Attachment_B_Biological_Assessment_FS_425_Culvert_Replacement.pdf
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WV ERFO FS 2016-1(2)
FS 425 Laurel Run Culvert Replacement
Biological Assessment
Prepared By:
Federal Highway Administration
Eastern Federal Lands Highway Division
21400 Ridgetop Circle
Sterling, VA 20166
Lisa.Landers@dot.gov
571-434-1592
In Cooperation With:
Monongahela National Forest
200 Sycamore Street
Elkins, WV 26241
May 17, 2019
WV ERFO FS 2016-1(2) Page 2 of 23
WV ERFO FS 2016-1(2) Page 3 of 23
CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION
Scope
Federally-Listed Species and Critical Habitat
ACTION AREA DESCRIPTION
Federally Protected Plant Species
Shale Barren Rock Cress (Arabis serotina)
Small-Whorled Pogonia (Isotria medeoloides)
Virginia Spiraea (Spiraea virginiana)
Running Buffalo Clover (Trifolium stoloniferum) Northeastern Bulrush (Scirpus ancistrochaetus)
Federally Protected Animal Species
Indiana Bat (Myotis sodalis)
Northern Long-Eared Bat (Myotis septentrionalis) Candy Darter (Etheostoma osbuni)
Summary
PROJECT IMPACTS
Construction Techniques and Equipment Running Buffalo Clover
Bats
Candy Darter
MITIGATION MEAURES
Running Buffalo Clover
Indiana and Northern Long-eared Bats
Candy Darter
Non-native Invasive Species (NNIS) Plan
DETERMINATION OF EFFECTS
REFERENCES
WV ERFO FS 2016-1(2) Page 4 of 23
WV ERFO FS 2016-1(2) Page 5 of 23 FS 425 Laurel Run Culvert Replacement
INTRODUCTION
Scope The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), in cooperation with the United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service (Forest Service or FS), Monongahela National Forest (MNF), proposes to replace a damaged culvert located along FR 425 at milepost 1.75. The existing 84-inch corrugated metal pipe (CMP) arch culvert would be replaced with a 10-foot span by 9-foot rise split precast concrete box culvert. The roadway approaches would also be reconstructed and resurfaced. A temporary stream diversion would be needed during construction to dewater the work area.
Figure 1. Location Map
The action area includes the limits of all vegetation clearing and ground disturbing activities associated with the culvert replacement and the roadway prism (aggregate-surfaced travel lanes, shoulders, and ditches) that would receive regular roadway maintenance.
WV ERFO FS 2016-1(2) Page 6 of 23 FS 425 Laurel Run Culvert Replacement Biological Assessment
Federally-Listed Species and Critical Habitat FHWA conducted a United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) Information for Planning and Consultation website (IPaC) search on March 10, 2017 to determine if Federally-protected species had potential to occur within the project area. This IPaC report indicated that four Federally-protected species had potential to be present in the project area: running buffalo clover (Trifolium stoloniferum), Virginia spiraea (Spiraea virginiana), shale barren rock cress (Arabis serotina), and small whorled pogonia (Isotria medeoloides). No critical habitat was located within the project area. An IPaC report for the project area was also ran on November 28, 2017.
This report included one additional plant species, northeastern bulrush (Scirpus ancistrochaetus).
The IPaC website also indicated other federally protected faunal species which had the potential to occur within the project area. These included the Indiana bat (Myotis sodalis), northern long-eared bat (Myotis septentrionalis), and Virginia big-eared bat (Corynorhinus townsendii virginianus). The report ran on November 28, 2017 also included the candy darter (Etheostoma osburni) but removed the Virginia big-eared bat from the list.
Table 1. Species List Common Name Scientific Name Status Running buffalo clover Trifolium stoloniferum Endangered Virginia spiraea Spiraea virginiana Threatened Shale barren rock cress Arabis serotina Endangered Small whorled pogonia Isotria medeoloides Threatened Northeastern bulrush Scirpus ancistrochaetus Endangered Indiana bat Myotis sodalis Endangered Northern long-eared bat Myotis septentrionalis Endangered Candy darter Etheostoma osburni Endangered
FHWA initiated informal consultation for this site as part of project WV ERFO FS 2016-1(2), along with projects WV ERFO FS 2016-1(3), (4), and (5), by letter dated June 5, 2018; however, it was determined that additional information was necessary for this project because of the potential for impacts to running buffalo clover (Trifolium stoloniferum).
