20150053 Ver 1_Reports_20060201

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NATURAL SYSTEMS REPORT
Improvements to US 64 from Lake Toxaway to Indian Creek
Transylvania County, North Carolina
(TIP R-2409C) ,
(State Pro�ect WBS No. 34428)
Prepared for:
Ko & Associates
1011 Schaub Drive, Suite 202
Raleigh, NC 27606
and
The North Carolina Department of Transportation
Raleigh, North Carolina
Prepared by:
The Catena Group
410-B Millstone Drive
Hillsborough, North Carolina 27278
Tel [phone] Fax [phone]
February 2006

TABLE OF CONTENTS
1.0 INTRODUCTION ..................................................................................................................1
1 1 Pro�ect Descnption 1
12 Purpose 1
13 Methods 1
1 4 Defimtions of Area Termmology 6
15 Qualifcations 6
2.0 PHYSICAL RESOURCES ....................................................................................................7
2 1 Regional Charactenstics
2 2 Water Resources
7
7
2 2 1 Clean Water Act Sechon 303(d) Streams 8
2 2 2 Best Usage Classifications 9
2 3 Summary of Potentia] Impacts to Water Resources 9
3.0 BIOTIC RESOURCES ........................................................................................................11
3 1 Terrestnal Plant Commumties 11
3 1 1 Acidic Cove Forest 11
3 1 2 Chestnut Oak Forest 11
3 1 3 Disturbed/Mamtamed Land 12
3 2 Wildhfe 12
3 3 Aquatic Communities 13
3 4 Summary of Existmg Plant Commumties 13
4.0 JURISDICTIONAL TOPICS ..............................................................................................14
4 1 Waters of the Umted States
4 1 1 Permrts
4 1 2 Mrtigation
4 2 Rare and Protected Species
4 2 1 Federally Protected Species
4 2 2 Federal Species of Concern
14
16
17
18
19
26
5.0 CONCLUSIONS ...................................................................................................................26
6.0 REFERENCES .....................................................................................................................29
i

LIST OF TABLES
Table 1 Area of Existing Plant Commumties 13
Table 2 Junsdictional Areas wrthm Proposed Alternatives Cut-Fill Boundanes 16
Table 3 Threatened and Endangered Species, Transylvama County 19
Table 4 Federal Species of Concern, Transylvama County 28
Figure 1 Srte Locahon Map
Figure 2 Alternate 1, TIP 2409 C
Figure 3 Alternate 2, TIP 2409 C
Figure 4 Alternate 3, TIP 2409 C
LIST OF FIGURES
m
2
3
4
5

Improvements to US 64 from Lake Toxaway to Indian Creek
Transylvania County, North Carolina
(R-2409C)
1.0 INTRODUCTION
The followmg Natural Resource Techmcal Report is submitted to assist m the preparation of a
Federal Environmental Assement (EA) for the proposed improvements to US 64 m Transylvama
County, NC (R-2409C)
1.1 Project Descr�ption
The North Carolma Department of Transportahon (NCDOT) proposes improvements to a section
of US 64 m Transylvama County, North Carolma These improvements mvolve a combmation of
widemng of the existmg roadway and construction of roadway on a new alignment The pro�ect
extends from a point approximately 0 25 mile (0 4 kilometer) west of the US 64/NC281
intersection �ust east of the Lake Toxaway outfall) and extends eastward a distance of
approximately 1 5 miles (2 4 kilometers), endmg �ust west of Indian Creek (Figure 1) Three
alternate alignments are proposed Alternate 1(Figure 2) entails improvements on the exishng
ahgnment, Alternate 2(Figure 3) is proposed as a 30 mile per hour (MPH) ahgnment mvolvmg
new road construction on new alignment, Alternate 3(Figure 4) is proposed as a 40 MPH
alignment and also mvolves new road construction on new alignment
1.2 Purpose
The purpose of this study is to provide an evaluation of biological resources in the pro�ect area
Specific tasks performed for this study mclude 1) assessment of biological features wrthm the
pro�ect area including descnptions of plant commumhes, wildlife, protected spectes, wetlands
and streams, and water quality, 2) delineation of Section 404 �urisdictional areas and subsequent
surveys of�unsdictional boundanes, 3) evaluation of hkely impacts to the plant communrties and
other biological features wrthm the pro�ect area, and 4) prehmmary determmation of permrt
needs
1.3 Methods
Pnor to a site visit, published resource information pertammg to the proJect area was gathered ,
and reviewed Information sources used m this pre-field mveshgahon mclude US Geological
Survey (USGS) maps (Lake Toxaway and Reid, NC 7 5 minute quadrangles), NC Natural
Hentage Program (NCNHP) records, and USGS digital orthophoto quarter quadrangles of the
pro�ect area Geographic Information Systems (GIS) hydrologic data layers were obtamed from
the NC Center for Geographic Informahon Analysis database (BasmPro Ver 2 1) Information
1

The
Catena.
Grc�up
Site Location Map
TIP R-24Q9 C
(US 64 from Toxoway La&e to Ind�an Creek)
iransvtvanL� Couoty NaAh GaroUra
Date
Fehruary 2006
sCa�e M��eS
o a is a �
Jo� No
'61D5
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7
concerning the occurrence of federal and state protected�'species m the pro�ect area was gathered
from the US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) list of protected species and Federal Species of
Concern, as well as from NCNHP lists of rare species and umque habitats (Franklm and
Fmnegan 2004, LeGrand et al 2004) In addition, NCNHP records documenting presence of
federally or state hsted species wrthm Transylvama County were consulted pnor to field
mvestigations
For this evaluahon, the pro�ect area is an area approximately 50 feet outside of the cut-fill
boundanes for each of the proposed alternates, an area of approximately 50 4 acres (20 4
hectares) Pnmary activihes conducted dunng the field mveshgation were 1) potential protected
species habitat, 2) �unsdictional area delineations, and 3) plant commumty mapping The field
work for this mvestigahon was conducted on October 29-30, 2005, by Catena Group biologists
Shay Garnock and Kate Montieth The study area was navigated usmg digital background
mappmg of the proJect area uploaded mto a Tnmble Global Positiomng System (GPS) umt The
enhre pro�ect area was walked and all sigmficant hydrologic features noted and descnbed
Junsdictional area boundanes were surveyed to sub-meter accuracy (utilizing Tnmble GPS
technology) Plant commumties were mapped and species noted An assessment of habrtat
availability for protected species was also made dunng this time
Plant commumty descnphons are based on a classification system utilized by the Schafale and
Weakley (1990) Vascular plant names follow nomenclature m Kartesz (1998) Junsdictional
areas were evaluated usmg the three-parameter approach following US Army Corps of Engmeers
(USACE) delmeation guidelines (USACE 1987) Junsdichonal areas were charactenzed
accordmg to the classifcahon scheme established by Cowardin et al (1979)
1.4 Definitions of Area Terminology
The pro�ect extends from a pomt approximately 0 25 mile west of the US 64/NC281 intersechon
�ust east of the Lake Toxaway outfall) and extends eastward to the crossmg of Indian Creek,
approximately 1 5 miles (2 4 kilometers) (Figure 1) The Pro�ect Area extends 50 feet outside of
the proposed cut-fill boundanes for each alternate, inclusively an area of approximately 50 4
acres (20 4 hectares) The ProJect Vicmity is the area withm 0 5 mile of the pro�ect area, and the
Pro�ect Region is the area included in a 7 5 minute USGS quadrangle map with the pro�ect area
as the center
1.5 Qualificat�ons
Mr Gamock is Environmental Scientist wrth nme years of expenence m the environmental field
Mr Gamock has a bachelor's degree m Wildhfe Biology from Virgima Polytechmc and State
Umversity, and has conducted field research and species mventones mvolvmg small mammals,
songbirds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, freshwater mussels, and aquahc and terrestnal

mvertebrates Other professional expertise mcludes �unsdictional area delmeations, stream and
npanan buffer determmations, plant and wildhfe identification and commumty mappmg,
protected species surveys, graphics development, GIS mappmg and analysis, and environmental
document preparation
Ms Monheth is an Environmental Scientist with five years expenence in the environmental
field Ms Montieth has a bachelor's degree m Biology from Reed College and a master's degree
m Environmental Sciences from the Umversity of Rhode Island, and has conducted iield
research and species mventones for reptiles and amphibians Other professional expertise
mcludes �unsdictional area delineations, stream and npanan buffer determmations, protected
species surveys, and environmental document preparation
2.0 PHYSICAL RESOURCES
2.1 Regional Characteristics
The pro�ect area is located m mountamous terram of the upper Savannah Rrver Basm
Elevations range from 2,880 to 3,000 feet (877 8 to 914 4 meters) National Geodehc Vertical
Datum (NGVD) Land use withm and ad�acent to the pro�ect area is almost entirely mature
hardwood or mixed pme-hardwood forest The study area terram is charactenzed by steep
mountamous slopes, predominantly south facmg, rock outcroppmgs of parent gramtic matenal
are occasional, dramageways are high gradient, formmg narrow ravines and coves
The pro�ect area is bordered to the south by Gorges State Park (Figure 1) Gorges State Park
(7,100 acres [2,873 hectares]), due to its varymg topography, includes 21 of the 44 natural
commumty types known m the mountam regions of North Carolma Nearly 125 rare plant and
ammal species that occur m the mountain counties of North Carolina are found in the park, �n
addition to five state threatened or endangered plants and ammals and one federally endangered
plant
2.2 Water Resources
The pro�ect area is located within NCDWQ sub-basin 03-13-02 of the Savannah River Basin
(NCDWQ 2002) and is part of USGS Cataloging Umt 03060101 of the South Atlantic/Gulf
Region The pro�ect area contams three unnamed tnbutanes (UTs) to the Toxaway River
(Stream Index Number 4-(4)) and four LJTs to Indian Creek (Stream Index Number 4-5-(3))
(NCDWQ 2004a)
NCDWQ has mihated a whole-basm approach to water quality management for the 17 nver
basms wrthm the state Water quahty for the proposed pro�ect study area is summanzed m the
Savannah River Basinwide Water Quality Plan (NCDWQ 2002) Sub-basm 03-13-02 of the
7

