20010953 Ver 1_COMPLETE FILE_20010622

F `NATF
`OHO RQ Michael F. Easley
Governor
r William G. Ross, Jr., Secretary
Department of Environment and Natural Resources
Kerr T. Stevens
Division of Water Quality
June 26, 2001
DW Q# 01-0953
Watauga County
Jim Byrne
Town of Boone
P.O. Drawer 192
Boone, NC, 28607
APPROVAL of 401 Water Quality Certification
Dear Mr. Byrne:
You have our approval, in accordance with the attached conditions, to place fill in 0.07 acre of wetlands and 40 linear
feet of streams in order to construct Hunting Lane Park in Boone, Watauga County, as described in your application
received by the Division of Water Quality on June 22, 2001. After reviewing your application, we have decided that this fill
is covered by General Water Quality Certification Number 3106, which can also be viewed on our web site at
httD://h2o.enr.state.nc.us/ncwetlands . This Certification allows you to use Nationwide Permit 18 when the Corps of
Engineers issues it. In addition, you should get any other federal, state or local permits before you go ahead with your
project including (but not limited to) Sediment and Erosion Control, Coastal Stormwater, Non-Discharge and Water Supply
Watershed regulations. Also this approval will expire when the accompanying 404 permit expires unless otherwise
specified in the General Certification.
This approval is only valid for the purpose and design that you described in your application.-,If you,change your
project, you must notify us in writing and you may be required to send us a new application for a new certification. If the
property is sold, the new owneflnust be given a copy of the Certification and approval letter, and is thereby responsible for
complying with all conditions. if total wetland fills for this project (now or in the future) excee&one acre, borripensatory
mitigation may be required as described in 15A NCAC 2H.0506 (h). For this approval to be valid, you must follow the `
conditions listed in the attached certification.
If you do not accept any of the conditions of this certification, you may ask for an adjudicatory hearing. You must act
within 60 days of the date that you receive this letter. To ask for a hearing, send a written petition which conforms to
Chapter 150B of the North Carolina General Statutes to the Office of Administrative Hearings, P.O. Box 27447, Raleigh,
N.C. 27611-7447. This certification and its conditions are final and binding unless you ask for a hearing.
This letter completes the review of the Division of Water Quality under Section 401 of the Clean Water Act. If you have
any questions, please telephone Jennifer Frye in DWQ's Winston-Salem Regional Office at 336-771-4600 or Cyndi Karoly
at 919-733-9721.
Sincerely,
Attachment
evens
cc: Corps of Engineers Raleigh Regulatory Field Office
Winston-Salem DWQ Regional Office
File Copy
Central Files
Robert Wiley, 3050 Glenn Finnan Drive, Albany, OH, 45710
010953
North Carolina Division of Water Quality, 401 Wetlands Certification Unit,
1650 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-1650 (Mailing Address)
2321 Crabtree Blvd., Raleigh, NC 27604-2260 (Location)
n.n 700 47oC 1_11 --% nin 71? C.n1 /i....\ ....-n-...-.--
/.........1.....,1.-/
401 ISSUED

W A TF,T,
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ii c
Pre-Construction Notification (PCN) Application Form 01 0 g 5 3
For Section 404 and/or Section 10 Nationwide, Regional and General Permits, Section 401
General Water Quality Certifications, and Riparian Buffer and Watershed Buffer Rules
This form is to be used for projects qualifying for any of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' (USACE)
Nationwide, Regional or General Permits as required by Section 404 of the Clean Water Act and/or
Section 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act, and for the North Carolina Division of Water Quality's
(DWQ) associated General 401 Water Quality Certifications. This form is also to be used for any
project requiring approval under any Riparian Buffer Rules implemented by the N.C. Division of Water
Quality. This form should not be used if you are requesting an Individual 404 Permit or Individual 401
Water Quality Certification. The USACE Individual Permit application form is available online at
http://www.saw.usace.army.mil/wetlands/Perm app.htm.
The USACE is the lead regulatory agency. To review the requirements for the use of Nationwide,
Regional or General permits, and to determine which permit applies to your project, please go to the
USACE website at http://www.saw.usace.army.mil/wetlands/regtour.htm, or contact one of the field
offices listed at the end of this application. The website also lists the responsible project manager for
each county in North Carolina and provides additional information regarding the identification and
regulation of wetlands and waters of the U.S.
The DWQ issues a corresponding Certification (General or Individual), and cannot tell the applicant
which 401 Certification will apply until the 404 Permit type has been determined by the USACE.
Applicants are encouraged to visit DWQ's 401/Wetlands Unit website at
http://h2o.enr.state.nc.us/ncwetlands to read about current requirements for the 401 Water Quality
Certification Program and to determine whether or not Riparian Buffer Rules are applicable. The
applicant is also advised to read the full text of the General Certification (GC) matching the specific 404
Permit requested. In some cases, written approval for some General Certifications is not required,
provided that the applicant adheres to all conditions of the GC. Applicants lacking access to the internet
should contact DWQ's Central Office in Raleigh at [phone].
Trout Waters Coordination - Special coordination with the North Carolina Wildlife Resources
Commission (NCWRC) is also required for projects occurring in any of North Carolina's twenty-five
counties that contain trout waters. In such cases, the applicant should contact the appropriate NCWRC
regional coordinator (listed by county on the last page of this application).
Page 1 of 12 PAYM F `!T
RECEIVED
CAMA Coordination - If the project occurs in any of North Carolina's twenty coastal counties (listed on
the last page of this application) the applicant should also contact the North Carolina Division of Coastal
Management (DCM) at [phone]. DCM will determine whether or not the project involves a
designated Area of Environmental Concern, in which case DCM will act as the lead permitting agency.
In such cases, DCM will require a Coastal Area Management Act (CAMA) Permit and will coordinate
the 404/401 Permits.
USACE Permits - Submit one copy of this form, along with supporting narratives, maps, data forms,
photos, etc. to the applicable USACE Regulatory Field Office (addresses are listed at the end of this
application). Upon receipt of an application, the USACE will detenmine if the application is complete as
soon as possible, not to exceed 30 days. This PCN form is designed for the convenience of the applicant
to address information needs for all USACE Nationwide, Regional or General permits, as well as
information required for State authorizations, certifications, and coordination. Fully providing the
information requested on this form will result in a complete application for any of the USACE
Nationwide, Regional or General permits. To review the minimum amount of information that must be
provided for a complete PCN for each USACE Nationwide permit, see Condition 13, 65 Fed.Reg. 12893
(March 9, 2000), available at http://www.saw.usace.army.miI/wetlands/nMTfnalFedReg.pdf.
Processing times vary by permit and begin once the application has been determined to be complete.
Please contact the appropriate regulatory field office for specific answers to permit processing periods.
401 Water Quality Certification or Buffer Rules - All information is required unless otherwise stated
as optional. Incomplete applications will be returned. Submit seven collated copies of all USACE
Permit materials to the Division of Water Quality, 401/Wetlands Unit, 1650 Mail Service Center,
Raleigh, NC, 27699-1650. If written approval is required or specifically requested for a 401
Certification, then a non-refundable application fee is required. In brief, if project impacts include less
than one acre of cumulative wetland/water impacts and less than 150 feet cumulative impacts to
streams, then a fee of $200 is required. If either of these thresholds is exceeded, then a fee of $475 is
required. A check made out to the North Carolina Division of Water Quality, with the specific name of
the project or applicant identified, should be stapled to the front of the application package. For more
information, see the DWQ website at http://h2o.ehnr.state.nc.us/ncwettands/fees.html. The fee must be
attached with the application unless the applicant is a federal agency in which case the check may be
issued from a separate office. In such cases, the project must be identifiable on the U.S. Treasury check
so that it can be credited to the appropriate project. If written approval is sought solely for Buffer Rules,
the application fee does not apply, and the applicant should clearly state (in a cover letter) that only
Buffer Rule approval is sought in writing. Wetlands or waters of the U. S. may not be impacted prior to
issuance or waiver of a Section 401 Water Quality Certification. Upon receipt of a complete application
for a 401 Certification, the Division of Water Quality has 60 days to prepare a written response to the
applicant. This may include a 401 Certification, an on-hold letter pending receipt of additional
requested information, or denial.
