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RESTORATION MONITORING REPORT
FOR THE SEVEN LAKES DRIVING RANGE,
SEVEN LAKES COUNTRY CLUB,
SEVEN LAKES, MOORE COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA
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Prepared By: DE14R-'%'n V1Tv
wETLANDS AND STOR ': , -tR 84ANCH
William Mullin, and Dr. J. H. Carter III
Dr. J. H. Carter III & Associates, Inc.
Environmental Consultants
515 Midland Road, Suite F
Southern Pines, North Carolina 28387
Submitted 5 February 2010
To:
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Wilmington District
69 Darlington Ave.
Wilmington, N.C. 28403
North Carolina Division of Water Quality
401 Wetland Certification Unit
2321 Crabtree Blvd., Suite 250
Raleigh, NC 27604-2260
RESTORATION MONITORING REPORT
FOR THE SEVEN LAKES DRIVING RANGE,
SEVEN LAKES COUNTRY CLUB,
SEVEN LAKES, MOORE COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA
USACE Action ID: SAW-2007-00142
INTRODUCTION
This report, presents the results of annual monitoring for the Seven Lakes Country Club
(CC) driving range wetland restoration site. Seven Lakes CC is located south of Seven Lakes
Drive, north of West End, Moore County, NC. The 7.53 acre driving range is located on E.
Devonshire Avenue adjacent to the clubhouse (Figure 1).
Seven Lakes CC secured a United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACOE)
Nationwide Permit (NWP) No. 39 and the corresponding Division of Water Quality General
Water Quality Certification (GC 3631) for the construction of a new driving range. A DWQ
compliance inspection of the permitted work at the driving range in early 2008 resulted in a
Notice of Violation (NOV), noting the following observations: mechanized clearing where only
hand clearing was authorized, an unpermitted excavated ditch within wetlands and sedimentation
impacts. A USACOE compliance inspection resulted in a letter of non-compliance, which cited
mechanized land clearing of jurisdictional wetlands beyond the permitted area, unauthorized
stream relocation, failing erosion control measures and sedimentation into Waters of the U. S.
Both the USACOE and the DWQ required that a restoration plan be prepared and implemented
in order to mitigate for the unauthorized activities.
Seven Lakes CC took corrective action towards restoring jurisdictional areas on, and
adjacent to, the driving range site immediately after receiving the agencies' NOVs. Silt fencing
was installed in order to stabilize the site and prevent further sedimentation. Seven Lakes CC
then hired Dr. J. H. Carter III & Associates, Inc. (JCA) to prepare the required restoration plan
and consult with the agencies.
Figure 1. Location of the Seven Lakes Country Club, Moore County, North Carolina.
JCA submitted the Wetland and Stream Restoration Plan for Seven Lakes Country Club
Driving Range, West End, Moore County, North Carolina, to the USAGE, the DWQ and the NC
Division of Land Resources on 6 June 2008. The USACOE and DWQ approved the plan in the
summer of 2008 and restoration activities were completed by the end of that year. Monitoring of
the restoration area is required for a minimum of 3 years. This document serves as the
monitoring report for the first year.
INITIAL RESTORATION MONITORING
Three 10x10-meter monitoring plots were established within the herbaceous wetland area
on 30 March 2009. The monitoring plots are situated at the northern end, southern end and
western side of the headwater wetland (Figure 2). Since the NWP 39 permitted the original
forested wetland to be converted to an herbaceous wetland, only herbaceous species, prevalence
and percent cover will be monitored. Shrubs and tree species will be recorded if present;
however, trees will not be mapped or tracked for survivorship. The herbaceous wetland will be
periodically mowed/maintained as permitted.
Monitoring Data
Vegetation data was collected in the 3 monitoring plots on 30 March 2009 in order to
establish the initial baseline conditions onsite. All three plots were revisited on 30 September,
2009 and the following data summarizes the most recently observed conditions at each plot.
Plot #1 had 1-2 percent (%) bare ground. This represents no change from the March 2009
baseline condition. Wool grass (Scirpus cyperinus), clustered beaksedge (Rhynchospora
glomerata) and bunched beaksedge (R. cephalantha) were the most abundant species, each with
25-50% cover. Small-headed beaksedge (R. microcephala) and velvet witchgrass
(Dichanthelium scoparium) were both also fairly common in the plot, each with 5-10% cover.
Plot #1's species composition became more diverse compared to March 2009. The September
2009 monitoring found an additional 12 species in Plot #1, bring the total to 30 species within
the plot.
