20171527 Ver 2_Historic Info_20200407

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Person County Natural Areas Inventory
MARLOWE CREEK SLOPES
Site Number: 10 Size: 227 acres
Site Significance: Regional Quadrangle: Roxboro
Ownership: private
SIGNIFICANT FEATURES: This natural area contains perhaps the most extensive series of rich
slopes with wildflowers of any site in the county, with excellent examples of Mesic Mixed
Hardwood Forest natural community. However, it is a very diverse site, containing scarce
communities as well, such as Acidic Piedmont Bluff Glade and Basic Mesic Forest, and it also has
a few examples of Piedmont/Coastal Plain Heath Bluff, as well. Several Watch List plants occur
in the site.
LANDSCAPE RELATIONSHIPS: The natural area abuts Hagers Mountain, just to the east.
Lying downstream by about 0.3 mile (to the north) is the Marlowe Creek Bluff natural area. Farther
downstream, about 0.9 mile to the north, is the southern end of the Storys Creek/Marlowe Creek
Swamp.
SITE DESCRIPTION: Along Marlowe Creek and tributaries on the western side of the creek are
extensive mature hardwood forests. The slopes and bluffs are predominantly covered in Mesic
Mixed Hardwood Forest natural community. These slopes lie mainly on acidic soils, but a few areas
are mapped as Wilkes soil, which is somewhat circumneutral, where Basic Mesic Forest is present.
The former community has American beech (Fagus grandifolia) as a common canopy tree, as is
northern red oak (Quercus rubra). The uncommon maidenhair fern (Adiantum pedatum) is present,
as is a good diversity of spring-flowering herbs, such as foamflower (Tiarella cordifolia), mayapple
(Podophyllum peltatum), and liverleaf (Hepatica americana). In some locales, Christmas fern
(Polystichum acrostichoides) is abundant, and black cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa) is often
common.
One small area of east-facing slopes contain species such as the Watch List leatherwood (Dirca
palustris), wild hydrangea (Hydrangea arborescens), and goat’s-beard (Aruncus dioicus), which
indicate Basic Mesic Forest. The floodplain of Marlowe Creek is somewhat wide on the western
side, and there is a decent-quality Piedmont Small Stream Forest. Tuliptree (Liriodendron
tulipifera) is very common in the canopy, and sycamore (Platanus occidentalis) is numerous.
Spicebush (Lindera benzoin) is a very common shrub, indicating rich soils. One species of interest
in this floodplain is Pursh’s phacelia (Phacelia purshii), a range extension to the east, as other state
records are from the mountain region. Leatherwood also grows in the floodplain.
The natural area has a narrow ridge that contains an excellent but small example of Dry Oak-
Hickory Forest with considerable herb diversity. White oak (Q. alba) is the dominant tree, but some
post oak (Q. stellata) is present. The locally scarce eastern featherbells (Stenanthium gramineum)
is scattered here. Early lowbush blueberry (Vaccinium pallidum) is a dominant shrub, and maple-
88
leaf viburnum (Viburnum acerifolium) and deerberry (Vaccinium stamineum) are very common also.
Several species of legumes, such as a few species of tick-trefoils (Desmodium spp.), are present in
the herb layer. The Watch List American shinleaf (Pyrola americana) grows on a mesic slope
nearby. A few slopes contain Dry-Mesic Oak-Hickory Forest, with mockernut hickory (Carya
