A00856-613163.pdf

Massachusetts Department Of Transportation Highway Division Proposal No. 613163-135786

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DOCUMENT A00856

Northern Long-Eared Bat (NLEB)

Presence/Absence Survey

Massachusetts Department Of Transportation Highway Division

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THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK

October 27, 2025

Dave Paulson Wildlife and Endangered Species Program Supervisor Massachusetts Department of Transportation – Highway Division Ten Park Plaza, Room 7360 Boston, MA 02116-3973 David.J.Paulson@dot.state.ma.us

(857) 262-3378

Project Bat Presence/Absence Acoustic Survey MassDOT Project # 613163 MassDOT Project Title Lynnfield #613163 Town Lynnfield, Massachusetts Surveyor Name/Firm Alex Pries / Stantec Consulting Services Inc.

Detector Operation Dates June 4–June 9, 2025 Acoustic Survey Results NLEB NOT CONFIRMED Acoustic Survey Results PESU CONFIRMED Acoustic Survey Results MYLU CONFIRMED Acoustic Survey Results MYLE CONFIRMED

Dear Mr. Paulson, This report contains the results of the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) bat summer presence/absence survey performed for the MassDOT Project #613163, in Lynnfield, Massachusetts. Acoustic detectors deployed by Stantec Consulting Services Inc. detected the following species:

• Did not detect the presence of federally endangered northern long-eared bat (Myotis septentrionalis, hereafter NLEB), as zero calls were confirmed through manual vetting.

• Did detect the presence of federally proposed endangered and state endangered tricolored bat (Perimyotis subflavus), as seven bat passes were confirmed through manual vetting.

• Did detect the presence of state endangered little brown bat (Myotis lucifugus), as 39 bat passes were confirmed through manual vetting.

Did detect the presence of state endangered eastern small-footed bat (Myotis leibii), as six bat passes were confirmed through manual vetting.

Proposal No. 613163-135786

A00856 - 3 mailto:David.J.Paulson@dot.state.ma.us mailto:David.J.Paulson@dot.state.ma.us

Sincerely, Stantec Consulting Services Inc.

Alex Pries

Senior Project Manager Phone: (603) 260-7434 Alex.Pries@Stantec.com

Attachments: NLEB Survey Report for Lynnfield #613163

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To: Dave Paulson

Wildlife and Endangered Species Program Supervisor

(857) 262-3378 David.J.Paulson@dot.state.ma.us

Massachusetts Department of Transportation – Highway Division

From: Alex Pries

Senior Project Manager

Phone: (603) 260-7434 Alex.Pries@Stantec.com

Stantec Consulting Services Inc.

Project/File: 179411306 Date: October 27, 2025

Reference: MassDOT 2025 Bat Presence/Absence Acoustic Survey, Lynnfield #613163

INTRODUCTION

Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) Project #613163 (Project) is the proposed construction of a rail trail along an existing railroad bed from Ford Avenue to Nichols Lane in Lynnfield, Massachusetts. Proposed work includes tree and vegetation removal where needed to aid construction activities, including trees that meet the US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) definition of rare bat habitat suitability. MassDOT requested an acoustic survey to determine probable presence or absence of bat species and retained Stantec Consulting Services Inc. (Stantec) to conduct an acoustic bat survey for bats following the 2024 USFWS Range-wide Indiana Bat & Northern Long-eared Bat Survey Guidelines (USFWS Guidelines).1

Stantec followed USFWS Guidelines to evaluate presence or probable absence of state- and/or federally listed and other bat species. The federally endangered Indiana bat (Myotis sodalis) is included in the USFWS Guidelines, but is not thought to occur in this part of the state and was not included in the analysis.

Stantec provided the USFWS Study Plan Form for Bat Surveys and Monitoring to the USFWS on May 14, 2025, and did not receive a response from USFWS. MassDOT provided instructions to Stantec to proceed with the survey via telephone call. Stantec biologists used four acoustic detectors to complete an acoustic bat survey at the Project. This report is a summary of the acoustic bat survey findings and based on Stantec’s field survey efforts conducted in summer 2025.

METHODS

Stantec treated the Project as linear and, following USFWS Guidelines, deployed four full-spectrum acoustic bat detectors (Wildlife Acoustics SMMINI-BAT), one for each kilometer of the Project, each with an internal omnidirectional microphone oriented 45° (angled up) from the ground. Surveys targeted at least four nights with the following suitable weather conditions as specified in the USFWS Guidelines (during the first five hours past sunset): temperatures remain above 50 degrees Fahrenheit, wind speeds do not exceed 9 miles per hour for 30 minutes or more, and precipitation does not occur for 30 minutes or more.

Weather conditions were monitored at the nearby weather station: KMALYNNF11.2

Stantec programmed the detectors to record bat activity from 30 minutes before sunset until 30 minutes after sunrise as determined by the latitude and longitude of the site. Stantec programmed the detectors using default settings, including a 12-decibel gain, 256-kilohertz (kHz) sample rate, 16-kHz minimum trigger frequency, 3-second trigger window, and 15-second maximum file length. The detectors were powered by

1 US Fish and Wildlife Service. 2024. Range-wide Indiana Bat and Northern Long-eared Bat Survey Guidelines. US Fish and Wildlife Service, Region 3, Bloomington, MN. 95 pp.

2 Weather Underground, Wing - KMALYNNF11, https://www.wunderground.com/dashboard/pws/KMALYNNF11

A00856 - 5 internal alkaline batteries and equipped with a 256-gigabyte SD card. Stantec deployed each detector on a temporary extendable pole at a height of approximately 3 meters above ground level per USFWS Guidelines (see detector datasheet in Attachment A for photos). The detectors were oriented to survey the Project where construction is proposed to occur (Figure 1).