Savannah River Basm has no maJor and 12 mmor pomt source discharges Pnmary non-pomt
sources of pollution withm the Savannah River Basm mclude land disturbmg activities (runoff
from construction activities, agnculture, forestry practices, etc ) Sedimentation and nutrient
mputs are ma�or problems associated with non-pomt source discharges One ambient and three
benthic macromvertebrate monrtonng stations occur m this subbasm, the nearest bemg a
macromvertebrate monrtonng station (B1) located �ust outside the pro�ect area on Indian Creek
at the US 64 crossmg Indian Creek at this location has been given a bioclassification of "Good"
based on samplmg m 1999 (NCDWQ 2002)
All waters withm Gorges State Park, includmg sections of the Toxaway River and Indian Creek,
are designated as Public Mountain Trout Waters, Wild Trout Waters by NC Wildlife Resources
Commission (NCWRC 2005) These are defined as high qualrty waters that sustam trout
populations through natural reproduction The mainstems of Toxaway River and Indian Creek
will not be directly impacted by the proposed pro�ect, however, unnamed tnbutanes drammg mto
the designated section of Toxaway Rrver are withm the pro�ect area Indian Creek begms its
Wild Trout Waters designation approximately 1 1 miles (1 8 kilometers) downstream of the US
64 crossmg of UT 7, UT 1 is a perenmal stream that could support native and wild trout
populat�ons and is within the park boundary south of the US 64 crossing UT 1 �oins the
Toxaway River within the park boundary approximately 0 7 miles (1 1 kilometers) downstream
of the US 64 crossmg
Based on a letter from the NC Deparhnent of Environment and Natural Resources (NCDENR)
(dated December 7, 2005), areas �ust south of the pro�ect area mclude the Toxaway River Gorge,
a Sigmficant Natural Hentage Area In addition, the Toxaway River is recogmzed by NCNHP
as part of the Savannah River Significant Aquahc Habitat because of several rare fish species
limited m North Carolina to �ust Savannah River drainage streams
2 2 1 Clean Water Act Sectaon 303(d) Streams
NCDWQ has assembled a hst of impaired waterbodies based on the Clean Water Act Sechon
303(d) and 40 CFR 130 7, hereafter referred to as the NC 2000 Section 303(d) list Streams
attaming only Partially Supportmg (PS) or Not Supportmg (NS) status are listed on the NC 2002
Section 303(d) list, and further categorized into one of six types (Parts) accordmg to source of
impairment and degree of rehabilrtation required for the stream to adequately support aquahc
hfe Wrthm Parts 1, 4, 5, and 6 of the hst, North Carolma has developed a pnonty rankmg
scheme (low, medium, high) that reflects the relahve value and benefits those waterbodies
provide to the State No streams withm the Savannah River basin are listed on any section of the
NC 2004 Section 303(d) list (NCDWQ 2004b)
0

2 2 2 Best Usage Classaficataons
Classificahons are assigned to waters of the State of North Carohna based on the existmg or
contemplated best usage of vanous streams or segments of streams in the basm Unnamed
tnbutanes recerve the same classificahon as their receiving waters A Best Usage Classification
of C has been assigned to this reach of the Toxaway River and its unnamed tnbutanes A Best
Usage Classification of C with a supplemental classification Tr has been assigned to this reach
of Indian Creek and its unnamed tnbutanes Class C waters are suitable for aquahc life
propagation and protection, agnculture, and secondary recreation Secondary recreation includes
wadmg, boatmg, and other uses not involvmg human body contact with waters on an orgamzed
or frequent basis The Trout Waters, Tr, designation protects freshwaters for natural trout
propagation and the survival of stocked trout (15A NCAC 02B 0301) This NCDWQ
supplemental classificahon is intended to protect water quality and is not the same as the
NCWRC's Designated Pubhc Mountam Trout Waters NCDWQ enforces the state m-stream
standards and wastewater discharge rules (and enforces no buffer requirement) The NC
Division of Land Resources (NCDLR), Land Quahty Sechon has a special buffer zone
requirement which applies to all NCDWQ Trout Waters Areas affected by the Tr supplemental
designation are the water body and ad�acent buffer zone Basically, this affects only wastewater
discharges and land disturbing acrivities ad�acent to Trout Waters
In addihon, Lake Toxaway, approximately 0 25 mile (0 4 kilometer) west of the pro�ect study
area, has been assigned a Tr designahon No designated High Quality Waters (HQW),
Outstandmg Resource Waters (ORV�, Water Supply I(WS-I), Water Supply II (WS-II) waters,
or watershed Cntical Areas (CA) occur within 1 0 mile (1 6 kilometers) of the pro�ect study area
However, HQW waters exist withm the Bearwallow Creek watershed approximately 1 8 miles
(2 9 kilometers) south of the pro�ect study area (NCDWQ 2002) Direct impacts to this
watershed from the proposed action are not anticipated to occur
2.3 Summary of Potential Impacts to Water Resources
All waters within Gorges State Park boundanes are designated by NCWRC as being Wild Trout
Waters UT's 1-3 flow mto Gorges State Park south of US 64 and within the pro�ect area Four
UTs to Indian Creek wrthin the proJect area (iJT's 4-7) are classified by NCDWQ as bemg Tr
waters
The Toxaway River Gorge is a sigmficant natural area recognized by NCNHP and occurs �ust
below the Lake Toxaway dam Also, the Toxaway River is recogmzed by NCNHP as part of the
part of the Savannah River Sigmficant Aquatic Habitat
Because waters of the pro�ect area drain directly into stream systems that are 1) considered by
NCWRC to be Wild Trout Waters and 2) an important ecological component of Gorges State

Park, they meet NCDWQ requirements for a HQW, and possibly an ORW, classificahon,
however, Indian Creek and Toxaway Rivers and their tributanes have not officially been
reclassified by NCDWQ with these designations The lack of a formal designation to date does
not, however, exclude these waterways from protechon needs as set forth in the HQW and
ORW surface water protection rules admimstered by vanous state agencies Therefore, more
stnngent NCDOT Best Management Prachces (BMP's) for the Protection of Surface Waters
should be applied dunng the construction phase of the pro�ect
This pro�ect can be classified as a Case 2, where in-water work will be avoided dunng
moratonum penods NCDOT should follow all stream crossmg guidehnes for trout breedmg and
spawnmg, which mcludes an in-water work moratonum from October 15 to Apnl 15 In
addihon, all disturbances within trout buffers should be conducted m accordance with NCDLR
and NCWRC requirements Future coordinahon with resource agencies may result in
ad�ustments to these requirements
Impacts to water resources m the pro�ect area may result from activrties associated wrth pro�ect
construction Activities that would result m impacts are cleanng and grubbmg on streambanks,
npanan canopy removal, m-stream construchon, fertilizers and pesticides used m re-vegetahon,
and pavemendculvert mstallation The following impacts to surface water resources could result
from the construction achvrties mentioned above
• Increased sedimentanon and siltation downstream of the crossmg and mcreased erosion
m the pro�ect area
• Alterahon of stream discharge due to silt loading and changes in surface and groundwater
dramage patterns
� Changes m hght mcidence and water clanty due to mcreased sedimentahon and
vegetation removal
• Changes m and destabilization of water temperature due to vegetat�on removal
• Alteration of water levels and flows due to mterruptions and/or additions to surface and
ground water flow from construction
• Increased nutnent loadmg dunng construction via runoff from exposed areas
• Increased concentrahons of toxic compounds in roadway runoff
• Increased potential for release of toxic compounds such as fuel and oil from construction
equipment and other vehicles
10

3.0 BIOTIC RESOURCES
Biotic resources located in the pro�ect area mclude terrestnal and aquatic commumhes This
sechon descnbes the commumties encountered and the relationships between fauna and flora
found withm these commumties Descnptions of terrestnal systems are presented in the context
of plant commumty classifications and follow those presented by Schafale and Weakly (1990)
where possible The dommant flora and fauna observed, or likely to occur, in each commumty
are descnbed and discussed
Scientific nomenclature and common names (when applicable) are provided Plant taxonomy
typically follows Radford et al (1968) with ad�ustments for updated nomenclature (Kartesz
1998) Animal taxonomy follows Brown (1997), Martof et al (1980), Potter et al (1980), Rhode
et al 1994), Webster et al (1985), and AOU (1998) All subsequent references to the same
orgamsm will mclude the common name only Fauna observed dunng the site visit are denoted
with an astensk (*) Scat evidence or tracks equate to observation of the species Published
range distnbutions and habitat analysis were used m eshmatmg fauna expected to be present
withm the pro�ect area
3.1 Terrestrial Plant Communities
3 1 1 Aczdac Cove Forest
This plant commumty is descnbed by Schafale and Weakley (1990) as occurnng in sheltered low
and moderate elevahon sites, pnmanly narrow, rocky gorges, steep ravines, and low gentle
ndges within coves Acidic Cove Forest is located mostly m npanan areas along streams and on
steep topography on both sides of US 64 (Figures 2-4) The canopy is dominated by eastern
hemlock (Tsuga canadensts), scarlet oak (Quercus coccznea), and northern red oak (Q rubra)
The understory is dominated by great rhododendron (Rhododendron maxamum) and blueberry
(Vacctntum sp ) The herb layer is sparse, but includes Galax (Galax urceolata) and blueberry
3 1 2 Chestnut Oak Forest
Schafale and Weakley (1990) descnbe this plant commumty as occurnng on slopes and
ndgetops at low to moderate montane elevation This forest type is in a state of transition due to
the loss of chestnut (Castanea dentata) as the dominant canopy species Withm the pro�ect area,
this forest type occurs along the higher elevation reaches north of US 64 (Figures 2-4) The
canopy is composed of scarlet oak (Quercus coccanea), chestnut oak (Q prinus), northern red
oak, southern red oak (Q falcata), white oak (Q alba), eastern white pine (Panus strobus),
Virgmia pme (Pinus varganaana), eastern hemlock, red maple (Acer rubrum), mockernut hickory
(Carya tomentosa), and sourwood (Oxydendrum arboreum) The shrub layer is relatively open
and mcludes species such great Rhododendron, mountam laurel (Kalmaa lat folia), blueberry,
11

