20190786 Ver 1_T&E Supplemental info for ePCN Form R157_20190614

Supplemental Information
ePCN Form — NCDOT Division 10 — SR 1421 (Bethany Road) over Town Creek
Project Number 17BP.10.R.157
G. Supplemental Information
5. Endangered Species and Critical Habitat
STV conducted protected species habitat assessments on September 27, 2017. As of June 27, 2018
the United States Fish and Wildlife (USFWS) lists two federally protected species, under the
Endangered Species Act (ESA) for Stanly County (Table 1). 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 1. ESA federally protected species listed for Stanly County
Scientific Name
Common Name
Federal
Status
Habitat
Present
Biological
Conclusion
Helianthus schweinitzii
Schweinitz's sunflower
E
Yes
NE
M otis se tentrionalis
Northern long-eared bat
T
Yes
Exempt
E - Endangered
T - Threatened
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. Schweinitz's 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. Schweinitz's sunflower
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 project study area (PSA) along
roadside shoulders. Plant by plant surveys were conducted by STV biologists throughout
areas of suitable habitat on September 27, 2017. No individuals of Schweinitz's sunflower
Supplemental Information — Stanly 167