Biodiversity survey finds bat, butterfly and turtle habitat on site; applicant proposes on‑site conservation and incidental‑take coordination

Michael Fishman of Edgewood Environmental Consulting presented a biodiversity survey of the 236‑acre site, describing 18 ecological cover types, 202 plant species (including 46 tree species), and passive observations of about 74 wildlife occurrences. Fishman said the site falls within ranges for Indiana bat, endangered northern long‑eared bat and the proposed tricolored bat, and noted records indicating potential Blanding's turtle movement in the area.

Fishman said the applicant has committed to minimizing tree clearing (scheduling clearing during winter months) and to conserving suitable habitat on‑site; he said the team is applying for an incidental‑take permit from DEC and coordinating mitigation to conserve habitats the agency deems appropriate. The consultant also flagged monarch butterfly habitat and proposed maintaining patches of milkweed through targeted plantings.

Fishman described the survey methods as multiple site visits this year supplemented with field notes voluntarily shared by other local observers; he cautioned that the inventory mainly reflects passive observations rather than targeted trapping or camera surveys. Board members welcomed the survey and asked for written comments from Eric Kiviat (Hudsonia) and other reviewers so the board and its consultants can assess mitigation and timing alongside SEQR/Part 2 review.

Next steps: the applicant will provide the remaining ecological comments, and the board’s consultants (including town reviewers) will incorporate those into memos before the January follow‑up meeting.