8-26B-083 Golden Holiday EALS Report.pdf

6821 SW Archer Road Gainesville, FL 32608 Voice: 352/372-1500

Environmental Engineers, Scientists, & Planners

October 28, 2025 Project No. 25-6358-01

Mr. Mitchell Chauncey, P.E.

ARDURRA

925 Southeast 17th Street Suite A Ocala, Florida 34471

RE: Environmental Assessment for Listed Species on Marion County Parcel

Number 2173-002-000 and Associated Road Right of Ways for Proposed Force Main

Dear Mr. Chauncey:

Water & Air Research, Inc. (Water & Air) conducted an environmental assessment for listed species (EALS) on Marion County Parcel Number 2173-002-000 and Associated Road Right of Ways for Proposed Force Main to determine the possible presence of listed species and identify other important ecological conditions. The parcels and right of way surveyed were on both sides of Northwest Old Blitchton Road between Highway 27 and Northwest 24th Avenue.

METHODS

The assessment of the subject property was conducted to identify and document the presence of unique natural features and communities, including the occurrence of endangered and threatened species (as listed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service [FWS], Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission [FWC], and the Florida Department of Agriculture).

Prior to the field visit, a desktop inquiry was conducted to compile a list of potentially-occurring endangered, threatened, and rare species which may utilize or reside on the site using the FNAI Biodiversity Matrix Map Server (Appendix 1) and the U.S. FWS North Florida Ecological Services Office, Federally Listed Species in Marion County (Appendix 2).

On October 22, 2025, an associate scientist familiar with Florida ecosystems, wildlife habitats, and listed plant and animal species conducted a meandering survey of the site. During the survey a list of dominant plants and all animals observed was recorded in addition to a broad overview of the condition and type of any habitat present within the parcel. The survey began at 11:00am and was completed at 12:00pm after the entire area had been walked. The weather was sunny with an air temp in the mid 70’s.

RESULTS

Vegetation A land use map (Figure 1) was developed showing the land use types found on the Project Site using the Florida Cooperative Land Use Cover Codes (2023).

Mitchell Chauncey, P.E.

Golden Holiday EALS Report Water & Air Research, Inc.

The Entire south side of Northwest Blitchton Road was maintained short grass for the most part with occasional herbaceous broadleaf plants (ex: Bidens alba), as well as small lantana, paper mulberry and mimosa saplings (Photo 1). The East and West ends of the North side were similar to what was observed on the entirety of the South side, short maintained grass with occasional broadleaf plants.

In the Middle of the North side of the road there is a wooded area mostly made up of Camphor tree, laurel oak, paper mulberry, and Carolina laurel cherry. The low and upper canopy of the woodland edge was covered by Virginia creeper, smilax, grape vines, air potato, and Ipomea heredifolia. The groundcover in and near the woodland edge consisted of herbaceous plants including Bidens alba, Ambrosia artemisiifolia, and American pokeweed as well as woody plants including China berry, camphor, mimosa, paper mulberry, Carolina laurel cherry, and laurel oak saplings, lantana, Caesar weed, beauty berry, and coral bean (Photo 2). The vegetation floor past the crowded wood line contained laurel oak saplings, smilax, coral ardisia, young sabal palms, and a large patch of aloe (Photo 3). There were also a few southern magnolia saplings close to the western end of the wooded area. No listed plants were observed.

Wetlands No jurisdictional wetlands were identified on the project site.

Wildlife There were 13 bird, 2 reptile, and 1 mammal species observed and recorded (Table 1). No rare or endangered species were observed.

Listed Species No listed plant or animal species were observed on site.

CONCLUSIONS

There were no listed plant or animal species observed on site, and most of the site is already mowed and maintained right of way. A small stretch of the parcel includes the edge of some low-quality upland hardwood forest that is infested with invasive plant species. No unique or ecologically significant habitat is present within Marion County Parcel Number 2173-002-000 and Associated Road Right of Ways for Proposed Force Main

We thank you for this opportunity to be of service to you. We remain available should you need clarifications or have any questions regarding this ecological assessment for the subject property.

Sincerely, Water & Air Research, Inc.

Adam J. White Eric B. Nelson Associate Scientist Project Scientist

Appendices Appendix 1 Results of the Florida Natural Areas Inventory Biodiversity Matrix Inquiry Appendix 2 Results of the FWS North Florida Ecological Services Office, Federally

Listed Species in Marion County Inquiry

Adam White

Sonja Wilson

EBN

Golden Holiday EALS Report Water & Air Research, Inc.

Photo 1: South side of road is a mowed and maintained right of way.

Photo 2: Lantana, coral bean, and chinaberry in abundance along the woodland edge.

Photo 3: Aloe patch in the wooded area near camphor tree and small sabal palms

Table 1: A list of all birds, reptiles, and mammals observed within Marion County Parcel Number 2173-002-000 and Associated Road Right of Ways for Proposed Force Main.

Birds Common Name Scientific Name American Crow Corvus brachyrhynchos Blue Gray Gnatcatcher Polioptila caerulea Blue Jay Cyanocitta cristata Downy woodpecker Dryobates pubescens Eastern Phoebe Sayornis phoebe Gray Catbird Dumetella carolinensis Northern House Wren Troglodytes aedon Northern Cardinal Cardinalis cardinalis Northern Mockingbird Mimus polyglottos Pileated Woodpecker Dryocopus pileatus Red Bellied Woodpecker Melanerpes carolinus Tufted Titmouse Baeolophus bicolor White Eyed Viero Viero griseus

Reptiles Common Name Scientific Name Brown Anole Anolis sagrei Green Anole Anolis carolinensis

Mammals Common Name Scientific Name Eastern Gray Squirrel Sciurus carolinensis

Figure 1.

