20040549_Environmental Assessment_20090312

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NCDENR
North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources
Division of Water Quality
Beverly Eaves Perdue colleen H. Sullins Dee Freeman
Governor Director Secretary
April 20, 2009
MEMORANDUM
To: Melba McGee, Environmental Coordinator, Office of Legislative and•Intergovernmental
Affairs
From: Brian Wrenn, Division of Water Quality, Transportation Permitting Unit
Subject: Comments on the Environmental Assessment related to proposed Improvements to SR
1407 (Mill Creek Road) from existing SR 1408 to Existing SR 1400 in McDowell
County, State Clearinghouse Project No. 09-0257.
This office has reviewed the referenced document dated March 2009. The NC Division of Water Quality
(NCDWQ) is responsible for the issuance of the Section 401 Water Quality Certification for activities that
impact Waters of the U.S., including wetlands. It is our understanding that the project as presented will
result in impacts to jurisdictional wetlands, streams, and other surface waters. NCDWQ offers the
following comments based on review of the aforementioned document:
Project Specific Comments:
Mill Creek and Long Branch are class C; Tr :HQW waters of the State. This is one of the highest
classifications for water quality. NCDWQ is very concerned about sedimentation to these waters as
a result of the proposed action. Given the potential for impacts to these resources during the project
implementation, NCDWQ requests that the permittee strictly adhere to North Carolina regulations
entitled "Design Standards in Sensitive Watersheds" (15A NCAC 04B .0124) throughout design and
construction of the project.
Pursuant to 15A NCAC 2H .1006 and 15A NCAC 2B .0224, the permittee will be required to obtain
a State Stormwater Permit prior to construction except in North Carolina's twenty coastal counties.
In addition, all disturbances within trout buffers shall be conducted in accordance with NC Division
of Land Resources and NC Wildlife Resources Commission requirements.
2. The streams to be impacted by the proposed action should be detailed for each alternative.
Furthermore, an estimate of the impacts in linear feet should be provided for each stream crossing.
Mapping should be included showing the approximate locations of the impact sites.
Section 1.6 Issues, discusses the issues that are considered important in the environmental
assessment processes based on public involvement. One important issue that is not discussed in the
EA is the geology of the project area. Many areas in the western section of NC contain geological
formations known as acid-forming rock. When these formations are exposed to moisture and air
through land disturbing activities, the runoff from these areas can have very low pHs and can be
Transportation Permitting Unit
1650 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-1650
Location: 2321 Crabtree Blvd., Raleigh, North Carolina 27604
Phone: [phone] FAX: [phone]
Internet: http:llh2o.enr.state.nc.us/nmetlands/
NorthCarohna
Naturally
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very detrimental to aquatic habitats. A determination should be made regarding the presence of 1
acid-forming rock using the attached guidance titled, "Assessing and Controlling Acid Rock
Drainage on Projects Requiring Section 401 Water Quality Certification." .
General Comments:
4. If mitigation is necessary as required by 15A NCAC 2H .0506(h), it is preferable to present a
conceptual (if not finalized) mitigation plan with the environmental documentation. Appropriate
mitigation plans will be required prior to issuance of a 401 Water Quality Certification.
Environmental assessment alternatives shall consider design criteria that reduce the impacts to
streams and wetlands from storm water runoff. These alternatives shall include road designs that
allow for treatment of the storm water runoff through best management practices as detailed in the
most recent version of NCDWQ's Stormwater Best Management Practices, such as grassed swales,
buffer areas, preformed scour holes, retention basins, etc.
6. After the selection of the preferred alternative and prior to an issuance of the 401 Water Quality
Certification, the permittee is respectfully reminded that they will need to demonstrate the
avoidance and minimization of impacts to wetlands (and streams) to the maximum extent practical.
In accordance with the Environmental Management Commission's Rules { 15A NCAC
2H.0506(h)}, mitigation will be required for impacts of greater than 1 acre to wetlands. In the event
that mitigation is required, the mitigation plan should be designed to replace appropriate lost
functions and values. The NC Ecosystem Enhancement Program may be available for use as
wetland mitigation.
7. In accordance with the Environmental Management Commission's Rules ( 15A NCAC
2H.0506(h)), mitigation will be required for impacts of greater than 150 linear feet to any single
perennial stream. In the event that mitigation is required, the mitigation plan shall be designed to
replace appropriate lost functions and values. The NC Ecosystem Enhancement Program may be
available for use as stream mitigation.
8. Future documentation, including the 401 Water Quality Certification Application, should continue
to include an itemized listing of the proposed wetland and stream impacts with corresponding
mapping.
9. NCDWQ is very concerned with sediment and erosion impacts that could result from this project.
The permittee shall address these concerns by describing the potential impacts that may occur to the
aquatic environments and any mitigating factors that would reduce the impacts.
10. An analysis of cumulative and secondary impacts anticipated as a result of this project is required.
The type and detail of analysis shall conform to the NC Division of Water Quality Policy on the
assessment of secondary and cumulative impacts dated April 10, 2004.
11. The permittee is respectfully reminded that all impacts, including but not limited to, bridging, fill,
excavation and clearing, and rip rap to jurisdictional wetlands, streams, and riparian buffers need to
be included in the final impact calculations. These impacts, in addition to any construction impacts,
temporary or otherwise, also need to be included as part of the 401 Water Quality Certification
Application.
12. Where streams must be crossed, NCDWQ prefers bridges be used in lieu of culverts. However, we
realize that economic considerations often require the use of culverts. Please be advised that
culverts shall be countersunk to allow unimpeded passage by fish and other aquatic organisms.
Moreover, in areas where high quality wetlands or streams are impacted, a bridge may prove
preferable. When applicable, the permittee should not install the bridge bents in the creek, to the
maximum extent practicable.
13. Whenever possible, NCDWQ prefers spanning structures. Spanning structures usually do not
require work within the stream or grubbing of the streambanks and do not require stream channel
realignment. The horizontal and vertical clearances provided by bridges shall allow for human and
wildlife passage beneath the structure. Fish passage and navigation by canoeists and boaters shall
not be blocked. Bridge supports (bents) shall not be placed in the stream when possible.
14. Bridge deck drains shall not discharge directly into the stream. Stormwater shall be directed across
the bridge and pre-treated through site-appropriate means (grassed swales, pre-formed scour holes,
vegetated buffers, etc.) before entering the stream. Please refer to the most current version of
NCDWQ's Stormwater Best Management Practices.
15. Sediment and erosion control measures shall not be placed in wetlands or streams.
16. Borrow/waste areas shall avoid wetlands to the maximum extent practical. Impacts to wetlands in
borrow/waste areas will need to be presented in the 401 Water Quality Certification and could
precipitate compensatory mitigation.
17. The 401 Water Quality Certification application will need to specifically address the proposed
methods for stormwater management. More specifically, stormwater shall not be permitted to
discharge directly into streams or surface waters.
18. Based on the information presented in the document, the magnitude of impacts to wetlands and
streams may require an individual permit application to the Corps of Engineers and corresponding
401 Water Quality Certification. Please be advised that a 401 Water Quality Certification requires
satisfactory protection of water quality to ensure that water quality standards are met and no wetland
or stream uses are lost. Final permit authorization will require the submittal of a formal application
by the perrittee and written concurrence from NCDWQ. Please be aware that any approval will be
contingent on appropriate avoidance and minimization of wetland and stream impacts to the
maximum extent practical, the development of an acceptable stormwater management plan, and the
inclusion of appropriate mitigation plans where appropriate.
19. If concrete is used during construction, a dry work area shall be maintained to prevent direct contact
between curing concrete and stream water. Water that inadvertently contacts uncured concrete shall
not be discharged to surface waters due to the potential for elevated pH and possible aquatic life and
fish kills.
20. If temporary access roads or detours are constructed, the site shall be graded to its preconstruction
contours and elevations. Disturbed areas shall be seeded or mulched to stabilize the soil and
appropriate native woody species shall be planted. When using temporary structures the area shall
be cleared but not grubbed. Clearing the area with chain saws, mowers, bush-hogs, or other
mechanized equipment and leaving the stumps and root mat intact allows the area to re-vegetate
naturally and minimizes soil disturbance.
21. Placement of culverts and other structures in waters, streams, and wetlands shall be placed below
the elevation of the streambed by one foot for all culverts with a diameter greater than 48 inches,
and 20 percent of the culvert diameter for culverts having a diameter less than 48 inches, to allow
low flow passage of water and aquatic life. Design and placement of culverts and other structures
including temporary erosion control measures shall not be conducted in a manner that may result in
dis-equilibrium of wetlands or streambeds or banks, adjacent to or upstream and down stream of the
above structures. The applicant is required to provide evidence that the equilibrium is being
maintained if requested in writing by NCDWQ. If this condition is unable to be met due to bedrock
or other limiting features encountered during construction, please contact the NCDWQ for guidance
on how to proceed and to determine whether or not a permit modification will be required.
22. If multiple pipes or barrels are required, they shall be designed to mimic natural stream cross section
as closely as possible including pipes or barrels at flood plain elevation, floodplain benches, and/or
sills may be required where appropriate. Widening the stream channel shall be avoided. Stream
channel widening at the inlet or outlet end of structures typically decreases water velocity causing
sediment deposition that requires increased maintenance and disrupts aquatic life passage.
23. If foundation test borings are necessary; it shall be noted in the document. Geotechnical work is
approved under General 401 Certification Number 3687/Nationwide Permit No. 6 for Survey
Activities.
24. Sediment and erosion control measures sufficient to protect water resources must be implemented
and maintained in accordance with the most recent version of North Carolina Sediment and Erosion
Control Planning and Design Manual and the most recent version of NCS000250. .
25. All work in or adjacent to stream waters shall be conducted in a dry work area. Approved BMP
measures from the most current version of NCDOT Construction and Maintenance Activities
manual such as sandbags, rock berms, cofferdams and other diversion structures shall be used to
prevent excavation in flowing water.
26. While the use of National Wetland Inventory (NWI) maps, NC Coastal Region Evaluation of
Wetland Significance (NC-CREWS) maps and soil survey maps are useful tools, their inherent
inaccuracies require that qualified personnel perform onsite wetland delineations prior to permit
approval.
27. Heavy equipment shall be operated from the bank rather than in stream channels in order to
minimize sedimentation and reduce the likelihood of introducing other pollutants into streams. This
equipment should be inspected daily and maintained to prevent contamination of surface waters
from leaking fuels, lubricants, hydraulic fluids, or other toxic materials.
28. Riprap shall not be placed in the active thalweg channel or placed in the streambed in a manner that
precludes aquatic life passage. Bioengineering boulders or structures shall be properly designed,
sized and installed.
29. Riparian vegetation (native trees and shrubs) shall be preserved to the maximum extent possible.
Riparian vegetation must be reestablished within the construction limits of the project by the end of
the growing season following completion of construction.
NCDWQ appreciates the opportunity to provide comments on your project. Shall you have any questions
or require any additional information, please contact Brian Wrenn at 919-733-5715.
cc: Dave Baker, US Army Corps of Engineers, Asheville Field Office
Clarence Coleman, Federal Highway Administration
Chris Militscher, Environmental Protection Agency (electronic copy only)
Marla Chambers, NC Wildlife Resources Commission
Mike Parker, NCDWQ Asheville Regional Office
File Copy
Of WA T(9oG Michael F. Easley, Governor
O?
0 William G. Ross Jr., Secretary
r North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources
C I
O < Coleen H. Sullins, Director
Division of Water Quality
Dec 14, 2007
MEMORANDUM
To: Interested Parties
From: Paul Rawls, -
Subject: Assessing and Controlling Acid Rock Drainage on Projects Requiring Section 401 Water
Quality Certification
Background
Many of the rock formations that occur in the mountains of western North Carolina contain iron sulfide
minerals such as pyrite, pyrrhotite, and chalcopyrite. Surface excavation can expose significant areas of
sulfide-rich rocks to weathering. This weathering of freshly exposed iron sulfide minerals produces an
acidic runoff which can have a pH as low as 2.5. Migration of acid runoff to surface water or leaching
of acid runoff to groundwater can seriously degrade water quality by significantly lowering the pH. In
addition, the acidic runoff produced by the oxidation and hydrolysis of the iron sulfide minerals can act
to dissolve these heavy metal sulfides as well as other heavy metal carbonates and oxides that may also
be present. Consequently, water quality can be degraded by low pH and by the presence of heavy
metals (Cu, Pb, Zn), impairing or destroying aquatic habitat and making the water unsuitable for human
or animal consumption.
Western North Carolina is experiencing unprecedented growth, particularly in the mountains of the
southwest. Large-scale residential and commercial developments are becoming common in this region,
with many exceeding 500 acres. Such large projects involve considerable grading and excavation to
shape and contour the land surface for roads, building sites, driveways, and parking lots. As a result,
there is considerable risk to surface and ground water from acid rock drainage generated as a result of
the excavation and exposure of rock containing relatively high concentrations of iron sulfide minerals.
Policy
This policy shall apply in the following counties of western North Carolina:
Alleghany Cherokee Macon Sorry
Ashe Clay Madison Swain
Avery Graham McDowell Transylvania
Buncombe Haywood Mitchell Watauga
Burke Henderson Polk Wilkes
Caldwell Jackson Rutherford Yancey
After reviewing an application for 401 Water Quality Certification, either Individual or General, the
North Carolina Division of Water Quality (NC DWQ) may at its discretion require the applicant to
determine if the proposed impacts to jurisdictional waters will occur in a location within close proximity
to any known sulfide mine, prospect, or occurrence or in a location underlain by any of the following ca,o ?a
geologic formations: ?1'alutn!!y
North Carolina Division of Water Quality 1617 Mail Service Center Raleigh, NC 27699-1617 Phone [phone] Customer Service
Internet: www.ncwateraualitv.org Location: 512 N. Salisbury St. Raleigh, NC 27604 Fax [phone].623-6748
An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer- 50% Recydedl10% Post Consumer Paper
,r
Name
Anakeesta Formation
Geologic Man Unit
Ashe Metamorphic Suite/Tallulah Falls Formation
Alligator Back Metamorphic Suite
Boyd Gap Formation
Slate of the Copper Hill Formation
Farner Formation
Great Smoky Slate
Great Smoky Undivided
Horse Branch Member of the Ammons Formation
Mineral Bluff Formation
Nantahala Formation
Wehutty Schist
Lower Member
Middle Member
Upper Member
Za
Zat, Zatw, Zatm, Zats, Zatb, Zata
Zab, Zaba, Zabs
Zbg
Zchs
Zf
Zgss
Zgsu
Zamh
Zmb
Znt 1
Zwe
Zwel
Zwe3
Zwe5
All of these formations are known by the North Carolina Geological Survey to pose a high risk of
generating acid runoff because of the abundance of iron sulfides in the rock.
An applicant may make the required determination by conducting a site investigation utilizing a licensed
geologist or licensed geotechnical engineer, or by consulting current geologic maps, at a scale of
1:24000 or larger, prepared by the United States Geological Survey (USGS) or the North Carolina
Geological Survey (NCGS), or by consulting other appropriate publications and maps which the NC
DWQ determines to be acceptable. To assist in this determination, the NCGS provides access to
published geologic maps, open file geologic maps, reports, and peer-reviewed theses and dissertations.
The applicant must provide documented evidence to the Division of Water Quality to support the
finding of either the presence or absence of any of the listed formations on the impact site or the
presence or absence of any sulfide mine, prospect, or occurrence in close proximity to the impact site.
If the applicant determines that no acid rock formations or sulfide mines, prospects, or occurrences are
present on the project site, then no further action is required. If the applicant determines that acid rock is
present on the project site, then the applicant shall take the following steps:
1) A reasonable effort must be made to avoid areas underlain by acid rock. The applicant shall review
the project development plan and where possible alter road alignments and building sites in order to
avoid excavation or blasting of acid rock. If the applicant can demonstrate that the site will be
developed without excavation or blasting of acid rock, then no further action is required.
2) If avoidance is not practical or economically feasible, then the applicant shall take reasonable
measures to minimize the excavation or blasting of acid rock by altering the site development plan as
necessary. If the applicant can demonstrate that less than 50 cubic yards of fresh acid rock
material will be removed by excavation or blasting on the entire project, then no further action is
required. However, no amount of fresh acid rock shall be placed in contact with surface waters or
groundwater.
3) If it is necessary to remove 50 cubic yards or more of fresh, un-weathered acid rock from the project
site, then rock samples must be collected from each excavation or blasting location. Samples may be
collected from outcrops, exposed surfaces, geotechnical drilling, or drilling for blasting. Outcrop
samples should be palm sized. Depending on the type of drill rig, drilling samples should consist of a
2-inch length of rock core or 6 to 8 ounces of rock dust. The specific location of each sample shall be
recorded. If taken from outcrops or exposed surfaces, samples shall be representative of the aerial
extent of the outcrops or exposed surfaces.
4) Samples shall be tested for Acid Potential and Neutralization Potential and the results reported as Net
Neutralization Potential (Neutralization Potential minus Acid Potential). All samples must be
analyzed by a testing laboratory appropriately certified by a nationally recognized certifying
organization. Areas of acid rock with sample values of Net Neutralization Potential (NNP) between 0
and -10 do not require treatment. If the cumulative total of excavated and/or blasted acid rock for an
entire project is less than 1,000 cubic yards and all samples have NNP values between 0 and -10,
then no treatment is necessary and no further action is required. However, acid rock material shall
not be placed in any surface waters or wetlands nor be allowed to come into contact with
groundwater. Any acid rock material meeting these conditions to be used on-site as fill must be
placed on dry, stable ground.
5) If the cumulative total of excavated or blasted acid rock is greater than 1,000 cubic yards, or if all
sample values of NNP are between -10 and -20 for volumes greater than 50 cubic yards, then the
acid rock must be placed in a designated waste area located in a dry, stable upland area of the project.
This waste area must be designed to ensure that no flowing surface water or any ground water comes
in contact with the acid rock. In addition, any runoff from a fresh cut surface in acid rock must be
neutralized. Staff from an appropriate Division of Water Quality regional office shall be contacted to
determine an appropriate waste area.
6) Where more than 50 cubic yards of acid rock are excavated or blasted, and samples have values of
NNP greater than -20, the rock shall be placed in a designated waste area as described above. It shall
also be treated by mixing with crushed limestone aggregate having a calcium carbonate (CaC03)
equivalent of 90%. For each 1,000 tons of acid rock, the amount of limestone aggregate required
equals 1 ton multiplied by the absolute value of the NNP. Example: Sample NNP = -25; volume of
acid rock to be treated = 1,000 tons; amount of limestone aggregate required = Iton x 25 = 25 tons.
The acid rock shall be treated by placing four inches of crushed limestone at the base of the acid rock
and then adding a four-inch layer of crushed limestone to every three-foot lift of acid rock. Staff
from the appropriate Division of Water Quality regional office shall be contacted to determine an
appropriate waste area.
For additional information regarding this matter, please contact a 401 Section representative in your
local Regional Office of the Division of Water Quality.
Asheville Regional Office - 828-296-4500 Fayetteville Regional Office - 910-433-3300
Mooresville Regional Office - 704-663-1699 Raleigh Regional Office - 919-5714700
Washington Regional Office - 252-946-6481 Wilmington Regional Office - 910-796-7215
Winston-Salem Regional Office - 336-7714600
USDA United States (aD?, orest?AR Tiationaij?"Rrests in North Carolina 160 ZILI:ICOA ST STE A
Department of Service 4iQerviseir' js Office ASHEVILLE NC 25801-1082
Agriculture RECF i;r 528-257-4200
? i.t-'4rE Q.1?
1 File Code: 2730-2
Date: March 12, 2009
Dear Interested Members of the Public and Forest Users:
Enclosed is a copy of the Environmental Assessment (EA) for Mill Creek Road, SR 1407, a
North Carolina Department of Transportation proposed project on the Grandfather Ranger
District. The project area is located in Compartment 198 in McDowell County. The project
begins at the intersection of secondary road (SR) 1408 and SR 1407 and travels in a southerly
direction until it intersects with SR 1400. Three alternatives were evaluated and analyzed in
detail in the EA. A decision will be made that selects one of these alternatives or a modification
of one. While Alternative B has been identified as the Preferred Alternative, a final decision has
not yet been made. I am seeking your input on this EA before I reach a decision.
In accordance with 36 CFR 215.6(a)(3), individuals and organizations wishing to be eligible to
appeal must provide the following information: your name and address, the title of the project,
specific substantive comments on the proposed action with supporting reasons that the
Responsible Official should consider in reaching a decision, and your signature or other means
of identification verification. For organizations, a signature or other means of identification
verification must be provided for the individual authorized to represent the organization.
In accordance with CFR 215.6(a)(4) comments must be postmarked or received within 30 days
beginning the day following publication of a legal notice requesting comments in the Asheville
Citizen-Times. Comments should be sent to: Forest Supervisor, National Forests in North
Carolina; 160 Zillicoa St, Ste_ A; Asheville, NC 28801-1082; or faxed to [phone]. Oral
or hand-delivered comments must be received within our normal business hours of 8:00 am. to
4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday at our office at 160 Zillicoa Street in Asheville, North
Carolina. Comments maybe mailed electronically in a common digital format to: comments-
[e-mail].
Please contact Karen Compton at [phone] if you have any questions concerning this
proposal. Thank you for your continued interest in the management ofthe National Forests in
North Carolina.
Sincerely,
MARISUE H LIA
Forest Supervisor
Enclosure
0
S Caring for the Land and Serving People rdmea «, RecydeC race.
USDA United States 4oresl:AjAR `}Vationrests in North Carolina 160 ZILLICOA ST STE A
Department of 440 Service 4Wiiervis r s Office ASHEVILLE NC 28801-1082
Agriculture _ RFC,Pn2 828-2574200
r- aw"
`;EFile Code: 2730-2
s5? ' Date: March 12, 2009
Dear Interested Members of the Public and Forest Users:
Enclosed is a copy of the Environmental Assessment (EA) for Mill Creek Road, SR 1407, a
North Carolina Department of Transportation proposed project on the Grandfather Ranger
District. The project area is located in Compartment 198 in McDowell County. The project
begins at the intersection of secondary road (SR) 1408 and SR 1407 and. travels in a southerly
direction until it intersects with SR 1400. Three alternatives were evaluated and analyzed to
detail in the EA. A decision will be made that selects one of these alternatives or a modification
of one. While Alternative B has.been identified as the Preferred Alternative, a final decision has
not yet been made. I am seeking your input on this EA before I reach a decision.
In accordance with 36 CFR 215.6(a)(3), individuals and organizations wishing to be eligible to
appeal must provide the following information: your name and address, the title of the project,
specific substantive comments on the proposed action with supporting reasons that the
Responsible Official should consider in reaching a decision, and your signature or other means
of identification verification. For organizations, a signature or other means of identification
verification must be provided for the individual authorized to represent the organization.
In accordance with CFR 215.6(a)(4) comments must be postmarked or received within 30 days
beginning the day following publication of a legal notice requesting comments in the Asheville
Citizen-Times. Comments should be sent to: Forest Supervisor, National Forests in North
Carolina; 160 Zillicoa St, Ste. A; Asheville, NC 28801-1082; or faxed to [phone]. Oral
or hand-delivered comments must be received within our normal business hours of 8:00 am. to
4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday at our office at 160 Zillicoa Street in Asheville, North
Carolina. Comments may be mailed electronically in a common digital format to: comments-
southern-north-Carolina a,fs.fed.us.
Please contact Karen Compton at [phone] if you have any questions concerning this
proposal. Thank you for your continued interest in the management ofthe National Forests in
North Carolina.
Sincerely,
MARISUE H LIARD?J°
Forest Supervisor
Enclosure
i.?
Caring for the Land and Serving People PnnleC On Rerytled Paper
USDA
United States
Department of
Agriculture
Southern Region
Forest Service
&was
Mill Creek Road, SR 1407,
NCDOT Project
Grandfather Ranger District, Pisgah National Forest
McDowell County, North Carolina
Environmental Assessment
March 2009
USDA United states forest National Forests in North Carolina 160 ZILLICOA S'
Department of 'Service Supervisor's :.0-Mee ASHEVH L.E-NC
_ARriculfure 828•-257420b
File Code: 2730-2
Date: March 12„2009
Dear Interested Members of the Public, aqd Forest Users:
'1407, a
Dlsffi -l The projectarea is located to Compartment 198 in M_cDowell'County: The pro ject
begins at the intersection of secondary -road (SR) 1408 and SRIQTand,travels in a southerl
direction until it intersects with SR 1400. Three alternatives were evaluated and analyzed in
detaildri the EA. A deoision'will be made'thatselects one of these alternatives ora modifica
of one. Wlule Alternative ] has been-identified as the Preferred Alternative; a final decision
not yet_been made; I ahi'seeking your"in -6t on this EA be for"e I teach a decision:,

