20171582 Ver 1_NRTR_Memo_20171212

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
ROY COOPER
GOVERNOR
April 19, 2017
I►: . u �u �7�
TO: Trish Beam, Division 12 Environmental Supervisor
FROM: Jeffrey Wyatt, Division 12 Environmental Specialist
JAMES H. TROGDON, III
SECRETARY
SUBJECT: Threatened/Endangered Species Survey for Bridge Replacement Project, SR 1819
(Alexis High Shoals Road), over Hoyle Creek (Bridge #172), Gaston County
As of July 24, 2015, the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) list five federally
protected species for Gaston Counry (Table 1). A brief description of each species' habitat
requirements follows, along with the Biological Conclusion rendered based on survey results in the
study area. Habitat requirements for each species are based on the current best available
information or from the referenced literature and/or USFWS.
Table 1. Federally protected species listed for Gaston County.
Scientific Name Common Name Federal Habitat Biological
Status Present Conclusion
Hc�liaeetus le��coceplaal�us Bald eagle BGPA No Not Required
Glyptemys muhlenbe�gii Bog turtle T(S/A) No Not Required
Hexczstylis naniflora Dwarf-flowered heartleaf T No No Effect
Helic�n�thus schweiy��itzii Scl�weinitz's sunflower E No No Effect
Myotis septentrionalis Northern long-eared bat T Yes MA;NLAA
BGPA — Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act; E— Endangered; T— Threatened; T(S/A) - Threatened
due to similarity of appearance; MA;NLAA- May Affect; Not likely to Adversely Affect
Bog turtle (Glyptemys muh�lenbergii)
USFWS optimal survey window: April 1— October 1(visual surveys); April 1-June 15 (optimal
for breeding/nesting); May 1-June 30 (trapping surveys)
Mailing Address: Telephone: [phone] Locatiorr:
NC D1=PARTM�NT OF TRANSPORTATION Fu.r: [phone] U 10 L-. MARiON STRI:ET
DNTSTON 12 Courier: 06-.i3-03 SH�LBY, NC 28152
PO TiOX 47
SHF.LBY,NC 28151-0047 Wehsite: www.ncdot.gov

Habitat Description: Bog turtle habitat consists of open, groundwater supplied (spring fed),
graminoid dominated wetlands along riparian corridors or on seepage slopes. These habitats are
designated as mountain bogs by the NCNHP, but they are technically poor, moderate, or rich fens
that may be associated with wet pastures and old drainage ditches that have saturated muddy
substrates with open canopies. These habitats, found between 700 and 4,500 feet above mean sea
level in the western Piedmont and mountain counties of North Carolina, often support sphagnum
moss and may contain carnivorous plants. Soil types (poorly drained silt loams) from which bog
turtle habitats have been found include Arkaqua, Chewacla, Dellwood, Codorus complex, Hatboro,
Nikwasi, Potomac — Iotla complex, Reddies, Rosman, Tate — Cullowhee complex, Toxaway,
Tuckasegee — Cullasaja complex, Tusquitee, Watauga, and Wehadkee.
Biological Conclusion: Not Required
Species listed as threatened due to similarity of appearance do not require Section 7 consultation
with the USFWS. However, this project is not expected to affect the bog turtle because no suitable
habitat is present within the study area. An April 19, 2017 survey of the NCNHP database
indicated there are no occurrences of the bog turtle within a one-mile radius of the project site; the
nearest reported current occurrence is approximately 4.6 miles to the south.
Dwarf-flowered heartleaf (Hexastylis naniflora)
USFWS Optimal Survey Window: March-May
Habitat Description: Dwarf-flowered heartleaf (DFH) is endemic to the western Piedmont and
foothills of North and South Carolina. This herbaceous evergreen is found in moist to rather dry
forests along bluffs; boggy areas next to streams and creek heads; and adjacent hillsides, slopes,
and ravines. Requiring acidic, sandy loam soils, the species is found in soil series such as Pacolet,
Madison, and Musella, among others. Occurrences are generally found on a north facing slope.
Undisturbed natural communities such as Piedmont/Coastal Plain Heath Bluff, Dry-Mesic Oak
Hickory Forest, and Mesic Mixed Hardwood Forest hold the most viable occurrences. However,
less viable remnant occurrences are found in disturbed habitats, including logged, grazed, mown,
and residentiaUcommercial developed lands; areas converted to pasture, orchards, and tree
plantations; roadside rights-of-way; and on upland slopes surrounding manmade ponds or lakes.
Biological Conclusion: No Effect
An April 19, 2017 survey of the NCNHP database indicated there are no occurrences of the DHF
within a one-mile radius of the project site; the nearest reported current occurrence is
approximately 2.3 miles to the north. An on-site investigation on April 7, 2017 indicated there is
no suitable habitat for the DFH. This project will have no effect on the dwarf-flowered heartleaf.
Schweinitz's sunflower (Helianthus schweinitzii)
USFWS Optimal Survey Window: late August-October
Mailing Address:
NC DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
DIVISION 12
PO BOX 47
SHELBY, NC 28151-0047
Telephone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Courier: 06-53-03
Website: www.ncdot.gov
Location:
1710 E. MARION STREET
SHELBY, NC 28152

