Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout20180393 Ver 1_Habitat Assessment_20180319CAROLINA WETLAND SERVICES, INC. 550 E. Westinghouse Blvd. Charlotte, NC 28273 704-527-1177 (office) 704-527-1133 (fax) March 1, 2018 Joe Scarborough Seefried Industrial Properties, Inc. 3333 Riverwood Parkway, Suite 200 Atlanta, Georgia 30339 Subject:Protected Species Habitat Assessment Report Project Quattro/CLT Land Charlotte, North Carolina CWS Project No. 2017-0565 Dear Mr. Scarborough, Seefried Industrial Properties, Inc. has contracted Carolina Wetland Services, Inc. (CWS) to provide a protected species habitat assessment for the Project Quattro/CLT Land site. The Project Quattro/CLT Land site (Mecklenburg County Tax Parcel Numbers are available on request) is approximately 158 acres in extent and is located north of the Charlotte Douglas International Airport along Tuckaseegee Road to the southeast of the I-485 and I-85 intersection in unincorporated Mecklenburg County (Figure 1). Methods In-office Desktop Review To determine which protected species are listed as occurring or potentially occurring within the project vicinity and prior to conducting the on-site field investigation, CWS consulted the United States Fish and Wildlife Service’s (USFWS) Endangered and Threatened Species and Species of Concern by County for North Carolina online database for Mecklenburg County . In addition, 1 CWS performed a data review using the North Carolina Natural Heritage Program (NCNHP) Data Explorer on January 3, 2018 to determine if any record occurrences of federally-listed, 2 candidate endangered, threatened species, or critical habitat are located within the project limits. Typical habitat requirements for listed species was discerned from multiple USFWS and 3 NCNHP online resources including, but not limited to, specific USFWS species profiles, 4 recovery plans, NCNHP’s Guide to Federally Listed Endangered and Threatened Species of North Carolina, and List of the Rare Plant Species of North Carolina. United States Department of Agriculture - Natural Resources Conservation Service (USDA-NRCS) Web Soil Survey of 1 United States Fish and Wildlife Service, Raleigh Field Office. Accessed March 9, 2018. Endangered and Threatened Species and Species of Concern by County for North Carolina. https://www.fws.gov/raleigh/species/cntylist/mecklenburg.html 2 North Carolina Natural Heritage Data Explorer. Accessed January 3, 2018. https://ncnhde.natureserve.org/. 3 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 2006. Optimal Survey Windows for North Carolina’s Federally Threatened and Endangered Plant Species. http://www.fws.gov/nces/es/plant_survey.html. Accessed March 9 ,2018. 4 Buchanan, M.F. and J.T. Finnegan. 2010. Natural Heritage Program List of the Rare Plant Species of North Carolina. NC Natural Heritage Program, Raleigh, NC. Accessed from https://www.fws.gov/raleigh/species/cntylist/nc_counties.html NORTH CAROLINA - SOUTH CAROLINA WWW.CWS-INC.NET Page 1 of 8 Project Quattro/CLT Land March 9, 2018 Protected Species Assessment Report CWS Project No. 2017-0565 Mecklenburg County and aerial imagery were also reviewed for potential habitat communities 5 of listed species within the project vicinity (Figures 2 and 3). Field Survey CWS scientists Daniel Roberts, Project Scientist, and Megan Shelton, Staff Scientist I, conducted a pedestrian habitat assessment of the project area on January 2, and March 9, 2018. Potential habitat for potentially occurring federally-protected species that was identified during the desktop review was assessed in the field for the quality of physical and/or biological features essential to the conservation of the applicable species. Additionally, during the pedestrian habitat assessment, areas were reviewed for applicable federally protected species; however, formal surveys were not conducted. Identification references for natural communities include The National Land Cover Database (2011). 