Stantec processed data from all survey nights using Kaleidoscope Pro (Kpro) software (Version 5.7.0) using autoclassifier version 5.7.0 (S/A: -1) with the species set selected for Massachusetts, excluding Indiana bat, which is not known to occur in Essex County. According to USFWS Guidelines, a nightly maximum likelihood estimator (MLE) of less than 0.05 indicates likely presence of a bat species and a nightly MLE equal to or greater than 0.05 indicates unlikely species presence (probable absence). Regardless of nightly MLE, Stantec completed qualitative analysis (visual vetting) of all files classified as a federally listed or candidate for federal listing species (i.e., northern long-eared bat [NLEB; Myotis septentrionalis] and tricolored bat [Perimyotis subflavus]). Visual vetting evaluated the accuracy of these species’ classifications by Kpro per recommendations outlined on the USFWS’s Automated Acoustic Bat ID Software Programs website.3 For detector-nights with files classified as federally listed or candidate for federal listing species, Stantec also visually vetted files containing pulses with a characteristic frequency ≥38 kHz to determine possible target species presence. In accordance with the provided 2025 MassDOT Protocol for Visual Vetting (2025 MassDOT Bat Detector Survey Guidance, and Report Documentation & Deliverables), Stantec also visually vetted files classified as state-listed species (i.e., little brown bat [Myotis lucifugus] and eastern small-footed bat [Myotis leibii]) using the following guidelines:

• If there are under 10 auto-classified calls of an individual state-listed species, manually review and confirm all calls.

• If there are between 11 and 100 auto-classified calls of an individual state-listed species, manually review at least 10 calls and until at least one call is confirmed.

• If there are more than 100 auto-classified calls of an individual species, manually review and confirm at least 10% of the calls and until at least one call is confirmed.

Visual vetting was conducted by biologists who are highly experienced in acoustic bat identification (Laura Berube and JT Layne). Resumes for qualified biologists are included in Attachment B. Determination of species presence each night for target species was based on visual vetting. Stantec also compiled file-level results from Kpro analysis, including visual vetting, to create electronic data compatible with the North American Bat Monitoring Program (NABat) dataset and USFWS Bat Reporting Spreadsheets (electronic deliverable).

3 USFWS’s Automated Acoustic Bat ID Software Programs. Available at: https://www.fws.gov/media/automated-acoustic-bat-id-software-programs. Accessed September 3, 2025.

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179411306 Massachusetts Department of Transportation 2025 Bat Presence/Absence Acoustic Survey

Lynnfield, Massachusetts Prepared by MC on 2025-09-16

TR by GC on 2025-09-16 IR Review by AP on 2025-09-16

2025 Bat Presence/Absence Acoustic Survey Location – Lynnfield 613163

Disclaimer: This document has been prepared based on information provided by others as cited in the Notes section. Stantec has not verified the accuracy and/or completeness of this information and shall not be responsible for any errors or omissions which may be incorporated herein as a result. Stantec assumes no responsibility for data supplied in electronic format, and the recipient accepts full responsibility for verifying the accuracy and completeness of the data.

Notes

1. Coordinate System: NAD 1983 StatePlane Massachusetts Mainland FIPS 2001

2. Data Sources: MassDOT, Stantec

3. Background: Massachusetts 2021 MassGIS Color Orthoimagery

Figure No.

Title

Project Location

Client/Project

Legend

Acoustic Survey Location and Detector Direction

Project Area (At original document size of 8.5x11)

1" = 1,500' "($$¯ 0 1,500

Feet

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RESULTS

During the detector deployment, potential suitable bat roosting, traveling, drinking, and foraging habitat was documented in the vicinity of the detectors. Potential habitat surrounding the detector locations included forested habitat interspersed with residential land use and a golf course adjacent to the westernmost detector site (Detector 1; Attachment A).

Acoustic surveys occurred between the nights of June 4 and June 9, 2025 (Table 1). Stantec removed the detectors from the field after surveying for six nights, all of which consisted of suitable weather conditions, for a total of 24 acceptable detector-nights (exceeding the USFWS Guidelines’ minimum recommendation of 16 detector-nights). Kpro auto-classification determined significant nightly MLEs (MLE of <0.05) for big brown bat (Eptesicus fuscus), eastern red bat (Lasiurus borealis), hoary bat (Lasiurus cinereus), and silver-haired bat (Lasionycteris noctivagans). Kpro auto-classified 126 files as northern long-eared bat, 27 files as tricolored bat, 349 files as little brown bat, 106 files as eastern small-footed, and determined a significant nightly MLE (MLE of <0.05) for each of these species (Table 1).

Visual vetting, per the 2025 MassDOT Protocol for Visual Vetting, concluded the probable presence of tricolored bat within seven files, little brown bat within 39 files, and eastern small-footed bat within six files (Table 1). The NLEB files were visually vetted and did not contain enough information for species-level determination or were produced by big brown bat or eastern red bat (Table 1). Examples of auto-classified files that were recorded at the detector sites during the acoustic survey and were visually vetted can be found in Attachment C.

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Table 1. Results of Automated Analysis using Kaleidoscope Pro Software and Visual Vetting of State- and Federally Listed Species (MassDOT Project #613163) for the Acoustic Bat Survey in the town of Lynnfield in Essex County, Massachusetts.

Species Site Night of Met

Weather Conditions passes (nightly

MLE)

Visual vetting notes eastern small-footed

L1

6/4/2025 yes 1 (1) Likely presence confirmed in 1 file based on visual vetting.

6/5/2025 yes 1 (1) File did not contain enough information for species-level determination based on visual vetting.

6/6/2025 yes 1 (0.23) File did not contain enough information for species-level determination based on visual vetting.

6/7/2025 yes 0 (1) No files classified.

6/8/2025 yes 0 (1) No files classified.

6/9/2025 yes 0 (1) No files classified.

L2

6/4/2025 yes 1 (0.15) Files did not contain enough information for species-level determination based on visual vetting.

6/5/2025 yes 1 (0.05) Files did not contain enough information for species-level determination based on visual vetting.

