R-2615_NRTR

NATURAL RESOURCES TECHNICAL REPORT
Widen US 321 / US 421 from the US 321 and US 421 Junction,
near Vilas, to SR 1107 (NC 105 Bypass) at Boone
Watauga County, North Carolina
STIP R-2615
WBS Element No. 38819.1.2
THE NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Environmental Coordination and Permitting
April 2019

TABLE OF CONTENTS
1.0 INTRODUCTION..................................................................................................1
2.0 METHODOLOGY.................................................................................................1
3.0 TERRESTRIAL COMMUNITIES........................................................................1
4.0 PROTECTED SPECIES........................................................................................2
4.1 Endangered Species Act Protected Species........................................................2
4.2 Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act...............................................................5
5.0 WATER RESOURCES..........................................................................................6
6.0 REGULATORY CONSIDERATIONS.................................................................7
6.1 Clean Water Act Waters of the U.S....................................................................7
6.2 Construction Moratoria....................................................................................10
6.3 N.C. River Basin Buffer Rules..........................................................................10
6.4 Rivers and Harbors Act Section 10 Navigable Waters....................................10
6.5 Coastal Barrier Resources System....................................................................11
7.0 REFERENCES.....................................................................................................12
Appendix A Figures
Figure 1. Vicinity Map
Figure 2. Project Study Area Map
Figures 3A-3H. Jurisdictional Features Maps
Figure 4. Terrestrial Communities Map
Appendix B Qualifications of Contributors
LIST OF TABLES
Table 1. Coverage of terrestrial communities in the study area ................................. I
Table 2. ESA federally protected species listed for Watauga County........................2
Table 3. Streams in the study area...............................................................................6
Table 4. Surface waters in the study area....................................................................7
Table 5. Characteristics of jurisdictional streams in the study area ..........................7
Table 6. Characteristics of jurisdictional wetlands in the study area.........................9

Natural Resources Technical Report STIP R-261 S, Watauga County, N. C.
1.0 INTRODUCTION
The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) proposes to widen US 321 /
US 421 from the US 321 and US 421 junction, near Vilas, to SR 1107 (proposed NC 105
Bypass), near Boone (STIP R-2615) in Watauga County (Figures 1 and 2). The
following Natural Resources Technical Report (NRTR) has been prepared to assist in the
preparation of a document for the purposes of the National Environmental Policy Act
(NEPA) or the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA).
2.0 METHODOLOGY
All work was conducted in accordance with the NCDOT Environmental Coordination
and Permitting's Preparing Natural Resources Technical Reports Procedure and the latest
NRTR Template dated November 2017. Field work was conducted on July 23 — 27,
2018, July 31 — August 3, 2018, and February 11 — 12, 2019. A request for preliminary
jurisdictional determination was prepared and is expected to be submitted to the U.S.
Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) and the North Carolina Department of
Environmental Quality, Division of Water Resources (NCDWR) prior to or concurrent
with environmental permitting. At the time of this writing, a regulatory site visit has not
been conducted. The principal personnel contributing to the field work and document are
provided in Appendix B.
3.0 TERRESTRIAL COMMUNITIES
Four terrestrial communities were identified in the study area. Figure 4 shows the
locations and extents of these terrestrial communities. Terrestrial community data are
presented in the context of total coverage of each type within the study area (Table 1).
Table 1. Coverage of terrestrial communities in the study area
Community
Dominant Species (scientific name)
Coverage
(ac.)
New York ironweed (Vernonia noveboracensis)
Maintained -Disturbed
Queen Anne's Lace (Daucus carota)
318.2
reed canar rass Phalaris arundinacea
American beech (Fagus grandifolia)
Northern Hardwood Forest
sugar maple (Acer saccharum)
18.4
Christmas fern (Pol stichum acrostichoides)
white pine (Pious strobus)
White Pine
poison ivy (Toxicodendron radicans)
13.8
Vir inia cree er (Parthenocissus uin ue olia)
yellow buckeye (Aesculus flava)
Basic Mesic Forest
witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana)
0.8
bloodroot San uinaria canadensis
Total
351.2
April 2019

Natural Resources Technical Report
STIP R-261 S, Watauga County, N.C.
4.0 PROTECTED SPECIES
4.1 Endangered Species Act Protected Species
As of June 27, 2018, the United States Fish and Wildlife (USFWS) lists 11 federally
protected species, under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) for Watauga County (Table
2). For each species, a discussion of the presence or absence of habitat is included below
along with the Biological Conclusion rendered based on survey results in the study area.
Table 2. ESA federally protected species listed for Watauga County.
Scientific Name
Common Name
Federal
Habitat
Biological
Status
Present
Conclusion
Glyptemys muhlenbergii
bog turtle
T(S/A)
No
Not Required
Glaucomys sabrinus
Carolina northern
E
No
No Effect
coloratus
flying squirrel
Myotis grisescens
gray bat
E
Undetermined
Unresolved
Myotis septentrionalis
northern long-eared bat
T
Undetermined
Unresolved
Corynorhinus townsendii
Virginia big -eared bat
E
Undetermined
Unresolved
vir inianus
Bombus aff nis*
rusty -patched bumble
E
*
No Effect
bee
Microhexura montivaga
spruce -fir moss spider
E
No
No Effect
Solidago spithamaea
Blue Ridge goldenrod
T
No
No Effect
Liatris helleri
Heller's blazing star
T
No
No Effect
Hedyotis purpurea var.
Roan Mountain bluet
E
No
No Effect
montana
Geum radiatum
spreading avens
E
No
No Effect
E - Endangered
T - Threatened
T(S/A) - Threatened due to similarity of appearance
* - The Service does not and will not require surveys for RPBB in North Carolina because FWS assumes
the state is unoccupied by RPBB.
Bog Turtle
USFWS optimal survey window: April 1-October (visual), April 1 — June 15
(breeding/nesting)
Biological Conclusion: Not Required
No suitable habitat for the bog turtle occurs within the study area. The study area does
not contain wetlands suitable for bog turtles. Although wetlands exist, they are small, do
not have suitable peaty or mucky soils for bog turtles to inhabit, do not contain suitable
refugia for a population of bog turtles to persist, and are not connected to other, larger
bog -type wetlands nearby. A review of North Carolina Natural Heritage Program (NHP)
records updated July 2018 indicates no known occurrences within 1.0 mile of the study
area.
2 April 2019