6 Results Based on the NCNHP data explorer review, there are no current records of federally-protected species within the project limits or within a mile of the project limits (Attachment A). The USFWS lists seven federally protected species for Mecklenburg County (Table 1). An official species list has not been obtained from the USFWS Asheville Field Office. Table 1. Unofficial List of Federally-Protected Species Potentially Occurring within the Project Quattro/CLT Land Site, Mecklenburg County, NC. Major Group Scientific Name Common Name Federal Status* Record Status Plant Helianthus schweinitzii Schweinitz's sunflower E Current Plant Echinacea laevigata Smooth coneflower E Current Plant Rhus michauxii Michaux’s sumac E Current Animal Lasmigona decorata Carolina heelsplitter E Current Animal Bombus affinis Rusty-patched bumble bee E Historic Animal Myotis septentrionalis Northern-long-eared bat T Current Animal Haliaeetus leucocephalus Bald eagle BGPA Current * E - Endangered, T - Threatened, BGPA - Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act Six terrestrial community types were identified within the project area during the field survey. These community types consist of mixed forest, deciduous forest, herbaceous land, pasture, low intensity developed areas, and actively maintained road side right-of-ways (Figure 3). Of the identified on-site community types, herbaceous land, pasture, and actively maintained road side right-of-ways are considered potential habitat for federally threatened or endangered species 5 United States Department of Agriculture, 2017. Web Soil Survey of Mecklenburg County, North Carolina. Accessed 3/9/18. Source: https://websoilsurvey.nrcs.usda.gov/app/HomePage.htm 6 MLRC. National Land Cover Database, 2011. https://www.mrlc.gov/nlcd11_leg.php Page 2 of 8 Project Quattro/CLT Land March 9, 2018 Protected Species Assessment Report CWS Project No. 2017-0565 that could potentially occur within the project limits. A brief description of each species habitat requirements and determination of effect findings are listed below by species. Schweinitz’s sunflower ( Helianthus schweinitzii ) Habitat Description: Schweinitz’s sunflower is a perennial herb with yellow rays and yellow centers. They can reach heights of five feet. Populations are limited to the piedmont of North and South Carolina. It has been listed as an Endangered species under the ESA since 1991. The typical habitat for this plant includes roadsides, old pastures, transmission line 7 right-of-ways, open areas, either natural or human-maintained habitats, or edges of upland woods. Major characteristics of soils associated with suitable Schweinitz’s sunflower habitat include thin soils, soils on upland interstream flats or gentle slopes, soils that are clay like in both composition and texture (and often with substantial rock fragments), soils that have a high shrinkage swell capacity, and those which vary over the course of the year from very wet to very dry. Biological Analysis: Potential on site habitat for this species is limited to herbaceous land and actively maintained road side right-of-ways along Todd Road and pasture and low intensity developed areas found off of Tuckaseegee Road (Figure 3, Photographs 1 and 2, attached). The desktop review and field survey assessment determined that these areas have the proper soils, slopes, and occasional disturbances to potentially support Schweinitz’s sunflower. While no individuals of Schweinitz’s sunflower or other Helianthus species were observed during the field assessment on January 2, and March 9, 2018, this survey was conducted outside the optimal survey window of late August to October. However, plant remnants identifiable to genera can often be seen after flowering (personal observation). Although no known population records of the species occurs within one mile of the project area in the NHP database, potential habitat is present, which leads