has
wing ultormanon: your name ana aaaress, me nue ot- tile project,
s on'thepropokkd action with supporting reasons that,the
onsider in reaching a decision,.and your signature or othermeans
For organizations, a signature or,other ;means of identification
for the Individual,authonzed to`iepre*ent the organizot :_
6 a 4 comments must be postmazked or=received within 3.04ays
)ublicationof a leeid notice reauestine comments in theAsheville
i
Diden-Times. Comments should be sent'to: Forest Supervisor, National'Forests.in North
Carolina; 160 Zi icod?St, Ste._A Asheville, NC 28801-1082; or faxed to (828) 2574263. Oral
orhand-delivered comments must be received within our normal business hours of 8:00 am. to
4 30 p m. Monday';thiough Friday at odr;offiee at 160 Zillicoa;Street in Asheville; North
Carolina, Commen&xrkay be mailed electronically in a common digital•format to: comments-
Please contact KaresComptonat (828)` 2574230, if you have any,guestioas concerning this
,proposal. Thank you for your cominuedinterest in the management of the National?Forests in
North,Carolina
Sincerely,
-.RISUE- ,I-ILIA! _-RI) _ ?
MA
Forest Supervisor
Enclosure.
Caring ,fortheLandand'Serving'.People
?v?Meed,a?areo« M
Mill Creek Road Project
Environmental Assessment
Location of Action: Compartment 198
Grandfather Ranger District
Pisgah National Forest
McDowell County, North Carolina
Lead Agency: USDA Forest Service
Responsible Official: Marisue Hilliard
Forest Supervisor
160 Zillicoa St, Ste. A
Asheville, NC 28801-1082
[phone]
For More Information: Karen Compton
Project Coordinator
[phone]
Send Electronic Comments to: [e-mail]
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin,
gender, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, and marital or familial status. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all
programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape,
etc.) should contact USDA's Target Center at [phone] (voice and TDD).
To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326-W, Whitten Building, 14'h and Independence
Avenue SW, Washington DC 20250-9510 or call [phone] (voice or TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
CHAPTER ONE
1.0 Purpose and Need for the Proposed Action ............................................1
1 .1 Background .......................................................................................................... 1
1.1.1 Project Record ............................................................................................... 1
1 .2 Proposed Action - Alternative B ....................................................................... 2
1 .3 Purpose and Need for the Proposed Action ...................................................... 2
1 .4 Decision Framework ............................................................................................ 2
1 .5 Public Involvement .............................................................................................. 2
1 .6 Issues .................................................................................................................... 3
1.6.1 Health and Safety .......................................................................................... 3
1.6.2 Water Quality and Aquatic Habitat ................................................................. 3
1.6.3 Heritage Resources ....................................................................................... 4
1.6.4 Threatened, Endangered, Sensitive and Forest Concern Species ................ 4
1.6.5 Management Indicator Species ..................................................................... 4
1.6.6 Non-Native Invasive Plants ............................................................................ 4
1.6.7 Scenery Resources ....................................................................................... 4
1.6.8 Recreation Resources ................................................................................... 5
1.6.9 Other Areas of Concern ................................................................................. 5
CHAPTER TWO
2.0 Alternatives .................................................................................................6
2.1 Introduction .......................................................................................................... 6
2.2 Alternatives Considered ..............................................................................:....... 6
2.2.1 Alternative A: No Action ............................................................................... 6
2.2.2 Alternative B: Proposed Action .................................................................... 6
2.2.3 Alternative C ................................................................................................. 9
2.3 Alternatives Considered But Not in Detail ....................................................... 11
2.4 Mitigation Measures for the Action Alternatives ............................................. 11
2.5 Summary Comparison of Actions .................................................................... 12
2.6 Summary Comparison of Effects ..................................................................... 12
CHAPTER THREE
3.0 Environmental Consequences ..........................................................................13
Introduction ............................................................................................................... 13
3.1 Health and Safety ............................................................................................... 13
3.2 Water Quality and Aquatic Resources ............................................................. 15
3.3 Heritage Resources ........................................................................................... 17
3.4 Threatened, Endangered, Sensitive, and Forest Concern Species ............... 18
3.5 Management Indicator Species ........................................................................ 24
3.6 Non-Native Invasive Plants ............................................................................... 27
3.7 Scenery Resources ............................................................................................ 28
3.8 Recreation Resources ....................................................................................... 29
3.9 Other Areas of Concern .................................................................................... 31
CHAPTER FOUR
4.0 Consultation with Agencies and Others .................................................32
4.1 Interdisciplinary Team Members .................................................................... 32
4.2 Federal, State, and Local Agencies Providing Input ...................................... 32
4.3 Others Providing Input ................................................................................... 32
Appendix A - Vicinity Map of the Project Area ...........................................A-1
Appendix B - Biological Evaluation ............................................................ B-1
Appendix C - Management Indicator Species Analysis ............................ C-1
Environmental Assessment Mill Creek Road, SR 1407 Chapter I - Purpose and Need 1
CHAPTER 1 - Purpose and Need for the Proposed Action
1.1 Background
This environmental assessment (EA) documents the results of site-specific analysis concerning a
proposal by the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) to improve secondary
road 1407, Mill Creek Road, in McDowell County. The EA discusses why the project is needed,
the issues of concern, the existing condition of the project area, and the expected consequences
of each alternative, including a "no action" alternative.
The project area is located approximately 3.5 miles east of Black Mountain, North Carolina and
approximately 4.0 miles west of Old Fort, North Carolina. The proposed actions are within the
Upper French Broad River drainage basin. The project area is bordered by private land to the
northeast, south and southeast; a small strip of private land also intersects the project area; and
National Forest System lands lie to the east and west of the project area.
The project area is located in Compartment 198 in McDowell County. The project begins at the
intersection of secondary road (SR) 1408 and SR 1407 and travels in a southerly direction until it
intersects with SR 1400. A vicinity map showing the boundaries of the project area is included
in Appendix A. A straight line diagram and a plat map of the project are available at the
National Forests in North Carolina Forest Supervisor's office in Asheville, North Carolina.
The project area is located within Management Area (MA) 4D. The management area direction
for this MA is as follows:
? Management Area 4D: emphasizes high quality habitats for wildlife requiring old forests
and freedom from disturbance from motorized vehicles, particularly black bear. Limited
access is provided for motorized vehicles. Recreationists use these areas for hiking,
mountain biking, horseback riding, hunting, and other activities. These areas will be
managed to soften visual impacts of management activities.
All actions are being proposed to achieve the goals, objectives, and desired future conditions
identified in the Land and Resource Management Plan (hereafter, the Forest Plan) for the
Nantahala and Pisgah National Forests issued in April 1987 and as amended. This EA is tiered
to the Forest Plan and its Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) and the Vegetation
Management in the Appalachian Mountains (VMAM) FEIS issued in July 1989.
1.1.1 Project Record
This EA incorporates by reference the project record (40 CFR 1502.21). The project record
contains specialist reports and other technical documentation used to support the analyses and
conclusions in this EA. The specialist reports provide additional detailed analysis. This EA
incorporates by reference the Nantahala and Pisgah MIS Report. The MIS Report along with
Monitoring and Evaluation Reports for the National Forests in North Carolina was used in
Environmental Assessment Mill Creek Road, SR 1407 Chapter I - Purpose and Need 2
determining forest population trends for MIS species. The project record is located at the
National Forests in North Carolina's Supervisor's Office in Asheville, North Carolina
1.2 Proposed Action - Alternative B
The following is a general description of the proposed action. A more detailed description of
these activities and applicable mitigation measures can be found in Sections 2.2, 2.4 and 2.5.
This EA will only cover the environmental impacts on Forest Service land.
Widen, grade, drain, realign, and pave approximately 2.6 miles of SR 1407, Mill Creek
Road, in McDowell County of which about 1.5 miles traverse National Forest System
lands.
• Issue a 50-foot (25 feet either side of the center line of the road) easement for SR 1407 to
the North Carolina Department of Transportation.
1.3 Purpose and Need for the Proposed Action
The purpose of the proposed actions is to decrease maintenance costs and to improve safety for
motorists along this section of road.
Mill Creek Road is traveled by local residents and by visitors accessing National Forest and
private lands. Several of the curves along this road are blind and vehicles traveling in opposite
directions are unaware of approaching traffic. The amount of traffic using this road is expected
to increase overtime causing an increased safety risk to motorists.
Gravel roads such as Mill Creek Road have higher maintenance cost than paved roads due to the
annual blading and ditching costs and periodic replacement of gravel.
1.4 Decision Framework
The decision to be made is to what level and extent should NCDOT improve Mill Creek Road,
SR 1407, in McDowell County through Forest Service property or should the road continue to be
managed in its current condition. Other government agencies, groups, individuals, and Forest
Service personnel interested and concerned about the potential outcome of this project will also
use this publication as a basis for critiquing the various courses of action. If an action alternative
is chosen, Forest Service personnel will use this document to guide in implementation and
monitoring.
1.5 Public Involvement
On February 5, 2008, a letter from Forest Supervisor Marisue Hilliard describing site-specific
proposed actions and requesting comments was mailed to 1 l l individuals, groups, and
Environmental Assessment Mill Creek Road, SR 1407 Chapter I - Purpose and Need 3
organizations. Comments were requested by March 3, 2008. In addition, this project has
appeared in the Schedule of Proposed Actions for the National Forests in North Carolina, which
is published quarterly since October of 2004.
1.6 Issues
The significant issues associated with this proposed project were identified through a public
participation process, which included input from Forest Service natural resource specialists,
other government agencies, private groups and individuals. A Forest Service Interdisciplinary
Team (IDT) determined which issues are significant and which are non-significant.
The Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) regulations specify that environmental analysis
focus on significant issues. The significant issues will help frame the decision. Issues
determined to be non-significant issues shall be discussed only briefly and eliminated from
detailed study [40 CFR 1500.1(b), 1500.2(b), 1500.4(c), 1501.7(3), and 1502.2(b)]. Non-
significant issues will not be used to frame the decision because their effects differ little between
the action alternatives.
Measurements allow resource specialists to quantify and qualify anticipated effects.
1.6.1 Health and Safety (significant)
• Mill Creek Road, SR 1407, in McDowell County, in its current condition, is a safety
concern to motorists due to its traffic volume, gravel surface, narrow width and poor
alignment in places.
Measurement: Safety of Motorists Addressed (Yes/No)
SR 1407 Designed to State Highway Standards (Yes/No)
1.6.2 Water Quality and Aquatic Habitat (significant)
• Proposed road improvements including grading, widening, realignment, and culvert
installation and replacement may cause sediment, which may adversely affect water
quality and aquatic habitat.
Measurements: Road widened and improved (miles)
New road construction (miles)
Paved road surface (miles)
Environmental Assessment Mill Creek Road, SR 1407 Chapter I -Purpose and Need 4
1.6.3 Heritage Resources
Proposed road improvement activities may adversely affect heritage resources.
Non-significant due to site specific field verification of no expected impacts to
archeological resources as well as mitigation if previously unknown sites are discovered
during implementation.
1.6.4 Threatened, Endangered, Sensitive and Forest Concern Species
Proposed road improvement activities may adversely impact Federally threatened and
endangered (T&E), sensitive (S), or Forest Concern (FC) flora and fauna.
Non-significant due to site-specific field verification. Implementation of this project will
have no effect on any T&E aquatic, botanical, or wildlife species. The project may
impact individuals of sensitive species Speyeria Diana and Coreopsis latifolia but will
not affect the viability of these species across the forest. There are no known or expected
effects to any FC species in the proposed activity area.
1.6.5 Management Indicator Species
Proposed road improvement activities may affect Management Indicator Species (MIS).
• Non-significant due to site-specific field verification. Implementation of the proposed
project would have only minor direct, indirect, or cumulative effects to MIS. Refer to the
Management Indicator Species Analysis in Appendix C for the detailed analysis of the
impacts of the proposed actions to MIS.
1.6.6 Non-Native Invasive Plants
Proposed road improvement activities may introduce non-native invasive plants to the project
area.
• Non-significant due to provisions that will be put in place to prevent the introduction of
non-native invasive plants to the project area.
1.6.7 Scenery Resources
Proposed road improvement activities may affect the scenery resources.
• Non-significant because the proposal would meet Forest Plan visual quality objectives
(VQOS).
Environmental Assessment Mill Creek Road, SR 1407 Chapter I - Purpose and Need 5
1.6.8 Recreation Resources
Proposed road improvement activities may affect the recreational experience of some of the
forest users.
• Non-significant because the proposal would not change the recreational opportunity
spectrum (ROS) for recreationists.
1.6.9 Other Areas of Concern
Proposed activities may adversely affect park lands, prime farmlands, wetlands, wild and scenic
rivers, ecologically critical areas, or local laws or requirements imposed for the protection of the
environment.
• Non-significant because project does not propose actions within park lands, prime
farmland, wetlands, wild and scenic rivers, or ecologically critical areas. It would also
not violate local laws or requirements imposed for the protection of the environment.
Environmental Assessment Mill Creek Road, SR 1407 Chapter 2 - Alternatives 6
CHAPTER 2 - Alternatives
2.1 Introduction
The Alternatives Chapter is the heart of the Environmental Assessment. This chapter describes
three alternatives: Alternative A - No Action, Alternative B - Proposed Action, and Alternative
C. Based on information and analysis presented in Chapter 3.0 Environmental Consequences,
Section 2.6 in this chapter presents the environmental effects in summary form, providing a clear
basis for choice among the alternatives for the decision maker and public.
This chapter has these five major sections:
• Alternatives Considered
? Alternative A: No Action
? Alternative B: Proposed Action
? Alternative C
• Alternatives Considered But Not In Detail
• Mitigation Measures for the Action Alternatives
• Summary Comparison of Actions
• Summary Comparison of Effects
2.2 Alternatives Considered
2.2.1 ALTERNATIVE A: No Action
This alternative serves as the no action alternative. No road improvements including grading,
widening, realignment, improving drainage, or paving would take place in the project area.
2.2.2 ALTERNATIVE B: Proposed Action
Alternative B is the original proposal NCDOT presented to the Forest Service for improvements
to SR 1407, Mill Creek Road. This alternative was created to address safety concerns that
NCDOT had concerning motor vehicles on Mill Creek Road.
Widen, grade, and realign to a standard 20-foot right-of-way approximately 1.5 miles of SR
1407, Mill Creek Road, in McDowell County located on National Forest System lands.
Environmental Assessment Mill Creek Road, SR 1407 Chapter 2 - Alternatives 7
• Includes widening about 1.2 miles of existing road across Forest Service property.
• Includes realignment consisting of about 0.3 miles of new road construction at over
ten locations across Forest Service property.
Improve drainage by replacing culverts and correcting drainage problems along SR 1407
Pave approximately 2.6 miles of SR 1407 in McDowell County of which about 1.5 miles
traverse National Forest System lands.
Issue a 50-foot (25 feet either side of the center line of the road) easement for SR 1407 to the
North Carolina Department of Transportation across about 1.5 miles of National Forest
System lands.
•: Reclaim about 0.55 miles (approximately 1.3 acres) of old road bed that will no longer be
needed.
The improvements proposed under this alternative widen the existing route across Forest Service
with some ten realignments and relocations to straighten curves and eliminate several severe
switchbacks along the old alignment. This alternative would result in 0.25 miles less roadway
than Alternative C; however, there would be more ground disturbance due to road realignment
and reclaiming of areas of road bed that would no longer be needed.
Alternative B-Proposed Action
Mill Creek Road, SR 1407
NCDCIT Project Proposal
Pisgah National Forest
End Section 1
Forest Service
Begin Section 1
Forest Service
D,
Begin Section 2
Forest Service
End Section 2
Forest Service I > ,,;g
Legend Proposed Relocations
Private Land
Forest service
0 325 650 1,300
1,950 2,600
Feet
THIS MAP IS NOT A CERTIFIED SURVEY AND HAS NOT BEEN REVIEWED BYALOCAL GOVERNMENT
AGENCY FOR COMPLIANCE WITH ANY APPLICABLE LAND DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS.
Environmental Assessment Mill Creek Road, SR 1407 Chapter 2 - Alternatives 9
2.2.3 ALTERNATIVE C
Alternative C is a modification of the proposed altemative that proposes less ground disturbance.
This proposal differs from Alternative B in that it proposes only widening, grading, and
improving drainage along the existing road. No realignments or paving along the Forest Service
portion of the road are proposed under this alternative.
This alternative was created to address concems about maintaining the current character of the
road.
Widen and grade 1.8 miles of existing SR 1407, Mill Creek Road, in McDowell County
located on National Forest System lands.
? Improve drainage by replacing culverts and correcting drainage problems along SR 1407.
Issue a 50-foot (25 feet either side of the center line of the road) easement for SR 1407 to the
North Carolina Department of Transportation across about 1.8 miles of National Forest
System lands.
The improvements proposed under this alternative widen the existing route across Forest
Service. This alternative would result in 0.25 miles more roadway than Altemative B; however,
there would be less ground disturbance due no road realignment or reclaiming of current areas of
road bed.
Alternative C
Mill Creek Road, SR 1407
NCDOT Project Proposal
Pisgah National Forest
Begin Section 1
Forest Service .
End Section 1
Forest Service
0
Begin Section 2
Forest Service
End Section 2 f?{Jv
Forest Service I )
Legend
Private Land
Forest service
0 312.5625 1,250 1,875
2,500
m Feet
I THIS MAP IS NOT A CERTIFIED SURVEY AND HAS NOT BEEN REVIEWED BYALOCAL GOVERNMENT
AGENCY FOR COMPLIANCE WITH ANY APPLICABLE LAND DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS.
Environmental Assessment Mill Creek Road. SR 1407 Chapter 2 - Alternatives I I
2.3 Alternatives Considered But Not In Detail
Hikers and bicyclists asked us to consider an alternative that did not alter their current recreation
experience along this road. An alternative was considered that would have proposed improving
the drainage problems on the road and maintaining the current road width and surface. This
alternative does not meet the purpose and need of improving safety for motorists along this
section of road; therefore, this alternative is outside the scope of this proposal and was not
considered in detail.
2.4 Mitigation Measures for the Action Alternatives
Mitigation is defined as measures designed to reduce or prevent undesirable effects that could be
caused by an action. Mitigation can include avoiding an effect, minimizing the effect by limiting
the action, rectifying the effect, reducing the effect, reducing the effect through maintenance, or
compensating for the effect (40 CFR 1508.20). The mitigation measures listed here are designed
to prevent or reduce adverse effects resulting from alternative implementation. The following
mitigation measures are required for Alternatives B and C:
There is to be an in stream moratorium on work in and around streams crossings from
October 15 to April 15 to protect the wild trout spawning in the watershed.
Have the North Carolina Department of Transportation install "Share The Road" signs at
both ends of Mill Creek Road to make motorists aware that bicyclists might be on the road
and that they have a legal right to use the roadway. This will increase awareness and
increase safety of bicycle riders.
:• If during the implementation of a ground disturbing activity, a previously unknown
archeological or historic site is encountered the disturbance would stop immediately. The
activity would not be permitted to continue until a forest archeologist surveys and evaluates
the site and makes a recommendation to permanently stop, modify, or proceed with the
activity using appropriate mitigation measures.
Environmental Assessment Mill Creek Road, SR 1407
2.5 Summary Comparison of Actions
Chapter 2 - Alternatives 12
Table 2-1: Comoarison of Actions
A
tion
=No :
Pavin on Forest Service les ; ;
4
Road Widening on

