HomeMy WebLinkAbout20220023 23 Richard Final Subdivision Updated T&E ReportFebruary 13, 2023
Mr. Nick Costa, P.E.
Advance Engineering & Surveying, PLLC
11 Herbert Drive
Latham, New York 12110
Re: Threatened and Endangered Species Review
23 Richard Ave (Tax ID: 178.44-3-20)
City of Saratoga Springs, Saratoga County, New York
Dear Mr. Coasta:
Pursuant to your request, North Country Ecological Services, Inc. (NOES) completed an ecological
assessment of the above -referenced property in search of habitats that would be deemed conducive
to the existence of state and federally -listed Endangered, Threatened, and/or Rare (ETR) species
of flora and fauna. The New York State Dept. of Environmental Conservation (DEC)
Environmental Resource Mapper (ERM) was consulted by the project engineer for species and
community types of concern. The ERM listed the Kamer Blue Butterfly (Lycaeides melissa
samuelis) and the Frosted Elfin (Callophrys irus) as potential species that could occupy the
property, based on its general geographic location.
Based on the information from the DEC, a field visit was warranted to determine if the site could
support the species listed, and if the community types existed on/or near the subject property.
Site Location & Description
The subject property is located along the western side of Richard Ave, immediately adjacent
(southwest) of the intersections of Penn Street and Richard Ave, in the City of Saratoga Springs,
Saratoga County, New York (Figure 1). The centralized coordinates are 43' 03' 55.72" (43.065) N
Latitude and 73' 46' 51.69" (-73.781) W Longitude. The Tax Map ID of the parcel is 178.44-3-
20.
The property can be described as a vacant and fallow corner building lot. It contains mid -
successional growth of trees and shrubs with sporadic ground vegetation.
Based on the definitions presented in the Ecological Communities of New York State (Edinger,
2014) the following ecological community has been identified on the property:
0 Successional northern hardwoods (Edinger)
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Figure 1 — Site Location Map
Page Two
The entire area of review consisted of a few small diameter trees and sparse ground vegetation.
The approximate location and configuration of the ecological community types identified on the
property are shown on the Vegetative Cover Types graphic (Figure 2). Land use surrounding the
property consists of residential housing. Photographs of the property, that were taken during the
field assessment to document the existing conditions observed, are attached for your reference.
Existing Conditions
Soils
According to the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service Web Soil Survey 3.2 for
Saratoga County, New York (the "Soil Survey"), one (1) soil type Deerfield loamy fine sand, with
3 to 8 percent slopes (DeB) is found within the boundaries of the subject property (Figure 3). A
description of this soil type, was obtained directly from the Soil Survey and is provided below:
The Soil Survey describes Deerfield loamy fine sand, undulating (DeB), as very deep, moderately
well drained soil formed in water sorted sand. It is located on glacial outwash plains and terraces.
Slopes range from 3 to 8 percent, and are complex. Individual areas range from 10 to 30 acres and
are oval or rectangular. The permeability of the soil is said to be rapid or very rapid in the solum
and very rapid in the substratum. The depth to the bedrock is said to be greater than 60 inches.
Sandy soils often contain Wild blue lupine, the host plant for both species, and nectar source
vegetation. Wild blue lupine and nectar source plants are associated with open fields or lands
dominated by shrub vegetation.
Vegetation
During the ecological review, NCES identified one (1) ecological community within the
boundaries of the property. This ecological community is Successional northern hardwoods. Some
semi -mature trees are present within the interior of the property. During the late spring, summer,
and early fall months, the property will contain a dense canopy; providing inadequate habitat
conditions for both the Kamer blue butterfly, and the Frosted Elfin. In addition to the dense canopy
cover, ground vegetation was sparse and did not contain Wild blue lupine, or the necessary nectar
sources for butterflies or moths.
The dominant species of vegetation observed within the ecological community identified are listed
below:
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FIGURE 2 — Vegetative Cover Types
Page Three
The dominant species of vegetation observed within the Successional northern hardwoods
ecological community include, but are not limited to: white pine (Pinus strobus), Norway maple
(Acer plantanoides), red oak (Quercus rubra), black oak (Quercus velutina), black cherry (Prunus
serotina), oriental bittersweet (Celastrus orbiculatus), and tatarian honeysuckle (Lonicera
tatarica).
