20060387 Ver 3_Annual-2009 DFR_2004A-411 Purlear Creek Monitoring_20090526

FOREST
SERVICE
NBC
N.C. Division of Forest Resources
Stream Restoration Post - Implementation
Annual Monitoring Report:
Year 1- 2009
For the N.C. Clean Water Management Trust Fund (CWMTF)
Project #2004A -411:
"Rendezvous Mountain Purlear Creek Stream Restoration"
Prepared by: Tom Gerow, Jr.
Forestry Nonpoint Source Branch
1616 Mail Service Center, Raleigh NC, 27699 -1616
(919) 857 -4824 tom.a.gerow @ncdenr.gov
With Assistance from: Department of Biological & Agricultural Engineering
North Carolina State University
Campus Box 7625, Raleigh NC, 27695
(919) 515 -2694 www.bae.ncsu.edu
January 2010
www.dfr. nc.gov
2004A -411: DFR 2009 Annual Monitoring Report - Rendezvous Mountain Purlear Creek Page 1 of 6

Proiect Background
Approximately 2,600 linear feet of Purlear Creek were restored in two phases on Rendezvous Mountain
Educational State Forest in Wilkes County, with funding provided by the N.C. CWMTF. The project was
implemented in two phases as outlined below:
• Phase 1: 700 linear feet, UT- Purlear, perennial, Priority 1 restoration.
• Phase 2: 1,900 linear feet, mainstem Purlear Creek, perennial, Priority 1 and Priority 2 restoration.
The site was a cattle pasture prior to ownership by the N.C. Division of Forest Resources (DFR). Access to Purlear
Creek by the cattle had deteriorated the stream banks and allowed the stream to incise and undercut its banks.
There was no functioning riparian buffer along most of the length of stream within the pasture area.
The outcomes of this restoration project include:
• Align the stream into the natural valley of the site;
• Connect the stream to a functional floodplain;
• Create in- stream structures suitable to manage bankflow events and enhance aquatic habitat;
• Establish a permanent forested riparian buffer.
The long -term goal is to create conditions within Purlear Creek that are suitable for the introduction of trout in
partnership with the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission. More detailed background information about the
project's scope of work, the site characteristics and restoration implementation is available in the project's Final
Report to the CWMTF dated October 31, 2008.
Annual Monitoring Narrative
Additional stream restoration along an estimated 1,600 linear feet of the mainstem of Purlear Creek situated
downstream of the end of Phase 2 was accomplished in 2009 with funding from the N.C. Division of Water
Resources. This additional restoration is referred to as 'Phase 3'. While this annual monitoring report only
addresses Phases 1 and 2 that were funded by the CWMTF, the DFR and its partners at NCSU are also
monitoring the work conducted on Phase 3, in a good -faith measure to holistically evaluate the efforts to
improve the overall watershed on the State Forest.
The Phase 1 and Phase 2 components of the restoration have largely stabilized and are beginning to exhibit signs
of 'naturalizing' with the hydrology of the stream system. Sediment deposition and mobilization is occurring as
intended, and the stream's bank structure is holding its integrity, with only a few exceptions.
During 2009, the Division's Remote Automated Weather Station situated on Rendezvous Mountain recorded a
total precipitation of 52.25 inches (http://dfr.nc.gov /fire control /fc raws.htm). This accumulation is notably
higher than the total precipitation recorded in 2008 of slightly more than 39 inches, or in 2007 in which slightly
less than 33 inches were recorded.
Stream Morphology
Despite some heavy rain events in 2009, the stream's structure, form and stability is well established and intact,
with no major failures. In general the whole restoration is in excellent shape. There are some small areas that
will require watching to see if they become a problem area, but at the present time there are not significant to
be considered a notable problem. Morphologically the stream dimension, pattern and profile appear to be
predictably evolving to a stable and mature state. The project has accommodated several bankfull flow events
with little or no adjustment. Two minor repairs to the stream's structure are described further in this section.
2004A -411: DFR 2009 Annual Monitoring Report - Rendezvous Mountain Purlear Creek Page 2 of 6

