20201942 Ver 2_Cox Pond Bank AsBuilt Report - FINAL_20231109

Cox Pond Mitigation Bank Parcel  
DWR ID# 2020‐1942v2 
Wildlands Holdings III, LLC’s Wildlands Neuse Umbrella Nutrient Offset and Buffer Mitigation Bank 

AS‐BUILT & BASELINE MONITORING REPORT 
November 2023 

 PREPARED BY: 
Wildlands Engineering, Inc. 
312 West Millbrook Road, Suite 225 
Raleigh, NC  27609 
Phone: 919‐851‐9986 

Wildlands Engineering, Inc.  phone [phone]  fax [phone]  1430 S. Mint Street, # 104  Charlotte, NC 28203
November 9, 2023
Blake Hartshorn
Mitigation Specialist
North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality
512 N. Salisbury Street, Raleigh, NC 27620
RE: Cox Pond - AsBuilt Report Review
Cox Pond Mitigation Bank Parcel (DWR # 2020-1942v2)
Wayne County, NC
Dear Mr. Hartshorn:
Wildlands Engineering, Inc. (Wildlands) has reviewed the Division of Water Resources (DWR) comments
dated October 23rd, 2023 regarding the Cox Pond Mitigation Bank Parcel As-Built Report. The following
letter documents DWR feedback and Wildlands’ corresponding responses.
The DWR comments are listed below in bold, while Wildlands’ responses are noted in italics lettering.
1. In Section 3 please add when DWR completed the as built walkthrough and the results of the
walkthrough.
The following text has been added to Section 3: On February 27th 2023, NCDWR performed an
As-Built Evaluation of the Parcel. The Parcel was approved with no stipulations or further
documentation required for the Task 2 credit release as described in the Wildlands Neuse
Umbrella Mitigation Banking Instrument (UMBI).
2. On the survey map in Appendix A I am seeing the no credit black shaded areas for the non-
diffuse flow which according to the project credit table adds up to 3,079sqft which looks
correct but I am not seeing other areas for the missing 2,943sqft. Please confirm the correct
non credit area total is 6,022sqft and point out the areas besides the diffuse flow off of Ditch C
and B in either figure 3 or 4 in Appendix A. If it is there it is hard to see and we want to
account for all areas represented on the survey.
The no credit area total is 6,022 square feet. Outside of the diffuse flow deductions, the
additional no credit areas are derived from areas within the easement that are greater than 200
feet from the top of bank of project features and a portion where the easement boundary is less
than 50 feet from the top of bank of Ditch C. There are multiple no credit areas that are in the
>200 foot zone. An inset has been added to Figure 3 showing an example no credit area in the
>200 foot zone, however, it is not feasible to include a zoomed in inset depicting each of these
areas on a figure. Additionally, an inset has been added that more closely depicts the no credit
area along Ditch C.
Sincerely,
Kaitlyn Hogarth, Environmental Scientist
_____________________________________________________________________________________ 

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        As‐Built & Baseline Monitoring Report – November 2023 
AS‐BUILT & BASELINE MONITORING REPORT 
Cox Pond Mitigation Bank Parcel  
Wildlands Holdings III, LLC’s Wildlands Neuse Umbrella Nutrient Offset and Buffer Mitigation Bank 

TABLE OF CONTENTS 
1.0 Introduction ............................................................................................................................. 1 
2.0 Parcel Location & Background .................................................................................................. 1 
2.1 Location and Setting ..................................................................................................................... 1 
2. 2 Parcel Background ........................................................................................................................ 1 
2. 3 Parcel Objectives .......................................................................................................................... 2 
3.0 Restoration Activities ............................................................................................................... 2 
4.0 Mitigation Potential and Deviations from the Bank Parcel Devlopment Package (BPDP) ........... 2 
5.0 Monitoring Protocol & Success Criteria ..................................................................................... 3 
6.0 Financial Assurance & Long Term Management ........................................................................ 3 
6.1  Financial Assurance ...................................................................................................................... 3 
6.2 Parcel Maintenance ...................................................................................................................... 3 
7.0 References ................................................................................................................................ 4 

APPENDICES 
Appendix A: General Figures and Tables 
Table 1 Project Credit Table 
Table 2  Project Activity and Reporting History 
Table 3 Project Contact Table 
Table 4 Project Information and Attributes 
Table 5  Adjacent Forested Areas Existing Tree and Shrub Species 
Table 6 Planted Tree Species 
Figure 1 Vicinity Map 
Figure 2  Credit Service Area Map 
Figure 3       Credit Generation Map 
Figure 4 Monitoring Components Map 
Figure 5 As‐Built Survey 

Appendix B: Vegetation Plot Data 
Table 7 Stem Count Total and Planted Species by Vegetation Plot 
       Vegetation Plot Photographs 
Appendix C: NCDWR Surface Water Determination and Site Viability Letter 
On‐Site Determination for Applicability to Neuse Riparian Buffer Rules Letter and Map ‐ 
(March 2021)  
       Site Viability for Buffer Mitigation and Nutrient Offset Letter and Map – (May 2021)  
Appendix D: Conservation Easement 
Appendix E: Overview Photographs 
        Erosion Stabilization Photographs
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        As‐Built & Baseline Monitoring Report – May 2023 
AS‐BUILT & BASELINE MONITORING REPORT 
Cox Pond Mitigation Bank Parcel  
Wildlands Holdings III, LLC’s Wildlands Neuse Umbrella Nutrient Offset and Buffer Mitigation Bank 