Page 2 of 12
Office Use Only: Form Version April 2001 010,953 USACE Action ID No. DWQ No.
If any particular item is not applicable to this project, please enter "Not Applicable" or "N/A" rather than
leaving the space blank.
1. Processing
I . Check all of the approval(s) requested for this project:
? Section 404 Permit
? Section 10 Permit
? 401 Water Quality Certification
? Riparian or Watershed Buffer Rules
2. Nationwide, Regional or General Permit Number(s) Requested: Nationwide
3. If this notification is solely a courtesy copy because written approval for the 401 Certification
is not required, check here: ?
4. If payment into the North Carolina Wetlands Restoration Program (NCWRP) is proposed for
mitigation of impacts (see section VIII - Mitigation), check here: ?
H. Applicant Information
Owner/Applicant Information
Name: Town of Boone NC Jim Byrne, Resource Director
Mailing Address: 576 East King Street
P.O. Drawer 192
Boone NC 28607
Telephone Number: 828-225-3206 Fax Number: 828-265-3607
E-mail Address: jimbyrne?a hotmail.com
2. Agent Information (A signed and dated copy of the Agent Authorization letter must be
attached if the Agent has signatory authority for the owner/applicant.)
Name: Robert L. Wiley, Ecologist, wetlands scientist, landscape architect
Company Affiliation: David Miller & Assoc. s Inc.
Mailing Address: 3050 Glenn Finnan Drive
Albany OH 45710
Telephone Number: 740-698-9100 Fax Number: 740-698-2700
E-mail Address: rwiley frognet net
Page 3 of 12
III. Project Information
Attach a vicinity map clearly showing the location of the property with respect to local
landmarks such as towns, rivers, and roads. Also provide a detailed site plan showing property
boundaries and development plans in relation to surrounding properties. Both the vicinity map
and site plan must include a scale and north arrow. The specific footprints of all buildings,
impervious surfaces, or other facilities must be included. If possible, the maps and plans should
include the appropriate USGS Topographic Quad Map and NRCS Soil Survey with the property
boundaries outlined. Plan drawings, or other maps may be included at the applicant's discretion,
so long as the property is clearly defined. For administrative and distribution purposes, the
USACE requires information to be submitted on sheets no larger than 11 by 17-inch format;
however, DWQ may accept paperwork of any size. DWQ prefers full-size construction
drawings rather than a sequential sheet version of the full-size plans. If full-size plans are
reduced to a small scale such that the final version is illegible, the applicant will be informed that
the project has been placed on hold until decipherable maps are provided.
1. Name of project: Hunting Lane Park
2, T.I.P. Project Number (NCDOT Only):
3. Property Identification Number (Tax PIN): _2910-74-9489-000
4. Location
County: Watauga Nearest Town: In Town of Boone
Subdivision name (include phase/lot number):
Directions to site (include road numbers, landmarks, etc.): North side of Hunting Lane just
east of bridge over and along both descending` banks of South Fork of New River. Primary
development is along right bank.
5. Site coordinates, if available (UTM or Lat/Long): N36° 12.388' W810 39.042'
(Note - If project is linear, such as a road or utility line, attach a sheet that separately lists the
coordinates for each crossing of a distinct water body.)
6. Describe the existing land use or condition of the site at the time of this application:
12-15 year-old unmanaged loblolly pine plantation on abandoned row agriculture field.
7. Property size (acres): 9.42 acres
8. Nearest body of water (stream/river/sound/ocean/lake): South Fork New River
9. River Basin: New River
(Note - this must be one of North Carolina's seventeen designated major river basins. The
River Basin map is available at http://h2o.enr.state.nc.us/admin/mM/.)
Page 4 of 12
10. Describe the purpose of the proposed work: Construct access road, foot bridge, trail and
viewing platform as part of development of a sports field and nature trail park by Town of
Boone.
11. List the type of equipment to be used to construct the project: Standard hand and
mechanical construction equipment appropriate for a small construction project involving
earthwork, outdoor finishin sg and paving.
12. Describe the land use in the vicinity of this project: North: Public Greenway, Sports fields
owned by ASU• East: Open forest large lot residential, South: NC National Guard Armory,
West: Public lands owned by Town of Boone designated as sports park site.
IV. Prior Project History
If jurisdictional determinations and/or permits have been requested and/or obtained for this
project (including all prior phases of the same subdivision) in the past, please explain. Include
the USACE Action ID Number, DWQ Project Number, application date, and date permits and
certifications were issued or withdrawn. Provide photocopies of previously issued permits,
certifications or other useful information. Describe previously approved wetland, stream and
buffer impacts, along with associated mitigation (where applicable). If this is a NCDOT project,
list and describe permits issued for prior segments of the same T.I.P. project, along with
construction schedules.
V. Future Project Plans
Are any additional permit requests anticipated for this project in the future? If so, describe the
anticipated work, and provide justification for the exclusion of this work from the current
application: No
VI. Proposed Impacts to Waters of the United States/Waters of the State
It is the applicant's (or agent's) responsibility to determine, delineate and map all impacts to
wetlands, open water, and stream channels associated with the project. The applicant must also
provide justification for these impacts in Section VII below. All proposed impacts, permanent
and temporary, must be listed herein, and must be clearly identifiable on an accompanying site
plan. All wetlands and waters, and all streams (intermittent and perennial) must be shown on a
delineation map, whether or not impacts are proposed to these systems. Wetland and stream
evaluation and delineation forms should be included as appropriate. Photographs may be
included at the applicant's discretion. If this proposed impact is strictly for wetland or stream
Page 5 of 12
mitigation, list and describe the impact in Section VIII below. If additional space is needed for
listing or description, please attach a separate sheet.
1. Wetland Impacts
Wetland Impact
Site Number
Indicate on ma
Type of Impact* Area of
Impact
acres Located within
100-year Floodplain**
es/no Distance to
Nearest Stream
linear feet
Type of Wetland***
See attached Map Access road 0.05 Yes Crosses PEM/PSS
Footbridge
abutment 0.01 Yes 10 PEM/PSS
Pond Overlook 0.01 Yes 250 PEM/PSS

* List each impact separately and identify temporary impacts. Impacts include, but are not limited to: mechanized clearing, grading, fill,
excavation, flooding, ditching/drainage, etc. For dams, separately list impacts due to both structure and flooding.
** 100-Year floodplains are identified through the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) Flood Insurance Rate Maps
(FIRM), or FEMA-approved local floodplain maps. Maps are available through the FEMA Map Service Center at 1-800-358-9616, or
online at htip://www.fema.gov.
*** List a wetland type that best describes wetland to be impacted (e.g., freshwater/saltwater marsh, forested wetland, beaver pond,
Carolina Bay, bog, etc.)
