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HomeMy WebLinkAbout20141169 All Versions_Comments on Wildife Movement_20071015The Nature ? ${a The uurrCon.,rvtno tel [19140;8558 Conservancy ? ?a N "`Ith CuuluTZ ChtptLr lax [9191403 0379 4705 UnnLreit% DrnL nature org/northcarolma SAVING THE LAST GREAT PLACES ON EARTH SUItL 290 DuilvinT NC 2277/07 October 15, 2007 Mr Mark Pierce Project Planning Engineer NC Department of Transportation 1548 Mail Service Center Raleigh, NC 27699-1548 ."VED Re Construction of an underpass for wildlife movement on US Highway 17 (R-2514) Dear Mr Pierce The Nature Conservancy (TNC), as a member of the Onslow Bight Conservation Forum, formally requests the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) to construct an ecologically functional wildlife underpass along the section of US Highway 17 between Maysville and Pollocksville in Jones County as part of the planned highway improvement project (TIP No R-2514) This letter describes this underpass and the need for it Importance of Underpasses to Wildlife Movement The construction of highway underpasses is a relatively new and evolving activity being undertaken by transportation departments in several states and nations Driven by a growing awareness of how multi-lane highways serve as barriers, these efforts are attempting to maintain wildlife permeability across a wide variety of landscapes Research is fine-tuning underpass design to better maintain the ecological function of existing, important wildlife corridors Numerous factors play into the design process, usually determined by the species being targeted The site and situation in Jones County is similar to the sites along US Highway 64 in Washington County where NCDOT constructed three wildlife underpasses designed to accommodate the natural movements of black bear and other large and medium-sized mammals The NC Wildlife Resources Commission is spearheading the monitoring program for these underpasses, an effort that will end in 2009 Preliminary data analysis (see attached report) indicates that an abundance of wildlife is using them, including deer and black bear Presumably this usage corresponds with fewer encounters and collisions with wildlife by drivers on US Highway 64 Need for a Wildlife Underpass on US 17 between Pollocksville and Maysville The Onslow Bight Conservation Forum (OBCF) is a 13-member partnership which includes the NC Department of Transportation Mr Lyndo Tippett, Secretary of Transportation, signed the Memorandum of Understanding on behalf of NCDOT on July 1, 2003 The mission of the OBCF is contained within the founding Memorandum of Understanding (enclosed) which is To provide for open discussion among the participants concerning the long- term conservation and enhancement of biological diversity and ecosystem sustainability throughout the Onslow Bight Landscape compatible with the land use, conservation and management objectives of the participating, organizations and agencies This MOU sets forth seven goals including promoting "the establishment of landscape corridors and buffers, between and adjacent to existing public and private conservation lands to enhance long-term wildlife population viability and genetic exchange and to ensure land management flexibility, respectively " The partnership later developed and adopted a conservation design plan which delineated potential conservation corridors linking large, mostly public conservation areas (see enclosed map of the Onslow Bight Landscape) Each corridor study area was examined to determine what animals or animal groups would benefit from connectivity between blocks of habitat The goal expressed in the conservation design plan for the corridor containing the proposed underpass is to "ensure the safe, long-term movement of large, wide-ranging animals through the corridor and across Highway 17 " It is our fear that increasing residential and commercial development and highway expansion projects will effectively isolate wildlife in Croatan National Forest from those in other conservation areas Critical for the long-term viability of the black bear population and some other wide-ranging mammals is the maintenance of a safe linkage between Croatan and Hofinann Forest The enclosed map shows how roads threaten to sever the Croatan National Forest from nearby conservation lands and the limited routes for wildlife movement With more of the highways nnging the Croatan being improved, the opportunities for safe wildlife movements decrease and the likelihood of highway collisions with wildlife increases There are presently two reasonably safe corridors for large mammals to move between the Croatan and Hofmann Forest - by the White Oak River near Haywood Landing and at the proposed