Site Map showing Cooperative Land Cover Parcel #: 2173-002-000 and Associated Road Right of Ways for Proposed Force Main Marion County, Florida

Source: ESRI, DigitalGlobe Imagery, 2023; Water & Air Research, Inc., 2025.

J:\6358 Pigeon-Ardurra\EN\25-6358-01 Golden Holiday EALS\Figures\25-6358-01 Figure 1 Land Use.mxd, 10/27/2025 1:04:11 PM

Legend

Parcel Boundary

Right of Way Lines

Cooperative Land Use (CLC)

0 400 800200

Feet

NW Old Blitchton Rd

Cooperative Land Cover (CLC) Codes:

1840 = Transportation (9.353 Ac.)

18221 = Residential, Med Density - 2.5 Dwelling Units/AC (0.205 Ac.)

18223 = Commercial and Services (0.733 Ac.)

Land Use 1822£¤27

£¤27

Land Use

Land Use 18223

Land Use 18223

Land Use 18223

Land Use 18223

Land Use

Land Use

Land Use

Land Use

Land Use

Land Use

Land Use

APPENDIX 1

RESULTS OF THE FLORIDA NATURAL AREAS

INVENTORY BIODIVERSITY MATRIX INQUIRY

NOTE: The Biodiversity Matrix includes only rare species and natural communities tracked by FNAI.

Report for 2 Matrix Units: 30132 , 30420

Descriptions

DOCUMENTED - There is a documented occurrence in the FNAI database of the species or community within this Matrix Unit.

DOCUMENTED-HISTORIC - There is a documented occurrence in the FNAI database of the species or community within this Matrix Unit; however the occurrence has not been observed/reported within the last twenty years.

LIKELY - The species or community is known to occur in this vicinity, and is considered likely within this Matrix Unit because:

1. documented occurrence overlaps this and adjacent

Matrix Units, but the documentation isn't precise enough to indicate which of those Units the species or community is actually located in; or

2. there is a documented occurrence in the vicinity and there is suitable habitat for that species or community within this Matrix Unit.

POTENTIAL - This Matrix Unit lies within the known or predicted range of the species or community based on expert knowledge and environmental variables such as climate, soils, topography, and landcover.

Matrix Unit ID: 30132 0 Documented Elements Found

0 Documented-Historic Elements Found

0 Likely Elements Found

Matrix Unit ID: 30420 0 Documented Elements Found

0 Documented-Historic Elements Found

1 Likely Element Found

Scientific and Common Names Global Rank

State Rank

Federal Status

State Listing

Upland hardwood forest G5 S3 N N

1018 Thomasville Road Suite 200-C Tallahassee, FL 32303 850-224-8207 850-681-9364 fax www.fnai.org

Florida Natural Areas Inventory Biodiversity Matrix Query Results

UNOFFICIAL REPORT

Created 10/23/2025

(Contact the FNAI Data Services Coordinator at 850.224.8207 or kbrinegar@fnai.fsu.edu for information on an official Standard Data Report)

10/23/25, 11:31 AM FNAI Biodiversity Matrix https://data.labins.org/mapping/FNAI_BioMatrix/GridSearch.cfm?sel_id=30132,30420&extent=575738.3587,577691.7191,578957.0467,579301.0642 1/3

Matrix Unit IDs: 30132 , 30420 28 Potential Elements Common to Any of the 2 Matrix Units

