Download Wildlife Habitat Assessment for New York State Threatened

Wildlife Habitat Assessment for
New York State Threatened, Endangered Species
And Species of Special Concern
Project: Dollar General Store
Route 9G
Town of Germantown, NY
Prepared By: James Bates
ECOLOGICAL ANALYSIS, LLC
633 Route 211 East
Suite 4 Box 4
Middletown, New York 10941
(845) 495-0123
November 2016
Introduction
As part of the SEQRA requirement, Ecological Analysis LLC completed a wildlife habitat assessment of the property, which
included observations of resident wildlife, as well as the potential for the site to support species that are listed as “endangered”,
“threatened” or “species of special concern” by the New York State Department of Conservation (NYSDEC) and the Federal
Government United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS).
The subject site is approximately 1.383 acres in size in the Town of Germantown in Colombia County New York. The property
is generally wooded, with upland woods on well drained soils on most of the property.
The site features only one habitat/ecosystem and type that was evaluated in the report which follows.
1. Upland commercial
2. Upland Maintained lawn
Wetland Communities
This property has been carefully walked and observed for areas that met any of the guideless for a regulated wetland, and none
were found.
No vernal pools or potential vernal pool pockets were observed on the property.
Upland Community
This property has been altered for many years and is currently used for a landscaping supply yard. There is no canopy cover
and no real tree cover. The herbaceous layer vegetation was noted in those areas.
The property is considered commercial property, therefore there is very little wildlife utilizing the site.
Wildlife Use of the Site
The site provides only one type of ecosystem and localized ecotome for use by wildlife species. The general nature of the site
is open with continuous human use. Very similar to all of the adjacent properties.
In the context of this overall landscape, very few bird species such as American Robins, Black-capped Chickadees, and Blue
jays are likely to use this site. While these species are not specifically state protected, they are of concern and are protect under
the migratory Bird Treaty Act.
During the course of the fieldwork for this assessment, numerous species of wildlife and signs of their presence were observed.
The following is a list of wildlife species that were either observed on site or signs, including tracks or scat, were observed
.
Observed Wildlife List
The Proposed Dollar General Property, Germantown, NY
Mammals
White-tail deer
Odocoileus virginianus
Amphibians
Red-backed salamander
Plethodon cinereus
Reptiles
Garter snake
Thamnophis sirtalis
Birds
American Robin
Turdus migratorius
American Crow
Corvus brachyrhynchos
Blue jay
Cyanocitta cristata
Dark-eyed Junco
Junco hyemalis
Black-capped Chickadee
Poecile atricapillus
This list represents species that were observed directly or by
signs (e.g. tracks or scat) and bird song during field surveys in fall
of 2016. It is not, however, an exhaustive list.
Potential for Use by Rare or Endangered Species
A letter was sent to the NYSDEC as part of the lead agency requirement under SEQRA. A response dated April 28, 2106, stating
that Short Nose sturgeon and Bald-Headed Eagles are known to be in the area and there is a potential for Northern Long-eared
Bats as well. As it clearly states that the information provided is not a substitute for on-site surveys, therefore on-site observations
and assessments were conducted by James Bates of Ecological Analysis LLC. Site walks and observations occurred in the fall
months of 2016.
The site walks tactics employed consisted of a series of random,zig-zag transects with observation, listening, and/or ground
searches being conducted as site specific features changed along the walking transect route (i.e. open, upland hardwood forest
slopes to bottomland forested wetland, to stream corridor to open water wetland, etc.).
The random nature of these transects allowed the investigator to observe and actively investigate features of interest along the
way. This tactic also allowed data to be collected from a greater variety of micro-habitats. During these transects, vegetation
was observed and a list was comprised and is attached as part of this report.
The site was examined for potential use by a number of rare, endangered, or protected species, as listed by the New York State
DEC. Based strictly on the nature of the property, the habitat potential for the following species listed by the State as endangered
or threatened was analyzed:








Bog Turtle - Endangered
Mud Turtle - Endangered
Tiger Salamander - Endangered
Northern Cricket Frog - Endangered
Fence Lizard - Threatened
Timber Rattlesnake – Threatened
Indiana Bat – Endanger
Northern Long-eared Bats
Habitat potential for the following species of special concern was also evaluated:









Spotted Turtle
Wood Turtle
Eastern Box Turtle
Eastern Hognose Snake
Worm Snake
Marbled Salamander
Jefferson Salamander
Blue spotted salamander
Northern cricket frog
Several of these species were eliminated from consideration due to the lack of known populations in Colombia County generally:



Mud turtle - north of its known range.
Tiger salamander - north of its known range, confined to eastern Long Island.
Worm Snake - Moist woody areas with sandy or rock substrate. No known populations in central or lower Colombia
County.
Habitat conditions available on the site (Commercial Landscaping Supply) were then considered, and several species eliminated
from consideration.
 Bog turtle - It appears that the closed canopy of the wooded wetland would not provide the necessary basking and
nesting opportunities for bog turtles.
 Wood turtle - lack of suitable stream corridors with sandy banks and overhangs, open meadows for nesting and
foraging.
 Spotted Turtle – Lack of open water and wetlands on property
 Northern cricket frog - requires a sunny pond.
 Indiana Bat –there are no mature trees for maternal colonies.
 Northern Long-eared Bat - there are no mature trees for maternal colonies
 Fence lizard - similar to Timber rattlesnake for terrain and basking.
 Mole Salamanders – Blue Spotted Salamanders, Jefferson Salamanders, and Marbled Salamanders; these
salamanders require vernal pools and standing water wetlands, and these conditions were not observed on the
property.
 Timber rattlesnake - known in more rugged terrain with open areas of rocky ledges for basking.
 Short nosed Sturgeon – This fish’s Habitat is in the Hudson River and this project does not have any contact with the
Hudson River.
Potential State Listed “Species of Special Concern”
The Proposed Dollar General Property – Germantown Property
Common Name
Scientific Name
Habitat Requirements
Eastern box turtle
(special
Terrapene carolina
Upland woods, wooded wetland
concern)
corridors
Eastern hognose snake (special
Heterodon platyrhinos
Wooded areas with stone walls or
concern)
rocky surface
Source: New York State DEC,
Snakes
There is the possibility that habitat on-site could support the eastern hognose snake (Heterodon platyrhinos). This species is
listed by New York State as being a species of special concern (NYSDEC, 2009), although it is identified as being locally
common. It is a highly secretive species that may utilize the rock out croppings and wooded areas of the site for cover and
feeding. Since this species is also adaptable to new fields, pastures, and suburban areas, the proposed residential development,
should not result in a significant adverse impact to the hognose snake, if in fact, it is present on this site.
Turtles
The property has no canopy and no wetland or open water areas. Based on site reconnaissance, there is a possibility that the
eastern box turtle (terrapene carolina) may pass through the property as it is a very mobile turtle This species is listed by New
York State as “species of special concern”.
Eastern box turtle (Terrapene carolina). Listed as a State species of special concern, the box turtle may wander the woods
of this site. It is primarily a terrestrial turtle, although it may use stream beds or shallow ponds during the hot summer months.
The major threat to box turtles appears to be pesticide poisoning and collection as pets.
On this property, the box turtle would pass through as there is no habit for this animal to stay.
Potential Impacts to “Species of Special Concern”
Following the habitat assessment, the current subdivision plan was reviewed to determine what if any impact the eight proposed
dwellings may have on the local populations of these species.
The identified “species of special concern” included two species, that if present, are likely to utilize the upland portions of this
site.
The eastern box turtle is a mobile turtle that may pass through this property. While construction alters some patterns of
movement, there is no habitat onsite so this should not be an issue. Long term impacts are not expected unless the future
residents of these dwellings capture and collect individuals. No box turtles were observed on site.
The hognose snake is known to be adaptable to new suburban areas. Thus the proposed development should not result in a
significant adverse impact to the hognose snake if, in fact, it is present on this site. No hognose snakes were observed on the
site.
The proposal as planned, consisting of the subdivision of parcel into two lots is not expected to permanently impact the identified
species of concern, although some temporary displacement may occur during construction activities should a home be consulted
on the second lot.
Conclusion.
As stated earlier, there may be a temporary displacement of the different wildlife species on the property; however since this
property is already highly altered and has significant human activates there is not real change in habitat from the current setting
to the proposed project Therefore, it is our professional opinion that none of the wildlife species studied should be negatively
impacted by this development plan.
Proposed Dollar General– Route 9G – Wildlife Habitat Assessment Report
Photo 1 --- Area of proposed project
Photo 2 --- Commercial use of Property
Proposed Dollar General– Route 9G – Wildlife Habitat Assessment Report
Photo 3 --- Existing site conditions
Photo 4 --- Adjacent Landscaping Supply Store