Plot #2 had 2-5% bare ground representing a significant decrease from the March 2009
baseline of 50-75%. The decrease in bare ground demonstrates that the restoration should be
successful at the end of the 3 year monitoring period. The dominant species were wool grass at
25-50% and bunched beaksedge at 10-25% cover. Both of these species increased significantly
in overall density within the plot. Six new species were observed during the September 2009
investigation, bringing the total species count to 23 for the plot.
Plot #3 had 2-5% bare ground, a significant decrease from the March 2009 baseline of
75- 95%. The reduction in bare ground and return of herbaceous vegetation again illustrates that
the impacted wetland is recovering. Warty panic grass (Panicum verrucosum), bunched beak
sedge and swamp sunflower (Helianthus angustifolius) were the most abundant plants present,
each with 10-25% cover. Plot # 3 showed the most improvement in species diversity. Sixteen
new species were added during the September 2009 survey, bringing the total species count to 24
for the plot.
Conservation easement
A small area of forested wetland was placed in a conservation easement as part of the
permit stipulations. A few trees from the outer edge of this area were cut down during the initial
conversion of the wetland to an herbaceous system. As part of the restoration effort
approximately 20 each of pond pine (Pinus serotina), tulip poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera) and
swamp blackgum (Nyssa sylvatica) were planted to mitigate for the few trees that were cut inside
of the conservation easement area. These trees were inspected in September 2009 and all were
surviving. The number of trees planted will overcompensate for the few trees that were
incidentally cut in the conservation easement, even with natural thinning over time. These trees
will continue to be monitored periodically during site visits and replaced as necessary if
mortality is observed.
4
Vegetation Data Collection
Seven Lakes Driving Range - Plot #1
PLOT] Monitor
Initial Data Year 1
Scientific Name Common Name Indicator 3/30/2009 9/30/2009
bare ground/ open water --- 1-2% 1-2%
Acer rubrum red maple seedlings FAC X
Andropogon glomeratus bushy bluestem FACW+ X
Andropogon virginicus broomsedge bluestem FAC- X O
Aroma arbutifolia red chokeberry FACW X 1-2%
Arundinaria tecta switch cane FACW X ---
Baccharis halimifolia sea-myrtle FAC 1-2%
Cyperus erythrorhizos red-root flatsedge OBL X O
Dichanthelium scoparium velvet witchgrass FACW 5-10% 5-10%
Eleocharis sp. (radicans?) X
Erechtites hieracifolia fireweed FAC- X
Eupatorium capillifolium dog fennel FACU X
Eupatorium compositifolium yankee-weed FAC- X X
Euthamia minor slender fragrant goldenrod FAC X
Fuirena squarrosa hairy umbrella-sedge OBL 2-5%
Gratiola pilosa shaggy hedgehyssop FACW- X
Hypericum hypericoides St. Andrew's cross FAC X
Hypericum stans St. Peter's wort FACW- X
Juncus effusus soft rush FACW+ X ---
Juncus trigonocarpus red-pod rush OBL X 5-10%
Liriodendron tulipifera tulip poplar FAC X 2-5%
Ludwigia alternifolia bushy seedbox OBL X X
Morella cerifera wax myrtle FAC+ X X
Osmunda regalis var. spectabilis royal fern OBL X
Osmundastrum cinnamomeum cinnamon fern FACW+ 1-2%
Rhynchospora cephalantha bunched beaksedge OBL X 10-25%
Rhynchospora glomerata clustered beaksedge OBL X 10-25%
Rhynchospora microcephala small-headed beaksedge OBL 5-10% 5-10%
Rubus sp. blackberry --- X 2-5%
Scirpus cyperinus wool grass OBL 25-50% 25-50%
Smilax laurifolia laurel-leaved greenbrier FACW+ X 1-2%
Toxicodendron radicans poison-ivy FAC X
Typha latifolia broad leaf cattail OBL X X
Xyris sp. a yellow-eyed grass x
1 keys best to this species, but specimens didn't have enough seeds for
comparison & this species is questionable due to distribution.