Forest Service
0 miles
iles
1.2 1
mile
Realignments Requiring
New Road Construction on 0 miles 0.3 miles 0 miles
Forest Service
Reclaim Roadbed
No Longer Needed 0 miles 0.55 miles 0 miles
On Forest Service 0 acres) (1.3 acres) 0 acres)

2.6 Summary Comparison of Effects
Table 2-2: Comparison of Environmental Effects by Significant Issue
Issues MCLISLIN111CIltS Alt. A Alt. B Alt. C
Significant Issue #1: Safety of Motorists No Yes Yes
Health and Safety Addressed
SR 1407 Designed to No Yes No
Secondary Road Standards
Existing Road Widened 0 mi 1.2 mi 1.8 mi
and Improved (miles)
Significant Issue #2:
Water Quality and New Road Constructed 0 mi 0.3 mi 0 mi
Aquatic Habitat (miles)
Paved Road Surface miles) 0 mi 1.5 mi 0 mi
Environmental Assessment Mill Creek Road-SR 1407 Chapter 3 - Environmental Consequences 13
CHAPTER 3 - Environmental Consequences
Introduction
This chapter forms the scientific and analytical basis for the comparison of alternatives as
required by the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). Included in this chapter will be
disclosure of direct, indirect, and cumulative effects of the alternatives on the different resources
relevant to the issues. Direct and indirect effects occur at, or near the same time and place as a
result of the action [40 CFR 1508.8(a) and (b)]. They have been combined in this chapter, as it is
difficult to completely distinguish between the two effects. Cumulative effects result "...from
the incremental impact of the action when added to other past, present, and reasonably
foreseeable future actions regardless of what agency or person undertakes such action.
Cumulative impacts can result from individual minor but collectively significant actions taking
place over a period of time" (40 CFR 1508.7). Reports from different resource specialists
supplied information for portions of the analysis in this chapter. The analysis area is the
anticipated extent of effects by resource and is generally larger than the project area.
3.1 Effects Related to Issue #1: Health and Safety
Issue Statement: Mill Creek Road, SR 1407, in McDowell County, in its current condition, is a
safety concern to motorists due to its traffic volume, gravel surface, narrow width and poor
alignment in places.
Measurement: Safety of Motorists Addressed (Yes/No)
SR 1407, Mill Creek Road, Designed to Secondary Road Standards (Yes/No)
3.1.1 Existing Condition (Health and Safety)
The existing design of the road is gravel with narrow sections, blind curves, and steep
switchbacks. A combination of the road conditions including poor alignment in places and the
increasing volume of traffic poses safety concerns for the motorists using this road.
3.1.2 Alternative A - No Action
Direct and Indirect Effects-Health and Safety
Since there are no activities proposed in Alternative A, the direct and indirect effects would be
that the existing unsafe conditions will persist.
Cumulative Effects
The traffic volume along SR 1407 is expected to increase with the modest population increases
in McDowell County. Local residents use this road as a travel route from Old Fort to Black
Mountain. As traffic volume increases along this road, safety conditions along this road are
Environmental Assessment Mill Creek Road-SR 1407 Chapter 3 - Environmental Consequences 14
expected to decrease. The cumulative effects of more cars driving the narrow sections of this
road and around blind curves are an increased probability of accidents.
3.1.3 Alternative B - Proposed Action
Direct and Indirect Effects-Health and Safety
The direct and indirect effects of grading, widening, realigning, and paving the road to a standard
20-foot roadway are increased motorist safety including a decreased risk of accidents along SR
1407 in McDowell County. In addition, widening the deepest curves and realignment of some of
the steepest switchbacks would further reduce the risk of accidents. These improvements would
allow two vehicles to pass safely along all sections of the road. Implementation of this
alternative would bring the road up to secondary road standards.
Cumulative Effects
There are no other known activities that would impact motorists' health and safety in the project
area; therefore, there are no cumulative effects expected as a result of this alternative.
3.1.4 Alternative C
Direct and Indirect Effects-Health and Safety
The direct and indirect effects of grading and widening the road to a standard 20-foot roadway
would result in increased motorist safety including a decreased risk of accidents along SR 1407
in McDowell County. This alternative would result in a road with some switchbacks but with a
wider travel way than current conditions. Some deep curves would remain; however, the road
would be wide enough for two vehicles to safely pass along the entire length of the road. The
road would not meet secondary road standards because the road would not be paved.
Cumulative Effects
There are no other known activities that would impact motorists' health and safety in the project
area; therefore, there are no cumulative effects expected as a result of this alternative.
Table 3-1 Summarizes the Effects to Health and Safety in each of the Alternatives
Table 3-1: Effects to Health and Safety
Issue
Significant Issue #1: measurement
Safety of Motorists Alt. A
No Alt. B
Yes Alt. C
Yes
Health and Safety Addressed
Significant Issue #1: SR 1407 Designed to No Yes No
Health and Safety Secondary Road Standards
Environmental Assessment Mill Creek Road-SR 1407 Chapter 3 - Environmental Consequences 15
3.2 Effects Related to Issue #2: Water Quality and Aquatic Habitat
Issue Statements: Proposed road improvements including grading, widening, realignment, and
culvert installation and replacement may cause sediment, which may adversely affect water
quality and aquatic habitat.
Measurements: Road widened and improved (miles)
New road construction (miles)
Paved road surface (miles)
3.2.1 Existing Condition (Water Quality and Aquatic Habitat)
This project lies within Land and Resources Management Plan (LRMP) watershed number 48,
the Catawba River watershed. State road 1407 currently crosses eight perennial streams
(unnamed tributaries to Mill Creek), one intermittent stream channel and 4 ephemeral channel
crossings. One stream crossing was dropped from the project proposal due to its proximity to an
existing culvert location.
There is limited habitat for aquatic species within the project area. Project area streams have
restricted flow regimes and high gradients which result in the absence of fish habitat. Mill
Creek, which is in the analysis area, is hatchery supported, stocked with rainbow and brown
trout. Long Branch is located on National Forests lands within the project area. Historical data
indicates that this stream supports rainbow and brown trout as well.
The Virginia Commonwealth University's department of biology surveyed the Mill Creek road
(project area), Andrew's Geyser (analysis area) and US 70 (analysis area) areas in July of 2003.
During their surveys only two species of odonates were found. These were Libellula Lydia
(Common whitetail skimmer) and Hagenius brevistylus (Dragonhunter). Neither of these species
is considered rare.
3.2.2 Alternative A - No Action
Direct and Indirect Effects-Water Quality and Aquatic Habitat
Implementation of the no action alternative would perpetuate the existing condition described
above. Aquatic habitat quality and quantity and populations would continue in their natural
dynamic patterns. Visible sedimentation would continue to impact the unnamed intermittent and
perennial tributaries. Sedimentation from road run-off during rain events would continue filling
interstitial spaces needed for aquatic invertebrate habitat.
Cumulative Effects
Since there would not be additional direct or indirect effects on water quality from the
implementation of this alternative, this alternative would not contribute to cumulative effects in
the unnamed intermittent and perennial tributaries to Mill Creek.
Environmental Assessment Mill Creek Road-SR 1407 Chapter 3 - Environmental Consequences 16
3.2.3 Alternative B - Proposed Action
Direct and Indirect Effects-Water Quality and Aquatic Habitat
Wild rainbow and wild brown trout exist within the aquatic activity area in both Long Branch
and Mill Creek in the analysis area of the Mill Creek DOT Project. The activities associated
with this project could have negative short-term impacts on the spawning habitat of rainbow and
brown trout during culvert installations and replacements. However, this project has been
designed so that fluctuations in sediment will be minimized by the implementation of best
management practices (BMP) and forest practice guidelines (FPG). Included in the FPG's for
the Pisgah and Nantahala National Forest is no stream disturbance during the trout spawning
moratorium (October 15 thm April 15). This moratorium will protect any rainbow and brown
trout eggs and juveniles from being smothered or crushed during project implementation.
It is expected that long term benefits of a more stable road and preventing further erosion will far
out weigh possible short term impacts. Mobile organisms, such as rainbow and brown trout, can
move up or downstream to avoid disturbed areas within the stream.
Individuals of the rainbow and brown trout community within the Mill Creek Project area of
potential impacts may be indirectly impacted by the activities associated with this project. These
impacts are expected to be short term and will cease with site rehabilitation. There will be no
impacts to the long-term viability of this rainbow and brown trout population or the populations
across the Forest.
Cumulative Effects
After relocation, widening, correction of existing drainage problems, and paving SR 1407; there
would be a reduction in the amount of sediment entering Long Branch and Mill Creek from
perennial tributaries and runoff from SR 1407. Therefore, an overall positive cumulative effect
in the form of reduced sedimentation is expected as a result of this project and the
implementation of this alternative.
3.2.4 Alternative C
Direct and Indirect Effects-Water Quality and Aquatic Habitat
The direct and indirect effects of the proposal on water quality and aquatic habitat are the
essentially the same as those disclosed for Alternative B for culvert replacements and correction
of existing drainage problems. However, amount of sediment entering Long Branch from the
gravel road surface would be more than that for Alternative B due to the gravel road surface.
Cumulative Effects
After widening, and correction of existing drainage problems on SR 1407; there would be a
reduction in the amount of sediment entering Long Branch and Mill Creek from perennial
tributaries and runoff from SR 1407. Therefore, a reduction in the amount of sediment is
expected as a result of this project and the implementation of this alternative.
Environmental Assessment Mill Creek Road-SR 1407 Chapter 3 - Environmental Consequences 17
Table 3-2 Summarizes the impacts to Water Quality and Aquatic Habitat
Table 3-2: Miles of Road Improved, Constructed, and Paved by Alternative
easurement Alterna iye A Iternative B IternatI e C
Existing Road Widened
and Improved 0 miles 1.2 miles 1.8 mile
New Road Constructed 0 miles 0.3 miles 0 miles
Paved Road Surface 0 miles 1.5 miles 0 miles
3.3 Effects Related to Issue #3: Heritage Resources
Issue Statement: Proposed road improvement activities may adversely affect heritage
resources.
3.3.1 Existing Condition (Heritage Resources)
An archaeological survey has been completed for this project by NCDOT Archaeologists on all
areas proposed for treatment. No archeological sites were located on National Forest System
lands.
3.3.2 Alternative A - No Action
Direct, Indirect and Cumulative Effects-Heritage Resources
There are no expected adverse direct, indirect, or cumulative effects to heritage resources with
this alternative because no ground disturbing activities arc proposed.
3.3.3 Alternatives B and C
Direct, Indirect and Cumulative Effects-Heritage Resources
The archeological surveys and investigations have determined that the proposed road
improvements will not impact significant archeological materials or sites eligible for listing in
the National Register of Historic Places. The archeology report has been reviewed and
concurred with by the Forest Archaeologist and the NC State Historic Preservation Officer.
If during the implementation of a ground disturbing activity, a previously unknown archeological
or historic site is encountered the disturbance would stop immediately. The activity would not
be permitted to continue until a forest archeologist surveys and evaluates the site and makes a
recommendation to permanently stop, modify, or proceed with the activity using appropriate
mitigation measures.
There would be no direct, indirect, or cumulative impacts on heritage resources since no sites
were identified during the field surveys. The State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) has
concurred with these findings.
Environmental Assessment Mill Creek Road-SR 1407 Chapter 3 - Environmental Consequences 18
3.4 Effects Related to Issue #4: Threatened and Endangered (T&E),
Sensitive (S) and Forest Concern (FC) Species
Issue Statement: Proposed road improvement activities may adversely impact Federally
Threatened and Endangered (T&E), Sensitive (S), or Forest Concern (FC) flora and fauna.
3.4.1 Existing Condition (T&E, Sand FC Species)
3.4.1.1 Aquatic Species
There are no known Proposed, Threatened or Endangered aquatic species within McDowell
County. There are no listed Regional Forester's Sensitive Species listed for McDowell County.
Twenty-two Forest concern species are listed for McDowell County. These species were
evaluated for habitat preferences and eliminated based on the existence of their respective
preferences from the SR 1407 improvement project list. Of the 22 listed, all were dropped
except Serratella spicilosa based on habitat preferences and existing survey information. The
complete list for McDowell County is located in Attachment 1 of the Aquatic Analysis.
Serratella spiculosa is listed as a Forest concern species for McDowell County but has never
been confirmed as existing there. According to the NC Heritage Program, reports have come
from the state but no specimens have been confirmed.
Table 3-3: Nantahala & Pisgah National Forests Forest Concern Aquatic Species
evaluated in detail for this Droiect orooosal
Serratella spicilosa Mayfly Lotic - Erosional May occur in both
and Depositional project and analysis
(spicilose serratcllan mavflvl areas.
3.4.1.2 Botanical Species
David Danley, Forest Service Botanist, and Carolyn Wells conducted surveys of the project area.
Surveys were conducted on September 18, 2003 and May 6, 2004. These visits-were intended to
determine Natural Plant Community types and to survey for all Federally Threatened and
Endangered, Regionally Sensitive, and Forest Concern plant species that may occur within the
analysis or project areas. A copy of the Botanical Resources Analysis (BOTA) is in Appendix B
of this document.
Of the total of 51 botanical T&E, S and FC plants species known or likely to occur in McDowell
County, North Carolina all but twelve species (Table 3-4) were dropped from the list for further
consideration and discussion for one of the following reasons: 1) lack of suitable habitat for the
species in the project area, 2) the species has a well-known distribution that does not include the
Environmental Assessment Mill Creek Road-SR 1407 Chapter 3 - Environmental Consequences 19
project area, or 3) based on field surveys of potential habitat, no habitat was seen in the activity
areas. Habitats, community types and ranges of plant T&E, S and FC species are derived from
information in Classification of the Natural Plant Communities of North Carolina, the Natural
Heritage Program's List of Rare Plants of North Carolina or personal communication with other
botanists. Based upon habitat information, eleven T&E, S and FC plant species could occur in
the activity area but are not known to occur. Field or literature surveys reveal that Coreopsis
latifolia (S) was known and found to occur in the activity area.
Local populations of Coreopsis latifolia are known from along the current road (SRI 407) and
Parris Creek. There are 3 small populations of about 20 individuals scattered over about 1 mile
of SR 1407. The populations near Parris Creek are much larger consisting of hundreds of
individuals (Gary Kauffman, Forest Service Botanist, personal communication May 9, 2004).
Table 34: Potential & Known T&E, S and FC plant species in the proposed SR 1407 area
SPECIES TYPE NATURAL COMMUNITY OCCURRENCE
OR HABITAT
Federally Threatened or Endangered plant species (T&E)
NONE
SPECIES TYPE NATURAL COMMUNITY OCCURRENCE
OR HABITAT
2002 Region 8 Regional Forester's Sensitive plant species (S)
Botrychium Vascular Plant Rich Cove Forest Could occur in analysis area,
jenmanii not known to occur in analysis
or activity area.
Coreopsis Vascular Plant Rich Cove Forest Occurs within activity area
latifolia
Delphinium Vascular Plant Rich Cove Forest Could occur in analysis area,
exaltatum not known to occur in analysis
or activity area.
Helianthus Vascular Plant Rich Cove Forest Could occur in analysis area,
glaucophyllus not known to occur in analysis
or activity area.
Juglan cinerea Vascular Plant Rich Cove Forest Could occur in analysis area,
not known to occur in analysis
or activity area.
Shortia Vascular Plant Acidic Cove Forest Could occur in analysis area,
galacifolia var. not known to occur in analysis
brevstyla or activity area.
Thermopsis Vascular Plant Pine-Oak Heath Forest, Could occur in analysis area,
fraxinifolia Chestnut Oak Forest not known to occur in analysis
or activity area.
Environmental Assessment Mill Creek Road-SR 1407 Chapter 3 - Environmental Consequences 20
2002 Region 8 Regional Forester's Sensitive plant species (S)
Trillium rugellii Vascular Plant Rich Cove Forest Could occur in analysis area,
not known to occur in analysis
or activity area.
Trillium simile Vascular Plant Rich Cove Forest Could occur in analysis area,
not known to occur in analysis
or activity area.
Forest Concern (FC) Plant Species
Brachytheciu Moss Acidic Cove Forest Could occur in analysis area,
m rotaeaum not known to occur in analysis
or activity area.
Entodon Moss Acidic Cove Forest, Rich Cove Could occur in analysis area,
sullvantii Forest not known to occur in analysis
or activity area.
Robinia Vascular Plant Acidic Cove Forest Could occur in analysis area,
hispida var. not known to occur in analysis
fertilis or activity area.
3.4.1.3 Wildlife Species
Twenty-two Federally Threatened and Endangered and Forest Sensitive and 29 Forest Concern
wildlife species were originally considered from the Forest's species list (see Attachment 1 of the
Wildlife Analysis in Appendix B). Five species were considered for further analysis because
they were listed by the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC), North
Carolina Natural Heritage Program (NCNHP), or the US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) as
occurring or probably occurring in McDowell County (see Wildlife Analysis in Appendix B).
There are no known Proposed, Threatened or Endangered wildlife species within the Mill Creek
watershed or the proposed project area. Those Threatened, Endangered, Regional Forester's
Sensitive and Pisgah Forest Concern species not further evaluated are listed in Attachment 1 of
the Wildlife Analysis. A list of T&E, S and FC wildlife species that potentially may occur in the
project or activity areas is given in Table 3-5.
There are two known or potential occurring Regional Forester's sensitive wildlife species
evaluated in detail for this project. Diana fritillary, Speyeria dana, is known to occur in the
project area and watershed. Speyeria Diana, Diana Fritillary, has six occurrence records within
this watershed, with one record along the existing SR 1407 right-of-way. The Diana Fritillary, a
Regional Forester's Sensitive species, is essentially a woodland species, especially near streams
with thick undergrowth. A lampshade spider, Hypochilus sheari, may occur in the project area
and is known to occur in the watershed. The lampshade spider species, Hypochilus sheari, is
found at two locations outside of this watershed on shaded rock faces near a stream. There are
no known locations within the project area.
Environmental Assessment Mill Creek Road-SR 1407 Chapter 3 - Environmental Consequences 21
The Black-billed cuckoo, Coccyzus erythropthalmus; Cerulean warbler, Dendroica cerulean; and
Allegheny woodrat, Neotoma f. magister; are Forest Concern wildlife species that are known to
occur in McDowell County and were evaluated in detail for this project.
Table 3-5: Known and potential occurrence of T&E, S, and FC wildlife species evaluated in
detail for this oroiect.
Species Type Habitat Occurrence
Description
Federal) Threatened or Endangered Wildlife Species T&E
NONE
Region I Forester's Sensitive Wildlife Species S 03/02
Speyeria diana Butterfly Wooded areas near Known to occur in
streams, nectar project area and
species along trails watershed.
and roadways
Hypochilus sheari Spider cool, shaded rock May occur in
cliff/ledges near project area. Known
streams to occur in the
watershed.
Species Type Habitat Occurrence
Description
Forest Concern Wildl ife Species FC 03/02
Coccyzus Bird Extensive mature Known to occur in
erythropthalmus deciduous forest, the county.
often along forest
streams
Dendroica cerulea Bird Mature forests with Known to occur in
open understory and the county.
scattered openings
Neotoma f. magister Mammal Rocky areas in Known to occur in
deciduous or mixed county.
forests
3.4.2 Alternative A - No Action
Direct, Indirect and Cumulative Effects-T&E, S and FC Species
There would be no direct, indirect, or cumulative effects to any T&E, S, or FC species under
Alternative A as no actions are proposed and current conditions would be maintained.
Environmental Assessment Mill Creek Road-SR 1407 Chapter 3 - Environmental Consequences 22
3.4.3 Alternatives B and C
Direct, Indirect and Cumulative Effects-T&E, S and FC Species
3.4.3.1 Aquatic Species
There would be no direct, indirect, or cumulative effects on any T&E or S aquatic species under
Alternatives B and C since none of these species exist in the project area. Formal consultation
with U.S.D.I. Fish & Wildlife Service is not required.
Serratella spiculosa, a Forest Concern species, is a mayfly that is thought to exist throughout the
western foot of the Blue Ridge Escarpment. This species of mayfly is in the Ephemerellidae
family which generally inhabit lotic-erosional type habitats but can also be found in lotic-
depositional and lentic-littoral.
During project area surveys no members of the ephemerellidae family were observed. However,
this species is included in this analysis based on their habitat preference and its existence in the
project and analysis areas. IF they exist within the project area or downstream, individuals may
be impacted by the implementation of this project; however, no loss of viability across the Forest
will occur.
There are no expected direct, indirect, or cumulative impacts to any other Forest Concern aquatic
species if this proposal were implemented.
Table 3-6: Effects to Proposed, Endangered, Threatened, Sensitive and Forest Concern Aquatic
Species by Alternative
S Ades Name Status FA t. A FA`Ir1B Alt. C
Serratella
spiculosa Forest Concern No Adverse May Impact May Impact
(Mayfly) Effect Individuals Individuals
3.4.3.2 Botanical Species
Because two of the three small roadside populations of Coreopsis latifolia (broadleaf tickseed)
are within the right-of-way needed for widening the road, this proposal would have an adverse
direct impact to about 10 individuals of Coreopsis latifolia and two small populations would be
greatly impacted.
However, impacting 10 individuals is a very small percentage of the known local population of
Coreopsis latifolia. With the proposed impacts, the local (Compartment 198) population of
Coreopsis latifolia would remain viable. Therefore, this proposal would negatively impact
individuals of the Regionally Sensitive Coreopsis latifolia; however; this impact would not cause
a loss of local or Forest wide viability of Coreopsis latifolia. This action will not cause a trend
towards federal listing of Coreopsis latifolia. No mitigation is recommended.
With the exception of Coreopsis latifolia, there are no known effects or impacts (direct, indirect
or cumulative) to any T&E, S or FC plant species if this proposal were implemented. This
conclusion is supported by the following: 1) No other T&E, S and FC plant is known in or near
the activity area; and 2) Site specific botanical surveys did not reveal the presence of any other
Environmental Assessment Mill Creek Road-SR 1407 Chapter 3 - Environmental Consequences 23
T&E, S or FC plant species, or habitat that is specific to T&E, S and FC plant species.
Consultation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is not required.
Table 3-7: Effects to Proposed, Endangered, Threatened, Sensitive and Forest Concern Wildlife
Species by Alternative
Common Name 1 1sta-ri Alt. Alt. B Alt. C
No Adverse Will Impact Will Impact
Broadleaf Tickseed Sensitive Effect Individuals Individuals
3.4.3.3 Wildlife Species
There are no direct, indirect or cumulative effects to Threatened or Endangered wildlife species
by this project proposal since none of these species exist in the project area. Formal consultation
with U.S.D.1. Fish & Wildlife Service is not required.
Diana Fritillary (Speveria dana) -Sensitive Species
There will be a negative effect to nectar habitat for the Diana fritillary butterfly with the
implementation of this project; however, there is little clearing on either side of the existing
roadbed and within 1-2 years of project completion larger numbers of nectar species will be
available. Under Alternative B, the widening, realignment, and paving of SR 1407 is expected to
increase the number and speed of automobiles using this road, which may result in a higher
mortality in butterflies. Therefore, the project may impact individuals but is not likely to cause a
trend to federal listing or a loss of viability. The impacts to butterflies would be less under
Alternative C as increases in traffic volume and speed are likely to be less under this alternative
because of the gravel surface and continued presence of switchbacks.
Lampshade Spider (Hypochilus sheari) - Sensitive Species
The known habitat for Hypochilus sheari is shaded rock faces near a stream. One small rock
face was noted along the current SR 1407 right-of-way; however, this rock face does not exhibit
H. sheari habitat. It is expected that rock face/ledge habitat closer to Mill Creek would provide,
the highest potential habitat for this spider. Since there is no habitat located in the project area
for this species, there will be no direct, indirect, or cumulative affect to Hypochilus sheari by
implementation of this project.
Black-billed Cuckoo (Coccvzus erythropthalmus) - Forest Concern Species
The Black-billed Cuckoo, Coccyzus erythropthalmus, record of occurrence is located outside the
Mill Creek watershed. The species is found in mature forests, often near streams and this habitat
is present on the eastern portion of the proposed project area. The proposal is to widen the
existing clearance to allow paving and realign the road to eliminate sharp curves where possible.
The clearance and realignment (Altemative B only) would involve the removal of a small
number mature poplar and hemlock as the majority of the realignment falls within the power line
Right-of-Way. There is similar and more extensive potential habitat to the west and north of
Mill Creek, there is little likelihood the cuckoo is present in this immediate area. Due to the
small amount of potential habitat estimated to be affected by this project proposal, there will be
no direct, indirect, or cumulative affect to the cuckoo.
Environmental Assessment Mill Creek Road-SR 1407 Chapter 3 - Environmental Consequences 24
Cerulean Warbler (Dendroica cerulean) - Forest Concern Species
The Cerulean Warbler, Dendroica cerulea, record in McDowell County is within the corridor of
the Blue Ridge Parkway. There are several sites along the parkway where the Cerulean is known
to occur. These sites are at overlooks where there are canopy gaps and early successional growth
within close proximity of a mature forest. The proposed project area does not exhibit potential
habitat for this species. The mature forest surrounding this proposed project on Forest Service
lands is mixed poplar and hemlock with a moderately dense understory of conifer and
rhododendron. The openings on adjacent private property or the road corridor, do not exhibit
early successional habitat. There is little likelihood of Cerulean Warblers utilizing the habitat
surrounding the proposed project; therefore, there will be no direct, indirect, or cumulative affect
to the species with implementation of the project.
Allegheny woodrat (Neotoma f ma,Fister) - Forest Concern Species
Neotoma f. magister, Allegheny woodrat, occupies hardwood and mixed forests with areas of
large boulders. Although some rock occurs within the vicinity of this project proposal, the
potential habitat occurs outside the impact area of this project proposal and will not be affected
by the proposed action. There is little likelihood of the woodrat occurring within the immediate
vicinity of the proposed project; therefore, there will be no direct, indirect, or cumulative affect
to individual woodrats or habitat by this proposed project.
There would be no direct, indirect or cumulative effects on any other Regionally Sensitive or
Forest Concern species under Alternatives B and C since no other species are known to exist in
the project area.
Table 3-8: Effects to Proposed, Endangered, Threatened, Sensitive and Forest Concern Wildlife
Species by Alternative
Common Name Status Alt. A Alt. B Alt. C
No Adverse May Impact May Impact
Diana Fritillary Sensitive Effect Individuals Individuals
No Adverse No Adverse No Adverse
Lampshade Spider Sensitive Effect Effect Effect
No Adverse No Adverse No Adverse
Black-billed Cuckoo Forest Concern Effect Effect Effect
No Adverse No Adverse No Adverse
Cerulean Warbler Forest Concern Effect Effect Effect
No Adverse No Adverse No Adverse
Alle en Woodrat Forest Concern Effect Effect Effect
3.5 Effects Related to Issue #5: Management Indicator Species (MIS)
The Forest-wide list of Management Indicator Species (MIS) was considered as it relates to the
analysis area. Only those MIS that occur or have habitat within the analysis area and may be
affected by any of the alternatives were carried through a site-specific analysis. The
documentation below shows which MIS were and were not analyzed along with the reasons.
The MIS Analysis Report can be found in Appendix C.
Environmental Assessment Mill Creek Road-SR 1407 Chapter 3 - Environmental Consequences 25
Consistent with the Forest Plan and its associated FEIS (Volumes 1 and II), the effects analyses
focus on changes to MIS habitat. These project-level effects are then put into context with the
Forest-wide trends for populations and habitats. To process and document the information
efficiently, a series of tables are used as follows:
1) Table 3-9: This table displays biological communities and associated MIS, and reasons
species were, or were not selected for analysis in the project. The source of these tables is
Amendment 17 to the Nantahala and Pisgah Land and Resource Management Plan effective
October 1, 2005, and the associated environmental assessment (EA) and project record.
2) Table 3-10: This table displays the habitat components and associated MIS, and reasons
species were, or were not selected for analysis in the project.
3) Table 3-11: This table displays by MIS the Forest-wide population trend along with the
associated biological community or habitat component. The information in this table is taken
from the MIS Report for the Nantahala and Pisgah National Forests.
Table 3-9. Biological communities, associated MIS, and why species were chosen or eliminated from analysis.

