Flat Laurel Red Spruce Restoration

Biological Evaluation/Assessment

Prepared by: Lorie L. Stroup, USFS Fisheries Biologist

for: Pisgah National Forest Pisgah Ranger District

Haywood County

September 11, 2017

I. INTRODUCTION The purpose of this biological evaluation/assessment (BE/BA) is to provide the decision maker with relevant biological information as to the possible effects and impacts this proposal may have to rare (Threatened, Endangered, Proposed, Sensitive and Forest Concern) plant and animal species. This BE/BA documents the effects of red spruce seedling planting and subsequent release (if needed) in the Flat Laurel Creek area on rare (federally proposed, endangered, threatened species, Region 8 sensitive, forest concern) species. A detailed description of the proposal can be found in the project record.

Location The Flat Laurel Red Spruce Restoration Project is located in southern Haywood County, North Carolina, on the Pisgah Ranger District of the Pisgah National Forest. Elevation within the proposed project area ranges from approximately 5,600 feet to 5,800 feet above sea level. See the project record for associated maps.

Proposed Action The Pisgah Ranger District of the National Forests in North Carolina is proposing to plant 2,000 Red Spruce (Picea rubens) seedlings on approximately 5 acres in 2017 to enhance habitat for the federally-endangered Carolina Northern Flying Squirrel (Glaucomys sabrinus coloratus) (CNFS) and overall health of the surrounding red spruce forest. Planting is proposed annually for 3 years (6,000 seedlings total). Manual release of the seedlings across approximately 150 acres may Comment [WCL-1]: My understanding was happen in the future to promote red spruce growth and stand health. The area identified for red that trees would be girdled, no herbicide use. spruce planting was chosen based on proximity to occupied CNFS habitat and will perpetuate th Comment [BS-2]: I thought we were waiting connectivity of existing red spruce forests. Prior to intense fires in the early 20 century, this area to address the release portion because folks was known to support a Fraser Fir/Red Spruce Forest. were talking about including herbicide use? Just asking… II. METHOD OF EVALUATION AND SURVEYS Potentially affected/impacted rare species and habitat were identified from the following sources (sensitive species list dated January 28, 2016) in accordance with the 1994 Forest Plan for the Nantahala and Pisgah National Forests (Amendment 5) and the 1989 Vegetation Management Environmental Assessment:

Information on rare species and their habitat on the Nantahala and Pisgah National Forests were obtained from the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), and North Carolina Natural Heritage Program (NCNHP) occurrence records. Individuals both in the public and private sector who are knowledgeable of the area and its biota. Previous project evaluations and botanical surveys conducted in 2017 for this project.

The results from the above sources yielded several known occurrences of rare species occurring within ¼ mile of the planting area and within the release area. III. SURVEY INFORMATION AND ANALYSIS

Botanical Surveys Potentially affected rare plant species were identified by:

Reviewing the county lists of rare (Endangered, Threatened, Region 8 Sensitive, and Forest Concern) plant species of the Pisgah National Forest and their habitat preferences; Evaluating element occurrence (EO) records of rare plants as maintained by the North Carolina Natural Heritage Programs (NC Biotics-NHDE, 2017); Sue Fruchey (Pisgah Zone Botanist) and Gary Kauffman (NFs in NC Botanist/Ecologist) conducted a site visit and botanical surveys in the area designated for spruce seedling planting activities on September 8, 2017.

Federally Listed Species All federally threatened or endangered plant species that occur or could occur on the Pisgah and Nantahala National Forests were initially considered in this analysis. An unofficial species list was requested from the local U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service office and includes species and critical habitat that should be considered under Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act. (US Fish & Wildlife Service, 2017). Plant species with formal listing status (Threatened or Endangered) and current record status are listed in Appendix A. There is no critical habitat for any Threatened or Endangered plants in Haywood County.

There is a large population of rock gnome lichen (Gymnoderma lineare) within 500 feet of the planting area. The majority of the known subpopulations are on boulders or bedrock in Flat Laurel Creek and their tributaries. One other small occurrence within the general area is on the rock outcrops of Sam Knob. No plants were found in the 5-acre spruce planting area during the field review on September 8, 2017. Mitigation measures include avoidance of extensive travel in stream corridors to avoid impacts to rock gnome lichen and other species found in this community type. The project will have a determination of “no effect” on these species and formal consultation with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service is not required.

