Letcher County FEIS Appendix H (Part 1.3) - USFWS Endangered Species Act Consultation (2017).pdf

Final Habitat Assessment for the

Indiana Bat (Myotis sodalis), Gray Bat (Myotis grisescens), and Northern Longeared Bat (Myotis septentrionalis) for the Proposed U.S. Penitentiary and Federal Prison Camp, Letcher County, Kentucky

Prepared for:

Cardno

145 Limekiln Road, Suite 100 New Cumberland, PA 17070

Prepared by:

30 December 2016

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Bat Habitat Assessment – Proposed U.S. Penitentiary, Letcher Co., KY Final December 2016 i

Table of Contents

INTRODUCTION

Federally Listed Species Synopses

Indiana Bat

Gray Bat

Northern Long-eared Bat

METHODS

Desktop Analysis

Field Survey Methods

Listed Bat Winter Habitat and Gray Bat Summer Roost Habitat

Indiana and Northern Long-eared Bat Summer Foraging/Roosting Habitat

Gray Bat Summer Foraging Habitat

RESULTS

Gray Bat Habitat

Summer Foraging Habitat

Winter/Summer Roosting Habitat

Indiana Bat Habitat

Summer Foraging and Roosting Habitat

Winter Habitat

Northern Long-eared Bat Habitat

Summer Foraging and Roosting Habitat

Winter Habitat

CONCLUSIONS

LITERATURE CITED

Figures Figure 1. Project Location Map Figure 2. 2016 Habitat Assessment Area Figure 3. Proposed Site Plan Figure 4. Project Area Geology Figure 5. Historic Mining Activity within the Project Area Figure 6. Potential Winter Habitat for Listed Bat Species Figure 7. Potential Summer Habitat for Indiana and Northern Long-eared Bats ii

Appendices

Appendix 1: Field Survey Datasheets

Appendix 2: Field Survey GPS Tracks

Appendix 3: Field Survey Photographs

INTRODUCTION

Copperhead Environmental Consulting, Inc. (Copperhead) was contracted by Cardno to conduct a habitat assessment for Endangered Species Act-listed bat species that may occur within the area proposed for the construction and operation of a United States (U.S.) penitentiary and federal prison camp at the Roxana Site in Letcher County, Kentucky (Figure 1). Federally listed bat species include the Indiana bat (Myotis sodalis), gray bat (Myotis grisescens), and northern long-eared bat (Myotis septentrionalis). A previous habitat assessment for these species was conducted in December 2014 within an approximate 203-acre project area; a habitat assessment report was submitted to and accepted by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) in February 2015. This current habitat assessment covers an additional 302-acre area immediately adjacent to the west, south, and east of the 2014 survey area (Figures 1 and 2). Fieldwork for this habitat assessment was conducted September 6-9, 2016. The proposed site plan and tree clearing area are shown in Figure 3.

A desktop analysis and field survey were conducted in accordance with the 2016 Range-wide Indiana Bat Summer Survey Guidelines (USFWS and Kentucky Department for Fish and Wildlife Resources [KDFWR] 2016a) and Supplemental Indiana Bat Survey Guidance for Kentucky (USFWS and KDFWR 2016b).

FEDERALLY LISTED SPECIES SYNOPSES

Indiana Bat

Indiana bats are known to summer roost primarily in trees under sloughing bark or in cracks and cavities in dead or damaged trees, although live trees are occasionally used (Kurta and Kennedy 2002). In some cases, Indiana bats utilize manmade structures like bridges, attics, bat houses, or artificial bark (Kurta and Kennedy 2002; Adams et al. 2015).

