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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