River Geomorphology Monitoring

River Geomorphology Monitoring

NCDOT will retain an experienced firm to perform this analysis. Analysis will include mapping of the channel bed, cross-sections, longitudinal profiles, bed material analyses, bank erosion hazard index (BEHI) estimates, and photographs. On-site surveys will be conducted to document existing channel conditions at the two bridge relocation sites. The results of the surveys will be compiled into a report to be submitted to NCDOT.

The goal of this project is to document the existing morphological condition at the Cane River and South Toe River bridge sites.

1. Existing Condition Surveys

Staff will conduct a topographic survey of the stream channel bed 50 feet (15.2 meters) upstream and 50 feet (15.2 meters) downstream of the bridge, including the area underneath the bridge. Special attention will be given to any scour areas that may result from bridge supports. The surveys will collect points from left top of bank to right top of bank and will map the locations of bridge supports. The survey will be conducted such that an accurate 3-dimensional representation of the stream bed can be produced from the collected data.

In addition, cross-sections of the channel will be taken every 20 feet (6.1 meters) below the bridge for a distance of 200 feet (61 meters). This information will be used along with the more detailed mapping to create a longitudinal profile for the surveyed reach.

Substrate Analyses

For each of the two impact reaches and two relocation reaches, the zig-zag pebble count procedure will be used to determine the grain size distribution for each reach. A total of 400 counts per reach will be sampled. For each impact site two pebble counts will be conducted: one that covers 50 feet (15.2 meters) upstream to 50 feet (15.2 meters) downstream of the bridge, and a second that covers the 200 foot (61 meters) reach downstream of the bridge.

BEHI estimates will be conducted for both banks of the surveyed stream reaches, as described in section 1.1.

Photographs will be taken of stream banks, streambed, and bridge structures to visually document the condition of the sites.

2. Data Reporting

The survey information collected above will be processed into graphs and base mapping. The graphs and maps produced will be included in the Appendix of the report, described below. NCDOT will be supplied with electronic copies of all data. Survey data will be provided in Microstation format.

A summary report will be provided to NCDOT that describes the purpose of the project, methodology used in collecting the data, and hard copies of graphs and mapping that was produced from the surveys.

The selected firm project manager (PM) will direct and manage the performance of the work among members of the project team. The PM will provide the NCDOT project manager with monthly progress reports and invoices.

6. Erosion Control Practices/Habitat Monitoring

7. Japanese Knotweed Control Research

8. OTHER FEDERALLY PROTECTED SPECIES

Table 19. Federally Protected Species in Madison (Ma), Mitchell (Mi), and Yancey (Ya) Counties.

T: Denotes Threatened (a species that is likely to become an endangered species within the foreseeable future throughout all or a significant portion of its range).

T S/A: Denotes Similarity of Appearance (a species that is listed as threatened due to similarity of appearance with other rare species).
The proposed project is expected to result in adverse impacts to the Appalachian elktoe. These likely impacts were discussed above. The other 15 species are not expected to be adversely impacted by the proposed action. Brief descriptions of characteristics and habitat requirements for each of these listed species are provided below, along with a Biological Conclusion concerning potential impacts to each species from the proposed action. Biological Conclusions of “May Affect-Not Likely to Adversely Affect” are given for the oyster mussel, spotfin chub, Indiana bat and Virginia spiraea. Biological Conclusions of “No Effect” are given for all other species listed in Table 19. NCDOT is seeking concurrence with these conclusions.

1. 
   Clemmys muhlenbergii Bog turtle
   

Federal Status: Threatened (S/A)

Date Listed: November 4, 1997

The bog turtle is distinguished from other turtles by its small size and the bright orange or yellow blotch on each side of its head. The bog turtle is a small semi-aquatic reptile, measuring 2.95-4.33 inches (7.5-11.4 cm) in length, with a weakly keeled, dark brown carapace and a blackish plastron with lighter markings along the midline. This species exhibits sexual dimorphism; the males have concave plastrons and longer, thicker tails, while females have flat plastrons and shorter tails.