6/6/2025 yes 0 (1) No files classified.

6/7/2025 yes 0 (1) No files classified.

6/8/2025 yes 1 (0.24) Files did not contain enough information for species-level determination based on visual vetting.

6/9/2025 yes 1 (0.26) Likely presence confirmed in 1 file based on visual vetting.

L3

6/4/2025 yes 0 (1) No files classified.

6/5/2025 yes 0 (1) No files classified.

6/6/2025 yes 0 (1) No files classified.

6/7/2025 yes 0 (1) No files classified.

6/8/2025 yes 3 (<0.01) Likely presence confirmed in 1 file based on visual vetting.

6/9/2025 yes 0 (1) No files classified.

L4

6/4/2025 yes 3 (<0.01)

Files did not contain enough information for species-level determination based on visual vetting.

6/5/2025 yes 32 (0) Likely presence confirmed in 1 file based on visual vetting.

6/6/2025 yes 38 (0) Likely presence confirmed in 2 files based on visual vetting.

6/7/2025 yes 4 (<0.01)

Files did not contain enough information for species-level determination based on visual vetting.

6/8/2025 yes 19 (0) Files did not contain enough information for species-level determination based on visual vetting.

6/9/2025 yes 0 (1) No files classified.

little brown

L1

6/4/2025 yes 37 (0.12)

Files did not contain enough information for species-level determination or contained bat passes produced by eastern red bat based on visual vetting.

6/5/2025 yes 35 (<0.01) Likely presence confirmed in 1 file based on visual vetting.

6/6/2025 yes 23 (1) Likely presence confirmed in 1 file based on visual vetting.

6/7/2025 yes 4 (1) Files did not contain enough information for species-level determination or contained bat passes produced by eastern red bat based on visual vetting.

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Species Site Night of Met

Weather Conditions passes (nightly

MLE)

Visual vetting notes

6/8/2025 yes 26 (0.14) Likely presence confirmed in 2 files based on visual vetting.

6/9/2025 yes 3 (0.5) Files did not contain enough information for species-level determination based on visual vetting.

L2

6/4/2025 yes 1 (0.52) Likely presence confirmed in 1 file based on visual vetting.

6/5/2025 yes 1 (0.12) Files did not contain enough information for species-level determination based on visual vetting.

6/6/2025 yes 5 (<0.01)

Files did not contain enough information for species-level determination based on visual vetting.

6/7/2025 yes 0 (1) No files classified.

6/8/2025 yes 3 (<0.01) Likely presence confirmed in 1 file based on visual vetting.

6/9/2025 yes 0 (1) No files classified.

L3

6/4/2025 yes 1 (0.13) File did not contain enough information for species-level determination or contained bat passes produced by eastern red bat based on visual vetting.

6/5/2025 yes 1 (0.61 File did not contain enough information for species-level determination based on visual vetting.

6/6/2025 yes 1 (0.84) File did not contain enough information for species-level determination based on visual vetting.

6/7/2025 yes 0 (1) No files classified.

6/8/2025 yes 6 (<0.01) Likely presence confirmed in 1 file based on visual vetting.

6/9/2025 yes 3 (<0.01)

Files did not contain enough information for species-level determination based on visual vetting.

L4

6/4/2025 yes 11 (0.25) Likely presence confirmed in 5 files based on visual vetting.

6/5/2025 yes 57 (0) Likely presence confirmed in 8 files based on visual vetting.

6/6/2025 yes 67 (0) Likely presence confirmed in 9 files based on visual vetting.

6/7/2025 yes 1 (1) Likely presence confirmed in 1 file based on visual vetting.

6/8/2025 yes 59 (<0.01) Likely presence confirmed in 9 files based on visual vetting.

6/9/2025 yes 4 (1) Files did not contain enough information for species-level determination based on visual vetting.

northern long-eared

L1

6/4/2025 yes 0 (1) No files classified.

6/5/2025 yes 2 (1) Files did not contain enough information for species-level determination based on visual vetting.

6/6/2025 yes 0 (1) No files classified.

6/7/2025 yes 0 (1) No files classified.

6/8/2025 yes 0 (1) No files classified.

6/9/2025 yes 0 (1) No files classified.

L2

6/4/2025 yes 1 (0.5) File was determined to contain a bat pass produced by a big brown bat based on visual vetting.

6/5/2025 yes 0 (1) No files classified.

6/6/2025 yes 3 (0.08) Files did not contain enough information for species-level determination or contained bat passes produced by big brown bat based on visual vetting.

6/7/2025 yes 0 (1) No files classified.

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Weather Conditions passes (nightly

MLE)

Visual vetting notes

6/8/2025 yes 2 (0.25) Files did not contain enough information for species-level determination based on visual vetting.

6/9/2025 yes 3 (<0.01)

File did not contain enough information for species-level determination based on visual vetting.

L3

6/4/2025 yes 2 (0.05) Files did not contain enough information for species-level determination based on visual vetting.

6/5/2025 yes 0 (1) No files classified.

6/6/2025 yes 1 (0.31) File did not contain enough information for species-level determination based on visual vetting.

6/7/2025 yes 0 (1) No files classified.

6/8/2025 yes 0 (1) No files classified.

6/9/2025 yes 0 (1) No files classified.

L4

6/4/2025 yes 0 (1) No files classified.

6/5/2025 yes 5 (1) Files did not contain enough information for species-level determination based on visual vetting.

6/6/2025 yes 35 (<0.01)

File did not contain enough information for species-level determination based on visual vetting.

6/7/2025 yes 5 (<0.01)

Files did not contain enough information for species-level determination or contained bat passes produced by eastern red bat based on visual vetting.

6/8/2025 yes 66 (0) No files classified.

6/9/2025 yes 1 (1) File did not contain enough information for species-level determination based on visual vetting.

tricolored

L1

6/4/2025 yes 2 (1) Files did not contain enough information for species-level determination or contained bat passes produced by eastern red bat based on visual vetting.