List the total acreage (estimated) of existing wetlands on the property: 1.4
Total area of wetland impact proposed: 0.07
2. Stream Impacts, including all intermittent and perennial streams
Stream Impact
Site Number
indicate on ma
Type of Impact* Length of
Impact
linear feet
Stream Name** Average Width
of Stream
Before Impact Perennial or
Intermittent?
lease specify)
Access road 40 Unnamed trib. to New 5 feet Intermittent

* List each impact separately and identify temporary impacts. Impacts include, but are not limited to: culverts and associated rip-rap,
dams (separately list impacts due to both stricture and flooding), relocation (include linear feet before and after, and net loss/gain),
stabilization activities (cement wall, rip-rap, crib wall, gabions, etc.), excavation, ditching/straightening, etc. If stream relocation is
proposed, plans and profiles showing the linear footprint for both the original and relocated streams must be included.
Stream names can be found on USGS topographic maps. If a stream has no name, list as UT (unnamed tributary) to the nearest
downstream named stream into which it flows. USGS maps are available through the USGS at 1-800-358-9616, or online at
WWW.usas.Rov. Several internet sites also allow direct download and printing of USGS maps (e.g., www.topozone.com,
www.mapQuest.com etc.).
Page 6 of 12
Cumulative impacts (linear distance in feet) to all streams on site: 40 Feet
Open Water Impacts, including Lakes, Ponds, Estuaries, Sounds, Atlantic Ocean and any
other Water of the U. S.
Open Water Impact
Site Number
indicate on ma
Type of Impact* Area of
Impact
(acres) Name Waterbody
(if applicable) Type of Waterbody
(lake, pond, estuary, sound,
bay, ocean, etc.
NA

* List each impact separately and identify temporary impacts. Impacts include, but are not limited to: fill. excavation, dredging,
flooding, drainage, bulkheads, etc.
4. Pond Creation
If construction of a pond is proposed, associated wetland and stream impacts should be
included above in the wetland and stream impact sections. Also, the proposed pond should
be described here and illustrated on any maps included with this application.
Pond to be created in (check all that apply): ? uplands ? stream ? wetlands
Describe the method of construction (e.g., dam/embankment, excavation, installation of
draw-down valve or spillway, etc.): NA
Proposed use or purpose of pond (e.g., livestock watering, irrigation, aesthetic, trout pond,
local stormwater requirement, etc.): NA
Size of watershed draining to pond: NA Expected pond surface area: NA
VII. Impact Justification (Avoidance and Minimization)
Specifically describe measures taken to avoid the proposed impacts. It may be useful to provide
information related to site constraints such as topography, building ordinances, accessibility, and
financial viability of the project. The applicant may attach drawings of alternative, lower-impact
site layouts, and explain why these design options were not feasible. Also discuss how impacts
were minimized once the desired site plan was developed. If applicable, discuss construction
techniques to be followed during construction to reduce impacts.
Every effort made to avoid wetlands in desian of proposed nark. Impacts are strictly
associated with needed access for (1) construction and emergency vehicles, the access road, (2)
pedestrians, the footbridge and (3) access to the beaver pond for wildlife observations.
Crossings and access points chosen at wetland constriction points.
Page 7 of 12
VIII. Mitigation
DWQ - In accordance with 15A NCAC 2H .0500, mitigation may be required by the NC
Division of Water Quality for projects involving greater than or equal to one acre of impacts to
freshwater wetlands or greater than or equal to 150 linear feet of total impacts to perennial
streams.
USACE - In accordance with the Final Notice of Issuance and Modification of Nationwide
Permits, published in the Federal Register on March 9, 2000, mitigation will be required when
necessary to ensure that adverse effects to the aquatic environment are minimal. Factors
including size and type of proposed impact and function and relative value of the impacted
aquatic resource will be considered in determining acceptability of appropriate and practicable
mitigation as proposed. Examples of mitigation that may be appropriate and practicable include,
but are not limited to: reducing the size of the project; establishing and maintaining wetland
and/or upland vegetated buffers to protect open waters such as streams; and replacing losses of
aquatic resource functions and values by creating, restoring, enhancing, or preserving similar
functions and values, preferable in the same watershed.
If mitigation is required for this project, a copy of the mitigation plan must be attached in order
for USACE or DWQ to consider the application complete for processing. Any application
lacking a required mitigation plan or NCWRP concurrence shall be placed on hold as
incomplete. An applicant may also choose to review the current guidelines for stream restoration
in DWQ's Draft Technical Guide for Stream Work in North Carolina, available at
http://h2o.enr.state.nc.us/ncwetlands/strmgide.html.
Provide a brief description of the proposed mitigation plan. The description should provide
as much information as possible, including, but not limited to: site location (attach directions
and/or map, if offsite), affected stream and river basin, type and amount (acreage/linear feet)
of mitigation proposed (restoration, enhancement, creation, or preservation), a plan view,
preservation mechanism (e.g., deed restrictions, conservation easement, etc.), and a
description of the current site conditions and proposed method of construction. Please attach
a separate sheet if more space is needed.
Page 8 of 12
2. Mitigation may also be made by payment into the North Carolina Wetlands Restoration
Program (NCWRP) with the NCWRP's written agreement. Check the box indicating that
you would like to pay into the NCWRP. Please note that payment into the NCWRP must be
reviewed and approved before it can be used to satisfy mitigation requirements. Applicants
will be notified early in the review process by the 401/Wetlands Unit if payment into the
NCWRP is available as an option. For additional information regarding the application
process for the NCWRP, check the NCWRP website at http://h2o.enr.state.nc.us/wrp/index.htm. If
use of the NCWRP is proposed, please check the appropriate box on page three and provide
the following information:
Amount of stream mitigation requested (linear feet): NA
Amount of buffer mitigation requested (square feet): NA
Amount of Riparian wetland mitigation requested (acres): NA
Amount of Non-riparian wetland mitigation requested (acres): NA
Amount of Coastal wetland mitigation requested (acres): NA
IX. Environmental Documentation (DWQ Only)
Does the project involve an expenditure of public funds or the use of public (federal/state/local)
land?
Yes ® No ?
If yes, does the project require preparation of an environmental document pursuant to the
requirements of the National or North Carolina Environmental Policy Act (NEPA/SEPA)?
Note: If you are not sure whether a NEPA/SEPA document is required, call the SEPA
coordinator at [phone] to review current thresholds for environmental documentation.
Yes ? No
If yes, has the document review been finalized by the State Clearinghouse? If so, please attach a
copy of the NEPA or SEPA final approval letter.
Yes ? No ?NA
X. Proposed Impacts on Riparian and Watershed Buffers (DWQ Only)
It is the applicant's (or agent's) responsibility to determine, delineate and map all impacts to
required state and local buffers associated with the project. The applicant must also provide
justification for these impacts in Section VII above. All proposed impacts must be listed herein,
and must be clearly identifiable on the accompanying site plan. All buffers must be shown on a
map, whether or not impacts are proposed to the buffers. Correspondence from the DWQ
Regional Office may be included as appropriate. Photographs may also be included at the
applicant's discretion.
Will the project impact protected riparian buffers identified within 15A NCAC 2B .0233
(Neuse), 15A NCAC 2B .0259 (Tar-Pamlico), 15A NCAC 2B .0250 (Randleman Rules and
Water Supply Buffer Requirements), or other (please identify NA )?
Page 9 of 12
Yes ? No N If you answered "yes", provide the following information:
Identify the square feet and acreage of impact to each zone of the riparian buffers. If buffer
mitigation is required calculate the required amount of mitigation by applying the buffer
multipliers. NA
Zone* Impact
s uare feet Multiplier Required
Miti ation
1 3
2 1.5
Total
* Zone I extends out 30 feet perpendicular from near bank of channel; Zone 2 extends an
additional 20 feet from the edge of Zone 1.
If buffer mitigation is required, please discuss what type of mitigation is proposed (i.e., Donation
of Property, Conservation Easement, Riparian Buffer Restoration / Enhancement, Preservation or
Payment into the Riparian Buffer Restoration Fund). Please attach all appropriate information as
ied within 15A NCAC 2B.0242 or.0260.
identif
NA
XI. Stormwater (DWQ Only)
Describe impervious acreage (both existing and proposed) versus total acreage on the site.