Biological Community
MIS Analyzed Further/
Evaluation
Criteria*
Fir dominated high
elevation forests Fraser fir No/]
Northern hardwood forests Ramps No/I
Carolina hemlock bluff
forests Carolina hemlock No/I
Rich Cove forests Ginseng Yes
Xeric yellow pine forests Pine warbler No/I
Reservoirs Largemouth bass No/I
Riparian forests Acadian Flycatcher Yes
Coldwater streams Wild brook, brown, and rainbow trout; blacknose dace Yes/2
Warmwater streams Smallmouth bass No/1
* I Biological Community and its represented species do not occur within the project area; therefore, this biological
community will not be affected by any of the alternatives. Given no effects to the community, the alternatives
in this project will not cause changes to forest-wide trends or changes in population trends of species associated
with this community.
2 Biological Community and its represented species will be protected in accordance with LRMP standards and
guidelines. Populations will not be affected by management activities because the associated habitat will not be
entered by the proposed activities, pursuant to forest plan direction; therefore, there will be no change to forest-
wide population trends.
Environmental Assessment Mill Creek Road-SR 1407 Chapter 3 - Environmental Consequences 26
Table 3-10. Habitats components, associated MIS and why species were chosen or eliminated from analysis.
Analyzed Further/
Special Habitat MIS Evaluation
Criteria*
Old Forest Communities No/1
100+ ears old Black bear
Early successional (0-10 No/]
ears old Rufous-sided (eastern) towhee
Early successional (I I- No/I
Ruffed grouse
20
Soft mast producing Yes
Ruffed grouse
species
Hard mast-producing Black bear Yes
species >40 s
Mixed pine/hardwood No/1
forest types (successional Black bear, eastern wild turkey, gray squirrel, white-tailed deer
stage and hard mast
Large contiguous areas No/]
with low levels of human Black bear
disturbance
Large contiguous areas No/1
of mature deciduous Ovenbird
forest
Permanent grass/forb No/1
White-tailed deer
openings
Snags) Pileated woodpecker No/I
' I Special Habitat and its represented species do not occur within the project area; therefore, this special habitat
will not be affected by any of the alternatives. Given no effects to the habitat, the alternatives in this project
will not cause changes to forest-wide trends or changes in population trends of species associated with this
habitat.
2 Special Habitat and its represented species will be protected in accordance with LRMP standards and
guidelines. Populations will not be affected by management activities; therefore, there will be no change to
forest-wide population trends.
Table 3-11. MIS species, estimated population trend, and biological community or special
habitat indicated by the species
Species Estimated population Biological Community and/or special habitat
trend
Black Bear Increasing Old forest communities, hard mast-producing
species, contiguous areas with low disturbance
White Tailed Deer Static to decreasing Permanent grass-forb
Pileated Woodpecker Increasing Snags
Ovenbird Decreasing Large contiguous areas of mature deciduous forest
Rufous-Sided (Eastern) Decreasing Early-successional (0-10)
Towhee .
Pine Warbler Static Xeric yellow-pine forests
Ruffed Grouse Static Early successional
11-20
Acadian Flycatcher Static Riparian
Wild Brook, Brown and Static Coldwater streams
Rainbow Trout,
Largemouth Bass Static Reservoirs
Environmental Assessment Mill Creek Road-SR 1407 Chapter 3 - Environmental Consequences 27
Species Estimated population
trend Biological Community and/or special habitat
Blacknose Dace Static Coldwater streams
Smallmouth Bass Static Warmwater streams
Fraser Fir Decreasing Fraser fir forests
Carolina Hemlock Decreasing Carolina hemlock bluff forests
Ginseng Decreasing Rich cove forests
Rams Static Northern hardwoods
3.6 Effects Related to Issue #6: Non-Native Invasive Plants
3.6.1 Existing Condition (Non-Native Invasive Plants)
There are 124 species of non-native plant species documented to occur on the Pisgah and
Nantahala National Forests (Danley and Kauffman). An increase of non-native plant species in
the proposed activity area is expected. Many of these species, both native and non-native, have
benefits for wildlife and erosion control. However, as succession progresses, most ruderal
species tend to become much less prevalent and generally do not persist in the area. Most ruderal
plant species are expected to decrease to non significant population levels within ten years after
the initial disturbance.
The persistence of most non-native plant species is not considered desirable to natural ecosystem
health. There are primarily two ways in which non-native plant species may persist in the
forested ecosystems: 1) non-native plant species may persist by the introduction of an "invasive
non-native species" to the ecosystem, or 2) by modification of the ecosystem in such a way that
an invasive species becomes dominant. Out of the 124 species of non-native plants known to
occur on the Pisgah Nantahala National Forest, 25 are currently recognized as having aggressive
invasive qualities that can dominate local communities (Danley and Kauffman; Regional
Foresters, May 2001, List of Invasive Exotic Plant Species).
Non-native invasive plants persist in the area by continual disturbance. Therefore, the currently
maintained road shoulder often has persistent ruderal and non-native plant species. These areas
are often maintained in an early successional state for wildlife or human benefit.
3.6.2 Alternative A - No Action
Direct and Indirect Effects-Non-Native Invasive Plants
Existing conditions and trends continue. Under this alternative no actions are proposed. There
would be no potential increase in non-native invasive plant species as a result of ground
disturbing actions. There are no other known foreseeable actions in the activity areas that could
affect spread or control/management of non-native invasive plants.
Environmental Assessment Mill Creek Road-SR 1407 Chapter 3 - Environmental Consequences 28
3.6.3 Alternatives B and C
Direct and Indirect Effects-Non-Native Invasive Plants
Non-native invasive plants persist in the area by continual disturbance. Therefore, it is expected
that this proposal would in effect maintain the persistence of non-native vegetation in the
analysis area because the amount of road shoulder in the project area will remain essentially the
same. To further help reduce this effect, native plants would be utilized in roadside erosion
control plantings. It is recognized that erosion control is the primary goal of seeding areas and
some non-native plant species may be highly beneficial at accomplishing these goals. However,
Presidential Executive Order 13112, Title 3 recognizes the need to reduce the impact of non-
native species by reducing the amount in which non-native plant species are planted on federal
property. Goals of erosion control and encouragement of native plant species may be met by
planting native plant species or a suitable mixture of native and non-native mixture of species.
3.6.4 Cumulative Effects-Non-Native Invasive Plants
There are no other known activities that would impact non-native invasive plants in the project
area; therefore, there are no cumulative effects expected as a result of any of the alternatives.
3.7 Effects Related to Issue #7: Scenery Resources
3.7.1 Existing Condition (Scenery Resources)
Scenery in the project area consists of typical mountain landscapes with mixed forest vegetation
ranging from yellow poplar to hemlock dominated stands with a rhododendron and hemlock
mid-story and a shrub layer. The area would be classified as "common" in the Southern
Appalachian landscape type. Forest Service lands in the area show evidence of past timber
management; while views of private lands include rural residential dwellings including the Mill
Inn on Mill Creek and forested tracts. There are no Forest Service developed recreation
facilities or system trails in the project area.
The project area is located in Management Area (MA) 4D and has a Visual Quality Objective
(VQO) of Modification. Under Modification VQO, treatments may dominate the surrounding
landscape, but borrow from naturally occurring form, line, color and texture. These objectives
must be met within three growing seasons after project completion.
3.7.2 Alternative A - No Action
Direct and Indirect Effects-Scenery Resources
With this alternative, no change in appearance of the existing landscape would occur. All Visual
Quality Objectives would be met.
Environmental Assessment Mill Creek Road-SR 1407 Chapter 3 - Environmental Consequences 29
3.7.3 Alternative B - Proposed Action
Direct and Indirect Effects-Scenery Resources
Road widening and realignment would be visible to the users of the road including motorists,
hikers, runners, and bicyclists. Widening, realigning and paving the road would change the
appearance of the road. The road would appear more open and straighter and the paved surface
will contrast in color with the surrounding landscape. The cuts and fills along the new
construction segments and some of the sections where widening takes place will appear stark
next to areas of forested vegetation. After two or three growing seasons, the vegetation planted
on these slopes as well as'volunteer vegetation from adjacent areas will green up and begin to
blend with the surrounding landscape. These changes to the landscape meet the VQO of
Modification.
3.7.4 Alternative C
Direct and Indirect Effects-Scenery Resources
Road widening would be visible to the users of the road including motorists, hikers, runners, and
bicyclists. Widening the road would change the appearance of the road. The road would appear
more open than the current road. The cuts and fills along some of the sections where widening
takes place will appear stark next to areas of forested vegetation. After two or three growing
seasons, the vegetation planted on these slopes as well as volunteer vegetation from adjacent
areas will green up and begin to blend with the surrounding landscape. Retaining the gravel
surface would help blend the road with the existing landscape in both color and form. These
changes to the landscape meet the VQO of Modification.
3.7.5 Cumulative Effects-Scenery Resources
There are no other known activities that would impact scenery resources in the project area;
therefore, there are no cumulative effects expected as a result of any of the alternatives.
3.8 Effects Related to Issue #8: Recreation Resources
3.8.1 Existing Condition (Recreation Resources)
There are no Forest Service developed recreation facilities or system trails in the project area;
However, the Mill Creek Road is used by hikers, runners, and mountain bikers. Directly to the
east and connecting near the southern terminus of the road project, is the Point Lookout Trail.
The Point Lookout is a paved trail that allows foot and bicycle travel. It begins at the Old Fort
Picnic Area and ends at the intersection of Mill Creek Road and SR1400. The Point Lookout
trail joins with the Kitsum Trail to form a loop trail. The Kitsum Trail begins at the Old Fort
Picnic Area and is a single tract natural surface trail that allows foot and bicycle traffic.
The project area has been designated a Roaded Natural 2 (RN2) area on the Recreation
Opportunity Spectrum (ROS) in the Forest Plan. RN2 areas are characterized by predominately
Environmental Assessment Mill Creek Road-SR 1407 Chapter 3 - Environmental Consequences 30
natural appearing environments with moderate evidence of the sights and sounds of people.
Interaction between users may be low, but with evidence of other users prevalent. Resource
modification and utilization practices are evident, but harmonize with the natural environment.
3.8.2 Alternative A - No Action
Direct and Indirect Effects-Recreation Resources
With this alternative, no change in the recreational use or opportunities would occur. The area
would remain a Roaded Natural 2 ROS designation.
3.8.3 Alternative B - Proposed Action
Direct and Indirect Effects-Recreation Resources
The improved road would still be available for hikers, runners, and mountain bikers; however,
the experience would change under this alternative. Recreationists would be on a paved instead
of a gravel surface which could be a negative or positive experience depending on the individual
user. These users may have to deal with more motor vehicle traffic and slightly higher speeds
resulting from the road improvements; however, hikers, runners, and mountain bikers would be
more visible to motorists on the road due to the increased sight distance provided by a wider and
straighter road. The Point Lookout and Kitsum Trails are available nearby for those who prefer
an experience without motor vehicles present.
The proposed activities under this alternative would not change the ROS designation (RN2) for
this area. The availability of and opportunity to participate in various recreational activities
would not change; however, the experience for individual recreationists could be affected.
In order to promote additional safety, the Forest Service will require the placement of "Share the
Road" signs at both ends of the project area. The North Carolina Department of Transportation
has been installing these signs since 1987. No formal evaluation of the sign's effectiveness has
been conducted; but, public feedback has been favorable. Bicyclists have noted that motorists
seem more courteous in areas where "Share the Road" signs have been posted.
3.8.4 Alternative C
Direct and Indirect Effects-Recreation Resources
The improved road would still be available for hikers, runners, and mountain bikers; however,
the experience would change under this alternative. Hikers, runners, and mountain bikers would
be more visible to motorists on the road due to the increased sight distance provided by a wider
road especially in the areas around deep curves. The Point Lookout and Kitsum Trails are
available nearby for those who prefer an experience without motor vehicles present.
The proposed activities under this alternative would not change the ROS designation (RN2) for
this area. The availability of and opportunity to participate in various recreational activities
would not change; however, the experience for individual recreationists could be affected.
Environmental Assessment Mill Creek Road-SR 1407 Chapter 3 - Environmental Consequences 31
3.8.5 Cumulative Effects-Recreation Resources
There are no other known activities that would impact recreation in the project area; therefore,
there are no cumulative effects expected as a result of any of the alternatives.
3.9 Effects Related to Issue #9: Other Areas of Concern
3.9.1 Alternative A - No Action
Direct, Indirect and Cumulative Effects - Other Areas of Concern
Since no action is proposed under this alternative, there would be no direct, indirect, or
cumulative effects to park lands, prime farmland, wetlands, wild and scenic rivers, or
ecologically critical areas under this alternative.
3.9.2 Alternatives B and C
Direct, Indirect and Cumulative Effects - Other Areas of Concern
There would be no direct, indirect, or cumulative effects from either of these alternatives because
none propose actions within park lands, prime farmlands, wetlands (as per 1977 Executive
Orders 11988 and 11990), wild and scenic rivers, or ecologically critical areas. It also would not
violate local laws or requirements imposed for the protection of the environment. There are no
other known foreseeable actions in the activity area that could adversely affect park lands, prime
farmland, wetlands, wild and scenic rivers, or ecologically critical areas.
Environmental Assessment Mill Creek Road-SR 1407 Chapter 4 - List of Preparers 32
CHAPTER 4 - Consultation with Agencies and Others
4.1 Interdisciplinary Team Members
4.1.1 Core Interdisciplinary Team
Sandy (Florence) Burnet - Pisgah Zone Wildlife Biologist
Karen Compton -Interdisciplinary Team Leader
David Danley - Pisgah Zone Botanist
Rodney Snedeker - Forest Archeologist
Lorie Stroup - Pisgah Zone Fisheries Biologist
4.1.2 Other Forest Service Personnel Providing Input
Erik Crews - Landscape Architect, National Forests in North Carolina
Joy Malone - District Ranger, Grandfather Ranger District
Leigh Marston - Resource Assistant, Grandfather Ranger District
4.2 Federal, State, and Local Agencies Providing Input:
Chrys Baggett - State Clearinghouse, Department of Administration
Brian P. Cole - United States Fish and Wildlife Service
David McHenry - North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission
Peter Sandbeck - North Carolina State Historic Preservation Office
Lisa Stopp - The United Keetoowah Band of the Cherokee Indians
4.3 Others Providing Input
Comments were received from six other groups or individuals on the proposal during the seeping
period that was initiated on February 5, 2008. A list of these individuals and their comments is
located in the project record.

