20100952 Ver 1_Year 3 Monitoring Report_2016_20170119

FINAL
YEAR 3 (2016) ANNUAL MONITORING REPORT
MARTIN'S CREEK II MITIGATION PROJECT
Cherokee County, North Carolina
DMS Project No. 92633 (Contract No. 005717)
USACE Action ID No. SAW — 2009-00209/DWR Project No. 10-0952
SCO No. 08-07251-01
Data Collection — March -November 2016
Hiwassee River Basin
Cataloging Unit 06020002170010
SUBMITTED TO/PREPARED FOR:
North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality
Division of Mitigation Services
217 West Jones Street, Suite 3000A
Raleigh, North Carolina 27603
December 2016

FINAL
YEAR 3 (2016) ANNUAL MONITORING REPORT
MARTIN'S CREEK II MITIGATION PROJECT
Cherokee County, North Carolina
DMS Project No. 92633 (Contract No. 005717)
USACE Action ID No. SAW — 2009-00209/DWR Project No. 10-0952
SCO No. 08-07251-01
Data Collection — March -November 2016
Hiwassee River Basin
Cataloging Unit 06020002170010
SUBMITTED TO/PREPARED FOR:
North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality
Division of Mitigation Services
217 West Jones Street, Suite 3000A
Raleigh, North Carolina 27603
SUBMITTED BY:
Axiom Environmental, Inc.
Axiom Environmental, Inc.
218 Snow Avenue
Raleigh, North Carolina 27603
December 2016

Table of Contents
1.0 PROJECT SUMMARY...................................................................................................... 1
2.0 METHODOLOGY............................................................................................................. 3
2.1 Streams........................................................................................................................4
2.2 Vegetation................................................................................................................... 5
2.3 Wetland Hydrology..................................................................................................... 6
3.0 REFERENCES........................................................................................................................ 6
Appendices
APPENDIX A. PROJECT BACKGROUND DATA AND MAPS
Figure 1. Vicinity Map
Table 1. Project Components and Mitigation Credits
Table 2. Project Activity and Reporting History
Table 3. Project Contacts Table
Table 4. Project Baseline Information and Attributes
APPENDIX B. VISUAL ASSESSMENT DATA
Figures 2 and 2A -2C. Current Conditions Plan View
Tables 5A -5E. Visual Stream Morphology Stability Assessment
Table 6. Vegetation Condition Assessment
Stream Fixed -Station Photographs
Vegetation Monitoring Photographs
APPENDIX C. VEGETATION PLOT DATA
Table 7. Vegetation Plot Criteria Attainment
Table 8. CVS Vegetation Plot Metadata
Table 9. Total and Planted Stems by Plot and Species
APPENDIX D. STREAM SURVEY DATA
Cross-section Plots
Longitudinal Profile Plots
Substrate Plots
Table IOa- IOf. Baseline Stream Data Summary
Table Ila -11f Monitoring Data
APPENDIX E. HYDROLOGY DATA
Table 12. Verification of Bankfull Events
Table 13. Wetland Hydrology Criteria Attainment Summary
Figure E1. Martin's Creek I130-70 Percentile Graph for Rainfall
Groundwater Gauge Graphs
Martin's Creek II (final) Axiom Environmental, Inc. Monitoring Year 3 of 5 (2016)
DMS Project Number 92633 December 2016
Cherokee County, North Carolina Table of Contents

1.0 PROJECT SUMMARY
The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality - Division of Mitigation Services (DMS) has
established the Martin's Creek II Mitigation Project (Site) located in Cherokee County, just south of the
town of Murphy. The Site includes a 93.87 -acre easement encompassed within 14 -digit Cataloging Unit
06020002170010 of the Hiwassee River Basin (Figure 1, Appendix B and Table 4, Appendix A). Land use
at the Site, prior to mitigation activities, was composed of livestock pasture, open land, a residence, and
forested areas. Martin's Creek and its tributaries were impaired by historical and current land management
practices, which included timber harvesting, pasture, channelization, and livestock grazing. Completed
project activities, reporting history, completion dates, project contacts, and project attributes are
summarized in Tables 1-4 (Appendix A).
The Site is located along Martin's Creek and several unnamed tributaries, which have been assigned Stream
Index Number 1-49 and Best Usage Classification of C. Site streams are listed on the NCDWQ draft 2014
and final 2012 Section 303(d) list of impaired streams due to a fair bioclassification for reduced
ecological/biological integrity and fish communities, and elevated levels of fecal coliform bacteria. The
Site is located within a Targeted Local Watershed that has been identified for stream and buffer restoration
opportunities (NCDMS 2008).
The Site lies within the focus area of the Peachtree -Martins Creek Local Watershed Plan (LWP) and
roughly corresponds to Restoration site #1 & Preservation site #1 of the LWP project atlas (NCDMS 2007).
Goals of the LWP include implementation of wetland and stream restoration projects that reduce sources
of sediment and nutrients by restoring riparian buffers, stabilizing stream banks, and restoring natural
channel geomorphology, particularly in headwater streams.
The project goals will directly address stressors identified in the Peachtree -Martins Creek LWP, namely
lack of riparian vegetation, channel modification, excess sediment inputs, excess nutrient inputs, and
bacterial contamination as follows.
• Restore geomorphically stable stream channels within the Site;
• Restore or enhance wetlands;
• Exclude livestock from accessing project streams, wetlands, and riparian zones;
• Improve and restore hydrologic connections and achieve uplift of ecosystem functions;
• Improve water quality within the Site by reducing bank erosion, improving nutrient and
sediment removal, and stabilizing stream banks;
• Restore and preserve headwater tributaries to the Peachtree -Martins Creek Watershed and
the Hiwassee River; and
• Improve aquatic and terrestrial habitat by improving substrate and in -stream cover, adding
woody debris, reducing water temperatures, and restoring riparian habitat.
The Site mitigation plan was completed in March 2010 with the final design and construction plans
completed in November 2010 (Table 2, Appendix A). Proj ect construction was completed between October
2012 and July 2013. The implemented mitigation is as follows (Figure 2, Appendix B and Table 1,
Appendix A).
Martin's Creek II (final) Axiom Environmental, Inc. Monitoring Year 3 of 5 (2016)
DMS Project Number 92633 December 2016
Cherokee County, North Carolina page 1