alba), American beech, northern red oak, and red maple (Acer rubrum) among the canopy trees.
Sourwood (Oxydendrum arboreum), flowering dogwood (Cornus florida), and black gum (Nyssa
sylvatica) are understory trees. Some blueberries (Vaccinium spp.) are present in the shrub layer,
but the herb layer is rather poor.
In the southern part of the natural area, Marlowe Creek runs through very rocky terrain, with no
floodplain. These rocky and steep slopes are covered with mountain laurel (Kalmia latifolia), often
in very dense tangles; these are Piedmont/Coastal Plain Heath Bluff natural communities. One
narrow east-west ridge east of the creek has a very dry and glade-like south-facing slope. This is
the poorly-known Acidic Piedmont Bluff Glade. There are scattered rocks, and the ground is rather
hard; some eastern red cedars (Juniperus virginiana) are present. There are few shrubs, and the herb
layer is very diverse, with grasses, and a number of legumes and other forbs. Dittany (Cunila
origanoides) is quite common. Other notable herbs include fire pink (Silene virginica), striped
gentian (Gentiana villosa), little ladies-tresses (Spiranthes tuberosa), and cornel-leaf aster
(Doellingeria infirma).
NOTE: Most of the eastern side of Marlowe Creek was not surveyed because of the lack of access.
Thus, the eastern boundary of the natural area is speculative and based solely on aerial photos.
Several powerlines that cut across upper slopes above Marlowe Creek, to the south of the natural
area, contain rare plants; however, as these powerlines do not bisect the site, they are excluded from
the natural area.
PROTECTION AND MANAGEMENT: Most of the site lies in a single private ownership; this
land is leased to a hunt club for hunting during the fall, winter, and spring. As a result, some
ephemeral spring wildflowers, not seen during the June surveys, are presumably present in the area
and might add to the importance of the natural area. There is no known formal protection of the
natural area. Because of its rather extensive size, it is a high priority for protection, such as with
conservation easements. The area, coupled with the adjacent Hagers Mountain, would be suitable
in acreage for a local park or nature preserve. Little management is needed. Timber harvest, which
occurs to the west of the site, should remain outside the boundary of the natural area, as exotic plants
such as Japanese stilt grass (Microstegium vimineum) rapidly invade rich soil sites such as this. A
few jeep/ATV roads run along ridges toward the creek. It is hoped that no new roads or trails will
be made.
NATURAL COMMUNITIES: Mesic Mixed Hardwood Forest, Basic Mesic Forest (Slope variant),
Dry Oak-Hickory Forest (Piedmont Upland variant), Dry-Mesic Oak-Hickory Forest (Piedmont
Upland variant), Acidic Piedmont Bluff Glade, Piedmont/Coastal Plain Heath Bluff, Piedmont Small
Stream Forest.
1
Sullivan, Roscoe L III CIV (US)
From:Elizabeth Toombs <[e-mail]>
Sent:Monday, January 28, 2019 8:43 PM
To:Thames, Joyce A CIV USARMY CESAW (US); Sullivan, Roscoe L III CIV (US); Gibby, Jean B
CIV USARMY CESAW (US)
Cc:Smith, Ronnie D CIV USARMY CESAW (US)
Subject:[Non-DoD Source] RE: US Army Corps of Engineers Public Notice
Many thanks for the review request for SAW-2016-02542 in Person County, North Carolina. Person County is outside 
the Cherokee Nation’s Area of Interest. Thus, this Office respectfully defers to federally recognized Tribes that have an 
interest in this landbase. 