6/5/2025 yes 0 (1) No files classified.

6/6/2025 yes 4 (1) Files did not contain enough information for species-level determination or contained bat passes produced by eastern red bat based on visual vetting.

6/7/2025 yes 1 (1) Files did not contain enough information for species-level determination based on visual vetting.

6/8/2025 yes 1 (1) Files did not contain enough information for species-level determination or contained bat passes produced by eastern red bat based on visual vetting.

6/9/2025 yes 0 (1) No files classified.

L2

6/4/2025 yes 3 (<0.01)

Files did not contain enough information for species-level determination based on visual vetting.

6/5/2025 yes 0 (1) No files classified.

6/6/2025 yes 0 (1) No files classified.

6/7/2025 yes 0 (1) No files classified.

6/8/2025 yes 1 (0.21) Files did not contain enough information for species-level determination based on visual vetting.

6/9/2025 yes 0 (1) No files classified.

L3

6/4/2025 yes 0 (1) No files classified.

6/5/2025 yes 0 (1) No files classified.

6/6/2025 yes 0 (1) No files classified.

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Key: MLE = maximum likelihood estimate

CONCLUSIONS

The Project acoustic survey followed USFWS Guidelines using a linear survey approach. Visual vetting followed both the USFWS Guidelines and 2025 MassDOT Protocol for Visual Vetting. The acoustic survey resulted in the findings of probable absence of NLEB at the time of the survey and probable presence for tricolored bat, little brown bat, and eastern small-footed bat through visual vetting. The presence of big brown bat, eastern red bat, hoary bat, and silver-haired bat was also determined through auto-classification by Kpro. Data collected and analysis results from this survey are considered valid for five years.

Stantec Consulting Services Inc.

Alex Pries

Senior Project Manager Phone: (603) 260-7434 Alex.Pries@Stantec.com

Attachments: Attachment A – Acoustic Bat Detector Datasheets Attachment B – Resumes for Bat Analysis Attachment C – Screenshots from Visual Vetting

Electronic Deliverable: USFWS Bat Reporting Spreadsheet

Weather Conditions passes (nightly

MLE)

Visual vetting notes

6/7/2025 yes 0 (1) No files classified.

6/8/2025 yes 0 (1) No files classified.

6/9/2025 yes 1 (0.21) Files did not contain enough information for species-level determination based on visual vetting.

L4

6/4/2025 yes 3 (1) Likely presence confirmed in 3 files based on visual vetting.

6/5/2025 yes 1 (1) Likely presence confirmed in 1 file based on visual vetting.

6/6/2025 yes 7 (1) Likely presence confirmed in 2 files based on visual vetting.

6/7/2025 yes 0 (1) No files classified.

6/8/2025 yes 3 (1) Likely presence confirmed in 1 file based on visual vetting.

6/9/2025 yes 0 (1) No files classified.

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Attachment A – Acoustic Bat Detector Datasheets

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Stantec Ground-Based Acoustic Bat Detector Datasheet Site ID: L1 Project

Number: 179411301 Project Name: MassDOT

State: MA County: Essex Acoustic Survey Type

Site Selector: Alex Pries Lat:42.53460224882178 Long:-71.04931060773443 Summer - Acoustic

Deployer: Katie Trebilcock Notes: NA

Date Deployed: June 4, 2025

Deploy Duration: 4

Detector #: SMU12285

Detector Setup Detector Make: Wildlife Acoustics Detector Model: SMMINI-BAT Dist to Obstruct (m): 20

Microphone Model: Generic Internal Directionality: Omnidirectional Mic Height (AGL; m): 3

Weatherproofing: None Mic Angle: 45 (angled up) Call Data Type: Full Spectrum

Mic Direction (deg): 190 In-Field Calibration: PASS Notes: Micro sited near stream in open understory field edge

HABITAT DESCRIPTION

VEGETATION CHARACTERISTICS STREAM CHARACTERISTICS

Habitat Type: Field Edge Est. Distance to Water Source (m): 15

Canopy Closure (%): Closed Type of Water: Stream Habitat Description: Strip of upland forest between golf course and school fields, oak and maple, small stream next to rail bed

Detector Startup Notes:

Na

Detector Startup:

Habitat Use: Roosting, Traveling, Foraging Memory A: 0/256 Habitat Notes: Potential roosts nearby, old barn across field and some potential roost trees Memory B: /

Battery: 6.3

Mic 0: SMMINI-BAT Not visible

Cal Ch 0: PASS

Going to Sleep Until: June 4, 2025 7:47 PM

Additional Site Notes:

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Site ID: L2 Project

Number: 195611301 Project Name: MassDOT

State: MA County: Essex Acoustic Survey Type

Site Selector: Alex Pries Lat:42.5364070905228 Long:-71.03527625353092 Summer - Acoustic

Detector #: SMU12246

Detector Setup Detector Make: Wildlife Acoustics Detector Model: SMMINI-BAT Dist to Obstruct (m): 10

Microphone Model: Generic Internal Directionality: Omnidirectional Mic Height (AGL; m): 3

Weatherproofing: None Mic Angle: 45 (angled up) Call Data Type: Full Spectrum

Mic Direction (deg): 250 In-Field Calibration: PASS Notes: Na

HABITAT DESCRIPTION

VEGETATION CHARACTERISTICS STREAM CHARACTERISTICS

Habitat Type: Creek/Riparian Est. Distance to Water Source (m): 10

Canopy Closure (%): Closed Type of Water: Lake Habitat Description: Pond edge with small ephemeral streams and palustrine wetlands. Maple, oak, pine overstory, open understory

Detector Startup Notes:

Habitat Use: Roosting, Foraging, Traveling Memory A: 0/256 Habitat Notes: Potential roost tree near detector Memory B: /