8817 Stream Mitigation Units
• Restoring approximately 3486 linear feet of stream channel through construction of stable
channel at the historic floodplain elevation.
• Enhancing (level I) approximately 832 linear feet of stream channel through cessation of
current land use practices, installing grade control structures, repairing bank erosion,
restoring proper channel dimension, and planting with native forest vegetation.
• Enhancing (level II) approximately 1903 linear feet of stream channel through cessation of
current land use practices, removing invasive species, and planting with native forest
vegetation.
• Preserving 21,327 linear feet of stream channel.
5.97 Riparian Wetland Mitigation Units
• Restoring approximately 5.20 acres of riparian wetland by removing spoil castings,
restoring stream inverts to historic elevations rehydrating stream -side wetlands, removing
drain tile, eliminating land use practices, and planting with native forest vegetation.
• Enhancing approximately 1.61 acres of riparian wetland by fencing livestock and
supplemental planting.
Planting a native woody riparian buffer (at least 30 feet in width) adjacent to restored/enhanced
streams and wetlands within the Site.
• Protecting the Site in perpetuity with a conservation easement.
Stream Success Criteria
Stream restoration success criteria for the Site are based on the Stream Mitigation Guidelines issued in
April 2003 by the USACE and NCDWQ. Success criteria for stream restoration will include 1)
documentation of two bankfull events, 2) little change in the channel cross-section from as -built conditions,
3) stable longitudinal profile, 4) substrate consistency, and 5) photographic evidence of stability.
Bankfull Events
Two bankfull flow events in separate years must be documented within the 5 -year monitoring period.
Otherwise, the stream monitoring will continue until two bankfull events have been documented in separate
years.
Cross-sections
Riffle cross-sections on restoration and enhancement reaches should be stable and should show little change
in bankfull area, maximum depth ratio, and width -to -depth ratio. Riffle cross-sections should generally fall
within the parameters defined for channels of the appropriate Rosgen stream type. If any changes do occur,
these changes will be evaluated to assess whether the stream channel is showing signs of instability.
Indicators of instability include a vertically incising thalweg or eroding channel banks. Changes in the
channel that indicate a movement toward stability or enhanced habitat include a decrease in the width -to -
depth ratio in meandering channels or an increase in pool depth.
Lonizitudinal Profile
Longitudinal profile data for the stream reach should show that bedform features are remaining stable. The
riffles should be steeper and shallower than the pools, while the pools should be deep with flat water surface
slopes. The relative percentage of riffles and pools should not change significantly from the design
parameters.
Bed Material Anal
Substrate materials in restoration reaches should indicate a progression towards or the maintenance of
coarser materials in the riffle features and smaller particles in the pool features.
Martin's Creek II (final) Axiom Environmental, Inc. Monitoring Year 3 of 5 (2016)
DMS Project Number 92633 December 2016
Cherokee County, North Carolina page 2

Photo Reference Sites
Photographs will be used to evaluate channel aggradation or degradation, bank erosion, success of riparian
vegetation, and effectiveness of erosion control measures subjectively. Lateral photos should not indicate
excessive erosion or continuing degradation of the banks. A series of photos over time should indicate
successive maturation of riparian vegetation.
Vegetation Success Criteria
Success criteria have been established to verify that the vegetation component supports community
elements necessary for forest development. Success criteria for this project includes an average density of
320 planted stems per acre must be surviving in the first three monitoring years. Subsequently, 290 planted
stems per acre must be surviving in year 4, and 260 planted stems per acre in year 5.
Wetland Success Criteria
Hydrologic success will be based on conditions of on-site reference wetlands. Success will be determined
by the following criteria.
Years One Through Three
Hydrologic success criteria will be met if the Site demonstrates groundwater table levels within 12 inches
of the soil surface for a minimum of 13% of the growing season (this criterion reflects a deviation of 50%
from the duration of saturation expected for this type of wetland system (-25%). Success for monitoring
years one through three will be determined based on this 50% tolerance of deviation from the duration of
wetland hydrology at the reference sites.
Years Four and Five
Success for monitoring years four and five will be determined based on a 20% tolerance of deviation from
the duration of wetland hydrology at the reference sites. Therefore, it is expected that in years four and five
the site will achieve a minimum of 20% saturation. Based on reference conditions and the criterion stated
above, it is expected that reference soil saturation for years one through five will continue to exceed the
regulatory 12.5% minimum requirement of the growing season for Cherokee County. In order to attain
conditions suitable for the formation of wetland vegetation and hydric soils, the Site should be saturated
within 12 inches of the surface or inundated for consecutive period equal to 24 days. However, to meet
hydrologic success criteria and mimic the reference wetland hydrology, the site should demonstrate wetland
hydrology for a minimum of 25 days in years one through three. In years four and five, this will increase
to a minimum of 38 days. Overbank flooding from the adjacent channel will also be noted during
monitoring.
Reference areas will be monitored for a minimum of five years.
Summary information/data related to the occurrence of items such as beaver or encroachment and statistics
related to performance of various project and monitoring elements can be found in tables and figures within
this report's appendices. Narrative background and supporting information formerly found in these reports
can be found in the Baseline Monitoring Report (formerly Mitigation Plan) and in the Mitigation Plan
(formerly the Restoration Plan) documents available on the Division of Mitigation Services (DMS) website.
All raw data supporting the tables and figures in the appendices are available from DMS upon request.
2.0 METHODOLOGY
Monitoring of the Site's restoration efforts will be performed until agreed upon success criteria are fulfilled.
Monitoring is proposed for the stream channel, riparian vegetation, and hydrology for a period of five years
(Figures 2 & 2A -2C, Appendix A). Monitoring reports of collected data will be submitted no later than
December of each monitoring year.
Martin's Creek II (final) Axiom Environmental, Inc. Monitoring Year 3 of 5 (2016)
DMS Project Number 92633 December 2016
Cherokee County, North Carolina page 3