The bog turtle is found in the eastern United States, in two distinct regions. The northern population, in Massachusetts, Connecticut, southern New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Delaware, is listed as Threatened and protected by the Endangered Species Act. The southern population, occurring in Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Georgia, is listed as Threatened Due to Similarity of Appearance.

Preferred bog turtle habitat consists of fens, sphagnum bogs, swamps, marshy meadows, and pastures. Areas with clear, slow-flowing water, soft mud substrate, and an open canopy are ideal. Clumps of vegetation such as tussock sedge and sphagnum moss are important for nesting and basking. This species hibernates from October to April, hiding just under the frozen surface of mud. The diet consists of beetles, moth and butterfly larvae, caddisfly larvae, snails, nematodes, millipedes, seeds, and carrion (Nemuras 1967).

Mating takes place in May and June with the female depositing a clutch of 2-6 eggs in a sedge tussock, a clump of sphagnum moss, or loose soil about a month after mating. The eggs hatch in 42-56 days. A female may not nest every year and probably only produces one clutch per reproductive year.

The primary threats to the bog turtle are loss of habitat (from increased residential and commercial development as well as draining, clearing, and filling wetlands) and illegal collection by the pet trade. Nest predation and disease may also play a role in the population decrease.

The bog turtle is listed as T/SA, which is not subject to the provisions of Section 7. Potential impacts to this species were not evaluated. However, the species has been documented within the ICE study area along Big Crabtree Creek approximately 2 miles south of US 19E. Other occurrences of this species are well outside the study area.

2. 
   Corynorhinus townsendii virginianus Virginia big-eared bat
   

Federal Status: Endangered

Date Listed: November 30, 1979
The Virginia big-eared bat is most easily recognized by its large ears and large glandular masses on its muzzle. The ears are held erect when the bat is awake and are curled around the head when it is hibernating or at its summer roost. The fur of Virginia big-eared bats is long and soft, brown in color, and darker on the dorsal side. The hair on the feet does not extend beyond the toes.

Virginia big-eared bats occupy caves in the summer and winter. Hibernating colonies are typically located in deep cave passageways that have stable temperatures and air movement; the temperature in these hibernacula may be lower than that tolerated by other bats. Roost sites are generally located in mines or caves in oak-hickory forests. They will use alternate roost sites but there is no record of long migrations. They are nocturnal and leave their roost to forage on moths, beetles, and other insects.

No habitat (roosting or hibernating) exists in the project action area for the Virginia big-eared bat. There are no caves; one old mine was found, but it was small and unsuited for bat habitat. A search of the NCNHP database found no occurrence of the Virginia big-eared bat in the project vicinity. It can be concluded that the project will not impact this endangered species.

3. 
   Myotis grisescens Gray bat
   

Federal Status: Endangered

Date Listed: April 28, 1976
The gray bat is the largest member of its genus in eastern North America, weighing between 0.25 and 0.56 ounces (7 and 16 grams). The fur is dusky gray above and lighter below, and the hairs are unbanded. The wing membrane connects to the foot at the ankle, rather than at the base of the first toe.

Gray bats live in colonies in caves, utilizing different caves for summer roosting and winter hibernating. Summer caves are usually within 0.62 miles (1 kilometer) of a river or reservoir, which provide foraging habitat. Gray bats are highly selective in choosing suitable caves. Nine known caves are thought to provide hibernation space for 95% of the population (none of which is in North Carolina). Migration from summer to winter caves begins in September and is mainly complete by the beginning of November. The distance between summer and winter caves can be as little as 2 miles (3.2 kilometers), or greater than 200 miles (321.9 kilometers) in some cases. The gray bat is insectivorous, preferring aquatic insects, especially mayflies.

