20160270 Ver 1_Concurence Request_20160315

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA
DEPARTMEN I' OF TRANSPORTATION
PAT L. MCCRORY
GOVERNOR
July 2, 2015
Marella Buncick
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Asheville Field Office
160 Zillicoa Street
Asheville, NC 28801
ANTHONYJ.TATA
Sac7cETn2Y
Subject: Section 7 Concurrence Request an the Northem-long eared bat
version 4 for the project azea associated with the replacement of Bridge
No. 283 on SR 1893 (Priddy Fann Road) in Forsyth County. TTP No.
BD-5109AC. WBS no. 45355.1.29.
As of April 2, 2015, the northern long-eared bat (Myotis septentrionalis; NLEB) is listed by the
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (L7SFWS) as "Threatened" with an Interim 4d rule including
Forsyth County within NCDOT Division 9
(http://www.fws.gov/raleigh/species/cntylisUnc_counties.html). The project involves a 404
permit and federal funds and is subject to Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act.
Using USGS mines shapefile dataset, a desktop assessment was wnducted for any mines within
one half mile of the project azea. No mines were shown in the azea. Therefore, no mines needed
to be checked on foot. In addition, no known caves are in the area for the project. Based on the
lack of mines and caves, no winter habitat will be affected by the project.
There are no manmade dwellings of suitable habitat that are proposed to be removed in the
project area. The project involves replacing an existing bridge with a timber deck with metal
guazd rails and timber end walls with creosote. The bridge was surveyed for presence of bats or
evidence of bats, and neither was found. Thus, no structure moratorium will be implemented on
the project.
According to the North Carolina Natural Heritage Program (NHP) Biotics Database, most
recently updated in April 2015, NLEB have not been documented in Forsyth County. However, a
rabies lab record that lacks specific location information exists for in neighboring Davidson
County. The closest specifically documented occurrence of NLEB is in Wilkes County (NHP
2001 mist net record), more than 50 miles of any of the project sites. Potential summer roosting
and foraging habitat in the form of forested areas interspersed with fields, and water sources do
exist in or around the project.
The project area involves minimal tree clearing. NCDOT commits to a h�ee clearing moratorium
in the project azea from May 15 to August I S of a�y calendar year to avoid disturbing potential
Northern long-eazed bats in their summer roosting habitat.
DIVISION OF HIGHWAYS DIVISION NINE DIVISION OFFICE
375 SILAS CREEK PARKWAY, WINSTON-SALEM, NC 27127
PHONE [phone]� FAX [phone]

Based on the results of proximity to known occurrences of NLEB, potential foraging and roosting
habitat within the study azea, and currently available guidance from USFWS, we determined that
the project area will have a biological conclusion of May Affect-Not Likely to Adversely Affect for
NLEB. NCDOT believes that the requirements of Section 7(a)(2) of the ESA have been satisfied
and hereby request your concurrence. Thank you for your assistance with the project. If you
have any questions or need additional information, please contact Amy Euliss at [phone]
or at [e-mail].
Si erely
A y u iss
Division Environmental Officer, NCDOT Division 9
Cc: Mr. John Thomas, USACE
Felix Davila, FHWA
Matt Jones, Division 9 Bridge Program Manager
Cheryl Gregory, NCDOT Biological Surveys Group