WV ERFO FS 2016-1(2) Page 7 of 23 FS 425 Laurel Run Culvert Replacement Biological Assessment
ACTION AREA DESCRIPTION
The project is located in the eastern portion of West Virginia. The project area consists of forests, mountain slopes, ridgetops and streams. Laurel Run (FS 425) is a single lane two direction gravel road. Severe erosion is prevalent due to flooding. Human disturbance is observable at the site within the project area. These disturbances include an access road and a drainage culvert.
There are signs of erosion, such as sedimentation and debris that can be found in the culvert. The project area was dominated by mid-successional forest and contained riparian habitats and herbaceous roadsides (Allstar Ecology, 2018).
Figure 2. Laurel Run at Culvert Looking West (July 24, 2018)
WV ERFO FS 2016-1(2) Page 8 of 23
Figure 3. View Upstream of Culvert from Road (July 24, 2018)
Figure 4. View Downstream of Culvert from Road (July 24, 2018)
WV ERFO FS 2016-1(2) Page 9 of 23 FS 425 Laurel Run Culvert Replacement Biological Assessment
Federally Protected Plant Species
Shale Barren Rock Cress (Arabis serotina) Habitat: Biennial herb in the mustard family endemic to shale deposits, occurring only on sparsely-vegetated xeric, south or west-facing shale slope openings (barrens) and shale woodlands adjacent to the shale openings at elevations from 1300 to 2000 feet (NatureServe 2011).
MNF Range: Shale barrens and shale woodlands in the White Sulphur Ranger District (WVDNR and Forest Service unpublished data).
Habitat in Project Area: No potential habitat for this species was located during field surveys Species not located during field surveys.
Small-Whorled Pogonia (Isotria medeoloides) Habitat: A small perennial herb in the orchid family that grows up to 11 inches in height and has a whorl of 5 or 6 leaves near the top of the stem and beneath the flower(s) (NatureServe 2011). Prefers deciduous or mixed-deciduous/coniferous forest in generally second or third growth successional stages, and occurs in both fairly young forests and in maturing stands.
Majority of occupied sites have: sparse to moderate ground cover, relatively open understory, proximity to logging roads, streams or other features that create long persisting breaks in canopy, and highly acidic nutrient-poor soil (USFWS 1992).
MNF Range: Known from a site in Greenbrier County, White Sulphur Ranger District, but has not been seen in recent revisits (WVDNR unpublished data). The small whorled pogonia has been documented in Randolph County (AllStar Ecology, 2012) and Pocahontas County (AllStar Ecology, 2016).
Habitat in Project Area: Forested areas located within the project area had potential to support this species. Species not located during field surveys.
Virginia Spiraea (Spiraea virginiana) Habitat: Clonal shrub found on damp, rocky banks of larger high gradient streams, floodscoured mouths of side streams, rocky isles, and seasonally flooded side channels, in shrub thickets between the river and forest. WV occurrences are among large boulders, flat rock, and flood debris along scoured stream-sides. Soils are silt and sand. The elevation ranges from 1000 to 1800 feet (NatureServe 2011).
MNF Range: Known from one site in White Sulphur Ranger District, Greenbrier Co., near Greenbrier Youth Camp (WVDNR unpublished data).
Habitat in Project Area: No potential habitat for this species in the project area.
WV ERFO FS 2016-1(2) Page 10 of 23 FS 425 Laurel Run Culvert Replacement Biological Assessment
Running Buffalo Clover (Trifolium stoloniferum) Habitat: A perennial clover with long basal runners and creamy-white flower heads on ascending stems found on fertile soils in semi-shaded habitats. Most often found on landscapes underlain with limestone or other calcareous bedrock, but not exclusively. Reported from a variety of moderately disturbed woodland habitats, including floodplains, stream banks, grazed woodlots, savanna-like forests, mowed paths, jeep and skidder trails, mowed wildlife openings within mature forests, old farmsteads, cemeteries, and steep, weedy ravines (NatureServe 2011).
MNF Range: The most numerous occurrences of this clover are on limestone soils on the Cheat and Greenbrier Ranger Districts, however there are a few sites on Marlinton, Potomac, and Gauley Districts as well (WVDNR and USDA Forest Service unpublished data).
