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Home My WebLink AboutBald Eagle Survey 08-10-20 619 North Pennsylvania Street, Indianapolis, Indiana 46204 | 317.423.0690 V3 | Visio, Vertere, Virtute … The Vision to Transform with Excellence 10 August 2020 Mr. Steve Pittman Pittman Partners PO Box 554 Carmel, Indiana, 46082 RE: Threatened and Endangered Species Consultation Hoffman Estates | Carmel, Hamilton County, Indiana Dear Mr. Pittman: The purpose of this report is to describe the findings of an assessment of the Hoffman Estates (SITE) as it pertains to the presence of Bald Eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus). The SITE is located southeast of the intersection of 146th Street and Towne Road in Carmel, Hamilton County, Indiana (Figure 1). Figure 1: Project Location Map Limitation of Liability This report has been prepared solely in accordance with an agreement between Pittman Partners (“CLIENT”) and V3 Companies, Ltd (V3). The services performed by V3 have been conducted in a manner consistent with the level of quality and skill generally exercised by members of its profession and consulting practices relating to this type of engagement. This report is solely for the use of CLIENT, and was prepared based upon an understanding of CLIENT’s specific objective(s), and based upon information obtained by V3 in furtherance of CLIENT’s specific objective(s). Any reliance of this report by third parties shall be at such third party's sole risk as this report may not contain, or be based upon, sufficient information for purposes of other parties, for their objectives, or for other uses. This report shall only be presented in full and may not be used to support any other objectives than those for CLIENT as set out in the report, except where written approval and consent are expressly provided by CLIENT and V3. Page 2 of 4 Pittman Partners – Hoffman Estates August 2020 V3 | Visio, Vertere, Virtute … The Vision to Transform with Excellence Desktop Review BACKGROUND The Indiana Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) provides general characteristics and habitat information on the Bald Eagle 1. Distinctive characteristics of the bird include a white feathered head, brown body, and yellow legs. The Bald Eagle is a large bird of prey with a wingspan ranging from 6.5 to 7 feet. Bald Eagles typically nest around large bodies of water like the White River and typically avoid highly developed areas. Their nest can range in size but are typically 5‐7 feet in diameter and two feet deep. SITE DESCRIPTION AND SURROUNDING LAND USE The SITE is located in Carmel, Hamilton County, Indiana southeast of the intersection of 146th Street and Towne Road. The SITE is approximately 60 acres comprising a residence, forested area, agricultural field, a drainage feature, and open water source (Figure 2). Predominant surrounding land use includes residential areas and agriculture fields. The close proximity to human activity and the lack of a nearby large body of water indicates the SITE is not ideal for Bald Eagle roosts. Figure 2: Aerial Imagery THE INDIANA NATURAL HERITAGE DATA CENTER The Indiana Natural Heritage Data Center (INHDC) is a database containing records of endangered, threated, and rare species (ETR) in the state of Indiana. The database also includes records of state species of special concern and sensitive habitats. The Bald Eagle is a species of special concern in Indiana. Federally, the Bald Eagle is no longer listed as an endangered species but is protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and other federal laws2. 1 “DNR:Bald Eagle”. In.Gov, 2020, https://www.in.gov/dnr/fishwild/3383.htm 2 Service, U.S. "USFWS: Laws That Protect Bald Eagles". Fws.Gov, 2020, https://www.fws.gov/midwest/eagle/History/protections.html. Page 3 of 4 Pittman Partners – Hoffman Estates August 2020 V3 | Visio, Vertere, Virtute … The Vision to Transform with Excellence V3 submitted a request for INHDC records of any ETR and state species of special concern within 0.5‐mile radius of the SITE. The INHDC does not have any record of any such species within a 0.5‐mile radius of the SITE. The response letter is attached to this report. Field Reconnaissance Summary V3 staff scientists conducted a SITE investigation on 31 July 2020 to look for the presence of Bald Eagle nests. The forested area (approximately 7 acres) within the SITE was investigated by visual inspection of tree canopies. The entire forested area was walked and trees were observed from multiple angles. Auditory observations were made in addition to the visual survey. No visual or auditory evidence of Bald Eagles were observed. SITE Photos During the field reconnaissance of the SITE completed on 31 July 2020, V3 obtained photographs to document existing conditions. Photo 1: North forested area looking South Photo 2: Central forested area looking North Photo 3: East of forested looking south Photo 4: Representative large tree onsite Page 4 of 4 Pittman Partners – Hoffman Estates August 2020 V3 | Visio, Vertere, Virtute … The Vision to Transform with Excellence Conclusions Based on the IDNR’s description of Bald Eagle roost habitat in Indiana, the SITE does not appear to be suitable for Bald Eagle nests. In addition, the INHDC does not have a record of Bald Eagles within a 0.5‐mile radius of the SITE. Based on the desktop review and the field reconnaissance, there is a very low probability that Bald Eagles are present on‐SITE. V3 appreciates the opportunity to be of service to Pittman Partners and looks forward to working together in the future. If you have any questions or comments concerning the preliminary natural resource assessment, please contact us at your earliest convenience. Best regards, V3 COMPANIES, LTD. Ridley Collins Jeffrey S. Moody Project Scientist Regulatory Services Group Leader Enclosure – Indiana Natural Heritage Data Center Letter Eric Holcomb, Governor The DNR mission: Protect, enhance, preserve and wisely use natural, cultural and recreational resources for the benefit of Indiana’s citizens through professional leadership, management and education. www.DNR.IN.gov An Equal Opportunity Employer Division of Nature Preserves 402 W. Washington St., Rm W267 Indianapolis, IN 46204-2739 July 31, 2020 Ridley Collins V3 Companies 619 N Pennsylvania Street Indianapolis, IN 46204 Dear Ridley Collins: I am responding to your request for information on the endangered, threatened, or rare (ETR) species, high quality natural communities, and natural areas for the Hoffman Farm Proposed Residential Development located in Hamilton County, Indiana. The Indiana Natural Heritage Data Center has been checked and there are no ETR species or significant areas documented within 0.5 mile of the project area. The information I am providing does not preclude the requirement for further consultation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service as required under Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act of 1973. If you have concerns about potential Endangered Species Act issues you should contact the Service at their Bloomington, Indiana office. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 620 South Walker St. Bloomington, Indiana 47403-2121 (812)334-4261 At some point, you may need to contact the Department of Natural Resources' Environmental Review Coordinator so that other divisions within the department have the opportunity to review your proposal. For more information, please contact: Department of Natural Resources Attn: Christie Stanifer Environmental Coordinator Division of Fish and Wildlife 402 W. Washington Street, Room W273 Indianapolis, IN 46204 (317)232-8163 Please note that the Indiana Natural Heritage Data Center relies on the observations of many individuals for our data. In most cases, the information is not the result of comprehensive field surveys conducted at Ridley Collins 2 July 31, 2020 particular sites. Therefore, our statement that there are no documented significant natural features at a site should not be interpreted to mean that the site does not support special plants or animals. Due to the dynamic nature and sensitivity of the data, this information should not be used for any project other than that for which it was originally intended. It may be necessary for you to request updated material from us in order to base your planning decisions on the most current information. Thank you for contacting the Indiana Natural Heritage Data Center. You may reach me at (317)233-2558 you have any questions or need additional information. Sincerely, Taylor Davis Indiana Natural Heritage Data Center Enclosure: Invoice