The Carolina Northern Flying Squirrel (Glaucomys sabrinus coloratus) is known to occur throughout the project and surrounding areas. Habitat enhancement for this species is one of the primary reasons this project will be implemented.

Additionally, the planting area supports suitable summer maternity habitat for the threatened Northern Long-eared Bat (NLEB) (Myotis septentrionalis) and the endangered Indiana Bat (M. sodalis), although there are no records of either of these species in the project area. Both species are known to occur infrom other parts of Haywood County.

Region 8 Sensitive and Forest Concern Species All Region 8 Sensitive and Forest Concern plant species that occur or could occur on the Pisgah and Nantahala National Forests were also initially considered in this analysis. The initial list included 71 sensitive and forest concern plants known from Haywood County (Appendix A). Many of these species were excluded from further analysis because proper habitat did not occur within the proposed activity area. Table 1 lists species that occur in Haywood County, and are found in natural community types existing in the Flat Laurel Spruce Restoration project area that will be carried forward for analysis.

Table 1. Sensitive and Forest Concern Plant Species Known from Haywood County1 Considered for Analysis on the Flat Laurel Spruce Restoration Project Scientific Name Common Name Status2 Nantahala-Pisgah NF Analysis3 Suitable Habitats Sensitive and Forest Concern Plant Species Brachyelytrum Northern Shorthusk FC Serpentine Forest, Northern Hardwood Forest, 1 aristosum Grass Rich Cove Forest Dendrolycopodium FC 2 dendroideum Tree Ground-pine Grassy Balds, Spruce-Fir, Northern Hardwood Balsam Mountain FC 2 Gentiana latidens Gentian moist, often seeps, rocky slopes at high elevation Smoky Mountain S Northern Hardwood Forest, Boulderfield Forest, 1 Glyceria nubigena Mannagrass High Elevation Seep, Spruce-Fir Forest Hypericum Mountain St. S 2 graveolens John's-wort High Elevation Seep, Wet Meadow, Grassy Bald Hypericum Mitchell's St. S 2 mitchellianum John's-wort High Elevation Seep, Wet Meadow, Grassy Bald S Northern Hardwood Forest, High Elevation Seep, 2 Lilium grayi Gray's Lily Grassy Bald, Wet Meadow, Beech Gap American Fly- FC Northern Hardwood Forest, High Elevation Seep, 2 Lonicera canadensis honeysuckle Boulderfield Forest Lycopodiella inundata Bog Clubmoss FC Southern Appalachian Bog, Seep 2 Roan S Northern Hardwood Forest, Grassy Bald, Meadow, 2 Prenanthes roanensis Rattlesnakeroot Roadside, High Elevation Red Oak Forest S Northern Hardwood Forest, High Elevation Seep, 2 Southern Appalachian Bog, Meadow, Roadside, Rhododendron vaseyi Pink-shell Azalea Mesic Oak Forest, Granitic Rubus idaeus ssp. FC Northern Hardwood Forest, Boulderfield Forest, 2 strigosus Red Raspberry Spruce-Fir Forest Rugelia nudicaulis Rugel's Ragwort S Spruce-Fir Forest 3 Solidago uliginosa Bog Goldenrod FC High Elevation Seep, Southern Appalachian Bog 2 FC 2

Streptopus High Elevation Seep, Northern Hardwood Forest, amplexifolius White Mandarin Spruce-Fir Forest, Boulderfield Forest FC 2