Jones County site While river floodplains are suitable wildlife corridors, the White Oak becomes constricted and impassable at Maysville The enclosed map shows the White Oak at this town and all the mining and other human activity down to the river banks Black bear may cross the river south of Maysville and maneuver through Onslow County to the southern tip of Hofinann Forest Two activities though are making this route more dangerous to animals, increasing development in eastern Onslow County and the soon to be completed widening of US 17 which will limit movement north into the heart of the Hofmann Forest The proposed site of the wildlife underpass between Pollocksville and Maysville lies within the OBCF delineated conservation corridor linking Croatan to Hofmann Forest This corridor was delineated by analyzing present land use It is comprised on natural or managed forest land sandwiched between existing farmland and human communities While no study of wildlife movement has occurred at this site, it is the expert opinion of the numerous wildlife biologists assisting in the Onslow Bight conservation planning process that this location is actively used and is critical to the long-term health of the black bear population in the central Coastal Plain of North Carolina The wildlife underpass will be a minimization and avoidance measure designed to prevent further fragmentation of the natural landscape around Croatan National Forest Without this underpass a four-lane US Highway 17 would limit animal movement and make animal highway crossings hazardous to dnvers The wildlife underpass would direct black bear movement away from people's homes in the Chadwick community as well as homes south of the site The site proposed for this wildlife underpass is the optimal location for this structure' Proposed Wildlife Undemass Desi.= and Sitm The Nature Conservancy proposes the construction of a single wildlife underpass involving both north and southbound lanes that allow 120 feet of passage width for animals and at least ten feet of vertical clearance In addition, along the fill grade there should be a senes of bottomless or back-filled culverts ranging between 18 and 60 inches diameter designed for reptiles and amphibians The type of substrate will be worked out later Appropnate fencing will be required for approximately one half mile to either side of the underpass The location of the wildlife underpass is shown on the enclosed map Croatan National Forest borders the site to the east while a large tract owned by Weyerhaeuser Co is to the west At this location a permanently protected wildlife comdor will be secured with the protection of only a single additional tract of land, that one owned by Weyerhaeuser tract The underpass at this location will direct wildlife away from populated communities immediately north and south of the site, thereby minimizing nuisance interactions between people and problem animals We acknowledge the uncertainty associated with this project centered on securing funding and with the permanent protection of the Weyerhaeuser tract The Nature Conservancy proposes to assist NC DOT by 1 Seeking matching Federal funds for construction of the underpass through the Transportation, System and Community Preservation Program 2 Secunng funding for and the permanent protection of the Weyerhaeuser tract TNC has begun discussions with Weyerhaeuser which is willing to sell interest in their 2,400-plus acre tract of land Numerous scenanos have been discussed and ultimately an agreement must meet the financial needs of the company At a minimum TNC believes it must and can secure development and limited mineral rights to the property and appropriate "safety zones" alongside the underpass where hunting would not be allowed 3 Seeking along with other partner agencies an agreement with NCDOT for the long- term monitoring and maintenance of the fencing at the location This proposal for a wildlife underpass on US Highway 17 between Pollocksville and Maysville is deemed critical to the goals of the Onslow Bight Conservation Forum to which the NC Department of Transportation is a signatory I trust this proposal will be given utmost consideration and will be incorporated in the implementation plans for this highway Res ectf lly, Kathenne D Skinner Vice-President The Nature Conservancy Cc Mr William Ross, NC DENR Mr Fred Hams, NC WRC Ms Lauren Hillman, Croatan National Forest Mr Pete Benjamin, US FWS Enclosures Preliminary Project Summary - Wildlife Use of Three Wildlife Underpasses along US Highway 64 NC Onslow Bight Conservation Forum - MOU Map - Onslow Bight Landscape Map - Croatan National Forest Map - White Oak River at Maysville Map - Wildlife underpass location site and Weyerhaeuser tract .t Mir" 1 