United States Department of the Interior Fish and Wildlife Service

This morning I contacted the United States Department of the Interior Fish and Wildlife Service seeking their input on the Gillespie property proposed rezoning and development. 

At present the Fish and Wildlife Service has no record of the project or communication with the noted Developers RK Investors Charlotte, LLC.

While provisions of both the National Environmental Policy act and the Endangered Species Act of 1973 may apply, there is no reason to believe that there at this point is any violation. 

According to Fish and Wildlife of concern in our area are the following:

Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus)

Bog Turtle (Glyptemys muhlenbergii)

Carolina Heelsplitter (Lasmigona decorata)

Georgia Aster (Symphyotrichum georgianum) 

Northern Long-Eared Bat (Myotis septentrionalis)

Schweinitz's Sunflower (Helianthus schweinitzii)

All which have the possibility to have adapted to the rather isolated woodland area just off Elm Land and bordering Mecklenburg County's Four Mile Creek Greenway.

Unfortunately neither The Department of the Interior or Fish and Wildlife have the ability to force the developer to conduct a study to determine the presence or the effects of development on any of the above species in the area. 

However it is their policy to encourage environmental surveys on projects like this, especially since the property is bordered by "wetlands" on nearly 3 sides.

Perhaps the City of Charlotte should request this?

Also If you haven't signed the petition please do so here. 

CS