Summer colonies are typically segregated into groups of adult females and juveniles, and groups of males. Most known maternity roosts have been located in or near wooded areas where canopy gaps are present, allowing full or partial solar exposure to the roost site. Roost trees can be divided into two categories: primary (>30 bats for more than one night) and alternate (<30 bats) (Callahan et al. 1997). Little published data is available on roost temperatures for Indiana bat maternity roosts. Indiana bats hibernate in caves and cave-like structures (mines, rock shelters, etc.). The species often hibernates in clusters, and requires a narrow temperature range for hibernation (3-7.2 degrees Celsius [°C]) (Kurta and Kennedy 2002), leaving few suitable sites available across their range. Though hibernation sites can hold many thousands of Indiana bats, some hibernacula have only a few individuals (USFWS 2007).

Gray Bat

Gray bats are known to forage over and near major streams and lakes (Brady et al. 1982).

Gray bats utilize caves and cave-like structures as both summer roosts and winter hibernacula. Summer roosts are typically in warm caves or sections of caves (14-26 °C) within 2 kilometers of major water bodies (Tuttle 1976). Sexual segregation at separate summer roost sites is typical for the species (Brady et al. 1982). Maternity sites typically house many individuals and have telltale guano deposits (USFWS 2009). Gray bats utilize cooler caves or areas of caves (6-10 °C) for hibernation (Brady et al. 1982). It is estimated that less than 5% of caves are suitable for gray bat hibernation (Tuttle 1976).

Northern Long-eared Bat

The northern long-eared bat utilizes forested habitat throughout the summer months.

This species is found in both mature forest and younger more cluttered forested habitats, where it often forages below the canopy. The species typically roosts in tree cavities or under sloughing bark of dead or damaged trees in the summer (Lacki and Schwierjohann 2001; Carter and Feldhamer 2005). Available published literature does not include temperature data for northern long-eared bat summer roosts. Summer colonies segregate with females and juveniles roosting together and males typically roosting individually (Bat Conservation International 2001). Little is known about northern long-eared bat hibernation. They are incidentally encountered in caves and cave-like structures in the winter, often occupying narrow cracks and recesses, where they are likely undercounted.

Temperatures in known hibernation sites typically vary from 0-9 °C (USFWS 2014). This species has been rapidly decimated by White-nose Syndrome in the eastern U.S. (USFWS 2014) and is declining in eastern Kentucky (Tracy Hemberger, Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources: Wildlife Diversity Program, pers. comm., 10/11/2016).

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Figure 1. Project Location Map µ

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Figure 2. 2016 Habitat Assessment Area µ

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Proposed Tree Removal 2014 Survey Area 2016 Survey Area

Figure 3. Proposed Site Plan

METHODS

Desktop Analysis

In order to determine if caves and cave-like structures with the potential for hibernation by target species were present or likely present within the survey area, a desktop analysis was conducted. United States Geological Survey (USGS) 7.5-minute topographic quadrangle maps and USGS geologic quadrangle maps were used to identify if cave forming geology was present at the surface. Locations of historic mine records and locations identified as having high potential for underground mine surface connections (Kentucky Mine Mapping Information System [KMMIS] 2016) were used to develop search areas and contours that were uploaded to handheld global positioning system (GPS) units for field investigations. Aerial photography was used to calculate forested acreage and to review current and past land use on and adjacent to the site.

Geographic information system (GIS) analysis included review of known cave locations previously compiled from numerous sources (e.g., KDFWR, Kentucky Speleological Survey, National Speleological Society – Pine Mountain Grotto). Cave location information has been compiled by Copperhead over numerous years and was not done specifically for this assessment.

Contiguous vegetative communities were identified from aerial photography to assess potential summer use by listed bat species and to aid field crews in ground-truthing habitat types.

