HomeMy WebLinkAboutMP-21-02A - Supplemental - 3070 Williston Road (12)
BETA South 40 Production Facility: Rare, Threatened, and Endangered Plant Survey and Potential Bat Roost Tree Assessment Report
South Burlington, Vermont
September 24, 2021
Prepared for: BETA Air, LLC 1150 Airport Drive, South Burlington, VT 05446 Prepared by: Stantec Consulting Services Inc. 55 Green Mountain Drive South Burlington, VT 05403
BETA SOUTH 40 PRODUCTION FACILITY: RARE, THREATENED, AND ENDANGERED PLANT SURVEY AND POTENTIAL BAT ROOST TREE ASSESSMENT REPORT
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Table of Contents
1.0 INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................... 1
2.0 METHODOLOGY .............................................................................................................. 1
2.1 BOTANICAL SURVEY ...................................................................................................... 1
2.2 ROOST TREE ASSESSMENT ......................................................................................... 1
3.0 RESULTS ......................................................................................................................... 2
3.1 BOTANICAL SURVEY ...................................................................................................... 2
3.2 ROOST TREE ASSESSMENT ......................................................................................... 4
4.0 SUMMARY AND RECOMMENDATIONS ........................................................................ 5
5.0 REFERENCES .................................................................................................................. 6
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1. Rare Plant Survey and Bat Roost Tree Assessment Map
LIST OF APPENDICES
APPENDIX A REPRESENTATIVE PHOTOGRAPHS ....................................................... A.1
APPENDIX B RARE PLANT FORMS ............................................................................... B.1
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1.0 INTRODUCTION
BETA Technologies (BETA) plans to construct an approximately 400,000 square foot production facility at
the Burlington International Airport (BTV) in South Burlington, Vermont (Project). To support state and
federal natural resource permitting, Stantec Consulting Services Inc. (Stantec) conducted a rare,
threatened, and endangered (RTE) plant survey and an assessment of potential trees that may provide
suitable roost habitat for state- and federally listed bats at the Project site on June 30, 2021. This report
presents the results of these efforts.
2.0 METHODOLOGY
2.1 BOTANICAL SURVEY
Prior to conducting field surveys, a desktop review using the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources
(ANR) Natural Resource Atlas was conducted to identify known occurrences of RTE plants proximal to
the Project area. Stantec consulted with Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department (VFWD) Natural Heritage
Inventory (NHI) staff following the desktop review to confirm their recommendations for follow-up RTE
plant field surveys.
Following the desktop review and VFWD NHI coordination, Matt Arsenault, a professional botanist and
Certified Ecologist, conducted meander surveys within and adjacent to the proposed work limits
associated with the Project to target RTE plant species known from the vicinity of the Project and to
observe additional species listed on the VFWD NHI Rare and Uncommon Native Vascular Plants of
Vermont (August 9, 2018) list as well as the those listed by the US Fish and Wildlife Service under the
Endangered Species Act. The field surveys were conducted at a seasonally appropriate time when many
potential RTE plants would be identifiable.
Data were recorded on existing natural community conditions, including dominant and characteristic, as
well as other notable plant species, hydrology, evidence of disturbances, and overall landscape context.
Representative photographs were taken of existing conditions. Each observed RTE plant occurrence was
located with a global positioning system (GPS) receiver capable of submeter accuracy. Data were
collected on population size, associated habitat, and overall condition. Photographs were taken of
representative specimens and the associated habitat (Appendix A).
2.2 ROOST TREE ASSESSMENT
Concurrent with the RTE plant survey, surveys were conducted within forested areas associated with the
proposed Project footprint area. Trees were inspected to identify potential features that could be used as
summer roosts for state- and federally listed bat species, particularly northern long-eared bat (Myotis
septentrionalis) and Indiana bat (Myotis sodalis). Potential features included observable peeling or
exfoliating bark, cavities, or cracks in the bole or branches as well as live shagbark hickory (Carya ovata)
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and black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia) trees. The assessment was limited to those features that were
observable from ground level. Data were recorded on tree characteristics including species, approximate
diameter at breast height, approximate height, and observed potential bat roost features. Representative
photographs were taken as appropriate.
