ML043420122

Letter Regarding Endangered Species Observation (Spring Salamander Rare Animal Form) Near the Yankee Nuclear Power Station

ML043420122
Person / Time
Site:	Yankee Rowe
Issue date:	11/24/2003
From:	Roy R Woodlot Alternatives
To:	NRC/FSME, State of MA, Div of Fisheries & Wildlife
References
BYR 2003-098
Download: ML043420122 (6)

Text

ul2AWOODLOT I ALALTERNATIVES, INC.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTANTS November 24, 2003 BYR 2003-098 Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program Massachusetts Division of Fisheries & Wildlife North Drive Westborough, MA 01581 Re: Spring Salamander Rare Animal Form To Whom It May Concern:

Please find enclosed'a rare animal form for a recent spring salamander (Gyrinophilusporphyriticuts) observation made in Rowe, Massachusetts. The form represents the observation of only one individual.

That individual, however, was a late-stage larva, indicating successful breeding in the past several years.

The location of the observation was in the headwater reaches of Wheeler Brook, near the Vermont State Line. The portion of the brook it occurred in does not appear on the USGS topographic map but it has been hand drawn on the attached map and located with a portable GPS unit. Suitable habitat for the species exists throughout most of Wheeler Brook, though those areas nearer the Deerfield River become lower gradient and, consequently, have greater amounts of sand and gravel substrate.

Current land use in the area within Massachusetts is forestry and the adjacent land in Vermont is National Forest. The area in Massachusetts is currently under a forest management plan and active forestry is being conducted. Activities within riparian zones, has however, been restricted and does not appear to be affecting habitat conditions for spring salamanders within Wheeler Brook.

Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions about this observation.

Sincerely, Woodlot Alternatives, Inc.

Robert D. Roy Certified Wildlife Biologist Cc: Ken Dow, Yankee Rowe Laura Caputo, CLFV Jim Hamilton, CLFV 30 PARK DRIVE TOPSHAM, MAINE 04086 PHONE 207-729- 119 9 FAX 207-729-27 15

Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Program MA Division of Fisheries & Wildlife North Drive, Westborough, MA 01581 (508) 792-7270 x 200 RARE ANIMAL OBSERVATION FORM

1. OBSERVER INFORMATION a) Oi-ver's Name, Address, Phone:

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2. LOCATIONAL INFORMATION Please describe where this rare species observation was made. 4o,-i,;

6wf(.. GEt -A 2 Oe a 4 C44 'oF a) Town: T2To.)

County: TZpgM\:,LtN3 USGS Topo:

b) Please attach a photo copy of the appropriate section of a USGS topo map (or similar map if a topo map is unavailable).

Please carefully mark the site in red where you observed this rare species.

c) Please explain in writing how to get to this spot: e.r Arc ,f VIA

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3. POPULATION INFORMATION Please describe what you observed.

a) Number of animals observed:

b) Age and sex of animals observed:

c) Evidence (if any) of breeding activity at this site:

d) Have you observed this species at this site in previous years?

If yes, please give details:

SITE INFORMATION a) Description of habitat at this site:

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at this site:

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I> P ox- - -;)Zc tl= ~ " f c) Landowner's name and address, if known:

SPECIES IDENTIFICATION a) Was a positive ID possible? '£S .

Based on what field marks? S,.k ,_ c oL_c 2 rvpL j 4 IULtSI S IZ't b) Were photographs or slides taken? G S If yes, please submit a clear photograph or slide of the animal.

c) Qualifications of observer (check all that apply):

__Amateur naturalist - Years of experience

___Conservation Commission member

. iology/science teacher jtEnvironmental Consultant

_-Degree in Biology - Bachelor's __ Master's Ph.D._

__Other - Please specify

with field experience d) Briefly explain your previous d) Briefly explain your previous field experience with this species: q-A 4V - E- 5-vo e) List names and qualifications of other observers (if any):

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS (if any):

CERTIFICATION:

I hereby certify under pains and penalties of perjury that the information contained in this report is true and complete to the best of my knowledge.

Signature:

Date j0 Please submit field forms and all supporting documentation (USGS map, photo, etc.) to:

Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program MA Division of Fisheries & Wildlife North Drive Westborough, MA 01581 (508) 792-7270 ext. 200 Thank you for contributing to the Natural Heritage &

Endangered Species Program database. Your efforts are valuable and appreciated.

(AQP Copyright 2000 DeLorme. TopoTools Advwnecd Print xii. Scale: I : 24.000 Zoom Level: 13-5 Datum: WGSS4

Late larval spring salamander found in upper headwater area of Wheeler Brook, Rowe, Massachusetts.