Level 1 Ecological Survey Report
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The Level 1 Report is used to coordinate projects that fall under the MOA between
FHWA/ODOT, USFWS, and ODNR.
Project qualifications to meet the MOA:
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Projects that meet the NWP program, and/or need only a Level 1 or 2 PAN, and
Projects that do not require an Individual 401 or a Level 3 PAN , and
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Projects that will not impact a National Scenic River below OHWM
Project types that generally fall under the MOA:
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Bridge rehabilitation/replacement
Culvert replacement/minor lengthening
Bike trails
Minor road rehabilitation or widening
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Some minor road realignments
New Level 1 ESR form will be used to coordinate these projects with the appropriate agencies.

Level 1 Ecological Survey Report
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Title page of the report contains general project information.
Please fill out author and contact information so that ODOT-OES can contact the author with any questions.
Date of submission is the date that the consultant completes the report.
Cover photo is selected by the author.
OHIO DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
OFFICE OF ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES
1980 WEST BROAD STREET
COLUMBUS, OHIO 43223
(614) 466-7100
Project C-R-S / Name:
Project Identification Number (PID):
Report Type:
Report Author(s):
Level One ESR (MOA)
Affiliation:
Phone:
Email:
Date of Submission:
Project C-R-S / Name:
Project Identification Number (PID):
Report Type: Level One ESR (MOA)
Report Author(s):
Affiliation:
Phone:
Email:
Date of Submission: http://www.dot.state.oh.us/Divisions/Planning/Environment/Ecological_Resources_
Permits/Ecology/Pages/Forms.aspx

Level 1 Ecological Survey Report
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GENERAL PROJECT INFORMATION
ODOT District:
Latitude:
Longitude:
Date of Survey Work (mm/dd/yyyy):
County(ies):
Study Area
Size (ac):
Project Description (include a detailed description of the construction activities):
Township(s):
Area of Construction
Limits (ac):
HUC 14:
This section contains general project location information and the description of the project.
Project description should include the following:
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An explanation of the work that will occur for the project.
General study area land-use.
Length of the study area (for linear projects)
A brief synopsis of the impacts for the project
Descriptions will be more in-depth for projects that go off existing alignment.

Level 1 Ecological Survey Report
Vegetative Communities and Land Cover
VEGETATIVE COMMUNITIES AND LAND COVER WITHIN CONSTRUCTION LIMITS (areas impacted by the project)
Vegetative Communities and Land Cover found within the Construction Limits:
Degree of Man Induced Ecological Disturbance
Unique, Rare, or
High Quality?
Impacted Acres
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Additional Information:
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Enter Acres
Enter Acres
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Enter Acres
Enter Acres
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Vegetative Communities within construction limits
Level of Disturbance
High Quality Habitats
Acres Impacted

Level 1 Ecological Survey Report
Streams
Present? (Choose) STREAMS Impacts? (Choose)
Fill in Presence and Impacts boxes
Delete any rows that are unneeded
Additional information
*Subject to verification by the USACE (TNW=Traditional Navigable Water, RPW=Relatively Permanent Water Perennial or Seasonal,
NRPW=Non-RPW)
**May be provisional based on habitat assessment forms
Additional Information: How the stream(s) connect to Traditional Navigable Water (TNW):
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Stream ID is the USGS name of the stream, or the identification number or name given to the stream by the consultant (eg. Stream 1)
Receiving waters is the stream that the impacted stream flows to. Can be a named stream, or an unnamed tributary.
Three stream types: TNW, RPW, or Non-RPW
Flow Characteristics: Perennial, Seasonal (Intermittent), or Ephemeral
For the OEPA use designation, include the QHEI/HHEI score for streams with no
ALU
Scenic River is answered as yes or no. Answer “yes” if it is within 1,000 feet.

Level 1 Ecological Survey Report
Streams: Additional Information Box
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Include the flow-path of each stream to the nearest TNW (ex. Stream
1  Big Darby Creek  Scioto River).
Include details on impacts to each stream (see Impacts Analysis
Section for more information).
Include any other details such as observed pollution issues, field sampling issues, and other pertinent information.

Level 1 Ecological Survey Report
Wetlands
Present? (Choose) WETLANDS Impacts? (Choose)
Fill in Presence and Impacts boxes
Delete any rows that are unneeded
Additional information
Additional Information: How the wetland(s) connects to Traditional Navigable Water (TNW):
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Wetland ID is the name that the consultant assigns the wetland (eg. Wetland A)
List if each wetland is isolated, adjacent or abutting.
Only wetlands that are adjacent or abutting will have receiving waters
List ORAM category and score
Wetland type should fit the Cowardin classification
Total size of wetland include the size of the entire wetland (even if it extends outside of the project area.
Include size in study area in acres. Often this will be the same as the impact acreage.
Include impacts in acres.