Battery: 6.2

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Site ID: L3 Project

Number: 179411301 Project Name: MassDOT

State: MA County: Essex Acoustic Survey Type

Site Selector: Alex Pries Lat:42.53601363514386 Long:-71.02831706419587 Summer - Acoustic

Detector #: SMU12206

Detector Setup Detector Make: Wildlife Acoustics Detector Model: SMMINI-BAT Dist to Obstruct (m): 10

Microphone Model: Generic Internal Directionality: Omnidirectional Mic Height (AGL; m): 3

Weatherproofing: None Mic Angle: 45 (angled up) Call Data Type: Full Spectrum

Mic Direction (deg): 280 In-Field Calibration: PASS Notes: Na

HABITAT DESCRIPTION

VEGETATION CHARACTERISTICS STREAM CHARACTERISTICS

Habitat Type: Upland Forest Est. Distance to Water Source (m): 60

Canopy Closure (%): Closed Type of Water: Pond Habitat Description: Largely residential, red pine maple and oak, railbed is overgrown so flyway is possible but low quality

Detector Startup Notes:

Habitat Use: Traveling, Foraging, Roosting Memory A: 0/256 Habitat Notes: Possible roosts in houses, nice quality wetland down the rail trail Memory B: /

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Site ID: L4 Project

Number: 179411301 Project Name: MassDOT

State: MA County: Essex Acoustic Survey Type

Site Selector: Alex Pries Lat:42.53548947470029 Long:-71.02064194121644 Summer - Acoustic

Detector #: SMU12232

Detector Setup Detector Make: Wildlife Acoustics Detector Model: SMMINI-BAT Dist to Obstruct (m): 50

Microphone Model: Generic Internal Directionality: Omnidirectional Mic Height (AGL; m): 3

Weatherproofing: None Mic Angle: 45 (angled up) Call Data Type: Full Spectrum

Mic Direction (deg): 45 In-Field Calibration: PASS Notes: Na

HABITAT DESCRIPTION

VEGETATION CHARACTERISTICS STREAM CHARACTERISTICS

Habitat Type: Pond Est. Distance to Water Source (m): 15

Canopy Closure (%): Open Type of Water: Pond Habitat Description: Upland near pond, open area with gas pipeline, oak and maple overstory, Detector Startup Notes:

Habitat Use: Roosting, Traveling, Foraging, Drinking Memory A: 0/256 Habitat Notes: Good roost trees nearby, pipeline ROW is good travel way, possible drinking/foraging on pond

Memory B: /

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Attachment B – Resumes for Bat Analysis

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Laura Berube

Project Environmental Scientist

15 years of experience · Topsham, Maine

Laura is a Project Environmental Scientist for projects involving avian and bat studies for pre- and post-construction projects in the United States and Canada. She is a wildlife biologist and is proficient in acoustic bat analysis including manual vetting of rare and threatened species and the use of automated analysis programs including Kaleidoscope, BCID, EchoClass, and Sonobat. She has performed acoustic bat data analysis for projects ranging from Texas north to Newfoundland, Canada. Laura also has strong bird identification skills and is able to identify bird species by both sight and sound. She has recently performed diverse avian studies for numerous renewable energy projects in the northeastern United States, with field work including visual raptor surveys, eagle point count surveys, nocturnal migrant radar surveys, breeding bird surveys, and acoustic bat surveys. Laura is proficient in data management, analysis, summary, and vigorous QA/QC for a variety of avian wildlife surveys.

Laura is also responsible for conducting vernal pool surveys and natural resource assessments and supporting wetland delineations to assist with the preparation of local, state, and federal permit applications. She has worked on a variety of natural community and rare plant surveys and projects ranging from general reconnaissance observations to quantitative community- and species-specific surveys.

These projects have involved natural community mapping and analysis for transportation projects, utility corridors, and development sites.

EDUCATION

Bachelor of Science, Wildlife Ecology, University of Maine, Orono, Maine, 2010

CERTIFICATIONS & TRAINING

Bat Acoustic Workflow and Eastern Call ID Workshop - Bat Conservation Management, Carlisle, Pennsylvania, Bat Conservation and Management - Acoustic Data Management Workshop, Bat Survey Solutions, LLC (Janet Tyburec and John Chenger), Fairfield, Maine, 40-Hour HAZWOPER Certification, Topsham, Maine, Wilderness First Aid Certified, SOLO, Topsham, Maine, PROJECT EXPERIENCE

NATURAL RESOURCE SERVICES

Automated Program Analysis of Acoustic Bat | Topsham, ME | 2014-current | Environmental Scientist

Laura conducted analysis of bat detector data using Kaleidoscope, BCID, and Sonabat software to determine species of bats for multiple project sites for both passive acoustic bat surveys and presence/absence acoustic bat surveys targeting northern long-eared bat (Myotis septentrionalis) and Indiana bat (Myotis sodalis). Analysis results were provided to clients to assist with their project planning and permit applications in compliance with applicable state and federal natural resource regulations.

Hand Analysis of Acoustic Bat Data | Topsham, ME | 2010-2025 | Environmental Scientist

Laura has over ten years of experience conducting analysis of bat detector data to determine species of bats for multiple project sites in eastern United States and Canada. Analysis results were then provided to clients to assist with their project planning and permit applications in compliance with applicable local, state, and federal natural resource regulations.

Data Manager for various Bird and Bat Studies | Topsham, Maine | 2011-2020 | Data Manager

Laura was responsible for managing data related to bird and bat studies conducted by the office. She was also responsible for the retrieval, and placement of data to assist in effective report writing and limiting of possible liability.

Ichthyoplankton Sampling | Penobscot Bay, Maine | 2017 | Field Technician

Laura assisted in ichtyoplankton field sampling to characterize the marine egg and larvae community present and potentially susceptible to impingement and entrainment at the cooling water intake structure of a facility withdrawing cooling water from Penobscot Bay, in support of the Clean Water Act 316(b) for a confidential client. The results of the sampling will be included in 316b report and would be used to inform the design of the impingement control system to be eventually installed.