Discuss stormwater controls proposed in order to protect surface waters and wetlands
downstream from the property.
The site is annroximately 9.42 acres in area. The new river, the beaver pond and the intermittent
streams makeup about 2.6 acres. Wetlands account for 1.4 acres. The remaining 5.4 acres of the
site support an impervious area of about to equal zero. Approximately 3600 square feet (0.08
acres will be paved access road. About 2000-4000 linear feet of 3-foot wide paved trail will be
installed (0.15 to 0.4 acres). All new paving will be interspaced with wide vegetated areas.
XII. Sewage Disposal (DWQ Only)
Clearly detail the ultimate treatment methods and disposition (non-discharge or discharge) of
wastewater generated from the proposed project, or available capacity of the subject facility.
Portable toilets will be used during sports events. These will be placed on west side of river. If
funds are available composting toilets may be installed at a later date.
XUL Violations (DWQ Only)
Is this site in violation of DWQ Wetland Rules (15A NCAC 2H.0500) or any Buffer Rules?
Yes ? No N
Page 10 of 12
Is this an after-the-fact permit application?
Yes ? No
XIV. Other Circumstances (Optional):
It is the applicant's responsibility to submit the application sufficiently in advance of desired
construction dates to allow processing time for these permits. However, an applicant may
choose to list constraints associated with construction or sequencing that may impose limits on
work schedules (e.g., draw-down schedules for lakes, dates associated with Endangered and
Threatened Species, accessibility problems, or other issues outside of the applicant's control).
Town of Boone must allocate funds and begin construction of access road by end of fiscal year,
.June 1.2001.
Applicant/Agent's Signature Date May 11, 2001
(Agent's signature is valid only if an authorization letter from the applicant is provided.)
US Army Corps Of Engineers Field Offices and County Coverage
Asheville Regulatory Field Office Alexander Cherokee Iredell Mitchell
US Army Corps of Engineers Avery Clay Jackson Polk
151 Patton Avenue Buncombe Cleveland Lincoln Rowan
Room 208 Burke Gaston Macon Rutherford
Asheville, NC 28801-5006 Cabarrus Graham Madison Stanley
Telephone: [phone] Caldwell Haywood McDowell Swain
Fax: [phone] Catawba Henderson Mecklenburg Transylvania
Raleigh Regulatory Field Office Alamance Durham Johnston Rockingham
US Army Corps Of Engineers Alleghany Edgecombe Lee Stokes
6508 Falls of the Neuse Road Ashe Franklin Nash Surry
Suite 120 Caswell Forsyth Northampton Vance
Raleigh, NC 27615 Chatham Granville Orange Wake
Telephone: [phone] Davidson Guilford Person Warren
Fax: [phone] Davie Halifax Randolph Wilkes
Washington Regulatory Field Office Beaufort Currituck Jones
US Army Corps Of Engineers Bertie Dare Lenoir
Post Office Box 1000 Camden Gates Martin
Washington, NC 27889-1000 Carteret* Green Pamlico
Telephone: [phone] Chowan Hertford Pasquotank
Fax: [phone] Craven Hyde Perquimans
Wilmington Regulatory Field Office Anson Duplin Onslow
US Army Corps Of Engineers Bladen Harnett Pender
Post Office Box 1890 Brunswick Hoke Richmond
Pitt
Tyrrell
Washington
Wayne
Union
Watauga
Yancey
Wilson
Yadkin
*Croatan National Forest Only
Page 11 of 12
Wilmington, NC 28402-1890 Carteret Montgomery Robeson
Telephone: [phone] Columbus Moore Sampson
Fax: [phone] Cumberland New Hanover Scotland
US Fis
US Fish and Wildlife Service
Raleigh Field Office
Post Office Box 33726
Raleigh, NC 27636-3726
Telephone: [phone]
h and Wildlife Service / National lY
US Fish and Wildlife Service
Asheville Field Office
160 Zillicoa Street
Asheville, NC 28801
Telephone: [phone]
larine Fisheries Service
National Marine Fisheries Service
Habitat Conservation Division
Pivers Island
Beaufort, NC 28516
Telephone: [phone]
North Carolina State Agencies
Division of Water Quality
401 Wetlands Unit
1650 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699-1650
Telephone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Division of Water Quality
Wetlands Restoration Program
1619 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699-1619
Telephone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
CAMA and NC Coastal Counties
State Historic Preservation Office
Department Of Cultural Resources
4617 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699-4617
Telephone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Division of Coastal Management Beaufort Chowan Hertford Pasquotank
1638 Mail Service Center Bertie Craven Hyde Pender
Raleigh, NC 27699-1638 Brunswick Currituck New Hanover Perquimans
Telephone: [phone] Camden Dare Onslow Tyrrell
Fax: [phone] Carteret Gates Pamlico Washington
NCWRC and NC Trout Counties
Western Piedmont Region Coordinator Alleghany Caldwell Watauga
3855 Idlewild Road Ashe Mitchell Wilkes
Kernersville, NC 27284-9180 Avery Stokes
Telephone: [phone] Burke Surry
Mountain Region Coordinator Buncombe Henderson Polk
20830 Great Smoky Mtn. Expressway Cherokee Jackson Rutherford
Waynesville, NC 28786 Clay Macon Swain
Telephone: [phone] Graham Madison Transylvania
Fax: [phone] Haywood McDowell Yancey
Page 12 of 12
Hunting Land Park Site
Proposed Hunting Lane Park Site
Town of Boone North Carolina
May 11, 2001
Waters and Wetlands Impacts Key
® Impact.shp
Wetlandsshp Water.shp
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U.S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS V? JUN 2 2 2001
F
WILMINGTON DISTRICT .,.,
TUIhbS PION Action Id. 200130865 County J I -
GENERAL PERMIT (REGIONAL AND NATIONWIDE) VERIFICATION
:Property owner: Town of Boone
Address: P.O. Drawer 192
Boone, NC 28607
Telephone No.:
Size and Location of project (water body, road name/number, town, etc.):
Town of Boone Hunting Lane Park Site
Description of Activity:
Construct access road, foot bridge, trail, and viewing platform as part of development of a
sports field and nature trail park. As a result of the project, there will be unavoidable
impacts to approx. 0.07 acre of wetland and 40 LF of an intermittent stream channel
adjacent to South Fork, New River.
Applicable Law: X Section 404 (Clean Water Act, 33 U.S.C.1344).
(check all that apply) Section 10 (River and Harbor Act of 1899).
Authorization: Regional General Permit Number.
18 Nationwide Permit Number.
Your work is authorized by this Regional General (RGP) or Nationwide Permit (NWP) provided it is
accomplished in strict accordance with the attached conditions, those conditions outlined in the enclosed May
15, 2001 NCWRC comment letter, and your submitted plans. If your activitiy is subject to Section 404 (if
Section 404 block above is checked), before beginning work you must also receive a Section 401 water quality
certification from the N.C. Division of Environmental Management, telephone [phone]. For any
activity within the twenty coastal counties, before beginning work you must contact the N.C. Division of
Coastal Management, telephone [phone].
Please read and carefully comply with the attached conditions of the RGP or NWP. Any violation of the
conditions of the RGP or the NWP referenced above may subject the permittee to a stop work order, a
restoration order, and/or appropriate legal action.
This Department of the Army RGP or NWP verification does not relieve the permittee of the responsibility to
obtain any other required Federal, State, or local approvals/permits. The permittee may need to contact
appropriate State and local agencies before beginning work.