APPENDIX B
Mill Creek Road, SR 1407
NCDOT PROJECT
BIOLOGICAL EVALUATION
And
Associated Documents
BIOLOGICAL EVALUTATION
FOR THE
Secondary Road 1407 Mill Creek Road Improvement Project
PISGAH NATIONAL FOREST
GRANDFATHER RANGER DISTRICT
MCDOWELL COUNTY
NORTH CAROLINA
Contact Person:
Lorie L. Stroup
Pisgah National Forest Fisheries Biologist
1001 Pisgah Highway
Pisgah Forest, NC 28768
[phone]
email: loriestroup(&fs.fed.us
August 10, 2004
March 6, 2009-Reviewed and Concurred
ABSTRACT: Based on the findings contained within this biological evaluation, the
proposed Secondary Road 1407 Mill Creek Road Improvement Project is not likely to
adversely affect any threatened, endangered, or sensitive aquatic, botanical, or
terrestrial wildlife species. Informal consultation with the US Fish and Wildlife Service is
not required.
Environmental Assessment Mill Creek Road, SR 1407 Appendix B - Biological Evaluation
Purpose of Biological Evaluation
The purpose of this biological evaluation is to ensure maintenance of species viability
for federally threatened, endangered and sensitive (TES) species.
Proposed Action
The North Carolina Department of Transportation (DOT) is proposing to improve Mill
Creek Road, SR 1407, in McDowell County. This improvement project includes;
realignment/straightening, grading, widening, drainage and paving. The portion of this
road where it passes through or is parallel to U.S. Forest Service lands runs
approximately from survey stations 18+30 to 57+05 and 69+95 to 112+00.
DOT provided the U.S. Forest Service with the plans of their proposed road
improvement project. Those plans indicate the existing power line right of way (ROW)
will require moving or, at a minimum, burying within the realigned road ROW. Several
culverts will require realigning or lengthening. The majority of the proposed realignment
falls within the existing power line ROW, which has been cleared of mid-story and
canopy trees and is in a shrub habitat condition.
One adjustment has been made to the original plan which is at station 52+25.
According to discussions with DOT liaison, Wade Tate and Miera Crawford, USFS
District Ranger the existing stream crossing will stay within a small extension for the
widening process. Previous plans included extending the pipe an additional 200 feet for
a switch back. This part of the proposal was dropped as a part of this plan and is not
covered in this analysis.
Purpose and Need for the Proposed Action
The NC DOT plans create an improved travel route for motorists on Mill Creek Road,
SR 1407. The existing route has a gravel surface and several narrow switchbacks. The
new alignment will include less switchbacks and a hardened, or paved surface.
Location and Description of the Project Area.
This project lies within Land and Resources Management Plan (LRMP) watershed
number 48, the Catawba River watershed. The entire analysis and project area are
located within Compartment 198 of the Grandfather Ranger District. The majority of the
proposed realignment falls within the existing power line ROW, which has been cleared
of mid-story and canopy trees and is in a shrub habitat condition.
Two regionally common natural community types were found in the proposed activity
areas: Acidic Cove Forest and the Rich Cove Forest and anthropogenic habitat
(disturbed roadsides) were found along the existing (SR 1407) road. The natural
comminutes are described in detail by Schafale and Weakley, 1990. The Rich Cove
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Environmental Assessment Mill Creek Road, SR 1407 Appendix B - Biological Evaluation
Forest was the most common Natural Community within the proposed activity area.
There were few subsumed habitat areas such as rock outcrops, small stream or seeps.
Species Evaluated
Proposed, endangered, threatened and sensitive species considered are those included
in the National Forests in North Carolina species list. The North Carolina Natural
Heritage Program Biological Conservation Database was queried for any element
occurrence records of these species in the project area.
Sandy Florence, USFS Wildlife Biologist, evaluated the proposed SR 1407 Mill Creek
Road Improvement project on May 6, 2004 for wildlife habitat. A survey of the habitat
within the alignment portions of this proposal was completed on May 10, 2004 by Sandy
Florence. Snail and salamander surveys of the proposed road realignment corridor were
completed at that time.
Dave Danley, USFS Botanist, evaluated the proposed SR 1407 Mill Creek Road
Improvement Project on May 6, 2004. The site was also surveyed by botanist Carolyn
Wells on Sept. 18, 2003. Danley determined the effect of this proposed project to
threatened, endangered or sensitive plant species.
Aquatic surveys of the proposed project area was completed by Lorie Stroup, USFS
Fisheries Biologist, on May 6, 2004, to determine the habitats present and evaluate
stream crossings involved in the project. Aquatic macroinvertebrate surveys were also
taken on this same day. She determined the effects of this proposed project to
threatened, endangered, or sensitive aquatic species. No TES aquatic species are
known to occur within the project area nor were any observed on this day.
Determination of Effect
Wildlife: Speyeria Diana, Diana Fritillary, has six occurrence records within this
watershed, with one record along the existing SR 1407 ROW. The diana fritillary, a
Regional Forester's Sensitive species, is essentially a woodland species, especially
near streams with thick undergrowth. The highest incidences of sightings of adults have
been at intersections of hardwood streams and narrow roads or trails where the
butterfly's nectar sources thrive in small canopy gaps. The preferred nectar species for
the adult stage are butterfly weed, common and swamp milkweed, joe-pye weed and
ironweed. These nectar species tend to grow in wet soil conditions in open, sunny
areas. The larval stage relies on violets as an important food source within forested
areas. Openings created by this road improvement project will widen the ROW and
create an opening where nectar species, such as joe-pye weed will flourish within the
realignment sections. The nectar species currently found within the existing road ROW
will remain or re-establish themselves where the roadbed remains in an open condition.
There will be a negative effect to nectar habitat with the implementation of this project;
however, there is little clearing on either side of the existing roadbed and within 1-2
years of project completion larger numbers of nectar species will be available. The
B-3
Environmental Assessment Mill Creek Road, SR 1407 Appendix B - Biological Evaluation
widening and paving of SR 1407 is expected to increase the number and speed of
automobiles using this road, which may result in a higher mortality in butterflies. The
volume of vehicles is expected to increase beyond its present use once the road is
improved. Therefore, the project may impact individuals but is not likely to cause a trend
to federal listing or a loss of viability.
The lampshade spider species, Hypochilus sheari, is found at two locations outside of
this watershed on shaded rock faces near a stream. One small rock face was noted
along the current SR 1407 ROW; however, this rock face does not exhibit H. sheari
habitat. It is expected that rock face/ledge habitat closer to Mill Creek would provide the
highest potential habitat for this spider. There will be no affect to Hypochilus sheari by
implementation of this project.
Botanical: This proposal will impact some individuals of the Regionally Sensitive
Coreopsis latifolia but will not cause a loss of local or Forest wide viability of Coreopsis
latifolia. This action will not cause a trend towards federal listing of Coreopsis latifolia.
No mitigation is recommended. This proposal will not affect any Federally listed or
proposed listed plant species. This proposal will not impact any other Sensitive plant
species. Consultation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is not required.
Aquatic: There will be no effects to Proposed, Threatened, Endangered or Sensitive
aquatic species by the implementation of this project proposal. Formal consultation with
U.S. Fish & Wildlife is not required.
Summary of Determination of Effects
Implementation of this project will have no effect on any federally threatened or
endangered aquatic, botanical, or wildlife species. Consultation with the U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service is not required.
The proposed Secondary Road 1407 (Mill Creek Road) project may impact individuals
of sensitive species Speyeria Diana and Coreopsis latifolia but will not affect the viability
of these species across the Forest.
Prepared by:
/5/ l-0YLC L StYOU'p
August 10, 2004
March 6, 2009 - Reviewed and Concurred
Lorie L. Stroup
Fisheries Biologist
Pisgah National Forest
B-4
BOTANICAL RESOURCES REPORT
FOR THE
RECONSTRUCTION AND IMPROVEMENT
EXISTING MILL CREEK ROAD SR 1407
GRANDFATHER RANGER DISTRICT
MCDOWELL COUNTY
NORTH CAROLINA
Contact Person:
DAVID M. DANLEY
Botanist
P.O. BOX 128
HOT SPRINGS, NORTH CAROLINA 28743
828-622-3202
e-mail: [e-mail]
Environmental Assessment Mill Creek Road, SR 1407 Appendix B - Botanical Analysis
1. INTRODUCTION
This report documents the potential effects on botanical resources of a proposed road
reconstruction and improvement to the existing Mill Creek road (SR 1407). The proposal
would affect Forest Service property along the existing right-of-way with extensions for
realignments (See project proposal for detailed description of proposal). The botanical
analysis area is Compartment 198 of the Grandfather Ranger District in western
McDowell County, North Carolina.
II. SPECIES CONSIDERED AND METHODS
The potential effects on Federally endangered, threatened (T.&E.), Forest Service
Sensitive (S.) and Forest Concern (FC.) plant species are evaluated. The list of
potential T.&E. plant species are maintained by the United States Fish and Wildlife
Service. The S. plant species list is maintained by the Regional Forester, U.S. Forest
Service, Atlanta Georgia. The FC. plant list is maintained by the Pisgah/Nantahala
National Forests, Asheville, North Carolina. Potential direct and indirect effects to
T.&E., S. and FC. plant species were analyzed in the areas where road construction is
proposed. This area is referred to as the activity area.
Potentially affected plant species were identified by:
(1) reviewing the list of T.&E., S. and FC. plant species of the Pisgah and Nantahala
National Forests and their habitat preferences;
(2) consulting element occurrence records of T.&E., S. and FC. plants as maintained by
the North Carolina Natural Heritage Program;
(3) consulting with individuals both in the public and private sector who are
knowledgeable of the area and its flora;
(4) conducting field surveys in areas designated for ground disturbing activities.
Focused attention was given during the surveys to habitats within the road-right-of way
that may be associated with plant T.&E., S. and FC. species, i.e., rock outcrops, seeps,
etc. The intensity of the coverage varied depending on the extent of any likely T.&E., S.
and FC. species habitat, complexity of vegetation, and/or presence of indicator species.
Although the search was focused on the possibility of occurrences of the T.&E., S. and
FC. plants listed in. Table 1, all T.&E., S. and FC. plant species were searched for
during the surveys.
III. EXISTING BOTANICAL CONDITION
A. T.&E., S. and FC. plants:
Of the total of 51 T.&E., S. and FC. plants species known or likely to occur in McDowell
Co., all but 12 species were dropped from the list for further consideration and
discussion for one of the following reasons: 1) lack of suitable habitat for the species in
the project area, 2) the species has a well-known distribution that does not include the
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Environmental Assessment Mill Creek Road, SR 1407 Appendix B - Botanical Analysis
project area, or 3) based on field surveys of potential habitat, no habitat was seen in the
activity areas. Habitats, community types and ranges of plant T.&E., S. and FC. species
are derived from information in Classification of the Natural Plant Communities of North
Carolina, the Natural Heritage Program's List of Rare Plants of North Carolina or
personal communication with other botanists. Based upon habitat information, eleven
T.&E., S. and FC. plant species could occur in the activity area but are not known to
occur. Field or literature surveys reveal that Coreopsis latifolia (S.) was known and
found to occur in the activity area. A list of T.&E., S. and FC. plants that potentially may
occur in the project or activity areas is given in Table 1.
B. Botanical Surveys
The activity area was surveyed by David Danley, Forest Botanist and Carolyn Wells on
Sept. 18, 2003 and May 6, 2004.
TABLE 1. Potential & Known T.&E., S. and FC. plant species in the proposed SR 1407
area
SPECIES TYPE NATURAL COMMUNITY OCCURRENCE
OR HABITAT
Federally Threatened or Endangered plant species (T &E)
NONE
2002 Region 8 Regional Forester's Sensitive plant species (S)
Botrychium Vascular Plant Rich Cove Forest Could occur in analysis area,
jenmanii not known to occur in analysis
or activity area. ,
Coreopsis Vascular Plant Rich Cove Forest Occurs within activity area
latifolia
Delphinium Vascular Plant Rich Cove Forest Could occur in analysis area,
exaltatum not known to occur in analysis
or activity area.
Helianthus Vascular Plant Rich Cove Forest Could occur in analysis area,
glaucophyllus not known to occur in analysis
or activity area.
Juglan cinerea Vascular Plant Rich Cove Forest Could occur in analysis area,
not known to occur in analysis
or activity area.
Shortia Vascular Plant Acidic Cove Forest Could occur in analysis area,
galacifolia var. not known to occur in analysis
brevstyla or activity area.
Thermopsis Vascular Plant Pine-Oak Heath Forest, Could occur in analysis area,
fraxinifolia Chestnut Oak Forest not known to occur in analysis
or activity area.