2.1 Streams
Post -restoration monitoring will be conducted for five years following the completion of construction to
evaluate the effectiveness of the restoration practices. Measurements were taken using a Topcon GTS 303
total station and Recon data collector. The raw total station file was processed using Carlson Survey
Software into a Computer Aided Design (CAD) file. Coordinates were exported as a text/ASCII file to
Microsoft Excel for processing and presentation of data, and are not georeferenced. Pebble counts were
completed using the modified Wolman method (Rosgen 1993). Monitored stream parameters include
stream dimension (cross-sections), pattern (longitudinal survey), profile (profile survey), and photographic
documentation. Stream data can be found in Appendix D.
Bankfull Events
The occurrence of bankfull events within the monitoring period will be documented by the use of a crest
gauge and photographs. One crest gauge was installed to record the highest watermark between site visits;
the gauge will be checked each Site visit to determine if a bankfull event has occurred (Figure 2A, Appendix
B). Photographs will be used to document the occurrence of debris lines and sediment deposition on the
floodplain during monitoring site visits.
One bankfull event has been documented to date during monitoring year 3 (2016) for a total of twelve
bankfull events during years 1 (2014) and 3 (2016).
(�:msc-secti�nc
A total of 19 permanent cross-sections, 12 riffle and 7 pool, were established and will be used to evaluate
stream dimension; locations are depicted on Figures 2, 2A, and 2B (Appendix B) Because riffle cross-
sections are critical in determining bankfull design parameters, the number of riffle cross-sections
established will generally outnumber pool cross-sections. Each cross-section will be marked on both banks
with permanent pins to establish the exact transect used. A common benchmark will be used for cross-
sections and consistently used to facilitate easy comparison of year-to-year data. The annual cross-section
survey will include points measured at all breaks in slope, including top of bank, bankfull, inner berm, edge
of water, and thalweg, if the features are present. Riffle cross-sections will be classified using the Rosgen
Stream Classification System.
No areas of concern or indicators of instability were observed during year 3 (2016) monitoring; therefore,
stream dimension measurements are currently meeting success criteria.
Longitudinal Profile
After Site construction, approximately 4493 linear feet of longitudinal profile was completed to document
baseline conditions. Longitudinal profile will be resurveyed annually for the duration of the five-year
monitoring period. Measurements include thalweg, water surface, bankfull, and top of low bank. Each of
these measurements will be taken at the head of each channel unit (e.g., riffle, pool) and at the maximum
pool depth. The survey will be tied to a permanent benchmark.
No areas of concern or indicators of bedform instability were observed during year 3 (2016) monitoring;
therefore, stream longitudinal profile measurements are currently meeting success criteria.
Bed Material Anal
Pebble counts will be conducted annually on one permanent riffle cross-section (100 -counts) at the time
cross-section and longitudinal surveys are performed during the five year monitoring period. These samples
will reveal changes in sediment gradation over time as the stream adjusts to upstream sediment loads.
Martin's Creek II (final) Axiom Environmental, Inc. Monitoring Year 3 of 5 (2016)
DMS Project Number 92633 December 2016
Cherokee County, North Carolina page 4

Year 3 (2016) pebble counts indicate the maintenance of coarser materials in the measured riffle feature;
therefore, bed material is currently meeting success criteria.
Photo Reference Sites
A total of 26 photographs will be used to visually document restoration success for at least five years
following construction. Photographs will be taken from a height of approximately five to six feet. Photo
locations will be recorded using sub -meter GPS to ensure that the same locations (and view directions) on
the Site are monitored in each monitoring period.
Year 3 (2016) photo reference sites show no channel aggradation or degradation, or bank erosion. In
addition, riparian vegetation is meeting success criteria based on stem counts across the Site; however, it is
too early in the monitoring period to show successive maturation of riparian vegetation.
2.2 Vegetation
After planting was completed, an initial evaluation was performed to verify planting methods were
successful and to determine initial species composition and density. Fifteen sample vegetation plots (10 -
meter by 10 -meter) were installed and measured within the Site as per guidelines established in CVS -DMS
Protocol for Recording Vegetation, Version 4.2 (Lee et al. 2008). Vegetation plots are permanently
monumented with 6 -foot metal t -posts at each corner. In each sample plot, vegetation parameters to be
monitored include species composition and species density. Visual observations of the percent cover of
shrub and herbaceous species will also be documented by photograph. Vegetation plot data can be found
in Appendix C.
Supplemental planting occurred at the Site in February 2016 with 1,900 bare root stems as follows:
Riparian area plantings include:
• 150 Betula nigra - river birch
• 200 Cercis canadensis - eastern red bud
• 200 Nyssa sylvatica - black gum
• 200 Platanus occidentalis - sycamore
• 200 Quercus coccinea - scarlet oak
• 200 Quercus rubra - northern red oak
Wetland area plantings include:
• 250 Betula nigra - river birch
• 200 Celtis laevigata - hackberry
• 300 Platanus occidentalis - sycamore
Year 3 stem count measurements indicate an average of 413 planted stems per acre (excluding livestakes)
across the Site; therefore, the Site is currently meeting vegetation success criteria. Thirteen of the fifteen
individual vegetation plots met success criteria based on planted stems alone; plot 3 was one stem shy of
meeting success criteria. Additionally, stems from the 2015 supplemental planting appear vigorous during
year 3 (2016). A population of Chinese privet (Ligustrum sinense) was observed on the left bank of UT1-
R3 during previous monitoring years. This area was treated during 2015, and though it responded well,
quite a few privet resprouts were observed in this area during year 3 (2016). Three additional privet
populations were observed along the lower reaches of the Right Prong Tributaries particularly in the vicinity
of Photo Points 21, 23, and 24. These areas are depicted on Figures 2A and 2C, Appendix B. Furthermore,
a small amount of multiflora rose (Rosa multiflora) was observed scattered throughout the Site.
Martin's Creek II (final) Axiom Environmental, Inc. Monitoring Year 3 of 5 (2016)
DMS Project Number 92633 December 2016
Cherokee County, North Carolina page 5