Natural Resources Technical Report STIP R-261 S, Watauga County, N. C.
Carolina Northern Flying Squirrel
USFWS optimal survey window: May -October; coldest days in coldest winter months
(nest box surveys)
Biological Conclusion: No Effect
No suitable habitat for the Carolina northern flying squirrel occurs within the
study area. No hemlock, red spruce, or Fraser fir forests occur. The majority of
the study area consists of maintained/disturbed areas, with small patches of white
pine and isolated patches of northern hardwood forest. This species has been
documented at and above 4,000' mean sea level. Elevations in the study area
range between 2706' and 3592'. A review of NHP records updated July 2018
indicates no known occurrences within 1.0 mile of the study area.
Gray Bat
USFWS optimal survey window: May 15 — August 15 (summer); January 15 — February
15 (winter)
Biological Conclusion: Unresolved
A biological conclusion for this species is pending investigations coordinated by
the NCDOT Biological Surveys Group (BSG). A review of NHP records updated
July 2018 indicates no known occurrences within 1.0 mile of the study area.
Northern Long -Eared Bat
USFWS optimal survey window: May 15 — August 15 (summer); January 15 — February
15 (winter)
Biological Conclusion: Unresolved
A biological conclusion for this species is pending investigations coordinated by
the NCDOT BSG. A review of NHP records updated July 2018 indicates no
known occurrences within 1.0 mile of the study area.
Virginia Big -Eared Bat
USFWS optimal survey windows: May 15-August 15 (summer); January 15-February 15
(winter)
Biological Conclusion: Unresolved
A biological conclusion for this species is pending investigations coordinated by
the NCDOT BSG. A review of NHP records updated July 2018 indicates a
known, historical occurrence with medium locality accuracy is located within the
study area.
3 April 2019

Natural Resources Technical Report STIP R-261 S, Watauga County, N. C.
Rusty -Patched Bumble Bee
USFWS optimal survey window: July — October (males), June — October (females), mid -
March — mid -October (queens), mid -October — mid -March (overwintering new queens)
Biological Conclusion: No Effect
The Service does not and will not require surveys for RPBB in North Carolina
because FWS assumes the state is unoccupied by RPBB.
Spruce -Fir Moss Spider
USFWS optimal survey window: May -August
Biological Conclusion: No Effect
No habitat for the spruce -fir moss spider exists within the study area. This species
has been documented to occur above 5,400' above mean sea level. Elevations
within the study area range from 2,706' to 3,592' above mean sea level. No
portion of the study area contains spruce -fir forest or humid moss or liverwort
mats on rock surfaces. A review of NHP records updated July 2018 indicates no
known occurrences within 1.0 mile of the study area.
Critical Habitat Biological Conclusion: No Effect.
The study area is not located on Grandfather Mountain, is not above 5,400 feet in
elevation, and does not contain fir -dominated spruce -fir forests or humid moss or
liverwort mats on rock surfaces.
Blue Ridge Goldenrod
USFWS optimal survey window: July - September
Biological Conclusion: No Effect
No suitable habitat for Blue Ridge goldenrod occurs within the study area. This
species has been documented to occur above 4,600' above mean sea level.
Elevations within the study area range from 2,706' to 3,592' above mean sea
level. The High Elevation Rocky Summit natural community does not occur
within the study area, and no cliffs, ledges, balds, or dry rock crevices of granite
outcrops are located within the study area. A review of NHP records updated July
2018 indicates no known occurrences within 1.0 mile of the study area.
Heller's Blazing Star
USFWS optimal survey window: July - September
Biological Conclusion: No Effect
No suitable habitat for Heller's blazing star occurs within the study area.
Although a small portion of the study area is within the known elevation range of
this species (3,500' — 5,999' above mean sea level), the High Elevation Rocky
Summit natural community does not occur within the study area. No high
elevation ledges, rock outcrops, cliffs, or balds are located within the study area.
4 April 2019

