RALEIGH NC 27699-1548