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NATURAL RESOURCES TECHNICAL REPORT
Replace Bridge 273 on SR 1347 (Teaberry Road) over Big Horse Creek
Ashe County, North Carolina
TIP B-4016
Federal Aid Project No. BRZ-1347(1)
WBS Element No. 33384.1.1.
THE NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Project Development and Environmental Analysis Unit
Natural Environment Section
June 2015
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1.0 INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................1 2.0 METHODOLOGY AND QUALIFICATIONS .............................................................1 3.0 PHYSICAL RESOURCES ..............................................................................................1
3.1 Soils ....................................................................................................................................1 3.2 Water Resources ...............................................................................................................2
4.0 BIOTIC RESOURCES ....................................................................................................2 4.1 Terrestrial Communities ..................................................................................................2
4.1.1 Maintained/Disturbed ..................................................................................................3 4.1.2 Acidic Cove Forest ......................................................................................................3 4.1.3 Terrestrial Community Impacts ...................................................................................3
4.2 Terrestrial Wildlife ...........................................................................................................3 4.3 Aquatic Communities .......................................................................................................4 4.4 Invasive Species.................................................................................................................4
5.0 JURISDICTIONAL ISSUES ...........................................................................................4 5.1 Clean Water Act Waters of the U.S. ...............................................................................4 5.2 Clean Water Act Permits .................................................................................................5 5.3 Coastal Area Management Act Areas of Environmental Concern ..............................5 5.4 Construction Moratoria ...................................................................................................5 5.5 N.C. River Basin Buffer Rules .........................................................................................5 5.6 Rivers and Harbors Act Section 10 Navigable Waters .................................................5 5.7 Wetland and Stream Mitigation ......................................................................................5
5.7.1 Avoidance and Minimization of Impacts .....................................................................5 5.7.2 Compensatory Mitigation of Impacts ..........................................................................6
5.8 Endangered Species Act Protected Species ....................................................................6 5.9 Bald Eagle and Golden Eagle Protection Act ..............................................................11 5.10 Endangered Species Act Candidate Species .............................................................11 5.11 Essential Fish Habitat .................................................................................................11
6.0 REFERENCES ...............................................................................................................12
Appendix A. Figures
Figure 1. Vicinity Map
Figure 2. Project Study Area Map
Figure 3. Jurisdictional Features Map
Figure 4. Terrestrial Communities Map
Appendix B. Scientific Names of Species Identified in Report
Appendix C. Stream and Wetland Forms
Appendix D. Qualifications of Contributors
LIST OF TABLES
Table 1. Soils in the study area ................................................................................................... 2 Table 2. Water resources in the study area ............................................................................... 2 Table 3. Physical characteristics of water resources in the study area ................................... 2 Table 4. Coverage of terrestrial communities in the study area.............................................. 3
Table 5. Jurisdictional characteristics of water resources in the study area ......................... 4 Table 6. Jurisdictional characteristics of wetlands in the study area ..................................... 5 Table 7. Federally protected species listed for Ashe County. .................................................. 6
Natural Resources Technical Report TIP B-4016, Ashe County, N.C.
1 June 2015
1.0 INTRODUCTION
The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) proposes to replace bridge number
273 on SR 1347 (Teaberry Road) over Big Horse Creek (TIP B-4016) in Ashe County (Figure
1). This Natural Resources Technical Report (NRTR) has been prepared to assist in the
preparation of a Categorical Exclusion (CE) for the proposed project.
2.0 METHODOLOGY AND QUALIFICATIONS
All work was conducted in accordance with the NCDOT Natural Environment Section standard
operating procedures and July 2012 NRTR template. Field work was conducted on December
11, 2014. Jurisdictional areas identified may need to be verified by the U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers (USACE) and the North Carolina Division of Water Resources (NCDWR). The
principal personnel contributing to this document were:
Principal
Investigator: Chris Sheats, PWS
Education: B.S. Botany, North Carolina State University, 2002
Experience: Environmental Biologist, The Catena Group, 2005-Present
Staff Scientist, Arcadis G&M, 2003-2005
Responsibilities: Wetland and stream delineations, stream assessment, community
determinations, T&E surveys, document preparation
Investigator: Nancy Scott
Education: M.E.M. Water Resources, Duke University 2011
B.S. Environmental Science, University of Delaware, 2006
Experience: Environmental Scientist, The Catena Group, 2012-Present
Chemical/Biological Lab Analyst, ENCO Labs, 2011-2012
Responsibilities: Wetland and stream delineations, GIS, stream assessment, T&E
surveys, document preparation
Additional personnel who contributed to portions of the field work and/or documentation for this
project was Kate Montieth. Appendix D lists the qualifications of this contributor.
3.0 PHYSICAL RESOURCES
The study area lies in the Blue Ridge physiographic region of North Carolina (Figure 2).