Level 1 Ecological Survey Report
Wetlands: Additional Information Box
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Include the flow-path of each abutting or adjacent wetland to the nearest TNW (ex. Wetland A  Trib to BDC  Big Darby Creek 
Scioto River).
Include details on impacts to each wetland (see Impacts Analysis
Section for more information).
Include any other details such as observed pollution issues, field sampling issues, illegal fills, and other pertinent information.

Level 1 Ecological Survey Report
Potentially Jurisdictional Ditches
Fill in Presence and Impacts boxes
Delete any rows that are unneeded
DITCHES Present? (Choose) Impacts? (Choose)
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Additional information
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Additional Information:
Only discuss potentially jurisdictional ditches.
Ditch ID is the name that the consultant assigns the wetland (eg. Wetland A)
RPW, OWHM Present, Constructed in or drains a wetland, and Constructed through hydric soils boxes should be marked yes or no.
Wetted width is the width of the area below OHWM, use this times the length to figure impacts (convert to acreage
Include length within the study area. Total length is not necessary.
Include impacts in acres.

Level 1 Ecological Survey Report
Ditches: Additional Information Box
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Include the flow-path of each potentially jurisdictional ditch to the nearest TNW (ex. Ditch
1  Big Darby Creek  Scioto
River).
Include the location of the origin of the ditch
Include details on impacts to each ditch (see Impacts
Analysis Section for more information).
Include any other details such as observed pollution issues, field sampling issues, and other pertinent information.

Level 1 Ecological Survey Report
Ponds/Lakes/Reservoirs
PONDS, LAKES, RESERVOIRS
Fill in Presence and Impacts boxes
Delete any rows that are unneeded
Additional information
Additional Information:
Present? (Choose) Impacts? (Choose)
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Pond ID is the name that the consultant assigns the wetland (eg. Pond A)
Mark whether the resource is isolated or non-isolated.
Receiving waters is the nearest stream that a non-isolated pond flows to (left blank for isolated ponds)
Design function is the type of pond/lake/reservoir and its function (retention, farm pond, water supply, natural lake, etc).
Answer “functions as intended” with yes or know
Include total size of the resource, even portions of the resource outside the project area.
Include impacts in acres.

Level 1 Ecological Survey Report
Ponds/Lakes/Reservoirs: Additional Information Box
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Include the flow-path of each non-isolated resource to the nearest
TNW (ex. Pond A  Big Darby Creek  Scioto River).
Include details on impacts to each pond/lake/reservoir (see Impacts
Analysis Section for more information).
Include any other details such as observed pollution issues, field sampling issues, fills, and other pertinent information.

Level 1 Ecological Survey Report
Unionid Mussels
MUSSEL BEDS
Species Name:
Present? (Choose)
Write-up Including Impacts to Suitable Habitat:
Species Name:
Write-up Including Impacts to Suitable Habitat:
Additional Information:
Impacts? (Choose)
Listing Status:
Listing Status:
Listing Status (State and/or Federal)
Impacts write-up
Species Name (common and scientific)
Additional Information box
If a listed species of mussel (shell material or live mussel) is found within or adjacent to the project area, it will also have to be discussed in the Listed Species section. The preparer can reference between the sections to minimize repetition.
USFWS has announced a list of streams that may have populations of federally listed mussels. No collecting of live mussels is permitted in these streams without a federal permit.
Unionid mussels should be surveyed for in any perennial stream large enough to support mussels
(generally over 5 square mile drainage)

Level 1 Ecological Survey Report
Unionid Mussels
 Additional Information Box should include the following:
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General discussion on population composition, age classes, in-stream location, and habitats used by live mussels.
The condition of dead shells:
• Fresh dead – periostracum intact, nacre still shiny, portions of the hinge may still be present
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Dead
– periostractum mostly intact, nacre dull, no protein or soft parts present
• Weathered dead – very worn, periostracum nearly gone, nacre gone or very dull, shell may be fractured.
Discuss any listed mussels in the appropriate Listed Species table.

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Level 1 Ecological Survey Report
Federally Listed Species
FEDERALLY LISTED SPECIES
Species Name: Indiana Bat (Myotis sodalis) Listing Status: Endangered
Total amount of impact to forested areas as a result of the project (ac):
Write-up Including Impacts to Suitable Habitat:
Species Name:
Write-up Including Impacts to Suitable Habitat:
Species Name:
Write-up Including Impacts to Suitable Habitat:
Additional Information:
Listing Status:
Listing Status:
For each species with known ranges that includes the project county(ies), include the following:
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A brief life history synopsis, focusing on habitat requirements
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Records within a mile (or within 5 miles for IB captures, and 10 miles for hibernacula)
Distance to nearest Bald Eagle nesting activity
If the species was found within the project area ( IF YES, CALL OES FIRST!!!
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If critical habitat was found within the project area ( IF YES, CALL OES FIRST!!!
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If suitable habitat was found within the project area
Impacts to the suitable habitat
For Indiana bat, also summarize the information from the Bat Habitat Worksheet.
Include any other pertinent information in the Additional Information box (including date of surveys for listed species).