CWS to conclude that the project might affect the Schweinitz’s sunflower and a targeted species survey may be required to make a conclusive biological determination. Smooth coneflower ( Echinacea laevigata ) Habitat Description: Smooth coneflower is a tall, perennial herbaceous plant found in areas with abundant sunlight where competition in the herbaceous layer is minimal. It has been federally listed as Endangered under the ESA since 1992. Typical habitat for this plant includes 8 meadows, open woodlands, the ecotonal regions between meadows and woodlands, cedar barrens, dry limestone bluffs, clear cuts, and roadside and utility rights-of-way. In North Carolina, the species normally grows in magnesium- and calcium- rich soils associated with gabbro and diabase parent material, and typically occurs in Iredell, Misenheimer, and Picture soil series. It grows best where there is abundant sunlight, little competition in the herbaceous layer, and periodic disturbances (e.g., regular fire regime, 7 United States Fish and Wildlife Services. 1991. Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Helianthus schweinitzii (Schweinitz’s sunflower) Determined to be Endangered. http://ecos.fws.gov/docs/federal_register/fr1852.pdf. 8 United States Fish and Wildlife Services. 1992. Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Echinacea laevigata (Smooth Coneflower) Determined to be Endangered. http://ecos.fws.gov/docs/federal_register/fr2140.pdf. Page 3 of 8 Project Quattro/CLT Land March 9, 2018 Protected Species Assessment Report CWS Project No. 2017-0565 well-timed mowing, careful clearing) that prevents encroachment of shade-producing woody shrubs and trees. On sites where woody succession is held in check, it is characterized by a number of species with prairie affinities. Biological Analysis: A NCNHP data record review revealed that there are no current occurrences for this species within the project limits, or within a one-mile radius of the project (Attachment A). Though disturbed open areas conducive to early succession species are present in the project area, these areas consist of saprolite and residuum weathered soils, absent of magnesium and calcium and are therefore not suitable for smooth coneflower (Photograph 3 attached). Due to the lack of habitat and known occurrences, CWS 9 concludes that this project will not affect smooth coneflower. Michaux’s sumac ( Rhus michauxii ) Habitat Description: Michaux’s sumac is a rhizomatous shrub. It is densely hairy with compound leaves exhibiting evenly-serrated leaflets. Flowers are small, greenish to white, in terminal clusters. Fruits are red drupes produced from August to October. It has been listed as an Endangered species under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) since 1989. It is 10 found on the coastal plains of Virginia to Florida, with most populations occurring in North Carolina. It prefers sandy or rocky open woods with basic soils, as well as, highway right-of-ways, roadsides, or edges of artificially-maintained clearings. Biological Analysis: A NCNHP data record review revealed that there are no current occurrences for this species within the project limits, or within a one-mile radius of the project (Attachment A). Though disturbed open areas conducive to early succession species are present in the project area, these areas consist of acidic Enon and Wilkes soils that are not suitable for Michaux’s sumac (Figure 2). Additionally the Raleigh Ecological Services Field Office states in its Michaux’s sumac profile page that the species is considered historic in Mecklenburg County . Due to the lack of habitat and known occurrences, CWS 11 concludes that this project will not affect Michaux’s sumac. Carolina heelsplitter ( Lasmigona decorata ) Habitat Description: The Carolina heelsplitter was historically known from several locations within the Catawba and Pee Dee River systems in North Carolina and the Pee Dee and Savannah