Field Survey Methods

Listed Bat Winter Habitat and Gray Bat Summer Roost Habitat

Identification of potential winter habitat for all listed bats and summer roosting habitat for gray bats focused on searching for underground structures including limestone caves, cave-like rock shelters, underground mines, and other human-created underground shelters (bunkers, cisterns, bore holes, etc.). Field surveys consisted of searching within and around those areas identified during the desktop assessment as most likely to contain underground mines and associated openings that could provide potential Indiana bat, gray bat, and northern long-eared bat winter roosting habitat and gray bat summer roosting habitat. Biologists meandered above and below search contours preloaded onto GPS units, and additional search effort was made around locations identified during desktop analysis as having the potential to contain mine openings. Field personnel followed the edges of mine high-walls in search of mine openings, checked all habitats with any evidence of prior deep mining, and searched areas where it was likely that coal seams were located near the surface. Areas showing concentrated contours on topography mapping, indicating potential cliff-lines, were searched for rock shelters.

Potential winter habitat features encountered were investigated and data was recorded on field datasheets (Appendix 1). Biologists used handheld GPS units to record field survey tracks (Appendix 2). Photographs were taken of potential winter habitat features (Appendix 3).

Indiana and Northern Long-eared Bat Summer Foraging/Roosting Habitat

All vegetative communities identifiable from aerial photography were ground-truthed to determine forest structure and composition. Areas with suitable forest structure for Indiana bat and northern long-eared bat foraging were noted, as was the presence of snags suitable for summer roosting for these species. Photographs were taken of potential summer habitat for Indiana and northern long-eared bats (Appendix 3).

Gray Bat Summer Foraging Habitat

Gray bat summer foraging habitat is generally considered to occur over or near major watercourses, lakes, and other significant bodies of water. No major water bodies were apparent from desktop analysis. Major water bodies observed during the field survey were noted.

RESULTS

Gray Bat Habitat

Summer Foraging Habitat

The survey area is predominantly upland with only the outside boundary approaching lowlands. Streams within the area are ephemeral or intermittent and unsuitable for gray bat use during summer. Based on the desktop review, the North Fork of the Kentucky River is the closest potential gray bat foraging habitat. The river borders the proposed project area to the north, but is not within the proposed development area.

Field surveys found no areas consistent with gray bat foraging habitat and no major bodies of water were located on site.

Winter/Summer Roosting Habitat

No evidence of caves or cave forming geology was found through desktop analysis (Figure 4). Desktop research found a substantial history of mining in the area. Surface mining and several potential underground mine locations were identified using KMMIS data. Potential underground locations identified were from permitted commercial mining operations and were listed as “inactive” (KMMIS 2016). Locations of potential underground mines were used to identify search areas and search contours (Figure 5).

No limestone caves were found during field surveys. Two small hand dug underground coal mines (MN01 and MN02) and one cave-like rock shelter (RS01) were found within the project limits (Figure 6; Appendix 3, Photos P1-P4). The two mines that were found were likely excavated for home use and did not offer sufficient internal expanse or conditions that would be suitable to support roosting gray bats during summer or winter.

The rock shelter had developed in a crack in a rock outcrop, which was covered over by soil and had an internal extent that extended beyond what could be seen from the entrance. The ceiling condition was stable and internal temperature was cooler than ambient temperature. The shelter could not be ruled out as winter habitat for gray bats.

The cave-like rock shelter was unlikely to have recently been used by gray bats in the summer, as summer use by this species would typically leave obvious guano on the ground at the entrance. No visible sign of bat use could be found near the entrance. The rock shelter is located outside of the proposed area for tree clearing and would not be directly impacted by proposed construction activities.

Indiana Bat Habitat

Summer Foraging and Roosting Habitat

Desktop analysis showed the majority of the habitat within the project area to be forested, which could provide suitable Indiana bat summer habitat.

Field surveys confirmed that the majority of the area was forested and is considered summer foraging and roosting habitat for Indiana bats. A total of 251.5 acres is considered suitable summer foraging habitat for Indiana bats (Figure 7). Forested areas included mature forest with open understory and young forest with high stem density.

