20191233 Ver 1_Re_ [EXTERNAL] Crabtree Creek Greenway ESA Compliance_Request_20190913

From: Jordan, Gary
To: Cooper, David
Cc: Murray. Christopher A; Ed Lynch
Subject: Re: [EXTERNAL] Crabtree Creek Greenway ESA Compliance/Request
Date: Wednesday, September 11, 2019 11:22:16 AM
Attachments: imaae001.pna
David,
It was good to speak with you on the phone today. I just wanted to summarize my comments and recommendation.
I am comfortable with concurrence for all of the May Affect - Not Likely to Adversely Affect biological conclusions
with the exception of Atlantic Pigtoe. Since there have been fairly recent occurrences of Atlantic Pigtoe just
upstream of the proposed bridge crossings on Crabtree Creek, and given the fact that much of the proposed trail
closely parallels Crabtree Creek, there is potential for an adverse effect if the species in still present there.
Therefore, I recommend that a mussel survey be conducted for Atlantic Pigtoe in Crabtree Creek in the best habitat
within and adjacent to the study area. If there is suitable habitat within Richlands Creek, then at least a small
portion near its confluence with Crabtree could be surveyed as well. If Atlantic Pigtoe is not observed, then I would
be able to provide concurrence with MA-NLAA. If the species is observed, then we will likely need to have a
formal Section 7 consultation/conference with the lead federal action agency (FHWA).
Gary Jordan
Fish and Wildlife Biologist, Liaison to NCDOT
US Fish and Wildlife Service
P.O. Box 33726
Raleigh, NC 27636-3726
Phone: [phone] x.32
Email: gary_jordanQfws.gov
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On Fri, Sep 6, 2019 at 12:38 PM Cooper, David <dcool2er&vhb.com> wrote:
Hi Gary,
I left a voice mail about this but wanted to follow up with some additional information. Please let me know if I
need to instead submit this through the Raleigh office online project review process. I thought, since I had
discussed this with Chris Murray and he indicated there may need to be discussion with you on potential
impacts to the proposed species Atlantic pigtoe and Neuse River waterdog (and possibly Carolina madtom),
that I would chat with you and get your ideas on how this project may comply with the ESA. I would like, for
these species, to find a way that the project is not likely to adversely affect them. Please find attached a
request for concurrence and please let me know your thoughts on the biological conclusions in regard to the
project as proposed. I will forward a set of preliminary erosion control plans as well in a separate e-mail due
to the file size.
Please feel free to call or e-mail.

Thanks so much,
David Cooper
Senior Environmental Scientist
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