River systems, and possibly the Saluda River system in South Carolina. In North Carolina, the species is now known only from a handful of streams in the Pee Dee and Catawba River systems. The species exists in very low abundances, usually within 6 feet of shorelines, throughout its known range. The general habitat requirements for the Carolina heelsplitter are shaded areas in large rivers to small streams, often burrowed 9 United States Department of Agriculture, 2017. Web Soil Survey of Mecklenburg County, North Carolina. Accessed 12/28/17. Source: https://websoilsurvey.nrcs.usda.gov/app/HomePage.htm 10 United States Fish and Wildlife Services. 1989. Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants;Determination of Endangered Status for Rhus michauxii (Michaux’s sumac). http://ecos.fws.gov/docs/federal_register/fr1601.pdf. 11 Suiter, Dale. Fish and Wildlife Biologist. Raleigh Ecological Services Field, USFWS. Michaux’s Sumac Species Profile page. Last updated August 24, 2017. Accessed January 3, 2018 https://www.fws.gov/raleigh/species/es_michauxs_sumac.html Page 4 of 8 Project Quattro/CLT Land March 9, 2018 Protected Species Assessment Report CWS Project No. 2017-0565 into clay banks between the root systems of trees, or in runs along steep banks with moderate current. Recently, the Carolina heelsplitter has been found is in sections of streams containing bedrock with perpendicular crevices filled with sand and gravel, and with wide riparian buffers. 12 Biological Analysis: A pedestrian foot survey conducted on January 2, and March 9, 2018 revealed that three of the four on-site streams originate on-site and are connected to downstream waters via a pipe, which does not provide a suitable connection to downstream waters that Carolina heelsplitter could utilize during its matting phase (Photograph 4 and 5) . Ticer Branch is highly incised with kudzu as the main vegetation along the banks. The lack of bank stabilization due to poor vegetation has resulted in highly unstable banks and stream bottoms, and instability throughout the stream has caused high amounts of sediment to flow into the stream, resulting in high turbidity, which is not conducive habitat for the Carolina heelsplitter (Photograph 6). Due to the breaks in biological connectivity to downstream waters, highly turbid waters, and a lack of well shaded in stream microhabitats CWS concludes that this project will not affect the Carolina heelsplitter. Rusty Patched Bumble Bee (Bombus affinis) The Rusty patched bumble bee was listed as Endangered under the ESA in January 2017. 13 Rusty patched bumble bees once occupied grasslands and tallgrass prairies of the Upper Midwest and Northeast, but most grasslands and prairies have been lost, degraded, or fragmented by conversion to other uses. According to USFWS guidance, “the rusty patched bumble bee is likely to be present in scattered locations that cover only about 0.1% of the species’ historical range. It is within these limited areas USFWS recommend that federal agencies and others consider the need to consult with the Service on the potential effects of their actions or the potential need for an incidental take permit under section 10(a)(1)(B). For the remaining 99.9% of the historical range, USFWS advise agencies and others that this bumble bee is not likely to be present and that consultations or incidental take coverage is not necessary.” According to USFWS’ Rusty Patched Bumble Bee Interactive Map, Mecklenburg 14 County is not within the 0.1% historical range as no high potential zones or low potential zones are present within Mecklenburg County. Therefore, the proposed project will not affect the rusty-patched bumble bee. Northern long-eared bat ( Myotis septentrionalis ) The northern long-eared bat (NLEB) is one of the species of bats most impacted by the white-nose syndrome disease. Summer habitat (roosting habitat) of the NLEB includes forests and woodlots containing live trees and/or dead snags greater than three inches diameter at breast height with cavities or crevices. Winter habitat (hibernacula) of the NLEB includes caves, 12 NCDOT TE Animal Habitat Descriptions. 