sassafras (Sassafras albidum) saphngs, sourwood saphngs, eastern whrte pme saplmgs, tuhp
poplar (Lzrodendroan tulap�era), and Amencan holly (Ilex opacum) Vme species mclude
bramble and greenbner The herb layer is sparse but diverse and mcludes Galax, striped
wmtergreen (Chamaphala maculate), Chnstmas fern (Polysttchum acrostachoades), New York
fern (Thelypteras noveboracensas), cranefly orchid (Tipularaa dascolor), swrtch cane
(Arundtnaraa tecta), and downy rattlesnake plantam (Goodyera pubescens)
3 1 3 Dasturbed/Maantained Land
Disturbed/mamtamed land occurs along the edges of US 64 (Figures 2-4) Roadside edges
contam planted and volunteer grass species, along wrth weedy herbs such as violet (Viola sp ),
plantain (Plantago lanceolata), clover (Tr folaum sp ), foxtail grass (Setaraa sp ), goldenrod
(Soladago sp ), evenmg pnmrose (Oenothera biennas), broom sedge (Andropogon vtrgznacus),
mountain mint (Pycnanthemums sp ), horse nettle (Solanum carolanense), and �oe pye weed
(Eupatoraum sp ) Within these grassy areas, there are pockets which are overgrown with
brambles, Japanese honeysuckle (Lonacera�aponaca), and pnvet (Lagustrum sanense )
3.2 Wildhfe
No terrestnal mammals were observed dunng the srte visrt Mammal species expected to occur
withm the pro�ect area are eastern cottontail (Sylvzlagus floradanus), red squirrel (Tamaascaurus
hudsonicus), mmk (Mustela vison), raccoon (Procyon lotor), Virgmia opossum (Didelphis
virganaana), httle brown bat (Myotis luc�ugus ), eastern mole (Scalopus aquaticus), whrte-footed
mouse (Peromyscus leucopus), golden mouse (Ochrotomys nuttallz ), eastern harvest mouse
(Reathrodontomys humulas), woodland vole (Macrotus panetorum), and northern short-tailed
shrew (Blarana brevacauda)
Birds expected withm pro�ect area are downy woodpecker (Pacozdes pubescens),' yellow-bellied
sapsucker (Sphyrapacus varaus), white-breasted nuthatch (Sttta carolanensis)*, golden-crowned
kmglet (Regulus satrapa)*, common flicker (Colaptes auratus)*, Carolma wren (Thryothorus
ludovaczanus)*, northern cardinal (Cardanalas cardanalts), yellow-throated warbler (Dendrotca
domanaca), blue-gray gnatcatcher (Polaoptala caerulea), dark-eyed �unco (Junco hyemalas),
eastern phoebe (Sayornas phoebe), song sparrow (Melospaza melodaa), gray catbird (Dumetella
carolanensas), northern parula (Parula ameracana) Carolina chickadee (Poecale carolanensas)*,
Amencan crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos), common grackle (Quascalus quascula), and blue �ay
(Cyanocatta crastata)
Terrestnal reptiles and amphibians which may occur withm upland and npanan areas of the
pro�ect area are Amencan toad (Bufo ameracanus), gray tree frog (Hyla versacolor), southern red-
backed salamander (Plethodon serratus), southern Appalachian salamander (P oconaluftee),
eastern box turtle (Terrapene carolana), black racer (Coluber constractor), nngneck snake
12

(Daadophas punctatus), eastern rat snake (Elaphe obsoleta), rough green snake (Opheodrys
aestavus), and five-lmed skmk (Eumeces fascaatus)
3.3 Aquatic Communities
Aquatic or semi-aquatic rept�les and amphibians expected to occur withm the streams of the
pro�ect area are bullfrog (Rana catesbeaana), green frog (R clamatans), southern leopard frog (R
sphenocephala), two-lined salamander (Eurycea baslaneata), northern dusky salamander
(Desmognathus fuscus), mountain dusky complex (Desmognathus ochrophaeus)*, eastern musk
turtle (Sternotherus odoratus), and northern water snake (Nerodaa sapedon)
No samplmg was undertaken m any of the streams within the pro�ect area to determine fishery
potential Fish species that may occur the pro�ect area streams include blacknose dace
(Rhanachthys atratulus), Tennessee shmer (Notropas leucaodus), whrtetail shmer (Cypranella
galactura), yellowfn shiner (Notropas lutapannas), sunfish (Lepomas spp ), mottled sculpm
(Cottus baardii), turquoise darter (Etheostoma inscriptum), nver chub (Nocomas micropogon),
creek chub (Semotalus atromaculatus), northern hogsucker (Hypentelaum nigricans), brown trout
(Salmo trutta), and brook trout (Salveltnus fontanalas )
3.4 Summary of Existing Plant Commumties
Construction related activities m or near the previously descnbed resources have the potential to
impact biological functions Table 1 summanzes the amount of each biotic commumty wrthm
each of the proposed alternatrves
Table 1. Area* of Existing Plant Communities.
Biot�c Commun�ty
Chestnut Oak Forest
Acidic Cove Forest
Disturbed/mamtamed land
Total
Alternate 1
70(28)
1 1 (0 4)
4 5 (1 8)
126(S1)
*Areas are expressed m acres, with hectares in parentheses
Alternate 2
79(32)
1 5 (0 6)
34(14)
128(52)
Alternate 3
143(58)
1 5 (0 6)
1 8 (0 7)
176(71)
Changes m plant communrty composrtion m the surroundmg habrtats are another mdirect
consequence of road construction Studies have shown that mvasion of exotic plant species mto
adJacent forest habitats is facilitated by roadways (Forman and Deblinger 1998) Once exotics
become naturalized, "they often change commumty species composrtion, alter structure, and
13

reduce natural diversity of native plant and animal species These species such as Chmese
pnvet, Kudzu (Pueraraa montana), autumn ohve (Eleagnus umbellata) and Japanese
honeysuckle can quickly eliminate native vegetation from an area, and offer little benefit to
native wildhfe
The plant commumties found withm the study corndor provide as shelter, nesting, and foragmg
habitat for numerous species of wildlife Mortality's are likely to occur to many ammals dunng
pro�ect construction, as cleanng will destroy species hvmg wrthin trees, while gradmg/fillmg
activities will impact ground dwellmg species Many other mdividuals will simply be displaced
mto other habitats However, by concentrating these orgamsms into a smaller area, over-
utilization and degradation of the habitat may occur, which ultimately lowers the carrying
capacity of the remaming habitat and is mamfested m some species becoming more susceptible
to disease, predation, and starvation
Habitat fragmentation is another direct consequence of roadways Impacts of habitat
fragmentation on commumty structure can be dramatic Newly constructed roadways dissect
exishng habitats, creatmg a barner to some species between the two separated parcels Not only
does this loss of habitat and fragmentation result m losses to faunal populahons, but changes m
commumty dynamics are also likely In fragmentmg the forest, more ecotone, or edge habrtat, is
created Species that thnve on community edges will mcrease, while species that require larger,
undisturbed tracts will decrease, or disappear, as a result of compehtive mterachons, habitat
reduction, and other factors Studies have shown that populahons of species such as wood thrush
and blue �ay are negatively impacted by road construction Conversely, road construction has
been shown to have a positive impact, or no effect on species such as northern cardinal, tufted
titmouse, indigo buntmg and field sparrow (Leedy and Adams 1982)
4.0 JURISDICTIONAL TOPICS
4.1 Waters of the Umted States
Surface waters withm the pro�ect area are sub�ect to �unsdictional consideration under Section
404 of the Clean Water Act as waters of the U S(33 CFR Section 328 3) Seven �unsdictional
stream systems are located withm the pro�ect study area four unnamed tnbutanes (UTs) to
Toxaway River (UTs 1-3) and three UTs to Indian Creek (UTs 4-7) (Figures 2-4) Combmed
distance of these streams wrthm the pro�ect area is approximately 1,856 hnear feet (566 1
meters), and combmed areas covered by these �unsdictional surface waters is approximately 0 2
acre (0 08 hectare)
UT1 is a large perenmal stream that traverses the east side of NC 281 and flows south until
reachmg a culvert, where rt is directed under the road, then contmues southward out of pro�ect
area This stream is approximately 12 feet (3 7 meters) wide and has banks approximately 4 to 6
14

