20180243 Ver 1_TE_memo_20180220

, •;
Transportation
April 17, 2017
MEMO TO:
FROM:
SUBJECT:
ROY COOPER
Governor
MICHAEL L. HOLDER
Acting Secretary
Trish Beam, Division 12 Environmental Supervisor
Jeffrey Wyatt, Division 12 Environmental Specialist
Threatened/Endangered Species Survey for Bridge Replacement Project, SR 1662
(Will Dixon Road), over Maple Creek (Bridge #192), Cleveland Counry
As of July 24, 2015, the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) list two federally
protected species for Cleveland 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
ii�formatioil or froi�n the refereilced literature and/or USFWS.
Table 1. Federally protected species listed for Cleveland County.
Scientific Name Common Name Federal Habitat Biological
Status Present Conclusion
Hexcrstylis n�an�ifXo�a Dwarf-flowered heartleaf T No No Effect
Myotis septentrionalis Northern long-eared bat T Yes MA;NLAA
T— Threateued; MA;NLAA- May Affect; Not likely to Adversely Affect
Dwarf-flowered heartleaf (Hexastylis naniflorc�)
USFWS Optimal Survey Window: March-May
Habitat Description: Dwarf-flowered heartleaf (DFH) is endemic to the western Piedinont and
foothills of North and South Carolina. This herbaceous evergreen is found in inoist 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 sudz 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,
aild residential/commercial developed lailds; 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
�Nothing Compares�_
State of North Carolina � Department of9�runsportation I Division of Highways— Division 12
1710 East Marion Street I P.O. Box 47 I Shelby, NC 28151-0047
704 480 9020 1'

An April 17, 2017 survey of the NCNHP database indicated there is one occurrence of the DHF
within a one-mile radius of the project site. An on-site investigation on April 17, 2017 indicated
there is no suitable habitat for the DFH and no species were observed. This project will have no
effect on the dwarf-flowered heartleaf.
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 April 17, 2017, bridge #192 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 12.2
miles north of the proposed project area. The closest listed underground mine, per NHP database is
the S J Green Mine, 3.9 miles southwest of the project. There are currently no known
hibernaculum or maternity roost trees in Division 12 counties for NLEB; therefore, the minor tree
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.�ov/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 17, 2017 using 2015 color
aerials. There is no water body large enough and sufficiently open to be considered a potential
feeding source. Additionally, no large trees suitable for nesting occur in the vicinity of the project
area. A review of the NCNHP database on April 17, 2017 revealed no known occurrences of this
species within 1.13 miles of the project study area. A survey of the study area on April 17, 2017
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.