2.3 Wetland Hydrology
Thirteen RDS Ecotone WM groundwater monitoring gauges were installed within Site wetland restoration
areas to monitor groundwater hydrology (Figure 2A, Appendix A). Hydrological sampling will continue
for five years with gauges recording daily and downloaded at a minimum of quarterly throughout the
growing season (April 14 -October 21). In addition, an on-site rain gauge will document rainfall data for
comparison of groundwater conditions with extended drought conditions. Finally, groundwater gauges
located within riverine wetlands adjacent to restored stream reaches will supplement crest gauge
measurements to confirm overbank flooding events.
Seven of the thirteen groundwater gauges met or exceeded wetland success criteria for the Year 3 (2016)
monitoring year. Below average precipitation throughout most of Year 3 (2016) likely attributed to
moderately poor gauge success (Figure E 1, Appendix E). Gauges 7 and 9 both malfunctioned due to dead
batteries early in the growing season, resulting in loss of data. The batteries in these gauges were replaced
as soon as this malfunction was observed, however the replacement batteries also failed, resulting in the
loss of the remaining data for the growing season. The failure of these two gauges and the resulting loss of
data can be attributed to a bad batch of batteries ordered from RDS. This issue has been resolved with
RDS, however, the data remains unrecoverable. Gauge 9 had already met success criteria at the time of the
malfunction, however Gauge 7 had issues throughout the growing season. It is assumed based on the few
readings recovered from gauge 7 (water level was between 3.3-3.7 inches May 3 -May 10) that this gauge
was saturated/inundated a minimum of 27 days at the beginning of the growing season. Although it is too
early in the monitoring period to determine the extent of wetland that is currently meeting wetland
hydrology success criteria, Year 3 (2016) data indicates that the majority of the Site wetland area is
successful.
3.0 REFERENCES
ACIS-NOAA Regional Climate Centers. WETS Table Murphy, NC6001. Available online at:
http://agacis.rcc-acis.orp,/37039/wets/results [November 20, 2015].
Lee, M.T., R.K. Peet, S.D. Roberts, and T.R. Wentworth. 2008. CVS -DMS Protocol for Recording
Vegetation, Levels 1-2 Plot Sampling Only, Version 4.2. Available online at
http://cvs.bio.unc.edu/methods.htm.
North Carolina Division of Water Quality (NCDWQ). 2012. Final North Carolina Water Quality
Assessment and Impaired Waters List (NC 2012 Integrated Report Category 5, 303(d) List)
(online). Available: http://portal.ncdenr.org/c/document librgy/Ret file?uuid=9d45b3b4-d066-
4619-82e6-ea8eaOe01930&groupld=38364 [February 17, 2014]. North Carolina Department of
Environment and Natural Resources, Raleigh, North Carolina.
North Carolina Division of Water Quality (NCDWQ). 2014. Draft 2014 NC 303(d) List -Category 5
Assessments Requiring TMDLs (online). Available: http://portal.ncdenr.org/c/document library
get file?uuid=096fb2ff-296b-4bd8-8b88-e83bb5984be6&groupld=38364 [February 17, 2014].
North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Raleigh, North Carolina.
North Carolina Division of Mitigation Services (NCDMS) and Equinox Environmental Consultation and
Design. 2007. Peachtree -Martins Creek Local Watershed Plan (Phase3), Hiwassee River Basin,
Cherokee and Clay Counties, North Carolina. October 2007 Watershed Management Plan. [Online
WWW]. Available URL: htip://www.hrwc.net/pmcplan/pmc plan_ executive_summarypdf.
Martin's Creek II (final) Axiom Environmental, Inc. Monitoring Year 3 of 5 (2016)
DMS Project Number 92633 December 2016
Cherokee County, North Carolina page 6

North Carolina Division of Mitigation Services (NCDMS). 2010. Martin's Creek II Mitigation Plan. NC
Department of Environment and Natural Resources. Available online at
http://its.enr.state.nc.us/WebLink8/0/doc/140433/Pa eg 2aspx
North Carolina Division of Mitigation Services (NCDMS). 2014. Annual Monitoring and Closeout
Reporting Format, Data Requirements, and Content Guidance, dated February 2014. NC
Department of Environment and Natural Resources. Available online at
http://portal.ncdenr.org/c/document library/get file?p I id=60409&folderld=18877169&name--
DLFE-86604.pdf
North Carolina Division of Mitigation Services (NCDMS). 2008. Hiwassee River Basin Restoration
Priorities 2008 (online). Available: htip:Hportal.ncdenr.org/c/document library/getfile?uuid=
ea2df99d-3031-4c7b-87ea-79d56a3e4ale&groWld=60329. North Carolina Department of
Environment and Natural Resources, Raleigh, North Carolina.
Rosgen. 1993. Applied Fluvial Geomorphology, Training Manual. River Short Course, Wildland
Hydrology, Pagosa Springs, CO.
United States Army Corps of Engineers, United States Environmental Protection Agency, North Carolina
Wildlife Resources Commission, North Carolina Division of Water Quality (USACE et al.). 2003.
Stream Mitigation Guidelines.
United States Geological Survey (USGS). 1974. Hydrologic Unit Map - 1974. State of North Carolina.
Weakley, Alan S. 2012. Flora of the Southern and Mid -Atlantic States. Available online at:
http://www.herbarium.unc.edu/WeakleysFIora.pdf [September 28, 20121. University of North
Carolina Herbarium, North Carolina Botanical Garden, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill,
North Carolina.
Martin's Creek II (final) Axiom Environmental, Inc. Monitoring Year 3 of 5 (2016)
DMS Project Number 92633 December 2016
Cherokee County, North Carolina page 7