Topography in the project vicinity is hilly and mountainous with narrow, level floodplains along
streams. Elevation in the study area is approximately 2,650 feet above mean sea level. Land use
in the project vicinity consists primarily of maintained/disturbed areas associated with roadways
and residential lands, with some forest land along the stream corridor.
3.1 Soils
The Ashe County Soil Survey identifies two soil types within the study area (Table 1).
Natural Resources Technical Report TIP B-4016, Ashe County, N.C.
2 June 2015
Table 1. Soils in the study area
Soil Series
Mapping
Unit Drainage Class Hydric Status
Ashe gravelly fine sandy loam AHF Excessively Drained Non-hydric
Colvard fine sandy loam Co Well Drained Non-hydric
3.2 Water Resources
Water resources in the study area are part of the New River Basin [U.S. Geological Survey
(USGS) Hydrologic Unit 05050001] (NCDWQ 2011). Two streams are identified in the study
area (Table 2). The location of the water resources is shown in Figure 3. The physical
characteristics of the streams are provided in Table 3.
Table 2. Water resources in the study area
Stream Name Map ID
NCDWQ Index
Number
Best Usage
Classification
Big Horse Creek SA = Big Horse Creek 10-2-21-(8.5) C; HQW
UT to Big Horse Creek SB 10-2-21-(8.5) C; HQW
Table 3. Physical characteristics of water resources in the study area
Map ID
Bank
Height
(ft)
Bankfull
Width
(ft)
Water
Depth
(in)
Channel
Substrate Velocity Clarity
SA = Big Horse
Creek 3 40 12-48
Sand, Gravel,
Cobble,
Boulder
Fast Clear
SB 1-5 2-5 1-4 Silt, Sand Slow Clear
There are no designated anadromous fish waters or Primary Nursery Areas (PNA) in the study
area. Big Horse Creek is designated a High Quality Water (HQW) from the confluence with
Little Horse Creek to North Fork New River. Neither Big Horse Creek nor any streams within
1.0 mile downstream of the study area are listed on the North Carolina 2014 Final 303(d) list of
impaired waters due to due to excessive sedimentation and/or turbidity.
There is one benthic monitoring station (KB33 at NC 194) and one fish monitoring station (KF1
at SR 1350) located within 1.0 mile of the project study area on Big Horse Creek. Benthic
monitoring in 2003 and 2008 both yielded scores of “Excellent”. Fish monitoring in 1998 and
2008 both yielded scores of “Good”. There are no ambient monitoring system (AMS) stations
within 1.0 mile of the project study area.
4.0 BIOTIC RESOURCES
4.1 Terrestrial Communities
Two terrestrial communities were identified in the study area: maintained/disturbed and acid
cove forest. Figure 3 shows the location and extent of these terrestrial communities in the study
Natural Resources Technical Report TIP B-4016, Ashe County, N.C.
3 June 2015
area. A brief description of each community type follows. Scientific names of species observed
during the site visit are included in Appendix B.
4.1.1 Maintained/Disturbed
Maintained/disturbed habitats are found throughout the study area in places where the vegetation
is periodically mowed, such as roadside shoulders, residential lawns, a small park, and in the
commercial areas of downtown Lansing. A small portion of one of the residential properties is
also used for small-scale agriculture. The vegetation in this community is mostly comprised of
low growing grasses and herbs, including tall fescue, ryegrass, yucca, and the invasive species
Japanese knotweed and Japanese honeysuckle. There are also several tree species, such as
weeping willow, sycamore, and black walnut. Ninebark was noted along the stream. Wetland A
(WA) and UT to Big Horse Creek (SB) are located within this maintained/disturbed community.
4.1.2 Acidic Cove Forest
The acidic cove forest community exists along the outer most edges of the project boundary near
the roadways with steep slopes. This community is composed of a mixture of hardwoods, pines,
and understory species. The canopy is primarily composed of red maple, sycamore, black
willow, hickory sp., white pine, and silky dogwood. Shrub, herbaceous, and vine species found
here include rhododendron, Christmas fern, and catbrier.
4.1.3 Terrestrial Community Impacts
Terrestrial communities in the study area may be impacted by project construction as a result of
grading and paving of portions of the study area. At this time, decisions regarding the final
location and design of the proposed bridge replacement have not been made. Therefore,
community data are presented in the context of total coverage of each type within the study area
(Table 4). Once a final alignment and preliminary design have been determined, probable
impacts to each community type will be calculated.
Table 4. Coverage of terrestrial communities in the study area
Community Coverage (ac.)