No potential roosting or hibernating habitat exists in the project action area for the gray bat. There are no caves; one old mine was found, but it was small and unsuited for bat habitat. USFWS lists the gray bat in Madison County due to the proximity of occurrences in Tennessee. The NCNHP database indicates the only confirmed record of gray bat in North Carolina was in Buncombe County in 1968. No gray bat hibernacula are known to occur in Madison County. It can be concluded that the project will not impact this endangered species.

4. 
   Epioblasma capsaeformis (Lea 1834) oyster mussel
   

Federal Status: Endangered

Date Listed: January 10, 1997

The oyster mussel has a dull to sub-shiny yellowish green shell with numerous narrow dark green rays. The shells of females are obovate, with an inflated and quite thin-shelled marsupial swelling toward the posterior margin, which is usually a darker color than the rest of the shell. Shells of males are elliptical, with the ventral margin slightly curved. The dorsal margin is straight and the hinge ligament is short. The inside of the shell is whitish to bluish white in color (Johnson 1978, Parmalee and Bogan 1998).

This species historically occurred throughout much of the Cumberlandian region of the Tennessee and Cumberland River drainages in Alabama, Kentucky, Tennessee, and Virginia. This species is not found in small streams. Preferred habitat consists of shallow riffles over course sand/gravel/cobble substrate in medium sized fast-flowing streams and rivers less than 3 feet (0.91 meters) deep (Parmalee and Bogan 1998). The recent addition of the oyster mussel to the county species list for counties in North Carolina is based on historic records from the French Broad River in the early 1900s (Ortman 1918). These historic records had previously been overlooked when compiling the county by county protected species list for North Carolina.

Most of the threats associated with the Appalachian elktoe described above apply to the oyster mussel as well. The major identified threats to the oyster mussel are loss of habitat and water pollution. Many of the rivers in the oyster mussel's historic range have been impounded, rendering these areas unsuitable for the species. Freshwater mussels as a group are sensitive to poor water quality; siltation, agricultural runoff, and other nonpoint sources pose a major threat. Coal mining and increasing development also impact this species by affecting water quality. In addition, most populations are small and isolated, making them more susceptible to predation and local disturbance. Genetic isolation is also a factor that may have a negative impact on the species, as small populations are less able to sustain themselves.

The oyster mussel was reported in the French Broad River in Madison County in the early 1900’s (Ortman 1918). Recent surveys targeting this species have been conducted in the French Broad River Basin and no individuals were discovered. The oyster mussel was not located during range assessment surveys for the Appalachian elktoe in the Nolichucky River Basin (Fraley and Simmons 2004). All project streams in the Ivy Creek drainage in the French Broad River Basin (subbasin 04-03-04) were evaluated for potential mussel habitat on September 10, 2002 by Tim Savidge, Tom Dickinson and Sharon Snider. Based on habitat (stream size) two streams, California Creek and West Fork, were chosen for mussel surveys. The surveys were conducted using the standard survey length of 1212 feet (400 meters) downstream to 328 feet (100 meters) upstream of the existing US 19 E crossings. Additionally, surveys were also conducted in Ivy Creek at the SR 1546 crossing. Ivy Creek was chosen because it is the receiving water body for all streams impacted by the proposed action in the French Broad River Basin subbasin 04-04-04. A total of 3 person-hours of survey time were spent in each stream segment. No mussel species were found in any of these streams. Recent surveys at various locations in the main channel of the French Broad River in North Carolina have also failed to discover this species. Given the survey results and the fact that the oyster mussel is believed to have been extirpated from North Carolina, it is very unlikely that the oyster mussel will be impacted by the proposed action. It can be concluded that the project is “Not Likely to Adversely Affect” this species. NCDOT is seeking concurrence with this conclusion for this species.