Scientific and Common Names Global Rank

State Rank

Federal Status

State Listing

Agrimonia incisa incised groove-bur G3 S2 N T

Antigone canadensis pratensis Florida Sandhill Crane G5T2 S2 N ST

Asplenium x curtissii Curtiss' spleenwort GNA S1 N N

Asplenium x heteroresiliens Morzenti's spleenwort G2 S1 N N

Athene cunicularia floridana Florida Burrowing Owl G4T3 S3 N ST

Calopogon multiflorus many-flowered grass-pink G2G3 S2S3 N T

Digitaria floridana Florida fingergrass G1 S1 N N

Drymarchon couperi Eastern Indigo Snake G3 S2? T FT

Eriogonum longifolium var. gnaphalifolium scrub buckwheat G4T3 S3 T E

Forestiera godfreyi Godfrey's swampprivet G2 S2 N E

Gopherus polyphemus Gopher Tortoise G3 S3 C ST

Lampropeltis extenuata Short-tailed Snake G3 S3 N ST

Lithobates capito Gopher Frog G2G3 S3 N N

Matelea floridana Florida spiny-pod G2 S2 N E

Monotropsis reynoldsiae pygmy pipes G2 S2 N E

Mustela frenata peninsulae Florida Long-tailed Weasel G5T3? S3? N N

Myotis austroriparius Southeastern Myotis G4 S3 N N

Neofiber alleni Round-tailed Muskrat G2 S2 N N

Notophthalmus perstriatus Striped Newt G2G3 S2 N C

Peucaea aestivalis Bachman's Sparrow G3 S3 N N

Podomys floridanus Florida Mouse G3 S3 N N

Pteroglossaspis ecristata giant orchid G2G3 S2 N T

Pycnanthemum floridanum Florida mountain-mint G3 S3 N T

Salix floridana Florida willow G2G3 S2S3 N E

Sciurus niger niger Southeastern Fox Squirrel G5T5 S3 N N

Selonodon floridensis Florida Cebrionid Beetle G2G4 S2S4 N N

Sideroxylon alachuense silver buckthorn G1 S1 N E

Spigelia loganioides pinkroot G2Q S2 N E

10/23/25, 11:31 AM FNAI Biodiversity Matrix https://data.labins.org/mapping/FNAI_BioMatrix/GridSearch.cfm?sel_id=30132,30420&extent=575738.3587,577691.7191,578957.0467,579301.0642 2/3 https://www.fnai.org/PDFs/FieldGuides/Agrimonia_incisa.pdf https://www.fnai.org/PDFs/FieldGuides/Athene_cunicularia_floridana.pdf https://www.fnai.org/PDFs/FieldGuides/Calopogon_multiflorus.pdf https://www.fnai.org/PDFs/FieldGuides/Drymarchon_couperi.pdf https://www.fnai.org/PDFs/FieldGuides/Eriogonum_longifolium_var_gnaphalifolium.pdf https://www.fnai.org/PDFs/FieldGuides/Forestiera_godfreyi.pdf https://www.fnai.org/PDFs/FieldGuides/Gopherus_polyphemus.pdf https://www.fnai.org/PDFs/FieldGuides/Matelea_floridana.pdf https://www.fnai.org/PDFs/FieldGuides/Monotropsis_reynoldsiae.pdf https://www.fnai.org/PDFs/FieldGuides/Myotis_austroriparius.pdf https://www.fnai.org/PDFs/FieldGuides/Neofiber_alleni.pdf https://www.fnai.org/PDFs/FieldGuides/Notophthalmus_perstriatus.pdf https://www.fnai.org/PDFs/FieldGuides/Podomys_floridanus.pdf https://www.fnai.org/PDFs/FieldGuides/Pteroglossaspis_ecristata.pdf https://www.fnai.org/PDFs/FieldGuides/Pycnanthemum_floridanum.pdf https://www.fnai.org/PDFs/FieldGuides/Salix_floridana.pdf https://www.fnai.org/PDFs/FieldGuides/Sideroxylon_alachuense.pdf https://www.fnai.org/PDFs/FieldGuides/Spigelia_loganioides.pdf

Disclaimer The data maintained by the Florida Natural Areas Inventory represent the single most comprehensive source of information available on the locations of rare species and other significant ecological resources statewide. However, the data are not always based on comprehensive or site-specific field surveys. Therefore, this information should not be regarded as a final statement on the biological resources of the site being considered, nor should it be substituted for on-site surveys. FNAI shall not be held liable for the accuracy and completeness of these data, or opinions or conclusions drawn from these data. FNAI is not inviting reliance on these data. Inventory data are designed for the purposes of conservation planning and scientific research and are not intended for use as the primary criteria for regulatory decisions.

Unofficial Report These results are considered unofficial. FNAI offers a Standard Data Request option for those needing certifiable data.

10/23/25, 11:31 AM FNAI Biodiversity Matrix https://data.labins.org/mapping/FNAI_BioMatrix/GridSearch.cfm?sel_id=30132,30420&extent=575738.3587,577691.7191,578957.0467,579301.0642 3/3 mailto:kbrinegar@fnai.fsu.edu?subject=Standard%20Data%20Request&body=I%20am%20interested%20in%20a%20Standard%20Data%20Request%20for%20the%20following%20grids:30132,30420.

APPENDIX 2

RESULTS OF THE FWS NORTH FLORIDA ECOLOGICAL

SERVICES OFFICE, FEDERALLY LISTED SPECIES IN

MARION COUNTY INQUIRY

IPaC resource list This report is an automatically generated list of species and other resources such as critical habitat (collectively referred to as trust resources) under the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's (USFWS) jurisdiction that are known or expected to be on or near the project area referenced below. The list may also include trust resources that occur outside of the project area, but that could potentially be directly or indirectly affected by activities in the project area. However, determining the likelihood and extent of effects a project may have on trust resources typically requires gathering additional site-specific (e.g., vegetation/species surveys) and project-specific (e.g., magnitude and timing of proposed activities) information.

Below is a summary of the project information you provided and contact information for the USFWS office(s) with jurisdiction in the defined project area. Please read the introduction to each section that follows (Endangered Species, Migratory Birds, USFWS Facilities, and NWI Wetlands) for additional information applicable to the trust resources addressed in that section.

Location Marion County, Florida

Local office Florida Ecological Services Field Office

(352) 448-9151

(772) 562-4288 fw4flesregs@fws.gov

777 37th St Suite D-101 Vero Beach, FL 32960-3559 https://www.fws.gov/office/florida-ecological-services

U.S. Fish & Wildlife ServiceIPaC

Due to a lack of appropriations funding, many FWS staff are on furlough. Should you have questions about documents you receive from ECOSphere IPaC, FWS staff may not be able to respond immediately; once appropriations funding is approved by the Congress and the Government returns to normal operations, FWS staff will be able to provide support with ESA Section 7 compliance.

10/23/25, 11:38 AM IPaC: Explore Location resources https://ipac.ecosphere.fws.gov/location/R4FPPSB3SJEGFNEMNBG22UUHRM/resources 1/10 mailto:fw4flesregs@fws.gov https://www.fws.gov/office/florida-ecological-services https://ipac.ecosphere.fws.gov/

Endangered species This resource list is for informational purposes only and does not constitute an analysis of project level impacts.

The primary information used to generate this list is the known or expected range of each species. Additional areas of influence (AOI) for species are also considered. An AOI includes areas outside of the species range if the species could be indirectly affected by activities in that area (e.g., placing a dam upstream of a fish population even if that fish does not occur at the dam site, may indirectly impact the species by reducing or eliminating water flow downstream). Because species can move, and site conditions can change, the species on this list are not guaranteed to be found on or near the project area. To fully determine any potential effects to species, additional site-specific and project-specific information is often required.

Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act requires Federal agencies to "request of the Secretary information whether any species which is listed or proposed to be listed may be present in the area of such proposed action" for any project that is conducted, permitted, funded, or licensed by any Federal agency. A letter from the local office and a species list which fulfills this requirement can only be obtained by requesting an official species list from either the Regulatory Review section in IPaC (see directions below) or from the local field office directly.

For project evaluations that require USFWS concurrence/review, please return to the IPaC website and request an official species list by doing the following:

1. Draw the project location and click CONTINUE.

2. Click DEFINE PROJECT.

3. Log in (if directed to do so).

4. Provide a name and description for your project.

5. Click REQUEST SPECIES LIST.

Listed species and their critical habitats are managed by the Ecological Services Program of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and the fisheries division of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA Fisheries ).

Species and critical habitats under the sole responsibility of NOAA Fisheries are not shown on this list. Please contact NOAA Fisheries for species under their jurisdiction.

1. Species listed under the Endangered Species Act are threatened or endangered; IPaC also shows species that are candidates, or proposed, for listing. See the listing status page for more information. IPaC only shows species that are regulated by USFWS (see

FAQ).

2. NOAA Fisheries, also known as the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), is an office of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration within the Department of Commerce.

The following species are potentially affected by activities in this location:

Birds

Reptiles

NAME STATUS

Eastern Black Rail Laterallus jamaicensis ssp. jamaicensis Wherever found

No critical habitat has been designated for this species.

https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/10477

Threatened

Whooping Crane Grus americana No critical habitat has been designated for this species.

https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/758

EXPN

NAME STATUS

Eastern Indigo Snake Drymarchon couperi Wherever found

No critical habitat has been designated for this species.

https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/646

Threatened

Southern Hognose Snake Heterodon simus Wherever found

No critical habitat has been designated for this species.

https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/3248

Proposed Threatened

10/23/25, 11:38 AM IPaC: Explore Location resources https://ipac.ecosphere.fws.gov/location/R4FPPSB3SJEGFNEMNBG22UUHRM/resources 2/10 https://www.fws.gov/ecological-services/ https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/topic/consultations/endangered-species-act-consultations https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/species-directory/threatened-endangered https://www.fws.gov/law/endangered-species-act https://ipac.ecosphere.fws.gov/status/list https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/ https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/10477 https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/758 https://ipac.ecosphere.fws.gov/status/list#EXPN https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/646 https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/3248

Insects

Flowering Plants

Critical habitats

Potential effects to critical habitat(s) in this location must be analyzed along with the endangered species themselves.

There are no critical habitats at this location.

You are still required to determine if your project(s) may have effects on all above listed species.

Bald & Golden Eagles

There are Bald Eagles and/or Golden Eagles in your project area.

Measures for Proactively Minimizing Eagle Impacts For information on how to best avoid and minimize disturbance to nesting bald eagles, please review the National Bald Eagle Management Guidelines. You may employ the timing and activity-specific distance recommendations in this document when designing your project/activity to avoid and minimize eagle impacts. For bald eagle information specific to Alaska, please refer to Bald Eagle Nesting and Sensitivity to Human Activity.

The FWS does not currently have guidelines for avoiding and minimizing disturbance to nesting Golden Eagles. For site-specific recommendations regarding nesting Golden Eagles, please consult with the appropriate Regional Migratory Bird Office or Ecological Services Field Office.

If disturbance or take of eagles cannot be avoided, an incidental take permit may be available to authorize any take that results from, but is not the purpose of, an otherwise lawful activity. For assistance making this determination for Bald Eagles, visit the Do I Need A Permit Tool. For assistance making this determination for golden eagles, please consult with the appropriate Regional Migratory Bird Office or Ecological Services Field Office.

Ensure Your Eagle List is Accurate and Complete If your project area is in a poorly surveyed area in IPaC, your list may not be complete and you may need to rely on other resources to determine what species may be present (e.g. your local FWS field office, state surveys, your own surveys). Please review the Supplemental Information on Migratory Birds and Eagles, to help you properly interpret the report for your specified location, including determining if there is sufficient data to ensure your list is accurate.

NAME STATUS

Monarch Butterfly Danaus plexippus Wherever found

There is proposed critical habitat for this species. Your location does not overlap the critical habitat.

https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/9743

Proposed Threatened

NAME STATUS

Lewton's Polygala Polygala lewtonii No critical habitat has been designated for this species.

https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/6688

Endangered

Bald and Golden Eagles are protected under the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) .

Any person or organization who plans or conducts activities that may result in impacts to Bald or Golden Eagles, or their habitats, should follow appropriate regulations and consider implementing appropriate avoidance and minimization measures, as described in the various links on this page.

Additional information can be found using the following links:

Eagle Management https://www.fws.gov/program/eagle-management Measures for avoiding and minimizing impacts to birds https://www.fws.gov/library/collections/avoiding-and-minimizing-incidental-take-migratory-birds Nationwide avoidance and minimization measures for birds https://www.fws.gov/sites/default/files/documents/nationwide-standard-conservation-measures.pdf Supplemental Information for Migratory Birds and Eagles in IPaC https://www.fws.gov/media/supplemental-information-migratory-birds-and-bald-and-golden-eagles-may-occur-project-action