APPENDIX A
PROJECT BACKGROUND DATA AND MAPS
Figure 1. Vicinity Map
Table 1. Project Components and Mitigation Credits
Table 2. Project Activity and Reporting History
Table 3. Project Contacts Table
Table 4. Project Baseline Information and Attributes
Martin's Creek II (final) Axiom Environmental, Inc. Monitoring Year 3 of 5 (2016)
DMS Project Number 92633 December 2016
Cherokee County, North Carolina Appendices

Table 1. Project Components and Mitigation Credits
Martin's Creek 11 Mitigation Site
Mitigation Credit Summations
Stream Riparian Wetland
Nonriparian Wetland
8817 5.97
---
Pro'ects Components
Station Range
Existing Linear
Footage/Acreage
Priority
Approach
Restoration/Restoration Linear
Restoration Footage/Acreage
Equivalent
Mitigation Mitigation
Ratio Credits
Comment
Right Prong Martin's Creek and UTs
17,234
---
Preservation 17,234-203= 17,031
5:1 3406.2
Three short reaches in upstream portion of RP UTl do not
have adequate buffer to claim credit and therefore have been
removed from the total linear footage and calculated
mitigation credits.
Right Prong Martin's Creek and UTs
971
---
Enhance II 971
2.5:1 388.4
Enhancement Level II - invasive species controls and
localized erosion stabilization.
Martin's Creek UTs
4296
---
Preservation 4296
5:1 859.2
Martin's Creek*
857
---
Enhance II 857
5:1 * 171.4
Enhancement Level II - invasive species controls and
localized erosion stabilization.
UT -2 to Martin's Creek
75
---
Enhance II 75
2.5:1 30.0
UT 1 (Reach 3) to Martin's CreekLevel
Station 00+00 to 03+37
337
Enhance I 337
1.5:1 224.7
I stream enhancement - grade control structures, repair
bank erosion, and restore proper dimension.
UT 1-3 (Reach 1) to Martin's CreekLevel
Station 00+00 to 04+95
495
Enhance I 495
1.5:1 330.0
I stream enhancement - grade control structures, repair
bank erosion, and restore proper dimension.
UT 1 (Reach 2) to Martin's Creek Station
00+00 to 10+52
1052
I
Restoration 1052
1:1 1052
Construction of a new channel on the existing floodplain.
UT 1 (Reach 4) to
Martin's Creek
05+46 to 05+91
332
II
51
37
Restoration 941
100
1:1 51.0
Construction of a new channel in a low slope valley.
05+91 to 06+35**
2:1** 18.5
06+35 to 15+75
1:1 941.0
15+75 to 16+75**
2:1** 50.0
U T 1-3 (Reach 2)
UMartin's Creek
to
05+54 to 05+90
1068
II
35
Restoration 20
1250
1:1 35.0
Construction of a new channel in a low slope valley.
05+90 to 06+10***
2:1*** 10.0
06+10 to 18+59
1:1 1250.0
Wetland Restoration
---
---
5.14
Restoration
0.06
1:1 5.14
Restoration of riparian wetlands through stream restoration
activities, filling abandoned channels and drain tiles,
removing spoil castings, and planting.
2:1^ 0.03
Wetland Enhancement
1.61
---
Enhancement 1.604
0.006
2:1 0.802
Enhancement of existing riparian wetlands by fencing
livestock and planting.
4:1' 0.002
Component Summation
Restoration Level
Stream pinear footage)
Riparian Wetland (acreage) Nonriparian Wetland (acreage)
Restoration
3486
5.20 —
Enhancement (Level I)
832
--
Enhancement (Level II)
1903
1.61 --
Preservation
21,327
--
Totals
27,548
6.81
Mitigation Units
8817 SMUs
5.97 Riparian WMUs 0.00 Nonriparian WMUs
* Martin's Creek proper is located beneath a power line; therefore, a credit ratio of 5:1 has been used to calculate mitigation units.
** UTl (Reach 4) stations 05+91 to 06+35 and 15+75 to 16+75 are located beneath a power line; therefore, a credit ratio of 2:1 has been used to calculate mitigation units.
*** UTI -3 (Reach 2) station 05+90 to 06+10 is located beneath a power line; therefore, a credit ratio of 2:1 has been used to calculate mitigation units.
^0.06 acres of wetland restoration is located beneath a power line; therefore, a credit ratio of 2:1 has been used to calculate mitigation units.
'0.006 acres of wetland enhancement is located beneath a power line; therefore, a credit ratio of 4:1 has been used to calculate mitigation units.
Martin's Creek II (final)
DMS Project Number 92633
Cherokee County, North Carolina
Axiom Environmental, Inc.
Monitoring Year 3 of 5 (2016)
December 2016
Appendices