Natural Resources Technical Report STIP R-261 S, Watauga County, N. C.
A review of NHP records updated July 2018 indicates no known occurrences
within 1.0 mile of the study area.
Roan Mountain Bluet
USFWS optimal survey window: June - July
Biological Conclusion: No Effect
No suitable habitat for Roan Mountain bluet occurs within the study area. This
species has been documented to occur above 4,200' above mean sea level.
Elevations within the study area range from 2,706' to 3,592' above mean sea
level. No grassy balds, cliff ledges, shallow soils in crevices of rock outcrops, or
steep slopes with full sun at the summits of high elevation peaks occur within the
study area. No Fraser fir or red spruce forests are located within or adjacent to the
study area. A review of NHP records updated July 2018 indicates no known
occurrences within 1.0 mile of the study area.
Spreading Avens
USFWS optimal survey window: June - September
Biological Conclusion: No effect
No suitable habitat for spreading avens occurs within the study area. This species
has been documented to occur above 4,296' above mean sea level. Elevations
within the study area range from 2,706' to 3,592' above mean sea level. No high
elevation cliffs, outcrops, or bases of steep talus slopes occur within the study
area. No red spruce -Fraser fir, high elevation red oak, or northern hardwood
forests with scattered spruce are located within or adjacent to the study area. A
review of NHP records updated July 2018 indicates no known occurrences within
1.0 mile of the study area.
4.2 Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act
The bald eagle is protected under the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act, which is
enforced by the USFWS. Habitat for the bald eagle primarily consists of mature forests
in proximity to large bodies of open water for foraging. Large dominant trees are utilized
for nesting sites, typically within 1.0 mile of open water.
A desktop-GIS assessment of the project study area, as well as the area within a
1.13-mile radius (1.0 mile plus 660 feet) of the project limits, was performed in July 2018
using 2014 color aerials. No water bodies large enough or sufficiently open to be
considered potential feeding sources were identified. Since there was no foraging habitat
within the review area, a survey of the project study area and the area within 660 feet of
the project limits was not conducted. Additionally, a review of NHP records updated
July 2018 revealed no known occurrences of this species within 1.13 miles of the project
study area. Due to the lack of habitat, known occurrences, and minimal impact
anticipated for this project, it has been determined that this project will not affect this
species and no Eagle Act permit is required.
5 April 2019

Natural Resources Technical Report STIP R-261 S, Watauga County, N. C.
5.0 WATER RESOURCES
Water resources in the study area are part of the French Broad River basin (U.S.
Geological Survey [USGS] Hydrologic Unit 06010103). Thirty-three streams were
identified in the study area (Table 3). The location of each stream is shown in Figures
3A-3H.
Table 3. Streams in the study area
Stream Name
Map ID
NCDWR
Index
Number
Best Usage
Classification
Bank
Height
(ft)
Bankfull
width
(ft)(in)
Depth
Brushy Fork Creek
Brushy Fork Creek
8-15-10
C
5
25
24
George Branch
George Branch
8-15-10-2
C
3
9
6
Linville Creek
Linville Creek
8-15-10-1
C
3
9
6
UT to Brushy Fork Creek
SA
8-15-10
C
2
3
2
UT to Brushy Fork Creek
SB
8-15-10
C
2
3
2
UT to George Branch
SC
8-15-10-2
C
3
3
4
UT to Brushy Fork Creek
SD
8-15-10
C
2
4
5
UT to George Branch
SE
8-15-10-2
C
2
1
2
UT to Brushy Fork Creek
SF
8-15-10
C
3
4
5
UT to Brushy Fork Creek
SG
8-15-10
C
5
4
6
UT to Brushy Fork Creek
SH
8-15-10
C
3.5
5
2
UT to Brushy Fork Creek
SI
8-15-10
C
1
3
3
UT to Brushy Fork Creek
SJ
8-15-10
C
1
2
2
UT to Brushy Fork Creek
SK
8-15-10
C
2.5
2
5
UT to Brushy Fork Creek
SL
8-15-10
C
1
1
2
UT to Brushy Fork Creek
SM
8-15-10
C
1.5
3
2
UT to Brushy Fork Creek
SN
8-15-10
C
1.5
4
3
UT to Brushy Fork Creek
SO
8-15-10
C
0.5
1
2
UT to Brushy Fork Creek
SP
8-15-10
C
2
2
4
UT to Brushy Fork Creek
SQ
8-15-10
C
2
3
3
UT to Brushy Fork Creek
SR
8-15-10
C
2.5
4
5
UT to Brushy Fork Creek
SS
8-15-10
C
3
2
1
UT to Brushy Fork Creek
ST
8-15-10
C
5
15
8
UT to Brushy Fork Creek
SU
8-15-10
C
2.5
2.5
1
UT to Brushy Fork Creek
SV
8-15-10
C
3
4
2
UT to Brushy Fork Creek
SW
8-15-10
C
2
5
1
UT to Brushy Fork Creek
SX
8-15-10
C
3
3
3
UT to Brushy Fork Creek
SY
8-15-10
C
2
4
3
UT to Brushy Fork Creek
SZ
8-15-10
C
8
13
6
UT to Brushy Fork Creek
SAA
8-15-10
C
3
4
6
UT to Brushy Fork Creek
SAB
8-15-10
C
6
6
2
UT to Brushy Fork Creek
SAC
8-15-10
C
2
9
2
UT to Brushy Fork Creek
SAD
8-15-10
C
3
7
8
6 April 2019

