20181598_Att. 51 - FWS RCW concurrence letter_20160222

United States Depar�mcnt of the Interior
I=1S1-I AND WILDI.IFC SERVICE
Raleig6 Ficld Of'fice
Post Otiice Box 33726
Raleigh, North Carolin� 2763G-3726
Novetnber 19, 2013
Richard W. Hancocic, P.E.
North Carolina Department of Transportation
Project Development and Enviranmental Analysis
1598 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, North Carolina 27G99-1598
Dear Mr. t-lancock:
This letter is in response to your Ietter of November 12, 2013 and accompanying Biological
Assessment {dated November 8, 2413), whicli provided the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service {Service)
with the biological conclusion of the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) that the
proposed US 70 Havelock Bypass in Craven County (TIP No. R-IOi5) may affect, bui is not likely to
adversely affect the federally endangered red-cockaded woodpecker (Picoides barealis, RCW). All
other federally listed species will be addressed by NCDOT in a separate letter. The following
comments are provided in accordance with Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act {ESA) oF 1973,
as amended (16 U.S.C. 1531-1543).
We have reviewed the Biological Assessment and found it to adequately address the potential effects
to the RCW. Based on information provided in the BiologicaI Assessment and on other information
obtained over several y�ars of coordination, the Service concurs with yaur conclusion tlzat the
propos�d project may affect, but is noE Iikely to adversely affect the red-cockaded woodpecker. It is
important to note that this concurrence is also based, in pAri, on NCDOT's agreernent to allow
periodic ctosures oi'the Bypass in order for Croatan National Forest stafi'to conduct
�rescribed hurns as manAgement for the RCW. Withaut this agreement, the U.S. Forest Service
wouId be unabte to conduct the necessary prescribed burns in the vicinity of the Bypass, thus causing
an indirect adverse ef�ect on the RCW. �
We believe that the requirements af Section 7(a)(2) of the ESA have been satisfied for this species,
We remind you that obligatinns under Sectian 7 consultatian must be recansidered if {1) new
information reveals impacts of this identified action tliat may af%ct listed species or critical habitat in
a manner not previously considered in this revievrr (2) this action is svbseq�ently modified in a
�nanner that was not considered in this review; or (3) a new species is listed or critical habitat
determined that may be affected by this identified action.
The Service appreciates the opport�nity to review this project. If you have any qaestions regarding
our response, please contact Mr. Gary Jordan at (919) 856-4S2U (Ext. 32).
Sincerely,
.�
� Pete Benjamin
Field Supervisor

Electronic copy: Tom Steffens, USACE, Washington, NC
Ron Lucas, FHWA, Raleigh, NC
Travis Wilson, NCWRC, Creedmoor, NC
Rachelle Beauregard, NCDOT, Raleigh, NC
John Hammond, USFWS, Raleigh, NC
Witl McDearman, USFWS, Jacksan, MS
Rachelle Powell, USFS, New Bern, NC �
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