The attached figures illustrate the elevation profiles and pool /riffle cross - sections within Phase 1 and Phase 2
sections of the creek. The plan sheets /maps of the restored stream are also included with this report. The plan
views and cross - sections utilize the actual elevation above mean sea level (MSQ instead of an arbitrary
elevation. In each case the upstream cross section is the number 1 cross section for that feature and Phase of
restoration. To allow easy comparison of the cross sections within a Phase, the elevations were adjusted by a
scaling factor which requires that the actual elevations be artificially adjusted. The cross sections are accurate
relative to each other but the elevation numbers would have been incorrect and are not displayed.
Repair work within the UT -Phase 1 were made to a rock cross vane situated downstream from the culvert. As a
result of a good- natured attempt by local DFR staff to remove a build -up of sediment resulting from in- stream
deposition after restoration was completed, one of the cross vanes began to exhibit piping. The repairs have
stabilized and the structure is once again working as designed. The local personnel have been advised that no
actions should be taken within the restored stream, without first consulting with NCSU or Forestry NPS Branch
staff in Raleigh.
Repair work was undertaken on a segment of Phase 2. Soon after the conclusion of restoration along Phase 2,
approximately 150 feet of the restored stream bank began to undercut and lose its integrity. It was determined
that there were not sufficient structures in the stream to accommodate the water flow and that perhaps the
stream's layout was too straight. This segment of stream in question was situated along the last 150 -feet stretch
of stream on the downstream end of the project between Phase 2 and Phase 3. During the Phase 3 restoration
work in 2009, the contractor re- configured and completely rebuilt this failing segment of Phase 2, to incorporate
additional structures and sinuosity, thus providing a smooth transition between the Phase 2 and Phase 3
components of restoration.
Vegetation
Woody vegetation appears to be well - established within the riparian corridor. In addition, growth of naturally -
germinated tree seedlings ( "volunteers ") from the nearby forested area have contributed to the overall species
diversity of the restoration area. Several observations and visual monitoring of the vegetation growth have been
performed, but no plots or seedling survival counts have yet been conducted. This decision is due to the
extreme planting conditions encountered during this project. During that period (2006, 2007 & 2008), a
prolonged drought coupled with intense deer browse of newly - planted seedlings was thought to have a negative
effect on the long -term survival of planted seedlings and shrubs. With 1 to 2 growing seasons now concluded,
we feel that enough time has lapsed to obtain a reliable estimate of the density and species of woody vegetation
on the project site.
While fescue grass has re -grown alongside the stream, we feel that the woody vegetation has established itself
and the trees and shrubs should be able to compete with the fescue. As we continue to monitor the site, it may
be warranted to make spot applications of herbicide that would control the fescue and other un- wanted
vegetation. Some encroachment by nearby populations of invasive plant species (Ailanthus altissima, Tree of
Heaven and Microstegium vimineum, Japanese stiltgrass) has been observed within portions of the restoration
area. Invasive species control should prove an ongoing challenge.
2004A -411: DFR 2009 Annual Monitoring Report - Rendezvous Mountain Purlear Creek Page 3 of 6

Figure 2: Wild strawberry volunteer growth along
Phase 1, shown here May 2009.
Figure 1: Overview of vegetation along Phase 1, shown here May 2009.
Figure 3: Swamp chestnut oak seedling along Phase 2: Figure 4: Yellow - o lor seedling along Phase
2:
Planted February 2008, shown here May 2009. Planted February 2008, shown here May 2009.
2004A -411: DFR 2009 Annual Monitoring Report - Rendezvous Mountain Purlear Creek Page 4 of 6