The Cox Pond Mitigation Bank Parcel (Parcel) is part of the Wildlands Neuse Umbrella Nutrient Offset 
and Buffer Mitigation Bank (Bank). The Bank Parcel Development Package (BPDP) was approved in June 
2022. The project features flow to Brooks Swamp off site, which then connects with Thoroughfare 
Swamp and subsequently flows to Falling Creek. Falling Creek flows into the Neuse River. The primary 
purpose of the project is to provide riparian buffer mitigation credits and nutrient offset credits to 
compensate for unavoidable impacts in the Neuse River Basin 03020201 Hydrologic Unit Code (HUC) 
outside the Falls Lake Watershed. The project has been planned, designed, and constructed according to 
the BPDP, the Consolidated Buffer Mitigation Rule 15A NCAC 02B .0295 (effective November 1, 2015), 
and Nutrient Offset Credit Trading 15A NCAC 02B .0703. The Bank service area is depicted in Figure 2. 
1.0 Introduction 
The Parcel was restored to provide ecological and water quality enhancements to the Neuse River Basin 
by creating a functional riparian corridor and restoring the riparian buffer along four unnamed 
tributaries (UT1, UT2, UT3, and UT4), and three project ditches (Ditches A, B, and C). Prior to planting, 
the Parcel had been maintained and cleared for row crop cultivation, except for the pond that was filled 
prior to the BPDP near the confluence of UT1 and UT3 and a small, forested area along UT1. 
Approximately 23.45 acres have been protected along the project features by permanent conservation 
easement. The conservation easement was recorded on the Parcel in June 2022. 
2.0 Parcel Location & Background 
2.1 Location and Setting 
The Parcel is in Wayne County, approximately two and a half miles northwest of the Town of Mount 
Olive (Figure 1). To reach the Parcel from the City of Raleigh, travel on I‐40 East for approximately 10 
miles, following signs for Benson/Wilmington. Take exit 309 for US‐70 E toward Smithfield/Goldsboro. 
Continue on US‐70 E for approximately 39 miles then take the exit for I‐795 South, continue on US‐70 
BUS E/US‐117 S for 11.5 miles. Take the exit for Country Club Road and turn right. Drive 1.6 miles and 
turn right onto Cox Pond Road. Drive 0.8 miles. The parcel is accessible via a dirt access road on the right 
(35.2376274, ‐78.0826601). The project is located within the Neuse River Basin 14‐digit HUC 
03020201170050 and North Carolina Division of Water Resources (NCDWR) Subbasin 03‐04‐12. The 
Parcel was restored for riparian buffer mitigation credit and nutrient offset credit in the Neuse River 
Basin HUC 03020201 outside of the Falls Lake Watershed (Figure 2). 
2. 2 Parcel Background 
Prior to construction, the Parcel consisted mainly of open row crop fields, typically planted with corn, 
tobacco, and soybeans. In addition to row crops, there was a small pond that was filled prior to the 
BPDP near the confluence of UT1 and UT3 and a small, forested area along UT1. In general, this area has 
maintained its rural farming character over the last 70 years with only minor changes in land cover. 
Tables 2, 3, and 4 in Appendix A provide detailed information regarding the Project Activity and 
Reporting History, Project Contacts, and Project Information and Attributes.  
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        As‐Built & Baseline Monitoring Report – May 2023 
2. 3 Parcel Objectives 
The main objective of the Parcel is to reduce nutrient and sediment loading to the Neuse River receiving 
waters, supply and improve terrestrial and instream habitats, and improve stream and bank stability. By 
restoring native vegetation up to 200 feet from top of bank of the project features, the riparian corridor 
will slow overland flow velocities and provide filtration for flood flows. This will result in sediment 
deposition and nutrient absorption in the floodplain, and subsequently their reduction in input to 
project features. 
3.0 Restoration Activities 
Developing the Parcel for mitigation required converting existing agriculture land use practices adjacent 
to streams into riparian forest. Soils in the project area were disked and much of the easement was 
planted with wheat and oats by the landowner as temporary cover and soil stabilization for the winter 
before tree planting. Three erosion areas along UT1 were stabilized by live staking banks and in one case 
grading the bank by hand to reduce the slope before live stakes were planted. The sides of a large 
erosional hole on the southeast bank of UT2 were graded by hand, straw bales were installed around 
the edge to diffuse overland flow, and live stakes were planted in the graded slope. Erosional areas on 
the banks of Ditch C and UT3 were stabilized by either installing straw bales to divert overland flow or 
live staking banks that were bare of vegetation. A temporary seed mix and pollinator blend was spread 
around all areas of bank stabilization. Refer to Figure 4 in Appendix A for stabilization locations and 
Appendix E for Erosion Stabilization Photographs. 
Riparian area restoration involved planting appropriate native tree species along the riparian corridor. 
To ensure adequate herbaceous vegetation coverage, a cool season seed mix was spread over the entire 
Parcel in January 2023 and in April 2023 a summer seed mix and pollinator blend was spread in areas 
with slower vegetation establishment. Additionally, soil test results indicated a need for lime along the 
south side of Ditch C and UT3; therefore, 400 pounds were spread in that area along with the summer 
seed mix in April. Vegetation management and herbicide applications may be needed over the first few 
years of tree establishment in the riparian restoration areas to prevent encroachment of undesirable 
species that may out‐compete the planted native vegetation.  
The species composition planted was selected based on the desired community type, occurrence of 
species in riparian areas adjacent to the Parcel (Appendix A, Table 5), and best professional judgement. 
Trees were spaced at 7 feet by 12 feet, which is sufficient to meet the performance standards outlined 
in the Rule 15A NCAC 02B .0295. Table 6 in Appendix A lists the tree species and quantities planted on 
the Parcel.  
The easement was marked using conservation easement placards mounted on t‐posts at approximately 
100‐foot intervals following the entirety of the boundary. These signs will be maintained and replaced, if 
necessary, throughout the monitoring years. 
On February 27th 2023, NCDWR performed an As‐Built Evaluation of the Parcel. The Parcel was approved 
with no stipulations or further documentation required for the Task 2 credit release as described in the 
Wildlands Neuse Umbrella Mitigation Banking Instrument (UMBI).  
4.0 Project Credit Potential and Deviations from the Bank Parcel Development Package (BPDP) 
Of the 23.45 acres protected under the conservation easement, 21.57 acres were restored, of which the 
sponsor is requesting 9.61 acres be used to generate riparian buffer restoration credit (418,562.000 
credits). The remaining 11.96 acres of restored land will be used to generate nutrient offset nitrogen 
credits (27,181.936 credits). Buffer preservation credits are also proposed on 0.27 acres within the 
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        As‐Built & Baseline Monitoring Report – November 2023 