Habitat in Project Area: A botanical field survey was conducted from September 11 to September 14, 2017, during which running buffalo clover was found to be present in the study area. Multiple populations were observed in the project area. The occurrences were on recently disturbed ground near the road. A follow-up site visit on July 24, 2018 confirmed the presence of running buffalo clover, and surveyed each occurrence of the plant within the action area. Forty occurrences of running buffalo clover were found, with a total of 87 runners and 553 stems. The occurrences were along the edge of the gravel road.
In May 2019, FR 425 was surveyed by Amy Coleman, South Zone Ecologist, Monongahela National Forest and Emily Magleby, Monongahela National Forest. The field survey found a total of 1710 rooted crowns on FR 425. Within the limits of disturbance (action area) at the FR 425 culvert, 17 rooted crowns were found.
WV ERFO FS 2016-1(2) Page 11 of 23
Figure 5. Running Buffalo Clover
Northeastern Bulrush (Scirpus ancistrochaetus) Habitat: Generally found on the edge of herb-dominated wetlands, but may also be found in deeper water or away from water (NatureServe 2018).
MNF Range: N/A.
Habitat in Project Area: None observed. In WV, species only know to occur in Berkley County in the eastern panhandle.
Federally Protected Animal Species
Indiana Bat (Myotis sodalis) Habitat: Indiana bats are restricted to underground hibernacula during winter, with preferred areas being caves located in karst areas. However, Indiana bats will also use other cave-like areas, mostly abandoned mine portals. During the summer, Indiana bats roost mainly under exfoliating bark on dead or nearly dead trees, but will also use crevices in trees as roost sites.
They will also utilize live trees with exfoliating bark to a lesser extent, mostly hickory species
WV ERFO FS 2016-1(2) Page 12 of 23 FS 425 Laurel Run Culvert Replacement Biological Assessment
(Carya spp.). They select larger trees, which provide more room for roosting and better thermal advantages. They also select trees which are either located near edges or extend above the surrounding trees as these trees provide more sunlight and are easier and safer to approach.
Spring and fall roosting areas are usually located near the hibernacula and are similar to summer roosting areas. Indiana bats prefer foraging areas, such as water bodies and open areas, to be near the roosting areas (USFWS Indiana Bat Recovery Plan).
MNF Range: Potentially throughout.
Habitat in Project Area: Potential summer habitat in forested areas surrounding existing roads.
Also, potential foraging habitat and travel corridors located along existing roads and streams.
Northern Long-Eared Bat (Myotis septentrionalis) Habitat: Similar to the Indiana bat, northern long-eared bat (NLEB) foraging habitat includes forested hillsides and ridges, and small ponds or streams. NLEBs are typically associated with large tracts of mature, upland forests with more canopy cover than is preferred by Indiana bats.
Primary roost trees for northern long-eared bats are typically over-topped (i.e., live trees and/or snags), early successional tree species. Selected trees are typically shorter than associated trees within the forest stand and are located in heavy crown cover. NLEBs typically selected trees with cavities but will also roost under sloughing bark.
MNF Range: Potentially throughout.
Habitat in Project Area: Potential summer habitat in forested areas surrounding existing roads.
Also, potential foraging habitat and travel corridors located along existing roads and streams.
Candy Darter (Etheostoma osbuni) Habitat: Fast, clear water over stone, boulder, or cobble substrates. Prefers unsilted runs and riffles in small to large streams and rivers with cool to cold water (NatureServe, 2018).
MNF Range: Gauley and New River Drainages.
Habitat in Project Area: The culvert conveys an unnamed tributary. The tributary consisted of slow-moving water with a silty substrate. Approximately 1.47 miles downstream of the culvert, the unnamed tributory meets White Oak Fork, which then travels approximately 0.80 miles further before reaching the Williams River. No potential habitat for the candy darter is present in the project area.
At the culvert, the unnamed tributary to White Oak Fork flattens out, forming pools upstream and downstream of the culvert with a visible layer of sediment (Figure 6 and Figure 7). The stream profile has a 2% grade in this location.
WV ERFO FS 2016-1(2) Page 13 of 23
Figure 6. Looking Upstream from Culvert Inlet (May 3, 2017)
Figure 7. Looking Downstream from Culvert Outlet (May 3, 2017)
WV ERFO FS 2016-1(2) Page 14 of 23 FS 425 Laurel Run Culvert Replacement Biological Assessment
The outlet of the pipe culvert is perched, meaning that the downstream end hangs above the level of the stream bottom, and it this case above the stream. This creates a barrier for candy darters and other fish and aquatic species (Figure 8).