3.0 RESULTS
3.1 BOTANICAL SURVEY
The desktop assessment indicated two previously known RTE plant occurrences within the Project area.
These species included Howe’s sedge (Carex atlantica var. capillacea) and nodding trillium (Trillium
cernuum), and VFWD NHI requested surveys for these plant species as well as other listed RTE plants.
Howe’s sedge has a state rarity rank of “S1”, meaning the species is “critically imperiled” and at a “very
high risk of extinction or extirpation due to extreme rarity, very steep declines, or other factors.” Nodding
trillium has a state rarity rank of “S3”, which means the species is “vulnerable” and at a moderate risk of
extinction/extirpation due to restricted range, relatively few populations or occurrences, recent and
widespread declines, or other factors.”
Field surveys were conducted on June 30, 2021, and resulted in observations of two state-listed RTE
plant species: Howe’s sedge and cursed crowfoot (Ranunculus sceleratus). Both were observed in a
large, forested wetland system located in the southwestern portion of the Project area. Each species is
further discussed below. Figure 1 shows the locations of the observed RTE plants as well as the areas
surveyed. Representative photographs are provided in Appendix A and completed Vermont Rare Plant
Forms for the observations are provided in Appendix B.
Howe’s Sedge
Howe’s sedge occur on vegetated hummocks in the western
portion of an inundated forested wetland complex
Commonly associated species include red maple (Acer rubrum), glossy false-buckthorn (Frangula alnus),
common winterberry (Ilex verticillata), speckled alder (Alnus incana), gray birch (Betula populifolia), marsh
fern (Thelypteris palustris), swamp yellow-loosestrife (Lysimachia terrestris), lakeside sedge (Carex
lacustris), purple loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria), rice cut grass (Leersia oryzoides), tufted yellow-
loosestrife (Lysimachia thyrsiflora), cinnamon fern (Osmundastrum cinnamomeum), royal fern (Osmunda
regalis), and bearded sedge (Carex comosa). The exact population count is approximate as most of the
hummocks are largely inaccessible within the wetland habitat area due to the presence of deep inundated
and mucky substrates between the vegetated hummocks. Field surveys were primarily limited to the
wetland and those hummocks that were reasonably accessible proximal to the wetland
periphery. The population likely continues farther into the interior of the wetland that were not accessible
during the field survey.
Identification of Howe’s sedge can be challenging and difficulties in distinguishing it from inland sedge
(Carex interior), a common wetland species, exist in the field. However, the following observed
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characteristics were used to confirm the identification of Howe’s sedge (from Arsenault et al 2013; Gilman
2015, Haines 2011, and Reznicek et al 2011):
• Observed perigynia approximately 1.8 to 2.1 millimeter (mm) wide and widest below the middle (vs.
perigynia mostly less than 1.8 mm wide and widest near the middle in inland sedge).
• Observed perigynia with several conspicuous nerves on the adaxial surface (vs. adaxial nerves
lacking or inconspicuous in inland sedge).
• Observed perigynia mostly concavely or cuneately tapering to a beak and lacking “shoulders” (vs.
perigynia convexly tapering and forming “shoulders” at the transition from perigynia body to the beak
in inland sedge).
• Perigynia beak serrated with evident spaces between the serrations (vs. perigynia beak setulose-
serrate with inconspicuous spaces between serrations in inland sedge)
• Leaves less than 1.6 mm wide (vs. leaves over 1.6 mm wide in Atlantic sedge (Carex atlantica var.
atlantica)).
Cursed Crowfoot
cursed crowfoot were observed
The plants were growing in inundated mucky
substrates. The plants were associated with gray birch, glossy false-buckthorn, common duckweed
(Lemna minor), tussock sedge (Carex stricta), and marsh fern. Suitable habitat for this species exists
throughout the forested wetland in the southwestern portion of the Project area. As noted above, field
surveys of this wetland area were largely limited to the wetland area due to the presence
of deep inundated organic substrates in the interior of the wetland which limited access.
On-Site Natural Communities
The majority of the Project area consists of developed or vacant land with existing uses associated with a
recreational vehicle dealership and an active sand and gravel quarry operation and do not provide
suitable habitat for the target RTE species.