5. 
   Erimonax monachus Spotfin Chub (= Turquoise Shiner)
   

Federal Status: Threatened

Date Listed: October 11, 1977
The spotfin chub was first described by Cope (1868) from the North Fork Holston River in Smyth County, Virginia. This small (Max. size 92 mm) cyprinid (minnow) is described as having a slightly compressed, elongate body with a color pattern of olive green above the lateral line and silver on the lower sides bordered mid-dorsally and dorso-latereally by gold and green stripes (Jenkins and Burkhead 1984). The common name spotfin chub is derived from the distinctive, prominent black spot on the lower part of the caudal fin. This species has also been referred to as the turquoise shiner due to the brilliant metallic blue color above the lateral line in nuptial (breeding) males (USFWS 1983).
The spotfin chub is endemic to the Tennessee River drainage in Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia. The historic range of this species encompassed 12 tributary systems in 4 physiographic provinces: Blue Ridge (French Broad River and Little Tennessee River systems), Ridge and Valley (Clinch River, Powell River, Holston River (North and South Forks) and Chickamauga Creek systems), Cumberland Plateau (Emory River and Whites Creek systems) and Interior Low Plateau (Shoal Creek, Little Bear Creek and Duck River systems). Presently it is known to survive in only 4 isolated tributary systems (Duck, Little Tennessee, Emory and North Fork Holston River systems) (USFWS 1983).
Habitat for this species has been described as moderate to large streams, 15-70 m (49-230 ft) in width. These streams should have, clear water, cool to warm temperatures, and pools alternating with riffles. Specimens of spotfin chub have been taken from a variety of substrates but rarely from significantly silted substrates.
Many of the same factors (described above) that have contributed to the decline of the freshwater mussels including the Appalachian elktoe have contributed to the decline of the spotfin chub as well. Jenkins and Burkhead (1984) and USFWS (1983) cite impoundments, channelization, pollution, and turbidity or siltation as likely factors that resulted in a decline of the species. Overcollection has also been suggested to be a factor, as massive application of ichthyocide wiped out the entire Abrams Creek population, and seining efforts in the North Fork Holston River sharply depleted populations (USFWS 1983). The recovery plan for this species lists all of the factors that have contributed to declines in each of the historically known populations (USFWS 1983).
Biological Conclusion: No Affect

Extensive fish survey work has been done in the French Broad River Basin, including the Noichucky River Basin. Spotfin Chub has not been collected in these surveys, and it is thought to have been extripated from the French Broad River Basin in North Carolina. It is very unlikely that project construction will impact this species. However, it should be noted that multiple fish survey efforts were conducted in the Little Tennessee River prior to its discovery there. Thus the presence of this species in the Nolichucky River cannot be entirely discounted.

6. 
   Felis concolor Eastern cougar
   

Federal Status: Endangered

Date Listed: June 4, 1973

Cougars are tawny colored with the exception of the muzzle, the backs of the ears, and the tip of the tail, which are black. In North Carolina, the cougar is thought to occur in only a few scattered areas, possibly including coastal swamps and the southern Appalachian mountains. The eastern cougar is found in large remote wilderness areas where there is an abundance of their primary food source, white-tailed deer. A cougar will usually occupy a range of 25 miles (40 kilometers) and are most active at night.

No habitat exists in the project action area for the eastern cougar. Land use adjacent to the roadway is characterized by residential, agricultural, and other disturbed areas. Although small forested tracts occur within the PGIA, none of these tracts are of sufficient size to support this species. A search of the NCNHP database found no occurrence of the eastern cougar in the project action area. It can be concluded that the project will not impact this endangered species.

7. 
   Glaucomys sabrinus coloratus Carolina northern flying squirrel
   

Federal Status: Endangered

Date Listed: July 1, 1985

The Carolina northern flying squirrel has a large well-furred flap of skin along either side of its body. This furred flap of skin is connected at the wrist in the front and at the ankle in the rear. The skin flaps and its broad flattened tail allow the northern flying squirrel to glide from tree to tree. It is a solely nocturnal animal with large dark eyes.