Maintained/ Disturbed 14.0
Acidic Cove Forest 1.8
Total 15.8
4.2 Terrestrial Wildlife
Terrestrial communities in the study area are comprised of both natural and disturbed habitats
that may support a diversity of wildlife species (those species actually observed are indicated
with *). Mammal species that commonly exploit forested habitats and stream corridors found
within the study area are eastern harvest mouse, eastern cottontail, raccoon, Virginia opossum,
striped skunk, gray squirrel*, and white-tailed deer. Birds that commonly use forest and forest
edge habitats include the northern cardinal, Carolina chickadee, American robin, white-breasted
nuthatch, northern mockingbird, mourning dove, common grackle, and European starling. Birds
Natural Resources Technical Report TIP B-4016, Ashe County, N.C.
4 June 2015
that may use the open habitat or water bodies within the study area include American kestrel,
belted kingfisher, eastern bluebird, eastern meadowlark, American crow, and turkey vulture.
Reptile and amphibian species that may use terrestrial communities located in the study area are
the five-lined skink, worm snake, eastern fence lizard, eastern box turtle, rat snake, racer snake,
slimy salamander, and spring peeper.
4.3 Aquatic Communities
Aquatic communities in the study area consist of perennial mountain streams which could
support fantail darter, white sucker, mottled sculpin, Kanawha minnow, Kanawha darter, central
stoneroller, longnose dace, brown trout, and northern hognose*, among others. Kanawha
minnow and Kanawha darter are rare species, but were found during the preparation of the New
River Basin Plan: North Fork New River Watershed, 2011. The perennial streams could also
support aquatic communities of spring peeper, crayfish, and freshwater mollusks, and various
benthic macroinvertebrates, such as dragonfly, stonefly*, Brachycentridae (caddisfly)*, and
mayfly*.
4.4 Invasive Species
Two species from the NCDOT Invasive Exotic Plant List for North Carolina are found to occur
in the study area: Japanese honeysuckle (Moderate Threat) and Japanese knotweed (Threat).
NCDOT will manage invasive plant species as appropriate.
5.0 JURISDICTIONAL ISSUES
5.1 Clean Water Act Waters of the U.S.
Two jurisdictional streams are identified in the study area (Table 5). The location of the streams
is shown on Figure 4. USACE and NCDWQ stream delineation forms are included in Appendix
C. The physical characteristics and water quality designations of each jurisdictional stream are
detailed in Section 3.2. All jurisdictional streams in the study area are designated as cool water
streams for the purposes of stream mitigation.
Table 5. Jurisdictional characteristics of water resources in the study area
Map ID
Length
(ft) Classification
Compensatory
Mitigation
Required
River Basin
Buffer
SA = Big Horse Creek 1,260 Perennial Yes Not Subject
SB 320 Perennial Yes Not Subject
Total 1,580
One jurisdictional wetland is identified within the study area (Figure 4). Wetland classification
and quality rating data are presented in Table 6. The wetland in the study area is within the New
River basin (USGS Hydrologic Unit 05050001). USACE wetland delineation forms, Wetland
Assessment Method forms, and NCDWQ wetland rating forms for each site are included in
Appendix C. Descriptions of the terrestrial communities at each wetland site are presented in
Section 4.1. Wetland site WA is within the maintained/disturbed community.
Natural Resources Technical Report TIP B-4016, Ashe County, N.C.
5 June 2015
Table 6. Jurisdictional characteristics of wetlands in the study area
Map ID
NCWAM
Classification
Hydrologic
Classification
NCDWQ Wetland
Rating Area (ac.)
WA Headwater Forest Riverine 20 0.02
Total 0.02
5.2 Clean Water Act Permits
The proposed project has been designated as a Categorical Exclusion (CE). As a final design
has not been selected, the impacts to jurisdictional waters of the US cannot be calculated at this
time, as such, a determination of applicable permits also cannot be made. Ultimately, the
USACE holds the final discretion as to what permit/s will be required to authorize project
construction.
5.3 Coastal Area Management Act Areas of Environmental Concern
Ashe County is not one of the 20 designated Coastal Area Management Act (CAMA) Counties,
and therefore there are no Areas of Environmental Concern (AEC) in the study area.
5.4 Construction Moratoria
Pursuant to a letter dated April 10, 2015, the NC Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) has
recommended a moratorium from October 15 - April 15 to protect the egg and fry stages of trout.
5.5 N.C. River Basin Buffer Rules
The project is located within the New River Basin. The project is not within an area where
buffer rules apply.
5.6 Rivers and Harbors Act Section 10 Navigable Waters
There are no waters within the study area subject to Section 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act.
5.7 Wetland and Stream Mitigation
5.7.1 Avoidance and Minimization of Impacts
Big Horse Creek in the study area has been designated an HQW. Therefore, Design Standards in
Sensitive Watersheds will be implemented during project construction.
The NCDOT will attempt to avoid and minimize impacts to streams and wetlands to the greatest
extent practicable in choosing a preferred alternative and during project design. At this time, no
final decisions have been made with regard to the location or design of the preferred alternative.