a?f?io/?9/c•y xi _z5 /4 United States Department of the Interior FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE Raleigh Field Office Post Office Box 33726 Raleigh, North Carolina 27636-3726 October 16, 2007 Mark Pierce, PE Project Development and Environmental Analysts North Carolina Department of Transportation 1548 Mail Service Center Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-1548 Dear Mr Pierce As you are aware, the U S Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) is a participating member of the Merger 01 Process Team for the proposed improvements to US 17 in Jones and Onslow Counties (TIP No R-2514) For some time now, the Service, along with the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC), has been requesting that the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) construct an ecologically functional wildlife underpass along a section of US 17 between Maysville and Pollocksville in Jones County This letter summarizes the need and justification for the underpass The Service participates in a 13-member partnership known as the Onslow Bight Conservation Forum (OBCF) The NCDOT is also a participating member of the OBCF Mr Lyndo Tippett, Secretary of Transportation, signed the partnership's Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on behalf of the NCDOT on July 1, 2003 Goal 5 of the MOU is To promote the establishment of landscape corridors and buffers, between and adjacent to existing public and private conservation lands to enhance long-term wildlife population viability and genetic exchange and to ensure land management flexibility, respect1Lely, The Croatan National Forest (CNF) abuts the existing US 17 on the east side, while Hofinann State Forest (HSF) and other conservation lands exist to the west of US 17, though not immediately adjacent to the road The OBCF has identified the area between CNF and HSF as a potential conservation corridor in which to link the two public conservation lands Without this connection, we fear that the proposed multi-lane facility and future development will isolate the wildlife in the CNF This isolation will likely, among other things, lead to genetic homogeneity in black bears and many other wide-ranging wildlife species Genetic homogeneity due to habitat fragmentation has been documented to preclude long-term viability of many wildlife species As you know, The Nature Conservancy (TNC) has been negotiating with Weyerhaeuser to purchase an interest in an approximately 2,400 acre parcel between the CNF and HSF, which would essentially connect the two public conservation lands However, without a wildlife crossing under US 17, the connection would be effectively severed The Service believes this to be the last/best chance to fulfill the OBCF's goal 5 at this location On August 28, 2007, staff from the Service, NCWRC, TNC, NCDOT and the North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources met to discuss a preliminary design of a single wildlife underpass developed by NCDOT The design is modeled after the three successful wildlife underpasses constructed on US 64 in Washington County Preliminary monitoring data demonstrate substantial use of the US 64 crossings by several species of wildlife This design involves an elevated bridge on both the northbound and southbound lanes of the proposed US 17 The two bridges would allow 120 feet of opening at the base and a minimum of 10 feet of vertical clearance The precise location of the crossing is restricted to an approximately one-mile stretch of US 17 where the CNF abuts the road Ten-foot high chain- link fencing will need to be erected for approximately one-half mile in both directions of the crossing along both sides of the road to "funnel" wildlife through the crossing In addition, a series of small culverts would also be placed along the approach fill to allow passage of smaller animals The Service believes that in addition to providing an ecological corridor between two public conservation lands, the wildlife crossing will provide significant benefits to the traveling public There are over 500,000 documented deer-vehicle collisions a year in the US, plus an unknown number of undocumented collisions In addition, a large source of black bear mortality is attributed to vehicle collisions A black bear was recently killed on the road very near the proposed location for the wildlife passage The Service believes that the wildlife crossing with the associated fencing will greatly diminish the potential for wildlife-vehicle collisions in this area, thus reducing human fatalities and injuries The Service understands that the wildlife underpass has a significant cost However, as a member of the Merger Team for this project, the Service has previously