Sticky Bog Triantha glutinosa Asphodel Southern Appalachian Bog, Seep FC 2

Trientalis borealis Starflower Rich Cove Forest, Northern Hardwood Forest FC 2

Vaccinium macrocarpon Cranberry Southern Appalachian Bog, Seep Non-Vascular Plant Species (Lichens & Liverworts) Frullania S 2 appalachiana A Liverwort Spruce-Fir Forest FC Old-growth Betula alleghaniensis in Spruce-Fir 2 Graphis sterlingiana Sterling Lips and Northern Hardwood Forests Hypotrachyna Virginia Square S rock or bark of Spruce-fir Forest, Northern 2 virginica Britches Hardwood Forest FC Northern Hardwood & Spruce-Fir Forests, heath 2 Lecanora masana Masa’s Disc Lichen balds Metzgaria temperata A Liverwort S High Elevation Forest 2 FC High elevation non-calcareous, typically wet, rocks 2 Stereocaulon surrounded, shaded, by many different habitat tenesseense Tennessee Twist types 1Only current records considered; historic, obscure or undated records dropped) 2Status (E=Endangered, T=Threatened, S=Region 8 Sensitive; FC=NFs in NC Forest Concern) 3Flat Laurel Spruce Restoration Project Area Analysis 1. Requires further analysis, known occurrences and suitable habitat for the species occurs in the proposed action area. 2. Requires further analysis; suitable habitat occurs in the analysis area (but no known occurrences). 3. Dropped, the analysis area is within range of species, but there is no suitable habitat within the proposed activity area. 4. Dropped; historic record, plant is likely extirpated.

The botanical analysis area used for this proposal consists of the 150 acres of proposed release area, which also contains all of the planting areas. All potential effects (direct, indirect and cumulative) to botanical resources in the botanical analysis area were analyzed using this boundary.

A 10 year period will be used for possible time dependent effects of this proposal to natural communities and NNIP (non-native invasive plants) species. This time period is chosen because, without continued disturbance, most natural communities will have established vegetation that would significantly alter the ability of NNIP to become established.

Existing Botanical Condition & Natural Community Types Extensive surveys have been conducted in this general area by Forest Service botanists Gary Kauffman and David Danley in 2005, Gary Kauffman in 2006 and 2011, and by NC Natural Heritage Program staff members in various years. There are several documented rare plants in the general area.

The proposed project is accessible from Flat Laurel Creek Trail (#346), a trail with wet edges and that is surrounded by a highly modified Heath Bald community type. Upslope from the trail, the majority of the proposed planting sites are located in a Northern Hardwood Forest community type. The most common overstory trees observed included Yellow Birch, Black Cherry, American Beech, Red Oak and Red Spruce. The mid-story and shrub layer included Blueberry, Serviceberry, Mountain Holly, Catawba Rhododendron, and Mountain Ash. Grouncover species observed included Whorled Wood Aster, Eastern Hayscented Fern, Canada Blackberry, Cinnamon Fern. Grasses and sedges present included Flattened Oat Grass/Danthonia compressa, Wire Grass/Avenella flexuosa, and Summer Sedge/Carex aestivalis. A few seeps were located and varous drainage areas were observed with slightly different vegetation, reflective of the higher moisture levels in the soils. Northern Hardwood Forest is not a rare community, and this location is not considered to be an excellent examples of a common community type by the NC Natural Heritage Program.

The two smaller, eastern planting areas have very few overstory trees (all Red Spruce) and consist mostly of Heath Bald vegetation including Sorbus americana, Vaccinium coryumbosum, Pieris floribunda, Viburnum cassinoides, Lycopodium clavatum, Angelica triquinata, and Osmunda cinnamomea.

In the wet edges along the trail approaching the proposed planting area, the following species were noted, Solidago glomerata, Houstonia serpyllifolia, Calamagrostis coarctata, Viola labradorica, Sphagnum palustre, Sphagnum rubellum, Salix humilis, Diervilla sessilifolia, Viburnum cassinoides, and Drosera rotundifolia. Additionally, five rare species, Hypericum graveolens, Hypericum mitchellianum, Lycopodiella inundata, Prenanthes roanensis, and Gentiana latidens, were noted within this habitat along the existing trail.

Of the 71 rare plant species that could occur in Haywood County (Appendix A), three rare plant species were documented in the 5-acre proposed planting area:

Brachyelytrum aristosum/Northern Shorthusk (FC) Glyceria nubigena/Smoky Mountain Manna Grass (S) Lecanora masana/Massa’s Disc Lichen (FC)

An additional eight rare species have been documented in the in the surrounding 150-acre release area:

Gentiana latidens/Balsam Mountain Gentian (FC) Hypericum graveolens/Mountain St. John's-wort (S) Hypericum mitchellianum/Mitchell’s St. John’s-wort (S) Lonicera canadensis/American Fly-honeysuckle (FC) Lycopodiella inundata/Bog Clubmoss (FC) Prenanthes roanensis/Roan Rattlesnakeroot (S) Solidago uliginosa/Bog Goldenrod (FC) Triantha glutinosa/Sticky Bog Asphodel (FC)

Thirteen others have suitable habitat within in the botanical analysis area, but were not located after surveys were completed.