2015. https://connect.ncdot.gov/resources/Environmental/Compliance%20Guides%20and%20Procedures/TE%20Animal%20Habitat% 20Descriptions%20Mar_6_2015.pdf 13 United States Fish and Wildlife Services. https://www.fws.gov/midwest/endangered/insects/rpbb/index.html 14 United States Fish and Wildlife Services. https://www.fws.gov/midwest/endangered/insects/rpbb/index.html Page 5 of 8 Project Quattro/CLT Land March 9, 2018 Protected Species Assessment Report CWS Project No. 2017-0565 mines, rocky areas, or structures that mimic similar conditions such as culverts greater than 48-inch in diameter. The NLEB was listed as Threatened (T) on April 2, 2015. 15 A Standard Local Operating Procedure for Endangered Species Act Compliance (SLOPES) was established for NLEB between the USFWS Asheville and Raleigh Ecological Offices and the United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Wilmington District, on January 31, 2017. 16 This SLOPES defines how the USACE will make determinations of effect to the NLEB on projects in which the USACE is the lead federal agency. Alternative Local Procedure 2 (ALP 2) applies for the Project Quattro/CLT Land site as the action area is within range of the NLEB, 17 the action area is located outside of a red 12-digit HUC as defined by the Asheville Ecological Services Field Office, and consultation by the USACE is required on other listed species or 18 critical habitat. The final 4(d) rule exempts incidental take of NLEB associated with activities that occur greater than 0.25 miles from a known hibernaculum site and greater than 150 feet from a known, occupied maternity roost from June 1-July 31. In accordance with ALP 2 and the final 4(d) rule (effective as of February 16, 2016), any incidental take that may result from associated activities is exempt under the 4(d) rule. Therefore, this project is exempt under the 4(d) rule. Bald eagle ( Haliaeetus leucocephalus ) The Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act, enacted in 1940, prohibits anyone, without a 19 permit issued, from "taking" bald eagles, including their parts, nests, or eggs. Habitat for the bald eagle includes cliffs and forested areas typically within 1.0 mile of estuaries, large lakes, reservoirs, rivers, seacoast, and as they become more abundant, stands of undisturbed forest. A desktop-GIS assessment of the project study area, as well as the area within a 1 mile radius of the project limits, was performed on December 28, 2017 using 2016 color aerials. No water bodies large enough or sufficiently open to be considered potential feeding sources were identified. Since there was no foraging habitat within the review area, a survey of the project study area and the area within the project limits was not conducted. Additionally, a review of the NCNHP database on January 03, 2018 revealed no known occurrences of this species within 1.0 mile of the project study area. Due to the lack of habitat, known occurrences, and minimal impact anticipated for this project, CWS concludes that this project will not affect this species. Summary Based on the literature search and the results of the on-site assessment for suitable habitat of federally-protected endangered, threatened, and candidate species, suitable habitat was not observed within the project limits for the smooth coneflower, Michaux’s sumac, bald eagle, and Carolina heelsplitter. Suitable habitat was observed for Schweinitz’s sunflower. Additionally, the project area is not located within the 0.1% historical range of the rusty-patched bumble bee. 15 United States Fish and Wildlife Service. 2016. 