Schedule Coordinator for Wildlife Surveys | Topsham, Maine | 2015-2017 | Schedule Coordinator

Laura coordinated schedule and logistics for the completion of wildlife surveys to be completed by field staff in support of proposed and existing renewable energy projects.

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Proposed Linear Project | New Brunswick, Canada | 2013 | Environmental Scientist

Laura conducted surveys for rare, threatened, and endangered species of plants and wildlife, assessments of existing wildlife habitat values, and mapping of wetland and stream resources.

Eastern Box Turtle Protection Plan and Construction, Brewster, Massachusetts | Brewster, Massachusetts | 2011 | Environmental Scientist

Laura conducted regular fence inspection in accordance with and NHESP-approved Eastern Box Turtle Protection Plan designed to protect box turtles in compliance with MESA during construction of a pump station development project. She was responsible for documenting the presence of any box turtles in the vicinity of the fencing and reporting deficiencies in the fencing to appropriate personnel.

Natural Resource Advisory Role in Oil Spill Response | Large Interstate Oil Spill in Gulf of Mexico | 2010-2011 | Natural Resource Advisor

Laura served as the Natural Resource Advisor (NRA) conducting environmental oversight of oil spill cleanup activities in compliance with an emergency consultation under Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act. NRAs worked directly with operational cleanup crews to implement Best Management Practices (BMPs). These BMPs served as the formal technical guidance issued under the emergency consultation. The objective of this work was to minimize secondary impacts of the cleanup activities on protected resources, including sea turtles, migratory and nesting shorebirds, beach mice, mangrove wetlands, estuaries, coastal wetlands, and dune systems.

Implemented BMPs and conducted surveys for piping plover and sea turtles within designated critical habitats.

She conducted training and oversight of cleanup crews and prepared daily reports documenting NRA activities.

Laura worked closely with cleanup operations to provide education on BMPs and documenting daily compliance for use in USFWS consultation process and evaluation of secondary impacts to protected resources as part of the Natural Resources Damage Assessment (NRDA).

Ecological Characterizations | Coos County, New Hampshire | 2010 | Environmental Scientist

Laura conducted surveys for rare, threatened, and endangered species of plants and wildlife, assessments of existing wildlife habitat values, and mapping of wetland and stream resources in a remote area of New Hampshire.

RENEWABLE ENERGY, WIND

Proposed Wind Projects, Acoustic Passive and Rare Bat Surveys, Northeast US | Northeast USA | 2015-current

Laura conducted passive acoustic bat surveys and presence/absence acoustic bat surveys targeting northern long-eared bat (Myotis septentrionalis), Indiana bat (Myotis sodalis), and tricolored bat (Perimyotis subflavus) following the United States Fish and Wildlife Service Indiana Bat and Northern Long-eared Bat Survey Guidelines for multiple project sites. She conducted analysis of bat detector data using Kaleidoscope, BCID, and Sonabat software to determine species presence and activity trends of bats. Analysis results were provided to clients to assist with their project planning and permit applications in compliance with applicable state and federal natural resource regulations.

Proposed Wind Projects, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick | Nova Scotia and New Brunswick, Canada | 2022-2025 | Environmental Scientist

Laura conducted analysis of nocturnal bird migration radar data and bird data collected using avian recording units.

Analysis results were provided to the client to assist with the project’s compliance of applicable state and federal natural resource regulations.

Proposed Wind Projects, Offshore (Northeast and Mid- Atlantic) | Northeast and Mid-Atlantic US | 2017-2022 | Environmental Scientist

Laura conducted analysis of bat detector data using Kaleidoscope software and provided quality review of bat call determinations by the software to determine species of bats. Analysis results were provided to the client to assist with planning and permit applications in compliance with applicable state and federal natural resource regulations.

Post-construction Avian Fatality Monitoring at a Developed Wind Project | New Hampshire | 2016-2020 | Task Manager

Laura served as the Task Manager of the post-construction monitoring survey conducted at a developed wind project in New Hampshire. She was responsible for client and agency communication, managing of field staff and field survey completion, and the completion of final reports and delivery to client and applicable state and federal natural resource agencies to assist with the compliance of the permit.

Proposed Wind Projects | Maine | 2015-2020 | Task Manager

Laura was responsible for the staffing and scheduling of field surveys including visual raptor surveys, eagle point count surveys, breeding bird surveys, and acoustic bat surveys. Also responsible for task managing the completion of sections of the final reports to be delivered to clients to assist with their project planning and permit applications in compliance with applicable state and federal natural resource regulations.

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Proposed Wind Project | Northern California | 2018-2019 | Environmental Scientist

Laura analyzed crepuscular radar data targeting federally threatened and state endangered marbled murrelets (Brachyramphus marmoratus) and reviewed and managed acoustic bat survey data for reporting purposes related to impact assessment and permitting efforts.

Block Island Wind Farm, Offshore | Rhode Island | 2016- 2019 | Environmental Scientist

Laura conducted analysis of bat detector data using Kaleidoscope software and provided quality review of bat call determinations by the software to determine species of bats. Analysis results were provided to the client to assist with the project’s compliance of applicable state and federal natural resource regulations.

Rollins Wind Project Invasive Species Monitoring | Lincoln, Maine | 2017 | Environmental Scientist

Laura conducted invasive species surveys along a recently constructed transmission line right-of-way according to the standards and methods developed in the Invasive Species Management Plan.

Record Hill Wind Farm Raptor Surveys | Roxbury, Maine | 2012-2016 | Environmental Scientist

Laura conducted raptor surveys to determine species, locations, and behavior in relation to proposed wind turbines. She analyzed data for reporting purposes related to impact assessment and permitting efforts.