Table 2. Project Activity and Reporting History
Martin's Creek II Mitigation Site
Activity or Deliverable
Data Collection
Complete
Completion
or Deliver
Mitigation Plan
January 2010-
July 2010
September 2010
Final Design — Construction Plans
September 2010-
March 2011
March 2011
Construction
--
October 2012 -July 2013
Temporary S&E Mix applied to Entire Project Site
--
October 2012 -July 2013
Permanent Seed Mix applied to the Entire Project Site
--
October 2012 -July 2013
Bare Root; Containerized; and B&B Plantings for the
Entire Project Site
--
March 2014
Mitigation Plan/ As -Built (Year 0 Monitoring Baseline)
April 2014
April 2014
Invasive Species Treatment
--
July 2014
Year 1 Monitoring
October 2014
December 2014
Warranty Supplemental Planting
--
March 2015
Year 2 Monitoring
November 2015
December 2015
Warranty Supplemental Planting
--
February 2016
Invasive Species Treatment
--
July 2016
Invasive Species Treatment
September 2016
Year 3 Monitoring
November 2016
December 2016
Year 4 Monitoring
Year 5 Monitoring
Martin's Creek II (final)
DMS Project Number 92633
Cherokee County, North Carolina
Axiom Environmental, Inc. Monitoring Year 3 of 5 (2016)
December 2016
Appendices

Table 3. Project Contacts Table
Martin's Creek II Mitigation Site
Designer
Michael Baker Engineering, Inc.
797 Haywood Road, Suite 201
Asheville, NC 28806
Micky Clemmons 828-350-1408
Construction Plans and Sediment and
Michael Baker Engineering, Inc.
Erosion Control Plans
797 Haywood Road, Suite 201
Asheville, NC 28806
Micky Clemmons 828-350-1408
Construction Contractor
River Works, Inc.
6105 Chapel Hill Rd.
Raleigh, NC 27607
919-582-3574
Planting Contractor
Carolina Silvics, Inc.
908 Indian Trail Road
Edenton, NC 27932
[phone]
As -built Surveyor
Turner Land Surveying. PLLC
3201 Glenridge Drive
Raleigh, NC 27604
919-875-1378
Baseline Data Collection
Axiom Environmental, Inc.
218 Snow Avenue
Raleigh, NC 27603
Grant Lewis 919-215-1693
Martin's Creek II (final)
DMS Project Number 92633
Cherokee County, North Carolina
Axiom Environmental, Inc. Monitoring Year 3 of 5 (2016)
December 2016
Appendices

Table 4. Project Attribute Table
Martin's Creek II Mitigation Site
Project County
Cherokee County, North Carolina
Physiographic Region
Blue Ridge
Ecoregion
Broad Basins
Project River Basin
Hiwassee
USGS HUC for Project (14 digit)
06020002170010
NCDWQ Sub -basin for Project
04-05-02
Planning Area
Yes — Peachtree -Martins Creek LWP
WRC Class (Warm, Cool, Cold)
Cold
% of project easement fenced or
demarcated
100
Beaver activity observed during
design phase?
No
Right Prong Martin's
Creek
Martin's Creek
RP UTI
Mainstem
MC UTI
MC UTI -3
MC UT2
Mainstem
LII Enh
PI
Rest
LI
Enh
PI
Rest
Drainage Area
.17
0.6
0.02-0.18
0.07-0.08
0.39
6.81
Stream Order (USGS topo)
1 st
3rd
2nd
I st
1st
3rd
Restored Length (feet)
Perennial or Intermittent
I/P
I/P
P
P
P
P
P
P
Watershed Type
Rural
Watershed impervious cover
<10%
NCDWQ AU/Index number
1-49 (Martin's Creek), 1-49-3 (Right Prong Martins Creek)
NCDWQ Classification
C C I C C C
303d listed?
No
Upstream of a 303d listed
No
Reasons for 303d listed segment
NA
Total acreage of easement
93.87
Total existing vegetated acreage
of easement
Total planted restoration acreage
17 acres
Rosgen Classification of
preexisting
B
B
Eb/Fb/B
/G
Cb/G Eb/B
OF B C
Rosgen Classification of As -built
B
B
B/C
B/C B
C B C
Valley type
II
II VIII VIII VIII
Valley slope
N/A
0.015-0.05 0.007-0.04 N/A N/A
Cowardin classification of
proposed
N/A
N/A N/A N/A N/A
Trout waters designation
No
Species of concern, endangered
etc.
No
Dominant Soil Series
Cullowhee fine sandy
loam
Thurmont-
Dillard Complex
Arkaqua loam
Dillard loam
Arkaqua
loam
Arkaqua
loam
Arkaqua
loam
Martin's Creek II (final)
DMS Project Number 92633
Cherokee County, North Carolina
Axiom Environmental, Inc. Monitoring Year 3 of 5 (2016)
December 2016
Appendices

APPENDIX B
VISUAL ASSESSMENT DATA
Figures 2 and 2A -2C. Current Conditions Plan View (CCPV)
Tables 5A -5E. Visual Stream Morphology Stability Assessment
Table 6. Vegetation Condition Assessment
Stream Station Photographs
Vegetation Plot Photographs
Martin's Creek II (final) Axiom Environmental, Inc. Monitoring Year 3 of 5 (2016)
DMS Project Number 92633 December 2016
Cherokee County, North Carolina Appendices

Insert Tables 5A -5C and Table 6. Stream Visual Assessments and Vegetation Conditions
Assessment
Martin's Creek II (final)
DMS Project Number 92633
Cherokee County, North Carolina
Axiom Environmental, Inc. Monitoring Year 3 of 5 (2016)
December 2016
Appendices

Martin's Creek II
Fixed Station Photographs
Taken August 2016
Photo Point 1 r
Photo Point 5
Martin's Creek II (final)
DMS Project Number 92633
Cherokee County, North Carolina
Axiom Environmental, Inc. Monitoring Year 3 of 5 (2016)
December 2016
Appendices

Martin's Creek II
Fixed Station Photographs
Taken August 2016 (continued)
Martin's Creek II (final)
DMS Project Number 92633
Cherokee County, North Carolina
Photo Point 8
Axiom Environmental, Inc. Monitoring Year 3 of 5 (2016)
December 2016
Appendices