conservation easement (1,065.374 credits). In general, riparian restoration area widths on streams 
extend out to 100 feet from top of bank along UT1‐3 and the west side of UT4 for riparian buffer credits. 
Riparian restoration along the east side of UT4 extends out to 30 feet for riparian buffer credits and 
cannot be converted to nutrient offset credits. Riparian restoration width extends from top of bank out 
to 200 feet on ditches, with a minimum of 50 feet, and 101 feet to 200 feet on streams for nutrient 
offset credits. No major changes to credits were made from the approved BPDP. Small changes in credit 
area based on the as‐built survey resulted in an addition of 6.929 nutrient offset credits and a reduction 
of 31.729 riparian buffer credits from the credit calculations proposed in the BPDP (31.000 buffer 
restoration and 0.729 buffer preservation credits). Table 1 and Figures 3 and 6 in Appendix A detail 
credit generation for the Parcel.  
5.0 Monitoring Protocol & Success Criteria 
Eighteen 10‐meter by 10‐meter vegetation monitoring plots were installed within the riparian 
restoration area to measure the survival of the planted trees (Figure 4). The number of plots required 
was determined in accordance with the Carolina Vegetative Sampling Protocol (CVS) Level 2. Vegetation 
assessments were completed in January 2023 following the CVS Levels 2 Protocol for Recording 
Vegetation, Version 4.2 (Lee et al. 2008). Baseline data shows a mean planted stem density of 630 stems 
per acre across vegetation plots (Appendix B, Table 7). This surpasses the requirement of 260 stems per 
acre at the end of year five monitoring. Each year a reference photo will be taken from the 
southwestern corner of each vegetation plot, and all planted stems will be marked with flagging tape 
and recorded. Refer to Appendix B for Vegetation Plot Photographs.  
Yearly monitoring activities will begin in the fall of 2023 and will commence annually in September or 
October for the remainder of the monitoring period. Species composition, density, height, vigor, and 
survival rates will be evaluated on an annual basis by plot for the entire Parcel. Wildlands shall submit to 
NCDWR an annual monitoring report, no later than December 31st of each year for five consecutive 
years and will follow the terms and conditions of the BPDP approved in June 2022. The measure of 
vegetative success for the Parcel will be the survival of at least four native hardwood tree species, where 
no one species is greater than 50% of the established planted stems, and an established density of at 
least 260 planted trees per acre at the end of monitoring year five. Appropriate and desirable native 
volunteer species may be included in the Parcel’s density to meet the performance standards with 
NCDWR approval. 
6.0 Financial Assurance & Long‐Term Management 
6.1  Financial Assurance 
After completion of the restoration/construction, a separate Performance/Maintenance Bond will be 
secured for 100% of the estimated cost to implement the monitoring and maintenance plan, but not less 
than $100,000.00. The Performance/Maintenance Bond shall apply at the inception of the monitoring 
period for a term of one year, to be extended annually for a minimum of five years. Upon NCDWR 
approval, this may be lowered each year based on the adjusted cost to complete the monitoring.  
6.2 Parcel Maintenance 
Adaptive measures will be developed, or appropriate remedial actions will be implemented if the Parcel 
or a specific component of the Parcel fails to achieve the success criteria. Parcel maintenance will be 
performed to correct any identified problems that have a high likelihood of affecting project success. 
Such items include, but are not limited to, fire, flooding, drought, or insects that cause excess tree 
mortality. Any actions implemented will be designed to achieve the success criteria and will include a 
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        As‐Built & Baseline Monitoring Report – November 2023 

work schedule and updated monitoring criteria. Any Parcel maintenance performed will be included in 
the monitoring report for that year. A rigorous herbicide schedule may be implemented in the first few 
years of tree establishment in the restoration areas to prevent establishment of invasive species that 
may out‐compete the planted native vegetation. The only herbicides used on the Parcel will be aquatic 
approved herbicides that will be applied in accordance with North Carolina Department of Agriculture 
rules and regulations.  
The easement boundary will be checked annually as part of monitoring activities. Easement boundary 
conditions as well as any maintenance performed will be reported in the annual monitoring reports to 
NCDWR. If mowing is deemed necessary by the Sponsor during the monitoring period, the Sponsor must 
receive approval from NCDWR prior to conducting any mowing activities within Zone 1 and Zone 2 of 
the Neuse buffers to ensure that no buffer violations have occurred.  
7.0 References 
Lee, M.T., Peet, R.K., Steven D., & Wentworth, T.R. (2008). CVS‐EEP Protocol for Recording Vegetation 
Version 4.2 [PDF file].  
NC Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Ecosystem Enhancement Program. (2004). 
Guidelines for Riparian Buffer Restoration [PDF file].  
NC Department of Environmental Quality. (2015). 15A NCAC 02B .0259 Mitigation Program 
Requirements for Protection and Maintenance of Riparian Buffers [PDF file].  
Peet, R.K., Wentworth, T.R., & White, P.S. (1998). A flexible, multipurpose method for recording 
vegetation composition and structure [PDF file]. Castanea, 63:262‐274.  
Wildlands Holdings III, LLC. (2021). Cox Pond Mitigation Bank Parcel Development Package. NCDWR, 
Raleigh NC.  