Natural Resources Technical Report TIP B-4016, Ashe County, N.C.
6 June 2015
5.7.2 Compensatory Mitigation of Impacts
The NCDOT will investigate potential on-site stream and wetland mitigation opportunities once
a final decision has been rendered on the location of the preferred alternative. If on-site
mitigation is not feasible, mitigation will be provided by North Carolina Department of
Environment and Natural Resources Division of Mitigation Services (formerly the Ecosystem
Enhancement Program).
5.8 Endangered Species Act Protected Species
As of April 2, 2015, the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) lists ten federally
protected species for Ashe County (Table 7). A brief description of each species’ habitat
requirements follows, along with the Biological Conclusion rendered based on survey results in
the study area. Habitat requirements for each species are based on the current best available
information from referenced literature and/or USFWS.
Table 7. Federally protected species listed for Ashe County.
Scientific Name Common Name Federal
Status
Habitat
Present
Biological
Conclusion
Glyptemys muhlenbergii Bog turtle T(S/A) No Not Required
Glaucomys sabrinus
coloratus
Carolina northern flying
squirrel E No No Effect
Mytosis septentrionalis Northern long-eared bat T Unknown Unresolved
Solidago spithamaea Blue Ridge goldenrod T No No Effect
Liatris helleri Heller’s blazing star T No No Effect
Hedyotis purpurea var.
Montana Roan Mountain bluet E No No Effect
Geum radiatum Spreading avens E No No Effect
Helonias bullata Swamp pink T No No Effect
Spiraea virginiana Virginia spiraea T Yes No Effect
Gymnoderma lineare Rock gnome lichen E No No Effect E - Endangered
T – Threatened
T(S/A) - Threatened due to similarity of appearance
Bog turtle USFWS Optimal Survey Window: April 1 – October 1 (visual surveys); April 1-June 15
(optimal for breeding/nesting); May 1-June 30 (trapping surveys)
Habitat Description: Bog turtle habitat consists of open, groundwater supplied (springfed),
graminoid dominated wetlands along riparian corridors or on seepage slopes. These
habitats are designated as mountain bogs by the NCNHP, but they are technically poor,
moderate, or rich fens that may be associated with wet pastures and old drainage ditches
that have saturated muddy substrates with open canopies. Plants found in bog turtle
habitat include sedges, rushes, marsh ferns, herbs, shrubs (tag alder, hardhack, blueberry,
Natural Resources Technical Report TIP B-4016, Ashe County, N.C.
7 June 2015
etc.), and wetland tree species (red maple and silky willow). These habitats often support
sphagnum moss and may contain carnivorous plants (sundews and pitcherplants) and rare
orchids. Potential habitats may be found in western Piedmont and Mountain counties
from 700 to 4,500 feet elevation in North Carolina. Soil types (poorly drained silt loams)
from which bog turtle habitats have been found include Arkaqua, Chewacla, Dellwood,
Codorus complex, Hatboro, Nikwasi, Potomac – Iotla complex, Reddies, Rosman, Tate –
Cullowhee complex, Toxaway, Tuckasegee – Cullasaja complex, Tusquitee, Watauga,
and Wehadkee.
Biological Conclusion: Not Required
Species listed as threatened due to similarity of appearance do not require Section 7
consultation with the USFWS. However, this project is not expected to affect the bog
turtle because no suitable habitat is present within the study area. Freshwater wetlands
within the study area are disturbed. Additionally, a review of the January 2015 NCNHP
database on March 23, 2015, indicates no known bog turtle occurrence within 1.0 mile of
the study area.
Carolina northern flying squirrel
USFWS Optimal Survey Window: May – October; coldest days in coldest winter months (nest
box surveys)
Habitat Description: There are several isolated populations of the Carolina Northern flying
squirrel in the mountains of North Carolina. This nocturnal squirrel prefers the ecotone
between coniferous (red spruce, Fraser fir, or hemlock) and mature northern hardwood
forests (beech, yellow birch, maple, hemlock, red oak, and buckeye), typically at
elevations above 4,500 feet mean sea level. In some instances, the squirrels may be
found on narrow, north-facing valleys above 4,000 feet mean sea level. Both forest types
are used to search for food and the hardwood forest is used for nesting sites. Mature
forests with a thick evergreen understory and numerous snags are most preferable. In
winter, squirrels inhabit tree cavities in older hardwoods, particularly yellow birch.
Biological Conclusion: No Effect
Suitable habitat for the Carolina northern flying squirrel does not exist in the study area.
Forests in the study area are comprised of a closed hardwood canopy and sub- canopy.
Additionally, the elevation at the project is not high enough for the flying squirrel.
Therefore, a half mile survey was not conducted. A review of the January 2015 NCNHP
database on March 23, 2015, indicates no known northern flying squirrel occurrence
within 1.0 mile of the study area.