Figure 8. Culvert Outlet (May 3, 3017)
Furthermore, approximately 1.21 miles downstream of the FS 425 culvert, the unnamed tributary to White Oak Fork is crossed by the FS 133 culvert. A 10-foot corrugated metal pipe culvert was installed in this location after the 2016 storm event in order to temporarily restore access in this location. This culvert outlet is perched several feet in the air, essentially inhibiting upstream passage of most aquatic organisms (Figure 9). The stream profile is much steeper at this location, and has an 11% grade.
WV ERFO FS 2016-1(2) Page 15 of 23
Figure 9. FS 133 Culvert Outlet (May 3, 2017)
Summary The only Federally-protected plant species found to be present in the action area is running buffalo clover. The proposed action may affect, but is not likely to adversely affect shale barren rock cress, small-whorled pogonia, Virginia spiraea, and northeastern bulrush because these species were not observed in the action area during the botany survey.
Potential habitat for the Indiana bat and northern long-eared bat is available in the action area.
Although potential habitat is not thought to be present in the action area, the construction activities have the potential to generate sediment that could travel downstream to impact the known candy darter habitat and population in the Williams River. Therefore, potential impacts to running buffalo clover, Indiana bat, northern long-eared bat, and candy darter will be analyzed in this Biological Assessment.
WV ERFO FS 2016-1(2) Page 16 of 23 FS 425 Laurel Run Culvert Replacement Biological Assessment
PROJECT IMPACTS
Construction Techniques and Equipment The large culvert replacement would take approximately two months to complete. Heavy equipment would be used to clear trees, excavate road fill material, replace the culvert, grade, fill, and resurface the roadway. Initially, vegetation within the limits of disturbance would be cleared and fiber roll, an erosion and sediment control best management practice (BMP), would be installed. Approximately four trees would be cleared adjacent to the inlet and outlet of the culvert. A temporary diversion channel would be installed by excavating a new channel adjacent to the existing channel and lining the new channel with plastic or riprap. Sandbags would be placed at both ends of the diversion channel to prevent flow and backflow into the natural channel. Water will flow naturally through the diversion channel. Pumping of water would be necessary to dewater the work area. Water would be pumped through a filter bag located n an upland area. Pumped water would not be allowed to discharge directly to the stream.
The existing culvert would be removed and the area beneath the culvert would be excavated to reach the elevation at which the box culvert would be set. The 10-foot span by 9-foot rise precast concrete box culvert would be set in place, embedded four feet below the streambed elevation.
The culvert would then be backfilled with two layers of appropriately sized bed material in order to provide aquatic organism passage.
After the new culvert is in place, the temporary stream diversion sandbags would be placed to block flow into the diversion channel, the plastic or riprap would be removed, and the channel would be filled. The road would be reconstructed and the areas beyond the road prism would be restored to natural conditions and seeded with a mix of annual rye, partridge pea, cereal rye, Canada wild rye, Virginia wild rye, autumn bentgrass, and deer tongue.
Heavy equipment would also be used for maintenance activities such as shaping and resurfacing the road and cleaning debris out of the culvert, if needed..
Running Buffalo Clover The action area is the limit of disturbance for the project, which is the outer limits of clearing, excavation and any other ground disturbing construction and road maintenance activities.
Seventeen (17) running buffalo clover rooted crowns found in the action area would be directly impacted by the proposed project. However, at total of 1,710 running buffalo clover rooted crowns are present along FR 425, and so only a small percentage of the population (1%) would be impacted by the proposed action.
Bats The Indiana bat and northern long-eared bat may use the project area for foraging and roosting between April 1 and November 15. Forested habitat containing trees greater than or equal to 5 inch diameter breast height are considered potentially suitable as summer roosting and foraging habitat for the Indiana bat in West Virginia. Northern long-eared bats also forage and roost in forested habitat. Tree clearing to complete the repairs would be minimal because the repairs
WV ERFO FS 2016-1(2) Page 17 of 23 FS 425 Laurel Run Culvert Replacement Biological Assessment would occur along the existing road alignment. No trees would be cleared between April 1 and November 15 to avoid impacting foraging or roosting bats.
Candy Darter A known population of candy darter is present in the Williams River, located approximately 2.27 miles downstream of the action area. Construction activities, such as excavation and grading, have the potential to general sediment which could travel downstream to impact known candy darter habitat in the Williams River.