State Natural Heritage Areas, Research Natural Areas (RNA), and Special Interest Areas There are no Research Natural Areas or botanical Special Interest Areas recognized by the current Forest Plan in the proposed spruce planting area. Therefore, this proposal will have no effect to any of these areas.

The entire proposed spruce planting area is located in the Chestnut Bald/Flat Laurel Creek/Sam Knob Natural Area, an 815-acre State Natural Heritage Area as delineated by the NC Natural Heritage Program (NC Biotics-NHDE, 2017). This site is ranked as C1/R1 “Exceptional” (1/top of 5 ranks) in the state classification system (NCNHP, 2016). The spruce planting area (5 acres) and the release area (150 acres) overlap with this State Natural Heritage Area.

We expect the action of planting spruce trees in this area will be beneficial to the area over time.

Non-Native Invasive Plants (NNIP) A list of the high priority invasive plant species across the Nantahala and Pisgah National Forests has been developed from both botanical surveys completed during the past 15 years and NNIP inventories that were conducted in 2002-2003 across selected watersheds (USDA Forest Service, 2009).

No significant populations of high priority NNIP were found at the proposed planting locations. Wildlife Surveys US Forest Service Wildlife Biologist and NC Wildlife Resources Commission Wildlife Biologist Chris Kelly visited the site in 2012. Field surveys were not required. The Natural Heritage Database was queried for elements of occurrence (EOs) within Haywood County and within the Flat Laurel Red Spruce Restoration Project area. One federally-listed animal, the Carolina Northern Flying Squirrel is known to occur in proximity to the proposed projectnown from the area, and suitable summer habitat exists for two federally-listed bats known from adjacent areas in Haywood County: Northern Long-eared Bat (Myotis septentrionalis) and Indiana Bat (M. sodalis). Monitoring of CNFS nest boxes has occurred for approximately the past 15 years near Comment [BS-3]: I guess you guys know the proposed project area. CNFS have been detected in nest boxes near the proposed project. this section is a little skinny given that this is largely a wildlife project. Aquatic Surveys Field surveys of the planting locations were not necessary as the locations are outside the 30’ riparian areas of any streams. Since there are no aquatic resources within the planting areas, there are no aquatic EO’s located within the project area.

Effects to Threatened, Endangered, Sensitive, and Forest Concern Plant Species

Direct. Indirect & Cumulative Effects to Rare Plants For plants with no known occurrences, the proposed spruce seedling planting and spruce release action will not impact (directly, indirectly, or cumulatively) any of those species: Dendrolycopodium dendroideum, Lilium grayi, Phegopteris connectilis, Rhododendron vaseyi, Rubus idaeus ssp. strigosus, Streptopus amplexifolius, Trientalis borealis, and Vaccinium macrocarpon.

Two rare liverworts and three rare lichen species have a very high likelihood of existing in this community. All of these grow on bark and spruce release activities would likely have a direct negative effect on the lichens. More extensive study would be required to accurately identify these species if larger, overstory trees are to be girdled or cut for release activities. Release actions, therefore, may impact the following non-vascular plants: Graphis sterlingiana, Hypotrachyna virginica, Metzgaria temperate, Stereocaulon tenesseense, and Frullania appalachiana.

Rare plants found within the release area (but not in the planting area), are also subject to trampling, crushing by felled trees, and indirect short-term changes in light levels due to deceased trees and shrubs. Therefore, the following plants with known occurrences in the release area may experience negative direct and indirect effects due to release activities: Hypericum graveolens, Hypericum mitchellianum, Gentiana latidens, Glyceria nubigena, Lecanora masana, Lonicera Canadensis, Lycopodiella inundata, Prenanthes roanensis, Solidago uliginosa, and Triantha glutinosa.