Northern long-eared bat
USFWS Optimal Survey Window: June 1 – August 15
Habitat Description: In North Carolina, the Northern long-eared bat (NLEB) occurs in the
mountains, with scattered records in the Piedmont and coastal plain. In western North
Carolina, NLEB spend winter hibernating in caves and mines. Since this species is not
known to be a long-distance migrant, and caves and subterranean mines are extremely
Natural Resources Technical Report TIP B-4016, Ashe County, N.C.
8 June 2015
rare in eastern North Carolina, it is uncertain whether or where NLEB hibernate in
eastern North Carolina. During the summer, NLEB roost singly or in colonies
underneath bark, in cavities, or in crevices of both live and dead trees (typically ≥3 inches
dbh). Males and non-reproductive females may also roost in cooler places, like caves and
mines. This bat has also been found, rarely, roosting in structures like barns and sheds,
under eaves of buildings, behind window shutters, in bridges, and in bat houses.
Foraging occurs on forested hillsides and ridges, and occasionally over forest clearings,
over water, and along tree-lined corridors. Mature forests may be an important habitat
type for foraging.
Biological Conclusion: Unresolved
Construction activities for this project will not take place until Endangered Species Act
compliance is satisfied for NLEB. The NCDOT Biological Surveys Group will be
responsible for habitat assessment and surveys for the NLEB
Blue Ridge goldenrod
USFWS Optimal Survey Window: July – September
Habitat Description: Blue Ridge goldenrod, endemic to the Appalachian Mountains of North
Carolina and Tennessee, occurs in the High Elevation Rocky Summit natural community
generally at or above elevations of 4,600 feet along cliffs, ledges, balds, and dry rock
crevices of granite outcrops of the higher mountain peaks. This early pioneer herb
usually grows in full sun on generally acidic soils of shallow humus or clay loams that
are intermittently saturated. The encroachment of woody vegetation such as ericaceous
shrubs can eliminate the goldenrod through competition and shading. Roan Mountain
bluet, Heller’s blazing star, and spreading avens are a few of its typical associate species.
Biological Conclusion: No Effect
There is no habitat in the form of high elevation outcrops, ledges, or cliffs. Elevations
within the project study area are approximately 2,650 feet. A review of the January 2015
NCNHP database on March 23, 2015, indicates no known occurrence of this species
within 1.0 mile of the study area. Therefore, this project will not affect Blue Ridge
goldenrod.
Heller’s blazing star USFWS Optimal Survey Window: July – September
Habitat Description: Heller’s blazing star, endemic to the Blue Ridge Mountains of North
Carolina, occurs in the High Elevation Rocky Summit natural community on high
elevation ledges, rock outcrops, cliffs, and balds at elevations of 3,500 to 5,999 feet. This
early pioneer, perennial herb grows in acidic and generally shallow humus or clay loams
on igneous and metasedimentary rock. Known occurrences are intermittently saturated
and excessively to moderately poorly drained. The plan generally occurs in full sunlight
with grasses, sedges, and other composites. Blue Ridge goldenrod, Roan Mountain bluet,
and spreading avens are a few of its typical associate species.
Natural Resources Technical Report TIP B-4016, Ashe County, N.C.
9 June 2015
Biological Conclusion: No Effect
There is no habitat in the form of grassy rock outcrops in the project study area.
Additionally, the elevation requirement for this species is not met. Elevations within the
project area are approximately 2,650 feet. A review of the January 2015 NCNHP
database on March 23, 2015, indicates no known occurrence of this species within 1.0
mile of the study area. Therefore, this project will not affect Heller’s blazing star.
Roan Mountain bluet USFWS Optimal Survey Window: June – July
Habitat Description: Roan Mountain bluet occurs on thin, gravelly talus slopes of grassy balds,
cliff ledges, shallow soils in crevices of rock outcrops, and steep slopes with full sun at
the summits of high elevation peaks of the southern Blue Ridge Mountains. The plant is
found at elevations of 4,200 to 6,300 feet, and often has a north, northwest, south, or
southwest aspect. Known occurrences grow in gravel-filled, acidic, and metamorphic-
derived soil pockets between underlying mafic rock. Fraser fir and red spruce dominate
the forests adjacent to known populations. Blue Ridge goldenrod, Heller’s blazing star,
and spreading avens are a few of its typical associate species.
Biological Conclusion: No Effect
There is no habitat in the form of bluffs, cliffs, or escarpments in the project area.
Additionally, the elevation requirement for this species is not met. Elevations within the
project area are approximately 2,650 feet. A review of the January 2015 NCNHP
database on March 23, 2015, indicates no known occurrence of this species within 1.0
mile of the study area. Therefore, this project will not affect Roan Mountain bluet.