Thank you for the opportunity to comment upon this proposed undertaking. Please contact me if there are any 
questions or concerns.  

Wado,  

Elizabeth Toombs, Tribal Historic Preservation Officer 
Cherokee Nation  
Tribal Historic Preservation Office 
PO Box 948 
Tahlequah, OK  74465‐0948 
918.453.5389 

From: Thames, Joyce A CIV USARMY CESAW (US) [mailto:[e-mail]]  
Sent: Wednesday, January 23, 2019 6:20 AM 
To: Sullivan, Roscoe L III CIV (US) <[e-mail]>; Gibby, Jean B CIV USARMY CESAW (US) 
<[e-mail]> 
Cc: Smith, Ronnie D CIV USARMY CESAW (US) <[e-mail]> 
Subject: <EXTERNAL> US Army Corps of Engineers Public Notice 
Importance: High 

As you requested, you are hereby notified that Wilmington District, United States Army Corps of Engineers has issued a 
Public Notice.  The text of this document can be found on the Public Notices portion of the Regulatory Division Home 
Page.  Each Public Notice is available in ADOBE ACROBAT (.pdf) format for viewing, printing or download at 
Blockedhttp://www.saw.usace.army.mil/Missions/RegulatoryPermitProgram.aspx. 

The current notice involves: 

Corps Action ID#: SAW‐2016‐02542 

Issue Date:    23 January 2019 

Applicant:   Person County 
                    Mr. David Newell 

Project Name:  Person County Mega Park 

Expiration Date:   22 February 2019 
2

Point of Contact:   Ross Sullivan 

Project Description: 
US Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) received an application from Person County seeking Department of the Army 
authorization to discharge dredged or fill material into waters of the United States, associated with the construction of a 
semiconductor chip manufacturing plant on a 318 acre parcel of land that is situated within a larger tract of land 
(approximately 1,456 acres) designated by Person County as the Person County Mega Park. The proposed project 
includes off‐site transportation and utility improvements. The proposed project site is located south of Edwin Robertson 
Road, on both sides of Country Club Road, north of the City of Roxboro, Person County, North Carolina. 

Subscribe/Unsubscribe:  This email was sent out as a result of subscribing to the Wilmington District regulatory program 
public notices.  Please email [e-mail] with the subject or message "unsubscribe" to remove 
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North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources
State Historic Preservation Office
Ramona M. Bartos, Administrator
Governor Roy Cooper Office of Archives and History
Secretary Susi H. Hamilton Deputy Secretary Kevin Cherry
Location: 109 East Jones Street, Raleigh NC 27601 Mailing Address: 4617 Mail Service Center, Raleigh NC 27699-4617 Telephone/Fax: [phone]-6599

February 4, 2019

Ross Sullivan [e-mail]
Raleigh Regulatory Field Office
3331 Heritage Trade Drive, Suite 105
Wake Forest, NC 27587

Re: Trace Commercial Development, Country Club Road & Edwin Robertson Road, Roxboro,
SAW 2016-02542, Person County, ER 14-1122

Dear Mr. Sullivan:

We have received a public notice concerning the above-referenced undertaking. We have reviewed the
materials submitted and offer the following comments.

The area of disturbance for the semiconductor chip manufacturing plant site has already been surveyed for
archaeological resources and cleared for use. Most of the area covered by the proposed utility and
transportation improvement sites are low probability for intact, significant archaeological resources. However,
we note the presence of three cemeteries on the topographic quad maps: one along the proposed
transportation corridor (Shiloh Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery, Shiloh Church Road, Roxboro, NC 27574),
one along the proposed waste water line (3919 Chub Lake Road, Roxboro, NC 27573), and one along the
PSNC gas pipeline (705 McGhees Mill Road, Roxboro, NC 27574). These cemeteries have not been previously
recorded with our office, and online information gives conflicting accounts of how well they are marked. Prior
to any earth-moving activities, these cemeteries should be delineated, recorded with our office, and the
boundaries marked to ensure that human skeletal remains are not inadvertently impacted. We recommend
pedestrian reconnaissance (visual inspection) and probing for any evidence of additional burials in the
immediate vicinity of the cemeteries by an experienced archaeologist, and at least a 25-ft buffer to be
established around the cemetery and a fence placed to ensure its protection. Please note that our office now
requests consultation with the Office of State Archaeology Environmental Review Archaeologist to discuss
appropriate field methodology prior to the archaeological field investigation.

If an archaeological field investigation is conducted, one paper copy and one digital file (PDF on disc) of each
report, and one digital copy (PDF on disc) of each site form should be submitted to the OSA for review and
comment as soon as they are available and well in advance of any earth moving activities. PDF-A (Archival
format) is preferred but a high-quality standard PDF file is also acceptable.

The above comments are made pursuant to Section 106 and 110 of the National Historic Preservation Act and
the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation’s Regulations for Compliance with Section 106 codified at 36
CFR Part 800.

Thank you for your cooperation and consideration. If you have questions concerning the above comment,
contact Renee Gledhill-Earley, environmental review coordinator, at 919-814-6579 or
[e-mail]. In all future communication concerning this project, please cite the above
referenced tracking number.