APPENDIX A. General Figures and Tables
Project Area
N Credit Conversion Ratio (ft2/pound)
P Credit Conversion Ratio (ft2/pound)
Credit Type Location
Subject? (enter
NO if ephemeral
or ditch 1)
Feature Type Mitigation
Activity
Min-Max
Buffer
Width (ft)
Feature Name Total Area
(ft2)
Total
(Creditable)
Area of Buffer
Mitigation (ft2)
Initial
Credit
Ratio (x:1)
% Full
Credit
Final
Credit
Ratio (x:1)
Convertible to
Riparian
Buffer?
Riparian Buffer
Credits
Convertible to
Nutrient
Offset?
Delivered
Nutrient Offset:
N (lbs)
Delivered
Nutrient
Offset: P
(lbs)
Buffer Rural Yes I / P Restoration 0-30 UT4 12,627 12,627 1 100%1.00000 Yes 12,627.000 No ——
Buffer Rural Yes I / P Restoration 0-100 UT1, UT2, UT3, UT4 405,935 405,935 1 100%1.00000 Yes 405,935.000 Yes 21,182.231 —
Nutrient Offset Rural Yes I / P Restoration 101-200 UT1, UT2, UT3, UT4 272,715 1 33%No —Yes 14,230.633 —
Nutrient Offset Rural No Ditch Restoration 0-200 Ditch A, Ditch B, Ditch
C 248,198 1 100%No —Yes 12,951.303 —
Buffer Rural No Ditch Restoration
Ditch B and Ditch C -
Diffuse Flow
Deductions
3,079 1 100%No —No ——
Totals (ft2):942,554 418,562 418,562.000 48,364.167 0.000
Total Buffer (ft2):421,641 418,562
Total Nutrient Offset (ft2):520,913 N/A
Total Ephemeral Area (ft2) for Credit:0 0
Total Eligible Ephemeral Area (ft2):108,321 0.0%Ephemeral Reaches as % TABM
Total Eligible for Preservation (ft2):140,547 2.1%Preservation as % TABM
Credit Type Location Subject?Feature Type Mitigation
Activity
Min-Max
Buffer
Width (ft)
Feature Name Total Area
(sf)
Total
(Creditable)
Area for Buffer
Mitigation (ft2)
Initial
Credit
Ratio (x:1)
% Full
Credit
Final
Credit
Ratio (x:1)
Riparian
Buffer Credits
Buffer Rural Yes I / P Preservation 0-100 UT1 10,166 10,166 10 100%10.00000 1,016.600
Buffer Rural Yes I / P Preservation 101-200 UT1 1,478 1,478 10 33%30.30303 48.774
Preservation Area Subtotals (ft2):11,644 11,644
Square Feet Credits
418,562 418,562.000
0 0.000
11,644 1,065.374
430,206 419,627.374
Square Feet Credits
Nitrogen:27,181.936
Phosphorus:0.000
N/A
Table 1. Project Credit Table
Cox Pond Mitigation Bank Parcel
Monitoring Year 0 - 2023
Neuse 03020201 - Outside Falls Lake
19.16394
TOTAL AREA OF BUFFER MITIGATION (TABM)
Mitigation Totals
Restoration:
Enhancement:
Preservation:
Total Riparian Buffer:
TOTAL NUTRIENT OFFSET MITIGATION
Mitigation Totals
Nutrient Offset:520,913
Monitoring Performers Wildlands Engineering, Inc.
McMinnville, TN 37110
Nursery Stock Suppliers Dykes and Sons Nursery and Greenhouse
NC Forest Service Claridge Nursery
Bare Roots 825 Maude Etter Rd
Year 4 Monitoring 2026 December 2026
Year 1 Monitoring
Monitoring, POC Kaitlyn Hogarth
919.851.9986, ext. 122
762 Claridge Nursery Road
Goldsboro, NC 27530
Year 5 Monitoring 2027 December 2027
Planting Contractor
Bruton Natural Systems, Inc
P.O. Box 1197
Fremont, NC 27830
January 2023As-Built and Baseline Monitoring Document (Year 0)November 2023
Year 3 Monitoring 2025 December 2025
2023 December 2023
Year 2 Monitoring 2024 December 2024
Conservation Easement N/A June 2022
Bare Root Planting N/A January 2023
Wildlands Neuse Umbrella Mitigation Banking Instrument N/A May 2022
BPDP Approval Date N/A June 2022
Table 2. Project Activity and Reporting History
Cox Pond Mitigation Bank Parcel
Monitoring Year 0 - 2023
Activity or Report Data Collection Complete Completion or Scheduled Delivery
Table 3. Project Contact Table
Cox Pond Mitigation Bank Parcel
Monitoring Year 0 - 2023
Bank Sponsor
Wildlands Holdings III, LLC
1430 South Mint Street, Suite 104
Charlotte, NC 28203
704.332.7754
Table 4. Project Information and Attributes
Cox Pond Mitigation Bank Parcel
Monitoring Year 0 - 2023
Table 5. Adjacent Forested Areas Existing Tree and Shrub Species
Cox Pond Mitigation Bank Parcel
Monitoring Year 0 - 2023
Wetland
Indicator
Status
FAC
FACW
FACW
FAC
FAC
UPL
FAC
FAC
FACU
FACW
UPL
FAC
FACW
FACU
FACW
FAC
UPL
UPL
OBL
FACW
FACU
Number
Planted
1,826
1,826
1,218
1,218
1,218
1,218
1,218
609
609
609
609
Swamp Chestnut Oak Quercus michauxii 10%
Prunus serotinaBlack Cherry 5%
5%
5%
Sweetbay Magnolia Magnolia virginiana 5%
Eastern Cottonwood Populus deltoides
% of Total
River Birch Betula nigra 15%
Boxelder Acer negundo 10%
10%
River Birch Betula nigra
Table 6. Planted Tree Species
Common Persimmon Diospyros virginiana
American Holly Ilex opaca
Black Walnut
Chinese Privet
Juglans nigra
Sweetgum
Tulip Poplar
Sweetbay Magnolia
Water Oak
Black Oak
Winged Sumac
Black Willow
Chinaberry
Loblolly Pine
American Sycamore
Black Cherry
Willow Oak
Ligustrum sinense
Liriodendron tulipifera
Common Name Scientific Name
UT1, UT2, UT3 - 172
UT4 - 107
UT1, UT2, UT3 - 7%
UT4 - 9%
UT1, UT2, UT3 - 60% agriculture, 7% wetlands, 6% forest,
11% grassland, 10% shrubland, 6% developed, <1% impervious area.
UT4 - 59% agriculture, 4% wetlands, 8% forest, 20% shrubland,
8% developed, 1% impervious area.
CGIA Land Use Classification
Red Maple Acer rubrum
Tag Alder Alnus serrulata
Project Name
PROJECT INFORMATION
Cox Pond Mitigation Bank Parcel
Project Drainiage Area (acres)
Project Drainage Area Percentage of Impervious Area
Physiographic Province
River Basin
Wayne County
23.45
35.2376274, -78.0826601
PROJECT WATERSHED SUMMARY INFORMATION
County
Project Area (acres)
Project Coordinates (latitude and longitude)
USGS Hydrologic Unit 8-digit
USGS Hydrologic Unit 14-digit
DWR Sub-basin
Inner Coastal Plain
Neuse River (Outside Falls Lake)
03020201
03020201170050
03-04-12
Magnolia virginiana
Melia azedarach
Pinus taeda
Liquidambar styraciflua
Platanus occidentalis
Prunus serotina
Quercus phellos
Quercus nigra
Quercus velutina
15%
Rhus copallinum
Salix nigra
Sambucus canadensis
Sassafras albidum
Elderberry
Sassafras
American Elm Ulmus americana
Cox Pond Mitigation Bank Parcel
Monitoring Year 0 - 2023
Common Name Scientific Name
Sugarberry Celtis laevigata
American Sycamore Platanus occidentalis
Common Persimmon Diospyros virginiana 10%
Cherrybark Oak Quercus pagoda 10%
!5
!5!5
!5!5
!5!5
!5!5 !5!5
!5!5 !5!5
!5
!5
!5
200'
100'
100'
100'
Dit
c
h