Martin's Creek II
Fixed Station Photographs
Taken August 2016 (continued)
Martin's Creek II (final)
DMS Project Number 92633
Cherokee County, North Carolina
Axiom Environmental, Inc. Monitoring Year 3 of 5 (2016)
December 2016
Appendices

Martin's Creek II
Fixed Station Photographs
Taken August 2016 (continued)
Martin's Creek II (final)
DMS Project Number 92633
Cherokee County, North Carolina
Axiom Environmental, Inc. Monitoring Year 3 of 5 (2016)
December 2016
Appendices

Martin's Creek II
Fixed Station Photographs
Taken August 2016 (continued)
Martin's Creek II (final)
DMS Project Number 92633
Cherokee County, North Carolina
Axiom Environmental, Inc. Monitoring Year 3 of 5 (2016)
December 2016
Appendices

Martin's Creek II
Vegetation Monitoring Photographs
Taken August 2016
Plot 1 Plot 2
1 Plot 3
Martin's Creek II (final) Axiom Environmental, Inc. Monitoring Year 3 of 5 (2016)
DMS Project Number 92633 December 2016
Cherokee County, North Carolina Appendices

Martin's Creek II
Vegetation Monitoring Photographs
Taken August 2016
(continued)
Plot 10
Martin's Creek II (final) Axiom Environmental, Inc. Monitoring Year 3 of 5 (2016)
DMS Project Number 92633 December 2016
Cherokee County, North Carolina Appendices

Martin's Creek II
Vegetation Monitoring Photographs
Taken August 2016
(continued)
Martin's Creek II (final)
DMS Project Number 92633
Cherokee County, North Carolina
Axiom Environmental, Inc. Monitoring Year 3 of 5 (2016)
December 2016
Appendices

APPENDIX C
VEGETATION PLOT DATA
Table 7. Vegetation Plot Criteria Attainment
Table 8. CVS Vegetation Plot Metadata
Table 9. Total and Planted Stems by Plot and Species
Martin's Creek II (final) Axiom Environmental, Inc. Monitoring Year 3 of 5 (2016)
DMS Project Number 92633 December 2016
Cherokee County, North Carolina Appendices

Table 7. Vegetation Plot Criteria Attainment Based on Planted Stems
Martin's Creek II Mitigation Site (DMS Project Number 92633)
Vegetation Plot ID Vegetation Survival Threshold Met?
Tract Mean
1 Yes
87%
2 Yes
3 No
4 No
5 Yes
6 Yes
7 Yes
8 Yes
9 Yes
10 Yes
11 Yes
12 Yes
13 Yes
14 Yes
15 Yes
Martin's Creek II (final) Axiom Environmental, Inc. Monitoring Year 3 of 5 (2016)
DMS Project Number 92633 December 2016
Cherokee County, North Carolina Appendices

Table 8. CVS Vegetation Plot Metadata
Martin's Creek II Mitigation Site (DMS Prosect Number 92633)
Report Prepared By
Corri Faquin
Date Prepared
11/7/2016 13:07
database name
Axiom-MartinsII-2016-A-v2.3.l.mdb
database location
S:\Business\Projects\12\12-004 EEP Monitoring\12-004.16 UT to Martins and Martins\Martins II\2016\CVS
computer name
CORRI2-PC
file size
47353856
DESCRIPTION OF WORKSHEETS IN THIS DOCUMENT------------
Metadata
Description of database file, the report worksheets, and a summary of project(s) and project data.
Pro', planted
Each project is listed with its PLANTED stems per acre, for each year. This excludes live stakes.
Pro', total stems
Each project is listed with its TOTAL stems per acre, for each year. This includes live stakes, all planted stems, and all
natural/volunteer stems.
Plots
List of plots surveyed with location and summary data (live stems, dead stems, missing, etc.).
Vigor
Frequency distribution of vigor classes for stems for all plots.
Vigor bSpp
Frequency distribution of vigor classes listed by species.
Damage
List of most frequent damage classes with number of occurrences and percent of total stems impacted by each.
Damage by Spp
Damage values tallied by type for each species.
Damage by Plot
Damage values tallied by type for each plot.
Planted Stems by Plot and Spp
A matrix of the count of PLANTED living stems of each species for each plot; dead and missing stems are excluded.
ALL Stems by Plot and spp
A matrix of the count of total living stems of each species (planted and natural volunteers combined) for each plot; dead
and missing stems are excluded.
PROJECT SUMMARY -------------------------------------
Project Code
92633
project Name
Martin's Creek II
Description
Stream and Wetland Restoration
River Basin
Hiwassee
length(ft)
stream -to -edge width (ft)
areas m
Required Plots (calculated)
Sampled Plots
15
Martin's Creek 11 (final)
DMS Project Number 92633
Cherokee County, North Carolina
Axiom Environmental, Inc.
Monitoring Year 3 of 5 (2016)
December 2016
Appendices

Table 9. Total and Planted Stems by Plot and Species
Insert PDF
Martin's Creek II (final) Axiom Environmental, Inc.
DMS Project Number 92633
Cherokee County, North Carolina
Monitoring Year 3 of 5 (2016)
December 2016
Appendices

APPENDIX D
STREAM SURVEY DATA
Cross-section Plots
Longitudinal Profile Plots
Substrate Plots
Tables IOa-f. Baseline Stream Data Summary
Tables l Ia-f. Monitoring Data
Martin's Creek II (final) Axiom Environmental, Inc. Monitoring Year 3 of 5 (2016)
DMS Project Number 92633 December 2016
Cherokee County, North Carolina Appendices

APPENDIX E
HYDROLOGY DATA
Table 12. Verification of Bankfull Events
Table 13. Wetland Hydrology Criteria Attainment Summary
Figure E1. Martin's Creek 11 30-70 Percentile Graph for Rainfall
Groundwater Gauge Graphs
Martin's Creek II (final) Axiom Environmental, Inc. Monitoring Year 3 of 5 (2016)
DMS Project Number 92633 December 2016
Cherokee County, North Carolina Appendices