Spreading avens
USFWS Optimal Survey Window: June – September
Habitat Description: Spreading avens occurs in areas exposed to full sun on high-elevation cliffs,
outcrops, and bases of steep talus slopes. This perennial herb also occurs in thin, gravelly
soils on grassy balds near summit outcrops. This species prefers a northwest aspect, but
can be found on west-southwest through north-northeast aspects. Forests surrounding
known occurrences are generally dominated by either red spruce-Fraser fir, northern
hardwoods with scattered spruce, or high-elevation red oaks. Spreading avens typically
occurs in shallow acidic soil (such as the Burton series) in cracks and crevices of igneous,
metamorphic, or metasedimentary rocks. Soils may be well drained, but almost
continuously wet, with soils at some known populations subject to drying out in summer
due to exposure to sun and shallow depths. Known populations occur at elevations
between 4,296 and 6,268 feet. Blue Ridge goldenrod, Heller’s blazing star, and Roan
Mountain bluet are a few of its typical associate species.
Biological Conclusion: No Effect
Elevations within the project area are approximately 2,650 feet. Habitat for spreading
avens in the form of scarps, bluffs, cliffs, and escarpments on mountains, hills, and ridges
above 4,200 feet is not present in the project area. Additionally, a search of the January
Natural Resources Technical Report TIP B-4016, Ashe County, N.C.
10 June 2015
2015 NHP database on March 23, 2015, indicates no occurrence of spreading avens
within 1.0 mile of the project. Therefore, this project will not affect spreading avens.
Swamp pink USFWS Optimal Survey Window: April – May
Habitat Description: Swamp pink occurs in clonal clumps in a variety of groundwater-influenced
wetland habitats such as southern Appalachian bogs and swamps, Atlantic white cedar
swamps, swampy forests bordering meandering small streams, boggy meadows,
headwater wetlands, and spring seepage areas. The perennial herb requires a constantly
saturated, but not flooded, water supply. The plant often grows on hummocks formed be
trees, shrubs, and sphagnum moss, and exhibits varying degrees of shade tolerance.
Swamp pink occurs in acidic soils that contain a very thin layer of decomposed organic
matter over a dark silt loam and a subsoil of sand, loam, and gravel. Some species
associated with swamp pink are Atlantic white cedar, pitch pine, and red spruce.
Biological Conclusion: No Effect
No habitat is present within the project study area for swamp pink due to the lack of
forest canopy and due to the disturbed nature of the wetland. A search of the January
2015 NHP database on March 23, 2015, indicates no recorded occurrences of this species
within 1.0 mile of the project study area. As such, this project will have no effect on
swamp pink.
Virginia spiraea
USFWS Optimal Survey Window: May – early July
Habitat Description: Virginia spiraea occurs in flood-scoured, high-gradient sections of rocky
river banks of second and third order streams, often in gorges or canyons. This perennial
shrub grows in sunny areas on moist, acidic soils, primarily over sandstone. The shrub
tends to be found in thickets with little arboreal or herbaceous competition along early
successional areas that rely on periodic disturbances such as high-velocity scouring
floods to eliminate such competition. Virginia spiraea also occurs on meander scrolls and
point bars, natural levees, and other braided features of lower stream reaches, often near
the stream mouth. Scoured, riverine habitat sites are found where deposition occurs after
high water flows, such as on floodplains and overwash islands, rather than along areas of
maximum erosion. Occurrences in depositional habitats are found among riparian debris
piles, on fine alluvial sand and other alluvial deposits, or between boulders.
Biological Conclusion: No Effect
Habitat as described above does occur within the project study area along the banks of
Big Horse Creek. Field surveys were conducted June 3, 2015, during the optimal survey
window; no stems were found. A search of the January 2015NCNHP database March 23,
2015, found no occurrence of Virginia spiraea within 1.0 mile of the project study area.
Rock gnome lichen USFWS Optimal Survey Window: Year-round
Natural Resources Technical Report TIP B-4016, Ashe County, N.C.
11 June 2015
Habitat Description: Rock gnome lichen occurs in high elevation coniferous forests (particularly
those dominated by red spruce and Fraser fir) usually on rocky outcrop or cliff habitats.
This squamulose lichen only grows in areas with a great deal of humidity, such as high
elevations above 5,000 feet mean sea level where there is often fog, or on boulders and
large outcrops in deep river gorges at lower elevations. Habitat is primarily limited to
vertical rock faces where seepage water from forest soils above flows only at very wet
times. The species requires a moderate amount of sunlight, but cannot tolerate high-
intensity solar radiation. The lichen does well on moist, generally open sites with
northern exposures, but requires at least partial canopy coverage on southern or western
aspects because of its intolerance to high solar radiation.
Biological Conclusion: No Effect
No habitat in the form of high elevation coniferous forests containing bare rock faces
occurs within the project study area. A search of the January 2015 NCNHP database on
March 23, 2015, indicates no recorded occurrences of this species within 1.0 mile of the
project study area. Therefore, this project will not affect rock gnome lichen.