Natural Resources Technical Report STIP R-261 S, Watauga County, N. C.
No Outstanding Resource Waters (ORW), High Quality Waters (HQW), or water supply
watersheds (WS-I or WS-II) are located within the study area or within 1.0 mile
downstream of the study area. No streams within the study area are identified as impaired
on the North Carolina Final 2016 303(d) list.
Two surface waters were identified in the study area (Table 4). The location of each
surface water is shown in Figures 3A-3H.
Table 4. Surface waters in the study area
Surface Water
Jurisdictional
Map ID of Connection
Area (ac) in
Study Area
Pond A PA
Yes
Brushy Fork Creek
0.1
Tributary A (TA)
Yes
WAU/Brushy Fork Creek
0.0
6.0 REGULATORY CONSIDERATIONS
6.1 Clean Water Act Waters of the U.S.
Thirty-three jurisdictional streams were identified in the study area (Table 5). The
locations of these streams are shown on Figures 3A-3H. NCDWR stream identification
forms are included in a separate Preliminary Jurisdictional Determination (PJD) Package.
All jurisdictional streams in the study area have been designated as cold water streams for
the purposes of stream mitigation.
Table 5. Characteristics of jurisdictional streams in the study area
Map ID
Length
(ft.)
Figure
Number
Classification
Compensatory
Mitigation Required
River Basin
Buffer
Brushy
Fork Creek
15 462
'
3B-3H
Perennial
Yes
Not Subject
George
Branch
1,513
3B
Perennial
Yes
Not Subject
Linville
Creek
353
3D
Perennial
Yes
Not Subject
SA
129
3B
Perennial
Yes
Not Subject
SB
268
3B
Perennial
Yes
Not Subject
SC
8
3B
Perennial
Yes
Not Subject
SD
241
3B
Intermittent
Undetermined
Not Subject
SE
25
3B
Perennial
Yes
Not Subject
SF
273
3C
Perennial
Yes
Not Subject
SG
382
3C
Perennial
Yes
Not Subject
SH
491
31)
Intermittent
Undetermined
Not Subject
SI
193
3D
Perennial
Yes
Not Subject
SJ
309
3E
Intermittent
Undetermined
Not Subject
7 April 2019

Natural Resources Technical Report STIP R-261 S, Watauga County, N. C.
Map ID
Length
ft.
Figure
Number
Classification
Compensatory
Mitigation Required
River Basin
Buffer
SK
266
3D
Intermittent
Undetermined
Not Subject
SL
144
3D
Perennial
Yes
Not Subject
SM
54
3D
Intermittent
Undetermined
Not Subject
SN
837
3E
Perennial
Yes
Not Subject
SO
101
3E
Intermittent
Undetermined
Not Subject
SP
118
3E
Intermittent
Undetermined
Not Subject
SQ
420
3E
Perennial
Yes
Not Subject
SR
406
3E
Perennial
Yes
Not Subject
SS
199
3F
Intermittent
Undetermined
Not Subject
ST
624
3F
Perennial
Yes
Not Subject
SU
221
3G
Intermittent
Undetermined
Not Subject
SV
524
3G
Perennial
Yes
Not Subject
SW
376
3G
Perennial
Yes
Not Subject
SX
339
3G
Intermittent
Undetermined
Not Subject
SY
394
3G
Perennial
Yes
Not Subject
SY
120
3G
Intermittent
Undetermined
Not Subject
SZ
593
3G
Perennial
Yes
Not Subject
SAA
730
3H
Perennial
Yes
Not Subject
SAB
9
3H
Intermittent
Undetermined
Not Subject
SAC
424
3H
Perennial
Yes
Not Subject
SAC
51
3H
Intermittent
Undetermined
Not Subject
SAD
379
3H
Perennial
Yes
Not Subject
Total
26,976
Sixty jurisdictional wetlands were identified within the study area (Table 6). The
locations of these wetlands are shown on Figures 3A-3H. All wetlands in the study area
are located within the Watauga River basin (USGS Hydrologic Unit 06010103). USACE
wetland determination forms and NCWAM forms for each site are included in a separate
Preliminary Jurisdictional Determination Package.
8 April 2019

Natural Resources Technical Report STIP R-261 S, Watauga County, N. C.
Table 6. Characteristics of jurisdictional wetlands in the study area
Map
ID
Figure
Number
NCWAM Classification
NCWAM
Rating
Hydrologic
Classification
Area
(ac.) in
Study
Area
WA
3B
Non -Tidal Freshwater Marsh
Medium
Riparian
0.18
WB
3B
Non -Tidal Freshwater Marsh
Medium
Riparian
0.01
WC
3B
Headwater Forest
High
Riparian
0.01
WD
3B
Headwater Forest
Medium
Riparian
0.01
WE
3C
Non -Tidal Freshwater Marsh
Medium
Riparian
0.01
WF
3C
Headwater Forest
Medium
Riparian
0.13
WG
3C
Headwater Forest
Medium
Riparian
0.10
WH
3C
Headwater Forest
Low
Riparian
0.06
WI
3C
Non -Tidal Freshwater Marsh
Medium
Riparian
0.01
WJ
3C
Non -Tidal Freshwater Marsh
Medium
Riparian
0.01
WK
3C
Headwater Forest
Low
Riparian
0.17
WL
3C
Headwater Forest
High
Riparian
0.01
WM
3D
Headwater Forest
Medium
Riparian
0.13
WN
3D
Headwater Forest
High
Riparian
0.01
WO
3D
Headwater Forest
Medium
Riparian
0.05
WP
3D
Non -Tidal Freshwater Marsh
Medium
Riparian
0.02
WQ
3D
Non -Tidal Freshwater Marsh
Low
Riparian
0.02
WR
3D
Bottomland Hardwood Forest
High
Riparian
0.02
WS
3D
Non -Tidal Freshwater Marsh
Low
Riparian
0.03
WT
3D
Non -Tidal Freshwater Marsh
Low
Riparian
0.06
WU
3D
Non -Tidal Freshwater Marsh
Low
Riparian
0.03
WV
3D
Headwater Forest
Low
Riparian
0.04
WW
3D
Headwater Forest
High
Riparian
0.01
WX
3D
Headwater Forest
High
Riparian
0.01
WY
3D
Headwater Forest
High
Riparian
0.03
WZ
3E
Non -Tidal Freshwater Marsh
Low
Riparian
<0.01
WAA
3E
Non -Tidal Freshwater Marsh
Low
Riparian
0.05
WAB
3E
Headwater Forest
High
Riparian
0.04
WAC
3E
Headwater Forest
Medium
Riparian
0.02
WAD
3E
Headwater Forest
High
Riparian
0.02
WAE
3E
Non -Tidal Freshwater Marsh
Medium
Riparian
0.01
WAF
3E
Headwater Forest
Medium
Riparian
0.01
WAG
3E
Headwater Forest
High
Riparian
0.11
WAH
3F
Headwater Forest
Low
Riparian
0.03
WAI
3F
Headwater Forest
Medium
Riparian
0.01
WAJ
3F
Bottomland Hardwood Forest
High
Riparian
0.03
WAK
3F
Headwater Forest
Medium
Riparian
0.01
WAL
3F
Non -Tidal Freshwater Marsh
High
Riparian
0.09
WAM
3F
Headwater Forest
Medium
Riparian
0.03
WAN
3G
Headwater Forest
Medium
Riparian
0.11
April 2019