If there are any questions regarding this authorization or any of the conditions of the General Permit or
Nationwide Permit, please contact the Corps Regulatory Official specified below.
Date May 25, 2001
Corps Regulatory Official Steve Chapin Telephone No. [phone]
Expiration Date of Verification May 25, 2003
cc: DMA
i
JUN 2 2 2001 o109.53

ENVIRONMENTAL INVENTORY AND SITE ANALYSIS:
THE PARTIAL BASIS FOR DESIGN OF THREE PARKS
IN THE
TOWN OF BOONE, NORTH CAROLINA
January S, 2001
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1.0 Introduction
This document presents the findings of the environmental inventory and site investigation
conducted on three parcels of land, located within and newly acquired by the Town of Boone,
North Carolina, to support the process of design for public-use parks. The parcels assessed
under this effort include an approximately- 2.3 acre site on Morningside Drive, a 9.42-acre site
on Hunting Lane and an about 11.5-acre site identified as the Rivers-Coffey parcel. Figure i
shows the location of the parcels around the Town of Boone. The objective of the project is to
prepare conceptual design plans and first level cost estimates to convert the referenced sites in
to actively or passively usable, maintained city park facilities. This design project is being
conducted under the U5 Army Corps of F?ngineers Huntington District Planning Contract
D 1WC-69-98-D0027, delivery order number 38,
Figure 1. Location of Park Development Parcels in the Town of Boone, NC. ck 1,
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fk.nd}I1ak ?? r.,t .}wAd,. .M:F t.+s tiC ?".• n"?.
rAr?S
side Drive
"T Morning
Parcel
Rivers Coffey "h ?: Y 0+??Vn
Parcel 7 41
1 ,? w
Hunting Lane
.,o p . . c.M. ..t « Parcel
Map section excerpted from USGS 7.5-minute quadrangle, Boone, NC. 1959 (revised 1978). NOT TO SCALE.
The design process includes three phases of activity: data collection, data analysis and design
synthesis. The data collection phase considers two components: (1) the location and
significance of both natural and man-made features, and (2) identification of the land use
objectives of the owner or manager of the finished project. Since in this instance, the finished
developments will be publicly managed, the desires of the public users of the sites are also part
of the land use objectives identification. The data analysis phase attempts to attribute
significance in terms of opportunities and constraints when the site features are considered in
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2
context of the land use objectives. The design synthesis phase strives to conceive and present a
realistic, buildable approach as a single or set of concept plans to achievement of the land use
objectives. Initial conceptual design plans are attached.
This report addresses, in part, phases one and two of the design process.. Site investigations
were conducted at the various sites on August 8-9, October 17 to 18 and November 3, 2000.
Maps, aerial photographs, other design plans and literature sources were evaluated between
October 1, 2000 and January 15, 2001. A general understanding of the development objectives
was provided by Clyde R. Campbell, US Army Corps of Engineers, Jim Byrne, resource
Director for the Town of Boone and Greg Young, Boone Town Manager during meetings on
August 8 and October 17, 2000. Completion of the data collection and data analysis phases will
require further discussions with representatives of the Town of Boone and public discussions to
fully define the development objectives of each parcel evaluated under this study. The
development objectives for each parcel, as presently understood are presented in the descriptive
information discussions of each parcel.
2.0 Regional Considerations
Boone, located in the Appalachian Mountains of western North Carolina, is the site of
Appalachian State University and a regional tourist destination due to both historical and scenic
values. Named after Daniel Boone, the town is located in central Watauga County, at the
headwaters of the south fork of the New River. Situated in the valley formed at the confluence
of Boone, Hodge and Winkler Creeks, average elevation in the downtown area is about 3200
feet above sea level. Surrounding mountains, including Rich, Bluff, and Stone Mountains, have
many peaks that rise above 4000 feet. Grandfather Mountain to the southeast exceeds 5000
feet. High elevation creates a climate more northern than southern, offering both summer and
winter sport attractions. The 1990 Census found a population of about 25,000 in the 28607 zip
code. The relatively low average age (32), the low median household income (<$20,000) and
the low proportion of owner-occupied housing (<45°%,) show the combined effects of the
university population and the effects of the seasonal tourism industry, not a poverty center.
The Boone area is subject to a cool winter, mild summer, and moist continental climate.
Average annual precipitation is about 55 inches, with the highest monthly average in March
(5.6 inches) and the lowest average monthly precipitation in November through January (4.1
inches /month). The coldest months are November through March, with daily lows typically
dropping below freezing. No months have an average monthly temperature of less than 32
degrees. The warmest months are May through August, with average high temperatures above
65 degrees. The average growing season is about 185 days between April 30 and November 1.
Higher elevations in the vicinity support more montane and boreal climates, resulting in a high
local diversity of habitat niches and a resulting very high biotic diversity..
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3.0 Morningside Drive Site
3.1 Site Description and Physical Characteristics
The Morningside Drive parcel is located in a residential district identified as Perkinsville, about'/, mile
southeast of the intersection of State Route 194 and US Route 221. The are about 15 to 20
single-family residences within a 1000-foot radius of the parcel (the probable maximum user
walking; distance). The 2.3-acre parcel is an elongated, rectilinear site composed of five formel
residential lots located along the north
side of Morningside Drive. The site,
approximately 640 feet by 160 feet is Auld
bounded along the north side by
Rocky Knob Creek, a third order
perennial tributary to the South Fork
of the New River. Another 25 feet of
width is available for use in the public
right of way for Morningside Drive.
The general aspect of the site is
northeast with the long axis of the
parcel oriented about north 45 degrees
west. The residences, removed by the
Town of Boone during the summer of
2000, formerly sat in a row along the street side, on a ridge of fill prepared when the housing
development was constructed. The elevation of the site is about 3190 feet above sea level, with
total site relief, from the northwest corner along the Morningside Drive to the southeast corner,
about 15 feet. All traces of the houses and paved drives have been removed, the foundation
sites graded and planted to grass. A 15 by 30-foot concrete pad remains in the former center
lot. Water meters, power poles (with electric lines), drainage pipes and most woody vegetation
also remain. A 6 by 20-foot footbridge exists across Rocky Knob Creek at the northeast corner
of the parcel.
The site is visually open for about 3/4ths of the north side and for the entire south side.
Volunteer alder and planted pines and willows screen the northeast side. The backyards and
rear sides of residences along Daniel Boone Drive are close and frilly exposed to view. The
southeast end is adjacent to large planted pines and an undeveloped woodlot.
3.2 Flora and Fauna
Fully developed and used for residential property for about 40 years (based on ornamental tree
ages), the site supports little native vegetation. Although a number of common natives trees
have been planted or maintained, there is little habitat for other than small songbirds. Most of
the planted trees and shrubs are in fair health and could be retained in the redesigned park,
reducing the installation cost and shortening the time until the park reaches usability. An
inventory conducted for the major planted trees is presented as follows. Locations are depicted
on separate "site analysis" drawing.
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Table 3. 1. Notable Trees at the Morninciside Drive Parcel
Species Common Name Diameter
(DBN
inches Vigor/Comment
American Chestnut Caslrnrea denlala 10 A Might resistant specimen!
Novelty value but burs a cleanup
problem.
\ppic trCes ALrlln.r pnnrilrr. Several S 10 to 14-inch specimens
provide shade and fruit (a mixed
blessing).
Hlack Gum Nyssa sylr-rrliru 12 flcaltliy shade tree.
(:ucumber MLt grlolia Ala noliu ai-enminala 12 llcalthv flowering shade tree.
Flowcring Dogwood Corn Its /lorida 10 A somewhat decadent specimen
tree. Retain.