C
UT1
UT2
UT
3
UT
4
Dit
c
h

A
Ditch
B
UT
1
30'
50'
50'
115'
!5
Dit
c
h

C
50'
200'
2021 Aerial Photography
Figure 3. Credit Generation Map
Cox Pond Mitigation Bank Parcel
As-Built & Baseline Monitoring Report
Neuse River Basin (03020201)
Wayne County, NC
¹0 400200 Feet
Project Location
Bank Parcel Conservation Easement
Existing Utility Easement
Project Stream
Project Ditch
Mitigation Approach
Riparian Restoration for Buffer Credit
Riparian Restoration for Nutrient
Offset Credit
Riparian Preservation for Buffer Credit
Not for Credit
Surveyed Tree Line
Non-Project Stream
Existing Utility Line
!5 Existing Utility Pole
APPENDIX B. Vegetation Plot Data
Table 7. Stem Count Total and Planted Species by Vegetation Plot
Cox Pond Mitigation Bank Parcel
Monitoring Year 0 ‐ 2023
PnoLS P‐all T PnoLS P‐all T PnoLS P‐all T PnoLS P‐all T PnoLS P‐all T PnoLS P‐all T PnoLS P‐all T
Acer negundo Boxelder Tree 222222111333111111222
Betula nigra River Birch Tree 222111333333222333333
Celtis laevigata Sugarberry Shrub Tree 222222111111 111
Diospyros virginiana Common Persimmon Tree 111111222111222333111
Magnolia virginiana Sweetbay Magnolia Shrub Tree 111111111111111111111
Platanus occidentalis Sycamore Tree 111444333333333111222
Populus deltoides Eastern Cottonwood Tree 333 111222222111
Prunus serotina Black Cherry Shrub Tree 111111111111111
Quercus michauxii Swamp Chestnut Oak Tree 333222 222111111222
Quercus pagoda Cherrybark Oak Tree 111222222111222222111
Ulmus americana American Elm Tree 222 111 333111
17 17 17 16 16 16 16 16 16 17 17 17 16 16 16 17 17 17 15 15 15
101010999999101010101010999101010
688 688 688 647 647 647 647 647 647 688 688 688 647 647 647 688 688 688 607 607 607
Color for Density
Exceeds requirements by 10%
Exceeds requirements, but by less than 10%
Fails to meet requirements, by less than 10%
Fails to meet requirements by more than 10%
Volunteer species included in total
PnoLS ‐ Planted Stems Excluding Live Stakes
P‐all ‐ All Planted Stems
T ‐ All Woody Stems
Scientific Name Common Name Species Type
VP 1VP 2VP 3VP 4VP 5VP 6
Current Plot Data (MY0 2023)
VP 7
1
0.02
Stem count
size (ares)
size (ACRES)
1
0.02
1
0.02
Stems per ACRE
1
0.02
1
0.02
Species count
1
0.02
1
0.02
Table 7. Stem Count Total and Planted Species by Vegetation Plot
Cox Pond Mitigation Bank Parcel
Monitoring Year 0 ‐ 2023
Acer negundo Boxelder Tree
Betula nigra River Birch Tree
Celtis laevigata Sugarberry Shrub Tree
Diospyros virginiana Common Persimmon Tree
Magnolia virginiana Sweetbay Magnolia Shrub Tree
Platanus occidentalis Sycamore Tree
Populus deltoides Eastern Cottonwood Tree
Prunus serotina Black Cherry Shrub Tree
Quercus michauxii Swamp Chestnut Oak Tree
Quercus pagoda Cherrybark Oak Tree
Ulmus americana American Elm Tree
Color for Density
Exceeds requirements by 10%
Exceeds requirements, but by less than 10%
Fails to meet requirements, by less than 10%
Fails to meet requirements by more than 10%
Volunteer species included in total
PnoLS ‐ Planted Stems Excluding Live Stakes
P‐all ‐ All Planted Stems
T ‐ All Woody Stems
Scientific Name Common Name Species Type
Stem count
size (ares)
size (ACRES)
Stems per ACRE
Species count
PnoLS P‐all T PnoLS P‐all T PnoLS P‐all T PnoLS P‐all T PnoLS P‐all T PnoLS P‐all T PnoLS P‐all T
111 333 222111222
222222222222333333222
111 111333
111222 333111222333
111111111111 111
222222222333222444111
333222111222111111222
222111 111
333111222 222111111
222222111222111111222
111111111222222
16 16 16 15 15 15 13 13 13 15 15 15 15 15 15 16 16 16 17 17 17
888101010888888999999999
647 647 647 607 607 607 526 526 526 607 607 607 607 607 607 647 647 647 688 688 688
Current Plot Data (MY0 2023)
VP 8VP 9VP 10 VP 11 VP 12 VP 13 VP 14
1
0.02
1
0.02
1
0.02
1
0.02
1
0.02
1
0.02
1
0.02
Table 7. Stem Count Total and Planted Species by Vegetation Plot
Cox Pond Mitigation Bank Parcel
Monitoring Year 0 ‐ 2023
Acer negundo Boxelder Tree
Betula nigra River Birch Tree
Celtis laevigata Sugarberry Shrub Tree
Diospyros virginiana Common Persimmon Tree
Magnolia virginiana Sweetbay Magnolia Shrub Tree
Platanus occidentalis Sycamore Tree
Populus deltoides Eastern Cottonwood Tree
Prunus serotina Black Cherry Shrub Tree
Quercus michauxii Swamp Chestnut Oak Tree
Quercus pagoda Cherrybark Oak Tree
Ulmus americana American Elm Tree
Color for Density
Exceeds requirements by 10%
Exceeds requirements, but by less than 10%
Fails to meet requirements, by less than 10%
Fails to meet requirements by more than 10%
Volunteer species included in total
PnoLS ‐ Planted Stems Excluding Live Stakes
P‐all ‐ All Planted Stems
T ‐ All Woody Stems
Scientific Name Common Name Species Type
Stem count
size (ares)
size (ACRES)
Stems per ACRE
Species count
PnoLS P‐all T PnoLS P‐all T PnoLS P‐all T PnoLS P‐all T PnoLS P‐all T
222111111222272727
333333222222434343
111111 141414
111111222111282828
222 111111161616
333 444111414141
111111222222272727
111 222121212
111333111111272727
111 222333282828
111222 171717
16 16 16 12 12 12 16 16 16 15 15 15 280 280 280
101010777999999111111
647 647 647 486 486 486 647 647 647 607 607 607 630 630 630
Current Plot Data (MY0 2023)
VP 18
Annual Means
MY0 (2023)VP 15 VP 16 VP 17
1
0.02
18
0.44
1
0.02
1
0.02
1
0.02