Mature forest areas were typically dominated by tulip poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera), maples (Acer sp.), hickories (Cary sp.), and northern red oak (Quercus rubra). Young forest with high stem density was dominated by American beech (Fagus grandifolia), eastern hemlock (Tsuga canadensis), and maples (Acer sp.). Snags determined to be potential alternate Indiana bat roosts were present in all forested habitats. No potential primary roosts were identified during field surveys, though the field survey was designed to identify winter habitat and to confirm presence of summer habitat, and primary roost trees may have been missed. A total of 50.1 acres was determined to be unsuitable foraging or roosting habitat for Indiana bats. Areas considered unsuitable habitat included grasslands and scrub habitat (dominated by blackberry [Rhubus sp.] and autumn olive [Elaeagnus umbellate]) on a reclaimed strip mine.

Winter Habitat

No evidence of caves or cave forming geology was found through desktop analysis.

Desktop research found a substantial history of mining in the area. Surface mining and several potential underground mine locations were identified using KMMIS data.

Potential underground locations identified were from commercial mining operations and were listed as “inactive” (KMMIS 2016). Locations of potential underground mines were used to identify search areas and search contours (Figure 5).

No limestone caves were found during the field survey. Two small hand dug underground coal mines (MN01 and MN02) and one cave-like rock shelter (RS01) were found within the project limits (Figure 6; Appendix 3, Photos P1-P4). The two mines that were found were likely excavated for home use and did not offer sufficient expanse or conditions to be likely to harbor hibernating Indiana bats. The rock shelter had developed in a crack in a rock outcrop, which was covered over by soil and had an internal extent that extended beyond what could be seen from the entrance. The ceiling condition was stable and internal temperature was cooler than ambient temperature. The shelter could not be ruled out as hibernation habitat for Indiana bats. No visible sign of bat use was found near the entrance. The rock shelter is located outside of the proposed area for tree clearing and would not be directly impacted by proposed construction activities.

Northern Long-eared Bat Habitat

Summer Foraging and Roosting Habitat

Desktop analysis showed the majority of the habitat within the project area to be forested, which could provide suitable northern long-eared bat summer habitat.

Field surveys confirmed that the majority of the area was forested and is considered summer foraging and roosting habitat for northern long-eared bats. Forested areas included mature forest with open understory and young forest with high stem density.

Mature forest areas were typically dominated by tulip poplar, maples, hickories, and northern red oak. Young forest with high stem density was dominated by American beech, eastern hemlock, and maples. In total, 251.5 acres were considered suitable summer foraging habitat for northern long-eared bat (Figure 7). Multiple snags and live damaged trees were found, which appeared to be appropriate for northern long-eared bat maternity roosting. A total of 50.1 acres was determined to be unsuitable foraging or roosting habitat for northern long-eared bats. Non-habitat areas included grasslands and scrub habitat (dominated by blackberry and autumn olive) on a reclaimed strip mine.

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NAD 1983 StatePlane Kentucky FIPS 1600 Feet Projection: Lambert Conformal Conic Datum: North American Sources: USDA, ESRI, USGS

Date: 10/31/2016

Ì Surface

Ì Underground

Figure 5. Historic Mining Activity within the Project Area µ

Inactive Mines

Mined Out Area

2014 Survey Area

2016 Survey Area

Winter Habitat

No evidence of caves or cave forming geology was found through desktop analysis.

Desktop research found a substantial history of mining in the area. Surface mining and several potential underground mine locations were identified using KMMIS data.

Potential underground locations identified were from permitted commercial mining operations and were listed as “inactive” (KMMIS 2016). Locations of potential underground mines were used to identify search areas and search contours (Figure 5).

No limestone caves were found during field surveys. Two small hand dug underground coal mines (MN01 and MN02) and one cave-like rock shelter (RS01) were found within the project limits (Figure 6; Appendix 3, Photos P1-P4). The two mines that were found were likely excavated for home use and did not offer sufficient expanse or conditions to be likely to harbor hibernating northern long-eared bats. The rock shelter had developed in a crack in a rock outcrop, which was covered over by soil and had an internal extent that extended beyond what could be seen from the entrance. The ceiling condition was stable and internal temperature was cooler than ambient temperature. The shelter could not be ruled out as winter hibernation habitat for northern long-eared bats. No visible sign of bat use could be found near the entrance. The rock shelter is located outside of the proposed area for tree clearing and will not be directly impacted by construction.