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Level 1 Ecological Survey Report
State Listed Species
STATE LISTED SPECIES
Species Name:
Known Listed Species Within 1 Mile of Project (DNAP Database)? (Choose)
Listing Status:
Write-up Including Impacts to Suitable Habitat:
Species Name: Listing Status:
Write-up Including Impacts to Suitable Habitat:
Species Name: Listing Status:
Write-up Including Impacts to Suitable Habitat:
Additional Information:
For each species with records within a mile of the project (or that were found within or directly adjacent to the project area)
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A brief life history synopsis, focusing on habitat requirements
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Distance of record from project area
If the species was found within the project area
If suitable habitat was found within the project area
Impacts to the suitable habitat
If a federal species record is located within a mile, reference between the Federal and State species tables to minimize repetition.
Include the dates of any species specific surveys in the Additional
Information box, and any other pertinent information.

Level 1 Ecological Survey Report
Appendices
APPENDICES
Appendix 1: Mapping
☐ Topographic Map
☐ County Map
☐ Aerial Photo
☐ Resource Map
☐ Other
Appendix 2: Photo Log
☐ Photo Location Map
☐ Project Photos
☐ Indiana Bat Photos
☐ Other
Appendix 3: Plans
☐ Plan and Profile
☐ Bridge Detail
☐ Other
Appendix 4: Forms
☐ QHEI
☐ HHEI
☐ Wetland Delineation
☐ ORAM
☐ OBD Review
☐ Bat Habitat Worksheet
 Put an “x” next to what is included in the appendices.
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The maps/photos/plans/forms that have a red “x” beside them are required.
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The maps/photos/plans/forms that have a blue “x” are required if the resource exists in the study area, or if available.

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USGS 7.5” Topographic Map
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Must be clearly labeled with the correct USGS Quad map name and project name
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Map must use standard quad scale. A close-up map of the project area can also be included if detail is needed.
Clearly mark entire project area on map
County maps or other types of mapping can make finding a project area easier when there are not many identifying characteristics on the topographic map.
Resources map shows location of ecological resources within the project area
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Show locations of streams and wetlands
Show locations of suitable roosting habitat for IB.

MOA Photos and Photo Log
 Photo log for bridge replacement projects should consist of the following.
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Photos from roadway taken through the bridge from both directions on the roadway.
Photos of the upstream segment and downstream segment of the stream from the bridge.
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Photos of the bridge from the stream from upstream and downstream.
A photo of each quadrant of the project area.
A photo/photos of potentially impacted wetlands
Representative photos of Indiana bat roosting habitat within the project area.
Photographs of all potential maternity roost trees.
Photo of any rare species or freshwater mussel shells found within or adjacent to the project area .
 Photo logs of long projects should contain representative photos of impacted habitats, including culvert replacement areas, Indiana bat habitat trees, impacted terrestrial habitats, and wetlands that may be impacted by the project .
TAKE AS MANY PHOTOS AS NECESSARY TO DOCUMENT THE PROJECT AREA

MOA Photos and Photo Log
Continued.
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Photos must be in color.
Photos, especially digital photos and photos that are copied must be clear.
Photos should be 3” x 5” or 4” x 6”. Panoramic photos can be used to show a larger area if needed.
Each photo should have a caption explaining the photo (eg. Walnut Creek upstream of the bridge).
NO SNOW PICTURES!!!!

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Although not required to process the MOA, they offer good information and are sometimes needed for field reviews.
Can also be used for the photo log.
Plan and profile sheets are the most informative.
Cross Sections are useful to determine wetland impacts.
Culvert details are used to quantify stream impacts.
It is helpful to have the trees that will be removed marked on the plans.

 Shows trees to be removed.
 Shows possible parking areas and work pads.

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If project will impact a stream, a QHEI or HHEI form is required
If a project will impact a wetland, a routine wetland delineation form and the
ORAM form are required
For projects that will impact suitable IB habitat, the Indiana Bat Habitat
Characterization
Worksheet is required.
A NHDB check is required for ALL PROJECTS

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Review by OES in 15 working days, if supplemental field work is not required.
Agencies have 30 days to review the submissions. They can request more time if needed.
Generally, OES returns comments within a few days of receipt, unless there is an issue with the comments.
Additional information will be requested for incomplete packages. A 15 working day review time will begin again after the new information is received.
ODOT-OES coordinates ALL projects with the Agencies.

Field Work
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If project is an LPA project that is not let by ODOT, any further field work is usually done by a pre-qualified consultant
If a project is an LPA project or an ODOT project let by
ODOT, any further field work may be done by OES or prequalified consultant, as determined on a case-bycase basis.

Level 1 Report Submission
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Consultant submits reports to the appropriate ODOT district.
ODOT is now coordinating
MOA projects electronically, so OES will need one hard copy, and the district will post an electronic copy for submission to the agencies
No additional copies will be needed for State Scenic
Rivers
One additional hard copy will be needed for projects within 1,000 feet of a
National Scenic River.