VEGETATION PLOT PHOTOGRAPHS

Cox Pond Mitigation Bank Parcel
Appendix B: Vegetation Plot Data – Vegetation Plot Photographs

VEG PLOT 1 (1/26/2023) VEG PLOT 2 (1/26/2023)

VEG PLOT 3 (1/26/2023) VEG PLOT 4 (1/26/2023)

VEG PLOT 5 (1/26/2023) VEG PLOT 6 (1/26/2023)
Cox Pond Mitigation Bank Parcel
Appendix B: Vegetation Plot Data – Vegetation Plot Photographs

VEG PLOT 7 (1/26/2023) VEG PLOT 8 (1/26/2023)

VEG PLOT 9 (1/26/2023) VEG PLOT 10 (1/26/2023)

VEG PLOT 11 (1/26/2023) VEG PLOT 12 (1/26/2023)
Cox Pond Mitigation Bank Parcel
Appendix B: Vegetation Plot Data – Vegetation Plot Photographs

VEG PLOT 13 (1/26/2023) VEG PLOT 14 (1/26/2023)

VEG PLOT 15 (1/26/2023) VEG PLOT 16 (1/26/2023)

VEG PLOT 17 (1/26/2023) VEG PLOT 18 (1/26/2023)

APPENDIX C. NCDWR Surface Water Determination
and Site Viability Letter

March, 16, 2021
20201942 ver1
William L. Jackson
Jackson Farming Company LLC
122 Cox Farm Road
Mount Olive, NC 28365
919-922-7861

Wayne County
Subject: On-Site Determination for Applicability to Neuse Riparian Buffer Rules (15A NCAC 02B .0714)

Subject Property/ Project Name: Cox Pond Bank Parcel
Address/Location: 122 Cox Farm Road, Mt. Olive, NC 28635
Stream(s) Evaluated: (4) – UT1 – UT4 Cox Pond Mitigation Site
Determination Date: February 4th, 2021 Staff: Allen Stewart
Determination Type: Applicability to Neuse Riparian Buffer Rules (15A NCAC 02B .0714)
Buffer: Stream:
X - Neuse (15A NCAC 02B .0714)
- Tar-Pamlico (15A NCAC 02B .0734
- Catawba (15A NCAC 02B .0614)
- Jordan (15A NCAC 02B .0267) (governmental and/or
interjurisdictional projects)
- Randleman (15A NCAC 02B .0724)
- Goose Creek (15A NCAC 02B .0605-.0608)
X – Ephemeral/ Intermittent/Perennial Determination

*Ephemeral / Intermittent / Perennial

Dear Mr. Jackson,

The Division of Water Resources has determined that the streams listed as “subject” above and included on the attached map have been
located on the most recent published (1974) NRCS Soil Survey of Wayne County, North Carolina and/or the most recent copy of the Mt. Olive
USGS Topographic map at a 1:24,000 scale and evaluated for applicability to the Neuse Riparian Buffer Rule. For Each stream that is checked
“Not Subject” it has been determined to not be at least intermittent, not present on the property or not represented on the most recent
published (1974) NRCS Soil Survey of Wayne County, North Carolina and/or the most recent copy of the Mt. Olive USGS Topographic map at a
1:24,000 scale. There may be other streams or features located on the property that were not assessed and/or that do not appear on the maps
referenced above but may be considered jurisdictional according to the US Army Corps of Engineers and subject to the Clean Water Act.
UT3 and UT4 were determined to be unmapped intermittent streams scoring >or= to 19 on NC DWQ Stream Identification Form Version 4.11.

Stream E/I/P* Not
Subject
Subject Start@ Stop@ Soil
Survey
USGS
Topo
UT1 P X 35.235998, -78.083777 35.239429, -78.082553 X X
UT2 I X 35.237985. -78.084267 35.238311, -78.083323 X
UT3 I X 35.240130, -78.084404 35.239373, -78.082724
UT4 I X 35.234145, -78.079491 35.235926, -78.079488

This on-site determination shall expire five (5) years from the date of this letter. Landowners or affected parties that dispute a
determination made by the DWR may request a determination by the Director. An appeal request must be made within sixty (60) calendar
days of date of this letter to the Director in writing.

If sending via US Postal Service:
c/o Paul Wojoski
DWR – 401 & Buffer Permitting Unit
1617 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699-1617
If sending via delivery service (UPS, FedEx, etc.):
c/o Paul Wojoski
DWR – 401 & Buffer Permitting Unit
512 N. Salisbury Street
Raleigh, NC 27604

This determination is final and binding as detailed above unless an appeal is requested within sixty (60) days.

This determination only addresses the applicability to the buffer rules and does not approve any activity within the buffers or
waters. The project may require a Section 404/401 Permit for the proposed activity. Any inquiries regarding applicability to the
Clean Water Act should be directed to the US Army Corps of Engineers Raleigh Regulatory Field Office at (919)-554-4884 Ext. 22.