CONCLUSIONS

A total of 251.5 acres of the 2016 survey area was determined to be suitable Indiana and northern long-eared bat summer foraging habitat. One cave-like rock shelter was found that is considered suitable for use as a hibernaculum by Indiana bats, northern long-eared bats, and gray bats. The rock shelter is located outside of the proposed area for tree clearing and would not be directly impacted by proposed construction activities.

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Date: 10/31/2016

Coal Mine, Deemed Not Habitat

Rock Shelter, Potential Habitat 2016 Survey Area

2014 Survey Area

Figure 6. Potential Winter Habitat for Listed Bat Species

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Date: 11/9/2016

2014 Survey Area Habitat Not Habitat 2016 Survey Area

Figure 7. Potential Summer Habitat for Indiana and

Northern Longeared Bats

LITERATURE CITED

Adams, J., P. Roby, P. Sewell, J. Schwierjohann, M. Gumbert, and M. Brandenburg.

2015. Success of BrandenBarkTM, an Artificial Roost Structure Designed for Use by Indiana Bats (Myotis sodalis). Journal of the American Society of Mining and Reclamation 4(1) v.

Bat Conservation International. 2001. Bats of Eastern Woodlands. Report prepared by Bat Conservation International, Austin, TX for the Southern Region Offices of the USDA, Forest Service.

Brady, J. T., T. H. Kunz, M. D. Tuttle, and D.E. Wilson. 1982. Gray Bat Recovery Plan.

USFWS, Denver, CO.

Callahan, E.V., R.D. Drobney, and R.L. Clawson. 1997. Selection of summer roosting sites by Indiana bats (Myotis sodalis) in Missouri. Journal of Mammalogy 78:818- 825.

Carter, T.C., and G.A. Feldhamer. 2005. Roost tree use by maternity colonies of Indiana bats and northern long-eared bats in southern Illinois. Forest Ecology and Management 219: 259-268.

KMMIS. 2016. Interactive Map Services – Kentucky Coal Mine Map Viewer: Letcher County. http://eppcgis.ky.gov/minemapping/. Accessed 8/30/2016.

Kurta, A., and J. Kennedy (eds.). 2002. The Indiana Bat, Biology and Management of an Endangered Species. Bat Conservation International, Austin, TX.

Lacki, M.J., and J.H. Schwierjohann. 2001. Day-roost characteristics of northern bats in mixed mesophytic forest. Journal of Wildlife Management 65: 482-488

Tuttle, M. D. 1976. Population ecology of the gray bat (Myotis grisescens): factors influencing growth and survival of newly volant young. Ecology 57:587-595.

USFWS. 2007. Indiana Bat (Myotis sodalis) Draft Recovery Plan: First Revision. Region 3, Fort Snelling, MN. April.

USFWS. 2009. 5-Year Review of Gray Bat (Myotis grisescens). Missouri Ecological Services Field Office, Columbia, MO. August.

USFWS. 2014. Northern Long-eared Bat Interim Conference and Planning Guidance Report.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service: Regions 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6.

USFWS and KDFWR. 2016a. 2016 Range-wide Indiana Bat Summer Survey Guidelines.

April 11.

USFWS and KDFWR. 2016b. Supplemental Indiana Bat Survey Guidance for Kentucky.

USFWS, Kentucky Field Office, Frankfort, KY and KDFWR, Frankfort, KY. April 27.