As noted above, a large wetland complex is present in the western portion of the Project area. The
western portion of the wetland is forested with species assemblages consistent with those associated
with the Howe’s sedge and curse crowfoot occurrences described above. The central and eastern portion
of the wetland is a large emergent and inundated marsh dominated by narrow-leaved cat-tail (Typha
angustifolia) along with common duckweed, northern water-meal (Wolffia borealis), Columbian water-
meal (Wolffia columbiana), and common reed (Phragmites austrailis). The periphery of this wetland area
was surveyed for RTE plants, but none were observed. The interior is inundated and was largely
inaccessible at the time of the field survey.
A mixed oak-pine upland forest is present in the northwestern portion of the project area. This area is
dominated by an even-age canopy of eastern white pine (Pinus strobus) with red oak (Quercus rubra)
interspersed. The understory consists of American witch-hazel (Hamamelis virginiana), wild sarsaparilla
(Aralia nudicaulis), Morrow’s honeysuckle (Lonicera morrowii), bracken fern (Pteridium aquilinum), glossy
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false-buckthorn, Canada-mayflower (Maianthemum canadense), and marginal wood fern (Dryopteris
marginalis). No RTE species were observed in this area.
The eastern portion of the Project area abuts a mixed forest associated with Muddy Brook east of an
open utility line corridor. The forest is mesic and consists of a canopy of red maple, American beech
(Fagus grandifolia), eastern white pine, and eastern hemlock (Tusga canadensis). The understory is open
and includes species such as marginal wood fern, rosy sedge (Carex rosea), drooping woodland sedge
(Carex arctata), spinulose wood fern (Dryopteris carthusiana), wild sarsaparilla, poison-ivy
(Toxicodendron radicans), northern lady fern (Athyrium angustum), and white baneberry (Actaea
pachypoda). No RTE species were observed in this area.
A few small areas of residual trees and fragment forests are present within the central portion of the
Project area. A narrow row of eastern white pine is present along the northern edge of the Project site
and a small forest fragment is present along the southern edge of the Project area. The small forest
fragment along the southern edge of the Project area consists of a canopy of big-toothed aspen (Populus
gradidentata), black locust, black cherry (Prunus serotina), red maple, and white ash (Fraxinus
americana). The understory is weedy and consists primarily of common buckthorn (Rhamnus cathertica),
Morrow’s honeysuckle, and garlic-mustard (Alliaria petiolata) along with broad-leaved enchanter’s-
nightshade (Circaea canadensis), jumpseed (Persicaria virginiana), northern lady fern, and white avens
(Geum canadense). Virginia-creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia) and river grape (Vitis riparia) vines
are entangling many of the associated trees. This area provides limited potential for RTE plant species
due to its fragmented nature and proliferation on non-native and other aggressive species.
3.2 ROOST TREE ASSESSMENT
Three forest fragments were observed during the field surveys. A small, linear row of eastern white pine
occupying approximately 0.4 acres is present in the north-central portion of the Project area and abuts the
airport. The trees in this area were approximately 6 to 10 inches in diameter and 35 to 40 feet tall. No
evidence of peeling bark, cavities, cracks, or other potential bat roost features were observed in this
forest stand.
An approximately 2-acre forest fragment is present in the southeastern portion of the Project area and
consists of early to mid-successional species with typical diameters of approximately 4 to 10 inches with
an overall canopy height of approximately 50 to 60 feet. Associated species include gray birch, white ash,
big-toothed aspen, black locust, red maple, black cherry, and red oak trees. The presence of black locust,
a tree supporting furrowed and ridged bark, is considered potential roost habitat for tree-roosting bats.
These trees occur throughout the forest stand.
An approximately 0.3-acre forest fragment is present in the south-central portion of the Project area. This
area supports black locust trees approximately 6 to 8 inches in diameter and 50 to 60 feet tall. No
evidence of peeling bark, cavities, cracks, or other potential bat roost features were observed in this
forest stand. The presence of black locust, a tree supporting furrowed and ridged bark, is considered
potential roost habitat for tree-roosting bats. These trees occur throughout the forest stand.