Brachyelytrum aristosum (Northern Shorthusk) Northern Shorthusk, an S3, G5 grass has recently had more intensive survey work completed across the Nantahala and Pisgah National Forests. At least 30 populations are currently known. Given the frequency of encountering the species at higher elevations, it is suspected the species may have been overlooked at higher elevations since it is superficially quite similar to the more common Brachyelytrum erectum. A few individuals of Brachyelytrum aristosum were located in and around seeps within the larger western group of spruce planting areas. Mitigation measures prevent planting directly in seeps and surrounding wet areas, and should therefore avoid most direct impacts.

Direct Effects: During seedling planting activities, Northern Shorthusk plants may be trampled by foot traffic. Mitigation measure #1 should ensure that none are removed during planting activities. There may be associated damage with trampling and plants growing outside obvious seep areas.

Indirect Effects: The area is already shaded, so additional plants should not change light levels dramatically over the long term. There may be initial increase in light levels with release activities, but over time, spruce seedlings will grow and replace mid-and overstory space.

Cumulative Effects: Additional activities related to spruce release activities are in the foreseeable future and this may increase direct effects within the next three years. Populations in this location are somewhat locally abundant, however, and should be able to withstand some impacts without endangering the overall viability of the population.

Glyceria nubigena (Smoky Mountain Mannagrass) Smoky Mountain Mannagrass is an S2 G2 grass found in two large populations on the forest. Several individuals of Glyceria nubigena were located in and around streams within the smaller eastern group of spruce planting areas, as well as directly in the southern-most planting unit in drier soils with open sunlight.

Direct Effects: During seedling planting activities, Smoky Mountain Manna Grass plants may be trampled by foot traffic or killed through removal/digging.

Indirect Effects: The area has a largely open canopy, so additional plants in the long term may change light levels and create a more shaded environment. Smoky Mountain Manna Grass can grow in either light situation, so indirect effects may be neutral.

Cumulative Effects: Additional activities related to spruce release activities are in the foreseeable future and this may increase direct effects within the next three years. Populations in this location are somewhat locally abundant, however, and should be able to withstand some impacts without endangering the overall viability of the population locally or across the Nantahala and Pisgah National Forests.

Effects to Threatened, Endangered, Sensitive, and Forest Concern Wildlife Species The Flat Laurel Red Spruce Restoration Project is expected to provide beneficial effects to CNFS. The recruitment of spruce stands will provide quality CNFS habitat for the foreseeable future. The benefit of this project to CNFS is greater than the potential short term disturbance associated with release of existing trees and the hand planting of spruce. Therefore, the Flat Laurel Red Spruce Restoration Project may affect, but is not likely to adversely affect Carolina Northern Flying Squirrel.

Similarly, the Flat Laurel Red Spruce Restoration Project is expected to provide beneficial effects to both the Northern Long-eared and Indiana Bats, especially following the future release of planted seedlings. It is expected that the proposed release will create snags appropriate for bat roosting. The benefit of this project to federally-listed bats is greater than the potential short term disturbance associated with release of existing trees and the hand planting of spruce. Therefore, the Flat Laurel Red Spruce Restoration Project may affect, but is not likely to adversely affect Northern Long-eared and Indiana Bats.

Effects to Aquatic Resources No aquatic PETS species or their habitat exists within the aquatic analysis and/or project areas.

IV. DETERMINATION OF EFFECTS – Botanical, Wildlife and Aquatic Through seedling planting activities, the Flat Laurel Red Spruce Restoration Project may impact individual Glyceria nubigena and Brachyelytrum aristosum plants located directly in the planting area, but is not likely to affect species viability on the Nantahala and Pisgah National Forests or cause a trend towards federal listing.

Through spruce tree release activities, the Flat Laurel Red Spruce Restoration Project may impact known individuals of ten vascular plants (Brachelytrum aristosum, Glyceria nubigena, Hypericum graveolens, Hypericum mitchellianum, Gentiana latidens, Glyceria nubigena, Lonicera canadensis, Lycopodiella inundata, Prenanthes roanensis, Solidago uliginosa, Triantha glutinosa) and may impact undetected individuals of six non-vascular plant species (Graphis sterlingiana, Hypotrachyna virginica, Lecanora masana, Metzgaria temperata, Stereocaulon tenesseense, Frullania appalachiana), but is not likely to affect species viability or cause a trend towards federal listing if mitigation measures are implemented.

