COMMONWEALTH of VIRGINIA
DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION AND RECREATION
203 Governor Street, Suite 302
TDD (804) 786-2121 Richmond, Virginia 23219-2010 (804) 786-6124 FAX (804) 786-6141

January 11, 2001


Mr. J. Mark Wittkofski
Virginia Department of Transportation
1401 East Broad Street
Richmond, Virginia 23219-2000


Re: 1-73 Location Study Between Roanoke and the North Carolina State Line: Draft Environmental Impact Statement & Draft Section 4 (f) Evaluation, Project Numbers:
FHWA-VA-EIS-NH-962-2 (004); 0073-962-F0I, PE 101

Dear Mr. Wittkofski:

The Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) has reviewed the submitted I-73 Location Study Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) and offers the following comments. The DEIS has correctly identified the scenic river resources in the corridor. These include the Roanoke, Pigg, Blackwater, and Smith Rivers. It has also correctly identified the potential State Scenic Rivers in the corridor. Major recreational sites falling within the corridor boundaries have been referenced as well as the Blue Ridge Parkway. The DEIS presents several options within the corridor for locating I-73, however it does not designate or clearly indicate which option; presented is the preferred option and why it is the preferred option. Therefore, as the plans for I-73 evolve, it is recommended that the Virginia Department of Transportation receive confirmation from DCR on the status of rivers, natural heritage resources and determination of any needed 6 (f) conversion requirements.

Virginia is a major tourist destination and has a goal of becoming one of the top 5 travel destinations in the Country. One reason people come to the Commonwealth is because of the high visual quality of the landscape, and the variety and diversity of its recreation, natural heritage and open space resources. The criteria, which are used to address the maintenance of these characters of the corridor, should be an important factor in the selection of the preferred corridor option. This would include the minimization of direct and visual impacts to the agriculturil and forest resources in the corridor. One of the world class resources is the Blue Ridge Parkway. Several options call for an under crossing of the parkway. Minimal physical and visual impact to the parkway and its viewshed should be prominent consideration in the determination of the appropriate corridor development option. The options, which utilize existing transportation corridors, would appear to protect important landscape features by eliminating intrusions outside of existing transportation corridors.

A search of DCR's Biological and Conservation Data System (BCD) has identified many natural heritage resources within the boundaries of the corridor as outlined on the maps submitted in the DEIS. Natural heritage resources are defined as the habitat of
rare, threatened, or endangered plant and animal species, unique or exemplary natural communities, and significant geologic formations.

Presented by section, for your convenience, the following natural heritage resources have
been identified:

Segments- 105, 116B, 118, 118B, 118C, 144, 287A, 294, 321,
329, 349, 372, 373, 374, 376, 369, 373, 377, 377B,
378, 379, 380, 382, 386, 387, 390, 392, 393, 387,
392, 393, 394, 397, 398, 399, 400
No Comment

No Build Sites -1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 11,13, 14,15,16, 17, 19, 20, 21, 22,23, 26, 29, 30, 33, 35, 37
No Comment


# 18 and #28 (No Build)


According to information currently in our files, the Roanoke logperch (Percina rex, G2/S1S2/LE/LE) has been documented in Tinker Creek. The Roanoke logperch is endemic to the Roanoke and Chowan river drainages in Virginia (Burkhead and Jenkins, 1991). This species inhabits medium and large, warm and usually clear rivers with sandy to boulder spotted bottoms (TNC et.al., 1991). The Roanoke logperch is threatened by channelization, siltation, impoundment, pollution, and de-watering activities (Burkhead & Jenkins, 1991). Please note that the Roanoke logperch is currently classified as endangered by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries (VDGIF). Due to the status of the logperch, DCR recommends coordination with the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries (VDGIF) to ensure compliance with protected species legislation.

#31 (No Build)

Accordin to the information currently in our files, the Appalachian grizzled skipper (Pyrgus wyandot G2/S2) and the Regal fritillary (Speyeria idalia G3/S1) have historically been documented north of the intersection ot Route 311 and Route 631. However, this record has not been verified since 1938. Any absence of data may indicate that the project area has not been surveyed, rather than confirm that the area lacks natural heritage resources.