Natural Resources Technical Report STIP R-261 S, Watauga County, N. C.
Map
ID
Figure
Number
NCWAM Classification
CWAM
Rating
Hydrologic
Classification
Area
(ac.) in
Study
Area
WAO
3G
Headwater Forest
Medium
Riparian
0.05
WAP
3G
Headwater Forest
High
Riparian
0.01
WAQ
3G
Headwater Forest
High
Riparian
0.03
WAR
3G
Headwater Forest
Low
Riparian
0.01
WAS
3G
Headwater Forest
Low
Riparian
0.03
WAT
3G
Headwater Forest
Low
Riparian
0.06
WAU
3H
Headwater Forest
Medium
Riparian
0.09
WAV
3G
Headwater Forest
Medium
Riparian
0.02
WAW
3G
Headwater Forest
Medium
Riparian
0.02
WAX
3H
Headwater Forest
Medium
Riparian
0.01
WAY
3H
Headwater Forest
Medium
Riparian
0.06
WAZ
3H
Headwater Forest
Low
Riparian
0.02
WBA
3H
Headwater Forest
High
Riparian
0.01
WBB
3H
Headwater Forest
Medium
Riparian
0.02
WBC
3H
Headwater Forest
Low
Riparian
0.04
WBD
3G
Headwater Forest
High
Riparian
<0.01
WBE
3E
Headwater Forest
Medium
Riparian
0.01
WBF
3E
Headwater Forest
Medium
Riparian
0.07
WBG
3D
Headwater Forest
Medium
Riparian
<0.01
WBH
3C
Seep
High
Riparian
<0.01
Total
2.30
6.2 Construction Moratoria
The study area is located within a watershed designated by the North Carolina Wildlife
Resources Commission (NCWRC) as a trout watershed. As of this writing, the NCDOT
is awaiting a requested comment letter from the NCWRC to determine whether any
streams within the study area will be subject to a trout moratorium.
6.3 N.C. River Basin Buffer Rules
The study area is not located within a basin to which N.C. river basin buffer rules apply;
therefore, no streams within the study area are subject to protection under these rules.
6.4 Rivers and Harbors Act Section 10 Navigable Waters
No study area streams have been designated by the USACE as Navigable Waters under
Section 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act.
10 April 2019

Natural Resources Technical Report STIP R-261 S, Watauga County, N. C.
6.5 Coastal Barrier Resources System
No Coastal Barrier Resources System (CBRS) units exist within the study area.
11 April 2019

Natural Resources Technical Report STIP R-26151 Watauga County, N. C.
7.0 REFERENCES
Duncan, W.H. and Duncan, M.B. 1998. Trees of the Southeastern United States. Athens:
The University of Georgia Press. 322 pp.
Environmental Laboratory. 1987. Corps of Engineers Wetlands Delineation Manual.
Technical Report Y-87-1, U. S. Army Engineer Waterways Experiment Station.
Vicksburg, Mississippi.
Environmental Laboratory. 1992. Clarification and Interpretation of the 1987 Manual,
memorandum from Major General Arthur E. Williams.
Environmental Laboratory. 2012. Regional Supplement to the Corps of Engineers Wetland
Delineation Manual: Eastern Mountains and Piedmont Region (Version 2.0). U.S.
Army Engineer Research and Development Center. Vicksburg, Mississippi.
Justice, W.S., Bell, C.R. and Lindsey, A.H. 2005. Wild Flowers of North Carolina. 2" d
ed. Chapel Hill: The University of Chapel Hill Press. 325 pp.
NatureServe. 2010. NatureServe Explorer: An online encyclopedia of life [web
application]. Version 7.1. NatureServe, Arlington, Virginia. Available
http://www.natureserve.org/explorer. (Accessed: December 14, 2010).
N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Division of Water Quality.
1995. Guidance for Rating the Values of Wetlands in North Carolina. Fourth
version.
N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Division of Water Quality.
Water Quality Assessment and Impaired Waters List (2016) Final 303(d) list.
https:Hfiles.nc. gov/ncdeq/Water%20Quality/Planning/TMDL/3 03 d/2016/2016_N
C_Category _5_303d list.pdf
N.C. Natural Heritage Program. 2001. Guide to Federally Listed Endangered and
Threatened Species of North Carolina. Raleigh, NC. 134 pp.
N.C. Natural Heritage Program. 2018. Biotics Database. Department of Natural and
Cultural Resources, Raleigh, North Carolina. Data Date January 2018.
North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission. 2008. Bog Turtle Fact Sheet.
http://www.ncwildlife.org/pg07 — wildlife speciescon/nongame_bogturtle_lores.pdf.
(Accessed: February 22, 2008).
North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission. 2005. Northern Flying Squirrel Fact
Sheet.http://www.ncwildlife. org/pg07_WildlifeSpeciesCon/nongame_no flysquirr
el lores.pdf.(Accessed: February 18, 2008).
12 April 2019