Sincerely,

Ramona M. Bartos

North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources
State Historic Preservation Office
Ramona M. Banos. ddministcvmc
Goemm Roy Cooper OEfce oEAe<Iuves vid Fiistmy
Seeeemry Sun H. Harm]. Depu,, Secceta, Kevin Cheery
September 15, 2017
Cory B. Darnell
ECS Carolinas, LLP
9001 Glenwood Avenue
Raleigh, NC 27617-7505
[e-mail]
Re: Archaeological survey, tracts B and C, Project Trace Commercial Development, Country Club Road
and Edwin Robertson Road, Roxboro, ECS Project No. 49: 2245-D; Person County, ER 14-1122
Dear Mr. Darnell:
Thank you for your letter of August 22, 2017, transmitting the archaeological survey report by Brooke Brilliant of
Archaeological Consultants of the Carolinas, Inc. (ACC), for the above project.
During the course of the survey, twelve sites were located within tracts B and C. The following properties are
determined not eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places:
31PR148**, 31PR149**, 31PR150, 31PR151, 31PR152**, 31PR153, 31PR154, 31PR155, 31PR156, 31PR157,
31PR158, and 31PR159&159**, because of lack of integrity and inability to contribute further to an understanding of
the area's prehistory or history
Ms. Brilliant has recommended that no further archaeological investigation be conducted in connection with this
project as proposed. We concur with this recommendation since the project will not involve significant
archaeological resources.
We acknowledge receipt of the archaeological site forms, including those for sites 31PR160** through 31PR165.
Located during the reconnaissance survey phase of the project, these six sites are in areas excluded from the
proposed development. Consequently, they remain unassessed as to their eligibility for the National Register of
Historic Places (NRHP). Should their areas be developed in the future, we recommend that 31PR160** through
31PR165 be located, delineated, and evaluated for their eligibility to the NRHP.
The above comments are made pursuant to Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act and the Advisory
Council on Historic Preservation's Regulations for Compliance with Section 106 codified at 36 CFR Part 800.
Thank you for your cooperation and consideration. If you have questions concerning the above comment, contact
Renee Gledhill -Earley, environmental review coordinator, at 919-807-6579 or eavironmencd.revi�ncdct�v. In
all future communication concerning this project, please cite the above -referenced tracking number.
Sincerely,
,11"amona earto Sa
1nation:lo9E tfom5v,RAi8h NC27601 Mailing Addmss:4617h1aJSav Cen�S eigh NC27699-4617 Telephone/Faa:(919)w?] 570/W7-6599

North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources
State Historic Preservation Office
Ramona M. Bartos, Administrator
Governor Pat McCrory Office of Archives and History
Secretary Susan Kluttz Deputy Secretary Kevin Cherry
Location: 109 East Jones Street, Raleigh NC 27601 Mailing Address: 4617 Mail Service Center, Raleigh NC 27699-4617 Telephone/Fax: [phone]-6599

July 21, 2016

Paul M. Stephens IV
ECS Carolinas, LLP
9001 Glenwood Ave
Raleigh, NC 27617-7505

Re: Project Trace Additional Areas, Country Club Road and Edwin Robertson Road, Roxboro,
ECS 49: 2245-C, Person County, ER 14-1122

Dear Mr. Stephens:

Thank you for your letter of June 30, 2016, concerning the above-referenced project. We have reviewed
the project information referenced above and offer the following comments.

The project tract consists of a large ridge system located between two second to third order streams. This
system contains floodplains, terraces, relatively long linear ridgetops, ridgetoes, and several likely
springheads. The topography is consistent with other settings within the region that contain a high
frequency of archaeological resources, particularly prehistoric sites. While there are no previously
recorded archaeological sites noted within the tract at present, the area has never been surveyed for
archaeological resources. Given the nature of this landscape as a whole and the high probability of
prehistoric remains, we recommend a Phase I archaeological survey of the tract. As a result, we
recommend the following conditions for this application:

Prior to initiation of any ground disturbing activities within the project area, the applicant shall
arrange for an archaeological survey of the entire project area (approximately 1,369 acres). The
purpose of this survey will be to locate archaeological sites and make recommendations regarding
the eligibility status of each site in terms of the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP). If a
site is determined to be eligible for the NRHP the applicant shall determine whether the site will be
adversely affected by the project activities; and, if so, develop and implement an appropriate
mitigation plan. Two copies of all resulting archaeological reports, as well as one copy of the North
Carolina site forms, should be forwarded to the Office of State Archaeology through this office for
review and comment as soon as they are available and in advance of any construction or ground
disturbance activities.