#34 (No Build)

According to the information currently in our files, a significant ultramafsic barren community has been documented in the project vicinity and may occur at this location. For DCR purposes, significant communities are defined to include, both outstanding examples of common community types and all examples of rare community types. Rare community types include both small remnants of types which formerly occupied a much larger land area and those restricted to habitats which have always been widely scattered on the landscape. As functional landscape units, natural communities are important for several reasons. They support a myriad of life forms too cryptic or poorly known to be catalogued and prioritized individually and provide the nurturing environment for both rare and common species. They also contribute to the maintenance of larger ecosystems and possess unique intrinsic scientific, educational, and aesthetic values. It is therefore important to locate, classify, and evaluate these features as part of any comprehensive inventory of natural heritage resources.

This community supports the rare plant the Northern dropseed (Sporobolus beterolepis G5/S1/NF/NS). This is the only known site for Northern dropseed in the state of Virginia. Due, to the rare and unique community and associated plant species, DCR recommends avoiding this community during road improvements.

Segment-333 (Options 1, la)

According to the information currently in our files, the Downy phlox (Phlox pilosa G5T5/S2) has historically been documented along Route 87. However, this record has not been verified since 1969. No other natural heritage resources have been documented from the study area. Any absence of data may indicate that the project area has not been surveyed, rather than confirm that the area lacks natural heritage resources.

Segment 152 (Option 1)

According to information currently in our files, the bigeye jumprock (Scartomyzon ariommus, G2/S2/NF/NS) has been documented in the Pigg River upstream of the project vicinity. The bigeye jumprock, a globally rare fish species, is endemic to the upper and middle Roanoke drainage Virginia and North Carolina ( Jenkins & Burkhead, 1993) and typically occurs in warm montane and upper Piedmont streams (Jenkins & Burkhead, 1993).

Segment 385 (Options 1, 2, 2a, 2b)

According to the information currently in our files, the orangefin madtom (Noturus gilberti, G2/S1/SOC/LT) has been documented in Big Chestnut Creek, a tributary to the Pigg River. The orangefin madtom, native to the upper Roanoke drainage in Virginia and North Carolina, inhabits moderate to strong riffles and runs having little or no silt in moderate-gradient, intermontane and upper Piedmont streams (Jenkins and Burkhead, 1993). This species is an intersticine dweller, found in or near cavities formed by rubble and boulders (Jenkins and Burkhead, 1993). Please note that the orangefin madrom is currently classified as a threatened by the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries. The orangefin madtom is also currently tracked as a species of concern by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS); however this designation has no official legal status.

Segment 381 (Option 1a)

According to information currently in our files, the bigeye jumprock (Scartomyzon ariommus, G2/S2/NF/NS) has been documented in Blackwater Creek. The bigeye jumprock, a globally rare fish species, is endemic to the upper and middle Roanoke drainage in Virginia and North Carolina (Jenkins & Burkhead 1995) and typically occurs in warm montane and upper
Piedmont streams Jenkins & Burkhead, 1993).

Segment 375 (Options 2b, 3, 3a, 3b, 3c), Segment 376 (Options 2, 2a, 2c), Segment 371 (Option 4), and No Build #4

According to information currently in our files, the bigeye jumprock (Scartomyzon ariommus, G2/S2/NF/NS), the Roanoke Logperch and the orangefin madtom ( Noturus gilberti, G2/S1/SOC/LT) have been documented in the Roanoke River. The bigeye jumprock, a globally rare fish species, is endemic to the upper and middle Roanoke drainage in Virginia and North Carolina (Jenkins & Burkhead 1993) and typically occurs in warm montane and upper Piedmont streams (Jenkins & Burkhead, 1993).

The Roanoke logperch (Percina rex, G2/S1S2/LE/LE) is endemic to the Roanoke and Chowan river drainages in Virginia (Burkhead and Jenkins, 1991). This species inhabits medium and large, warm and usually clear rivers with sandy to boulder spotted bottoms (TNC et.al., 1991). The Roanoke logperch is threatened by channelization, siltation, impoundment, pollution, and de-watering activities (Burkhead & Jenkins, 1991). Please note that the Roanoke logperch is currently classified as endangered by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries (VDGIF). Due to the status of the logperch, DCR recommends coordination with the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries (VDGIF) to ensure compliance with protected species legislation.