Northern Whitc-cedar Tbn a orfirlewlulis R I lealthv but misshapen,
Norway Nla Ic ,Irer lrrnlanoides 14 Turbid street tree; remove.
Norw;ty M;i le .leer lanlanoides 16 Morbid street tree. remove.
Norwav Maple fifer lrrnldnoides 14 I lealthv street tree.
Silver Maple 1rer.ai(harinrun 16 Ilealth)' but spindly from
com petition.
Sugar Ua le .leer arrflrrrrvrru 16 Healthy street tree.
Sugar Maple 1011" .rurfhn1v1111 16 Morbid street tree: remove.
Svcatttore I'lulanu.r oeriderrlalis 12
W'ce in willow Salix babyloninr 20 healthy shade tree.
Wild Black ('hcrry Prnruis cerolinrr 12 11caIthy double stunmud shade
tree,
\A'ild Black (:hcrry Pruwrs cerolinrr 1.1 1Icaithy multi-stemmed shade
tree.
Wild Black Cherry Prvrnns cerolinrr 16 1lealthy multi-stemmed shad('
tree.

Wild Black Cherry
Prvfuns serolinu
12 _
Flealthy multi-stemmed shade
tree.
Wild Black Cherry P/Y/lrns serolina 12&14 1Icalthy double stemmed shade
Ireu.
A rigorous stand of native speckled alder (Alnus serrulata) occurs along the middle section of
Rock)' Knob creek. There arc also a number of ornamental shrubs, planted singly or in raged
masses, as included on the following list. Some of these should be retained, others removed,
thinned or severely pruned. Much of the site remains in residential lawn composed of cool-
season grasses, such as fescue, bluegrass and timothy.
Table 3.2. Shrubs Noted on the Mornin side Drive Parcel
Common Name Species
Chinese Chestnut Caslmtea rbmensi.r
Flowering Dogwood (,orwlsflofida
Golden-bells l `orrylbia sits- ensa and riridissima
Rosc-of-Sharon Hi v. s s "ams
Hush I lydran gea I I drmr en rwdi nldr
Tartatian I Ioncysuckic Lonirera larlarien
Apple Alaffils SPA
Ornamental Cherry Pramlr ri ieiana ranalion
Pcar P rns.S
English Oak Qiterclu mbar
Great Rhododendron Rhododendronnm.vinla
Common Lilac S rru en rnl nris
.n?III a%SI tot I Bk Pv;i,?. W, fir,/nl 1)NIA,I oltxnrrnr.
3.3 Presently Understood Development objectives
This parcel will be developed as a neighborhood passive recreational park. The park may
include open play areas, structured play areas, picnic facilities and walking trails. The design
should favor low maintenance solutions. Existing vegetation will be used and enhanced to the
extent possible. The park will be dedicated to a prominent Town Council member, who has
recently passed away.
The presently understood development objectives are considered achievable within the
designated parcel. Some additional considerations for the design include the following items:

Parking: To facilitate use of the park for play and picnicking by Perkinsville
neighborhood, space for 3 to G cars should be considered near the center point of
the parcel.
Lighting and park security: Neighborhood parks are often used both day and
night. Existing power poles could be used to support needed security lighting.
Taller trees should be pruned sufficiently high to allow cruising patrol cars to easily
observe all public areas.
Screening: Houses along the north side of the parcel present their backs to the site.
Vegetative screen plantings would provide both a sense of limitation and closure to
park users and an improved degree of privacy to bordering residents.
Elimination of the footbridge
at the east end of the site:
Unless an easement could be
obtained through to Daniel
Boone Drive, this structure would
encourage trespass. If an
easement were obtained, the
structure would require inspection
by the Town engineer, up-grading
and maintenance. Removal would
be the most reasonable short-term
option.
? Connection with the Reynolds Greenway. The closest loop of the Greenway is
between 1 /4 and 1/2-mile distance. An easement obtained along Rocky Knob
Creek could enhance the Town trail system.
4.0 Rivers-Coffey Parcel
4.1 Site Description and Physical Characteristics
The Rivers-Coffey Parcel is composed of five recently acquired tracts, ringing the north face of
the knob of Grandview Heights neighborhood, totaling to about 11.5 acres. Located within
500 feet of the central Boone business district, it is bounded by Rivers Drive along the north
side and the residences along Morerr, and Grandview Heights Drivcs along the cast, south and
west. Russell Drive wraps the Grandview knob and extends through the northeast property
line. Residences in the vicinity are probably in the higher value bracket in the real estate market.
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The "Stone House", a local architectural landmark, is located just outside the southeast corner
of the parcel. The site is also only about 1500 feet from the central portion of Appalachian
State University main campus.
The parcel is as irregular in shape as the ground upon which it sits. It is approximately 1000
feet in length in a northwest to southeast direction. It ranges in width from about 300 feet on
the north segment up the slope from Rivers DrWc, to about 700 feet along a northeast to
southwest line running west of the Stone House. F?levations range from about 3450 feet near
the northwest corner at Grandview Drive to about 3260 feet in the southeast corner at Rivers
Drive, with nearly 200 feet of local relief. The aspect is generally north and northeast, with a
bowl-like valley in the eastern portion providing some southern exposure along the eastward
trending ridge. Slopes range from very steep (about W/o) on the north side to moderately steep
(about 25(/o) in the eastern valley bottom. The valley does not support a defined stream
channel until nearly to the eastern property line.
4.2 Flora and Fauna
with a sharp difference in forest types that reflect
differences in ownership and land use between the
east and west sides. The western, steeper portion is a
generally mcsic, eastern montane forest stand,
dominated by chestnut oak, red oak, yellow birch and
black gum trees in the 70 to 100 year age group.
Yellow birch is the most frequent tree, averaging
about 12 inches diameter at breast height (DBH).
Bole diameters range from about 8 inches DBH to
about 18 inches for some of the older gum and
chestnut oak specimens. Growing in dark mineral
soils thick with humus and leaf litter, the understory
is both dense and diverse, supporting well-developed clusters of great rhododendron, mixed
with witch-hazel, bitternut hickory, sugar maple and striped maple. Ground cover herbs appear
to be primarily native species, with the floral richness typical of nearly undisturbed mesic sites.
The spring display is likely to be colorful.
Two very large, formerly fence-line trees mark the
boundary of the older forest on the parcel. The
eastern portion of the site is composed of early
successional, disturbed forest in the 40 to 60 year age
class. Dominant canopy species on the steeper
portions are wild black cherry and black locust in the
6 to 12 inch diameter group. Sugar maple and
hickory sapling in the 1 to 4-inch class evidence
emergence of a later stage forest type. The valley
bottom and southeast 1 /4`I' of the parcel are vet more
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profoundly disturbed stands of young cherry and locust, with a heavy understory of multiflora
rose. This mixture and the thin remaining topsoil suggest former grazing of the area.
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( )ccasionally found fence strands and a small barn-like relic on the east side support this
possibility. Control and removal of the multiflora rose would be an important first step in
improving the site for park use.
4.3 Presently Understood Development objectives
The parcel will be developed as a passive use facility, with a focus on interpretive natural
history. There might be signage identifying plant species and providing natural histon
explanations. It is expected to be linked with the downtown area and may be used by the hardy
for lunchtime strolls. i1 trail system might also serve as a pedestrian linkage between the
Grandview heights neighborhood and the downtown and college areas. The presently
understood development objectives are considered achievable within the designated parcel.
Some additional considerations for the design include the following items:

?
Accessibility: Due to the steepness of the site, it is unlikely that
handicapped accessibility could be achieved without extensive and
destructive grade or very high cost structures. A stairway may be needed to
provide connection to the
downtown area to avoid excessive
grading.