B-7
Environmental Assessment Mill Creek Road, SR 1407 Appendix B - Botanical Analysis
2002 Region 8 Regional Forester's Sensitive plant species (S)
Trillium rugellii Vascular Plant Rich Cove Forest Could occur in analysis area,
not known to occur in analysis
or activity area.
Trillium simile Vascular Plant Rich Cove Forest Could occur in analysis area,
not known to occur in analysis
or activity area.
Forest Concern (FC) Plant Species
Brachytheciu Moss Acidic Cove Forest Could occur in analysis area,
m rotaeaum not known to occur in analysis
or activity area.
Entodon Moss Acidic Cove Forest, Rich Cove Could occur in analysis area,
sullvantii Forest not known to occur in analysis
or activity area.
Robinia Vascular Plant Acidic Cove Forest Could occur in analysis area,
hispida var. not known to occur in analysis
fertilis or activity area.
124 common plant species were recorded during the botanical field visits.
C. Communities
Two regionally common natural community types were found in the proposed activity
areas: Acidic Cove Forest and the Rich Cove Forest and anthropogenic habitat
(disturbed roadsides) was found along the existing (SR 1407) road. The natural
communities are described in detail by Schafale and Weakley, 1990. The Rich Cove
Forest was the most common Natural Community within the proposed activity area.
There were few subsumed habitat areas such as rock outcrops, small stream or seeps.
IV. POTENTIAL EFFECTS TO T.&E., S. and FC. Plants
With the exception of Coreopsis latifolia (discussed below) there are no known effects
or impacts (direct, indirect or cumulative) to any known T.&E., S. or FC. plant species if
this proposal were implemented. This conclusion is supported by the following:
1) No other T.&E., S. and FC. plant is known in or near the activity area.
2) Site specific botanical surveys did not reveal the presence of any other TAE., S. or
FC. species, or habitat that is specific to T.&E., S. and FC. species.
Coreopsis latifolia
Status: Federal; none; NC State, Significantly Rare, S3; Global G3; Forest, Sensitive.
Known Forest occurrences: Numerous populations are known from recent sightings
from Avery, Buncombe, Haywood, Henderson, McDowell, Mitchell, Polk, Rutherford and
Yancey Counties.
B-8
Environmental Assessment Mill Creek Road, SR 1407 Appendix B - Botanical Analysis
Coreopsis latifolia is a glabrous, erect perennial herb about 1 meter high. The leaves
are opposite each other along the stem in few pairs. They are ovate, 5-12 cm. long
about half as wide. The flowers heads are numerous and arranged in panicles or
cymes, yellow, about 3 cm. in diameter. (See Radford et al, 1968 and Fernald, 1987 for
technical descriptions and keys). Coreopsis latifolia is a very distinct species and is
seldom confused with any other species of Coreopsis.
Populations of Coreopsis latifolia are typically scattered and occur in canopy gaps or
roadsides. The Pisgah and Nantahala National Forests have a significant portion (about
50%) of all the Known populations of Coreopsis latifolia. Thus, conservation of
Coreopsis latifolia is an important botanical concern. The limiting factor of Coreopsis
latifolia appears to be a limited habitat of small disturbance "gaps" in Rich Cove Forests
in a limited range.
Local populations of Coreopsis latifolia are known from along the current road (SR
1407) and Parris Creek. There are 3 small populations of about 20 individuals scattered
over about 1 mile of SR 1407. The populations near Parris Creek are much larger
consisting of hundreds of individuals (Gary Kauffman, personal communication May 9,
2004).
Possible effects to Coreopsis latifolia in the analysis area: Because two of the three
small roadside populations of Coreopsis latifolia are within the right-of-way needed for
widening the road, this proposal would have an adverse direct impact to about 10
individuals of Coreopsis latifolia and two small populations would be greatly impacted.
However, impacting 10 individuals is a very small percentage of the known local
population of Coreopsis latifolia. With the proposed impacts, the local (Compartment
198) population of Coreopsis latifolia would remain viable. Therefore, this proposal
would negatively impact individuals of Coreopsis latifolia; however; this impact would
not cause the local, or Forest viability to be impaired.
V. MITIGATION AND RATIONALE
There is no recommended mitigation.
VI. SUMMARY OF EFFECT
This proposal will impact some individuals of the Regionally Sensitive Coreopsis latifolia
but will not cause a loss of local or Forest wide viability of Coreopsis latifolia, This action
will not cause a trend towards federal listing of Coreopsis latifolia. No mitigation is
recommended. This proposal will not affect any Federally listed or proposed listed plant
species. This proposal will not impact any other Forest Concern or Sensitive plant
species. Consultation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is not required.
David M. Danley
Forest Botanist
May 10, 2004
B-9
Environmental Assessment Mill Creek Road, SR 1407 Appendix B - Botanical Analysis
REFERENCES
Amoroso, Jame L. and Weakley, Alan S. (1995). Natural Heritage Program List of
the Rare Plants of North Carolina and North Carolina Watch List. Raleigh, North
Carolina: North Carolina Natural Heritage Program.
Britton N. L. and Brown A. (1970). An Illustrated Flora of the United States and
Canada. New York. New York: Dover Publications Inc.
Goff, Glen F. Dawson, Gary A. and Rochow, John J. (1982). Site Examination for
Threatened and Endangered Plant Species. Environmental Management, Vol.6 No. 4.
Radford, Albert E., et. al., (1968). Manual of the Vascular Flora of the Carolinas.
Chapel Hill, North Carolina: University of North Carolina Press.
Ruggiero, Leonard F. Haywood, Gregerory D. and Squires John R. Viability Analysis
in Biological Evaluations: Concepts of Population Viability Analysis, Biological
Population, and Ecological Scale. (1994) Conservation Biology Vol. 8, No. 2
Schafale, M. P. and Weakley Alan. (1990). Classification of the Natural Communities
of North Carolina: Third Approximation. North Carolina Natural Heritage Program,
Raleigh, North Carolina.
Straussbaugh P. D. and Core E. L. (1977). Flora of West Virginia. Seneca Books
Inc., Morgantown, West Virginia
United States Forest Service, National Forests of North Carolina. (1994)." List of
Proposed, Endangered, Threatened, and Sensitive (PETS) Plants List". National
Forests of North Carolina: unpublished.
Weakley, Alan S. (1994). Guild to the Flora of the Carolinas and Virginia, a working
draft. unpublished.
Wofford, B. Eugene. (1989). Guild to the Vascular Plants of the Blue Ridge. Athens,
Georgia: University of Georgia Press.
B-10
Environmental Assessment Mill Creek Road, SR 1407 Appendix B - Wildlife Analysis
Wildlife Analysis
Mill Creek Road, SR 1407
McDowell County
Grandfather Ranger District, North Carolina
Proposed Proiect
The North Carolina Department of Transportation (DOT) is proposing to improve Mill
Creek Road, SR 1407, in McDowell County. This improvement project includes;
realignment/straightening, grading, widening, drainage and paving. The portion of this
road where it passes through or is parallel to U. S. Forest Service lands runs
approximately from survey stations 18+30 to 57+05 and 69+95 to 112+00.
DOT provided the U.S. Forest Service with the plans of their proposed road
improvement project. Those plans indicate the existing power line right of way (ROW)
will require moving or, at a minimum, burying within the realigned road ROW. Several
culverts will require realigning or lengthening. The majority of the proposed realignment
falls within the existing powerline ROW, which has been cleared of mid-story and
canopy trees and is in a shrub habitat condition.
Existing Condition
The Forest Service lands coverage is.DOT stations 18+30 through 57+05 and stations
69+95 through 112+00, with a mixed forest vegetation ranging from poplar dominated to
hemlock dominated with a rhododendron and hemlock mid-story and a shrub layer. The
majority of the private land is a similar mixed forest of poplar and hemlock. Most of the
private land on the north end of this road exhibit single family dwellings, including Mill
Creek Bed & Breakfast. The private lands on the south end of the road are at a higher
elevation and have not been developed with residences. Few rock cliff faces and ridges
were found along the existing or planned realignment road right-of-way.
A cleared powerline ROW exists just outside the current road ROW and the majority of
realignment is planned within the powerline ROW. DOT plans to install erosion control
devices during road construction, such as silt fences and to replace any landowners'
fences or culverts they may impact. The proposed road ROW is approximately 25' from
the center line of the road bed. There are three sites where re-alignment will cut off
access to closed Forest Service roads needed for future management which will require
a gate to be installed where the existing road meets the new road bed and an earthen
berm with root wads on the upper end of where the existing road meets the new road
bed. Currently, there is evidence on these closed roads of both 4-wheeler and 4WD
trucks illegally accessing the Forest Service closed roads. The addition of root wads
piled behind any earthen berm built will deter this illegal access in the future.
B-11
Environmental Assessment Mill Creek Road, SR 1407 Appendix B - Wildlife Analysis
Method
Information for this analysis was collected in the following manner:
1) A field visit of the proposed project area was completed by Sandy Florence,
Wildlife Biologist; Lorie Stroup, Fisheries Biologist; and Dave Danley, Botanist on
May 6 with Wade Tate, a DOT representative. This visit determined the habitats
present within the current road ROW and the proposed realignment segments.
2) Proposed, Threatened, Endangered and Sensitive (PETS) species occurrence
records for the area were obtained from the North Carolina Natural Heritage
Program (NCNHP) and the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.
3) Knowledge of past DOT road improvement projects of a similar nature were
considered in making a determination of effects.
4) A survey of the habitat within the alignment portions of this proposal was
completed on May 10, 2004 by Sandy Florence. Snail and salamander surveys
of the proposed road realignment corridor were completed at that time.
This analysis has been prepared based on the best available information at the
present time.
Proposed, Threatened, Endangered and Regional Forester's Sensitive
Species
There are no known Proposed, Threatened or Endangered wildlife species within the
Mill Creek watershed or the proposed project area. Those Threatened, Endangered,
Regional Forester's Sensitive and Pisgah Forest Concern species not further evaluated
are listed in Attachment A.
Table 1: Known and potential occurrence of Regional Forester's sensitive wildlife
species evaluated in detail for this project.
Species Type Habitat Occurrence
Description
R egional Forester's Sensitive Species 03/02
Speyeria diana Butterfly Wooded areas Known to occur in
near streams, project area and
nectar species watershed.
along trails and
roadways
Hypochilus sheari Spider cool, shaded rock May occur in
cliff/ledges near project area.
streams Known to occur in
the watershed.
B-12
Environmental Assessment Mill Creek Road, SR 1407 Appendix B - Wildlife Analysis
Analysis of Potential Affects to Regional Forester's Sensitive Species
Speyeria Diana, Diana Fritillary, has six occurrence records within this watershed, with
one record along the existing SR 1407 ROW. The Diana Fritillary, a Regional Forester's
Sensitive species, is essentially a woodland species, especially near streams with thick
undergrowth. The highest incidence of sightings of adults have been at intersections of
hardwood streams and narrow roads or trails where the butterfly's nectar sources thrive
in small canopy gaps. The preferred nectar species for the adult stage are butterfly
weed, common and swamp milkweed, Joe-Pye weed and ironweed. These nectar
species tend to grow in wet soil conditions in open, sunny areas. The larval stage relies
on violets as an important food source within forested areas. Openings created by this
road improvement project will widen the ROW and create an opening where nectar
species, such as Joe-Pye weed will flourish within the realignment sections. The nectar
species currently found within the existing road ROW will remain or re-establish
themselves where the roadbed remains in an open condition.
There will be a negative effect to nectar habitat with the implementation of this project;
however, there is little clearing on either side of the existing roadbed and within 1-2
years of project completion larger numbers of nectar species will be available. The
widening and paving of SR 1407 is expected to increase the number and speed of
automobiles using this road, which may result in a higher mortality in butterflies. The
volume of vehicles is expected to increase beyond its present use by vehicle traffic
avoiding Interstate 40 when there is a closure due to accidents. Therefore, the project
may impact individuals but is not likely to cause a trend to federal listing or a loss of
viability.
The lampshade spider species, Hypochilus sheari, is found at two locations outside of
this watershed on shaded rock faces near a stream. One small rock face was noted
along the current SR 1407 ROW; however, this rock face does not exhibit H. sheari
habitat. It is expected that rock face/ledge habitat closer to Mill Creek would provide the
highest potential habitat for this spider. There will be no affect to Hypochilus sheen by
implementation of this project.
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Environmental Assessment Mill Creek Road, SR 1407 Appendix B - Wildlife Analysis
Nantahala & Pisgah National Forests Forest Concern Species
Table 2: Nantahala & Pisgah National Forests Forest Concern Species evaluated in
detail for this project proposal.
Species Type Habitat Occurrence
Description
Forest Concern Species 03/02
Coccyzus Bird Extensive mature Known to occur in
erythropthalmus deciduous forest, the county.
often along forest
streams
Dendroica cerulea Bird Mature forests Known to occur in
with open the county.
understory and
scattered
openings
Mammal Rocky areas in Known to occur in
Neotoma f. deciduous or county.
magister mixed forests
Analysis of Potential Affects to Nantahala & Pisgah National Forests
Forest Concern Species
Neotoma f. magister, Allegheny woodrat, occupies hardwood and mixed forests with
areas of large boulders. Although some rock occurs within the vicinity of this project
proposal, the potential habitat occurs outside the impact area of this project proposal
and will not be affected by the proposed action. There is little likelihood of the woodrat
occurring within the immediate vicinity of the proposed project. Therefore, there will be
no affect to individual woodrats or habitat by this proposed project.
The Cerulean Warbler, Dendroica cerulea, record in McDowell County is within the
corridor of the Blue Ridge Parkway. There are several sites along the parkway where
the Cerulean is known to occur. These sites are at overlooks where there are canopy
gaps and early successional growth within close proximity of a mature forest. The
proposed project area does not exhibit potential habitat for this species. The mature
forest surrounding this proposed project on Forest Service lands is mixed poplar and
hemlock with a moderately dense understory of conifer and rhododendron. The
openings on adjacent private property or the road corridor, do not exhibit early
successional habitat. There is little likelihood of Cerulean Warblers utilizing the habitat
surrounding the proposed project; therefore, there will be no affect to the species with
implementation of the project.
B-14
Environmental Assessment Mill Creek Road, SR 1407 Appendix B - Wildlife Analysis
The Black-billed Cuckoo, Coccyzus erythropthalmus, record of occurrence is located
outside the Mill Creek watershed. The species is found in mature forests, often near
streams and this habitat is present on the eastern portion of the proposed project area.
The proposal is to widen the existing clearance to allow paving and realign the road to
eliminate sharp curves where possible. The clearance and realignment would involve
the removal of a small number mature poplar and hemlock as the majority of the
realignment falls within the powerline ROW. There is similar and more extensive
potential habitat to the west and north of Mill Creek, there is little likelihood the cuckoo
in present in this immediate area. Due to the small amount of potential habitat
estimated to be affected by this project proposal, there will be no affect to the cuckoo.
Management Indicator Species
The Eastern Wild Turkey is the most dominant Management Indicator Species utilizing
the habitat surrounding this proposed project. Widening and paving of this existing road
is expected to increase the volume of traffic. Forest Service lands and the majority of
private lands surrounding this road are in a forested condition with scattered grass/forb
habitat. The expected increase in traffic will cause more disturbance to this species and
there will be less likelihood of the turkey broods utilizing the SR 1407 right-of-way for
bugging.
Summary of Determination of Effects
There are no effects to Proposed, Threatened or Endangered wildlife species by this
project proposal. Formal consultation with U.S.D.I. Fish & Wildlife is not required.
For Regional Forester's sensitive species, Diana Fritillary, a determination was made
that this project may impact individuals but is not likely to cause a trend to federal listing
or a loss of viability.
/s/ Sandy Florence 07/30/04
SANDY FLORENCE Date
Wildlife Biologist
List of Contacts
Miera Crawford, Grandfather District Ranger
Karen Compton, Zone Planner
Dave Danley, Botanist
Lorie Stroup, Fisheries Biologist
Wade Tate, DOT Project Coordinator
B-15
Environmental Assessment
REFERENCES
Mill Creek Road, SR 1407 Appendix B - Wildlife Analysis
Behler, John L. and F. Wayne King. 1979. The Audubon Society Field Guide to North
American Reptiles and Amphibians. Alfred A. Knopf, Inc. New York. 743 pp.
Beeman, L. E., and M. R. Pelton. 1980. Seasonal Foods and Feeding Ecology of Black
Bears in the Smoky Mountains. Int. Conf. Bear Res. and Manage. 4:141-147.
Beringer, Jeffrey J. 1986. Habitat Use and Response to Roads by Black Bear In
Harmon Den, Pisgah National Forest. M.S. Thesis, University of Tennessee,
Knoxville, TN. 123pp.
Brody, Allan J. 1984. Habitat Use by Black Bears in Relation to Forest Management in
Pisgah National Forest, North Carolina. M.S. Thesis, University of Tennessee,
Knoxville, TN. 123pp. -
Burch, John B. 1962. The Eastern Land Snails. Wm. C. Brown Co., Iowa. 214 pp.
Chapman, Joseph A. and George A. Feldhammer (Eds.). 1982. Wild Mammals of North
America. The Johns Hopkins Univ. Press. Baltimore, MD 1147 pp.
Conant, Roger and Joseph T. Collins. 1958. The Peterson Field Guide Series - A
Field Guide to Reptiles and Amphibians. Houghton Mifflin Co., Boston. 450 pp.
Cooper, John E., Sarah S. Robinson and John B. Funderburg (Eds.). 1977. Endangered
and Threatened Plants and Animals of North Carolina. Proceedings of the
symposium on endangered and threatened biota of North Carolina. North
Carolina State Museum of Natural History, Raleigh. 444 pp.
Duffer, C., Kristy Jobe, Brandon Tanquay, Kristi Walker. 2000. Continuing Investigations
of
Hypochilus coylei and Hypochilus sheari. Western Carolina University. 14 pp.
Hamel, Paul B. 1992. The Land Manager's Guide to Birds of the South. The Nature
Conservancy, Southeastern Region, Chapel Hill, North Carolina. 437 pp.
Hubricht, Leslie. 1985. The Distribution of the Native Land Mollusks of the Eastern
United
States. Fieldiana, Zoology; New Series, No. 24. Field Museum of Natural History.
191 pp.
Harvey, Micheal J. 1992. Bats of the Eastern United States. Arkansas Game & Fish
Commisson. 46 pp
B-16
Environmental Assessment Mill Creek Road, SR 1407 Appendix B- Wildlife Analysis
Knitunen, M, E. Rossi, A. Stenroos. 1998. Do Highways Influence Density of Land
Birds?.
Environmental Management. Vol. 22, No. 2, pp. 297-302.
Land and Resource Management Plan - Nantahala and Pisgah National Forests. 1987.
National Forests in North Carolina, Asheville.
Opler, Paul A. and Vichai Malikul. 1992. The Peterson Field Guide Series - A Field
Guide to Eastern Butterflies. Houghton Mifflin Co., Boston. 396 pp.
Patton, David R. 1992. Wildlife Habitat Relationships in Forested Ecosystems. Timber
Press. Portland, Oregon. 392 pp.
Reagan, Steven R. 1991. Habitat Use by Female Black Bears in a Southern
Appalachian
Bear Sanctuary. M.S. Thesis, University of Tennessee, Knoxville. 114 pp.
Radford, Albert E., Harry E. Ahles and C. Ritchie Bell. 1968. Manual of the Vascular
Flora of the Carolinas. The Univ. North Carolina Press. Chapel Hill, North
Carolina. 1183 pp.
Sauer, John R., Grey W. Pendleton, and Bruce G. Peterjohn. 1995. Evaluating Causes
of
Population Change in North American Insectivorous Songbirds. Conservation
Biology. Vol. 10, No. 2, April 1996.
Tuttle, Merlin D. and Daniel A. R. Taylor. 1994. Bats and Mines. Bat Conservation
International, Inc., Resource Pulication No. 3. 41 pp.
Forest and Rangeland Birds of the United States, U.S. Department of Agriculture,
Forest Service, Agricultural Handbook 688, 1991, 625 pp.
Final Supplement to the Final Environmental Impact Statement, Volume Il, Nantahala
and Pisgah National Forests, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service. page L-
10.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Birds of Conservation Concern,
htti):Hmigratorybirds.fws.gov/resorts/BCC2002.1)df. Table 28, page 51.
B-17
Environmental Assessment Mill Creek Road, SR 1407 Appendix B - Wildlife Analysis
Attachment 1.
TES and FC wildlife species dropped from further consideration for any of the following
reasons:
1. lack of suitable habitat,
2. suitable habitat is located outside of the proposed project area for effects
analysis,
3. lack of NCNHP historical or current record, or
4. the species has a well known distribution that does not include the analysis area.
Species Habitat Type & Reason for
Status Elimination
Canus rufus, Red Forests with large Mammal, E Reintroduction into
wolf deer populations GSMNP failed
Corynorhinus Caves within Mammal, E No known
town. Virginianus, forested habitat caves/mines with AA
VA big-eared bat 11 & 12. Caves/mines
rotected if the occur
Myotis grisescens, Cave dwelling bat Mammal, E Known to forage on
Gray Bat Pigeon River at the
TN/NC line
Glaucomys Mature spruce/fir Mammal, E No spruce/fir within
sabrinus & N. hardwoods, activity area. N.
coloratus, generally above hardwoods sproatic
Carolina northern 4000' elevation on southern private
flying squirrel lands
Felis conco/or Remote habitats Mammal, E Believed extirpated
cougaur, Eastern within mountains
cougar
Clemmys Marshy meadows, Reptile, T No habitat within
muhlenbergii, Bog large seeps, and activity areas
turtle bogs
Haliaeetus Mature forests Bird, T No habitat within AA
leucocephalus, near large bodies 11 & 12
Bald Eagle of water
Lanus Pasture and Bird, S Potential habitat on
ludovicianus agricultural areas private lands only
migrans, Migrant with hedge rows
to erhead shrike
Thryomanes Brush and fence Bird, S No occurrence record
bewickii altus, rows in open and habitat on private
Appalachian country land
Bewick's wren
B-18
Environmental Assessment Mill Creek Road, SR 1407 Appendix B - Wildlife Analysis
Species Habitat Type & Reason for
Status Elimination
Incisalia irus, Open, dry woods Invertebrate, S No occurrence record,
Frosted elfin and edges. Host- no lupines found
lupines during botanical
surve s
Cicindela Sandy soil within Invertebrate, S No habitat within
ancocisconensis, floodplain of rivers activity area
a tiger beetle
Melanoplus Open Invertebrate, S No occurrence record,
divergens, grassland/balds no habitat within
Divergent activity area
Melano lus
Scudderia Woodlands, Invertebrate, S No occurrence
septentrionalis, current research records in the county
Northern bush has not yet and none found within
katydid defined habitat vicinity during current
research stud
Trimerotropis Rocky/boulder Invertebrate, S No occurrence
saxatilis, Rock- field exposed to records or habitat with
loving sunlight area
grasshopper
Micotus Rocky/boulder Mammal, S No occurrence
chrotorrhinus field within forest records or habitat
carolinensis, within activity area
Southern rock
vole
Myotis leibii, Hemlock forests, Mammal, S No occurrence
Eastern small- rock crevices, records or habitat
footed bat caves, or mines within activity area
Sorex palustris 12-15' streams Mammal, S No occurrence record
puntculatus, and banks with or habitat within
Southern water rhododendron in activity area
shrew N. hardwood or
spruce/fir forests
Pallifera hemphilli, Acidic & rich Invertebrate, S None recorded from
Black mantleslug coves, spruce/fir surveys of activity
forests area
Neotoma Rocky areas Mammal, FC No occurrence record,
magister, within deciduous no nests observed
Allegheny woodrat forests
Sorex dispar, High elevation Mammal, FC No occurrence record
Rock shrew forest with rocky or habitat within
slopes activity area
B-19
Environmental Assessment Mill Creek Road, SR 1407 Appendix B - Wildlife Analysis
Species Habitat Type & Reason for
Status Elimination
Accipiter striatus, Mixed forest Bird, FC No county occurrence
Sharp-shinned types, forages in record
hawk woods and open
count
Aegolius acadicus Spruce/fir at high Bird, FC No occurrence record
pop. 1, N. saw- elevations or habitat within
whet owl, S. activity area
Appalachian
Catharus guttatus, Spruce/fir forests Bird, FC No occurrence record
Hermit thrush with open or habitat within
understo activity area
Dendroica Spruce/fir forests, Bird, FC No occurrence record
magnolia, rarely in hemlock in county
Magnolia warbler
Epidonax High elevation Bird, FC No occurrence record
alnorum, Alder bogs with shrubs in county or habitat
flycatcher and saplings within activity area
Pooecetes Short grass in hilly Bird, FC No occurrence record
gramineus,Vesper areas and limited habitat on
sparrow private land
Sphyrapicus Dead trees in high Bird, FC No occurrence record
varius elevation and Forest standards
appalachiensis,Ap deciduous forest protect dens & snags
p. Yellow-bellied
sapsucker
Vermivora pinus, Deciduous Bird, FC No occurrence record,
Blue-winged shrub/sapling in habitat on private land
warbler open count
Vireo gilvus, Scattered Bird, FC No occurrence record,
Warbling vireo hardwoods in habitat on private
open county near lands
streams
Aneides aeneus, Damp crevices on Amphibian, No occurrence record
Green salamander sandstone rock FC or recorded during
surveys of activity
area
Eurycea Forested stream Amphibian, No occurrence record
longicauda sides, seeps, FC or recorded during
longicauda, Long- caves surveys of activity
tailed salamander area
B-20
Environmental Assessment Mill Creek Road, SR 1407 Appendix B -Wildlife Analysis
Species Habitat Type & Reason for
Status Elimination
Plethodon Spring seeps, Amphibian, No occurrence record
ventralis, rocky slopes and FC or recorded during
Southern zigzag caves surveys of activity
salamander area
Ambystoma Under leaf litter Amphibian, No occurrence record
talpoideum, Mole and woody debris FC or recorded during
salamander in bottomland surveys of activity
hardwoods area
Appalachina Leaf litter & rock Invertebrate, None recorded during
chilhoweensis, piles in deciduous FC surveys of activity
Queen crater forest area
Fumonelix Rock crevices in Invertebrate, No habitat present
orestes, Engraved spruce/fir forests FC and none recorded
covert during surveys of
activity area
Glyphyalina Under moist leaf Invertebrate, None recorded during
vanattai, Honey litter on forested FC surveys of activity
glyph mountainsides area
Tiodopsis Under moist leaf Invertebrate, None recorded during
tennnesseensis, litter and woody FC surveys of activity
Budded threetooth debris on forested area
hillsides
Autochton Moist woods near Invertebrate, None recorded during
cellus,Golden streams, host- FC surveys of activity
banded skipper legumes area. Potential habitat
on private lands
Celastrina nigra, Rich, moist Invertebrate, No occurrence record
Dusky azure deciduous, host- FC or recorded during
goat's beard surveys of activity
area
Euphydryas Marshes and wet Invertebrate, No occurrence record
phaeton, meadows FC or no habitat within
Baltimore activity area
checkers of
Satyrium Deciduous forest Invertebrate, No occurrence record
edwardsii, along roads or FC or recorded during
Edward's edges at high surveys of activity
hairstreak elevation, host- area
beech & hazelnut
Paravitrea Moist, leaf litter of Invertebrate, No occurrence record
andrewsae, High forested hillsides FC or recorded during
mountain surveys of activity
su ercoil area
B-21
Environmental Assessment . Mill Creek Road, SR 1407 Appendix B - Wildlife Analysis
Species Habitat Type & Reason for
Status Elimination
Paravitrea Moist, leaf litter in Invertebrate, No occurrence record
ternaria. Sculpted rich cove, N. red FC or recorded during
supercoil oak and Montane surveys of activity
oak/hickory area
forests
Ventridens Usually found in Invertebrate, No occurrence record
lasmodon, Hollow limestone soils on FC or recorded during
dome wooded hillsides surveys of activity
and riparian areas area
Neotoma f. Rocky places in Invertebrate, No occurrence record
Haematoreia, E. deciduous or FC or recorded during
Woodrat, S. mixed forest. More surveys of activity
Appalachian pop. common in moist, area
rich forests.
Inflectarius Leaf litter in moist, Invertebrate, No occurrence record
subpalliatus, rich cove or FC or recorded during
Velvet covert conifer forests surveys of activity
area
Discus Leaf litter in moist, Invertebrate, No occurrence record
bryanti,Saw-tooth rocky forests FC or recorded during
disc surveys of activity
area
Paravitrea Moist, leaf litter in Invertebrate, S No occurrence record
placentula, Glossy rich cove, N. red or recorded during
supercoil oak and Montane surveys of activity
oak/hickory area
forests with
hemlock and birch
Helicodiscus Leaf litter in north Invertebrate, S No occurrence record
triodus, Talus coil aspect, rich cove or recorded during
forests surveys of activity
area
Ventridens Leaf litter in north Invertebrate, S No occurrence record
coelaxis, aspect, rich cove or recorded during
Bidentate dome forests surveys of activity
area
Falco peregrinus, High rock cliffs, Bird, S No occurrence record
Peregrine falcon usually near rivers or habitat within
or lakes activity area
B-22
Environmental Assessment Mill Creek Road, SR' 1407 Appendix B - Aquatic Analysis
Aquatic Resources Analysis
Mill Creek Road, SR 1407
McDowell County
Grandfather Ranger District, North Carolina
Prooosed Proiect
The North Carolina Department of Transportation (DOT) is proposing to improve Mill
Creek Road, SR 1407, in McDowell County. This improvement project includes,
grading, widening, drainage, paving and realignment. The portion of this road where it
passes through or is parallel to U. S. Forest Service lands is approximately 1.5 miles in
length.
DOT provided the U.S. Forest Service with the plans of their proposed road
improvement project. One adjustment has been made to the original plan which is at
station 52+25. At this station the existing stream crossing will stay with a small
extension for the widening process. Previous plans included extending the pipe an
additional 200 feet for a switch back. This part of the proposal was dropped as a part of
this plan and is not covered in this analysis.
Existing Condition
This project lies within Land and Resources Management Plan (LRMP) watershed
number 48, the Catawba River watershed. Secondary road 1407 currently crosses
eight perennial streams (unnamed tributaries to Mill Creek), one intermittent stream
channel and 4 ephemeral channel crossings. As noted above one crossing was
dropped from the project proposal due to its proximity to an existing culvert location.
There is limited habitat for aquatic species within the project area. Project area streams
have restricted flow regimes and high gradients which result in the absence of fish
habitat. Mill Creek, which is in the analysis area, is hatchery supported, stocked with
rainbow and brown trout. Long Branch is located on National Forests lands within the
project area. Historical data indicates that this stream supports rainbow and brown trout
as well; however, according to the 2008 surveys conducted by the NCWRC, there were
no trout found.
The Virginia Commonwealth University's department of biology surveyed the Mill Creek
road (project area), Andrew's Geyser (analysis area) and US 70 (analysis area) areas in
July of 2003. During their surveys only two species of odonates were found. These
were Libellula Lydia (Common whitetail skimmer) and Hagenius brevistylus
(Dragonhunter). Neither of these species is considered rare.
B-23
Environmental Assessment Mill Creek Road, SR 1407 Appendix B - Aquatic Analysis
Method
Information for this analysis was collected in the following manner:
A field visit of the proposed project area was completed by Lorie Stroup, USFS
Fisheries Biologist, on May 6, 2004, to determine the habitats present and
evaluate stream crossings involved in the project. Aquatic macroinvertebrate
surveys were also taken on this same day.
Odonates (dragonflies and damselflies) were surveyed by the Virginia
Commonwealth University under a USFS contract to identify the Odonates of the
Pisgah and Nantahala National Forests. (July 2003)
3. Proposed, Threatened, Endangered and Sensitive (PETS) species occurrence
records for the area were obtained from the North Carolina Heritage Program
(NCNHP) and the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.
Knowledge of past DOT road improvement projects of a similar nature were
considered in making a determination of effects.
This analysis has been prepared based on the best available information at the
present time.
Proposed, Threatened, Endangered and Regional Forester's Sensitive Species
There are no known Proposed, Threatened or Endangered aquatic species within
McDowell County. There are no listed Regional Forester's Sensitive Species listed for
McDowell County.
Twenty-two Forest concern species are listed for McDowell County. These species
were evaluated for habitat preferences and eliminated based on the existence of their
respective preferences from the SR 1407 improvement project list. Of the 22 listed, all
were dropped except Serratella spicilosa based on habitat preferences and existing
survey information. The complete list for McDowell County is at the end of this
document in Attachment 1.
B-24
Environmental Assessment Mill Creek Road, SR 1407 Appendix B - Aquatic Analysis
Nantahala & Pisgah National Forest Concern Species .
Table 1. Nantahala & Pisgah National Forest Concern Species evaluated in detail for
Analysis of potential affects to Nantahala & Pisgah National Forest Concern Species
Serratella spiculosa is a mayfly that is thought to exist throughout the western foot of the
Blue Ridge Escarpment. This species of mayfly is in the Ephemerellidae family which is
generally inhabit lotic-erosional type habitats but can also be found in lotic-depositional
and lentic-littoral.
Serratella spiculosa is listed as a Forest concern species for McDowell County but has
never been confirmed as existing there. According to the NC Heritage Program, reports
have come from the state but no specimens have been confirmed.
During project area surveys no members of the ephemerellidae family were observed.
However, this species is included in this analysis based on their habitat preference and
its existence in the project and analysis areas. IF they exist within the project area or
downstream, individuals may be impacted by the implementation of this project,
however, no loss of viability across the Forest will occur.
Management Indicator Species
Table 2: Habitat Components, Associated MIS (per Amendment 17), and why Species/Habitat
were Chosen or Eliminated from Analvsis
Habitat Component MIS Analyzed Further/
Evaluation Criteria
Coldwater streams Wild brook trout, wild brown trout, wild
rainbow trout, blacknose dace (lower
tro hic levels of streams Yes/2
Warmwater streams Smallmouth bass No/1
Coolwater streams Smallmouth bass No/l
Reservoirs Largemouth bass No/1
B-25
this project proposal. .
Environmental Assessment Mill Creek Road, SR 1407 Appendix B - Aquatic Analysis
Biological Community and its represented species are not known to occur within the project area;
therefore, this biological community would not be affected by any of the alternatives. Given no effects
to the community, the alternatives in this project would not cause changes to Forest-wide trends or
changes in population trends of species associated with this community.
Biological Community is imbedded in the project area, but would not be affected by management
activities because the biological community would not be entered by the proposed activities. Given
no effects to the community, the altematives in this project would not cause changes to Forest-wide
trends or changes in population trends of species associated with this community.
Wild rainbow & wild brown trout exist within the aquatic activity area in both Long
Branch and Mill Creek in the analysis area of the Mill Creek DOT Project. The activities
associated with this project could have negative short-term impacts on the spawning
habitat of rainbow and brown trout during culvert installations and replacements.
However, this project has been designed so that fluctuations in sediment will be
minimized by the implementation of best management practices (BMP) and forest
practice guidelines (FPG). Included in the FPG's for the Pisgah and Nantahala National
Forest is no stream disturbance during the trout spawning moratorium (October 15 thru
April 15). This moratorium will protect any rainbow and brown trout eggs and juveniles
from being smothered or crushed during project implementation.
It is expected that long term benefits of a more stable road and preventing further
erosion will far out weigh possible short term impacts. Mobile organisms, such as
rainbow and brown trout, can move up or downstream to avoid disturbed areas within
the stream.
Individuals of the rainbow and brown trout community within the Mill Creek Project area
of potential impacts may be indirectly impacted by the activities associated with this
project. These impacts are expected to be short term and will cease with site
rehabilitation. There will be no impacts to the long-term viability of this rainbow and
brown trout population or the populations across the Forest.
Determination of Effects
There will be no effects to Proposed, Threatened, Endangered or Sensitive species by
the implementation of this project proposal. Formal consultation with US Fish & Wildlife
is not required.
Project implementation may impact individuals of Forest concern species
Serratella spicilosa, however there will be no loss of population viability across
the Forest. Project design features have been designated to protect sensitive
aquatic habitats.
/s/ Lorie L. Stroup
Lorie L. Stroup
USFS Fisheries Biologist
8/5/04 & updated 3/6/09
Date
B-26
Environmental Assessment Mill Creek Road, SR 1407 Appendix B-Aquatic Analysis
REFERENCES
Aquatic
Berner, L. and R.K. Allen. 1961. Southeastern species of the mayfly subgenus
Serratella (Ephemerel/a:Ephemerellidae). Florida Entomology 44:149-158.
Bonner, W.R. 1983a. Survey and classification of state-managed trout streams: district
Mountain Fisheries Investigations Federal Aid in Fish Restoration Project F24-S.
313 pages.
Brigham, A.R., W.U. Brigham, and A. Gnilka (editors). 1982. Aquatic insects and
olioghaetes of North and South Carolina. Midwest Aquatic Enterprises,
Mahomet, Illinois. 837 pages.
Bryan, S.A., J.D. Riley, and D.M Hill. 1999. NFMA Monitoring Report for Aquatic
Resources of the Nantahala and Pisgah National Forests, FY98 (unpublished).
Cantrell, Mark. US Fish and Wildlife Service, 160 Zillicoa St., Asheville, NC, 28801.
Clinton, B.D. and J.M. Vose. 2003. Differences in surface water quality draining four
road surface types in the Southern Appalacians. Southern Journal of Applied
Forestry 27: 100-106.
Dillon, R.T. 1992. Status survey of the knotty elimia, Goniobasis interupta (Hald.)
North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission contract No. 92-Snai-01. 20
pages.
Etnier, D.A. and W.C. Starnes. 1993. The fishes of Tennessee. The University of
Tennessee Press, Knoxville, Tennessee. 681 pages.
Georgian, T.J. and J.B. Wallace. 1993. Seasonal production dynamics in a guild or
periphyton-grazing insects in a southern Appalachian stream. Ecology 64:1236-
1248.
Grace, J.M., III. 2002. Effectiveness of vegetation in erosion control from forest road
sideslopes. Transactions of the American Society of Agricultural Engineers
45(3): 681-685.
Grant, G. 1988. The RAPID technique: a new method for evaluating downstream
effects
of forest practices on riparian zones. Gen. Tech. Rep. PNW-GTR-220. Portland,
OR: US Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Research
Station. 36 pages.
Hillis, R.E. and E.D. Bellis. 1971. Some aspects of the ecology of the hellbender,
Cryptobranchus alleganiensis, in a Pennsylvania stream. Journal of
Herpetology 5(3-4):121-126.
B-27
Environmental Assessment Mill Creek Road, SR 1407 Appendix B - Aquatic Analysis
Hobbs, H.H. Jr. 1989. An illustrated checklist of the American crayfishes (Decapoda:
Astacidae, Cambaridae, and Parastacidae). Smithsonian Contributions to Zoology
Number 480. 236 pp.
Huryn, A.D. and J.B. Wallace. 1987. The exopterygote insect community of a mountain
stream in North Carolina, USA: life histories, production, and functional
structure. Aquatic Insects 9:229-251.
Jenkins, R.E. and N.M. Burkhead. 1994. Freshwater fishes of Virginia. American
Fisheries Society, Bethesda, Maryland. 1079 pages.
Kohler, C.C. and W.A. Hubert, editors. 1993. Inland fisheries management in North
America. American Fisheries Society, Bethesda, Maryland. 594 pages.
Lee, D.S., C.R. Gilbert, C.H. Hocutt, R.E. Jenkins, D.E. McAllister, and J.R. Stauffer, Jr.
Atlas of North American freshwater fishes. North Carolina Biological Survey,
Publication #1980-12. 867 pages.
McAfee, W.R. 1966. Eastern brook trout. Pages 242-260 in Calhoun, A. (editor), Inland
fisheries management. California Fish and Game Publication. 546 pages.
MacDonald, L.H., A.W. Smart, and R.C. Wissmar. 1991. Monitoring guidelines to
evaluate effects of forestry activities on streams in the Pacific Northwest and
Alaska. US Environmental Protection Agency, Region 10, Water Division,
EPA910/9-91-001. Seattle, WA. 166 pages.
Meehan, W.R. (editor) 1991. Influences of forest and rangeland management on
salmonid fishes and their habitats. American Fisheries Special Publication #19,
Bethesda, Maryland. 751 pages.
Menhinick, E.F. 1991. Freshwater fishes of North Carolina. North Carolina Wildlife
Resources Commission Publication, Raleigh, North Carolina. 227 pages.
Merritt, R.W. and K.W. Cummins. 1996. An introduction to the aquatic insects of
North America, third edition. Kendall/Hunt Publishing Company, Dubuque, Iowa.
962 pages.
The Nature Conservancy. 1999. Natural Heritage Conservation Databases. Accessed
by
USDA Forest Service under Grant no. 97-CCS-230.
North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources. 2003. Basinwide
Assesment Report - French Broad River Basin. Division of Water Quality, Water
Quality Section, Environmental Sciences Branch.
B-28
Environmental Assessment Mill Creek Road, SR 1407 Appendix B - Aquatic Analysis
North Carolina Natural Heritage Program. 1997. Biological Conservation Data.
Computerized database.
Pennak, R.W. 1989. Fresh-water invertebrates of the United States: protozoa to
mollusca. John Wiley and Sons, New York, New York. 628 pages.
Raleigh, R.F. 1982. Habitat suitability index models: brook trout. USFWS Biological
Services Program Publication FWS/OBS-82/10.24. 42 pages.
Raleigh, R.F., T. Hickman, R.C. Soloman, and P.C. Nelson. 1984. Habitat suitability
information: rainbow trout. USFWS Biological Services Program Publication
FWS/OBS-82/10.60. 53 pages.
Raleigh, R.F., L.D. Zuckerman, and P.C. Nelson. 1986. Habitat suitability index models
and instream flow suitability curves: brown trout. USFWS Biological Services
Program Publication FWS/OBS-82/10.124. 42 pages.
Ridout, S. 2003. Unpublished data. Department of Biology, Virginia Commonwealth
University. Richmond, Virginia.
Scientific Council Report on Freshwater Fishes. 1991. A report on the conservation
status of North Carolina's freshwater fishes. Annual report prepared in
accordance with Article 25 of Chapter 113 of the General Statutes of North
Carolina. 17 pages plus appendices.
Scientific Council Report on Terrestrial and Molluscan Fauna. 1990. A report on the
conservation status of North Carolina's freshwater and terrestrial molluscan
fauna. Annual report prepared in accordance with Article 25 of Chapter 113 of
the General Statues of North Carolina. 246 pages plus appendices.
Swank, W.T., J.M. Vose, and K.J. Elliott. 2001. Long-term hydrologic and water quality
responses following commercial clearcutting of mixed hardwoods on a southern
Appalachian catchment. Forest Ecology and Management 143: 163-178.
Terwilliger, K. (editor). 1991. Virginia's endangered species: proceedings of a
symposium. McDonald and Woodward Publishing Company, Blacksburg,
Virginia. 672 pages.
Waters, T.F. 1995. Sediment in streams: sources, biological effects, and control.
American Fisheries Society Monograph 7, Bethesda, Maryland. 251 pages.
B-29
Environmental Assessment Mill Creek Road, SR 1407 Appendix B - Aquatic Analysis
ATTACHMENT 1:
Rare Species List - McDowell
Count
List Updated 01102/2002