Proposed Wind Project, Down East Maine | Maine | 2016 | Environmental Scientist

Laura conducted pre-construction wind project development surveys and impact assessments for a proposed wind project in Maine. These assessments included raptor surveys, eagle point count surveys, acoustic bat surveys, nocturnal radar surveys, and breeding bird surveys. She analyzed and reported on data for reporting purposes related to impact assessment and permitting efforts.

Proposed Wind Project | Maine | 2015 | Project Manager

Laura served as the Project Manager for proposed wind project requiring pre-construction avian and wildlife surveys. She was responsible for client and agency communication, managing of field staff and field survey completion, and the completion of final reports and delivery to client to assist with their project planning and permit applications in compliance with applicable state and federal natural resource regulations.

Orangeville, Marsh Hill, and Sheldon Wind Projects, Post-Construction Monitoring | Western New York | 2015 | Technician Supervisor

Laura supervised four post-construction monitoring technicians. She was responsible for timecard and expense approval, tracking completion of safety trainings, and communicating with staff about needs while in the field.

Agency Meeting and Site Visit for Proposed Wind Project, Down East Maine | Maine | 2014 | Environmental Scientist

Laura attended a pre-application agency consultation meeting for a proposed wind project in Down East Maine.

She also attended a site visit at proposed project area with client and agency representatives. She provided information on pre-construction wildlife field surveys conducted by Stantec at proposed wind project.

Proposed Wind Project, Western New York | Western New York | 2013-2014 | Environmental Scientist

Laura conducted eagle point count surveys to determine eagle locations and behavior in relation to proposed wind turbines. She assisted in survey design, mapping, and implementation. She performed quality assurance and control on data to inform potential collision risk of eagles as a result of the project.

Bull Hill Wind Farm Post-Construction Monitoring | Maine | 2013-2014 | Environmental Scientist

Laura conducted bird and bat mortality ground searches (a requirement of utility-scale wind power developments in Maine). She was responsible for scavenger surveys, which involved the placement and monitoring of carcasses and use of game cameras. She was also responsible for searcher efficiency trials, which involved the placement and monitoring of carcass retrieval by other surveyors.

Groton Wind Farm, Raptor Surveys, Breeding Bird Surveys, Nocturnal Migrant Radar Surveys | Grafton County, New Hampshire | 2013-2014 | Task Manager

Laura was responsible for the staffing and scheduling of field surveys. She was also responsible for task managing the completion of sections of the final report to be delivered to the client. Conducted raptor, breeding bird, and nocturnal migrant radar surveys. Laura analyzed data for reporting purposes related to impact assessment and permitting efforts.

Rollins Wind Farm Post-Construction Mortality Monitoring and Raptor Surveys | Maine | 2012-2014 | Environmental Scientist

Laura conducted bird and bat mortality ground searches (a requirement of utility-scale wind power developments in Maine). She evaluated as having high searcher efficiency scores for the on-the-ground trials. Responsible for scavenger surveys, which involved the placement and monitoring of carcasses and use of game cameras. Laura also conducted raptor surveys to determine species, locations, and behavior in relation to proposed wind turbines, and analyzed data for reporting purposes related to impact assessment and permitting efforts.

Stetson I and II Wind Farms Post-Construction Monitoring | Maine | 2012-2013 | Environmental Scientist

Laura conducted bird and bat mortality ground searches (a requirement of utility-scale wind power developments in Maine). She evaluated as having high searcher efficiency scores for the on-the-ground trials. Laura was responsible for scavenger surveys, which involved the placement and monitoring of carcasses and use of game cameras.

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Proposed Wind Project Bird and Bat Surveys, Coye Hill, Connecticut | Coye Hill, Connecticut | 2012 | Environmental Scientist

Laura conducted pre-construction wind project development surveys and impact assessments for a proposed wind project in Connecticut. These assessments included raptor surveys, acoustic bat surveys, and breeding bird surveys.

Wind Project, Eastern Maine | Eastern Maine | 2010- 2011 | Environmental Scientist

Laura served as the Project Scientist responsible for organization, progress, and safety of field staff through the field work phase (wetland delineations, vernal pool surveys, and other natural resource mapping) of large-scale wind power development. She was responsible for data management and associated reporting of findings to accompany state and federal permit applications.

Oakfield Wind Project Avian Studies | Maine | 2010 | Environmental Scientist

Laura conducted raptor surveys to determine species, locations, and behavior in relation to proposed wind turbines. She analyzed data for reporting purposes related to impact assessment and permitting efforts.

Beech Hill Wind Project | Aroostook County, Maine | 2010 | Environmental Scientist

Laura assisted in wetland delineations, vernal pool surveys, and Global Positioning System surveys for a proposed 34-turbine wind project and associated 67-mile transmission line. Identified streams and Wetlands of Special Significance based on the criteria in the Maine Department of Environmental Protection's Natural Resource Protection Act. She characterized wetland and waterbody resources based the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Classification of Wetlands and Deep Water Habitats of the United States (Cowardin et. al 1979).

Laura documented the biological and physical characteristics of potential vernal pool habitat based on the criteria of the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife.

Proposed Wind Project, Central Maine | Central Maine | 2010 | Environmental Scientist

Laura conducted wetland delineations, vernal pool surveys, and Global Positioning System surveys over an area totaling approximately 6,800 acres for a proposed 55-turbine wind project in Central Maine. She determined wetland boundaries using the technical criteria described in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Wetland Delineation Manual (Environmental Laboratory 1987). She identified streams and Wetlands of Special Significance based on the criteria in the Maine Department of Environmental Protection's Natural Resource Protection Act. Laura characterized wetland and waterbody resources based the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Classification of Wetlands and Deep Water Habitats of the United States (Cowardin et. al 1979). She documented the biological and physical characteristics of potential vernal pool habitat based on the criteria of the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife.