Natural Resources Technical Report STIP R-261 S, Watauga County, N. C.
Radford, A.E., Ahles, H.E. and Bell, C.R. 1968. Manual of the Vascular Flora of North
Carolina. Chapel Hill: The University of North Carolina Press. 1183 pp.
Schafale, M.P. and A.S. Weakley. 1990. Classification of the Natural Communities of
North Carolina: Third Approximation. North Carolina Natural Heritage Program,
Division of Parks and Recreation, NCDEHNR. Raleigh, North Carolina. 325 pp.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 2018. Endangered Species, Threatened Species, Federal
Species of Concern, and Candidate Species, Watauga County, North Carolina.
Updated 27 June 2018.
http://www.fws. ovg /raleigh/species/cntylist/Watau ag html
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 2018. Roan Mountain Bluet in North Carolina.
http://www.fws.gov/nc-es/plant/rmbluet.html. (Accessed: June 30, 2018).
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 2018. Spreading Avens in North Carolina.
http://www.fws.aov/nc-es/plant/spreadavens.html. (Accessed: June 30, 2018).
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 2017. The Rusty Patched Bumble Bee (Bombus affinis)
Interagency Cooperation under Section 7(a)(2) of the Endangered Species Act
Voluntary Implementation Guidance Version 1.1. U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service,
Regions 3, 4, 5 and 6. March 20, 2017
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 2015.
http://www. fxvs. gov/midwest/endangered/mammals/nlba/nlbaFactSheet.html.
(Accessed: February 20, 2015.)
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 2014. Northern Long -Eared Bat Interim Conference and
Planning Guidance. USFWS Regions 2, 3, 4, 5 & 6.
http://www. fws. gov/midwest/endangered/mammals/nlba/pdf/NLEBinterimGuida
nce6Jan2014.pdf. (Accessed: February 20, 2015.)
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 2010. Carolina northern flying squirrel.
http://www. fws. gov/asheville/htmis/listedspecies/Carolina_northern_flying_squirr
el.html (Accessed: October 19, 2010).
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 2010. Gray Bat in North Carolina.
http://www.fws.gov/nc-es/mammal/graybat.html. (Accessed: October 19, 2010).
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 2010. Virginia big -eared bats in North Carolina.
http://www.fws.gov/nc-es/mammal/vbigear.html. (Accessed: October 20, 2010).
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 2010. Information on Threatened and Endangered
Species: Blue Ridge Goldenrod.
http://www.fws.aov/asheville/htmls/listedspecies/Blue Ridge aoldenrod.html.
(Accessed: December 14, 2010).
13 April 2019

Natural Resources Technical Report
STIP R-26151 Watauga County, N.C.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 2008. Bog Turtles in North Carolina.
http://www.fws.gov/nc-es/reptile/bogtur.html. (Accessed: February 22, 2008).
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 2006. Optimal Survey Windows for North Carolina's
Federally Threatened and Endangered Plant Species.
http://www.fws.gov/nces/es/plant_survey.html. (Accessed: December 14, 2010).
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 2001. Designation of Critical Habitat for the Spruce -fir
Moss Spider. 66 FR 35547 35566.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 1999. Recovery Plan for Liatris helleri Porter (Heller's
Blazing Star). First Revision. Atlanta, GA. 25 pp.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 1996. Roan Mountain Bluet Recovery Plan. Atlanta, GA.
46 pp.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 1993. Spreading Avens Recovery Plan. Atlanta, GA. 32
pp-
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 1985. Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants;
Determination of Threatened Status for Solidago spithamaea (Blue Ridge
goldenrod). 50 FR 12306-12309.
U.S. Geological Survey. 2013. Boone, NC. 1:24,000. North Carolina, Topographic
Quadrangle (7.5-minute series). Reston, VA: U.S. Department of the Interior,
USGS.
U.S. Geological Survey. 2013. Sherwood, NC. 1:24,000. North Carolina, Topographic
Quadrangle (7.5-minute series). Reston, VA: U.S. Department of the Interior,
USGS.
U.S. Geological Survey. 2013. Valle Crucis, NC. 1:24,000. North Carolina, Topographic
Quadrangle (7.5-minute series). Reston, VA: U.S. Department of the Interior,
USGS.
U.S. Geological Survey. 2013. Zionville, TN. 1:24,000. Tennessee, Topographic
Quadrangle (7.5-minute series). Reston, VA: U.S. Department of the Interior,
USGS.
14 April 2019