The Flat Laurel Red Spruce Restoration Project may affect, but is not likely to adversely affect Carolina Northern Flying Squirrel, Northern Long-eared Bat, or Indiana Bat populations or habitat. In fact, this project is expected to enhance habitat conditions for all of these species. Consultation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is required for the CNFS and Indiana Bat. Notification of project implementation is required for the NLEB.

V. MITIGATIONS The following mitigation measures are recommended for the Flat Laurel Spruce Restoration Project:

1. Spruce seedlings will not be planted in seeps or other areas with wet soils to avoid digging up rare plants found in this community (Gentiana latidens, Glyceria nubigena, Lonicera canadensis) 2. When seedlings are transported to the planting area, travel will be directed in the center of Flat Laurel Trail to avoid trampling rare plant species found on the trail edges (Gentiana latidens, Hypericum graveolens/mitchellianum, Lycopodiella inundata, Prenanthes roanensis). 3. Workers may cross streams, but will not travel extensively up or down stream corridors in order to avoid trampling rare species found in this community (Gymnoderma lineare, Glyceria nubigena). 4. If additional planting locations are identified beyond the 5 acres designated in 2017, the land will be surveyed for rare plant species before conducting future planting activities. 5. Proposed release activities should be coordinated with botanical surveys to survey directly for rare lichens living on individual tree boles. 6. Trees with suitable CNFS nesting or bat roosting characteristics will not be removed during release activities. Comment [WCL-4]: I do not recall any discussion of tree removal, only tree girdling.

Prepared by: /s/ Lorie L. Stroup LORIE L. STROUP Fisheries Biologist, Pisgah National Forest

Contributors: Lorie Stroup, USFS Fisheries Biologist, Pisgah NF Chris Williams, USFS Wildlife Biologist, Pisgah NF Sue Fruchey, USFS Botanist, Pisgah NF