5.9 Bald Eagle and Golden Eagle Protection Act
Habitat for the bald eagle primarily consists of mature forest 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 on November 26, 2014 using 2010
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 the January 2015 NCNHP database on March 23, 2015,
indicated no known occurrences of this species within 1.0 mile 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.
5.10 Endangered Species Act Candidate Species
As of April 2, 2015, the USFWS lists no Candidate species for Ashe County.
5.11 Essential Fish Habitat
There are no marine or estuarine habitats within the Blue Ridge physiographic Province.
Natural Resources Technical Report TIP B-4016, Ashe County, N.C.
12 June 2015
6.0 REFERENCES
Burt, W.H. and R.P. Grossenheider. 1976. A Field Guide to the Mammals: North America
North of Mexico. 3rd ed. Boston: Houghton Mifflin. 255 pp.
Conant, R. and J.T. Collins. 1991. A Field Guide to Reptiles and Amphibians (Eastern and
Central North America). 3rd ed. Boston: Houghton Mifflin. 450 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.
Harrar, E.S. and J.G. Harrar. 1962. Guide to Southern Trees. New York: Dover Publications.
2nd
ed. 709 pp.
Martof, B.S., W.M. Palmer, J.R. Bailey, and J.R. Harrison III. 1980. Amphibians and Reptiles
of the Carolinas and Virginia. Chapel Hill: The University of North Carolina Press. 264
pp.
National Geographic. 1999. Field Guide to the Birds of North America. 3rd
ed. Washington, D.C.
National Geographic Society.
NatureServe. 2010. NatureServe Explorer: An online encyclopedia of life [web application].
Version 7.1. NatureServe, Arlington, Virginia. Available
http://www.natureserve.org/explorer. (Accessed: October 19, 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. 2011.
Basinwide Water Quality Plan, New River Basin. Raleigh, North Carolina.
http://portal.ncdenr.org/web/wq/ps/bpu/basin/new/2011
N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Division of Water Quality. Water
Quality Assessment and Impaired Waters List 2014 Final 303(d) list.
http://portal.ncdenr.org/web/wq/ps/csu/swstandards/303d
N.C. Department of Transportation. 2012. Invasive Exotic Plants of North Carolina.
N.C. Natural Heritage Program. 2001. Guide to Federally Listed Endangered and Threatened
Species of North Carolina. Raleigh, NC. 134 pp.
Natural Resources Technical Report TIP B-4016, Ashe County, N.C.
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N. C. Wildlife Resources Commission. 2005. Northern Flying Squirrel Fact Sheet.
http://www.ncwildlife.org/pg07_WildlifeSpeciesCon/nongame_noflysquirrel_lores.pdf.
(Accessed: February 18, 2008).
N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission. Bog Turtle Fact Sheet. 2006.
http://www.ncwildlife.org/pg07_wildlifespeciescon/nongame_bogturtle_lores.pdf.
(Accessed: February 22, 2008).
Newcomb, L. 1977. Newcomb’s Wildflower Guide. Boston: Little, Brown and Company. 490
pp.
Peterson, R.T., editor. 1980. A Field Guide to the Birds of Eastern and Central North America.
4th ed. Boston: Houghton Mifflin. 384 pp.
Radford, A.E., H.E. Ahles, and C.R. Bell. 1968. Manual of the Vascular Flora of the Carolinas.
Chapel Hill: University of North Carolina Press. 1183 pp.
Rohde, F.C., R.G. Arndt, D.G. Lindquist, and J.F. Parnell. 1994. Freshwater Fishes of the
Carolinas, Virginia, Maryland, and Delaware. Chapel Hill: University of North Carolina
Press. 222 pp.
Schafale, M.P. 2012. Guide to the Natural Communities of North Carolina: Fourth
Approximation. North Carolina Natural Heritage Program, NCDENR. Raleigh, North
Carolina. 208 pp.
U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service. 1985. Soil Survey of
Ashe County, North Carolina.
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. Fish and Wildlife Service. 1991. Swamp Pink (Helonias bullata) Recovery Plan. Newton
Corner, Massachusetts. 56 pp.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 1992. Virginia Spiraea (Spiraea virginiana Britton) Recovery Plan.
Newton Corner, Massachusetts. 47 pp.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 1993. Spreading Avens Recovery Plan. Atlanta, GA. 32 pp.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 1996. Roan Mountain Bluet Recovery Plan. Atlanta, GA. 46 pp.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 1997. Recovery Plan for Rock Gnome Lichen (Gymnoderma
lineare) (Evans) Yoshimura and Sharp. Atlanta, GA. 30 pp.
Natural Resources Technical Report TIP B-4016, Ashe County, N.C.