The culvert replacement work would be completed during low-flow conditions, which are typically during the months of July through October (United States Geological Survey, n.d.).
During construction, a temporary diversion channel would be installed to divert streamflow around the work area and minimize the potential for sedimentation downstream. Fiber roll would also be installed as a perimeter erosion and sediment control best management practice.
Temporary and permanent seeding to stabilized the exposed soil would also be utilized to minimize the potential for erosion.
WV ERFO FS 2016-1(2) Page 18 of 23 FS 425 Laurel Run Culvert Replacement Biological Assessment
MITIGATION MEAURES
Running Buffalo Clover The project design was analyzed to determine whether impacts to running buffalo clover could be avoided; however, because the occurrences are along the edge of the road and extend into the road in some locations, redesign was not feasible. The existing road is already a single lane road, and so minimization of the limits of work was also not feasible.
Running buffalo clover rooted crowns would the temporarily removed from the project area and would be replanted after construction is completed. A qualified botanist would identify running buffalo clover rooted crowns in the action area. Each rooted crown would be temporarily relocated to another location during construction activities. Existing topsoil along the edges of the road would be stripped, stockpiled, and reused on-site in order to conserve the soil seed bank.
After construction is completed the crowns would be replanted along the edge of the road.
Transplanting of running buffalo clover has been previously undertaken successfully throughout its current range. A recent effort in 2018 undertaken for a research thesis included greenhouse intervention and transplantation. Small fall transplants without a starter fertilizer were found to be the most successful (Kubesch, 2018).
Several efforts have been made to transplant running buffalo clover in Ohio, Missouri, and Kentucky. Overall the efforts showed that plants may survive the first year or two, but rarely does the population persist past three years. Research is currently underway to monitor transplanting that was done in the fall, as fall transplanting appears to be slightly more successful than spring transplanting. Jennifer Finfera, Wildlife Biologist, Ohio Ecological Services Office, - USFWS, provided the following information:
Kentucky Transplants:
In 2012, plants were removed from a stream restoration site near the Adair population in Kentucky. One transplanted clump continued to do well two years later. The second transplanted clump did not persist to the second year (Blessing 2016, personal communication), and as of 2016 no plants from either clump were observed (Brewer 2017, personal communication). Plants have also been transplanted to Eastern Kentucky University’s Taylor Fork Ecological Area so that they can be used as an experimental population. This population continues to flower and persist.
Missouri Transplants:
In the 1990’s Missouri established plants on public land at multiple sites such as the Mark Twin National Forest. None of these introductions persisted long-term.
WV ERFO FS 2016-1(2) Page 19 of 23 FS 425 Laurel Run Culvert Replacement Biological Assessment
Ohio Transplants:
In Ohio, plants were transplanted from the Neihaus subpopulation to the Warder- Perkins subpopulation which was located nearby. In addition, soil was transferred to Warder-Perkins as well, in an attempt to capture some of the seed bank and establish it. While a small number of transplanted plants persisted, the large population declined to a very small number of plants (Becus 2016, personal communication). A single plant sprouted from the seedbank within the moved soil. This metapopulation of the Neihaus and Warder-Perkins sites was once A-ranked. In the last few years the numbers have been very low and the metapopulation is now D-ranked.
A small number of seeds were collected from the Miami Fort population in the 1990’s and planted at the seed nursery at Miami Whitewater Forest in southwest Ohio (Klein 2016, personal communication). These plants flowered and persisted for a few years; however none have been seen at this site in the last few years.
Fourteen individual plants were transplanted from a population that was destroyed by the landowner. These individuals were established in 1990 (ODNR 1990) and continued to persist for some time. However, no flowers were ever produced and no plants have been observed there since 2000, despite multiple visits to the site since then.
Long-term monitoring data suggests that running buffalo clover population sizes fluctuate widely, and although the reason for the fluctuation is not known, it may be due to disturbance or weather patterns. In West Virginia, running buffalo clover seems to occur more frequently in locations with light to moderate disturbance, which is consistent with this location of running buffalo clover along a low-traffic Forest Service Road (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 2007).
The planting of the running buffalo clover back to its prior location post-construction would reduce the potential for factors such as location and lack of disturbance to affect the transplanted rooted crowns.
Soil disturbance BMPs would be implemented to minimize the introduction and spread of non-native invasive plants. Road fill, gravel, wood cellulose fiber mulch, and other imported construction materials will be free of non-native invasive plant species to the extent practicable.