Appendix A
Figures

II
II
II
II
II
I
II
.I
ASHE
WATAUGA le. �t
� y
\`•k � F Sources: Esri, HERE, Garmin,
a Blue Intermap, increment P Corp., G,EBCO,
AVERY 1 Ridge USGS, FAO, NPS, NRCAN, G,eoBase,
IGN, Kadaster NL, Ordnance Sriarve;�S
Esri Japan-METI•,-E-sri:�C'hina (Hong
ti CALDWELL
mi U °k;rac RICH MOUNTAIN r9�r
thr �%� rr• `.;Qe S p 1 %��. 1r LO44Y
' - i ram, i : . M 4214 3ones odi Q>i"
{ - 6 #
� `" -• � vdncyeraool C
de
k13
R-2615 PROJECTSugar Gr,o STUDY AREA
- Higr Trivet. /
�y ekerRvU
'
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OOe FO�4
r 4k�
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:a\o� Vats" 321
_ , o �J 3°.���'` -� - ie;-.,� t" 's/ a t�� �-. , •. - Ilk . r ,.•Boone_
Appalac hian
[)e�r%\%6Bdttltlf;7 Brace university eO�
/ c 09
Q
0 0.5 1 2 �O190. r Sources: Esri,WR'ErGgrmin, Intermap, increment P Corp, , GEBCO, USGS,
,S FAO, NPS, NRCAN, GeoBase, IGN, Kadaster NL, Ordnance`Suryey, Esri
Miles Japan, METI, Esri China (Hong Kong), swisstopo, © OpenStreetl%pek
contributors, and the GIs User Community
N County: Watauga
NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT
OF TRANSPORTATION VICINITY MAP Division: 11
DIVISION OF HIGHWAYS US 321/421 WIDENING Figure
DIVISION 11 TIP: R-2615
Date: March 2019

o �> >
:3000
Sugar�\j
VANDI
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r
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Lou
Hollow
�Q
�.W \
0
Legend elf
Lake Up
Stud'' Area \ c�
OF yORT/N Cq9
9 NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT
OF TRANSPORTATION
i
�o o DIVISION OF HIGHWAYS
9�r Q�Q DIVISION 11
OF TRANSeO
STUDY AREA
US 321/421 WIDENING
2013 USGS Quadrangles
Boone, Sherwood, Valle Cruis & Zionville
County: Watauga
Division:
11
TIP:
R-2615
Date:
March 2019
0
777
0
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0
o
//-` \CORNOL
� K�(0:7� 0
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Z 5
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o Camp 116
a C
0
N
2,000 1,000 0 2,000 Figure
1" = 2,000' 2

FI -
� Wetland F
j L - ... .. _ • _ _ Stream F rr• ��' s-
y•_ '. t Wetland H e� L
;,••.... ; . z. Wetland G r r y ' ��,
+�: t Wetland I
i.
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_ _ 1
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Im
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y / � +1+Y Y lam_ r - - :Y� _ � • • �
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7 1,
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ril4 : a.
r
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i'.. *vvft
Legend k.
CStudy Area
T` ,Of Potential Non -wetland Stream
Potential Wetland
Minor Contour, 2-foot Interval=
Major Contour, 20-foot Interval
q
NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMEN
' OF TRANSPORTATION
DIVISION OF HIGHWAYS
9 ��r DIVISION 11
e
Or -MAN O
' \ ..• 11 ,A
,�' :1 �' 4 �C �,L .. ram,-:'�.�•i�.+• :�..
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k' k
JURISDICTIONAL FEATURES
T DETAIL
US 321/421 WIDENING
2014 Aerial from NC Onemap
County: Watauga
Division:
11
TIP:
R-2615
Date:
March 2019
200 100 0 200 Figure
= c� 1 ° = 200' 3C

�ar_- -I.�.. ` _
Legend p �_ - Wetland W
c ti
Study Area Wetland Q ,+,. i .j� _ :-. I y
a� ;' /I�. .te r �, .r. 1.4 r.Vo Wetland Y
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� 1 ' ' is �:: ,P • — — _ � � �,� . 1 � . �, �,+�
' �f
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k. � � • Wetland X
Minor Contour, 2-foot Interval ,� I s Linville Creek
e 5 N f Wetland V
Major Contour, 20-foot Interval
• �� r ■ k+ .. r +- I� i' 1 !y S'�i ..y.i,1� �r �, , i _ ti ` _ .l1NI f r7!' ..: ,1G 4 i • -
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t, �
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74
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;7
i1
ORrh�o JURISDICTIONAL FEATURES
q 9. NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT
DETAIL
' OF TRANSPORTATION US 321/421 WIDENING
DIVISION OF HIGHWAYS
DIVISION 11 2014 Aerial from NC Onemap
o;
OF 7R ANSQ..,
County: Watauga
Division:
11
TIP:
R-2615
Date:
March 2019
200 100 0 200 Figure
1° = 200' 3D

w:
'a 1�
Brushy Fork Creek - f
Wetland AC/Stream O
41
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a
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�• E
Minor Contour, 2-foot Interval ir
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F NORrN c
JURISDICTIONAL FEATURES
y 7 NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT DETAIL
* OF TRANSPORTATION US 321/421 WIDENING
DIVISION OF HIGHWAYS
9� A, DIVISION 11 2014 Aerial from NC Onemap
OF TRAN5e°Q
County: Watauga
Division:
11
TIP:
R-2615
Date:
March 2019
N
200 100 0 200
1 " = 200'
Figure
3E

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,
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^� Potential Non -wetland Stream
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Minor Contour, 2-foot Interval y t L
Major Contour, 20-foot Interval=�w
F NORTH c
JURISDICTIONAL FEATURES
y 7 NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT DETAIL
* OF TRANSPORTATION US 321/421 WIDENING
DIVISION OF HIGHWAYS
r� °A, DIVISION 11 2014 Aerial from NC Onemap
OF TRANSe
Wetland AM � ��
a
j f% 1�
r
County: Watauga
Division:
11
TIP:
R-2615
Date:
March 2019
N
200 100 0 200
00019
1" = 200'
Brushy Fork Creek
Figure
3F