feet (1 2 to 1 8 meters) high, and may be classified as nvenne and upper perenmal Wrthm the
channel, UT1 is charactenzed by high flow velocity and excellent water clanty over a substrate
composed of sand, gravel, and cobble (R3UB1/2)
UT2 flows mto the pro�ect study area as a well-defined intermittent stream of approximately 4
feet (1 2 meters) m width havmg banks approximately 2 feet (0 6 meters) high It flows
generally south for a short distance before being directed under the road and out of the pro�ect
study via a culvert Withm the channel, UT2 is charactenzed by high flow velocity and excellent
water clanty over a substrate composed of sand, gravel, and cobble (R4UB1/2)
UT3 flows mto the pro�ect study area as a moderately-defined, mtermittent stream of
approximately 3 feet (0 9 meters) m width and havmg banks approximately 3 feet (0 9 meters)
high It flows generally southeast for a short distance before bemg directed under the road by a
culvert, then continues southwest out of the pro�ect area Wrthin the channel, UT3 is
charactenzed by high flow velocity and excellent water clanty over a substrate composed of
sand, gravel, and cobble (R4UB1/2)
UT4 is a small perenmal stream with moderate flow velocity, a width of approximately 4 feet
(1 2 meters), and havmg banks approximately 6 feet (1 8 meters) m high UT4 flows generally
southeast for a short distance before being directed under the road by a culvert, then contmues
southeast parallel with the pro�ect area corndor UT4 may be charactenzed as nvenne and upper
perennial with a substrate composed of bedrock (R3UB 1/2)
UTS is a well-defined, mtermittent stream approximately 3 feet (0 9 meter) in width and having
banks approximately 3 feet (0 9 meter) high It flows generally northeast and merges with UT4
south of US 64 UTS is charactenzed by moderate flow velocity wrth a substrate composed of
sand, gravel, and cobble (R4UB1/2)
UT6 is a well-defined, mtermrttent stream ongmatmg north of US 64, UT6 flows beneath US 64
via a culvert and Joms UT4 within the pro�ect area UT6 is approximately 3 feet (0 9 meter)
wide with banks approximately 2 feet (0 6 meter) in height This stream is nvenne and upper
perenmal with a substrate composed of sand, gravel, and cobble (R4UB1/2)
UT7, a well-deiined, mtermittent stream ongmatmg north of US 64, UT7 flows beneath US 64
via a culvert and �oms Indian Creek �ust outside of the pro�ect area southern boundary UT7 is
approximately 3 feet (0 9 meter) wide with banks approximately 3 feet (0 9 meter) m height
This stream is nvenne and upper perenmal wrth a substrate composed of sand, gravel, cobble,
and boulder (R4UB 1/2)
Vegetated wetlands are defined by the presence of three pnmary cntena hydnc soils,
hydrophytic vegetation, and evidence of hydrology at or near the surface for a portion (12 5
15

percent) of the growmg season (USACE 1987) Based on �unsdictional area investigations, no
vegetated wetlands occur wrthm the pro�ect area Informahon pertammg to �unsdictional areas
wrthm the pro�ect area is summanzed m Table 2
Table 2. Jurisdichonal Areas within Proposed Alternatives Cut-Fill Boundaries
S�te Alternate l Alternate 2 Alternate 3
Lmear Lmear L�near
Area Area Area
Distance Distance D�stance
ft m ac (ha) ft m ac (ha) ft m ac (ha)
UT 1 -- -- 48 (14 6) 0 013 (0 005) -- --
UT 2 -- -- -- -- 37 (11 3) 0 003 (0 001)
UT 3 18 (5 5) 0 001 (<0 001) 10 (3 1) <0 001 (<0 001) 147 (44 8) 0 O 10 (0 004)
UT 4 5(1 5) <0 001 (<0 001) 312 (95 2) 0 028 (0 O 11) 293 (89 4) 0 027 (0 O 11)
UT 5 -- -- -- -- -- --
UT 6 13 (4 0) 0 001 (<0 001) 50 (15 3) 0 005 (0 002) 150 (45 8) 0 014 (0 006)
UT 7 5(1 5) <0 001 (<0 001) -- -- 123 (37 5) 0 O11 (0 004)
TOTAL 41 (12 5) 0 004 (0 002) 420 (128 1) 0 047 (0 019) 750 (228 8) 0 065 (0 026)
411 Permats
As shown m Table 2, all three alternatives under consideration will impact Junsdichonal streams
These impacts will require permrts discussed below However, a final permittmg strategy can
not be developed until a preferred alternahve is selected Therefore, permittmg is discussed m
general terms
4 1 1 1 Section 404
Pursuant to Section 404 of the Clean Water Act (33 U S C 1344), a permit will be required from
the USACE for the discharge of dredged or fill matenal into "Waters of the Umted States "
Based on Table 2 above, Alternate 1 may be authonzed under Nationwide Permit (NWP) 14
NWP 14 may be used for�unsdichonal impacts from mmor roadway pro�ects for up to 0 50 acre
(0 2 hectare) on a single and complete proJect for crossmg waters of the Umted States NWP 14
may only be used for activities that result in less than 300 total linear feet (91 5 lmear meters) of
stream loss or degradation
NWP 14 requires a Pre-Construction Notificahon (PCN) be submitted to the USACE and
NCDWQ for impacts exceeding 0 10 acre (0 04 hectare) of waters of the US or for stream
impacts greater than 150 total lmear feet (45 8 lmear meters) of stream exhibitmg important
aquatic function The PCN must mclude a compensatory mitigation proposal to offset permanent
losses of waters of the US so that losses result m mmimal adverse effects to the aquatic
�

environment A statement descnbmg how temporary losses will be mmimized to the maximum
extent practicable must also be mcluded It should also be noted that for mulhple stream
crossmgs the USACE has discretionary authonty to require an Individual Permit and the final
decision rests with the USACE Obviously, the other two alternatives would not qualify under
NWP 14 and will require an Individual Section 404 Permit from the USACE The Individual
Permit process is much longer and requires public notice and input
4 1 1 2 Section 401
Section 401 of the Clean Water Act (33 U S C 1341) requires each state to certify that state
water quahty standards will not be violated for achvrties which 1) mvolve issuance of a federal
permit or license, or 2) require discharges to waters of the United States The use of a Section
404 permrt requires the pnor issuance of the 401 certificahon Therefore, the NCDOT must
apply to the NCDWQ for 401 certification as part of the permrt process which is typically
handled as a �omt permit application to both the USACE and NCDWQ
412 Mttagataon
The USACE has adopted, through the Council on Environmental Quahty (CEQ), a wetland
mrtigation pohcy which embraces the concept of "no net loss of wetlands" and sequencmg The
purpose of this pohcy is to restore and mamtam the chemical, biological, and physical mtegnty
of waters of the U S and, specifically, wetlands Mingation of wetland impacts has been defined
by the CEQ to mclude avoidmg impacts (to wetlands), mimmizmg impacts, rectifymg impacts,
reducmg'impacts over time, and compensahng for impacts (40 CFR Section 1508 20) Each of
the three mam aspects (avoidance, mmimizahon, and compensatory mrtigation) must be
considered sequentially
4121 Avoidance
Avo�dance entails an exammation of all appropnate and practicable possibihhes of avertmg
impacts to waters of the U S According to a 1990 Memorandum of Agreement between the
U S Environmental Protection Agency and the USACE, m determmmg "appropnate and
practicable" measures to offset unavoidable impacts, such measures should be appropnate to the
scope and degree of those impacts and practicable in terms of cost, exishng technology, and
logistics m light of overall proJect purposes Impacts to wetlands in the pro�ect area are expected
to be temporary m nature, dependmg on the footpnnt of the fnal bndge design Temporary
impacts due to bndge construction may be unavoidable dunng a replacement pro�ect
4 1 2 2 Mmimization
Mmimization mcludes the exammation of appropnate and prachcable steps to reduce adverse
impacts to waters of the U S Implementation of these steps will be required through pro�ect
modifications and permrt condrtions Mmimization typically focuses on decreasmg the footpnnt
17

s
of the proposed pro�ect through the reduction of nght-of-way widths, fill slopes and/or roadside
shoulder widths Lengthemng of the bndge to lessen the length of the approach causeway is
another method to mmimize impacts m bndge pro�ects All efforts will be made to decrease
impacts to surface waters
4 1 2 3 Compensatory Mitigation
Compensatory mrtigahon is not normally considered unhl anticipated impacts to waters of the
U S have been avoided and mimmized to the maximum extent possible It is recogmzed that
"no net loss of wetlands" functions and values may not be achieved m every permit action In
accordance with 15A NCAC 2H 0506(h), NCDWQ may require compensatory mitigation for
pro�ects wrth greater than or equal to 1 0 acre (0 5 hectare) of impacts to �unsdichonal wetlands
or greater than or equal to 150 linear feet (46 lmear meters) of total perenmal stream impacts
Furthermore, in accordance with 67 FR 2020, 2092, January 15, 2002, the USACE requires
compensatory mitigation when necessary to ensure that adverse effects to the aquatic
environment are mmimal The size and type of proposed pro�ect impact, and function and value
of the impacted aquahc resource, are factors considered m determimng acceptabihty of
compensatory mitigation Appropnate and practicable compensatory mingahon is required for
unavoidable adverse impacts that remam after all appropnate and prachcable mimmization has
been performed Compensatory actions often mclude restoration, preservation and enhancement,
and creation of waters of the U S Such actions should be undertaken first m areas ad�acent to or
conhguous to the discharge srte
Mingation for Section 404 �unsdictional area impacts may not need to be proposed for this
pro�ect due to the potenhally hmrted nature of the proJect impacts However, utihzation of
BMP's is recommended m an effort to mmimize impacts Temporary impacts to floodplams
associated wrth construction achvrties could be mrtigated by replantmg disturbed areas wrth
nahve npanan species and removal of temporary fill matenal upon pro�ect complehon A final
determmahon regardmg mrtigation rests wrth the USACE and NCDWQ
4.2 Rare and Protected Species
Some populations of fauna and flora have been m, or are m, the process of dechne due to erther
natural forces or their inability to coexist with human activities Federal law requires that any
action, which has the potential to have a detnmental impact to the survrval and well bemg of any
species classified as federally protected, is sub�ect to review by the US Fish and Wildlife Service
(USFWS) and/or the National Manne Fishenes Service (NMFS), under the provisions of the
Endangered Species Act (ESA) of 1973, as amended Endangered species may receive
additional protection under separate state statutes In North Carolina, protechon of plant species
falls under N C General Statutes (G S) 106-202 12 to 106-202 19 of 1979 Wildhfe protection
falls under G S 113-331 to 113-337 of 1987
18