? Linkages: Internal paths will
generally follow the contour with
consideration for providing
connection s to Russell Drive.
Grandview Drive and Moretz
Street.
? Lighting: rk lighted pathway might
be considered between the.
Grandview neighborhood and the
downtown area.
Weed Control: Removal of the multiflora rose is critical to use of the site as
a natural history interpretive area. It is not only a walking hazard but it will
expand into the better quality natural areas to the west, if not controlled.
5.0 Hunting Lane Parcel
5.1 Site Description and Physical Characteristics
The Hunting Lane Parcel is a wedge-shaped 9.42-
acre parcel recently acquired by the Town of Bootie
from Laura W. Williams, located adjacent to the
north side and near the east end of Hunting Lane.
The property includes both banks of the South
Fork of the present New River channel, with the
majority of the parcel on the right descending bank.
Present primary foot access, by way of a rutted,
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mud-wallow dirt road from Hunting Lane opens just cast of the bridge over the South Fork of
the New River. A second foot access route is from the north, via a footbridge and path. Both
hikers and mountain bikes frequently use casually developed paths within the site.
The parcel is a flat-lying site, located almost fully within the 100-year floodplain (Allbert, 2000').
Typically rising 5 to 8 feet above normal water elevation in the New River, total parcel relief is
32 feet. The lowest point is about 3088 feet above sea level (NGVD 1929) in the river channel
at the northern end of the property (=Appalachian Land Services, 2000). The highest elevation is
about 3120 feet at the southeast corner, along the Hunting lane road-grade as it climbs the hill
to the cast. Most of the parcel lies between elevations 3102 and 3095, with a less than 2%
western aspect slope.
Soils are primarily alluvial silts and fine sands with evidence of former tillage observable in relict
furrows. Organic materials have begun to collect in the vicinity of the beaver pond, but these
deposits are generally less than 4 inches in depth. Some colluvial, rocky and side-cast materials
are found in northeast corner near Hunting Lane. The parcel is presently forested. The site
was apparently planted to white pine about 12-14 years before present (based on tree-ring
counts).
The straightness of this reach of the New River suggests channclization; a probability reinforced
by a designation on the Boone, NC, USGS
quadrangle map (1959, revised 1978) as "new
construction". The east side of the property is
bounded by an apparent "relict" back channel.
This relic channel is 20 to 30 feet in width and 2
to 4 feet in depth to the top of a thick layer of
soft mud. The channel is connected to the New
River via an 18-inch culvert at the north end.
This present channel serves as a secondary drain
for a pond that occupies much of the southern
one-third of the site. The primary drain for the
pond is an incised, v-shaped channel, about 20
feet in width and G feet deep, which joins the river
about 200 feet down from the Hunting Lane bridge. The pond possesses a certain regularity of
form which suggests its origin as a borrow site. Beavers have taken advantage of the ready-
made basin and installed a dam, which has recently raised the water level and expanded the
perimeters of wetlands in the vicinity. The pond is about 280 by 100 feet in size.
The use of the site as an active/passive recreational facility is generally compatible with present
adjacent land uses. Lands to the north and east of the parcel are owned by the State of North
Carolina as part of Appalachian State University (ASU). These, on the right descending New
River_ floodplain, are mowed maintained open space. The paved walking trail for the Lee and
Now on Parcel surm Prepared hi A&T sun-ceing! 1-III-200.
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N'ivian Reynolds Greenway passes within 500 hundred feet of the north end of the parcel.
Steeper ASU lands on this side of the river support 50-80 year old hardwood forest.
ASU lands along the left descending bank are occupied by sports fields; several lighted for night
play. Lands to the west are owned by the Town of Boone. These are mowed and have been
planned as a formal active recreation park by Dewberry and Davis, 1998. This proposed
development would be adjacent to exiting Town recreational facilities, including the public pool
and several softball fields, yet further west A National Guard Armory occupies the land south
and west of the site. The southeast side is made up of three small, privately owned lots. The
property to the southeast, owned by Jimmy Clinton Jones hosts the single residence, possibly
close enough to hear game noises, should the site be developed for active recreational uses.
The New River channel and its iminediate steep banks make up about 1.65 acres of the parcel.
The area of a beaver pond, the relict back channel and existing jurisridictional wetlands account
for another approximately 2.5 acres. The remaining developable portion of the parcel is about
5.27 acres. The Town and the US Army Corps of Engineers have plans for an "ecosystem
restoration project" within the New River channel (USACF,, Huntington District, 2000). The
construction and operation of this project may reduce the buildible site further, if channel
meander is induced by the present restoration proposal.
5.2 Flora and Fauna
The site is densely vegetated by young, mixed coniferous and hardwood forest. The present
vegetation of the site is strongly dominated by planted, introduced, ruderal, invasive and early
succession woody species, typical of "old field succession" along a flood plain. A listing of the
plant species encountered is provided as Appendix A. The southwestern portion of the site
supports a small stand of older (> 40 years) yellow birch, red maple and wild black cherry forest.
trees. Other non-wetland areas support volunteer black locust and an unmanaged pine
plantation. Although some individual pines measure more than 12-inches in diameter, a ring
count of trees felled for surveying evidence a planting date of around 1987-88; demonstrating
the effect of a long growing season and plentiful rainfall.
Wetlands and riverbanks support stands of
speckled alder and black willow. These species
(also volunteer) were aged at about 18 to 20
years. Shorelines, pond fringes and other open
areas support fruiting brambles in profusion.
Various climbing, creeping and trailing species
(grape, greenbrier, Clematis) knit the woody
vegetation into an often impenetrable tangle,
except in wet areas. Reduced tree vigor in wet
areas reduces canopy leaf density and
encourages a ground cover of sedges, rushes and
succulent hydrophytic species. Such areas, often
recently inundated or saturated through beaver activity, are definable as jurisdictional wetlands
under the Clean Water Act.
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The density of the vegetation, the proximity to the New River shoreline, the perennial pond and
the contiguity with old forests to the northeast offer high value nesting, roosting, donning,
foraging and travel habitat for the array of native amphibians, reptiles, birds and furred
quadrupeds. Frogs and salamanders occupy the pond fringes, shorelines and areas of deep leaf
litter. Lizards and snakes inhabit the rocky tallus and outcrops along the eastern slope. Small
birds seasonally nest in the protection of the pines. Local and migratory waterfowl feed along
the river and in the pond. Other than the beaver, the pond and riverbank are evidently well
used by raccoon, squirrel and deer. The water bodies themselves support various sunfish,
minnows, darters and daces. This reach of the New has the physical characteristics of a wane
water fishery (well populated with small-mouth and rock bass), but may have, given the high
elevation and cool climate, supported trout populations prior to local development.
5.3 Presently Understood Development Objectives
The primary use of the Hunting lane parcel will be active sports fields, to be operated in
association with the existing and planned sports and recreation complexes located west of the
site. The Town has not selected which sports should be favored, but wishes to maximize use of
the land. A secondary use to be considered is a hiking/biking loop connecting back to the
Reynolds Greenway. The present development objectives are achievable with some degree of
compromise and consideration of the following additional aspects:

Area challenges: Given site limitations (parcel shape and extent of
wetlands /waters), multiple adult fields will be a challenge. Wetland impacts should
be avoided to the extent possible. A buffer should be retained between sports fields
and river for water quality, maintenance. Junior soccer and little league might be
more favorable if multiple fields are desired.
Foot access: There is little
space on the right descending
riverbank for parking. Lack a
new foot bridge crossing near
the middle of the parcel, foot
travel distances from nearest
possible left bank parking are
about 1400 feet from the north
end and 700 feet from the south
end. Many people won't walk
that far.