Common Name
Scientific Name
T
ype Likelyhood of
Occurrence

Threatened, Endangered, &
Proposed Species
NONE

Sensitive Species (based on
January 1, 2002 Regional
Forester's list
NONE

Forest Concern Species

a caddisfl Agapetus
ocassee
caddisfl
Not Likely to Occur
5

Lenat's ceraclea Ceraclea species
1
caddisfl
May Occur 4

Bennett's Cave Mill water slater Caecidotea
carolinensis
crustacean
Not Likely to Occur
5

black-tipped darner Aeshna
tuberculifera
dra
gonfly
Not Likely to Occur
5

tiger s iketail Cordulegaster
erronea
dra
gonfly
May Occur 4

flag-tailed s in le Dromogomphus
s oliatus
dra
gonfly
Not Likely to Occur
5

spine-crowned clubtail Gomphus
abbreviatus
dra
gonfly
Not Likely to Occur
5

moustached clubtail Gomphus
adel hus
dra
gonfly
May Occur 4

beaver and clubtail Gomphus
borealis
dra
gonfly
Not Likely to Occur
5

Cherokee clubtail Gomphus
consan uis
dra
gonfly
May Occur 4

harpoon clubtail Gomphus
descr tus
dra
gonfly
May Occur 4

splendid clubtail Gomphus
lineatifrons
dra
gonfly
Not Likely to Occur
5

piedmont clubtail Gomphus
parvidens
arvidens

dra

gonfly

May Occur 4

skillet clubtail Gomphus
ventricosus
dra
gonfly
Not Likely to Occur
5

green-faced clubtail Gomphus
vindifrons
dra
gonfly
Not Likely to Occur
5
Northern pygmy clubtail Lanthus arvu/us dra gonfly May Occur 4

brook snaketail Ophiogomphus
as ersus
dra
gonfly
Not Likely to Occur
5
B-30
Environmental Assessment Mill Creek Road, SR 1407 Appendix B - Aquatic Analysis