If you have questions regarding this determination, please feel free to contact Allen Stewart at [phone].

Sincerely,

Robert Tankard, Assistant Regional Supervisor
Water Quality Regional Operations Section
Division of Water Resources, NCDEQ

cc: WaRO DWR File Copy/LASERFICHE
Andrea Eckardt, Wildlands Engineering Inc., [e-mail]
Samantha Dailey, US Army Corps of Engineers Raleigh Regulatory Field Office, [e-mail]
Katie Merritt, NCDWR 401 & Buffer Permitting Branch, [e-mail]
Randall Jones, WaRO DEMLR (via e-mail)

May 19, 2021

Andrea Eckardt
Wildlands Engineering, Inc
(via electronic mail: [e-mail] )

Re: Site Viability for Buffer Mitigation & Nutrient Offset – Cox Pond Site
120 Cox Pond Rd, Mt. Olive (near 35.234024, -78.079889)
Neuse 03020201
Wayne County

Dear Ms. Eckardt,

On March 22, 2021, Katie Merritt, with the Division of Water Resources (DWR), received a request
from you on behalf of Wildlands Engineering, Inc (Wildlands) for a site visit near the above-
referenced site in the Neuse River Basin within the 8-digit Hydrologic Unit Code 03020201. The site
visit was to determine the potential for riparian buffer mitigation and nutrient offset within a
proposed conservation easement boundary, which is more accurately depicted in the attached map
labeled “Figure 1-Site Map” (Figure 1) prepared by Wildlands. The proposed easement boundary in
Figure 1, includes all riparian areas intended to be proposed as part of the mitigation site. On April
15, 2021, Ms. Merritt performed a site assessment of the subject site. Staff with Wildlands were also
present. The site visit revealed the following site constraints:

• UTILITIES: A utility easement was observed crossing the site. The utility easement
shall not be within a conservation easement or within riparian areas where buffer
mitigation or nutrient offset credits are proposed to be generated.
• PERMITS: An Animal Feeding Operation (AFO) permit is associated with this property.
The permit associated with this property is # AWS960144 and allows for some or all the
property to be used for the land application of animal waste per an approved Waste
Utilization Plan issued by the DWR.
o Application of animal waste will not be permitted within a conservation easement
or within riparian areas where buffer mitigation or nutrient offset credits are
proposed to be generated.
o All riparian areas proposed to be placed in a conservation easement must be
removed from the Waste Utilization Plan.
o Written approval by DWR of any modification to the existing Waste Utilization
Plan and/or the applicable permit will be required prior to approval of the riparian
areas to generate buffer mitigation or nutrient offset credits.
• EXISTING INFRASTRUCTURE: Existing underground and above ground
infrastructure may be present and is likely for purposes of irrigating the property for the
land application of animal waste associated with permit # AWS960144.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 8C3B4A8E-21C6-452B-AD15-17B3E4CF5FCC
Cox Pond Site
Wildlands Engineering, Inc.
May 19, 2021
Page 2 of 4
o No infrastructure or impervious areas below or above the ground will be allowed
to be within a conservation easement or within riparian areas where buffer
mitigation or nutrient offset credits are proposed to be generated.
o All infrastructure shall be mapped, including wells and hydrants. Written proof
of the removal of all infrastructure within riparian areas proposed to be placed in
a conservation easement will be required prior to approval of the riparian areas to
generate buffer mitigation or nutrient offset credits.
o Changes to any infrastructure associated with permit # AWS960144 will require
prior approval from DWR if they result in a change in the irrigation system
design for land application.

Ms. Merritt’s evaluation of the features onsite and their associated mitigation determination for the
riparian areas are provided in the table below. This evaluation was made from Top of Bank (TOB)
and landward 200’ from each feature for buffer mitigation pursuant to 15A NCAC 02B .0295
(effective November 1, 2015) and for nutrient offset credits pursuant to 15A NCAC 02B .0703.

Feature Classification
onsite
1Subject
to
Buffer
Rule
7Riparian Land uses
adjacent to Feature
(0-200’)
Buffer
Credit
Viable
3Nutrient
Offset
Viable
4,5Mitigation Type Determination w/in
riparian areas
UT1 Stream Yes Combination of non-
forested agricultural fields
with mature forest

Banks are unstable with
active erosion in many
areas, some sink holes are
present.

Live stakes and bareroots
should be planted in many
unstable areas, matting, and
other stabilization measures
should also be
implemented.
2Yes Yes (non-
forested
areas only)
Non-forested fields - Restoration Site per
15A NCAC 02B .0295 (n)

Forested Areas – Preservation Site per
15A NCAC 02B .0295 (o)(5)

Minor bank stabilization and grading
needed where bank stability is
compromised and where erosional rills,
active erosion, sink holes and gullies are
observed

UT2

Stream

Yes

Non-forested agricultural
fields with some mature
forest near confluence w/
UT1.

A sink hole was observed at
the confluence with UT1

2Yes Yes (non-
forested
areas only)
Non-forested fields - Restoration Site per
15A NCAC 02B .0295 (n)

Forested Areas – Preservation Site per
15A NCAC 02B .0295 (o)(5)

Minor major bank stabilization and
grading needed where bank stability is
compromised and where erosional rills,
active erosion, sink holes and gullies are
observed.

