180th Street & Giles Road

Description

The overall goal of this project was to improve S. 180^th Street and its intersection with Giles Road to accommodate increased traffic due to the development of the surrounding areas. To accomplish this, a temporary bridge had to be constructed over the South Papillion Creek to assist in the construction of the new route for S. 180^th Street. To construct the temporary bridge, tree clearing was necessary. Seven trees were designated for removal on the south bank of the South Papillion Creek. In addition to an avian nest survey, this project included a bat survey, to determine the presence or absence of the Northern Long-Eared Bat (NLEB) in the area where tree clearing was to occur.

Limited access to the project area required special planning. The project area was bordered to the south by an active railroad line and to the north by the South Papillion Creek, limiting the walk-in access. Coordination with the on-site contractor allowed our scientist to be transported across the creek in a boom lift to complete the nest survey.

No nests or NLEB roosts were found. E&A communicated with the on-site contractor and informed them they were able to start work in the area. A photo log and written report were provided to the client to keep on file.

*Note: An avian nest survey and an NLEB presence/absence survey must be conducted or supervised by a qualified biologist. Avian nest surveys must be completed no more than 3 days before the removal of trees, shrubs, or vegetation that may contain an active nest. The MBTA is applicable year-round, but most migratory bird nesting in Nebraska takes place between April and September. NLEB presence/absence surveys must be conducted during the primary roosting period for the Northern Long-Eared Bat between June and July. This survey must be completed no more than 3 days before the removal of trees that may contain NLEB roosts.