Habitat Description: Schweinitz's sunflower, endemic to the Piedmont of North and South
Carolina. The few sites where this rhizomatous perennial herb occurs in relatively natural
vegetation are found in Xeric Hardpan Forests. The species is also found along roadside rights-of-
way, maintained power lines and other utility rights-of-way, edges of thickets and old pastures,
clearings and edges of upland oak-pine-hickory woods and Piedmont longleaf pine forests, and
other sunny or semi-sunny habitats where disturbances (e.g., mowing, clearing, grazing, blow
downs, storms, frequent fire) help create open or partially open areas for sunlight.
It is intolerant of full shade and excessive competition from other vegetation. Schweinitz's
sunflower occurs in a variety of soil series, including Badin, Cecil, Cid, Enon, Gaston, Georgeville,
Iredell, Mecklenburg, Misenheimer, Secrest, Tatum, Uwharrie, and Zion, among others. It is
generally found growing on shallow sandy soils with high gravel content; shallow, poor, clayey
hardpans; or shallow rocky soils, especially those derived from mafic rocks.
Biological Conclusion: No Effect
An April 19, 2017 survey of the NCNHP database indicated there are no occurrences of the
Schweinitz's sunflower within a one-mile radius of the project site; the nearest reported current
occurrence is approximately 7.9 miles to the southeast. An on-site investigation on October 26,
2016 indicated no suitable habitat for the Schweinitz's sunflower. This project will have no effect
on the Schweinitz's sunflower.
Northern Long-Eared Bat (Myotis septentrionalis)
USFWS Recommended Survey Window: June 1— August 15
Habitat Description: In North Carolina, the Northern long-eared bat (NLEB) occurs in the
mountains, with scattered records in the Piedmont and coastal plain. In western North Carolina,
NLEB spend winter hibernating in caves and mines. Since this species is not known to be a long-
distance migrant, and caves and subterranean mines are extremely rare in eastern North Carolina,
it is uncertain whether or where NLEB hibernate in eastern North Carolina. During the summer,
NLEB roost singly or in colonies underneath bark, in cavities, or in crevices of both live and dead
trees (typically >3 inches dbh). Males and non-reproductive females may also roost in cooler
places, like caves and mines. This bat also been found, rarely, roosting in structures like barns and
sheds, under eaves of buildings, behind window shutters, in bridges, and in bat houses. Foraging
occurs on forested hillsides and ridges, and occasionally over forest clearings, over water, and
along tree-lined corridors. Mature forests may be an important habitat type for foraging.
Biological Conclusion: May Affect; Not likely to Adversely Affect
During field investigations on October 26, 2016, bridge #172 was assessed for suitable bat habitat.
The bridge was found to provide suitable habitat, however no bat evidence was observed (See
attached Bat Habitat Assessment Form). No suitable roosting trees were observed adjacent to the
project area and have the potential to be impacted by the proposed project. The Natural Heritage
Program records document the nearest Northern Long-Eared Bat location approximately 27 miles
northwest of the proposed project area. The closest listed underground mine, per NHP database
is the J. E. Gates Property, 3.8 miles northwest of the project. There are currently no known
hibernaculum or maternity roost trees in Division 12 counties for NLEB; therefore, the minor tree
Mailing Address:
NC DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
DIVISION 12
PO BOX 47
SHELBY, NC 28151-0047
Telephone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Courier: 06-53-03
Website: www.ncdot.gov
Location:
1710 E. MARION STREET
SHELBY, NC 28152

clearing associated with this DOT project would be exempted from incidental take under the 4(d)
Rule streamlined consultation form. Per guidance from USFWS personnel, concurrence is granted
by citing the following website and a 30 day response period is waved.
http://www.fws.gov/asheville/htmis/project_review/NLEB_in WNC.html
BALD AND GOLDEN EAGLE PROTECTION ACT
Bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus)
Optimal Survey Window: Year round; November — March (optimal times to observe birds in
nests); February — May (optimal to observe active nesting)
Habitat Description: Habitat for the bald eagle primarily consists of mature forest in proximity to
large bodies of open water for foraging. Large dominant trees are utilized for nesting sites,
typically within 1.0 mile of open water.
A desktop-GIS assessment of the project study area, as well as the area within a 1.13-mile radius
(1.0 mile plus 660 feet) of the project limits, was performed on April 19, 2017 using 2015 color
aerials. Two large (1+ acre) ponds sit to the northeast of the project. These water bodies are large
enough and sufficiently open to be considered a potential feeding source. However, no large trees
suitable for nesting occur in the vicinity of the project area. A review of the NCNHP database on
April 19, 2017 revealed no known occurrences of this species within 1.13 miles of the project study
area. A survey of the study area on October 26, 2016 did not reveal any bald eagle nests within
660 feet of the study area. Due to the lack of nearby known occurrences and lack of observed
nests, and the minimal impact anticipated for this project, it has been determined that this project
will not affect this species.
Mailing Address:
NC DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
DIVISION 12
PO BOX 47
SHELBY, NC 28151-0047
Telephone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Courier: 06-53-03
Website: www.ncdot.gov
Location:
1710 E. MARION STREET
SHELBY, NC 28152