4 2 1 Federally Protected Specaes
Plants and ammals with federal classifications of Endangered, Threatened, Proposed
Endangered, and Proposed Threatened are protected under provisions of Sections 7 and 9 of the
Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended As of February 25, 2003, the USFWS lists nme
species of plants and ammals as federally protected species for Transylvania County (Table 3)
Table 3. Threatened and Endangered Species, Transylvania County.
Common Name Sc�entific Name Status
Bog turtle Glyptemys muhlenbergii T(S/A)*
Carolma northern flying squirrel Glaucomys sabrznus coloratus Endangered
Appalachian elktoe Alasmadonta ravenelzana Endangered
Oyster mussel Epaoblasma capsaeformzs Endangered**
Mountam sweet pitcher plant Sarracenia�onesu Endangered
Small whorled pogoma Isotria medealozdes Threatened
Spreadmg avens Geum radiatum Endangered
Swamp pink Helonzas bullata Threatened
Rock Gnome Lichen Gymnoderma lineare Endangered
*T(S/A) - Threatened due to s�milanty of appearance (e g, Amencan all�gator)--a species that �s threatened due to s�milanty of
appearance with other rare species and is Lsted for rts protect�on These spec�es are not b�olog�cally endangered or threatened and
are not sub�ect to Sect�on 7 consultat�on, **H�stonc record - obscure and mcidental record
Bog Turtle Glyptemys muhlenbergza
Status Threatened (S/A)
Family Emydidae
Listed November 4, 1997
The bog turtle is distinguished from other turtles by its small size and the bnght orange or yellow
blotch on each side of its head The bog turtle is a small semi-aquatic rephle, measunng 3 to 4 S
mches (7 5 to 11 4 cenhmeters) m length, wrth a weakly keeled, dark brown carapace and a
blackish plastron wrth hghter markmgs along the midhne This species exhibrts sexual
dimorphism, the males have concave plastrons and longer, thicker tails, while females have flat
plastrons and shorter tails The bog turtle is found in the eastern Umted States, in two distmct
regions the northern population, m Massachusetts, Connect�cut, southern New York, New
Jersey, Pennsylvama, Maryland, and Delaware is listed as Threatened and protected by the
Endangered Species Act The southern population, occumng in Virgmia, North Carolma, South
Carolma, Tennessee, and Georgia is hsted as Threatened Due to Similanty of Appearance
(Tisa� �usFws Zoo 1 �
Preferred bog turtle habitat consists of fens, sphagnum bogs, swamps, marshy meadows, and
pastures Areas with clear, slow-flowmg water, soft mud substrate, and an open canopy are
19

ideal Clumps of vegetation, such as tussock sedge and sphagnum moss, are important for
nesting and basking This species hibernates from October to Apnl, hidmg �ust under the frozen
surface of mud Their diet consists of beetles, moth and butterfly larvae, caddisfly larvae, snails,
nematodes, millipedes, seeds, and carnon (Nemuras 1967)
The bog turtle is listed as T/SA, which is not sub�ect to the provisions of Section 7.
Therefore, potential impacts to this species were not evaluated.
Carolina Northern Flymg Squirrel
Status Endangered
Family Sciurdiae
Listed July 1, 1985
Glaucomys sabranus coloratus
The Carohna northern flying squirrel has a large, well furred flap of skm along erther side of rts
body This furred flap of skin is connected at the wnst in the front and at the ankle m the rear
The skm flaps and a broad flattened tail allow the northern flymg squirrel to ghde from tree to
tree It is a solely nocturnal ammal with large, dark eyes
There are several isolated populations of the northern flying squirrel in the western part of North
Carolma along the Tennessee border It is generally found above 5,000 feet (1,525 meters) m
elevation m the transition zone between hardwood and coniferous forests Both forest types are
used to search for food and the hardwood forest is used for nestmg sites (USFWS 1992a)
Biological Conclusion: No Effect
No habrtat exists m the proJect area for the Carolma northern flymg squirrel, which is found m
habrtats above 5,000 feet (1,525 meters) The pro�ect area is charactenzed by mixed pme and
deciduous forest at a maximum of 3,000 feet (915 meters) Based on NCNHP records, this
species has not been documented to occur within 1 mile (1 6 kilometer) of the study area It can
be concluded that the pro�ect will not impact this endangered species
Appalachian Elktoe
Status Endangered
Family Umomdae
Listed September 3, 1993
Alasmadonta ravenelaana
Isaac Lea (1834) descnbed the Appalachian elktoe from the French Broad River system m North
Carohna Its shell is thm, but not fragile, oblong and somewhat kidney-shaped, wrth a sharply
rounded antenor margm and a broadly rounded postenor margm (Parmalee and Bogan 1998)
site a maximum length of 3 1 inches (80 millimeters) However, individuals from the Little
20

River (French Broad River Basin) m Transylvama County and West Fark Pigeon River (French
Broad River Basin) m Haywood County measured m excess of 3 9 mches (100 millimeters) in
length (Tim Savidge, personal observations) The penostracum (outer shell) of the Appalachian
elktoe vanes m color from dark brown to yellowish-brown m color Rays may be promment m
some mdividuals, usually on the postenor slope, and nearly obscure in other specimens The
nacre (mside shell surface) is a shmy bluish whrte, changmg to salmon color m the beak cavity
portion of the shell A detailed descnption of the shell charactenstics is contamed m Clarke
(1981) Ortmann (1921) provides descnphons of the soft anatomy
Two populations of the Appalachian elktoe were known to occur when the species was listed m
1993 the Nohchucky River (mcludmg rts tnbutanes of the Cane River and the North Toe River),
and the Lrttle Tennessee Rrver and rts tnbutanes The record m the Cane River was represented
by one specimen found �ust above the confluence with the North Toe River Smce lishng, the
Appalachian elktoe has been found m addihonal areas These occurrences mclude extensions of
the known ranges m the Nolichucky River (North Toe River, South Toe River and Cane River)
and Little Tennessee River (Tuckaseegee River and Cheoah River) as well as a rediscovery m
the French Broad River Basm (Pigeon River, Little River, Mills River and mam-stem French
Broad River) Many of these newly discovered populahons are relatively small m size and
range The Appalachian elktoe has been observed in gravelly substrates often mixed with cobble
and boulders, in cracks of bedrock, and in relatively silt-free, coarse sandy substrates (USFWS
1996)
Biological Conclusion: No Effect
The Appalachian elktoe is "restncted to tributanes to the Tennessee River m East Tennessee and
western North Carolma" (Parmalee and Bogan 1998) This species does not occur in Atlanhc
Slope nver basms, such as the Savannah River Basm In addihon, streams within the pro�ect
area are considered too high gradient to support the species
Oyster mussel Epaoblasma capsaeformis
Status Endangered
Family Umomdae
Listed January 10, 1997
The oyster mussel has a dull to sub-shmy yellowish green shell with numerous narrow dark
green rays The shells of females are obovate, with an mflated and thin-shelled marsupial
swellmg toward the postenor margm, which is usually a darker color than the rest of the shell
Shells of males are elliptical, with the ventral margm slightly curved The dorsal margm is
straight, and the hmge hgament is short The mside of the shell is whihsh to bluish whrte m
color (Johnson 1978, Parmalee and Bogan 1998)
21

This species histoncally occurred throughout much of the Cumberlandian region of the
Tennessee and Cumberland River dramages m Alabama, Kentucky, Tennessee, and Virgima
This species is not found m small streams Preferred habitat consists of shallow nffles over
course sand/gravel/cobble substrate in medium sized fast-flowmg streams and nvers less than 3 0
feet (0 9 meter) deep (Parmalee and Bogan 1998) The recent addition of the oyster mussel to the
county species list for counties in North Carolina is based on histonc records from the French
Broad River in the early 1900's (Ortman 1918) These histonc records had previously been
overlooked when compihng the county by county protected species hst for North Carolma
Biological Conclusion: No Effect
Like the Appalachian elktoe, the oyster mussel is restncted to the Tennessee River Basm, and
does not occur m Atlantic Slope dramages In addihon, streams within the pro�ect area are
considered to be too small m size and too high-gradient to support this species
Mountain Sweet Pitcher Plant Sarracenaa�onesaa
Status Endangered
Family Sarracemaceae
Listed September 30, 1988
Mountain sweet pitcher plant is a perenmal herb growmg from 7 9 to 29 1 inches (20 to 74
centimeters) tall The leaves are hollow and trumpet-shaped, formmg slender, almost tubular
pitchers with a heart-shaped The flowers are typically maroon with recurving petals The stalks
are erect and bear one flower each
Habrtat is speciahzed, bemg restncted to bogs and streamsides along the Blue Ridge Divide, and
generally m level depressions associated with floodplains A few populations can be found along
the sides of waterfalls on gramte rock faces Bog soils where the plant occurs are deep and
poorly-drained with high organic matter content, herbs and shrubs usually dominate, but there
may be a few scattered iees This plant currently exists in only four locahons in Henderson and
Transylvama Counties, North Carolina and in the French Broad River dramage (USFWS 1990)
Biological Conclusion: No Effect
Streams withm the pro�ect area have narrow or absent floodplains, and none are charactenzed as
havmg ad�acent bogs or bog-like seepages No rock faces that would provide habitat for this
species were observed wrthm the pro�ect area Based on NCNHP recards, this species has not
been documented to occur wrthm 1 mile (1 6 kilometer) of the study area Therefore, rt can be
concluded that the pro�ect will not impact this endangered species
22