There are several isolated populations of the northern flying squirrel in the western part of North Carolina, along the Tennessee border. This squirrel is found above 5000 feet (1517 meters) in the vegetation transition zone between hardwood and coniferous forests. Both forest types are used to search for food and the hardwood forest is used for nesting sites.

Biological Conclusion: No Effect

No habitat exists in the project action area for the Carolina northern flying squirrel. The project area is characterized by agricultural and residential areas at an elevation of 2200 feet (671 meters). A search of the NCNHP database found no occurrence of the Carolina northern flying squirrel in the project vicinity. It can be concluded that the project will not impact this endangered species.

8. 
   Microhexura montivaga Spruce-fir moss spider
   

Federal Status: Endangered

Date Listed: February 6, 1995

The spruce-fir moss spider occurs in well-drained moss and liverwort mats growing on rocks or boulders. These mats are found in well-shaded areas in mature, high elevation (> 5000 feet/1524 meters) Fraser fir and red spruce forests. The spruce-fir moss spider is very sensitive to desiccation and requires situations of high and constant humidity. This need for humidity means the moss mats which they inhabit cannot become too parched or else they will become dry and loose. The moss mats cannot be too wet either because large drops of water also pose a threat to the spider. The spider constructs its tube-shaped webs in the interface between the moss mat and the rock surface. Some webs have been found to extend into the interior of the moss mat. No prey has been found in the webs, but the probable prey for the spruce-fir moss spider is the abundant springtails found in the moss mats.

No habitat exists in the project action area for the spruce-fir moss spider. There are no well-shaded areas of mature Fraser fir and red spruce forest near the bridge. A search of the NCNHP database found no occurrence of this species in the project vicinity. It can be concluded that the project will not impact this endangered species.

9. 
   Myotis sodalis Indiana bat
   

Federal Status: Endangered

Date Listed: March 11, 1967

The Indiana bat is medium in size (0.25 to 0.32 ounces/7 to 9 grams) with dull, grayish, chestnut colored fur with pinkish to cinnamon underparts. This species is very similar to the little brown myotis (Myotis lucifugus) except that the heel of the foot (calcar) of the Indiana bat is strongly keeled.

The Indiana bat breeds on the ceilings of large rooms near cave entrances. Mating takes place at night during the first ten days of October. During the winter, the bats hibernate in limestone caves, which have a temperature of 37°F to 43°F (2.7°C to 6.1°C) and 87 % humidity. The bats hang from the ceiling in tight clusters. The hibernating colonies disperse in late March. Females give birth to a single new offspring in June, usually under loose tree bark in wooded streamside habitat. Development to the flying stage and independent feeding usually takes about one month.

Indiana bats feed on insects, preferring the orders Hymenoptera (bees and wasps), Homoptera (cicadas), and Coleoptera (beetles). The bats forage in the air near the foliage of riparian and floodplain trees. The ideal foraging habitat is along a riparian corridor with at least 98 ft (30 m ) of woody vegetation on each bank.

No hibernating habitat exists in the project action area for the Indiana bat. There are no caves; one old mine shaft was found but it was small and did not provide suitable bat habitat. The project area is characterized by agricultural and residential areas. Trees will presumably be cut within the construction impact area, but it is extremely unlikely that any maternity colonies would be present in these areas that are primarily open and frequently disturbed. The identified PGIA extends 2 miles (3.2 kilometers) on either side of the existing roadway. Although much of the land within the PGIA is primarily agricultural and residential, there are some forested areas as well, and there is some potential for maternity colony trees to exist in these areas. Indirect impacts such as land use changes in the PGIA area could result in conversion of these forested areas to other uses. However, given the lack of records of this species in the PGIA and the relatively small size of forested tracts in the PGIA, it is unlikely that maternity colonies exist in this area. Additionally, foraging habitat may exist along the riparian corridors within the construction impact areas, as well as the identified areas of potential indirect impacts, however, a search of the NCNHP database found no occurrence of the Indiana bat in the project action area. If the Indiana bat utilizes this area for foraging, direct and indirect impacts of project construction should have little adverse effects, as the bats can forage upstream or downstream of the impact areas. It can be concluded that project construction is “Not Likely to Adversely Affect” the Indiana bat. NCDOT is seeking concurrence with this conclusion for this species.