The orangefin madtom, native to the upper Roanoke drainage in Virginia and North Carolina, inhabits moderate to strong riffles and runs having little or no silt in moderate-gradient, intermontane and upper Piedmont streams (Jenkins and Burkhead, 1993). This species is an intersticine dweller found in or near cavities formed by rubble and boulders Jenkins and Burkhead, 1993). Please note that the orangefin madtom is currently classified as a threatened by the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries. The orangefin madtom is also currently tracked as a species of concern by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS); however this designation has no official legal status.

Segment 152 (Option 1), Segment 153 (Options 2,2a,2b,2c), Segment 382 (Options 3,3a,3b,3c), Segment 192A (Options 1a,4), No-build #32 and TSM

According to information currently in our files, the bigeye jumprock (Scartomyzon ariommus, G2/S2/NF/NS), the Roanoke Logperch and the orangefin madtom ( Noturus gilberti, G2/S1/SOC/LT) have been documented in the Pigg River. The bigeye jumprock, a globally rare fish species, is endemic to the upper and middle Roanoke drainage in Virginia and North Carolina (Jenkins & Burkhead 1993) and typically occurs in warm montane and upper Piedmont streams (Jenkins & Burkhead, 1993).

The Roanoke logperch (Percina rex, G2/S1S2/LE/LE) is endemic to the Roanoke and Chowan river drainages in Virginia (Burkhead and Jenkins, 1991). This species inhabits medium and large, warm and usually clear rivers with sandy to boulder spotted bottoms (TNC et.al., 1991). The Roanoke logperch is threatened by channelization, siltation, impoundment, pollution, and de-watering activities (Burkhead & Jenkins, 1991). Please note that the Roanoke logperch is currently classified as endangered by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries (VDGIF). Due to the status of the logperch, DCR recommends coordination with the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries (VDGIF) to ensure compliance with protected species legislation.

The orangefin madtom, native to the upper Roanoke drainage in Virginia and North Carolina, inhabits moderate to strong riffles and runs having little or no silt in moderate-gradient, intermontane and upper Piedmont streams (Jenkins and Burkhead, 1993). This species is an intersticine dweller found in or near cavities formed by rubble and boulders Jenkins and Burkhead, 1993). Please note that the orangefin madtom is currently classified as a threatened by the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries. The orangefin madtom is also currently tracked as a species of concern by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS); however this designation has no official legal status.


Segment 202A (Options 2,2a, 2b) and Segment 385 (Options 1, 2, 2a, 2b)

According to the information currently in our files, the orangefin madtom (Noturus gilberti, G2/S1/SOC/LT) has been documented in Big Chestnut Creek, a tributary to the Pigg River. The orangefin madtom, native to the upper Roanoke drainage in Virginia and North Carolina, inhabits moderate to strong riffles and runs having little or no silt in moderate-gradient, intermontane and upper Piedmont streams (Jenkins and Burkhead, 1993). This species is an intersticine dweller, found in or near cavities formed by rubble and boulders (Jenkins and Burkhead, 1993). Please note that the orangefin madrom is currently classified as a threatened by the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries (VDGIF). The orangefin madtom is also currently tracked as a species of concern by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS); however this designation has no official legal status.

Segment 333 (TSM, Options 1 and 1a), Segment 388 (Options 3, 3a, 3b, 3c), Segment 391 (Options 2, 2a, 2b, 2c) and No Build #36


According to information currently in our files, the Roanoke logperch (Percina rex, G2/S1S2/LE/LE) has been documented in the Smith River. The Roanoke logperch is endemic to the Roanoke and Chowan river drainages in Virginia (Burkhead and Jenkins, 1991). This species inhabits medium and large, warm and usually clear rivers with sandy to boulder spotted bottoms (TNC et.al., 1991). The Roanoke logperch is threatened by channelization, siltation, impoundment, pollution, and de-watering activities (Burkhead & Jenkins, 1991). Please note that the Roanoke logperch is currently classified as endangered by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries (VDGIF). Due to the status of the logperch, DCR recommends coordination with the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries (VDGIF) to ensure compliance with protected species legislation.