Small Whorled Pogoma Isotraa medeoloades
Status Threatened
Family Orchidaceae
Listed October 6, 1994
Small whorled pogonia is a perenmal herb with long, pubescent roots and a smooth, hollow stem
3 7 to 9 8 mches (9 5 to 25 centimeters) tall termmatmg m a whorl of 5 or 6 hght green, elhphcal
leaves that are somewhat pomted and measure up to 3 1 x 1 6 mches (8 0 x 4 0 centimeters) A
flower, or occasionally two flowers, is produced at the top of the stem Small whorled pogoma's
nearest relahve is the purple five leaf orchid (Isotna vertacallata), which is similar lookmg but
can be distmguished by rts purphsh stem and by differences m the flower structure The purple
five leaf orchid is much more common and widespread than the small whorled pogoma When
not in flower, young plants of Indian cucumber-root (Medeola varganaana) also resemble small
whorled pogoma However, the hollow stout stem of the small whorled pogonia will separate it
from the genus Medeola, which has a solid, more slender stem (USFWS 1992b) Small whorled
pogoma may remam underground m a dormant state for several years and is often found in
colomes Flowenng typically occurs in May through June
The 23 populations of small whorled pogoma m the Southeast Region occur m North Carolma (5
populahons), South Carolma (4 populations), Georgia (13 populahons), and Tennessee (1
population) Most southeastern populations number less than 25 plants South Carolma has one
population of over 25 plants, and Georgia has two populations numbenng about 100 plants In
the Southeast, North Carolma has two protected sites, both of which are viable, South Carolina
has four protected sites, two of which are viable, and Georgia has seven protected sites, four of
which are viable (USFWS 1992b)
This orchid typically grows m open, dry deciduous woods and in areas along streams wrth acidic
soil The plant can also be found m nch, mesic woods m associarion wrth eastern whrte pme and
great rhododendron Small whorled pogoma prefers leaf litter and decaying matenal, but can
also be found on dry, rocky wooded slopes, moist slopes or slope bases near vernal streams
(NCNHP 2004)
Biological Conclusion:
Unresolved
Small-whorled pogoma is known to occur m Transylvama County and potentially suitable
habrtat occurs throughout forested areas of the pro�ect area Surveys for this species will be
required and should be conducted dunng the flowenng season from May to June Based on
NCNHP records, this species has not been documented to occur wrthm 1 mile (1 6 kilometer) of
the study area
23

Spread�ng avens Geum radiatum
Status Endangered
Family Rosaceae
Listed Apnl 5, 1990
Spreadmg avens is a perenmal herb having stems with an mdefimte cytne of bnght yellow,
radially symmetrical flowers Flowers are present from June to early July Spreading avens has
basal leaves which are odd-pinnately compound, termmal leaflets are kidney shaped and much
larger than the lateral leaflets, which are reduced or absent
Spreading avens is found only in the North Carolma and Tennessee sechons of the Southern
Appalachian Mountams Spreadmg avens occurs on high elevation scarps, bluffs, cliffs and
escarpments on mountains, hills, and ndges at elevations greater than 4,600 feet (1,400 meters)
(USFWS 1993) Other habrtat requirements for this species include full sunlight and shallow
acidic soils These soils contain a composition of sand, pebbles, humus, sandy loam, clay loam,
and humus Most populations are pioneers on rocky outcrops (USFWS 1993)
Biological Conclusion: No Effect
No habitat exists m the proJect area for spreading avens Elevations of the pro�ect areas do not
exceed 3,000 feet (914 4 meters), while known populahons occur above 4,600 feet, and no rock
outcrops with full sun exposure supportmg pioneer herbaceous species were observed dunng the
site visit Based on NCNHP records, this species has not been documented to occur within 1
mile (1 6 kilometer) of the study area It can be concluded that the pro�ect will not impact this
endangered species
Swamp Pink Helonaas bullata
Status Threatened
Family Liliaceae
Listed September 9, 1988
Helontas bullata is a perenmal herb with thick rhizomes The leaves are basal, form a rosette,
�
are evergreen, spatulate or oblanceolate, and parallel-vemed Leaves are 3 5 to 9 8 mches (9 0 to
25 0 centimeters) long and 0 8 to 1 6 mches (2 0 to 4 0 centimeters) wide, bemg acute and
attenuated at the base The stem grows from a height of 7 9 to 35 4 mches (20 to 90 cenhmeters)
at the time of flowenng to 4 9 feet (1 5 meters) at the time of seed maturation The mflorescence
contams 30-50 flowers which are mdividual and approximately 0 4 mch (10 millimeters) wide
Pedicels are very short at first, elongatmg to 0 2 to 0 3 mch (4 0 to 8 0 millimeters) The fruit
capsule is three-lobed The leaves of Helonaas lie flat m wmter and are often hidden by leaf
litter, the flowerhead of the next season is visible, and leaves often become reddish-brown over
24

winter Flowenng occurs in March and may last until May, while seed production occurs in June
(USFWS 1991)
Swamp Pmk occurs at 122 srtes m New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, Virgmia, North Carolma,
South Carolma, and Georgia ln North Carolma, eight populations are known to occur in
Jackson, Henderson, and Transylvama counties (USFWS 1991)
Biological Conclusion: No Effect
Streams within the pro�ect area have narrow or absent floodplains, and none are charactenzed as
having ad�acent bogs or bog-hke seepages Based on NCNHP records, this species has not been
documented to occur withm 1 mile (1 6 kilometer) of the study area It can be concluded that the
pro�ect will not impact this endangered species
Rock Gnome Lichen Gymnoderma laneare
Status Endangered
Family Cladomaceae
Listed January 18, 1995
Rock gnome lichen is a squamulose lichen m the remdeer moss family The lichen can be
identified by rts frurtmg bodies which are born smgly or m clusters, black m color, and at the hps
of the squamules The fruitmg season of rock gnome lichen occurs from July through
September It is a narrow endemic, restncted to areas of high humidity These high humidity
environments occur on high elevation 4,000-foot (1,220-meter) mountamtops and cliff faces that
are frequently bathed in fog, or at lower elevation 2,500-foot (762-meter) deep gorges m the
Southern Appalachians Rock gnome lichen pnmanly occurs on vertical rock faces where
seepage water from forest soils above flows at (and only at) very wet times Rock gnome lichen
is almost always found growing with the moss Adreaea in these vertical intermittent seeps The
high elevarion habitat occurs m the counties of Ashe, Avery, Buncombe, Graham, Haywood,
Jackson, Mitchell, Rutherford, Swam, Transylvama, and Yancey The lower elevat�on habitat of
the rock gnome lichen can be found in the counties of Jackson, Rutherford and Transylvama
(USFWS 1992a)
Biological Conclusion: No Effect
No habitat exists in the pro�ect area far rock gnome lichen, as known populahons occur above
4,000 feet (1,220 meters) The pro�ect area is charactenzed pme and deciduous forest less than
approximately 3,000 feet (915 meters) in elevation, and no low-elevahon gorges are present
Based on NCNHP records, this species has not been documented to occur withm 1 mile (1 6
25

kilometer) of the study area It can be concluded that the pro�ect will not impact this endangered
species
4 2 2 Federal Specaes of Concern
There are 30 Federal Species of Concern (FSC) listed by the USFWS for Transylvania County
(Table 4) FSC are not afforded federal protection under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as
amended, and are not sub�ect to any of rts prov�sions, mcludmg Sechon 7, unhl they are formally
proposed or listed as Threatened or Endangered FSC species are those under consideration for
lishng or for which there is msufficient mformation to support listing In addition, FSCs which
are listed as Endangered, Threatened, or Special Concern by the NCNHP list of Rare Plant and
Ammal Species are afforded state protection under the NC State Endangered Species Act and the
NC Plant Protechon and Conservation Act of 1979, as amended Table 4 summanzes federal
species of concern listed for Transylvama County that are protected by the state
5.0 CONCLUSIONS
The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) proposes improvements and
widenmg to a section of US 64 m Transylvama County, North Carolma The pro�ect extends
from a pomt approximately 0 25 mile (0 4 kilometer) west of the US 64/NC281 mtersechon �ust
east of the Lake Toxaway outfall) and extends eastward for a distance of approximately 1 5 miles
(2 4 kilometers), endmg �ust west of Indian Creek (Figure 1) Three alternates are proposed
Alternate 1(Figure 2) entails improvements on the exishng alignment, Alternate 2(Figure 3) is
proposed as a 30 mile per hour (MPH) ahgnment mvolvmg new road construchon on new
ahgnment, Alternate 3(Figure 4) is proposed as a 40 MPH ahgnment and also mvolves new road
construction on new alignment
The pro�ect area is located within NCDWQ sub-basm 03-13-02 of the Savannah River Basm and
is part of USGS Catalogmg Unrt 03060101 of the South Atlantic/Gulf Region The pro�ect area
contams three unnamed tnbutanes (UTs) to Toxaway River (Stream Index Number 4-(4)) and
four UTs to Indian Creek (Stream Index Number 4-5-(3))
Four unnamed tnbutanes withm the pro�ect area are classified by NCDWQ as Tr, therefore, this
pro�ect can be classified as a Case 2, where in-water work will be avoided dunng moratonum
penods NCDOT should follow all stream crossmg guidelines for trout breedmg and spawnmg,
which mcludes an m-water work moratonum from October 15 to Apnl 15 In addition, all
disturbances withm trout buffers should be conducted m accordance with NCDLR and NCWRC
requirements
Portions of the pro�ect area occur withm the Gorges State Park Boundary, which abuts the
southern US 64 nght-of-way for a distance of approximately 1 mile (1 6 kilometers) In review
26

of the proposed pro�ect, NCDNR has suggested that improvements or road widemng be done on
the north side of US 64, because of the Park land south of the Highway
The Toxaway River Gorge is a Signifcant Natural Hentage Area located �ust south of the
proposed alignments, and the Toxaway River is recogmzed by NCNHP as part of the Savannah
River Signifcant Aquatic Habrtat because of several rare fish limrted m North Carolma to �ust
Savannah River dramage streams
All waters withm Gorges State Park boundanes are designated by NCWRC as being Wild Trout
Waters UT's 1-3 flow into Gorges State Park south of US 64 and within the proJect area
Based on NCNHP records, no Threatened or Endangered species listed to occur in Transylvama
County are documented to occur withm 1 mile (1 6 kilometers) of the study area None of the
species listed as occumng withm the county, with the exception of small whorled pogoma, are
provided suitable habrtat withm the study area, and therefore have a Biological Conclusion of
"No Effect" Suitable habitat for small whorled pogoma occurs throughout the proJect area and
therefore has a biological conclusion of "Unresolved" unhl surveys can be conducted dunng the
flowenng penod of May to June
27

