PROJECT DESCRIPTION: CZR has been involved in natural resource work associated with a proposed bridge across Currituck Sound since 1995. CZR has worked on multiple task orders to assist with preparation of natural resource reports, protected species assessments, analysis of essential fish habitat, literature reviews, agency meetings, and Section 404 jurisdictional delineations. Natural resources were evaluated and addressed, including flagging of wetlands and waters on 6,623 acres. A variety of alternatives and project areas were evaluated, including widening of NC 12 and NC 158.
Field work performed by CZR for the project included mapping biotic and wetland communities, conducting research on bird use in the area, a tree survey in Maple Swamp, delineation/flagging of wetlands using sub-meter accurate GPS equipment, evaluating habitats for all protected species, and documenting terrestrial and aquatic biotic of the study areas.
Extensive literature searches of natural resource data relative to the area have been performed and summarized. CZR also prepared natural resources information for a detailed secondary and cumulative study during early phases of the project. Major topics of the project addressed by CZR include:
Physical Characteristics - topography, elevation, current land use, descriptions of soil associations and specific soil series to be affected; and preparing a description of water resources in the area.
Biotic Resources - natural and disturbed communities likely to be affected within the natural resources study area, including thorough descriptions of terrestrial and aquatic biotic resources.
Protected Species - identification of potential habitat and potential project impacts.
Jurisdictional Surface Water and Wetland Determinations - jurisdictional surface waters were identified, described and mapped.