4(d) Rule for the Northern Long-Eared Bat; Final rule. https://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2016-01-14/pdf/2016-00617.pdf 16 USACE http://saw-reg.usace.army.mil/NLEB/1-30-17-signed_NLEB-SLOPES&apps.pdf 17 The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) 2016. https://www.fws.gov/midwest/endangered/mammals/nleb/pdf/WNSZone.pdf 18 The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) 2016. Northern Long-Eared Bat. 19 https://www.fws.gov/midwest/MidwestBird/eaglepermits/bagepa.html Page 6 of 8 Project Quattro/CLT Land March 9, 2018 Protected Species Assessment Report CWS Project No. 2017-0565 CWS has concluded that activities within the project area will not directly or indirectly jeopardize the continued existence of smooth coneflower, Michaux’s sumac, bald eagle, rusty-patched bumble bee, and Carolina heelsplitter. However, Schweinitz’s sunflower might be affected. Additionally, based on the project area location, no tree removal activities will occur within a 150-foot radius of a known, occupied NLEB maternity roost from June 1-July 31 and no trees will be removed within 0.25 miles of a known hibernaculum at any time of year. Therefore, any incidental take on NLEB that may result from associated activities is exempt under the 4(d) rule and notifications will follow the SLOPES agreement . Biological determinations requirements 20 for federally protected species are summarized in Table 2 (below). Table 2. Biological Determination Requirements Summary Table for Federally Protected Species Scientific Name Common Name Federal Status* Effect on Listed Species Biological Determination Required Helianthus schweinitzii Schweinitz's sunflower E Might Affect Yes Echinacea laevigata Smooth coneflower E Will Not Affect No Rhus michauxii Michaux’s sumac E Will Not Affect No Lasmigona decorata Carolina heelsplitter E Will Not Affect No Bombus affinis Rusty-patched bumble bee E Will Not Affect No Myotis septentrionalis Northern-long-eared bat T Exempt/Excepted Yes** Haliaeetus leucocephalus Bald eagle BGPA Will Not Affect No * E - Endangered, T - Threatened, BGPA - Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act ** - Required in accoradnce with SLOPES, ALP 2 agreement. 20 http://www.fws.gov/asheville/htmls/project_review/NLEB_in_WNC.html Page 7 of 8 Project Quattro/CLT Land March 9, 2018 Protected Species Assessment Report CWS Project No. 2017-0565 A biological assessment was not conducted for this project. All biological determinations of effect represent the best professional opinion of CWS and are not official determinations of effect. It is the responsibility of the lead federal agency to render an official determination of effect. Should the lead federal agency agree with CWS’s initial findings of no effect, then no USFWS consultation is required to comply with Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act. Should the lead federal agency’s determination of effect differ from the findings of CWS, formal or informal consultation with USFWS may be required. Thank you for the opportunity to provide these services on this important project. Please do not hesitate to contact Daniel Roberts at 704-527-1177 ex. 707 or daniel@cws-inc.net should you have any questions or comments regarding this report. Sincerely, Daniel Roberts Christine A. Geist, PWS, CE Project Scientist Principal Scientist Attachments:Figure 1: USGS Site Location Figure 2: USDA-NRCS Soil Map of Mecklenburg County Figure 3: Aerial Imagery Attachment A: NCNHP Data Review Report Attachment B: Representative Photographs (1-6) Page 8 of 8 FIGURE NO.SCALE: CWS PROJECT NO: COORDINATES: DATE: DRAWN BY: CHECKED BY: SCALE: CWS PROJECT NO: COORDINATES: USGS Site Location 1of3 I 2,000 0 2,0001,000 Feet CAG 2017-0565 JDR Legend Proje ct L imits (1 58 ac.) QuatroMecklenburg CountyCharlotte, NC Wilkinson Boulevard 3/8/20181 in ch = 2,000 feet G:\My Drive\2017 Consulting\2017 Projects\2017-0565 ProjectQuattro\PETS\ArcGIS\Figure 1_USGS.mxd REFERENCE: USGS 7.5 MINUTE TOPOGRAPHIC QUADRANGLE(S): MOUNTAIN ISLAND LAKE, NC AND CHARLOTTE WEST, NC (2017). 