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Legend
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Potential Non -wetland Stream Minor Contour, 2-foot Interval
Stream U -.a�� ,L:f: ,-'�"" �'� k,:���.,: �•��' �-� "'r+ �' , '
-r 4'`IF '* Major Contour, 20-foot Interval
L" -r �. .
Ar
.ti:, � - - -_ •i?'• ern � � ,. :C .. , ��: '� ,'u
4:;� *1
q = �-
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hey
�
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..
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lie
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' y y Stream Y
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I. 4 k i
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-
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led
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.
NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT
OF TRANSPORTATION
DIVISION OF HIGHWAYS
�r
DIVISION 11
+;;:'�•:'�:�r : � _ ��`�_,-: f %� �? ��' tiL. Igo �,ti, f,� �::��. � - �=�•-��:�e .:.�`'��'-'�:i `►� i! ti•
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F
JURISDICTIONAL FEATURES
DETAIL
US 321/421 WIDENING
2014 Aerial from NC Onemap
County: Watauga
Division:
11
TIP:
R-2615
Date:
March 2019
N
200 100 0 200 Figure
1" = 200' 3G

iya ��'�} �jF'•" '� 1„ __t F �,,� ` +i 'Fi ��'+' c ��•" a ng`,yr
Legend
x
Potential Non -wetland Intermittent Y/
Study Area � � _ Minor Contour, 2-foot Interval � - � ; � �'� ''`• ,: � �,
Stream or Tributarykr �r"
'�' r�i y✓r y! is � � i- � � , r � .., + .1
J Potential Non -wetland Stream Major Contour, 20-foot Interval ','�' d ;;, , "
Potential Wetland,; .,
i
,
11 y
�' `< "-. � A � a��.
3
� ...• .Ayy..,S =,�'' f M aY � � rim • i"� :,�
AY' Jv tl
� i �
- '.-_ iJ;=-S"' T .. .. .-.._ _ t. J_.. ��T.. ..e. .., err .• , ..: r ,: :. M.Ar. �
�f� ,r•, ., � �x;.... Stream AA ,, ,� ., , 'B` 6d „z „ �, ,:t
,...,, , ,tom -. "... �, 9, .� .. ,.-•.: �" -�, ,.>..: .',-, �;. . '' _ -.. i F, ' ;'i1 .
TV
-: ..-.- .,."�° '- ,v-• :< _.:..., �� w, Imo, � .,. -: " �..
i . � .
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t
M
a t•
-r r
ia,
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s
-
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Li
- _ ,,. r.: .__1=:rr t=' ,, •,s .. J_:.. `` J"" ..'3 x.=+_'c3 ,.s� - R// •b J,. ��1 'h''"fi .l s.
e` - r- " ,-�'>e-,.-a,-' .� a • x: �, v Stream AD'a�' - r
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,
dAX — .�. . . y
« Y
F N10 ORT
O JURISDICTIONAL FEATURES
y 7 NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT DETAIL
OF TRANSPORTATION US 321/421 WIDENING
DIVISION OF HIGHWAYS
9� PoQ�P DIVISION 11 2014 Aerial from NC Onemap
OF TRANSe
County: Watauga
Division:
11
TIP:
R-2615
Date:
March 2019
200 100 0 200 Figure
3H
1° = 200'

�>r
Legend
Study Area
Basic Mesic Forest (0.8 ac.)
Maintained -Disturbed (318.2 ac.)
Northern Hardwood Forest (18.4 ac.)
White Pine (13.8 ac.) 1
OF NORTH Cq
y �7 NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT TERRESTRIAL COMMUNITIES
* OF TRANSPORTATION US 321/421 WIDENING
DIVISION OF HIGHWAYS
DIVISION 11
OFTRANSPO 2014 Aerial from NC Onemap
County: Watauga
Division:
11
TIP:
R-2615
Date:
March 2019
Ilk
�.
xr
r •«
11
750 /
1,500
Figure
11

Appendix B
Qualifications of Contributors
Principal
Investigator: David Cooper
Education: B.S. Zoology, North Carolina State University, 1999
Experience: Senior Environmental Scientist, VHB, 2018-Present
Environmental Scientist, Ecological Engineering, LLP, 2014-2018
Environmental Scientist, S&EC, PA, 2007-2014
Living Collections Staff, NC Museum of Natural Sciences, 1999-2007
Responsibilities:
Wetland and stream delineations, natural community assessments, T/E
species assessments, GPS, document preparation, and review.
Investigator:
G. Lane Sauls Jr.
Education:
B.S. Natural Resources, Ecosystems Assessment, North Carolina State
University, 1994
Experience:
Natural Resources Manager, VHB, 2018-Present
Principal/Senior Scientist, Ecological Engineering, LLP, 2008-2018
Senior Scientist, Sungate Design Group, PA, 2006-2008
Senior Scientist, Mulkey, Inc., 2003-2006
Senior Program Manager, ARCADIS, 1996-2003
Project Scientist, NCDOT, 1994-1996
Responsibilities:
Wetland and stream delineations, natural community assessments, T/E
species assessments, GPS, document preparation, and review
Investigator: Heather Smith, LSS
Education: M.S. Soil Science, North Carolina State University, 2004
Experience: Senior Environmental Scientist, VHB, 2018-Present
Environmental Scientist, Ecological Engineering, LLP, 2015-2018
Project Manager, NCDENR Ecosystem Enhancement Program, 2008-
2015
Environmental Scientist, LG2 Environmental Solutions, LLC, 2005-
2008
Responsibilities: Data form preparation, document review