natural resources technical report

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).


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


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


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.


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.


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,


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


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.


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.


9 June 2015


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.


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.


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


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.


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.


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


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.


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.


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

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Appendix A

Figures

Figure 1. Vicinity Map

Figure 2. Project Study Area Map

(Overlaid on Topography Map)

Figure 3. Jurisdictional Features Map

(Overlaid on Aerial Photograph)

Figure 4. Natural Communities Map

(Overlaid on Aerial Photograph)

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


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


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 C

Stream and Wetland Forms

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

natural resources technical report

Documents