Segment 371 (Option 4)

According to information currently in our files piratebush (Buckleya distichophylla G3/S2/SOC/LE) has been documented in the Poor Mountain Natural Area Preserve. Piratebush (Buckleya distichophylla G3/S2/SOC/LE) is a shrub species that inhabits shaly, often, very steep, xeric slopes with a southerly or westerly exposure. This species is a root parasite, meaning it taps into the root systems of neighboring plants for nutritional purposes. Found at only a few locations in Virginia, Tennessee and North Carolina, piratebush is considered one of the rarest shrubs in eastern North America. Threats to this species include fire suppression, habitat destruction, over collecting, and browsing, presumably by deer (Musselman, 1991). Please note that this species is currently classified as endangered by the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS). It is also tracked as a species of concern by the USFWS; however this designation has no official legal status.

Due to the potential for this site to support additional populations of natural heritage resources, DCR recommends an inventory of suitable habitat in the study area. With the survey results we can more accurately evaluate potential impacts to natural heritage resources and offer specific protection recommendations or minimizing impacts to the documented resources. DCR also recommends coordination with the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries (VDGIF), and the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) to ensure compliance with protected species legislation.

The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, which has regulatory authority to conserve rare and endangered plant and insect species through the Virginia Endangered Plant and Insect Species Act, has established a Memorandum of Agreement with the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation, Division of Natural Heritage (DCR-DNH). Under this Agreement DCR-DNH, in consultation with VDACS, represents VDACS in its comments and recommendations regarding the potential impact of reviewed projects or activities on state- and federal-listed plant and insect species. Please coordinate your survey results with DCR-DNH so that we may determine if further mitigation measures should be included to minimize impacts to piratebush.

DCR-Division of Natural Heritage biologists are qualified and available to conduct inventories for rare, threatened, and endangered species. Please contact J. Christopher Ludwig, Natural Heritage Inventory Manager, at (804) 371-6206 to discuss arrangements for field work. A list of other individuals who are qualified to conduct inventories may be obtained from the USFWS.

Segment 371 (Option 4) and No Build # 12

In addition to plant and animal heritage resources, a significant limestone/dolomite barren community with the following associated rare plants; Addison's leatherflower (Clematis addisonii, G2/S2/NF/NS), Plains muhly (Muhlenbergia cuspidata G4/S2/NF/NS) and Chestnut lipfern (Cheilanthes eatonii G5?/S2/NF/NS) has been documented in the project vicinity and may occur at this location. For DCR purposes, significant communities are defined to include both outstanding examples of common community types and all examples of rare community types. Rare community types include both small remnants of types which formerly occupied a much larger land area and those restricted to habitats which have always been widely scattered on the landscape. As functional landscape units, natural communities are important for several reasons. They support a myriad of life forms too cryptic or poorly known to be catalogued and prioritized individually and provide the nurturing environment for both rare and common species. They also contribute to the maintenance of larger ecosystems and possess unique intrinsic scientific, educational, and aesthetic values. It is therefore important to locate, classify, and evaluate these features as part of any comprehensive inventory of natural heritage resources.

Limestone/dolomite barrens occur in the Ridge and Valley physiographic province of Virginia. They are associated with calcareous soils derived from limestone and dolomite on south-facing slopes. They are maintained by droughty conditions perhaps in conjunction with fire or subtler ecological factors. Their vegetation is dominated by warm-season grasses with scattered red cedar and other woody plants. This community is highly threatened by habitat destruction. Due to the rare and unique quality of this community, DCR recommends avoiding this area with the proposed road alignment.