Aquatic Insects
An assessment of aquatic insects was performed in the spring of 2009 by Dave Penrose, on behalf of the NCSU
Department of Biological & Agricultural Engineering. The results of the monitoring report are provided below.
Benthic Macroinvertabrate Summary from Rendezvous Mountain (NCDFR Purlear Creek)
Stream Restoration Project: April, 2009
Benthic macroinvertebrates have been collected from 5 locations as part of a monitoring project at Rendezvous
Mountain ESF. Phase 1 of this project was the restoration of a small UT of Purlear Creek in July- August 2006,
and Phase 2 on the mainstem of Purlear Creek in July- August 2007. Benthic data were collected each spring
from 2005 through 2009. The 2005 and 2006 surveys were conducted prior to any restoration activities. Site A
is a small headwater reach of Purlear Creek located above a large waterfall and was selected as reference
conditions for the restoration work on the UT (Site D). These two sites are approximately the same size. Table 1
compares the data from these two locations only. Biological samples were also collected from a reach of Purlear
Creek below the waterfall (Site B) and from within an inactive pasture (Site C or Phase 2 of this project).
Table 1. "Phase 1" summary statistics from the stream restoration project at Rendezvous Mountain.
Site A is the reference for the restored reach (similar size features)
Month /Year of Survey
Total taxa richness
EPT taxa richness
EPT abundance
Dominant in Common Taxa*
# Indicator species
Site A, above falls (REFERENCE)
Site
D, UT (PHASE -1 REACH)
4/05
4/06
5/07
4/08
4/09
4/05
4/06
5/07
4/08
4/09
44
39
53
45
42
42
37
44
52
48
28
27
32
27
30
28
29
29
29
33
112
140
167
90
138
112
122
173
114
104
113
-
-
-
-
59%
59%
51%
50%
62%
�-
24
21
24
22
20
23
24
13
26
23
*Abundant and Common taxa were used for this evaluation
The restoration activities at Site D appear to have minimally impacted the ecological condition of the stream
following the Phase 1 restoration in 2006. Taxa richness and the abundance of EPT taxa are slightly higher
following restoration (2007 and 2008) and DIC values were only slightly lower. This initial serge in taxa richness
is common following restoration and has been noted in numerous investigations. However, many fewer
indicator species were found at this site in 2007 and it appears caddisfly taxa (most notably Rhyacophila,
Neophylax and Nyctiophylax) were eliminated or reduced in abundance. However many of these taxa re-
appeared during the survey in 2008. Despite slightly lower total taxa richness and EPT abundance in 2009, the
dominant taxa in common with the reference site increased to 62 %. These data suggests that the benthic fauna
are still evolving in this UT reach and that the conditions are similar to pre- restoration conditions. Shredder taxa
often decline following restoration, as much less LPOM is found in newly restored features. However the
shredder community in this tributary is healthy (Lepidostoma, Tallaperla, Tipula were all common or abundant
during both post- construction surveys). This is most likely due to the abundance of overstory, mature trees
within the riparian corridor along the UT -Phase 1.
Table 2. "Phase 2" summary statistics from the stream restoration project at Rendezvous Mountain.
Site B will be used for reference for all mainstem locations.
Month /Year of Survey
Total taxa richness
EPT taxa richness
EPT abundance
Dominant in Common Taxa*
# Indicator species
Site
B, below falls (REFERENCE)
Site C, pasture (PHASE
-2 REACH)
4/05
4/06
5/07
4/08
4/09
4/05
4/06
5/07
4/08
4/09
55
45
57
43
44
64
58
59
49
51
36
31
34
27
29
41
34
34
31
37
159
122
189
90
111
170
143
165
113
118
-
-
-
-
63%
74%
62%
48%
65%
�-
33
27
25
24
22
33
1 26
1 27
1 23
1 26
*Abundant and Common taxa were used for this evaluation.
2004A -411: DFR 2009 Annual Monitoring Report - Rendezvous Mountain Purlear Creek Page 5 of 6

Table 2 summarizes the benthic data from the mainstem of "Phase 2" on Purlear Creek at Rendezvous
Mountain. Site B is above the confluence with the restored UT, but below the falls and was selected as the
reference for this portion of the project. Site C (pasture location) is below this UT and was restored in the
summer of 2007 during "Phase 2" of the project. The survey in 2008 was the first post- restoration investigation
at this location.
Taxa richness and EPT abundance values were significantly lower at both reference locations (Sites A and B) in
2008. This may be a response to watershed wide conditions or the negative impacts of very low flow. These
values improve at both locations in 2009. Following Phase 2 restoration in 2007, moderately lower taxa richness
and EPT abundance values were seen. It is difficult to conclude that these lower numbers were due to the
restoration activities or the negative effects of very low flow. However conditions appear to have rebounded
quickly at this location. All summary metrics were higher during the 2009 investigation. These data indicate that
the restoration activities in this reach of Purlear Creek had very little negative impacts to the benthic fauna.
Recovery of the fauna at this reach is likely due to the nearby sources of recolonization and refuge.
Outreach /Education /Training
During the restoration site work for Phase 3 in spring of 2009, the NCSU project managers hosted a field
workshop for students enrolled with the Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering. This workshop
included a walking tour and examination of Phase 1 and Phase 2, to illustrate for the students the successive
progress of a stream restoration, over a period of time. Approximately 15 individuals participated.
Goals for Continuing Management
In addition to the monitoring, there are other project goals that the DFR intends to pursue during 2010:
• Continue to support and direct the joint Division of Forest Resources / Division of Prisons Young Offenders
Forest Conservation Program (known as the BRIDGE Program) in their work to remove excessive legacy
sediment from the upper -most headwater reach of Purlear Creek.
• Identify and control sources of sediment from the upstream reach beyond the Phase 1 -UT, which is
mobilizing significant sediment since the restoration was completed.
• Cooperate with N.C. Division of Water Quality's request to install shallow groundwater piezometers within
the restoration area.
• Develop signage that promotes the restoration, and its partners. Install the sign in a location that will be
visible from the bridge on Mozelles Road.
Attachments
A. Plan sheets (8pp)
B. Elevation Profiles and Cross - Sections (4pp)
C. Photograph pages (10pp)
Additional 2009 site photographs are available at the "Picasa" website:
Photos of Phase 1: http: / /Picasaweb.google. com /stream.restore /RMESFPhasel#
Photos of Phase 2: http: / /Picasaweb.google. com /stream.restore /RMESFPhase2#
2004A -411: DFR 2009 Annual Monitoring Report - Rendezvous Mountain Purlear Creek Page 6 of 6