2 1

10/23/25, 11:38 AM IPaC: Explore Location resources https://ipac.ecosphere.fws.gov/location/R4FPPSB3SJEGFNEMNBG22UUHRM/resources 3/10 https://www.fws.gov/media/national-bald-eagle-management-guidelines https://www.fws.gov/media/national-bald-eagle-management-guidelines https://www.fws.gov/Alaska-eagle-nesting https://www.fws.gov/Alaska-eagle-nesting https://www.fws.gov/program/migratory-birds/contact-us https://www.fws.gov/program/ecological-services/contact-us https://www.fws.gov/program/ecological-services/contact-us https://www.fws.gov/program/eagle-management/eagle-incidental-disturbance-and-nest-take-permits https://www.fws.gov/story/do-i-need-eagle-take-permit https://www.fws.gov/story/do-i-need-eagle-take-permit https://www.fws.gov/program/migratory-birds/contact-us https://www.fws.gov/program/migratory-birds/contact-us https://www.fws.gov/program/ecological-services/contact-us https://www.fws.gov/media/supplemental-information-migratory-birds-and-bald-and-golden-eagles-may-occur-project-action https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/9743 https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/6688 https://www.fws.gov/program/eagle-management https://www.fws.gov/library/collections/avoiding-and-minimizing-incidental-take-migratory-birds https://www.fws.gov/library/collections/avoiding-and-minimizing-incidental-take-migratory-birds https://www.fws.gov/media/nationwide-avoidance-minimization-measures-birds https://www.fws.gov/media/nationwide-avoidance-minimization-measures-birds https://www.fws.gov/media/supplemental-information-migratory-birds-and-bald-and-golden-eagles-may-occur-project-action https://www.fws.gov/media/supplemental-information-migratory-birds-and-bald-and-golden-eagles-may-occur-project-action no data survey effort breeding season probability of presence

For guidance on when to schedule activities or implement avoidance and minimization measures to reduce impacts to bald or golden eagles on your list, see the "Probability of Presence Summary" below to see when these bald or golden eagles are most likely to be present and breeding in your project area.

Review the FAQs The FAQs below provide important additional information and resources.

BREEDING SEASON

Probability of Presence Summary The graphs below provide our best understanding of when birds of concern are most likely to be present in your project area. This information can be used to tailor and schedule your project activities to avoid or minimize impacts to birds. Please make sure you read "Supplemental Information on Migratory Birds and Eagles", specifically the FAQ section titled "Proper Interpretation and Use of Your Migratory Bird Report" before using or attempting to interpret this report.

Probability of Presence ( )

Each green bar represents the bird's relative probability of presence in the 10km grid cell(s) your project overlaps during a particular week of the year. (A year is represented as 12 4-week months.) A taller bar indicates a higher probability of species presence. The survey effort (see below) can be used to establish a level of confidence in the presence score. One can have higher confidence in the presence score if the corresponding survey effort is also high.

How is the probability of presence score calculated? The calculation is done in three steps:

1. The probability of presence for each week is calculated as the number of survey events in the week where the species was detected divided by the total number of survey events for that week. For example, if in week 12 there were 20 survey events and the Spotted Towhee was found in 5 of them, the probability of presence of the Spotted Towhee in week 12 is 0.25.

2. To properly present the pattern of presence across the year, the relative probability of presence is calculated. This is the probability of presence divided by the maximum probability of presence across all weeks. For example, imagine the probability of presence in week 20 for the Spotted Towhee is 0.05, and that the probability of presence at week 12 (0.25) is the maximum of any week of the year. The relative probability of presence on week 12 is 0.25/0.25 = 1; at week 20 it is 0.05/0.25 = 0.2.

3. The relative probability of presence calculated in the previous step undergoes a statistical conversion so that all possible values fall between 0 and 10, inclusive. This is the probability of presence score.

To see a bar's probability of presence score, simply hover your mouse cursor over the bar.

Breeding Season ( ) Yellow bars denote a very liberal estimate of the time-frame inside which the bird breeds across its entire range. If there are no yellow bars shown for a bird, it does not breed in your project area.

Survey Effort ( ) Vertical black lines superimposed on probability of presence bars indicate the number of surveys performed for that species in the 10km grid cell(s) your project area overlaps. The number of surveys is expressed as a range, for example, 33 to 64 surveys.

To see a bar's survey effort range, simply hover your mouse cursor over the bar.

No Data ( ) A week is marked as having no data if there were no survey events for that week.

Survey Timeframe Surveys from only the last 10 years are used in order to ensure delivery of currently relevant information. The exception to this is areas off the Atlantic coast, where bird returns are based on all years of available data, since data in these areas is currently much more sparse.

SPECIES JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC

Bald Eagle Non-BCC Vulnerable

Bald & Golden Eagles FAQs

What does IPaC use to generate the potential presence of bald and golden eagles in my specified location?

The potential for eagle presence is derived from data provided by the Avian Knowledge Network (AKN). The AKN data is based on a growing collection of survey, banding, and citizen science datasets and is queried and filtered to return a list of those birds reported as occurring in the 10km grid cell(s) which your project intersects, and that have been identified as warranting special attention because they are an eagle (Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act requirements may apply).