RENEWABLE ENERGY, SOLAR

Proposed Solar Projects, Acoustic Rare Bat Surveys, Northeast US | Northeast USA | 2015-current | Environmental Scientist

Laura conducted presence/absence acoustic bat surveys targeting northern long-eared bat (Myotis septentrionalis), Indiana bat (Myotis sodalis), and tricolored bat (Perimyotis subflavus) following the United States Fish and Wildlife Service Indiana Bat and Northern Long-eared Bat Survey Guidelines for multiple project sites. She conducted analysis of bat detector data using Kaleidoscope, BCID, and Sonabat software to determine species presence of bats. Analysis results were provided to clients to assist with their project planning and permit applications in compliance with applicable state and federal natural resource regulations.

Proposed Solar and Infrastructure Update Projects | Vermont | 2015-2016 | Project Manager

Laura wrote the proposals and was Project Manager for proposed projects requiring northern long-eared bat (Myotis septentrionalis) surveys. She was responsible for client and agency communication, managing of field staff and field survey completion, and the completion of final reports and delivery to client to assist with their project planning and permit applications in compliance with applicable state and federal natural resource regulations.

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* denotes projects completed with other firms

Jason Layne M.S.

Wildlife Biologist

18 years of experience · Overland Park, Kansas

As a Wildlife Biologist, Mr. Layne has over 12 years of experience in wildlife monitoring, endangered species surveys, experimental research, and federal and state regulatory permitting and approvals. Mr. Layne is a USFWS permitted bat biologist with experience conducting bat surveys to determine the presence or probable absence of federally threatened/endangered Indiana bat, gray bat, and northern long-eared bat. He is proficient in the identification of all Eastern United States bat species and in the use of various field techniques, including acoustic detector deployment, echolocation call analysis, mist-net and harp trap surveys, habitat analysis, radio-telemetry, roost emergence, and bat banding.

EDUCATION

Master of Science, Wildlife Biology, Missouri State University, Springfield, Missouri, 2009

CERTIFICATIONS & TRAINING

Permitted Biologist for Indiana, Gray, Northern long-eared, Ozark Big-eared, and Virginia Big-eared Bat , USFWS, Nationwide, United States, 2016

MEMBERSHIPS

Member, The Wildlife Society, 2016-Present Member, North American Society for Bat Research, 2015-Present

PROJECT EXPERIENCE

ENDANGERED SPECIES/SPECIES AT RISK

ASSESSMENTS

Federally Threatened & Endangered Bat Surveys, Missouri Department of Conservation* | Northeast, Missouri

Mr. Layne was responsible for leading bat mist-netting and acoustic detector survey efforts for four separate Indiana bat and northern long-eared bat surveys on public lands in summer of 2015. Both federally listed bats were captured and tracked to day roosts.

Indiana Bat Mist-Net and Acoustic Surveys for Proposed Wind Energy Farms | AR, IA, IN, KS, MO, OH

Mr. Layne was responsible for leading mist-netting efforts to determine presence or probable absence of Indiana bats at several confidential projects throughout the Midwest from 2009 through 2012. He oversaw and participated in all aspects of mist-netting, including coordination with land agents, setting up nets, species identification, weighing and measuring individuals, affixing radio transmitters, and surrounding habitat descriptions.

He was a crew leader for radio-tracking of Indiana bats, little brown bats, and big brown bats to roost locations and foraging areas. He oversaw and conducted roost emergence counts of radio-tracked species. He managed and implemented acoustic surveys including detector deployment, analysis of calls to species, and reporting at mist-net sites. Species captured include: hoary bats, silver-haired bats, eastern red bats, big brown bats, Indiana bats, northern long-eared bats, little brown bats, evening bats, and tri-colored bats.

Rare Bat Species Surveys, Missouri Department of Conservation* | Southeast, Missouri

Mr. Layne conducted bat mist-netting and acoustic detector survey efforts for rare species surveys on public lands in summer of 2013. He captured and identified the Missouri listed Species of Concern southeastern myotis bat (Myotis austroriparius), and identified a captured Rafinesque’s big-eared bat (Corynorhinus rafinesquii) and tracked the bats to day roosts.

Winter Bat Hibernacula and White Nose Syndrome Monitoring* | Missouri

Mr. Layne assisted with population count surveys throughout Missouri for cave/mine roosting species:

Indiana bat, northern long-eared bat, gray bat (Myotis grisescens), little brown bat, big brown bat, and tri-colored bat. In 2013 and 2015 he led one of six teams on a population count through a recently discovered hibernacula that is considered the largest congregation of Indiana bats in its range. He collected data for white nose syndrome monitoring, resulting in range map expansions of the disease.

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* denotes projects completed with other firms

WILDLIFE SURVEYS AND STUDIES

Passive Acoustic Detector Surveys for Proposed Wind Energy Farms, Various Sites* | AR, CA, IA, IL, IN, KS, MI, MO, MT, ND, NE, NM, NV, NY, OH, OK, TX

Ms. Layne is responsible for coordinating and implementing remote detector surveys for proposed wind energy development to determine activity of bat species throughout the USA from 2009 through present.

Detectors are deployed on meteorological towers at heights above 50 meters. Surveys occur from early spring through late fall. He participates in and oversees all aspects of detector deployment, maintenance of field sampling equipment, quality control of data for presentation in reports and agency meetings, utilization of ArcGIS maps for habitat use by wildlife. Prepares assessment reports on findings, and maintains databases of results. Coordinates with multiple state and federal regulatory agencies on wildlife issues at construction projects.

PUBLICATIONS & WHITEPAPERS

Colatskie, S.N., J.T. Layne, L.W. Robbins. Bat Research News. Recent Migratory Movements of Gray Bats (Myotis grisescens) in Missouri: Potential to Spread Pseudogymnoascus destructans?, 2018, pp. Vol. 59, No.

2.

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Attachment C – Screenshots from Visual Vetting

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Figure 1. File classified as an eastern small-footed bat by Kaleidoscope Pro automated software and confirmed through visual vetting.