agreed to environmental compromises which have reduced bridge lengths and bridging costs for the entire project In addition, the Service has agreed to eliminate alternatives that had fewer environmental impacts (e g wetland impacts) In a presentation to NCDOT management on July 30, 2007, the Service and NCWRC gave specific examples of compromises we made with regards to our trust resources which included cost savings that were more than enough money to pay for the wildlife underpass The Service and the NCWRC did this with the intention to focus on our most important environmental issue - the wildlife underpass which would make the ecological corridor between CNF and HSF viable Again, the Service requests that NCDOT construct the aforementioned wildlife underpass on US 17 While the OBCF MOU does not legally obligate NCDOT to any specific action, we stress that goal 5 will never be recognized at this location without the wildlife underpass We believe that the NCDOT, in concert with TNC, has a wonderful opportunity to create an ecological benefit which will enhance wildlife populations at the landscape scale, serve to minimize the wildlife habitat fragmentation effects of the transportation corridor, and to make US 17 a safer road to travel on If you have any questions regarding this letter, please contact Mr Gary Jordan at (919) 856- 4520, ext 32 Sincere y, I f t ? \ Pete B in Field Supervisor cc Chris Milrtscher, USEPA, Raleigh, NC Travis Wilson, NCWRC, Creedmoor, NC David Wainwright, NCDWQ, Raleigh, NC William Wescott, USACE, Raleigh, NC ?t ?f' •.. •v/3./off USDA United states Forest National Forests in North Carolina 141 East Fisher Avenue Department of Service Croatan National Forest New Bern, NC 28560-8468 Agriculture Croatan Ranger District 252-638-5628 File Code 1900/2600/2700 Date. October 26, 2007 Mr Mark Pierce Project Planning Engineer NC Department of Transportation 1548 Mail Service Center Raleigh, NC 27699-1548 Dear Mr Pierce, Thank you for your interest and cooperative working relationship with the USDA Forest Service, Croatan National Forest (Croatan) This letter confirms the discussion with North Carolina Department of Transportation (DOT) and collaborative State and federal agencies and non- governmental conservation organizations on August 28, 2007 Principal laws pertaining to National Forest System (NFS) lands are many The ones most pertinent to our discussion include but are not limited to the Endangered Species Act, National Environmental Policy Act and National Forest Management Act In summary, these laws and their associated regulations require that avoidance or minimization, as well as mitigation, are required for adverse impacts to rare species, natural communities and the suite of species with large home ranges, particularly black bear Alteration of Highway 17 to 4 lanes along the western boundary of the Croatan will create a discrete barrier to wildlife movements and plant and animal dispersal to the west, based upon many years of research on disturbance and fragmentation effects on wildlife and natural communities The Croatan has only two areas with linkages to the west The Haywood Landing/Long Point area and the proposed Highway 17 corridor that may abut or occur on NFS lands The Haywood Landing/Long Point area is of limited value due to increasing development on the west side of the river One centralized underpass for large mammals and smaller culverts (60" and smaller) along the fill slope to accommodate species with reduced home ranges such as small mammals and herps will minimize or in some cases avoid adverse impacts of a mayor highway The Croatan National Forest Land and Resource Management Plan (Plan) serves as the legal document directing management of the Croatan The Plan was prepared and signed under the National Forest Management Act of 1976 on December 20, 2002 The Plan incorporates the requirements of the laws noted above, as well as others A primary issue addressed in the Plan, as identified by formally cooperating agencies including the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission and the U S Fish and Wildlife Service, non-governmental agencies, and the public is biodiversity Several elements are addressed within the issue, including rare species and natural communities and the requirement for linkage ups Lo Caring for the Land and Serving People Printed on Recycled Paper Mark Pierce Page 2 of areas of suitable habitat for black bear and the associated suite of plant and animal species A minimum of one vertebrate animal and two vascular plant species are North Carolina Natural Heritage Program element occurrences within the potential project area Black bear and other wide-ranging species also actively use the area Plan responses to