Table 4. Federal Species of Concern, Transylvama County.
' State Federal
Common Name Sc�ent�fic Name Habitat Status* Status
Appalachian cottontail Sylvilagus obscurus No SR FSC
Rafinesque's b�g-eared bat Corynorhanus (=Plecotus) rafinesgua Yes SR FSC**
Southern Appalachtan woodrat Neotoma flondana haematoreta Yes SC FSC**
Appalach�an Bew�ck's wren Thryomanes bewtclaz altus No E FSC**
Cerulean warb]er Dendroica cerulea Yes SR FSC
Southern Appalachian black-capped ch�ckadee Poec:le atrzcaptllus practtcus No SC FSC
Southem Appalachian red crossbill Loxta curv:rostra No SC FSC
Southern Appalachian saw-whet owl Aegolzus acadtcus No T FSC
Southern Appalach�an yellow-bell�ed sapsucker Sphyraptcus vartus appalacaensts Yes SC FSC
Green salamander Ane�des aeneus Yes E FSC
Hellbender Cryptobranchus alleganaensis Yes SC FSC
French Broad crayfish Cambarus reburrus Yes SR FSC
Tennessee Clubshell Pleurobema ovtforme No E FSC
Appalachian Checkered-Skipper Pyrgus wyandot Yes SR FSC
Diana fnt�llary butterfly Speyer:a dtana Yes SR FSC**
Marganta River skimmer Macromaa marganta No SR FSC
Oconee crayfish ostracod Cymocythere clavata Yes SR FSC
Transylvama crayfish ostracod Waltoncythere acuta Yes SR FSC
Alexander's rock aster Aster (=Eurybra)avztus Yes SR FSC
Butternut Juglans ctnerea Yes W FSC
Cuthbert's turtlehead Chelone cuthbertii No SR FSC
Flatrock pan�c grass Panacum lathophalum No SR FSC**
Fraser fir Abtes fraser: No SR FSC
Fraser's loosesfife Lystmachia frasen Yes E FSC
French Broad heartleaf Hexastylzs rhomb formas Yes SR FSC
Lobed barren-strawberry Waldsteanaa lobata Yes SR FSC
Mountam b�ttercress Cardamtne clematats No SR FSC
Smoky Mountam mannagrass Glyceraa nubagena No T FSC
Southern oconee-bells Shortaa galac folta var galac folia No E-SC FSC
Sweet pmesap Monotropsts odorata Yes SR FSC
A hornwort Asptromztus appalachanus Yes SR FSC
A l�verwort Plagzochzla sharpta No SR FSC
A llVeiWort Plagzochtla sullzvanttz var sullzvantzi No SR FSC
A]rverwort � Plagiochzla vzrgzntca var carolzntana No SR FSC
A ltverwort Porella wataugensts No SR FSC
Gorge moss Bryocrumaa vzvacolor No E FSC
* State Status E= endangered, T= Threatened, SR = Sigmficantly Rare, SC = Spec�al Concern, W= Watch list
Federal Spec�es of Concern l�sted by USFWS (February 25, 2003 list) and by NCNHP (NCNHP 2004, LeGrand et al
2004) for Transylvama County
**Histonc record - the spec�es was last observed m the county more than 50 years ago
28

6.0 REFERENCES
Amencan Ornithologists' Umon (AOU) 1998 Checklist of North Amencan Birds 7th
Edition American Ornithologists' Umon Washmgton, DC
a
Brown, L N 1997 A Guide to the Mammals of the Southeastern Umted States Knoxville, The
Umversity of Tennessee Press
Clarke, A H 1981 The Tnbe Alasmidontini (Uniomdae Anodontmae), Part I Pegius,
Alasmidonta, and Arcidens Smrthsoman Contnbutions to Zoology Washmgton, DC,
Smithsoman Institution Press 101 pp
Cowardin, Lewis M, V Carter, F C Golet, and E T LaRoe 1979 Classifications of Wetlands
and Deepwater Habrtats of the Unrted States US Fish and Wildhfe Service US
Government Pnntmg Office, Washmgton DC
Forman, R T T and R D Deblinger 1998 The Ecological Road-effect Zone for Transportation
Plamm�g and a Massachusetts Highway Example In G L Evink, P Garrett, D Zeigler
and J Berry, eds Proceedings of the Internahonal Conference on Wildlife Ecology and
Transportation FL-ER-68-98, Flonda DOT, Tallahassee, Flonda 263 pp
Johnson, R I 1978 Systematics and zoogeography of Plagiola (=Dysnomia=Epioblasma), an
almost exhnct genus of mussels (Bivalvia Umomdes) from middle North Amenca
Bulletm Museum of Compantive Zoology 148 239-320
Kartesz, J 1998 A Synonymized Checklist of the Vascular Flora of the Umted States, Puerto
Rico, and the Virgm Islands Biota of North Amenca Program �
Lea, I 1834 Observahons on the Naiades, and Descnphons of New Species of That and other
Families Transachons of the Amencan Philosophical Society 5(new senes) 23-119 +19
plates
Leedy, D L and L W Adams 1982 Wildlife Considerations m Plannmg and Managmg
Highway Corndors Users Manual Report No FHWA-TS-82- 212, FHWA, US Dept of
Transportation
LeGrand, H E, S E McRae, S P, Hall, and J T Fmnegan 2004 Natural Hentage Program
List of the Rare Ammal Species of North Carohna North Carolma Natural Hentage
Program Raleigh, NC
Martof, B S, W M Palmer, J R Bailey and J R Hamson III 1980 Amphibians and Reptiles
of the Carolmas and Virgmia Chapel Hill, The Umversity of North Carolina Press
NC Division of Water Quality (NCDWQ) 2002 Savannah Rrver Basmwide Water Quahty
Plan North Carolma Department of Environment and Natural Resources Raleigh, NC
29

NC Division of Water Quality (NCDWQ) 2004a Basinwide Information Management System
(BIMS) (http //h2o enr state nc us/bims/ReportskeportsWB html) North Carolma
Deparhnent of Environment, Health and Natural Resources Raleigh, NC
NC Division of Water Quality (NCDWQ) 2004b Water Quality Assessment and Impaired
Waters List (online) Available http //h2o enr state nc us/tmdl/General_303d hhn [May
7, 2004] North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources Raleigh,
NC
North Carohna Natural Hentage Program (NCNHP) 2004 Natural Hentage Program List of
the Rare Plant Species of North Carolma M A Franklm and J T Fmnegan, Eds North
Carohna Natural Hentage Program Raleigh, NC
North Carolma Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) 2005 North Carolma Inland
Hunting, Fishmg, and Trapping Regulahons Digest (effective July l, 2005 through June
30, 2006) North Carolma Wildhfe Resources Commission Raleigh, NC 62 pp
Nemuras, K T 1967 Notes on the Natural History of Clemmys muhlenbergaa Bulletm of the
Maryland Herpetological Society 3(4) 90-96
Ortmann, A E 1921 The Anatomy of Certam Mussels from the Upper Tennessee The
Nautilus 34(3) 81-91
Parmalee, P W and A E Bogan 1998 The Freshwater Mussels of Tennessee Knoxville,
Umversity of Tennessee Press
Potter, E F, J F Parnell and R P Teuhngs 1980 Birds of the Carohnas Chapel Hill, The
University of North Carolma Press
Radford, A E, H E Ahles and G R Bell 1968 Manual of the Vascular Flora of the Carolmas
Chapel Hill, The Umversity of North Carolina Press
Rohde, C, G Arndt, G Lmdquist, and F Parnell 1994 Freshwater Fishes of the Carohnas,
Virgima, Maryland, and Delaware Chapel Hill, The Umversrty of North Carolina Press
Schafale, M P and A S Weakley 1990 Classificahon of the Natural Commumties of North
Carolma Third Approximation North Carolma Natural Hentage Program, Division of
Parks and Recreahon, NCDEM Raleigh, NC
US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) 1987 Corps of Engineers Wetlands Delmeation
Manual Techmcal Report Y-87-1 U S Army Engineer Waterways Expenment Station,
Vicksburg, MS 100 pp
US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) 1990 Mountam Sweet Pitcher Plant Recovery Plan
Atlanta, Georgia 39 pp
US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) 1991 Swamp Pmk (Helonaas bullata) Recovery Plan
Newton Corner, Massachusetts 56 pp
30

US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) 1992a Endangered and Threatened Species of the
Southeast United States (The Red Book) FWS, Ecological Services, Division of
Endangered Species, Southeast Region Government Pnnting Office, Washington, DC
1,070 pp
US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) 1992b Small Whorled Pogoma (Isotria medeolozdes)
Recovery Plan, First Revision Newton Corner, Massachusetts 75 pp
US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) 1993 Spreadmg Avens Recovery Plan Atlanta,
Georgia 32 pp
US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) 1996 Recovery Plan for the Appalachian Elktoe
(Alasmadonta raveneltana) Lea Atlanta, Geargia 32 pp
US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) 2001 Bog Turtle (Clemmys muhlenbergii), Northern
Population, Recovery Plan Hadley, Massachusetts
US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) 2003 Transylvama County Endangered Species,
Threatened Species, and Federal Species of Concern (onhne) Available http //nc-
es fws gov/es/cntylisdtransylvama html [January 18, 2005] U S Fish and Wildlife
Service
Webster, W D, J F Parnell and W C Biggs 1985 Mammals of the Carolinas, Virgima and
Maryland Chapel Hill, The Umversity of North Carolina Press
31

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(US 64 from Toxoway Lake to Indian Creek)
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Protected Species Survey
Improvements to US 64 from Lake Toxaway to Indian Creek
Transylvania County, North Carolina
(TIP R-2409C)
(State Project WBS No. 34428)
Prepared for:
Ko & Associates
1011 Schaub Drive, Suite 202
Raleigh, NC 27606
and
The North Carolina Department of Transportation
Raleigh, North Carolina
Prepared by:
The Catena Group
410-B Millstone Drive
Hillsborough, North Carolina 27278
Tel [phone] Fax [phone]
July 2006