VI. WORKS CITED

Appendix A – Plant Species Considered for Analysis

Table 2. Rare Plant Species known from Haywood County1 Considered for Analysis on the Flat Laurel Spruce Restoration Project Scientific Name Common Name Status2 Nantahala-Pisgah NF Analysis3 Suitable Habitats Federally Threatened and Endangered Plant Species Geum radiatum Spreading Avens E High Elevation Rocky Summit 3 (Documented on the Pisgah NF) Gymnoderma lineare Rock Gnome E High Elevation Rocky Summit, Moist Rock Outcrop 2 Lichen in Acidic Cove in Gorge, High Elevation Granitic Dome, Spruce-Fir Forest (Documented on the Pisgah NF; within ¼ mile of the project area) Isotria medeoloides Small Whorled T White Pine Forest, Mesic Oak-Hickory, Acidic Cove 3 Pogonia Forest, Rich Cove Forest, Dry-Mesic Oak Forest (Documented on the Pisgah NF) Sensitive and Forest Concern Plant Species Aconitum reclinatum Trailing Wolfsbane S Northern Hardwood Cove Forest, Boulderfield 2 Forest, High Elevation Seep, Rich Cove Forest Adlumia fungosa Climbing Fumitory FC Rich Cove Forest, Montane Acidic Cliff, Montane 3 Calcareous Cliff Botrychium Daisy-leaf FC Rich Cove Forest, Meadow, Grassy Bald 3 matricariifolium Moonwort Botrychium simplex Least Moonwort FC Meadow, Roadside, Grassy Bald 3 var. simplex Brachyelytrum Northern Shorthusk FC Serpentine Forest, Northern Hardwood Forest, 1 aristosum Rich Cove Forest Brachythecium Rota's Feather FC Acidic Cove Forest 3 rotaeanum Moss Buckleya Piratebush S Hemlock Hardwood Forest, Acidic Cove Forest, 3 distichophylla Montane Acidic Cliff, Mesic Oak-Hickory, Dry Slopes, Forests on lower slope Campanula FC High Elevation Rocky Summit, Montane Acidic Cliff 3 aparinoides Marsh Bellflower Campylopus FC crevices and seepage zones on exposed granite 3 atrovirens var. Black Fish Hook atrovirens Moss Mountain S Boulderfield Forest, Northern Hardwood Cove 2 Cardamine clematitis Bittercress Forest, Spruce-Fir Forest, High Elevation Seep S High Elevation Granitic Dome, Montane Cedar- 3 Carex biltmoreana Biltmore Sedge Hardwood Forest, Montane Acidic Cliff S High Elevation Rocky Summit, Montane Acidic 3 Carex misera Miserable Sedge Cliff, High Elevation Granitic Dome Carex oligocarpa Few-fruited Sedge FC Rich Cove Forest 3 Carex roanensis Roan Sedge S Rich Cove Forest, Montane Oak-Hickory, Dry- 3 Mesic Oak Chamerion FC 3 platphyllum Purple Willowherb Meadow, Grassy Bald Chelone obliqua Red Turtlehead FC swamp forests, bogs 3 Broadleaf S 2 Coreopsis latifolia Coreopsis Rich Cove Forest, Northern Hardwood Cove Forest Crocanthemum FC Montane Mafic Cliff, Montane Calcareous Cliff, 3 bicknellii Plains Sunrose High Elevation Granitic Dome Crocanthemum FC Glade, Southern Appalachian Fen, Montane Acidic 3 propinquum Creeping Sunrose Cliff Danthonia epilis Bog Oatgrass S High Elevation Granitic Dome, Seep 2 S Rich Cove Forest, Grassy Bald, Glade, Montane 3 Delphinium exaltatum Tall Larkspur Oak-Hickory, mafic rock Dendrolycopodium FC 2 dendroideum Tree Ground-pine Grassy Balds, Spruce-Fir, Northern Hardwood Dicentra eximia Bleeding Heart FC Montane Acidic Cliff, Montane Mafic Cliff 3 Dodecatheon meadia Eastern Shooting FC Montane Mafic Cliff, Montane Cedar-Hardwood 3 var. meadia Star Forest Draba ramosissima Branching Draba FC Montane Mafic Cliff, Montane Calcareous Cliff 3 Euphorbia commutata Cliff Spurge FC Montane Mafic Cliff, Montane Calcareous Cliff 3 S Northern Hardwood Forest, Rich Cove Forest, 2 Euphorbia purpurea Glade Spurge Mesic oak-hickory Queen-of-the- FC 3 Filipendula rubra Prairie Southern Appalachian Bog, Wet Meadow Frullania S 2 appalachiana A Liverwort Spruce-Fir Forest Balsam Mountain FC 2 Gentiana latidens Gentian moist, often seeps, rocky slopes at high elevation Smoky Mountain S Northern Hardwood Forest, Boulderfield Forest, 1 Glyceria nubigena Mannagrass High Elevation Seep, Spruce-Fir Forest FC Old-growth Betula alleghaniensis in Spruce-Fir 2 Graphis sterlingiana Sterling Lips and Northern Hardwood Forests S Rich Cove Forest, Northern Hardwood Forest, High 2 Helianthus Whiteleaf Elevation Red Oak Forest, Mesic Oak-Hickory glaucophyllus Sunflower Forest, Roadside Hypericum Mountain St. S 2 graveolens John's-wort High Elevation Seep, Wet Meadow, Grassy Bald Hypericum Mitchell's St. S 2 