10. 
    Geum radiatum Spreading avens
    

Federal Status: Endangered

Date Listed: April 5, 1990

Spreading avens is a perennial herb having stems with an indefinite cyme of bright yellow radially symmetrical flowers. Flowers of spreading avens are present from June to early July. Spreading avens has basal leaves which are odd- pinnately compound; terminal leaflets are kidney shaped and much larger than the lateral leaflets, which are reduced or absent.

Spreading avens is found only in the North Carolina and Tennessee sections of the Southern Appalachian Mountains. Spreading avens occurs on scarps, bluffs, cliffs, and escarpments on mountains, hills, and ridges. Known populations of this plant have been found to occur at elevations of 5060-5080 feet (1535-1541 meters ), 5680-5760 feet (1723-1747 meters ), and 5800 feet (1759 meters ). Other habitat requirements for this species include full sunlight and shallow acidic soils. These soils contain a composition of sand, pebbles, humus, sandy loam, clay loam, and humus. Most populations are pioneers on rocky outcrops.

Biological Conclusion: No Effect

No habitat exists in the project action area for spreading avens. The elevation of the project area is approximately 2200 feet (671 meters) and known populations occur above 5000 feet (1524 meters). A search of the NCNHP database found no occurrence of spreading avens in the project vicinity. It can be concluded that the project will not impact this endangered species.

11. 
    Gymnoderma lineare Rock gnome lichen
    

Federal Status: Endangered

Date Listed: January 18, 1995

The rock gnome lichen is a squamulose lichen in the reindeer moss family. The lichen can be identified by its fruiting bodies which are born singly or in clusters, black in color, and are found at the tips of the squamules. The fruiting season of the rock gnome lichen occurs from July through September.

The rock gnome lichen is a narrow endemic, restricted to areas of high humidity. These high humidity environments occur on high elevation (> 4000 feet/1220 meters) mountaintops and cliff faces which are frequently bathed in fog or lower elevation (< 2500 feet/762 meters) deep gorges in the Southern Appalachians. The rock gnome lichen primarily occurs on vertical rock faces where seepage water from forest soils above flows at (and only at) very wet times. The rock gnome lichen is almost always found growing with the moss Adreaea in these vertical intermittent seeps. The major threat of extinction to the rock gnome lichen relates directly to habitat alteration or loss of high elevation coniferous forests. These coniferous forests usually lie adjacent to the habitat occupied by the rock gnome lichen. The high elevation habitat occurs in the counties of Ashe, Avery, Buncombe, Graham, Haywood, Jackson, Mitchell, Rutherford, Swain, Transylvania, and Yancey. The lower elevation habitat of the rock gnome lichen can be found in the counties of Jackson, Rutherford and Transylvania.

Biological Conclusion: No Effect

No habitat exists in the project action area for rock gnome lichen. The elevation of the project area is approximately 2200 feet (671 meters) and known populations occur above 5000 feet (1524 meters). A search of the NCNHP database found no occurrence of spreading avens in the project vicinity. It can be concluded that the project will not impact this endangered species.

