20180482 Ver 1_TE_mem_20180405

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
ROY COOPER
GOVERNOR
February 28, 2018
MEMO TO: Trish Beam, Division 12 Environmental Supervisor
FROM: Jeff Wyatt, Division 12 Environmental Specialist
JAMES H. TROGDON, III
SECRETARY
SUBJECT: Threatened/Endangered S�ecies Survey for stream stabilization project, I-77 north
bound lane, Iredell County
Endangered Species Act Protected Species
As of April 28, 2017 the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) list three federally
protected species for Iredell 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 Iredell County.
Scientific Name Common Name Federal Habitat Biological
Status Present Conclusion
Gly�te�nys mzrh�len�be�gii Bog turtle T(S/A) No Not Required
Hexastylis n�an�ifXo�a Dwarf-flowered heartleaf T No No Effect
Myotis septentrionalis Northern long-eared bat T Yes MA-NLAA
T — Threatened
T(S/A) - Threatened due to similarity of appearance
MA-NLAA — May Affect — Not Likely to Adversely Affect
Bog turtle
USFWS optimal survey window: April 1— October 1(visual surveys); April 1-June 15 (optimal
for breeding/nestiilg); May 1-June 30 (trappiilg surveys)
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 February 28, 2018 survey of the NCNHP database
indicated there are no occurrences of the bog turtle within a one-mile radius of the project site; the
Mailrng 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

nearest reported current occurrence is approximately 1.2 miles to the southeast. An on-site
investigation on February 12, 2017 indicated there is no suitable habitat for the bog turtle. This
project will have no effect on the bog turtle.
Dwarf-flowered heartleaf
USFWS Optimal Survey Window: March-May
Biological Conclusion: No Effect
A February 28, 2018 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
approxiir�ately 12.2 miles to the west. Ai� on-site investigatioil oi1 February 12, 2017 indicated
there is no suitable habitat for the DFH. This project will have no effect on the dwarf-flowered
heartleaf.
Northern Long-Eared Bat
USFWS Recommended Survey Window: June 1— August 15
Biological Conclusion: May Affect Not Likely to Adversely Affect
During field investigations on February 12, 2017 the area was assessed for suitable bat habitat.
The area being forested was found to provide suitable habitat. Natural Heritage Program records
document the nearest Northern Long-Eared Bat location approximately 25.7 miles east of the
proposed project area. The closest listed underground mine, per NHP database is the Powell
Mine, 11.8 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 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 b anted by
citing the following website and a 30 day response period is waved.
http://www.fws.gov/asheville/htmis/�roject_review/NLEB_in WNC.html
Bald Eagle and Golden Eagle P�^otection Act
The bald eagle is protected under the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act, and enforced by the
USFWS. Habitat for the bald eagle primarily consists of inature forests in proxiir�ity 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 March 27, 2018 using 2017 color
aerials. Lalce Norman is within this radius, and constitutes a suitable feeding source for the bald
eagle. Because of the proximity of suitable habitat to the study area, a survey for bald eagle nests
within the study area and 660 feet fi-oin the study area boundary was perforir�ed on February 12,
2018. No bald eagle nests were observed during approximately 3 survey hours. Additionally, a
review of NCNHP records dated January 2018 revealed no known occurrences of this species
n�ra;�;,rg ,�ddress:
NC DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
DNTSTON 12
PO BOX 47
SHELi3Y, NC 2R I 51-0047
Telephnne: [phone]
Fax- [phone]
Coeu ier: 06-53-03
WeG.rite: www.ncdot.gov
Locntio��:
1710 r. MARION STRrET
SHT LBY, NC 2R 152

within 1.13 miles of the study area. Due to the lack of known occurrences and the lack of observed
nests, it has been determined that this �roject will not affect this s�ecies.
n�ra;�;,rg ,�ddress:
NC DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
DNTSTON 12
PO BOX 47
SHELi3Y, NC 2R I 51-0047
Telephnne: [phone]
Fax- [phone]
Coeu ier: 06-53-03
WeG.rite: www.ncdot.gov
Locntio��:
1710 r. MARION STRrET
SHT LBY, NC 2R 152