Appendix 1: Field Survey Datasheets

MN 01

MN 02

RS 01

Appendix 2: Field Survey GPS Tracks

Harlan

Knott

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Perry

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Virg inia

0 1,000

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Roxana Site Habitat Assessment

Letcher County, Kentucky

1:12,000

1 inch = 1,000 ft or

Coordinate System:

NAD 1983 StatePlane Kentucky FIPS 1600 Feet Projection: Lambert Conformal Conic Datum: North American Sources: USDA, ESRI, USGS

Date: 10/28/2016

Survey Tracks

2016 Survey Area

2014 Survey Area

GPS Tracks from 2016 Survey

Appendix 3: Field Survey Photographs

P1, P2 P3

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1:12,000

1 inch = 1,000 ft or

Coordinate System:

NAD 1983 StatePlane Kentucky FIPS 1600 Feet Projection: Lambert Conformal Conic Datum: North American Sources: USDA, ESRI, USGS

Date: 11/1/2016

! Photograph 2014 Survey Area 2016 Survey Area

Photo Location Map

Habitat Survey for the Indiana Bat, Gray Bat, and Northern Longeared Bat for the Proposed U.S. Penitentiary and

Federal Prison Camp at the Roxana Site

Project No.:

County, State:

Letcher Co., KY

Client:

Cardno

Photo Map Key.:

P1

Date of Photo:

September 8, 2016 RS 01 on Figure 6

Location:

Roxana Site

View:

Entrance

Description:

Photo of cave-like Rock Shelter

P2

RS 01 on Figure 6

Location:

Roxana Site

View:

Internal Photo

Description:

Photo of the inside of the cave-like rock shelter deemed suitable habitat

Federal Prison Camp at the Roxana Site

Project No.:

County, State:

Letcher Co., KY

Client:

Cardno

P3

September 6, 2016 MN 01 on Figure 6

Location:

Roxana Site

View:

Entrance

Description:

Photo of the entrance of MN-01 deemed not-suitable for use by listed bats.

P4

MN 02 on Figure 6

Location:

Roxana Site

View:

Entrance

Description:

Photo of entrance of MN_02, deemed not-suitable for listed bats.

Federal Prison Camp at the Roxana Site

Project No.:

County, State:

Letcher Co., KY

Client:

Cardno

P5

Location:

Roxana Site

View:

Description:

Mature forest with open understory in the southern portion of the property.

Deemed suitable summer habitat for Indiana and northern long-eared bats.

P6

Photo of new growth with high stem density, deemed suitable summer habitat for Indiana and northern long-eared bats.

Federal Prison Camp at the Roxana Site

Project No.:

County, State:

Letcher Co., KY

Client:

Cardno

P7

September 7, 2016

Foreground shows grasses and herbaceous growth on reclaimed strip mine, deemed not suitable for summer use by listed bats.

P8

Photo shows scrub habitat deemed not suitable as summer habitat for listed bats.

Federal Prison Camp at the Roxana Site

Project No.:

County, State:

Letcher Co., KY

Client:

Cardno

P9

Photo of mine highwall on southern boundary of the property.

P10

Photo of intermittent stream deemed not suitable for gray bat summer habitat. Forest and water source are suitable habitat for Indiana and northern long-eared bats.

From: Issac Gaston To: George Younger; Jeffrey J . Limjoco; Jody L. Smith; Mitch Miskimins Cc: Cheryl Ciccone; Craig Meyers; Lori Thursby Subject: Fwd: Final Bat Habitat Assessment - Letcher County prison Date: Wednesday, January 18, 2017 1:00:25 PM

>>> "Miller, Jessica" <jessica_miller@fws.gov> 1/18/2017 12:33 PM >>> Mr. Gaston, We have received the final copy of the Bat Habitat Assessment for the Letcher County prison site. Thank you for providing this to our office.

Jessi

Jessica Blackwood Miller Fish & Wildlife Biologist Kentucky Field Office U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service 330 W. Broadway, Rm 265 Frankfort, KY 40601 Ph: (502) 695-0468 ext. 104 Fax: (502) 695-1024

NOTE: This email correspondence and any attachments to and from this sender is subject to the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and may be disclosed to third parties.