12. 
    Hedyotis purpurea var. Montana Roan Mountain bluet
    

Federal Status: Endangered

Date Listed: April 5, 1990

Roan Mountain bluet is a perennial species with roots and grows in low tufts. Roan Mountain bluet has several bright purple flowers arranged in a terminal cyme that are visible from June to July although best viewing is mid June. This plant can be found on cliffs, outcrops, steep slopes, and in the gravelly talus associated with cliffs. Known populations of Roan Mountain bluet occur at elevations of 4600-6200 feet (1400-1900 meters). It grows best in areas where it is exposed to full sunlight and in shallow acidic soils composed of various igneous, metamorphic, and metasedimentary rocks

No habitat exists in the project action area for Roan Mountain bluet. The elevation of the project area is approximately 2200 feet (671 meters) and this species occurs above 4600 feet (1400 meters). A search of the NCNHP database found no occurrence of Roan Mountain bluet in the project vicinity. It can be concluded that the project will not impact this endangered species.

13. 
    Liatris helleri Heller's blazing star
    

Federal Status: Threatened

Date Listed: November 19, 1987

Heller's blazing star is a perennial herb with an erect stem growing from a cormlike rootstock. The stiff stems are purple near the base turning to green and are strongly ribbed and angulate. Both basal and cauline leaves are numerous, decreasing in size upward. The leaves are long and narrow, with those at the base 20 to 30 cm (8 to 12 in) in length. The stems reach up to 40 cm (16 in) in height and are topped by a showy spike of lavender flowers 7 to 20 cm (0.3 to 8 in) long. Flowering occurs from July through September.

Heller's blazing star typically occurs on sandy soil on rocky summits, cliffs, ledges and rocky woods at high elevation (3500 to 6000 feet/1067 to 1829 m). The plants grow in humus or clay loams on igneous and metasedimentary rock. Soils are generally acidic (pH 4) and shallow. Sites occupied by the Heller’s blazing star are generally exposed to full sun.

Biological Conclusion: No Effect

No habitat exists in the project action area for Heller's blazing star. The elevation of the project area is approximately 2200 feet (671 meters) and this species occurs above 3500 feet (1067 meters). A search of the NCNHP database found no occurrence of Heller's blazing star in the project vicinity. It can be concluded that the project will not impact this threatened species.

14. 
    Solidago spithamaea Blue Ridge goldenrod
    

Federal Status: Threatened

Date Listed: March 28, 1985

The Blue Ridge goldenrod is a perennial herb with an erect, angled stem 4 to 16 inches (10.2 to 40.6 centimeters) tall This sparsely to densely pubescent herb arises from a stout, short rhizome. The elliptic leaves are serrate 3.9 to 9.8 inches (10 to 25 centimeters) long. The flowers are yellow and are borne in heads of 20 to 30 flowers in a compact corymb. Flowering occurs during July and August.

The Blue ridge goldenrod occurs at elevations above 4600 feet (1402 meters). It is an early successional species which occurs in the crevices of granite outcrops in full sun.

Biological Conclusion: No Effect

No habitat exists in the project action area for Blue Ridge goldenrod. The elevation of the project area is approximately 2200 feet (671 meters) and this species occurs above 4600 feet (1402 meters). A search of the NCNHP database found no occurrence of Blue Ridge goldenrod in the project vicinity. It can be concluded that the project will not impact this species.

15. 
    Spiraea virginiana Virginia spiraea
    

Federal Status: Threatened

Date Listed: June 15, 1990
This shrub has arching and upright stems that grow from 3.28 to 9.84 feet (1 to 3 meters) tall. Virginia spiraea often grows in dense clumps. It has alternate leaves, which vary greatly in size, shape, and degree of serration. The leaves are green above and usually somewhat glaucous below. The cream colored flowers are present from June to July and occur in branched, flat topped inflorescences. Virginia spiraea is easily located during the late fall while herbaceous growth is minimal and the leaves are down.