Construction equipment would be cleaned of soils, seeds, plant parts from exterior.
Seeding of the project area after construction would avoid the use of potentially invasive species, particularly non-native invasive species known to compete with running buffalo clover such as European white clover and red clover, in accordance with Forest Plan Guideline TE81.
Indiana and Northern Long-eared Bats No tree clearing would occur between April 1 and November 15 to avoid impacts to Federally-listed bat species.
WV ERFO FS 2016-1(2) Page 20 of 23 FS 425 Laurel Run Culvert Replacement Biological Assessment
Candy Darter Erosion and sediment control BMPs, such as fiber roll, temporary seeding, and permanent seeding) would be implemented during construction in order to minimize the potential for sediment to leave the construction site. A temporary diversion channel would be installed to divert streamflow around the work area and minimize the potential for sedimentation downstream.
Non-native Invasive Species (NNIS) Plan The following strategies and control measures will be implemented to minimize the potential for the introduction and/or spread or non-native invasive species.
Strategies:
1. Avoidance of NNIS in Materials Brought On-site During Construction.
Topsoil cannot be brought into the Forest. Existing topsoil will be stockpiled and reused.
Wood cellulose fiber much will be used. Equipment will be thoroughly cleaned and formally inspected to ensure that it is free of weeds and their seeds prior to entering FS lands.
2. Use of Seed Mixes with no NNIS.
The seed mix to be used on this project does not contain any NNIS and has been approved by the FS for use within the Forest.
3. Monitoring and Selective Treatment of NNIS During Construction.
FHWA will monitor and record the success of revegetation in disturbed areas for one year after construction has been completed to ensure that NNIS do not overtake the area.
Infestations of NNIS would be removed by hand cutting. Additional monitoring and treatment would be completed by the FS.
Control Measures:
• The contractor will adhere to the project specific erosion and sediment control plan to ensure that sediment movement and the spread of non-native seeds into newly disturbed soils are minimized.
• Prior to mobilization to entering FS lands, contractors will thoroughly clean all construction equipment with high-pressure washing equipment. Cleaning will consist of the removal of all dirt, grease, debris and materials that may harbor noxious weeds and their seeds. The contractor will make their equipment available for visual inspection by the FHWA and FS prior to entering FS lands.
• During construction in areas of known infestation areas, the contractor will clean equipment to remove excess soil prior to the movement of equipment to other locations in the Forest.
• All disturbed area will be stabilized and seeded promptly after final grading.
WV ERFO FS 2016-1(2) Page 21 of 23 FS 425 Laurel Run Culvert Replacement Biological Assessment
DETERMINATION OF EFFECTS
Running Buffalo Clover: May effect, is likely to adversely effect
Known occurrences of running buffalo clover cannot be avoided during construction. The actions taken during this project are not expected to jeopardize the continued existence of Running Buffalo Clover as a species. Although the existing population at the project site will be removed prior to construction and replanted afterwards, it is likely that some of the crowns would not survive. The population at this site would experience a decline in the number of crowns present; however, the number of running buffalo clover rooted crowns impacted represents only 1% of the population on FR 425. Also, some effects of the action may be positive. Minor tree clearing may result in a beneficial change in canopy cover, providing more optimal sunlight or newly disturbed ground that could serve as habitat for new clovers to grow.
After construction is completed, road maintenance activities would result in a beneficial impact to the species because running buffalo clover is a disturbance-dependent species and requires occasional disturbance.
Indiana Bat: May affect, is not likely to adversely affect
Potential summer habitat in forested areas surrounding existing roads. Also, potential foraging habitat and travel corridors located along existing roads and streams. Field presence/absence surveys were not conducted for the species. Tree clearing will be marginal, if any. The roads will remain, providing travel corridors for bats, while the surrounding forest will not be impacted.
Northern Long-eared Bat: No prohibited incidental take
Potential summer habitat in forested areas surrounding existing roads. Also, potential foraging habitat and travel corridors located along existing roads and streams. Field presence/absence surveys were not conducted for the species. Tree clearing will be minimal. The roads will remain, providing travel corridors for bats, while the surrounding forest will not be impacted.
