20190110 Ver 1_T&E Supplemental info for R131 ePCN Form_20190124

Supplemental Information
ePCN Form — NCDOT Division 10 — Harrington Road over Branch of Reedy Fork
Project Number 17BP.10.R.131
G. SupplementalInformation
5. Endangered Species and Critical Habitat
STV conducted protected species habitat assessments on September 5, 2017. As of June 27, 2018
the United States Fish and Wildlife (USFWS) lists three federally protected species, under the
Endangered Species Act (ESA) for Anson County (Table 1). For each species, a discussion of the
presence ar absence of habitat is included below along with the Biological Conclusion rendered
based on survey results in the study area.
Table 1. ESA federally protected species listed for Anson County
Scientific Name Common Name Federal Habitat Biological
Status Present Conclusion
Helianthus schweinitzii Schweinitz's sunflower E Yes NE
Lasmi ona decorata Carolina heels litter E No NE
Picoides borealis Red-cockaded wood ecker E No NE
E - Endangered
NE - No Effect
Schweinitz's sunflower
USFWS Optimal Survey Window: late August-October
Habitat Description: Schweinitz's sunflower is endemic to the Piedmont of North and South
Carolina. The few sites where this rhizomatous perennial herb occurs in relatively natural
vegetation are found in Xeric Hardpan Forests. The species is also found along roadside
rights-of-way, maintained power lines and other utility rights-of-way, edges of thickets and
old pastures, clearings and edges of upland oak-pine-hickory woods and Piedmont longleaf
pine forests, and other sunny or semi-sunny habitats where disturbances (e.g., mowing,
clearing, grazing, blow downs, storms, frequent fire) help create open or partially open
areas for sunlight. This sunflower is intolerant of full shade and excessive competition from
other vegetation. Schweinitz's sunflower occurs in a variety of soil series, including Badin,
Cecil, Cid, Enon, Gaston, Georgeville, Iredell, Mecklenburg, Misenheimer, Secrest,
Tatum, Uwharrie, and Zion, among others. This plant is generally found growing on
shallow sandy soils with high gravel content; shallow, poor, clayey hardpans; or shallow
rocky soils, especially those derived from mafic rocks.
Biological Conclusion: No Effect
Suitable habitat for Schweinitz's sunflower is present in the PSA along roadside shoulders.
Plant by plant surveys were conducted by STV biologists Brandon Phillips, CHMM and
Joshua Kotheimer, WPIT, throughout areas of suitable habitat on September 5, 2017. No
individuals of Schweinitz's sunflower were observed and the September field survey was
Supplemental Information — Anson 299

conducted during the flowering season. A review of NCNHP records on July 25, 2018
indicates no known occurrences within one mile of the PSA and no effect to Schweinitz's
sunflower is anticipated.
Carolina heelsplitter
USFWS Recommended Survey Window: year round
Habitat Description: The Carolina heelsplitter was historically known from several locations
within the Catawba and Pee Dee River systems in North Carolina and the Pee Dee and
Savannah River systems, and possibly the Saluda River system in South Carolina. In North
Carolina, the species is now known only from a handful of streams in the Pee Dee and
Catawba River systems. The species exists in very low abundances, usually within siX feet
of shorelines, throughout its known range. The general habitat requirements for the
Carolina heelsplitter are shaded areas in large rivers to small streams, often burrowed into
clay banks between the root systems of trees, or in runs along steep banks with moderate
current. The more recent habitat where the Carolina heelsplitter has been found is in
sections of streams containing bedrock with perpendicular crevices filled with sand and
gravel, and with wide riparian buffers.
Biological Conclusion: No Effect
A mussel survey for the Carolina heelsplitter was not conducted. Suitable habitat for the
Carolina heelsplitter such as clay banks around tree roots, or bedrock crevices filled with
sand are not present in the PSA. A review of NCNHP records on July 25, 2018 indicates
no known occurrences within one mile of the PSA and no effect to Carolina heelsplitter is
anticipated.
Red-cockaded woodpecker
USFWS Recommended Survey Window: year round; November-early March (optimal)
Habitat Description: The red-cockaded woodpecker (RCW) typically occupies open, mature stands
of southern pines, particularly longleaf pine (Pinus palustris), for foraging and
nesting/roosting habitat. The RCW eXcavates cavities for nesting and roosting in living
pine trees, aged 60 years or older, which are contiguous with pine stands at least 30 years
of age to provide foraging habitat. The foraging range of the RCW is normally no mare
than 0.5 mile.
Biological Conclusion: No Effect
No red-cockaded woodpeckers were observed in the PSA during the field reviews, and it
was determined that no potential habitat is present due to the lack of mature pine or pine-
hardwood forests. Forested habitats containing pine trees within the PSA have been
actively managed resulting in a dominance of trees 15 to 25 years in age and not contiguous
enough to support appropriate RCW nesting or foraging habitat. NCNHP records indicate
no known occurrence of red-cockaded woodpeckers within one mile of the PSA. Based on
the field reviews and available habitat, it is determined that the proj ect would have `no
effect' on red-cockaded woodpecker.
Supplemental Information — Anson 299