A list of archaeological consultants who have conducted or expressed an interest in contract work in
North Carolina is available at www.archaeology.ncdcr.gov/ncarch/resource/consultants.htm. The
archaeologists listed, or any other experienced archaeologist, may be contacted to conduct the
recommended survey. The selected archaeologist will consult with the Office of State Archaeology
regarding the project methods prior to the commencement of any field work activities. All
additional activities associated with the archaeological investigations shall also be coordinated with
the Office of State Archaeology prior to implementation in the field.

We recommend a meeting between the Office of State Archaeology and your office prior to selection of a
contractor in order to discuss survey methods and levels of effort related to this project. We feel a meeting
of this sort will help you develop a survey plan that will be both cost and time-efficient in its application.
In addition, it will help you develop a viable Request for Proposal (RFP) to circulate to potential
contractors. Please contact Ms. Susan Myers at 919-807-6556 or John Mintz at 919-807-6555 to arrange
this meeting.

We have determined that the project as proposed will not have an effect on any historic structures.

The above comments are made pursuant to Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act and the
Advisory Council on Historic Preservation’s Regulations for Compliance with Section 106 codified at 36
CFR Part 800.

Thank you for your cooperation and consideration. If you have questions concerning the above comment,
contact Renee Gledhill-Earley, environmental review coordinator, at 919-807-6579 or
[e-mail]. In all future communication concerning this project, please cite the
above referenced tracking number.

Sincerely,

Ramona M. Bartos

North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources
State Historic Preservation Office
Ramona M. Bartos, Administrator
Governor Pat McCrory Office of Archives and History
Secretary Susan Kluttz Deputy Secretary Kevin Cherry
Location: 109 East Jones Street, Raleigh NC 27601 Mailing Address: 4617 Mail Service Center, Raleigh NC 27699-4617 Telephone/Fax: [phone]-6599

June 12, 2014

Cory Darnell
ECS Carolinas, LLP
9001 Glenwood Avenue
Raleigh, NC 27617-7505

Re: Project Trace, Country Club Road and Edwin Robertson Road, Roxboro, 06-21626, Person County,
ER 14-1122

Dear Mr. Darnell:

Thank you for your letter of May 22, 2014. We have reviewed the project referenced above and offer the
following comments.
The project tract consists of a large ridge system located between two second to third order streams. This
system contains relatively long linear ridgetops, ridgetoes, and several likely springheads. The topography is
consistent with other settings within the region that contain a high frequency of archaeological resources,
particularly prehistoric sites. While there are no previously recorded archaeological sites noted within the tract
at present, the area has never been surveyed for archaeological resources. Given the nature of this landscape
and the high probability of prehistoric remains, we recommend a Phase I archaeological survey of the tract. As
a result, we recommend the following conditions for this application:

Prior to initiation of any ground disturbing activities within the project area, the applicant shall arrange
for an archaeological survey of the entire project area (approximately 675.55 acres). The purpose of
this survey will be to locate archaeological sites and make recommendations regarding the eligibility
status of each site in terms of the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP). If a site is determined
to be eligible for the NRHP the applicant shall determine whether the site will be adversely affected by
the project activities; and, if so, develop and implement an appropriate mitigation plan. Two copies of
all resulting archaeological reports, as well as one copy of the North Carolina site forms, should be
forwarded to the Office of State Archaeology through this office for review and comment as soon as
they are available and in advance of any construction or ground disturbance activities.

A list of archaeological consultants who have conducted or expressed an interest in contract work in North
Carolina is available at www.archaeology.ncdcr.gov/ncarch/resource/consultants.htm. The archaeologists
listed, or any other experienced archaeologist, may be contacted to conduct the recommended survey. All
activities associated with the archaeological investigations shall be coordinated with the Office of State
Archaeology prior to beginning any archaeological fieldwork.

The above comments are made pursuant to Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act and the
Advisory Council on Historic Preservation’s Regulations for Compliance with Section 106 codified at 36 CFR
Part 800.

Thank you for your cooperation and consideration. If you have questions concerning the above comment,
contact Renee Gledhill-Earley, environmental review coordinator, at 919-807-6579 or renee.gledhill-
[e-mail]. In all future communication concerning this project, please cite the above referenced
tracking number.
Sincerely,

Ramona M. Bartos