these issues are 1) Rare species and natural communities - " provide management direction to maintain habitat conditions for species that are now locally rare or extirpated " "Goal 2 13 a Maintain viable populations of endangered, threatened, sensitive, and locally rare species on the CNF " Forestwide Standard 4 2 0 4 - "Retain at least 1 /3 of ecologically suitable landtypes in old growth Southern Wet Pine Forests, Woodlands and Savannas (10,000 of the 30,000 acres), Cypress-Tupelo Swamp (2,300 acres of the 7,000 acres) and Upland Mesic hardwood (300 acres of the 1,000 acres) " 2) Black bear and associated species -" Minimize human disturbance and modification of black bear habitat Provide landscape linkages to potential foraging areas on public and private land through a system of hardwood cypress wetland corridors " "Goal 2 1 5 b Provide landscape linkages to other bear habitat and potential foraging areas on public and private land through the spatial arrangement of management areas with low motorized use, and a system of hardwood cypress wetland comdors Minimize human disturbance and modification of black bear habitat " Objective 2 1 5 3 Reduce disturbance from motor vehicles in the bear habitat management prescription One effective method is to reduce the miles of open road " Forestwide Standard 4 2 0 15 - "Mitigate activities or developments that would substantially alter natural movement patterns of black bear Ensure there are no net losses of black bear habitat Future acquisitions for bear habitat shall be contiguous with key bear habitat " Mitigation for the movement of wildlife, including rare species, is legally required when a discrete bamer such as a four-lane highway is introduced into or adjacent to the Croatan, based upon the legally required issue responses, goals, and forestwide standards noted above If I can be of further assistance, or if there are questions, please do not hesitate to contact me Mark Pierce Sincerely, t /s/ Lauren L Hillman LAUREN L HILLMAN District Ranger, Croatan Ranger District cc Karen Compton - Special Uses Mary Noel - Staff Officer Planning and Lands Dennis Danner - Coastal Zone Wildlife Biologist Hervey McIver The Nature Conservancy NC Chapter Gary Jordan US Fish and Wildlife Service Travis Wilson NC Wildlife Resources Commission Scott Pohlman NC Million Acre Initiative Mark Jones NC Wildlife Resources Commission Page 3 V E0 • ft Sr ' it /T?eT ?? R-25x4 NCDENR North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources Michael F Easley, Governor William G Ross Jr, Secretary November 2, 2007 Mr Mark Pierce, Project Planning Engineer NC Department of Transportation 1548 Mail Service Center Raleigh, NC 27699-1548 Re: Construction of an underpass for wildlife movement on US Highway 17 (R-2514) Dear Mr Pierce The North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources, as a member of the Onslow Bight Conservation Forum (OBCF), joins its partner members in requesting the North Carolina Department of Transportation to construct an ecologically functional wildlife underpass along the section of US Highway 17 between Maysville and Pollocksville in Jones County as part of the planned highway improvement project (TIP No R-2514) Fragmentation is degrading wildlife habitat statewide. To help reduce the impact of fragmentation in our focus area landscape, the OBCF followed a process of mapping important habitats -- especially protected habitats -- and identifying important ecological connectors between those habitats. The area between Maysville and Pollocksville is within one of the identified corridor study areas The design proposal would allow a wide diversity of animals, species both large and small, to safely cross US Highway 17 As noted in previous wildlife studies, including those undertaken as part of the US 64 wildlife underpasses, road design that accounts for wildlife movement can keep a significant number of larger animals off the road, reducing animal/vehicle collisions The proposed wildlife underpass will be a minimization and avoidance measure designed to prevent further fragmentation of the natural landscape around Croatan National Forest Without this underpass a four-lane US Highway 17 would limit ammal movement and make animal highway crossings hazardous to dnvers As a next step, the OBCF intends to approach landowners in identified corridors to discuss options for voluntary conservation of these corridors. In this particular corridor, most of the land (e g , Croatan National Forest) is already protected If the road design does not accommodate wildlife movement, the widened highway facility - with its increased traffic and higher speeds - has the potential to act as a barrier to the movement of wildlife and as well as creating a population "sink" as development outside of the protected lands funnels animals through this the newly widened road Thank you for your consideration of this proposal Please let me know if you have questions or need additional information Srr?c W /Clow - William G Ross 1601 Mad Service Center, Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-1601 NoOne rthCaroltna Phone 919-733-4984 • FAX 919-715-3060 • Internet www enr state nc us A1/1f..N/T //•/ r ?1S/-' ' ? F?