? Emergency access: There
must be a quick, reliable and
unencumbered way to get an
emergency vehicle on to the field (s). The north footbridge may not be large
enough to accommodate an emergency truck. The nearby ford is unreliable during
high water. Access from Hunting Lane is probably necessary. This will require a
culvert or bridge below the beaver dam.
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./ Restrooms and drinking water: These should be included in the design of a
development this remote from other public facilities.
? User conflicts: Use by both bikes and walkers (particularly children and older folks)
is often uncomfortable for both groups. Use by mountain bikers should be limited
to non-game time periods.
? Night security: While this facility should be closed at night, lighting near
restrooms, and the location of restrooms where observable by police patrols would
facilitate responsible use of the park.
6.0 Jurisdictional Wetlands and Waters of the United States
Many activities resulting in the deposition or discharge of fill materials in wetlands and Waters
of the United States are regulated under the federal Clcan Water Act through a permitting
program administered by the US Army Corps of Engineers. Wetlands were identified using
Corps of 1_ngineers Wetlands Delineation
Manual, Technical ReportY-87-1. Standard data
forms for a "Routine Wetland Detcrtnination"
were prepared based on data collected at the sites.
These forms are included with this report as
Appendix B. The location and extent of
identified wetlands were field sketched and
refined on subsequently prepared topographic
maps, but not flagged or surveyed.
The presence of wetlands was assessed at all three
park development sites. The Morningside Drive
parcel does not support any wetlands but the
perennial channel of Rocky Knob Creek would
be considered jurisdictional waters of the United
States and subject to regulation. The Rivers-
Coffey parcel, due to its situation on an elevated
Figure 6.1. Hunting
Lane Parcel Wetlands
O

OW
steep-sided prominence, supports neither wetlands nor waters of the United States. Wetlands
were identified at the Hunting Lane parcel in association with the riparian corridor, the relict
back channel and the beaver pond. The New River channel at and below ordinary high water,
the beaver pond and the non-vegetated portions of the relict back channel would also be
jurisdictional water of the United States. The approximate extent of wetlands identified at the
Hunting Lane parcel is presented in figure 6-1.
The wetlands at Hunting Lane are primarily emergent and scrub-shrub wetlands dotninated by
species of Carex, Juncus, silky dogwood and speckled alder. Forest wetland species such as
black willow are increasing in importance. Areas more recently subject to long term soil
saturation due to beaver damming, have morbid, non-wetland species, such as black locust as
canopy dominants, and vigorous hydrophytic understory species (e.g., Sdrpus, Caret acrd.lancus
species). Older, better-developed emergent wetlands, such as those found in the relict back
channel support dense stands of arrowhead and yellow iris.
12
1(,?Nirn\\n \ r\i. IN\i \1( rlo vyI, Sill A\ \t?as.l???c. ??r Ru()\i I'vRr, 0 1 /16'HI DNIrA, I>,_ (WH 0ii-iri
Soils in older wetlands show strong; gleying or high organic fractions in the upper layers. Soils
in newly forming wetlands are mottled with either high chroma red mottles or light gray iron
depletions. Hydrological indicators are typically apparent as standing water or high soil
saturation. Most of these arc associated with the beaver pond or relic back channel inundation.
The discharge of shallow groundwater along the New River bank also supports wetland
communities.
7.0 Consulted References
Allbert, A.H. , Registered Land Surveyor. A&T Surveying. 2000. "Property of Laura Williams
to be conveyed to Town of Boone". Legal survey for a recorded land transfer. Elk
Park, NC.
Brooks, M. 1965. The Appalachians; The Naturalists Guide. Houghton Mifflin. Boston.
Catlin, D.T. 1984. A Naturalist's Blue Ridge parkway. University of Tennessee Press.
Knoxville.
Delormc. 2000. North Carolina Atlas and Gazetteer. Yarmouth, M1-?.
Dewberry and Davis. 1998. "Park Master Plan, Town of Boone, Watauga County, North
Carolina". Fairfax, VA.
Dewberry and Davis. 1998. "Park Master Plan, Town of Boone, Watauga County, North
Carolina". Fairfax, VA.
Environmental Laboratory. 1987. "Corps of Engineers Wetlands Delineation Manual,
Technical Report Y-87-1 ", United States Army Engineer Waterways Experiment
Station, Vicksburg, Mississippi.
Fernald, M.L. 1950. Gray's Manual of Botany, 8th cd., American Book Company, New York.
Gardner, T.W. and W.D. Sevon. 1989. Appalachian Geomorphology. FIscvier, Amsterdam.
Godfrey, R.K. and Wooten, 1979. Aquatic and Wetland Plants of Southeastern United States:
Dicotyledons, University of Georgia Press, Athens, GA.
Godfrey, R.K. and Wooten, 1979. Aquatic and Wetland Plants of Southeastern United States:
Monocotyledons, University of Georgia Press, Athens, GA.
Hartley, J. R.., Registered Land Surveyor. 1997. Survey of Armficld Coffey and Wife Rachael
Rivers-Coffey, Town of Boone, Watauga County, NC. Boone, NC.
Hitchcock, A.S., 1950. Manual of Grasses of the United States, U.S. Department of
Agriculture, Miscellaneous Publications No. 200, U.S. Government Printing Office,
Washington, DC.
Holt, P.C. and R. A. Paterson and J.P. Hubbard, editors. 1971. The Distributional History of
the Biota of the Southern Appalachians; Part III: Vertebrates. Research Monograph 4.
Virginia Polytechnic Institute, Blacksburg, VA.
Kollmorgen Instruments Corporation. 1988. Munsell Soil Color Charts, Baltimore, Maryland.
13
vvI) Sill ,Av v1 N .I,, Ii?u? cm R(?„?r 11 \Imt 01 16,01 1)N1:A, I??,. ORB Orrirb:.
Leger, N.P. , Registered Land Surveyor. 1999. Property Sun-eys for Lots 157, 179, 197, 219,
and239 Morningside Drive, Town of Boone, New River Township, Watauga County,
North Carolina. Dewberry and Davis. Raleigh, NC.
McNeil, D.H. , Registered Land Surveyor., Appalachian Land Services. 2000. " Profile Sun-c\,
for Robert Wyley (sic), Brushy Fork Township, Watauga County". Boone.
Radford, A.E., H.F.. Miles, and C.R. Bell. 1968. Manual of the Vascular Flora of the Carolinas.
The University of North Carolina Press, Chapel Hill.
Reed, P.B. 1988. National List of Plant Species that Occur in Wetlands: Southeast (Region 2).
United States Fish and Wildlife Service Biological Report 88(24). 244 pp.
Symonds, G.W.D. 1958. Tree Identification Book. William Morrow & Company, New York.
Symonds, G.W.D. 1963. The Shrub Identification Book. William Morrow & Company, New
York.
United States Department of Agriculture, Soil Conservation Service (SCS). 1987. Hydric Soils
of the United States, Washington, D.C.
US Army Corps of Engineers, Huntington District. 2000. "South Fork of the New River
Alternatives, Boone North Carolina", Preliminary Schematic Design.
USGS Topographic 7.5-minute Quadrangle; Boone, NC. 1959 (Revised 1978).
14
I >. nu, n r i I ci i ,e >u tirri \ <u, fc,a 8u i i P Hi; nI I6i01 DMA, I\, (AM OI 11, 1.
ATTACHMENTS
Appendix A: Plant Species Lists
Appendix B: Wetland Delineation Forms
Initial Park Design Concepts
15
11 vRI., nl 16 01 OKIN, Iy1_ (MB 0111, 1
1

t?
BOONE HOUSING AUTHORITY
DATE
6/20/01
FOR: 401 PERMIT
affiwgmms?i
AMOUNT
**200.00
3871