FHWA followed the Key to the Northern Long-Eared Bat 4(d) Rule for Federal Actions that May Affect Northern Long-Eared Bats and have determined that the action would not cause prohibited incidental take. No tree removal would occur during the pup season from June 1 through July 31. FHWA will rely on the finding of the Programmatic Biological Opinion on the 4(d) Rule for the Northern Long-eared Bat and Activities Excepted from Take Prohibitions, and consider our project-specific section 7(a)(2) responsibilities fulfilled unless notified that additional consultation is necessary.
WV ERFO FS 2016-1(2) Page 22 of 23 FS 425 Laurel Run Culvert Replacement Biological Assessment
Candy Darter: May affect, is not likely to adversely affect
Although the project site does not provide potential candy darter habitat, there is a potential for sediment generated by construction activities to flow downstream to impact the known population and habitat in the Williams River. Erosion and sediment control BMPs would be implemented to reduce erosion and keep sediment laden water from leaving the project site. The new concrete box culvert would be 6 feet shorter in length and is designed to be aquatic organism passable, resulting in an improved post-construction stream condition.
WV ERFO FS 2016-1(2) Page 23 of 23 FS 425 Laurel Run Culvert Replacement Biological Assessment
REFERENCES
AllStar Ecology. 2012. Botanical Survey for Threatened & Endangered Species within the
Corridor H Right-of-Way Kerens to Parsons. Mountain State Biosurveys, Lesage, WV.
AllStar Ecology. 2016. West Virginia Botanical Survey Report for the Atlantic Coast Pipeline Botanical Surveys. Environmental Resource Management (ERM).
Allstar Ecology. (2018). WV Emergency Relief for Federally Owned Roads 2016 Flood Damage.
Fairmont.
Kubesch, J. O. (2018). Edaphic and morphological factors affecting running buffalo clover (Trifolium stoloniferum) ecology. In J. O. Kubesch. Columbus.
NatureServe. 2011. NatureServe Explorer: An online encyclopedia of life [web application].
Version 7.1. NatureServe, Arlington, Virginia. Available http://www.natureserve.org/explorer.
(Accessed: January 4, 2012).
US Fish & Wildlife Service. 1992. Small Whorled Pogonia (Isotria medeoloides) Recovery Plan.
First Revision. USFWS, Region Five, Newton Corner, MA
USDA Forest Service, Monongahela National Forest, Unpublished Data. NRIS TESP Element Occurrence GIS Database (TES plant surveys 1995-2011).
USDA Forest Service, Monongahela National Forest, Unpublished Data. Wildpoints GIS layer, version dated 17 July 2006
United States Geological Survey. (n.d.). USGS 03186500 Williams River at Dyer, WV.
Retrieved from USGS Surface-Water Monthly Statistics for West Virginia :
https://waterdata.usgs.gov/wv/nwis/monthly?referred_module=sw&site_no=03186500&por_031 86500_159748=1547794,00060,159748,1929-09,2017- 11&format=html_table&date_format=YYYY-MM- DD&rdb_compression=file&submitted_form=parameter_selection_list
West Virginia Division of Natural Resources. Unpublished GIS data layer depicting occurrences of rare, threatened, and endangered species in the vicinity of the Monongahela National Forest.
Provided to the Monongahela National Forest, May 2004.
West Virginia Division of Natural Resources. Unpublished GIS data layer depicting occurrences of rare, threatened, and endangered species in the vicinity of the Monongahela National Forest.
Provided to the Monongahela National Forest, November 2010.
| INTRODUCTION |
| Scope |
| Federally-Listed Species and Critical Habitat |
| ACTION AREA DESCRIPTION |
| Federally Protected Plant Species |
| Shale Barren Rock Cress (Arabis serotina) |
| Small-Whorled Pogonia (Isotria medeoloides) |
| Virginia Spiraea (Spiraea virginiana) |
| Running Buffalo Clover (Trifolium stoloniferum) |
| Northeastern Bulrush (Scirpus ancistrochaetus) |
| Federally Protected Animal Species |
| Indiana Bat (Myotis sodalis) |
| Northern Long-Eared Bat (Myotis septentrionalis) |
| Candy Darter (Etheostoma osbuni) |
Summary
| PROJECT IMPACTS |
| Construction Techniques and Equipment |
| Running Buffalo Clover |
| Bats |
| Candy Darter |
| MITIGATION MEAURES |
| Running Buffalo Clover |
| Indiana and Northern Long-eared Bats |
| Candy Darter |
| Non-native Invasive Species (NNIS) Plan |
| DETERMINATION OF EFFECTS |
| REFERENCES |
File details come from the government source that posted it.