The Endangered & Threatened Species Ecological Review included the following activities:
1) An in-house review of the DEC's ERM. NCES submitted a request for listed species and
community types to the DEC Natural Heritage Office (NHO) for the site on December 15,
2022. The NHO issued a response letter dated February 2, 2023, and is attached for
reference.
2) An on -site field review of the existing ecological communities, habitats, and indigenous
flora/fauna present within the project area to determine the likelihood of endangered,
threatened and/or rare species presence.
The information obtained from the DEC NHO identifies that the following species have the
potential to be present at, or within the immediate vicinity, of the subject property:
• Kamer blue butterfly (Lycaeides melissa samuelis) — State and Federally Endangered
• Frosted Elfin (Callophrys irus) — State Threatened and Federally not listed
There were no Critical Habitats identified within the property boundaries. On December 14, 2022,
NCES visited the property and assessed the vegetative community types and species habitats
within the boundaries of the subject property. During the assessment, NCES walked the entire site
to assess the existing conditions, identify the individual ecological community types, and to
document the species of flora and fauna. In addition, NCES actively searched for ETR species, as
well as for habitats that would be deemed conducive to the presence of those species.
Endangered/Threatened Species Field Assessment
To complete the assessment, NCES utilized opportunistic visual survey methodologies as well as
cover object search techniques. During the assessment, NCES compiled separate lists of the
species of flora and fauna that were observed.
Specific habitat assessments for those species referenced by the agency consultations are provided
below:
Page Four
Karner blue butterfly Habitat Assessment
NCES conducted a ground survey for potential Karner blue butterfly habitat utilizing the
information contained within the Final Recovery Plan for the Karner Blue Butterfly (USFWS,
2003) (the "Karner Blue RP") as well as other information regarding survey guidelines presented
in the Karner Blue Butterfly Resource Guides (NYNHP, 2008). Suitable Karner Blue Butterfly
habitat is characterized as consisting of Oak Savannas, Pine Barrens and occasionally Lake Dune
Complexes (Haack, 1992). Suitable habitat is associated with dry sandy early successional sites
that possess low open canopies (<5% cover) and a variety of nectar sources. Suitable habitats and
viable populations of Karner Blue Butterflies exist within the Albany Pine Bush and within Pitch
Pine — Scrub Oak barrens found in Saratoga County (NYNHP, 2008). Viable Karner Blue Butterfly
habitat is almost always associated with Wild Blue Lupine (Lupinus perennis), as lupine is the
only associated host plant that is utilized by the larvae of the species. While wild blue lupine is the
exclusive larval host plant of the Karner blue butterfly, many first -generation adults also utilize
the lupine as a nectar source (Haack, 1992).
Frosted Elfin Habitat Assessment
NCES conducted a ground survey for potential Frosted Elfin habitat utilizing information provided
by the New York Natural Heritage Office and New York State Department of Environmental
Conservation, which detail the requirements of suitable habitat conducive to the existence of the
species. According to information obtained from the New York Natural Heritage Animal Guide
(2021) "Typical habitat features include a shrubby or partially open aspect and a high density of
the foodplant, although the observations of Albanese et al. (2006) may not apply fully to the lupine
feeders which seem more capable of using open grassland with no tall shrubs or trees." In addition,
"The key habitat feature is an abundance of the foodplant or, perhaps, many moderate -sized
patches of the foodplant within a few hundred acres or more. This species is often associated with
remnant pine barrens, oak savannas, or dry oak forest."
There are two distinct races of Frosted Elfin. One race of Elfin feeds on the flowers or seed pods
of wild lupine (Lupinus perennis). The second race feeds on leaves and stems of wild indigo
(Baptisia tinctoria). The race of Elfin associated with wild lupine is known to exist in scattered
populations in Albany and Saratoga counties. This race also occurs in Oneida and Genesee
counties. The Elfin race that relies upon wild indigo (Baptisia spp.) as the food source occurs in
the lower Hudson Valley and on Long Island.