Maine snaketail Ophiogomphus
mainensis
dragonfly
Not Likely to Occur 5
riverine clubtail St lurus amnicola dragonfly Not like) to occur 5
zebra clubtail St lurus scudderi dragonfly May Occur 4

white-faced meadowhawk Sympetrum
obtrusum
dragonfly
Not Likely to Occur 5

S icilose serratellan mayfly Serratella
s icilosa
mayfly
May Occur 4

EVALUATION CRITERIA:
1 = Recent survey data within or downstream the aquatic analysis
area <5 rs old
2 = Historical survey data within or downstream the aquatic
analysis area >5 rs old
3 = Vicinity records (within or downstream the analysis area, not
necessarily within project area
4 = Suitable habitat present, but
no vicinity records
5 = No suitable habitat present or vicinity records
within analysis area, but
species may be present in
count
6 = Extirpated species listed for
rivers stem
B-31
Environmental Assessment Mill Creek Road, SR 1407 Appendix B - Aquatic Analysis
ATTACHMENT 2:
Rare Aquatic Species List - Nantahala & Pisgah
National Forests
Updated: 10-Jan-03

GI
ob USF
Animal Animal at WS NCWRC
Common Ra Stat
Group Subgroup Scientific Name Name nk us Status Comments

Threatened, Endangered, & Proposed
Species
minnow/chu Cyprinella spotfin
Fish b monacha chub G2 T T
Alasmidonta Appalachia
Mollusk mussel raveneliana n elktoe G1 E E
littlewing
peadymuss
Mollusk mussel Pe ius fabula el G1 E E

Sensitive Species (January 1, 2002
Regional Forester list
Oconee
Crustace Cambarus stream SR(PSC
an crayfish chaugaensis crayfish G2
Little
Tennessee
Crustace Cambarus River SR(PSC
an crayfish eo iae crayfish Gi
Hiwassee
Crustace Cambarus Headwater SR(PSC
an crayfish arrishi s crayfish G1 FSC
French
Crustace Cambarus Broad
an crayfish reburrus crayfish G3
Bennett's
Crustace Caecidotea Mill Cave G1
an other carolinensis water slater G2 FSC SR(PE)
Carolina
seep
scud/Yanc
ey
Crustace Stygobromus sideswimm G1 check
an other carolinensis er G2 FSC SR(PT) taxonomy
Etheostoma Sharphead G2
Fish darter acutice s darter G3 T
Etheostoma Wounded
Fish darter vulneratum darter G3 SC
Blotchside
Fish darter Percina burtoni to erch G2 E
Percina Longhead
Fish darter macroce hala darter G3 FSC SC extirpated
Fish darter Percina Olive darter G2 FSC SC
B-32
Environmental Assessment Mill Creek Road, SR 1407 Appendix B - Aquatic Analysis
squamata
Mountain
Macromia river G2
Insect dragonfly margarita cruiser G3 FSC SR
Ophiogomphus Edmund's
Insect dragonfly edmundo snaketail G1 FSC SR
Ophiogomphus Pygmy
Insect dragonfly howei snaketail G3 FSC SR
Alasmidonta Brook
Mollusk mussel varicose floater G3 FSC T(PE)
Fusconaia Tennessee G2
Mollusk mussel barnestana i toe G3 E
Lasmigona. Tennessee
Mollusk mussel holstonia Heels litter G3 FSC E

Forest Concern Species (as tracked by
the NCNHP
Amphibia Cryptobranchus
n salamander alle aniensis hellbender G4 FSC SC
Amphibia Necturus
n salamander macu/osus mucIpuppy G5 SC historical
Crustace Cambarus Hiwassee propose
an crayfish hiwasseensis crayfish G3 FSC W2 sensitive?
Chattahooc
Crustace Cambarus hee propose
an crayfish species 1 crayfish G3 W3 sensitive?
Oconee
Crustace Cymocythere crayfish SR(PSC
an ostracod clavata ostracod G? FSC
Catawba
Crustace Dactylocythere crayfish
an ostracod isabelae ostracod G? FSC SR(PE)
W hitewater
Crustace Dactylocythere crayfish
an ostracod rinsi ostracod G? FSC SR(PE)
Transylvani
Crustace Waltoncythere a crayfish SR(PSC
an ostracod acuta ostracod G? FSC
Carolina
Crustace Skistodiaptomus skistodiapt SR(PSC
an other carolinensis omus G? FSC
bass/sunfis Lepomis longear
Fish h me alotis sunfish G5 SR historical
bass/sunfis Micropterus redeye
Fish h coosae bass G5 SR historical
Noturus mountain
Fish catfish eleutherus madtom G4 Sc historical
Fish catfish Noturus f/avus stonecat G5 E
Etheostoma turquoise
Fish darter inscn tum darter G4 SC
Etheostoma blueside G4
Fish darter essiae darter Q SC istorical
Etheostoma snubnose
Fish darter simoterum darter G5 SC historical
B-33
Environmental Assessment Mill Creek Road, SR 1407 Appendix B - Aquatic Analysis
Percina tangerine propose
Fish darter aurantiaca darter G3 W2 sensitive?
Fish darter Percina ca rodes to erch G5 T
dusky
Fish darter Percina sciera darter G5 E historical
minnow/chu Clinostomus smoky G2
Fish b species 1 dace Q Sc
minnow/chu Cyprinella thicklip propose
Fish b labrosa chub G3 W2 sensitive?
Cyprinella G2
minnow/chu zanema Santee T3
Fish b (population 1 chub Q SR
minnow/chu Erimystax blotched propose
Fish b insi nis chub G3 W2 sensitive?
minnow/chu Hybopsis rosyface
Fish b rubrifrons chub G4 T
minnow/chu Luxilis striped
Fish b ch soce halus shiner G5 T
minnow/chu yellovwFn G4
Fish b Notro is luti Innis shiner Q Sc
minnow/chu Phenacobius fatlips propose
Fish b crassilabrum minnow G3 W2 sensitive?
Aplodinotus freshwater
Fish other runniens drum G5 T
banded
Fish other Cottus carolinae scut in G5 T
Fish other Hiodon ter isus moone a G5 Sc
Ichthyomyzon Ohio G3
Fish other bdellium lamprey G4 SR
American
Lampetra brook
Fish other appendix lamprey G4 T
Fish other Pol dons athula paddlefish G4 FSC E historical
Stizistedion
Fish other canadense sau er G5 SR
Acipenser lake
Fish sturgeon fulvescens sturgeon G3 FSC Sc historical
highfin G4
Fish sucker Ca oides velifer car sucker G5 Sc
river
Fish sucker Car oides car io car sucker G5 Sc historical
G2
Moxostoma sicklefin G3
Fish sucker species 1 redhorse Q FSC SR
Agapetus
Insect caddisfl ocassee a caddisfl G? FSC SR
Insect caddisFl Ceraclea mentiea a caddisFl G? SR
Ceraclea
Insect caddisfl slossonae a caddisfl G? SR
Ceraclea species Lenat's
Insect caddisfl 1 caddisFl G? FSC SR
Ceratopsyche
Insect caddisfl bifida a caddisfl G? SR
Insect caddisfl Goera fuscula a caddisfl G? SR
B-34
Environmental Assessment Mill Creek Road, SR 1407 Appendix B - Aquatic Analysis
Helicopsyche
Insect caddisfl aralimnella a caddisfl G? SR
Hydropsyche
Insect caddisfl carolina a caddisfl G? SR
Hydroptila
Insect caddisfl en lishi a caddisFl G? SR
Mount
Madeophylax Mitchell
Insect caddisfl altus caddisfl G? FSC SR
Insect caddisFl Matrio tila 'eanae a caddisfl G? SR
Insect caddisfl Matrio tila 'eanae a caddisfl G? SR
Insect caddisfl Micrasema burksi a caddisFl G? SR
Micrasema
Insect caddisfl s rulesi a caddisfl G? SR
Insect caddisfl Neo h lax fuscus a caddisfl G? SR
Palaeagapetus
Insect caddisfl celsus a caddisfl G? SR
Insect caddisfl Psilotreta frontalis a caddisFl G? SR
Psychomyia
Insect caddisfl normada a caddisfl G? SR
Rhyacophila
Insect caddisFl amicus a caddisfl G? SR
Rhyacophila
Insect caddisfl melita a caddisfl G? SR
Rhyacophila
Insect caddisfl m cta a caddisfl G? SR
Rhyacophila
Insect caddisfl vibox a caddisfl G? SR
G3
Insect caddisfl Wormadia th ria a caddisfl ? SR
black-
Aeshna tipped
Insect dragonfly tuberculifera darner G4 SR
Cordulegaster tiger
Insect dragonfly erronea s iketail G4 SR
Dromogomphus Flag-tailed G4
Insect dragonfly s oiliatus sin le G5 SR
Gomphis Cherokee G2 propose
Insect dragonfly consan uis clubtail G3 SR sensitive?
spine-
Gomphus crowned G3
Insect dragonfly abbreviatus clubtail G4 SR
spine-
Gomphus crowned G3
Insect dragonfly abbreviatus clubtail G4 SR
Gomphus moustache
Insect dragonfly adel hus d clubtail G4 SR
Gomphus beaverpon
Insect dragonfly borealis d clubtail G4 SR
Gomphus harpoon
Insect dragonfly descri tus clubtail G4 SR
Gomphus splendid
Insect dragonfly lineatifrons clubtail G4 SR
Insect dra onfl Gom hus iedmont G4 SR
B-35
Environmental Assessment Mill Creek Road, SR 1407 Appendix B - Aquatic Analysis
parvidens clubtail T?
arvidens
Gomphus skillet propose
Insect dragonfly ventricosus clubtail G3 SR sensitive?
green-
Gomphus faced propose
Insect dragonfly viridifrons clubtail G3 SR sensitive?
Northern
pygmy G3
Insect dragonfly Lanthus arvulus clubtail G4 SR
Ophiogomphus brook G3
Insect dragonfly as ersus snaketail G4 SR
Ophiogomphus Maine
Insect dragonfly mainensis snaketail G4 SR
riverine G3
Insect dragonfly St lurus amnicola clubtail G4 SR
zebra G3
Insect dragonfly St lurus scudderi clubtail G4 SR
white-faced
Sympetrum meadowha
Insect dragonfly obtrusum wk G5 SIR
Tachopteryx gray
Insect dragonfly thore i etaltail G4 SR historical
Anthopotamus
Insect mayfly verticus a mayfly G? SR
Baetisca
Insect mayfly laurentina a mayfly G? SR
Benfield's
bearded
small
Barbaetis minnow G2 propose
Insect mayfly benfieldi mayfly G3 SR sensitive?
Insect mayfly Danella lita a mayfly G? SR
Drunella
Insect mayfly Ion icornis a mayfly G? SR
Ephemerella
Insect mayfly berneri a mayfly G? SR
Heterocleon
Insect mayfly etersi a mayfly G? SE
a
Litobrancha burrowing
Insect mayfly recurvata mayfly G? SIR
Macdunnoa
Insect mayfly brunnea a mayfly G? SR
spicilose
Serratella serratellan
Insect mayfly s iculosa mayfly GH FSC SR historical
Insect stonefl Attaneuria ruralis a stonefl G? SR
Insect stonefl Boloto erla rossi a stone y SIR
Diploperla
Insect stonefl mor ani a stonefl G? SR
Insect stonefl Iso erla frisoni a stonefl G? SR
Megaleuctra Williams' propose
Insect stoneFl williamsae rare winter G2 SR sensitive?
B-36
Environmental Assessment Mill Creek Road, SR 1407 Appendix B - Aquatic Analysis
stonefly
Pteronarcys a giant
Insect stonefl roteus stonefl G? SR
Insect stonefl Shi sa rotunda a stoneFl G? SR
Insect stonefl Za ada chila a stonefl G? SR
Alasmidonta slippershell G4
Mollusk mussel vindis mussel G5 E
Mollusk mussel Elli do dilatata s ike G5 SC
Epioblasma oyster historical/ext
Mollusk mussel ca saeformis mussel G2 E EX it ated
Fuscinaia historical/ext
Mollusk mussel subrotunda long-solid G3 EX it ated
wavy-rayed
lampmusse
Mollusk mussel Lam silis fasciola I G4 SC
Cumberlan
d
Medionidus moccasins G3 historical/ext
Mollusk mussel conradicus hell G4 EX it aced
Pleurobeme Tennessee propose
Mollusk mussel oviforme clubshell G3 FSC SR sensitive?
Ptychobranchus G4 historical/ext
Mollusk mussel fasciolaris kidne shell G5 EX rated
Quadrula historical/ext
Mollusk mussel ustulosa im leback G5 EX it ated
purple
Mollusk mussel Toxolasma /ividus lilli ut G2 FSC EX extirpated
notched G3 SR(PSC
Mollusk mussel Villosa constricta rainbow G4
Mollusk mussel Villosa iris rainbow G5 Sc
Villosa mountain
Mollusk mussel vanuxemensis creekshell G4 T
Goniobasis knotty
Mollusk snail interru to elimnia G? FSC E
smooth propose
Mollusk snail Le toxis vir ata mudalia G2 FSC SR sensitive?

B-37
APPENDIX C
Mill Creek Road, SR 1407
NCDOT PROJECT
MANAGEMENT INDICATOR SPECIES ANALYSIS
Environmental Assessment Mill Creek Road, SR 1407 Appendix C - MIS Analysis
MANAGEMENT INDICATOR SPECIES
Proposed Action
The North Carolina Department of Transportation (DOT) is proposing to improve Mill
Creek Road, SR 1407, in McDowell County. This improvement project includes;
realignment/straightening, grading, widening, drainage and paving. The portion of
this road where it passes through or parallel to U. S. Forest Service lands runs
approximately from survey station 18+30 to 57+05 and 69+95 to 112+00.
DOT provided the U.S. Forest Service (FS) with the plans of their proposed road
improvement project. Those plans indicate the existing power line right of way
(ROW) will require moving or, at a minimum, burying within the realigned road ROW.
Several culverts will require realigning or lengthening. The majority of the proposed
realignment falls within the existing power line right-of-way (ROW), which has been
cleared of mid-story and canopy trees and is in a shrub habitat condition: The entire
relocation and widening area on Forest Service lands is estimated to be four acres.
Two adjustments have been made to the original plan, one of which is at station
52+25. According to discussions with DOT liaison, Wade Tate and Miera Crawford,
USFS District Ranger the existing stream crossing will stay with a small extension for
the widening process. Previous plans included extending the pipe an additional 200
feet for a switch back. This part of the proposal was dropped as a part of this plan
and is not covered in this analysis. The second adjustment was to ensure the Forest
Service maintained continued road access at the location discussed by utilizing
gated access to the abandoned segment.
Existing Condition
Two natural community types were found along the proposed and existing road
corridor, acidic and rich cove forests. The majority of this road and proposed project
is through mature hard mast forest type vegetation where few habitats such as rock
outcrops occur. The current State road cross eight perennial streams, which are
unnamed tributaries to Mill Creek, where stream surveys found limited aquatic habitat
and trout habitat to be absent.
Acadian flycatcher
This species was selected to represent riparian habitat and while this planned road
work is expected to impact riparian habitat where stream crossings occur, there will
be no impact to the flycatcher habitat. Acadian flycatcher habitat is trees
overhanging streams which rarely occur over these small headwater streams.
Paralleling the largest stream course, past disturbance has created a pine type forest
which does not exhibit the habitat required by the flycatcher. This species has been
found to be stable across the Nantahala and Pisgah National Forests (N&P).
C-1
Environmental Assessment Mill Creek Road, SR 1407 Appendix C-MIS Analysis
Ruffed Grouse
This species represents the soft mast (i.e. berry) community found across the N&P
Forests. There is limited soft mast available within the existing road corridor due to
the forested condition and low sun light available. However, the current power line
ROW which is expected to be affected by this proposal exhibits an increased number
of soft mast species. There have been five years of grouse surveys done on both
Bernard Mountain road (FS 4037) and Parris Creek road (FS 1186) as part of the FS
surveys across the National Forests. These surveys have demonstrated a very low
population of ruffed grouse in this area due to the high human disturbance, both
hunting and hiking and the lack of early successional habitat available in this
watershed. The ruffed grouse recorded have been on FS 1186, west of this
proposed road project. Ruffed Grouse populations across the N&P National Forests
are stable and this proposed project will not affect the species population across the
Forests.
Black Bear
This species was selected to represent the hard mast habitat. The planned road
alignment passes through, on FS lands, one forest type; white oak, red oak, hickory.
The majority of private lands exhibit a similar forest type and condition. The current
gravel road is well traveled and begins and ends on paved roads, this project is
expected to result in an increased volume of traffic. The open road land use and the
high volume of hunter use in this area, is not preferred habitat for the black bear and
many other hard mast dependent species. This proposal will impact an estimated
four acres on FS lands and approximately 11 acres on private lands. Amendment 17
estimated the acreage of high quality hard mast producing species greater than 61
years of age to be 279,961 acres, the proposed reduction of hard mast habitat will
not affect the black bear population across the forest which has been shown to be
increasing on the N&P National Forests.
Ginseng
This plant was selected as an indication of the rich cove community. Ginseng was
not found within the proposed project area during plant surveys. This project will
affect an estimated two acres of the community type. The ginseng population across
the forest will not be affected by this proposed action. The analysis completed for
Amendment 17 in 2006 found there was 64% of rich cove forest at greater than 100
years of age (p. 810) with 12994 acres on unsuitable lands and 7375 acres on
suitable lands (p. 811) across the N&P National Forest. This proposed project is
estimated to affect approximately two acres of the rich cove community.
C-2
Environmental Assessment Mill Creek Road, SR 1407 Appendix C - MIS Analysis
Wild Rainbow & Brown trout
Wild rainbow & wild brown trout exist within the aquatic activity area in both Long
Branch and Mill Creek in the analysis area of the Mill Creek DOT Project. The
activities associated with this project could have negative short-term impacts on the
spawning habitat of rainbow and brown trout during culvert installations and
replacements. However, this project has been designed so that fluctuations in
sediment will be minimized by the implementation of best management practices
(BMP) and forest practice guidelines (FPG). Included in the FPG's for the Pisgah
and Nantahala National Forest is no stream disturbance during the trout spawning
moratorium (October 15 thru April 15). This moratorium will protect any rainbow and
brown trout eggs and juveniles from being smothered or crushed during project
implementation.
It is expected that long term benefits of a more stable road and preventing further
erosion will far out weigh possible short term impacts. Mobile organisms, such as
rainbow and brown trout, can move up or downstream to avoid disturbed areas within
the stream.
Individuals of the rainbow and brown trout community within the Mill Creek Project
area of potential impacts may be indirectly impacted by the activities associated with
this project. These impacts are expected to be short term and will cease with site
rehabilitation. There will be no impacts to the long-term viability of this rainbow and
brown trout population or the populations across the Forest.
C-3