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4.0 SUMMARY AND RECOMMENDATIONS
In summary, two occurrences of RTE plants were observed including Howe’s
sedge and cursed crowfoot. Both occur within a large, forested wetland complex
. At present, there are no Project-related impacts proposed proximal to these
locations; therefore, no adverse impacts to these populations or the associated habitat are anticipated.
The remainder of the Project area provides negligible potential habitat for RTE plants due to the existing
development and ongoing commercial land uses. No additional field RTE plant field surveys are
recommended.
Potential bat roost habitat is limited to the forest fragments in the southern portion of the site where black
locust trees throughout the area provide potential bat roost habitat. Per the VFWD, trees identified as
potential roosts should not be cut when bats are active and concentrated on the forest between April 1
and October 31. In addition, a 100-foot buffer is to be retained around potential roost trees during the
active period. If the time of year restrictions for tree removal cannot be met, surveys to determine bat
presence will likely be required (VFWD 2018).
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5.0 REFERENCES
Arsenault, M., G.H. Mittelhauser, D. Cameron, A.C. Dibble, A. Haines, S.C. Rooney, and J. Webber.
2013. Sedges of Maine: A Field Guide to Cyperaceae. University of Maine Press. Orono, ME.
Gilman, A.V. 2015. New Flora of Vermont: Memoirs of the New York Botanical Garden, Volume 110. The
New York Botanical Garden Press, Bronx, NY.
Haines, Arthur. 2011. New England Wild Flower Society’s Flora Novae Angliae: A Manual for the
Identification of the Native and Naturalized Higher Vascular Plants of New England. Yale
University Press. New Haven, CT.
Reznicek, A.A., E.G. Voss, and B.S. Walters. 2011. Michigan Flora Online. February. University of
Michigan. Web. May 21, 2021. https://michiganflora.net/
Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department (VFWD). 2018. Potential Roost Tree Survey Methods for
Endangered Bats. January.
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Appendices
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A.1
Appendix A REPRESENTATIVE PHOTOGRAPHS
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Photo 1. Howe’s sedge forested wetland habitat, view to the south. Stantec. June 30, 2021.
Photo 2. Howe’s sedge forested wetland habitat, view to the east from Aviation Avenue. Stantec. June
30, 2021.
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Photo 3. Howe’s sedge clump. Stantec. June 30, 2021.
Photo 4. Howe’s sedge perigynia (note approximately 2 mm width and presence of evident veins on
adaxial face). Stantec. June 30, 2021.
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Photo 5. Howe’s sedge perigynia (note approximately 2 mm width. +/- cuneately to concavely tapering
from body to beak, and presence of evident veins on adaxial face). Stantec. June 30, 2021.
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Photo 6. Howe’s sedge. Stantec. June 30, 2021.
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Photo 7. Howe’s sedge. Stantec. June 30, 2021.
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Photo 8. Cursed crowfoot. Stantec. June 30, 2021.
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Photo 9. Cursed crowfoot habitat. Stantec. June 30, 2021.
Photo 10. Existing development and vacant land at Project area, view to the south. Stantec. June 30,
2021.
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Photo 11. Existing development and vacant land at Project area, view to the east. Stantec. June 30,
2021.
Photo 12. Emergent wetland in central portion of Project area, view to the southeast. Stantec. June 30,
2021.
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Photo 13. Emergent wetland in central portion of Project area, view to the south. Stantec. June 30, 2021.
Photo 14. Oak-pine upland forest in western portion of Project area, view to the southwest. Stantec. June
30, 2021.
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Photo 15. Mixed woods in eastern portion of Project area proximal to Muddy Brook, view to the north.
Stantec. June 30, 2021.
Photo 16. Row of residual white pine trees along northern edge of Project area, view to the southwest.
Stantec. June 30, 2021.
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Photo 17. Weedy forest fragment in south-central portion of Project area, view to the southwest. Stantec.
June 30, 2021.
Photo 18. Weedy forest fragment in south-central portion of Project area with black locust trees providing
potential roost habitat, view to the southeast. Stantec. June 30, 2021.
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Photo 19. Small forest fragment in south-central portion of Project area with black locust trees with black locust trees providing potential roost habitat, view to the southeast. Stantec. June 30, 2021.
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Appendix B RARE PLANT FORMS