UT3 Stream

No Non-forested agricultural
fields

An ag pond was recently
filled in along right bank.
Yes Yes Restoration Site per 15A NCAC 02B
.0295 (o)(3)

DocuSign Envelope ID: 8C3B4A8E-21C6-452B-AD15-17B3E4CF5FCC
Cox Pond Site
Wildlands Engineering, Inc.
May 19, 2021
Page 3 of 4

1Subjectivity calls for the features were determined by DWR in correspondence dated March 16, 2021 (DWR# 2020-1942) using the
1:24,000 scale quadrangle topographic map prepared by USGS and the most recent printed version of the soil survey map prepared by
the NRCS .
2The area of preservation credit within a buffer mitigation site shall comprise of no more than 25 percent (25%) of the total area of buffer
mitigation per 15A NCAC 0295 (o)(5) and 15A NCAC 0295 (o)(4). Site cannot be a Preservation Only site to comply with this rule.
3NC Division of Water Resources - Methodology and Calculations for determining Nutrient Reductions associated with Riparian Buffer
Establishment
4 Determinations made for this Site are determined based on the proposal provided in maps and figures submitted with the request.
5 All features proposed for buffer mitigation or nutrient offset, must have a planted conservation easement established that includes the
tops of channel banks when being measured perpendicular and landward from the banks, even if no credit is viable within that riparian
area.
6The area of the mitigation site on ephemeral channels shall comprise no more than 25 percent (25%) of the total area of buffer
mitigation per 15A NCAC 02B .0295 (o)(7). 7Landuses may also include the application of animal waste associated with an AFO permit
Determinations provided in the table above were made using a proposed easement boundary showing
proposed mitigation areas shown in Figure 1. The map representing the proposal for the site are
attached to this letter and are initialed by Ms. Merritt on May 19, 2021. Substantial changes to the
Feature Classification
onsite
1Subject
to
Buffer
Rule
7Riparian Land uses
adjacent to Feature
(0-200’)
Buffer
Credit
Viable
3Nutrient
Offset
Viable
4,5Mitigation Type Determination w/in
riparian areas
UT4

Stream

No

Non-forested agricultural
fields & Partially located
within a DOT ROW
Yes Yes

Restoration Site per 15A NCAC 02B
.0295 (o)(3)

Note: No credits are allowed within the
DOT R.O.W
A Ditch No Non-forested agricultural
fields

No Yes Restoration Site per 15A NCAC 02B
.0295 (n)

Does not meet all criteria in 15A NCAC
02B .0295 (o)(8) for buffer mitigation
B Ditch
>3’ depth

No Right Bank - non-forested
agricultural fields
No Yes Restoration Site per 15A NCAC 02B
.0295 (n)
C Ditch
>3’ depth

No Non-forested agricultural
fields
No Yes Restoration Site per 15A NCAC 02B
.0295 (n)
D Ditch
>3’ depth

No Left Bank – non-forested
agricultural fields
Right Bank – residential
yard & business

No No N/A

A direct discharge of wastewater from an
unknown source was observed entering the
feature
E, F, G Ditches No N/A No No N/A
Not directly hydrologically connected to a
stream
DocuSign Envelope ID: 8C3B4A8E-21C6-452B-AD15-17B3E4CF5FCC
Cox Pond Site
Wildlands Engineering, Inc.
May 19, 2021
Page 4 of 4
proposed easement boundary as well as site constraints identified in this letter could affect the Site’s
potential to generate buffer mitigation and nutrient offset credits.

This letter does not constitute an approval of this Site to generate buffer and nutrient offset credits.
Pursuant to 15A NCAC 02B .0295, a mitigation proposal and a mitigation plan shall be submitted to
DWR for written approval prior to conducting any mitigation activities in riparian areas and/or
surface waters for buffer mitigation credit. Pursuant to 15A NCAC 02B .0703, a proposal regarding a
proposed nutrient load-reducing measure for nutrient offset credit shall be submitted to DWR for
approval prior to any mitigation activities in riparian areas and/or surface waters.

All vegetative plantings, performance criteria and other mitigation requirements for riparian
restoration, enhancement and preservation must follow the requirements in 15A NCAC 02B .0295 to
be eligible for buffer and/or nutrient offset mitigation credits. For any areas depicted as not being
viable for nutrient offset credit above, one could propose a different measure, along with supporting
calculations and sufficient detail to support estimates of load reduction, for review by the DWR to
determine viability for nutrient offset in accordance with 15A NCAC 02B .0703.

This viability assessment will expire on May 19, 2023 or upon approval of a mitigation plan by
the DWR, whichever comes first. This letter should be provided in any nutrient offset, buffer,
stream or wetland mitigation plan for this Site.

Please contact Katie Merritt at [phone] if you have any questions regarding this
correspondence.
Sincerely,

Paul Wojoski, Supervisor
401 and Buffer Permitting Branch
PW/kym

Attachments: Figure 1. Site Map

cc: File Copy (Katie Merritt)
DWR Animal Feeding Operations Branch – Ramesh Ravella [e-mail]
DWR WaRO – David May

DocuSign Envelope ID: 8C3B4A8E-21C6-452B-AD15-17B3E4CF5FCC
DALY FAMILY FARMS INC
2574211614
Ditch

C
UT1
UT2
UT3
UT
4
Dit
c
h

A
Ditch B
UT
1
Pond recently
filled in
2017 Aerial Photography
Figure 1. Site Map
Cox Pond Bank Parcel
Neuse River Basin (03020201)
Wayne County, NC
¹0 400200 Feet
Project Location
Proposed Conservation Easement
Filled in Pond
Existing Utility Easement
Project Stream
Project Ditch
Non-Project Stream
Non-Project Ditch
Ditch
E
Ditch
D
Ditch
F
Ditch
G
DocuSign Envelope ID: 8C3B4A8E-21C6-452B-AD15-17B3E4CF5FCC
APPENDIX D. Conservation Easement
APPENDIX E. Overview Photographs
Cox Pond Mitigation Bank Parcel
Appendix E: Overview Photographs

Cox Pond Mitigation Bank Parcel
Appendix E: Overview Photographs

EROSION STABILIZATION PHOTOGRAPHS

Cox Pond Mitigation Bank Parcel
Appendix E: Erosion Stabilization Photographs

UT1 – Bank stabilization via hand grading bank & live staking (1/26/2023)

UT2 - Erosion reduction via overland flow diversion, hand grading bank, & live staking (1/26/2023)
Cox Pond Mitigation Bank Parcel
Appendix E: Erosion Stabilization Photographs

UT3 - Bank stabilization via live staking (1/26/2023)

UT3 - Erosion reduction via overland flow diversion & seeding (3/15/2023)
Cox Pond Mitigation Bank Parcel
Appendix E: Erosion Stabilization Photographs

Ditch C – Erosion reduction via overland flow diversion & live staking (1/26/2023)

Ditch C – Erosion reduction via overland flow diversion & seeding (3/15/2023)