.,
PROTECTED SPECIES SURVEY
Improvements to US 64 from Lake Toxaway to Indian Creek
Transylvania County, North Carolina
(R-2409C)
Introduction
The following report is submitted to detail methods and results of a survey for small whorled
pogonia (Isotria medeoloides) within the area of proposed improvements to US 64 in
Transylvania County, NC (R-2409C). This report is an addendum to the draft Natural Resources
Technical Report (NRTR) delivered to Ko and Associates in February 2006. It was stated in the
February draft NRTR report that suitable habitat for small whorled pogonia occurs throughout
the project area, and thus a biological conclusion of "Unresolved" was given until surveys could
be conducted during the flowering period of May to June. The pogonia survey was later
conducted by The Catena Group during the flowering period and resulted in discovery of a new
colony of small whorled pogonia located within the cut-fill boundaries of one (Alternate 2) of the
three proposed improvement alternatives.
Project Description
T'he North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) proposes improvements to a section
of US 64 in Transylvania County, North Carolina (Figure 1). These improvements involve a
combination of widening of the existing roadway and construction of roadway on a new
alignment. The project extends from a point approximately 0.25 mile west of the US 64/NC281
intersection (just east of the Lake Toxaway outfall) and extends eastward a distance of
approximately 1.5 miles, ending just west of Indian Creek. Three alternate alignments are
proposed: Alternate 1 entails improvements on the existing alignment; Alternate 2 is proposed as
a 30 mile per hour (MPH) alignment involving new road construction on a new alignment;
Alternate 3 is proposed as a 40 MPH alignment and also involves new road conshuction on a
new alignment.
Protected Species in Transylvania County
Plants and animals with federal classifications of Endangered, Threatened, Proposed
Endangered, and Proposed Threatened are protected under provisions of Sections 7 and 9 of the
Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended. As of February 25, 2003, the USFWS lists nine
species of plants and animals as federally protected species for Transylvania County (Table 1).
1
,

Table 1. Threatened and Endangered Species, Transylvania County
Common Name Scientific Name Status
Bog turtle Glyptemys muhlenbergii T(S/A)*
Carolina northern flying squirrel Glaucomys sabrinus coloratus Endangered
Appalachian elktoe Alasmidonta raveneliana Endangered
Oyster mussel Epioblasma capsaeformis Endangered**
Mountain sweet pitcher plant Sarracenia jonesii Endangered
Small whorled pogonia lsotria medealoides Threatened
Spreading avens Geum radiatum Endangered
Swamp pink Helonias bullata Threatened
Rock Gnome Lichen Gymnoderma lineare Endangered
*T(S/A) - Threatened due to similarity of appearance (e.g., American alligator)--a species that is threatened due to similarity of appearance with
other rare species and is listed for iu protection. These species are not biologically endangered or threatened and are not subject to Section 7
consultation; •"Historic record - obscure and incidental record.
Based on NC Natural Heritage Program records, no Threatened or Endangered species listed to
occur in Transylvania County are documented within 1 mile (1.6 kilometers) of the study area.
None of the species listed as occurring within the .county, with the exception of small whorled
pogonia, are provided suitable habitat within the study area, and therefore were given Biological
Conclusions of "No Effect" in the draft NRTR.
Species Synopsis
Small Whorled Pogonia lsotria medeoloides
Status: Threatened
Family: Orchidaceae
Listed: October 6, 1994
Small whorled pogonia is a perennial herb in the orchid family with long, pubescent roots and a
smooth, hollow stem 3.7 to 9.8 inches tall terminating in a whorl of 5 or 6 light green, elliptical
leaves that are somewhat pointed and measure up to 3.1 x 1.6 inches. A flower, or occasionally
two flowers, is produced at the top of the stem. Small whorled pogonia's nearest relative is the
purple five leaf orchid (Isotria verticillata), which is similar looking, but can be distinguished by
its purplish stem and by differences in the flower structure. The purple five leaf orchid is much
more common and widespread than the small whorled pogonia. When not in flower, young
plants of Indian cucumber-root (Medeola virginiana) also resemble small whorled pogonia.
However, the hollow stout stem of the small whorled pogonia will separate it from the genus
Medeola, which has a solid, more slender stem (USFWS 1992). Small whorled pogonia is often
found in colonies. Some individuals within a colony may remain underground in a dormant state
for several years, making it difficult to determine population size and viability. Flowering
typically occurs in May through June.

,
This orchid typically grows in open, dry, deciduous woods and in areas along streams with acidic
soil. The plant can also be found in rich, mesic woods in association with eastern white pine and
great rhododendron. Small whorled pogonia prefers areas with a layer of leaf litter and decaying
material, but can also be found on dry, rocky, wooded slopes, moist slopes, or slope bases near
vernal streams (NCNHP 2004).
T'here are 23 populations of small whorled pogonia in the Southeast Region: five populations
occur in North Carolina, four in South Carolina, 13 in Georgia, and one in Tennessee. Most
southeastern populations number less than 25 plants. South Carolina has one population of over
25 plants, and Georgia has two populations numbering about 100 plants each. In the Southeast,
North Carolina has two protected sites, both of which are viable; South Carolina has four
protected sites, two of which are viable; and Georgia has seven protected sites, four of which are
viable (USFWS 1992). Small whorled pogonia is extremely rare: it is listed as Endangered in
North Carolina and has a State Ranking of S1, "Critically Imperiled" with fewer than five extant
populations in the state. It has a Global Ranking of "G2" which is defined as, "imperiled
globally because of rarity or because of some factor (s) making it very vulnerable to extinction
throughout its range" (NCNHP 2004).
The primary threat to small whorled pogonia is habitat destruction, while collecting is a threat to
a lesser degree (USFWS 1992). According to Denise Moldenhauer of USFWS, Asheville office,
there is a lack of experience with relocating/transplanting this species, and there no empirical
evidence to suggest that transplanting can be accomplished successfully (pers. comm.).
Methods
For this evaluarion, the project area is an area approximately 50 feet outside of the cut-fill
boundaries for each of the proposed alternates, approximately 50.4 acres total. Systematic
surveys were conducted within the project during the days of June 14-16, 2006 by two persons
walking transects (perpendicular to slope of terrain) and searching areas of suitable habitat while
spaced 15-20 feet apart. A back—and—forth pattern was conducted until the entire section of
suitable habitat was covered. Suitable habitat was considered to be open, deciduous and
coniferous forest, rhododendron thickets, dry roadside cuts, mesic drainages and floodways, and
fern glades. Dense stands of mountain laurel (Kalmia litifolia) were found signifcantly lacking
of herbaceous vegetation and were also extremely difficult to investigate effectively, so were
excluded from the survey. Nonetheless, nearly the entire project area, north and south of US 64
and its maintained shoulders, were surveyed.
Results
The survey resulted in finding one colony of small whorled pogonia within the project area on
June 16, 2006 (see photographs below). The colony is located at the east end of the project area
3

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�nd riorth ot� US 64, approxima[elv 50 f�et G�c>m thc road (Fi�ure 2; coords: 35.12467, -
82.91705). This location occui-s ���ithin t11e cut-till boundary for Alternate 2, but just o�itside of
Alternates 1 and 3. Initially, we located two individual plants approxi�nately 3 feet apart; o�lc
individual was in the fi-uiting stage supporting a maturing capsule, �y�hile the other apparently had
not tlowered. A subsequent visit to the colony by NCDOT and USFWS personnel resulted in the
finding of six additional small whorled pogonia stems, all within a distance of ZO feet of the
original two stems and closer to the road. According to Anne Burrows of NCDOT (pers.
comm.), only one of these individuals had f7owered. Photographs and stem measurements were
taken of the two stems found on June 1G; identi(ication of the plants as being small whorl�:d
pogonia was confrmed by Denise Moldent�auer and Cai-olyn Wells of t]ie USFWS (Asheville
office), based on the photographs and field observation.
The colony occurs on a dry, acidic slope (gradual) that is southward facing and reccives
moderate sun light. The canopy is likely second-growth and dominated by mature white pine
(Piirirs strobus), but also contains some oaks (Quei-cass spp.); the understory is o�en and the
herbaceous vegetation provides sparse to moderate coverage of the ground, although one of tlle
later-found individuals was found beneath dense coverage oF blueberry ( vacciniaun sp.) nearby.
The litter layer contains a mixture of dried pine and deciduous leaves.
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Biological Conclusion Llnresolved
During the survey within the project area in June 2006, a colony of small whorled was identified
in the eastern portion of the project and north of US 64. The colony is represented by eight
individuals, all located within 50 feet of the existing road�vay and ���ithin the cut-fill boundaries
of Alternate 2, a� proposed. Although the colony is not expected to occur within Alternat�s 1
and 3, it is believed that some plants may be within lees than 10 of feet their boundaries, and thus
could be affected by construction activities or associated land clearing. Specific construction and
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clearing limits cannot be determined at this time, and therefore a Section 7 Consultation will be
required in order to evaluate the potential impacts to the species. Based on this information, a
Biological Conclusion of Unresolved has been given. Also, because some individuals within the
population may remain dormant in some years, it is difficult to estimate the exact population size
without monitoring for a long period. This species is extremely rare in North Carolina and
throughout its range, and because there is no supporting evidence to suggest that the colony
could be successfully relocated, it is likely that during review of the project the USFWS will
strongly encourage avoidance of the population.
References
North Carolina Natural Heritage Program (NCNHP). 2004. Natural Heritage Program List of
the Rare Plant Species of North Carolina. M.A. Franklin and J.T. Finnegan, Eds. North
Carolina Natural Heritage Program. Raleigh, NC.
US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). 1992. Small Whorled Pogonia (Isotria medeoloides)
Recovery Plan, First Revision. Newton Corner, Massachusetts. 75 pp.
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Site Location Map �I
Small Whorled Pogonia Survey
TIP R-2409 C
�US 64 from Toxoway Lake to Indian Creek)
Trarsylvan�a (;cun.ry, North Carolona
Date FIgUf2
July 20�6
soa�e ,i,,,�
0 OJS 03
� �
Inb Nu.
6105