NAME

Bald Eagle Haliaeetus leucocephalus This is not a Bird of Conservation Concern (BCC) in this area, but warrants attention because of the Eagle Act or for potential susceptibilities in offshore areas from certain types of development or activities.

https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/1626

Breeds Sep 1 to Jul 31

10/23/25, 11:38 AM IPaC: Explore Location resources https://ipac.ecosphere.fws.gov/location/R4FPPSB3SJEGFNEMNBG22UUHRM/resources 4/10 https://www.fws.gov/media/supplemental-information-migratory-birds-and-bald-and-golden-eagles-may-occur-project-action http://www.avianknowledge.net/ https://data.pointblue.org/api/v3/annual-summaries-about-data-types.html https://www.fws.gov/law/bald-and-golden-eagle-protection-act https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/1626

Proper interpretation and use of your eagle report On the graphs provided, please look carefully at the survey effort (indicated by the black vertical line) and for the existence of the "no data" indicator (a red horizontal line). A high survey effort is the key component. If the survey effort is high, then the probability of presence score can be viewed as more dependable. In contrast, a low survey effort line or no data line (red horizontal) means a lack of data and, therefore, a lack of certainty about presence of the species. This list is not perfect; it is simply a starting point for identifying what birds have the potential to be in your project area, when they might be there, and if they might be breeding (which means nests might be present). The list and associated information help you know what to look for to confirm presence and helps guide you in knowing when to implement avoidance and minimization measures to eliminate or reduce potential impacts from your project activities or get the appropriate permits should presence be confirmed.

How do I know if eagles are breeding, wintering, or migrating in my area?

To see what part of a particular bird's range your project area falls within (i.e. breeding, wintering, migrating, or resident), you may query your location using the RAIL Tool and view the range maps provided for birds in your area at the bottom of the profiles provided for each bird in your results. If an eagle on your IPaC migratory bird species list has a breeding season associated with it (indicated by yellow vertical bars on the phenology graph in your “IPaC PROBABILITY OF PRESENCE SUMMARY” at the top of your results list), there may be nests present at some point within the timeframe specified. If "Breeds elsewhere" is indicated, then the bird likely does not breed in your project area.

Interpreting the Probability of Presence Graphs

Each green bar represents the bird's relative probability of presence in the 10km grid cell(s) your project overlaps during a particular week of the year. A taller bar indicates a higher probability of species presence. The survey effort can be used to establish a level of confidence in the presence score.

How is the probability of presence score calculated? The calculation is done in three steps:

The probability of presence for each week is calculated as the number of survey events in the week where the species was detected divided by the total number of survey events for that week. For example, if in week 12 there were 20 survey events and the Spotted Towhee was found in 5 of them, the probability of presence of the Spotted Towhee in week 12 is 0.25.

To properly present the pattern of presence across the year, the relative probability of presence is calculated. This is the probability of presence divided by the maximum probability of presence across all weeks. For example, imagine the probability of presence in week 20 for the Spotted Towhee is 0.05, and that the probability of presence at week 12 (0.25) is the maximum of any week of the year. The relative probability of presence on week 12 is 0.25/0.25 = 1;

at week 20 it is 0.05/0.25 = 0.2.

The relative probability of presence calculated in the previous step undergoes a statistical conversion so that all possible values fall between 0 and 10, inclusive. This is the probability of presence score.

Breeding Season () Yellow bars denote a very liberal estimate of the time-frame inside which the bird breeds across its entire range. If there are no yellow bars shown for a bird, it does not breed in your project area.

Survey Effort () Vertical black lines superimposed on probability of presence bars indicate the number of surveys performed for that species in the 10km grid cell(s) your project area overlaps.

No Data () A week is marked as having no data if there were no survey events for that week.

Survey Timeframe Surveys from only the last 10 years are used in order to ensure delivery of currently relevant information. The exception to this is areas off the Atlantic coast, where bird returns are based on all years of available data, since data in these areas is currently much more sparse.

Migratory birds

Measures for Proactively Minimizing Migratory Bird Impacts

Your IPaC Migratory Bird list showcases birds of concern, including Birds of Conservation Concern (BCC), in your project location. This is not a comprehensive list of all birds found in your project area. However, you can help proactively minimize significant impacts to all birds at your project location by implementing the measures in the Nationwide avoidance and minimization measures for birds document, and any other project-specific avoidance and minimization measures suggested at the link Measures for avoiding and minimizing impacts to birds for the birds of concern on your list below.

Ensure Your Migratory Bird List is Accurate and Complete

The Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) prohibits the take (including killing, capturing, selling, trading, and transport) of protected migratory bird species without prior authorization by the Department of Interior U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service).

1. The Migratory Birds Treaty Act of 1918.

2. The Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act of 1940.

Additional information can be found using the following links:

Eagle Management https://www.fws.gov/program/eagle-management Measures for avoiding and minimizing impacts to birds https://www.fws.gov/library/collections/avoiding-and-minimizing-incidental-take-migratory-birds Nationwide avoidance and minimization measures for birds Supplemental Information for Migratory Birds and Eagles in IPaC https://www.fws.gov/media/supplemental-information-migratory-birds-and-bald-and-golden-eagles-may-occur-project-action

10/23/25, 11:38 AM IPaC: Explore Location resources https://ipac.ecosphere.fws.gov/location/R4FPPSB3SJEGFNEMNBG22UUHRM/resources 5/10 https://data.pointblue.org/apps/rail javascript:void(0);

https://www.fws.gov/media/birds-conservation-concern-2021 https://www.fws.gov/media/nationwide-avoidance-minimization-measures-birds https://www.fws.gov/library/collections/avoiding-and-minimizing-incidental-take-migratory-birds https://www.fws.gov/library/collections/avoiding-and-minimizing-incidental-take-migratory-birds https://www.fws.gov/birds/policies-and-regulations/laws-legislations/migratory-bird-treaty-act.php https://www.fws.gov/birds/policies-and-regulations/laws-legislations/bald-and-golden-eagle-protection-act.php https://www.fws.gov/program/eagle-management https://www.fws.gov/library/collections/avoiding-and-minimizing-incidental-take-migratory-birds https://www.fws.gov/library/collections/avoiding-and-minimizing-incidental-take-migratory-birds https://www.fws.gov/media/supplemental-information-migratory-birds-and-bald-and-golden-eagles-may-occur-project-action https://www.fws.gov/media/supplemental-information-migratory-birds-and-bald-and-golden-eagles-may-occur-project-action

If your project area is in a poorly surveyed area, your list may not be complete and you may need to rely on other resources to determine what species may be present (e.g. your local FWS field office, state surveys, your own surveys). Please review the Supplemental Information on Migratory Birds and Eagles document, to help you properly interpret the report for your specified location, including determining if there is sufficient data to ensure your list is accurate.