(2?107 ? ?rLS r4 Project Developir _ A and Environmental Analttis Brand ® North Carolina Wildlife Resources Compi ssion November 6, 2007 RECEIVEC, Division of Hf(-hmrc NOV 13 2007 A BRA CI-I i n?1 Mr Gregory J Thorpe, NCDOT Project Development and Environmental Analysis Branch rni; 1548 Mail Service Center (MAIL) RALEIGH NC 27699-1548 Subject US 17 Wildlife Underpass, Jones County, North Carolina TIP No R-2514 If Dear Mr Thorpe, r - `"', ?•, The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (Commission) in cooperation with t 1-I e'LJ-S Fps{a-and _, __ Wildlife Service (USFWS), The Nature Conservancy (TNC), U S Forest Service (USFS), and North Carolina Natural Heritage Program (NCNHP) are requesting the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) to construct a wildlife underpass on US 17 in conjunction with the US 17 widening project between MaysN ille and Pollocksville in Jones County The Commission as well as NCDOT is a participating member of the Onslow Bight Conservation Forum (OBCF) As signatories to the MOU our agencies identified multiple goals, one of which was `to promote the establishment of landscape corridors and buffers, between and adjacent to existing public and private conservation lands to enhance long-term wildlife population viability and genetic exchange and to ensure land management flexibility, respectively" As part of this goal the OBCF has identified a corridor linking two large parcels of conservation lands, Hofmann Forest and The Croatan National Forest (CNF) CNF is located east of US 17 while Hofmann Forest and other adjacent conservation lands are located west of US 17 and currently lack a preserved connective corridor, however TNC is currently pursuing the development rights to 2,400 acres of Weyerhaeuser property that would provide a perpetual conservation corridor between these two tracts Presently, US 17 a two lane highway facility currently bisects this corridor However upgrading US 17 to a four lane highway without providing a wildlife corridor will almost certainly sever CNF from the existing conservation lands to the west Wildlife underpasses have been proven to minimize the effects of highway induced habitat fragmentation when appropriately designed The Commission is requesting the design of this structure to mirror those NCDOT placed on US 64 in Washington County The ongoing evaluation of the US 64 crossings has confirmed their effectiveness in a similar landscape and habitat Much like the US 64 underpasses our goal is to provide a crossing structure that will function for a broad range of wildlife species including large mammals such as Black bear and White-tailed deer CNF and Hofmann forest are considered core areas for Black bears, consequently it is important to reduce the potential for genetic isolation of either of these areas Furthermore, the US 64 Mailing Address. Division of Inland Fisheries • 1721 Mail Service Center • Raleigh, NC 27699-1721 Telephone: (919) 707-0220 • Fax: (919) 707-0028 Page 2 November 6, 2007 US 17 Wildlife Underpass crossings have recorded over 3,000 white-tailed deer crossings therefore demonstrating the effectiveness these structures have in reducing potential animal vehicle collisions The proposed crossing consists of an elevated bridge on both the northbound and southbound lanes of US 17 The bridge design would allow 120 feet of opening at the base and a minimum of 10 feet of vertical clearance The precise location of the crossing is restricted to an approximate one mile stretch of US 17 where the CNF abuts the road The crossing will also require the installation of chain-link fencing, ten feet in height, extending approximately one-half mile in each direction from the crossing on both sides of the road In addition, a series of small culverts would be placed along the approach fill to accommodate species with smaller home ranges, such as amphibians, reptiles and small mammals The Commission requests the cooperation of NCDOT in this matter As a signatory to the OBCF and through a continuing commitment by NCDOT to provide a safe and efficient transportation network while minimizing harm to the natural environment, this project will be another example of NCDOT working with the greater conservation community to provide an important wildlife corridor Thank you for your consideration of this matter If you have any questions please call Travis Wilson, Eastern NCDOT Coordinator, at (919) 528-9886 Sincerely, 4e.01.