Virginia spiraea is found in a very narrow range of habitats in the mountains of North Carolina. Habitats for the plants consist of scoured banks of high gradient streams, on meander scrolls, point bars, natural levees, or braided features of lower reaches. The scour must be sufficient to prevent canopy closure, but not extreme enough to completely remove small, woody species. This species occurs in the maximum floodplain, usually at the water's edge with various other disturbance-dependent species. It is most successful in areas with full sunlight, but can survive in shaded areas until it is released from competition. Human activity has been identified is the only documented cause of extirpation of Virginia spiraea populations (USFWS 1992c). Reservoir construction has been identified as the primary threat. Although Virginia spiraea requires periodic flooding to maintain its habitat requirements, inundation caused by dams eliminate the species by submersion of individual plants and creating a “death trap” for vegetation propagules washing into the reservoir from upstream populations. Reservoir construction eliminated a population in Monongalia County, West Virginia (Bartgis 1987).

Various insect pests such as ants, aphids and caterpillars, have been observed on Virginia spirea populations, and at least one population has been damaged by the Copper Underwing moth caterpillar (USFWS 1992c).

All of the occurrences of Virginia spiraea within the Nolichucky River Subbasin in North Carolina are threatened by infestation of the invasive exotic Japanese knotweed, a native to eastern Asia. Although the rate of advance of Japanese knotweed within this basin is not currently monitored, Japanese knotweed is established within 200 linear feet of most known occurrences of Virginia spiraea in the Nolichucky River Basin. At least one of these occurrences (within the Nolichucky River gorge) is currently overtopped by Japanese knotweed (Carolyn Wells, USFWS, personal communication).

A number of occurrences of this species are documented in the Nolichucky River Basin (Figure 4). Suitable habitat exists for this species within the water bodies along the US 19E corridor, particularly the larger streams (South Toe River, Crabtree Creek, Bald Creek and Cane River). Surveys were conducted in the project area during the NEPA planning Document phase of this project. Surveys were conducted in the South Toe River, Crabtree Creek, Bald Creek and Cane River at the US 19E crossings on September 9 -10, 2002, by Tim Savidge, Tom Dickinson, and Sharon Snider. Additional surveys for this species were conducted in 2005 in the project area by H.W. Lochner biologists. Suitable habitat was found sporadically within the study area, primarily in the form of scoured banks in sunny locations. The most promising habitat was found along the South Toe River where it is crossed by US 19E in Yancey County. Other particularly appropriate habitat was encountered on the Cane River, Little Crabtree Creek, and Big Crabtree Creek. No specimens of Virginia spiraea were found within the study area (Lochner 2007). NCDOT biologists surveyed the R-2519B section of the project on June 20, 2006, and did not find the species.

The species has been recorded in the South Toe River approximately 3 miles (4.8 kilometers) downstream of the project crossing of the South Toe River. Given the survey results it appears that Virginia spiraea is not present within the construction impact area. However, over two years has passed since surveys were completed in some of the project area. Given the nature of dispersal of this species, recruitment into the project construction area by this species may occur prior to construction. Updated surveys are recommended at the project crossings. Additionally, suitable habitat occurs throughout the identified PGIA/ICE study area, particularly in the Cane River, Bald Creek, South Toe River, Crabtree Creek and North Toe River, and unknown populations of this species may occur in these areas. Indirect impacts such as land use changes in the PGIA/ICE study area could result in adverse impacts to these habitats. However, the potential for these types of impacts are low given that riparian habitats are generally unsuitable for land development activities (NCDOT 2007). Given the survey results at the project crossings, and the low potential for adverse impacts to unknown populations, it can be concluded that project construction “May affect-is not Likely to adversely affect” Virgina spirea. NCDOT is seeking concurrence with a “Not Likely to Adversely Effect” conclusion for this species.
Figure 4. Virginia Spirea Element Occurrences

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   resources -> Request for Proposal [insert date]
   resources -> The University of York 13th 16th April 2004
   resources -> Biological and Biomedical Sciences Program Community Education Initiative
   resources -> Region III standing regional response team (rrt) meeting williamsburg, Virginia Thursday, January 12, 2012
   resources -> Efca eastern District and TouchGlobal, the crisis response ministry of efca
   Environmental -> Preparing Natural Resource Technical Reports
   
   
   
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