Also, three significant caves have been documented in the project vicinity and the following natural heritage resources in the project area:

Trichopetalum packardi A millipede G3Q/S2/NF/NS
Sinella hoffmant Hoffman's springtail G4/ S2S3/NF/NS
Pseudanophthalmus pusio A Cave Beetle G3/S1/NF/NS
Atheta annexa A Rove Beetle G2G4/S2/NF/NS


To minirnize potential impacts to these caves and natural heritage resources due to the proposed activity, DCR recommends coordination with Terri Brown, DCR's Karst Protection Specialist at 540-332-9991, Mr. Phil Lucas, President of the Virginia Speleological Society at 540-396-3584, and Mr. Bill Keith, Chairman of the Virginia Cave Board at 540-889-1150.

Due to the potential for several natural heritages resources to be impacted by the proposed project, DCR-NH recommends the no build alternative or Transportation System Management (TSM) over the build alternatives. However, if a build alternative is selected, DCR-NH recommends Alternative #3 which follows Route 581 and Route 220. The majority of the alignment traverses previously impacted and urbanized areas therefore decreasing overall adverse impacts to natural heritage resources. DCR also recommends, to minimize adverse impacts to the aquatic ecosystem as a result of the proposed activities, the implementation of and strict adherence to erosion and sediment control measures during all land disturbing activities.

Any absence of data may indicate that the project area has not been surveyed, rather than confirm that the area lacks natural heritage resources. New and updated information is continully added to BCD. Please contact DCR for an update on this natural heritage information if a significant amount of time passes before it is utilized.

Soil and water conservation is required for any development activity associated with I-73, be aware that all Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) projects that involve a land-disturbing activity of over 10,000 square feet must comply with the (1) the VDOT annual specifications for erosion and sediment control (ESC) reviewed and approved by the Department of Soil and Water Conservation (DCR_DSWC), Central Office for the time period in which the project will be conducted and (2) the project-specific
ESC plan. Please note that VDOT is required to prepare an individual project-specific plan for all projects involving a regulated land-disturbance, however, these plans need not be submitted to DCR-DSWC for approval. All specifications and plans must be prepared in accordance with the most current version of the Virginia Erosion & Sediment Control Handbook, Virginia Erosion & Sediment Control Law (VESCL) and Regulations (VESCR). [Reference: VESCL 10.1-560, 0.1-564; VESCR 4VAC50-30-30, 4VAC50-30-100]

Similarly, all VDOT projects that involve a land use conversion activity of over 1 acre must comply with the (1)VDOT annual specifications or stormwater management (SWM) approved by DCR-DSWC Central Office for the time period in which the project will be conducted and (2) the project-specific SWM plan. As with ESC, VDOT is required to prepare a project-specific SWM plan for all projects involving a regulated activity. It is recommended that this project be considered with any other existing or proposed land use conversion or expansion plans for the property in order to adequately address the cumulative impacts on the receiving drainage or enviromental systems, as well as, to identify the most appropriate strategy for reducing nonpoint source pollution from the developed and developing areas of the property. All specifications and plans must be prepared in accordance with the current version of the Virginia Stormwater Management Law {VSWML) and Regulations (VSWMR) .{Reference: VSWML 10.1-603.5; VSWMR 4VAC-3-20-210 -245

For use in directing project-specific technical and regulatory inquiries to the appropriate DCR
Watershed Office, a copy of the guidance document titled, DCR Urban Programs Contact
Information, is available at http://www.dcr.state.va.us/sw/e&s.htm.

Coordination with Elizabeth Belcher of the RoanokeValley Greenways Commission, P.O. Box 29800 Roanoke, Virginia 24018, telephone number 540-776-7159, along with the park and recreation departments of each locality to determine the completeness of the inventory of local park and open space areas.

The Department of Conservation and Recreation appreciates the opportunity to provide comments on the Draft Environmental Impact Statement.



Sincerely,


Derral Jones
Planning Bureau Manager
/saw



Cc: Kim Marbain, USFWS
Ray Fernald, VDGIF
Keith Tignor, VDACS
Terri Brown, DCR
Phil Lucas, VSS
Bill Keith, VCB





Literature Cited

Jenkins, R. E., and N.M. Burkhead. 1993. Freshwater fishes of Virginia. American Fisheries Society, Bethesda, Maryland.

Burkhead, N.M. and R.E. Jenkins. 1991. Roanoke logperch. In Virginia's Endangered Species:
Proceedings of a Symposium. K. Terwilliger ed. The McDonald and Woodward Publishing Company, Blacksburg, Virginia. p.395-397.