Table 12. Verification of Bankfull Events
Martin's Creek II Mitigation Site (DMS Prosect Number 92633)
Date of Data
Date of Occurrence
Method
Photo (if
Collection
available)
Crest gauge data indicates a bankfull event after
August 25, 2014
April 7, 2014
approximately 2.4 inches of rain documented in one day at
---
an onsite rain gauge.
Crest gauge data indicates a bankfull event after
August 25, 2014
July 1, 2014
approximately 2.02 inches of rain was documented over two
---
days at an onsite rain gauge.
Crest gauge data indicates a bankfull event after
August 25, 2014
August 24, 2014
approximately 1.39 inches of rain documented over two days
---
at an onsite rain gauge.
Crest gauge data indicates a bankfull event after
October 27, 2014
September 3, 2014
approximately 1.67 inches of rain documented in one day at
---
an onsite rain gauge.
Crest gauge data and laid back vegetation indicate a bankfull
October 27, 2014
October 14, 2014
event after approximately 2.5 inches of rain documented in
1
one day at an onsite rain gauge.
Crest gauge data indicates a bankfull event after
April 12, 2015
November 17, 2014
approximately 1.44 inches of rain documented in one day at
---
an onsite rain gauge.
Crest gauge data indicates a bankfull event after
July 13, 2015
June 11, 2015
approximately 1.68 inches of rain documented in one day at
---
an onsite rain gauge.
Crest gauge data indicates a bankfull event after
July 13, 2015
June 26, 2015
approximately 1.57 inches of rain was documented in one
---
day at an onsite rain gauge.
Crest gauge data indicates a bankfull event after
September 11, 2015
August 19, 2015
approximately 2.94 inches of rain was documented over
---
three days at an onsite rain gauge.
Crest gauge data indicates a bankfull event after
November 18, 2015
September 26, 2015
approximately 2.65 inches of rain was documented over two
---
days at an onsite rain gauge.
Crest gauge data indicates a bankfull event after
November 18, 2015
October 3, 2015
approximately 4.50 inches of rain was documented over
---
three days at an onsite rain gauge.
Crest gauge data, floodplain scour, and laid back vegetation
August 22, 2016
June 5, 2016
indicate a bankfull event after approximately 2.28 inches of
2
rain was documented over two days at an onsite rain gauge.
Martin's Creek II (final) Axiom Environmental, Inc. Monitoring Year 3 of 5 (2016)
DMS Project Number 92633 December 2016
Cherokee County, North Carolina Appendices

Table 13. Wetland Hydrology Criteria Attainment Summary
Martin's Creek II MitiEation Site (DMS Proiect Number 92633)
*This gauge had many technical difficulties throughout the growing season; however, the water level from May 3 -May 10 was between 3.3-3.7
inches. It is assumed that the gauge was saturated/inundated at the beginning of the growing season and was therefore saturated/inundated a
minimum of 27 days (April 14 -May 10).
**This gauge malfunctioned on May 10, 2016 resulting in loss of data for the remainder of the growing season; however, it was saturated/
inundated for 27 days prior to its malfunction.
Martin's Creek II (final) Axiom Environmental, Inc. Monitoring Year 3 of 5 (2016)
DMS Project Number 92633 December 2016
Cherokee County, North Carolina Appendices
Success Criteria Achieved/Max Consecutive Days During Growing Season
Gauge
(Percentage)
Year 1 (2014)
Year 2 (2015)
Year 3 (2016)Y ear 4 (2017)
Year 5 (2018)
1
Yes/75 Days
Yes/118 Days
Yes/49 Days
(39%)
(61.8%)
(25.7%)
2
No/21 Days
Yes/36 Days
No/12 Days
(11%)
(18.8%)
(6.3%)
3
Yes/52 Days
Yes/72 Days
Yes/45 Days
(27%)
37.7%)
(23.6%)
4
No/21 Days
Yes/27 Days
No/12 Days
(11%)
(14.1%)
(6.3%)
5
No/ 15 Days
Yes/25 Days
No/ 12 Days
(7.8%)
(13.1%)
(6.3%)
6
Yes/58 Days
Yes/69 Days
Yes/47 Days
(30%)
(36.1%)
(24.6%)
7
Yes/85 Days
Yes/69 Days
Yes*/27 Days
(44%)
(36.1%)
(14.1%)
8
Yes/65Days
Yes/72 Days
Yes/45 Days
(34%)
(37.7%)
(23.6%)
9
No/22 Days
Yes/27 Days
Yes**/27 Days
(11.5%)
(14.1%)
(14.1%)
10
No/24 Days
Yes/28 Days
No/12 Days
(12.5%)
(14.7%)
(6.3%)
11
No/ 18 Days
No/22 Days
No/7 Days
(9%)
(11.5%)
(3.7%)
12
No/20 Days
Yes/27 Days
No/ 12 Days
(10%)
(14.1%)
(6.3%)
13
Yes/116 Days
Yes/117 Days
Yes/66 Days
(61%)
(61.2%)
(34.6%)
*This gauge had many technical difficulties throughout the growing season; however, the water level from May 3 -May 10 was between 3.3-3.7
inches. It is assumed that the gauge was saturated/inundated at the beginning of the growing season and was therefore saturated/inundated a
minimum of 27 days (April 14 -May 10).
**This gauge malfunctioned on May 10, 2016 resulting in loss of data for the remainder of the growing season; however, it was saturated/
inundated for 27 days prior to its malfunction.
Martin's Creek II (final) Axiom Environmental, Inc. Monitoring Year 3 of 5 (2016)
DMS Project Number 92633 December 2016
Cherokee County, North Carolina Appendices