Page Five
Other Sensitive Species and Habitats
During the review, NCES did not observe any endangered or threatened species on the property.
In addition, NCES did not identify any Species of Special Concern, or otherwise considered rare,
as identified by the New York Rare Animal and/or New York Rare Plant Lists that have been
established by the DEC. During the review, no ecologically significant or otherwise unique
habitats were documented on, or immediately adjacent to, the property.
Conclusion
During the review, no endangered, threatened, or rare species of flora/fauna were observed. In
addition, no significant ecological communities or otherwise rare/unique habitats were identified
on, or immediately adjacent to, the subject property. The subject property did not contain open
areas with Wild Blue Lupine or nectar sources for either butterfly species. The property is a corner
residential building lot within an existing residential housing subdivision. The on -site habitat is
common within the general geographic region and not considered habitat that would support
endangered or threatened species. On January 18, 2023, NCES revisited the site when there was
no snow on the ground to take additional photos and confirm the initial findings. As a result of the
two field reviews, NCES confirms the absence of Wild Blue Lupine, Wild Indigo, and other key
species of flora required for inhabitance by the Kamer blue butterfly or Frosted Elfin. Therefore,
no impacts to these species will occur.
If you have any questions regarding this evaluation, please do not hesitate to contact NCES at any
time.
Sincerely,
North Country Ecological Services, Inc.
Stephen P. George, PWS
President
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NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION
Division of Fish and Wildlife, New York Natural Heritage Program
625 Broadway, Fifth Floor, Albany, NY 12233-4757
P: (518) 402-8935 1 F: (518) 402-8925
www dec ny.gov
February 2, 2023
Stephen P. George
North Country Ecological Services, Inc.
25 West Fulton Street
Gloversville, NY 12078
Re: 23 Richard Ave
County: Saratoga Town/City: Saratoga Springs
Dear Stephen P. George:
In response to your recent request, we have reviewed the New York Natural Heritage
Program database with respect to the above project.
Enclosed is a report of rare or state -listed animals and plants, and significant natural
communities that our database indicates occur in the vicinity of the project site.
For most sites, comprehensive field surveys have not been conducted; the enclosed
report only includes records from our database. We cannot provide a definitive statement as
to the presence or absence of all rare or state -listed species or significant natural
communities. Depending on the nature of the project and the conditions at the project site,
further information from on -site surveys or other sources may be required to fully assess
impacts on biological resources.
The presence of the plants and animals identified in the enclosed report may result in
this project requiring additional review or permit conditions. For further guidance, and for
information regarding other permits that may be required under state law for regulated areas
or activities (e.g., regulated wetlands), please contact the NYS DEC Region 5 Office, Division
of Environmental Permits, at dep.r5@dec.ny.gov.
Sincerely,
f.
Heidi Krahling
Environmental Review Specialist
New York Natural Heritage Program
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XlwY6Rx Department of
o`"'r.anwin Environmental
Conservation
New York Natural Heritage Program Report on State -listed Animals
The following state -listed animals have been documented
in the vicinity of the project site.
The following list includes animals that are listed by NYS as Endangered, Threatened, or Special Concern;
and/or that are federally listed.
For information about any permit considerations for your project, please contact the Permits staff at
the NYSDEC Region 5 Office at dep.r5(adec.ny.gov, (518) 623-1286.
The following species have been documented within 1/4 mile of the project site.
COMMON.VAME SCIENTIFIC:VAME NY STATE LISTING FEDERAL LISTING
Butterflies
Frosted Elfin Callophrys irus Threatened
Karner Blue Plebejus melissa samuelis Endangered Endangered
This report only includes records from the NY Natural Heritage database.
Information about many of the listed animals in New York, including habitat, biology, identification,
conservation, and management, are available online in Natural Heritage's Conservation Guides at
www.guides.nynhp.org, and from NYSDEC at www.dec.ny.gov/animals/7494.html.
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