Musselman, Lytton J. 1991. Piratebush. In Virginia's Endangered Species: Proceedings of a Symposium. K. Terwilliger ed. The McDonald and Woodward Publishing Company, Blacksburg, Virginia.

The Nature Conservancy and The Network of Natural Heritage Prograrns and Conservation Data Centers. 1999. Natural Heritage Conservation Databases. Accessed through the Biosource web site project. The Nature Conservancy, Arlington, VA. (7/14/99).

Definition of Abbreviations Used on Natural Heritage Resource Lists of the
Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation

Natural Heritage Ranks

The following ranks are used by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation to set protection priorities for natural heritage resources. Natural Heritage Resources, or "NHR's," are rare plant and animal species, rare and exemplary natural comrnunities, and significant geologic features. The primary criterion for ranking NHR's is the number of populations or occurrences, i.e. the number of known distinct localities. Also of great importance is the number of individuals in existence at each locality or, if a highly mobile organism (e.g., sea turtles, many birds, and butterflies), the total number of individuals. Other considerations may include the quality of the occurrences, the number of protected occurrences, and threats. However, the emphasis remains on the number of populations or occurrences such that ranks will be an index of known biological rarity.

S1 Extremely rare; usually 5 or fewer populations or occurrences in the state; or may be a few remaining individuals; often especially vulnerable to extirpation.

S2 Very rare; usually between 5 and 20 populations or occurrences; or with many individuals in fewer occurrences; often susceptible to becoming extirpated.

S3 Rare to uncommon; usually between 20 and 100 populations or occurrences; may have fewer occurrences, but with a large number of individuals in some populations; may be susceptible to large-scale disturbances.

S4 Common, usually >100 populations or occurrences, but may be fewer with many large populations; may be restricted to only a portion or the state; usually not susceptible to immediate threats.

S5 Very common; demonstrably secure under present conditions.

SA Accidental in the state.

S#B Breeding status of an organism within the state.

SH Historically known from the state, but not verified for an extended period, usually >15 years; this rank is used primarily when inventory
has been attempted recently.

S#N Non-breeding status within the state. Usually applied to winter resident species.

SU Status uncertain, often because of low search effort or cryptic nature of the element.

SX Apparently extirpated from the state.

SZ Long distance migrant whose occurrences during migration are too irregular, transitory and/or dispersed to be reliably identified, mapped and protected.

Global ranks are similar, but refer to a species' rarity throughout its total range. Global ranks are denoted with a "G" followed by a character. Note that GA and GN are not used and GX means apparently extinct. A "Q" in a rank indicates that a taxonomic question concerning that species exists. Ranks for subspecies are denoted with a"T"'. The global and state ranks combined (e.g. G2/S1) give an instant grasp of a species' known rarity.

These ranks should not be interpreted as legal designations.


Federal Legal Status

The Division of Natural Heritage uses the standard abbreviations for Federal endangerment developed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Division of Endangered Species and Habitat Conservation.

LE Listed Endangeed - threatened with extinction throughout all or a significant portion of its range
LT Listed Threatened - likely to become endangered in the foreseeable future
PE Proposed Endangered
E(S/A) Treat as endangered because of similarity of appearance
PT Proposed Threatened
T(S/A) Treat as threatened because of similarity of appearance
C Candidate - enough information is available to propose for listing, but listing is Aprecluded by other pending proposals of higher priority
SOC Species of Concern -- species that merit special concern (not a regulatory category)
NF No federal legal status


State Legal Status

The Division of Natural Heritage uses similar abbreviations for State endangerment.
LE Listed Endangered
PE Proposed Endangered
LT Listed Threatened
PT Proposed Threatened
C Candidate
SC Special Concern -- animals that merit special concern according to VDGIF (not a regulatory category)
NS No state legal status

For information on the laws pertaining to threatened or endangered species, contact:
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for all FEDERALLY listed species
Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Plant Protection Bureau for STATE listed plants and insects
Department of Game and Inland Fisheries for all other STATE listed animals

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