-00-0 Q. ' P Fred Hari is, Interim Director North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission Cc William Wescott, USACE Chris Militscher, USEPA Gary Jordan, USFWS David Wainwright, DWQ Hervey McIver, TNC Lauren Hillman, Croatan National Forest Jt ?l s P -/I0/g3 STATE OF NORTH CAROLIINA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION MICHAEL F EASLEY Go\ERNOR Ms Katherine Skinner Vice President The Nature Conservancy North Carolina Chapter 4705 University Diive, Suite 290 141 East Fisher Avenue Durham, NC 27707 Mr William Ross Secretary N C Department of Environment and Natural Resources 1601 Mail Service Center Raleigh, NC 27699 Dear Ms Skinner, Mr Benjamin, Ms Hillman, Secretary Ross, and Mr Hams RE Wildlife Underpass, Project R-2514 US 17 Widening Project from Belgrade to New Bern in Onslow & Jones Counties This is in response to the October 15, 2007 letter from The Nature Conservancy, the October 16, 2007 letter from the U S Fish and Wildlife Service, the October 26, 2007 letter from the U S Forest Service, the November 2, 2007 letter from the N C Department of Environment and Natural Resources, and the November 6, 2007 letter from the N C Wildlife Resouices Commission regarding your requests for a wildlife underpass between Maysville and the community of Chadwick on US 17 in Jones County LYNDO TIPPETT SECRETARY February 15, 2008 Mr Pete Benjarmn Field Supervisor U S Department of the Interior Fish and Wildlife Service P O Box 33726 Raleigh, NC 27636 Ms Lauren Hillman District Ranger Croatan Ranger District U S Department of Agriculture Forest Service New Bern, NC 28560 Mr Fred Harris Interim Director North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission Division of Inland Fishei ies 1721 Mail Service Centei Raleigh, NC 27699-1721 Our project team has reviewed your proposals including ecological and biological data We have also considered information that you or your representatives provided at the January 11, 2007 meeting facilitated by Mr Hervey McIver (The Nature Conservancy) and Mr Scott Pohlman (N C Department of Environment and Natural Resources - Natural Heritage Program), the July 30, 2007 meeting facilitated by Mr Gary Jordan (U S Fish and Wildlife Service), Mr Travis Wilson (N C Department of Environment and Natural Resources - Wildlife Resouices Commission), and Mr Mark Jones (N C Department of Environment and Natural Resources - Wildlife Resources Commission), and the August 28, 2007 meeting that was an open discussion with all parties involved MAILING ADDRESS NC DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION PROJECT DEVELOPMENT AND ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS BRANCH 1548 MAIL SERVICE CENTER TELEPHONE 919 733 3141 FAX 919-733 9794 WEBSITE LOCATION TRANSPORTATION BUILDING 1 SOUTH WILMINGTON STREET RALEIGH NC 27601 Ms Skinner, Mr Benjamin, Ms Hillman, Secretary Ross, and Mr Harris R-2514 Wildlife Underpass rebi uary 15, 2008 Page 2 NCDOT concuss that a wildlife underpass on US 17 in the approximate location shown on the attached aerial photograph would provide a physical connection and accommodate the natural movements of black bear and other large and medium-sized marriinals between the Hoffman Forest and the Croatan National Forest It is our understanding that you and other biologists and wildlife experts believe that this location is critical to the long-term health of the black bear population in the central Coastal Plain Your data also indicate that the underpass would decrease vehicle-arumal collisions and improve traffic safety for the public NCDOT participated in a partnership to develop the North Carolina Onslow Bight Conservation Forum Memorandum of Understanding We acknowledge that one of the goals of the MOU is "to promote the establishment of landscape corridors and buffers between and adjacent to existing public and private conservation lands to enhance long-term wildlife population viability and genetic exchange and to ensure land management flexibility, respectively " We also acknowledge that construction of a wildlife underpass at this location would contribute towaid the achievement of that goal For these reasons, NCDOT agrees to fund and construct a single wildlife underpass as part of our US 17 highway improvements pioject subject to the following design criteria and provisions Dual bridges (northbound and southbound lanes) > 100-foot underpass opening (fence-to-fence) 10-foot vertical clearance Install a series of culverts ranging from 18 to 60 inches in diameter for passage of reptiles, amphibians, and small mammals > Underpass