For guidance on when to schedule activities or implement avoidance and minimization measures to reduce impacts to migratory birds on your list, see the "Probability of Presence Summary" below to see when these birds are most likely to be present and breeding in your project area.

Review the FAQs The FAQs below provide important additional information and resources.

BREEDING SEASON

Probability of Presence Summary The graphs below provide our best understanding of when birds of concern are most likely to be present in your project area. This information can be used to tailor and schedule your project activities to avoid or minimize impacts to birds. Please make sure you read "Supplemental Information on Migratory Birds and Eagles", specifically the FAQ section titled "Proper Interpretation and Use of Your Migratory Bird Report" before using or attempting to interpret this report.

Probability of Presence ( )

NAME

American Kestrel Falco sparverius paulus This is a Bird of Conservation Concern (BCC) only in particular Bird Conservation Regions (BCRs) in the continental USA https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/9587

Breeds Apr 1 to Aug 31

Bald Eagle Haliaeetus leucocephalus This is not a Bird of Conservation Concern (BCC) in this area, but warrants attention because of the Eagle Act or for potential susceptibilities in offshore areas from certain types of development or activities.

https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/1626

Breeds Sep 1 to Jul 31

Chimney Swift Chaetura pelagica This is a Bird of Conservation Concern (BCC) throughout its range in the continental USA and Alaska.

Breeds Mar 15 to Aug 25

Great Blue Heron Ardea herodias occidentalis This is a Bird of Conservation Concern (BCC) only in particular Bird Conservation Regions (BCRs) in the continental USA

Breeds Jan 1 to Dec 31

Lesser Yellowlegs Tringa flavipes This is a Bird of Conservation Concern (BCC) throughout its range in the continental USA and Alaska.

https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/9679

Breeds elsewhere

Painted Bunting Passerina ciris This is a Bird of Conservation Concern (BCC) only in particular Bird Conservation Regions (BCRs) in the continental USA

Breeds Apr 25 to Aug 15

Prairie Warbler Setophaga discolor This is a Bird of Conservation Concern (BCC) throughout its range in the continental USA and Alaska.

Breeds May 1 to Jul 31

Red-headed Woodpecker Melanerpes erythrocephalus This is a Bird of Conservation Concern (BCC) throughout its range in the continental USA and Alaska.

Breeds May 10 to Sep 10

Swallow-tailed Kite Elanoides forficatus This is a Bird of Conservation Concern (BCC) throughout its range in the continental USA and Alaska.

https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/8938

Breeds Mar 10 to Jun 30

Worthington's Marsh Wren Cistothorus palustris griseus This is a Bird of Conservation Concern (BCC) only in particular Bird Conservation Regions (BCRs) in the continental USA

Breeds Apr 10 to Aug 31

10/23/25, 11:38 AM IPaC: Explore Location resources https://ipac.ecosphere.fws.gov/location/R4FPPSB3SJEGFNEMNBG22UUHRM/resources 6/10 https://www.fws.gov/media/supplemental-information-migratory-birds-and-bald-and-golden-eagles-may-occur-project-action https://www.fws.gov/media/supplemental-information-migratory-birds-and-bald-and-golden-eagles-may-occur-project-action https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/9587 https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/1626 https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/9679 https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/8938 no data survey effort breeding season probability of presence

Each green bar represents the bird's relative probability of presence in the 10km grid cell(s) your project overlaps during a particular week of the year. (A year is represented as 12 4-week months.) A taller bar indicates a higher probability of species presence. The survey effort (see below) can be used to establish a level of confidence in the presence score. One can have higher confidence in the presence score if the corresponding survey effort is also high.

How is the probability of presence score calculated? The calculation is done in three steps:

1. The probability of presence for each week is calculated as the number of survey events in the week where the species was detected divided by the total number of survey events for that week. For example, if in week 12 there were 20 survey events and the Spotted Towhee was found in 5 of them, the probability of presence of the Spotted Towhee in week 12 is 0.25.

2. To properly present the pattern of presence across the year, the relative probability of presence is calculated. This is the probability of presence divided by the maximum probability of presence across all weeks. For example, imagine the probability of presence in week 20 for the Spotted Towhee is 0.05, and that the probability of presence at week 12 (0.25) is the maximum of any week of the year. The relative probability of presence on week 12 is 0.25/0.25 = 1; at week 20 it is 0.05/0.25 = 0.2.

3. The relative probability of presence calculated in the previous step undergoes a statistical conversion so that all possible values fall between 0 and 10, inclusive. This is the probability of presence score.

To see a bar's probability of presence score, simply hover your mouse cursor over the bar.

Breeding Season ( ) Yellow bars denote a very liberal estimate of the time-frame inside which the bird breeds across its entire range. If there are no yellow bars shown for a bird, it does not breed in your project area.

Survey Effort ( ) Vertical black lines superimposed on probability of presence bars indicate the number of surveys performed for that species in the 10km grid cell(s) your project area overlaps. The number of surveys is expressed as a range, for example, 33 to 64 surveys.

To see a bar's survey effort range, simply hover your mouse cursor over the bar.

No Data ( ) A week is marked as having no data if there were no survey events for that week.