35.24 3977, -80.964377 Tuckaseegee Road FIGURE NO.SCALE: CWS PROJECT NO: COORDINATES: DATE: DRAWN BY: CHECKED BY: SCALE: CWS PROJECT NO: COORDINATES: S I-85 Hy N I-85 Hy Wilkinson BvN I-485 Inner HyS I-485 Outer HyT uckaseegee R dI-485 RaStarnes RdTodd Rd Exit 10 I-85 RaWesterwood DrSears RdExit 10a I-85 N Ra Exit 10b South Gastonia Ra Exi t 30b North Huntersvi l l e RaJo ye l a n d C r Kerrybrook Cr Exit 9 Wilkinson Bv RaSouth Outer Columbia RaExit 30 I-485 Ra S I-85 Ra Exit 30a South Pineville RaPerimeter West DrWesterwood Village DrPlacid Lake DrExi t 10a I -85 N RaI-485 RaI-485 RaI - 4 8 5 Ra Exit 9 Wilkinson Bv RaMO EnB CeB2 CeD2 MO WkE WkB PaF EnB CeD2 MeB Ur WkF CeB2 WkB WkE CeB2 CeB2 PaE HeB CeB2 CuB PaE MkB PaE MkB HeB WkF PaF CeD2 UL PaF EnB CeB2 PaF WkD WkB PaF Ur PaE WkF WkD WkE CeD2 EnD W WkE CeD2 WkF WkD PaE PaF PaF MeD EnD WkE CeB2 W MeB WkF WkB MeD WkD CeB2 PaE CeD2 WkD MO WkB PaE EnBPaF WkE PaE EnD PaE CeB2 CuB MeD CeD2 WkD WkD CeD2 CeD2 CeB2CeB2 CeB2 CeD2 CeB2 WkE WkB WkB PaF EnB PaE CeD2 CuB CeD2 CeD2 PaE WuD CeD2 CeD2 W EnD W W CeB2 CeB2 CeD2 WkB WkD CeB2 CeB2 CeD2 W W CeB2 CeB2 EnB MO CeD2 WkD WkD USDA-NRCS Soil Surveyof Mecklenburg County 2of3 I 1,000 0 1,000500 Feet CAG 2017-0565 JDR Legend Proje ct L imits (1 58 ac.) QuatroMecklenburg CountyCharlotte, NC 3/8/20181 in ch = 1,000 feet G:\My Drive\2017 Consulting\2017 Projects\2017-0565 ProjectQuattro\PETS\ArcGIS\Figure 2_Current Soils.mxd REFERENCE: USDA-NRCS SOIL SURVEY OF MECKLENBURG COUNTY, NC, DATED 2016. 35.24 3977, -80.964377 Hydric Coverage (%)CeB2 Cecil sandy clay loam, 2 to 8 percent slopes, moderately eroded No 29.2CeD2Cecil sandy clay loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes, moderately eroded No 9.6EnBEnon sandy loam, 2 to 8 percent slopes No 11.5EnDEnon sandy loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes No 7.1WkBWilkes loam, 4 to 8 percent slopes No 10.7WkDWilkes loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes No 13.5WkEWilkes loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes No 9.1WkFWilkes loam, 25 to 45 percent slopes No 9.2100% Soil Unit Name and Description Total Coverage: FIGURE NO.SCALE: CWS PROJECT NO: COORDINATES: DATE: DRAWN BY: CHECKED BY: SCALE: CWS PROJECT NO: COORDINATES: S I-85 Hy N I-85 Hy Wilkinson BvN I-485 Inner HyS I-485 Outer HyI-485 RaT uckaseegee R dTodd Rd Exit 10 I-85 RaO l d D o w d R dSears RdStarnes RdExit 10a I-85 N RaWesterwood DrExit 9 Wilkinson Bv RaE xit 3 0 b N o rth H u nte rs ville R a Exit 10b South Gastonia RaMarshall DrJoyeland CrKerrybrook Cr South Outer Columbia RaExit 30a South Pineville RaF i e l d r i d g e R d Exit 30 I-485 Ra Placid Lake DrWesterwood Village Dr Exit 9 Wilkinson BvExit 10a I-85 N R aI-485 RaI -485 RaAerial Map 3of3 I 1,000 0 1,000500 Feet CAG 2017-0565 JDR Legend Proje ct L imits (1 58 ac.) Roads Tax Pa rcels QuatroMecklenburg CountyCharlotte, NC 3/9/20181 in ch = 1,000 feet G:\My Drive\2017 Consulting\2017 Projects\2017-0565 ProjectQuattro\PETS\ArcGIS\Figure 3_AerialMap.mxd REFERENCE: BACKGROUND AERIAL IMAGERY PROVIDED BY ESRI, ACCESSED 2017. BACKGROUND GIS LAYER(S) PROVIDED BY MECKLENBURG COUNTY GIS DEPARTMENT, DATED 2017. 35.24 3977, -80.964377 NCNHDE-5547 March 9, 2018 Daniel Roberts Carolina Wetland Services 550 E. Westinghouse Blvd Charlotte, NC 28273 RE: Project Quattro/CLT Land; 2017-0565 Dear Daniel Roberts: The North Carolina Natural Heritage Program (NCNHP) appreciates the opportunity to provide information about natural heritage resources for the project referenced above. A query of the NCNHP database, based on the project area mapped with your request, indicates that there are no records for rare species, important natural communities, natural areas, or conservation/managed areas within the proposed project boundary. Please note that although there may be no documentation of natural heritage elements within the project boundary, it does not imply or confirm their absence; the area may not have been surveyed. The results of