to be fenced and to extend 1/2 mile to the north and %2 mile to the south of the underpass on both sides of US 17, Fencing will be provided at the outside limits of standard NCDOT right of way On or before February 2009, The Natui e Conservancy must provide NCDOT with a copy of an executed agreement demonstrating that The Nature Conservancy has control (development and mining rights, etc ) via an easement on the Weyerhaeuser Tract and the "conservation lands" for protection in perpetuity for wildlife passage across those properties, thereby connecting the Hoffman Forest to the "conservation lands" to the proposed US 17 wildlife underpass to the Croatan National Forest If the agreement is not executed by that date, NCDOT will not provide the funding or construct the underpass as part of the US 17 improvements This date corresponds to our design schedule and will ensure the project can proceed on schedule NCDOT requests that The Nature Conservancy allow NCDOT to review the contract/agreement before it is signed The current location of the wildlife underpass is based upon preliminary plans After receipt of final surveys, NCDOT will coordinate with The Nature Conservancy to determine the exact location of the underpass and the corresponding easement across the Weyerhaeuser Tract and the "conservation lands " NCDOT will maintain the bridges, roadway, and fill slopes as it does all facilities within the state highway system NCDOT will maintain fencing within NCDOT right of way Ms Skinner, Mr Benjamin, Ms Hdlman, Secretary Ross, and Mr Harris R-2514 Wildlife Underpass r February 15, 2008 Page 3 Except foi fencing, The Nature Conservancy and their partners will maintain related components of the wildlife underpass on public and private pioperties, and the vegetation within the wildlife paths and approaches, beneath the bridges, and on the fencing The Nature Conservancy and their partners will enter into a Memorandum of Agreement with NCDOT to allow third-party access to and maintenance of vegetation within the public right of way NCDOT is providing funding for and construction of the wildlife underpass at the request of The Nature Conservancy, the U S Fish and Wildlife Service, the U S Forest Service, the N C Department of Environment and Natural Resources, and the N C Wildlife Resources Commission We all agree that this work would be an avoidance and minimization measure to prevent further fragmentation of the natural landscape of the Croatan National Forest Theiefore, we request that the partnering agencies acknowledge our cooperation and agree to consider NCDOT's contiibution of this wildlife underpass as a beneficial avoidance and minimization measure for this US 17 pioject and also for the Havelock Bypass Project (TIP Project No R-1015) We appreciate your time and consideration in the preparation of your proposals and presentations for this wildlife underpass, and look forward to continuing our cooperation on these projects Should you have comments or questions regarding our response or wish to further discuss this issue, please contact me at (919) 733-3141 Sincerely, Ph Proj eVt Dyelopment & En,. ironmental Analysis Branch GJT/mp cc w/ attachments Lyndo Tippett, Secretary of Transportation Marvin Blount, Member, Board of Transportation Cameron McRae, Member, Board of Transportation Deborah Barbour, P E , Director of Preconstruction bcc w/ attachments Ms Karen Compton (USDA -Forest Service) Ms Skinner, Mr Benjamin, Ms Hillman, Secretary Ross, and Mr Harris R-2514 Wildlife Underpass February 15, 2008 Page 4 bcc w/ attachments Ms Karen Compton (USDA - Forest Service) Mr Dennis Danner (USDA - Forest Service) Ms Renee Gledhill-Earley (NCDCR - Historic Preservation Office) Mr Robert Hanson, P E (NCDOT - Project Development) Mr Phil Hams (NCDOT - Natural Environment) Mr Mark Jones (NCDENR - Wildlife Resources Commission) Mr Gary Jordan (USDOI - Fish and Wildlife Service) Mr Neil Lassiter, P E (Division Engineer, Division 2) Mr Hervey McIver (The Nature Conservancy) Mr Chris Militscher (U S Environmental Protection Agency) Ms Trish Murphey (NCDENR - Division of Marine Fisheries) Ms Mary Noel (USDA - Forest Service) Mr Mark Pierce, P E (NCDOT - Project Development) Mr Scott Pohlman (NCDENR - Natural Heritage Program) Mr Ron Sechler (NOAA - Marine Fisheries Service) Mr Steve Sollod (INTCDENR - Division of Coastal Management) Mr Jim Speer, P E (NCDOT - Roadway Design) Mr Wes Stafford, P E, AICP (Wilbur Smith Associates) Mr Daniel Van Liere (Down East Rural Planning Organization) Mr David Wainwright (NCDENR - Division of Water Quality) Mr William Wescott, P W S (U S Army Corps of Engineers) Mr Travis Wilson (NCDENR - Wildlife Resources Commission) Mr Brian Yamamoto, P E (NCDOT -Project Development)