Survey Timeframe Surveys from only the last 10 years are used in order to ensure delivery of currently relevant information. The exception to this is areas off the Atlantic coast, where bird returns are based on all years of available data, since data in these areas is currently much more sparse.

SPECIES JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC

American Kestrel

BCC - BCR

Bald Eagle Non-BCC Vulnerable

Chimney Swift BCC Rangewide (CON)

Great Blue Heron

BCC - BCR

Lesser Yellowlegs BCC Rangewide (CON)

Painted Bunting

BCC - BCR

Prairie Warbler BCC Rangewide (CON)

Red-headed Woodpecker BCC Rangewide (CON)

Swallow-tailed Kite BCC Rangewide (CON)

Worthington's Marsh Wren

BCC - BCR

Migratory Bird FAQs Tell me more about avoidance and minimization measures I can implement to avoid or minimize impacts to migratory birds.

Nationwide Avoidance & Minimization Measures for Birds describes measures that can help avoid and minimize impacts to all birds at any location year-round. When birds may be breeding in the area, identifying the locations of any active nests and avoiding their destruction is one of the most effective ways to minimize impacts. To see when birds are most likely to occur and breed in your project area, view the Probability of Presence Summary. Additional measures or permits may be advisable depending on the type of activity you are conducting and the type of infrastructure or bird species present on your project site.

What does IPaC use to generate the list of migratory birds that potentially occur in my specified location?

10/23/25, 11:38 AM IPaC: Explore Location resources https://ipac.ecosphere.fws.gov/location/R4FPPSB3SJEGFNEMNBG22UUHRM/resources 7/10 https://www.fws.gov/media/nationwide-avoidance-minimization-measures-birds https://avianknowledge.net/index.php/beneficial-practices/ https://avianknowledge.net/index.php/beneficial-practices/ https://www.fws.gov/birds/policies-and-regulations/permits.php

The Migratory Bird Resource List is comprised of Birds of Conservation Concern (BCC) and other species that may warrant special attention in your project location, such as those listed under the Endangered Species Act or the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act and those species marked as “Vulnerable”.

See the FAQ “What are the levels of concern for migratory birds?” for more information on the levels of concern covered in the IPaC migratory bird species list.

The migratory bird list generated for your project is derived from data provided by the Avian Knowledge Network (AKN). The AKN data is based on a growing collection of survey, banding, and citizen science datasets and is queried and filtered to return a list of those birds reported as occurring in the 10km grid cell(s) with which your project intersects. These species have been identified as warranting special attention because they are BCC species in that area, an eagle (Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act requirements may apply), or a species that has a particular vulnerability to offshore activities or development.

Again, the Migratory Bird Resource list includes only a subset of birds that may occur in your project area. It is not representative of all birds that may occur in your project area. To get a list of all birds potentially present in your project area, and to verify survey effort when no results present, please visit the Rapid Avian Information Locator (RAIL) Tool.

Why are subspecies showing up on my list?

Subspecies profiles are included on the list of species present in your project area because observations in the AKN for the species are being detected. If the species are present, that means that the subspecies may also be present. If a subspecies shows up on your list, you may need to rely on other resources to determine if that subspecies may be present (e.g. your local FWS field office, state surveys, your own surveys).

What does IPaC use to generate the probability of presence graphs for the migratory birds potentially occurring in my specified location?

The probability of presence graphs associated with your migratory bird list are based on data provided by the Avian Knowledge Network (AKN). This data is derived from a growing collection of survey, banding, and citizen science datasets.

Probability of presence data is continuously being updated as new and better information becomes available. To learn more about how the probability of presence graphs are produced and how to interpret them, go to the Probability of Presence Summary and then click on the "Tell me about these graphs" link.

How do I know if a bird is breeding, wintering, or migrating in my area?

To see what part of a particular bird's range your project area falls within (i.e. breeding, wintering, migrating, or resident), you may query your location using the RAIL Tool and view the range maps provided for birds in your area at the bottom of the profiles provided for each bird in your results. If a bird on your IPaC migratory bird species list has a breeding season associated with it (indicated by yellow vertical bars on the phenology graph in your “IPaC PROBABILITY OF PRESENCE SUMMARY” at the top of your results list), there may be nests present at some point within the timeframe specified. If "Breeds elsewhere" is indicated, then the bird likely does not breed in your project area.

What are the levels of concern for migratory birds?

Migratory birds delivered through IPaC fall into the following distinct categories of concern:

1. "BCC Rangewide" birds are Birds of Conservation Concern (BCC) that are of concern throughout their range anywhere within the USA (including Hawaii, the Pacific Islands, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands);

2. "BCC - BCR" birds are BCCs that are of concern only in particular Bird Conservation Regions (BCRs) in the continental USA; and

3. "Non-BCC - Vulnerable" birds are not BCC species in your project area, but appear on your list either because of the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection

Act requirements (for eagles) or (for non-eagles) potential susceptibilities in offshore areas from certain types of development or activities (e.g. offshore energy development or longline fishing).

Although it is important to avoid and minimize impacts to all birds, efforts should be made, in particular, to avoid and minimize impacts to the birds on this list, especially BCC species. For more information on avoidance and minimization measures you can implement to help avoid and minimize migratory bird impacts, please see the FAQ “Tell me more about avoidance and minimization measures I can implement to avoid or minimize impacts to migratory birds”.

Details about birds that are potentially affected by offshore projects

For additional details about the relative occurrence and abundance of both individual bird species and groups of bird species within your project area off the Atlantic Coast, please visit the Northeast Ocean Data Portal. The Portal also offers data and information about other taxa besides birds that may be helpful to you in your project review.