this query should not be substituted for field surveys where suitable habitat exists. In the event that rare species are found within the project area, please contact the NCNHP so that we may update our records. The attached ‘Potential Occurrences’ table summarizes rare species and natural communities that have been documented within a one-mile radius of the property boundary. The proximity of these records suggests that these natural heritage elements may potentially be present in the project area if suitable habitat exists and is included for reference. Tables of natural areas and conservation/managed area within a one-mile radius of the project area, if any, are also included in this report. Please note that natural heritage element data are maintained for the purposes of conservation planning, project review, and scientific research, and are not intended for use as the primary criteria for regulatory decisions. Information provided by the NCNHP database may not be published without prior written notification to the NCNHP, and the NCNHP must be credited as an information source in these publications. Maps of NCNHP data may not be redistributed without permission. The NC Natural Heritage Program may follow this letter with additional correspondence if a Dedicated Nature Preserve (DNP), Registered Heritage Area (RHA), Clean Water Management Trust Fund (CWMTF) easement, or Federally-listed species are documented near the project area. If you have questions regarding the information provided in this letter or need additional assistance, please contact Rodney A. Butler at rodney.butler@ncdcr.gov or 919.707.8603. Sincerely, NC Natural Heritage Program Natural Heritage Element Occurrences, Natural Areas, and Managed Areas Within a One-mile Radius of the Project Area Project Quattro/CLT Land Project No. 2017-0565 March 9, 2018 NCNHDE-5547 Element Occurrences Documented Within a One-mile Radius of the Project Area Taxonomic Group EO ID Scientific Name Common Name Last Observation Date Element Occurrence Rank Accuracy Federal Status State Status Global Rank State Rank Freshwater Bivalve 450 Lasmigona decorata Carolina Heelsplitter 1918-Pre X 3-Medium Endangered Endangered G1 S1 Vascular Plant 13743 Delphinium exaltatum Tall Larkspur 1800s Hi?5-Very Low ---Endangered G3 S2 No Natural Areas are Documented Within a One-mile Radius of the Project Area Managed Areas Documented Within a One-mile Radius of the Project Area Managed Area Name Owner Owner Type Mecklenburg County Open Space Mecklenburg County Local Government Definitions and an explanation of status designations and codes can be found at https://ncnhde.natureserve.org/content/help. Data query generated on March 9, 2018; source: NCNHP, Q1 January 2018. Please resubmit your information request if more than one year elapses before project initiation as new information is continually added to the NCNHP database. Page 2 of 3 Powered by TCPDF (www.tcpdf.org) Page 3 of 3 Quattro Site January 18, and March 9, 2018 Attachment B: Photopage CWS Project No. 2017-0565 Photograph 1. View of suitable Schweinitz's sunflower habitat with improper soils for smooth coneflower and Michaux’s sumac. Photograph 2. View of suitable Schweinitz's sunflower habitat with improper soils for smooth coneflower and Michaux’s sumac. Photopage 1 of 3 Quattro Site January 18, and March 9, 2018 Attachment B: Photopage CWS Project No. 2017-0565 Photograph 3. View of unsuitable habitat for smooth coneflower with improper soils for Schweinitz’s sunflower and Michaux’s sumac. Photograph 4. View of unsuitable Carolina heelsplitter habitat. Photopage 2 of 3 Quattro Site January 18, and March 9, 2018 Attachment B: Photopage CWS Project No. 2017-0565 Photograph 5. View of break in biological connectivity of Carolina heelsplitter habitat. Photograph 6. View of sedimentation, turbidity, and kudzu covered incised banks in Ticer Branch, unsuitable for Carolina Heelsplitter habitat. Photopage 3 of 3