mitchellianum John's-wort High Elevation Seep, Wet Meadow, Grassy Bald Hypotrachyna Virginia Square S rock or bark of Spruce-fir Forest, Northern 2 virginica Britches Hardwood Forest S Rich Cove Forest, Mesic Oak-Hickory, Montane 3 Juglans cinerea Butternut Alluvial Forest SCC Northern Hardwood & Spruce-Fir Forests, heath 2 Lecanora masana Masa’s Disc Lichen balds S Northern Hardwood Forest, High Elevation Seep, 2 Lilium grayi Gray's Lily Grassy Bald, Wet Meadow, Beech Gap Lilium philadelphicum FC 3 var. philadelphicum Wood Lily Grassy Bald, Meadow, Glade Lonicera canadensis American Fly- FC Northern Hardwood Forest, High Elevation Seep, 2 honeysuckle Boulderfield Forest Lycopodiella inundata Bog Clubmoss FC Southern Appalachian Bog, Seep 2 FC Northern Hardwood Forest, Boulderfield Forest, 3 Meehania cordata Meehania Rich Cove Forest Metzgaria temperata A Liverwort S High Elevation Forest 2 Micranthes S Northern Hardwood Forest, Montane Acidic Cliff, 2 caroliniana Carolina Saxifrage High Elevation Rocky Summit S Rich Cove Forest, Mesic Oak-Hickory, Dry Oak- 3 Hickory, Dry-Mesic Oak Forest, Pine-Oak/Heath Monotropsis odorata Sweet Pinesap Forest Nothoceros S 2 aenigmaticus A Hornwort Stream Divided-leaf S Montane Acidic Cliff, Montane Cedar-Hardwood 3 Packera millefolium Ragwort Woodland, High Elevation Granitic Dome Large-leaved FC Seep, Fen, Serpentine Woodland, Roadside, mafic 3 Parnassia grandifolia Grass-of-parnassus rock FC Serpentine Woodland, Southern Appalachian Bog, 3 Pedicularis lanceolata Swamp Lousewort Seep, Swamp, Wet Meadow Peltigera hydrothyria An Aquatic Lichen S Stream 3 Phegopteris Northern Beech FC 3 connectilis Fern Spray Cliff, Spruce-Fir Forest, High Elevation Seep Platanthera flava var. Northern Green FC Southern Appalachian Bog, Swamp Forest-Bog 3 herbiola Orchid Complex Plathynidium Long-beaked Water FC 2 riparioides Feather Moss moist hardwood forest, coniferous swamps Poa saltuensis A Bluegrass FC Serpentine Woodland, Serpentine Forest 3 Roan S Northern Hardwood Forest, Grassy Bald, Meadow, 2 Prenanthes roanensis Rattlesnakeroot Roadside, High Elevation Red Oak Forest Pycnanthemum Tennessee FC 3 curvipes Mountain-mint rock outcrops, dry rocky woodlands S Northern Hardwood Forest, High Elevation Seep, 2 Southern Appalachian Bog, Meadow, Roadside, Rhododendron vaseyi Pink-shell Azalea Mesic Oak Forest, Granitic Riccardia jugata A Liverwort S Rotten Logs in Acidic Cove Forest in Gorge 3 Robinia hispida var. FC High Elevation Red Oak Forest, Montane Acidic 3 kelseyi Kelsey's Locust Cliff Rubus idaeus ssp. FC Northern Hardwood Forest, Boulderfield Forest, 2 strigosus Red Raspberry Spruce-Fir Forest Rugelia nudicaulis Rugel's Ragwort S Spruce-Fir Forest 3 S Rich Cove Forest, Mesic Oak-Hickory, Roadside, 3 Silene ovata Mountain Catchfly mafic rock Solidago uliginosa Bog Goldenrod FC High Elevation Seep, Southern Appalachian Bog 2 FC High elevation non-calcareous, typically wet, rocks 2 Stereocaulon surrounded, shaded, by many different habitat tenesseense Tennessee Twist types Streptopus FC High Elevation Seep, Northern Hardwood Forest, 2 amplexifolius White Mandarin Spruce-Fir Forest, Boulderfield Forest Sticky Bog FC 2 Triantha glutinosa Asphodel Southern Appalachian Bog, Seep Trichophorum FC 3 cespitosum Deerhair Bulrush Montane Acidic Cliff, High Elevation Granitic Dome Trientalis borealis Starflower FC Rich Cove Forest, Northern Hardwood Forest 2 Southern Nodding S 3 Trillium rugelii Trillium Rich Cove Forest, low elevation Vaccinium FC 2 macrocarpon Cranberry Southern Appalachian Bog, Seep 1Only current records considered; historic, obscure or undated records dropped) 2Status (E=Endangered, T=Threatened, S=Region 8 Sensitive; FC=NFs in NC Forest Concern; SCC=Species of Conservation Concern) 3Flat Laurel Spruce Restoration Project Area Analysis 1. Requires further analysis, known occurrences and suitable habitat for the species occurs in the proposed action area. 2. Requires further analysis; suitable habitat occurs in the analysis area (but no known occurrences). 3. Dropped, the analysis area is within range of species, but there is no suitable habitat within the proposed activity area. 4. Dropped; historic record, plant is likely extirpated.

Appendix B Plant lists