Division of Fish and Wildlife Letter
State of New Jersey
Department of Environmental Protection
Division of Fish and Wildlife Endangered and Nongame Species Program
P.O. Box 400
Trenton, NJ 08625-0400
Phone: 609) 292-9400
Fax; (609) 984 141
Visit:njfishandwildlife.comApril 21, 2003
Mr. Anthony Sabidussi
New Jersey Department of Transportation
Bureau of Environmental Services
P.O. Box 600
Trenton, NJ 08625-0600Dear Mi. Sabidussi:
This is in response to your letter of March 18, 2003 n which you requested the Division of Fish and Wildlife's position on ~e long-eared owl (Asio otus) record from the Sarnoff Property in West Windsor Township. This record has been accepted as a documented sighting and is currently being entered into the Natural Heritage Program's Biological Conservation Database.
Our preliminary assessment of the proposed bypass alternatives that are routed through the Sarnoff - property is that they would essentia11y destroy the documented habitat of this state-threatened species. It does not appear that onsite mitigation wi11 be possible as little additional habitat exists in the vicinity. Please be advised that this is a preliminary assessment based on incomplete information regarding the various alternatives that are being proposed. We look forward to reviewing the final EIS when available.
In addition, we would recommend that additional surveys for endangered and threatened species be conducted on the site. It should be noted that the absence of records of endangered and threatened species on a site does not confirm their absence. Many areas of the state have not yet been surveyed for the occurrence of endangered and threatened species. To properly assess the potential impacts of this project additional rare species data should be obtained.
The Endangered and Nongame Species Program can provide technical assistance with survey protocols if required. If I can be of further assistance regarding this matter please do not hesitate to contact me.
Sincerely,
Larry Niles
Chief
State of New Jersey
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSFORTATION
P.O. BOX 600
TRENTON, NJ 086250-0600
March 18, 2003
Mr. Mike Valent
Endangered and Non-game Species Program
Natural & Historic Resources
New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection
PO Box 404
Trenton, NJ 08625-0400RE: Long-Eared Owl (Asio otus)
Report Sarnoff Property, West Windsor Township, Mercer County, New Jersey Confirmation Request for Penns Neck Area EISDear Mr. Valent:
The New Jersey Department of Transportation (Department) is undertaking an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) to identify means to improve access and mobility in the Penns Neck area of West Windsor Township, Mercer County, and its environs. Our consultant, DMJM+HARRIS, recently requested a written response as to your office's position regarding the long-eared owl sighting report. We are pleased to receive your prompt and definitive response.
In furtherance of their effort, we kindly ask your assistance in helping us to respond to inquiries we have received about the owl from our Roundtable Citizen's Advisory Group and the public. In particular, there is a strong desire to understand what it means that the study area has a roosting, State-threatened owl in terms of legal protections, habitat requirements, buffers, and project consequences. DMJM+HARRIS's review of the GIS map, in the context of the 18 roadway alternatives being considered in the EIS, indicates that a key component of some alternatives would impact the location of the owl. As we examine the positive and negative impacts of the various alternatives, the extent to which you can assist us in educating EIS readers on the protection process, your written assistance would greatly bolster the EIS.
If desired, I can provide you with concept drawings showing the location of the proposed roadways, or any other information you think would be helpful. Should you have any questions or need additional information, please do not hesitate to contact me directly at 609-530-2989. Thank you for your assistance.
Very truly yours,
Anthony Sabidussi
Section Chief
Bureau of Environmental ServicesCc K. Koschek (NJDEP)
L. Roche (D+H)
J. Carnegie (VTPI)
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