2001 S ERCD - Longleaf Ecological of Whispering Pines for Update of the Inventory of Natural Areas and Wildlife Habitat

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ATTACHMENT A Orange County Natural Areas Inventory Update Scope of Work Project Objectives: 1. To update the status of the 64 natural areas identified in the 1988 Inventory. Sites will be revisited based on priorities set by Orange County ERCD. 2. To incorporate new data gathered since the 1988 Inventory, such as new occurrences on file with the Natural Heritage Program and the Landscape for Wildlife reports (Parts I and II) by the Triangle Land Conservancy. 3. To identify and evaluate new areas with significant natural communities and critical species habitat, particularly in the Little River and Cedar Grove townships. 4. To integrate information about the aquatic environment, especially freshwater mussels, into the Inventory. 5. To reevaluate the adequacy of the wildlife corridor system proposed in 1988. General Procedures: Communicate with and solicit information from other knowledgeable individuals and organizations during the course of the project. 2. Document any changes to the 64 identified natural areas, including loss or addition of endangered/threatened plant and animal species, and changes to "integrity" and "threat status" rankings. 3. Compile any available documentation of site surveys for significant natural areas protected by acquisition or conservation easement since 1988. 4. Obtain from Orange County maps of forest cover and type based on the most current aerial photos to aid in the identification of likely significant natural areas. 5. Coordinate with the Orange County ERCD, NC Division of Parks and Recreation (Natural Heritage and Resource Management programs), Eno River State Park, Triangle Land Conservancy, Eno River Association, and NC Wildlife Resources Commission to identify natural area sites (terrestrial and aquatic), determine land ownership, and obtain landowner permission to visit the sites. 6. Conduct site surveys and prepare site descriptions of additional natural areas (terrestrial and aquatic) according to current NHP protocol (Attachment Q. 7. Determine if the linkages recommended as wildlife corridors in 1988 are still able to serve their designated function by identifying existing and potential barriers to movement, migration, and dispersal. Consult relevant biological research on corridors published since 1988.