14 June 2015
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 1999. Recovery Plan for Liatrus helleri Porter (Heller’s Blazing
Star). First Revision. Atlanta, GA. 25 pp.
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. 2008. Information on Threatened and Endangered Species: Blue
Ridge Goldenrod.
http://www.fws.gov/asheville/htmls/listedspecies/Blue_Ridge_goldenrod.html. (Accessed:
December 14, 2010).
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Carolina northern flying squirrel.
http://www.fws.gov/asheville/htmls/listedspecies/Carolina_northern_flying_squirrel.html
(Accessed: October 19, 2010).
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Region 4: Southeast Region, North Carolina Ecological Services.
2014. Threatened and Endangered Species in North Carolina: Ashe County. Updated 14
January 2014. http://www.fws.gov/raleigh/species/cntylist/nc_counties.html
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Roan Mountain Bluet in North Carolina. http://www.fws.gov/nc-
es/plant/rmbluet.html. (Accessed: December 14, 2010).
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Rock Gnome Lichen in North Carolina. http://www.fws.gov/nc-
es/plant/rglichen.html. (Accessed: December 14, 2010).
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Spreading Avens in North Carolina. http://www.fws.gov/nc-
es/plant/spreadavens.html. (Accessed: December 14, 2010).
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Swamp Pink in North Carolina. http://www.fws.gov/nc-
es/plant/swamppink.html. (Accessed: December 14, 2010).
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Virginia Spiraea in North Carolina. http://www.fws.gov/nc-
es/plant/vspiraea.html. (Accessed: December 14, 2010).
U.S. Geological Survey. 1966. Warrensville, North Carolina, Topographic Quadrangle (7.5-
minute series). Reston: 1 sheet.
Webster, W.D., J.F. Parnell, and W.C. Biggs. 1985. Mammals of the Carolinas, Virginia, and
Maryland. Chapel Hill, University of North Carolina Press. 255 pp.
Appendix B
Scientific Names of Species Identified in Report
Plants
Common Name Scientific Name
Black walnut Juglans nigra
Black willow Salix nigra
Catbrier Smilax glauca
Christmas fern Polystichum acrostichoides
Fescue Festuca sp.
Hickory Carya sp.
Japanese honeysuckle Lonicera japonica
Japanese knotweed Polygonum cuspidatum
Ninebark Physocarpus opulifolius
Red maple Acer rubrum
Rhododendron Rhododendron maximum
Ryegrass Lolium perenne
Silky dogwood Cornus amomum
Sycamore Platanus occidentalis
Weeping willow Salix chrysocoma
White pine Pinus strobus
Yucca Yucca filamentosa
Animals
Common Name Scientific Name
American crow Corvus brachyrhynchos
American kestrel Falco sparverius
American robin Turdus migratorius
Belted kingfisher Megaceryle alcyon
Brown trout Salmo trutta
Caddisfly Trichoptera
Carolina chickadee Poecile carolinensis
Central stoneroller Campostoma anomalum
Common grackle Quiscalus quiscula
Crayfish Cambaridae
Dragonfly Odonata
Eastern bluebird Sialia sialis
Eastern box turtle Terrapene carolina
Eastern cottontail Sylvilagus floridanus
Eastern fence lizard Sceloporus undulatus
Eastern harvest mouse Reithrodontomys humulis
Eastern meadowlark Sturnella magna
Common Name Scientific Name
European starling Sturnus vulgaris
Fantail darter Etheostoma flabellare
Five-lined skink Eumeces anthracinus
Gray squirrel Sciurus carolinensis
Kanawha darter Etheostoma kanawhae
Kanawha minnow Phenacobius teretulus
Longnose dace Rhinichthys cataractae
Mayfly Ephemeroptera
Mottled sculpin Cottus bairdii
Mourning dove Zenaida macroura
Northern cardinal Cardinalis cardinalis
Northern hognose Hypentelium nigricans
Northern mockingbird Mimus polyglottos
Raccoon Procyon lotor
Racer snake Coluber constrictor
Rat snake Elaphe obsoleta
Slimy salamander Plthodon glutinosus
Spring peeper Pseudacris crucifer
Stonefly Plecoptera
Striped skunk Mephitis mephitis
Turkey vulture Cathartes aura
Virginia opossum Didelphis virginiana
White-breasted nuthatch Sitta carolinensis
White-tailed deer Odocoileus virginianus
White sucker Catostomus commersonii
Worm snake Carphophis amoenus
Appendix D
Qualifications of Contributors
Investigator: Kate Montieth
Education: M.S. Environmental Sciences, University of Rhode Island, 2004
B.A. Biology, Reed College, 2000
Experience: Environmental Specialist and Graphics Coordinator, The Catena Group,
2004-Present
Responsibilities: Wetland and stream delineations, GIS, stream assessment, T&E surveys,
document preparation
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