X - Indicates presense in plot, not at a full percentage yet
VEGETATION DATA
SEVEN LAKES DRIVING RANGE PLOT #2
PLOT 2 Monitor
Initial Data Year 1
Scientific Name Common Name Indicator 3/30/2009 9/30/2009
bare ground/ open water --- 50-75% 2-5%
Acer rubrum red maple seedlings FAC X
Andropogon virginicus broomsedge bluestem FAC- X X
Aronia arbutifolia red chokeberry FACW X X
Clethra alnifolia sweet pepperbush FACW X
Eupatorium compositifolium yankee-weed FAC- X X
Fuirena squarrosa hairy umbrella-sedge OBL 2-5%
Helianthus angustifolius swamp sunflower FAC+ X
Ilex opaca American holly FAC- X O
Juncus effusus soft rush FACW+ 1-2% X
Juncus sp. --- X
Juncus trigonocarpus red-pod rush OBL X 5-10%
Liriodendron tulipifera tulip poplar FAC X X
Ludwigia alternifolia bushy seedbox OBL X X
Panicum sp. (scoparium?) grass tufts, no seeds --- X
Panicum verrucosum warty panic grass FACW 1-2%
Phytolacca americana common pokeweed FACU+ X O
Pinus serotina pond pine FACW+ X X
Rhynchospora cephalantha bunched beaksedge OBL 2-5% 10-25%
Rubus sp. blackberry --- X
Rubus trivialis southern dewberry FAC X X
Scirpus cyperinus wool grass OBL 2-5% 25-50%
Smilax glauca whiteleaf greenbrier FAC X
Smilax laurifolia laurel-leaved greenbrier FACW+ X X
Toxicodendron radicans poison-ivy FAC X
Typha latifolia broad leaf cattail OBL X X
1 keys best to this species, but specimens didn't have enough seeds for
comparison & this species is questionable due to distribution.
X - Indicates presense in plot, not at a full percentage yet
VEGETATION DATA
SEVEN LAKES DRIVING RANGE PLOT #3
PLOT 3 Monitor
Initial Data Year 1
Scientific Name Common Name Indicator 3/30/2009 9/30/2009
bare ground/ open water --- 75-95% 2-5%
Acer rubrum red maple seedl./stump spr. FAC X
Andropogon virginicus broomsedge bluestem FAC- X O
Aronia arbutifolia red chokeberry FACW X X
Arundinaria tecta switch cane FACW X X
Baccharis halimifolia consumption weed FAC X X
Clethra alnifolia sweet pepperbush FACW 1-2%
Eupatorium compositifolium yankee-weed FAC- X 1-2%
Fuirena squarrosa hairy umbrella-sedge OBL 5-10%
Helianthus angustifolius swamp sunflower FAC+ 10-25%
Hypericum gentianoides pineweed FACU 2-5%
Ilex opaca American holly FAC- X O
Juncus trigonocarpus red pod rush OBL 5-10%
Liriodendron tulipifera tulip poplar FAC X 1-2%
Ludwigia alternifolia bushy seedbox OBL 2-5%
Lyonia mariana staggerbush FAC X
Osmundastrum cinnamomeum cinnamon fern FACW+ X 1-2%
Panicum sp. --- 2-5%
Panicum verrucosum warty panic grass FACW 10-25%
Phytolacca americana pokeweed FACU+ X
Rhus copallinum winged sumac NI X
Rhynchospora cephalantha bunched beaksedge OBL 10-25%
Rhynchospora microcephala small-headed beaksedge OBL X 1-2%
Sassafras albidum sassafras FACU X
Scirpus cyperinus wool grass OBL 2-5%
Rubus sp. a blackberry --- X 1-2%
Smilax laurifolia laurel-leaved greenbrier FACW+ X X
Smilax rotundifolia common greenbrier FAC X
Sphagnum sp. sphagnum moss --- X O
Vaccinium sp. a blueberry --- X O
1 keys best to this species, but specimens didn't have enough seeds for
comparison & this species is questionable due to distribution.
X - Indicates presense in plot, not at a full percentage yet
Clubhouse at
SUMMARY AND DISCUSSION
The headwater wetland at the Seven Lakes CC was converted from a forested wetland to
herbaceous wetland as part of the permitted activities and will be maintained as a herbaceous
wetland as permitted. The wetland as a whole shows evidence of sufficient hydrology. In most
areas the soils are saturated to the surface or slightly inundated by up to one half inch of water.
Since sufficient wetland hydrology is defined as saturation or inundation to the surface for at
least 5% of the growing season, the observed high water table within the wetland indicates that
the requirements for hydrology are being met. Native soils were uncovered in areas where
unauthorized fill and/or sediments were removed. These restored areas met the criteria to qualify
as hydric soils, with either dark mucky organic soils (10YR 2/1) or mineral soils with low
chromas (1 OYR 511) and evidence of redoxomorphic activity (mottling of oxidized root
channels) at, or near, the surface. All 3 plots are recovering well and have established good
herbaceous coverage and diversity. They also have shown signs of stable hydrology and
sufficient wetland soils.
The remaining areas of the wetland that were not impacted by the unauthorized activities,
appear healthy. The herbaceous plant life appears lush and dense, containing species
composition similar to the reference plots. Soils were similar throughout, being composed of
organic mucks that were saturated to the surface and in some areas slightly inundated.
REFERENCES
Mullin, W. and Dr. J. H. Carter III. 2008. Wetland and stream restoration plan for Seven Lakes
Country Club Driving Range, West End, Moore County, North Carolina. 6 pp.
NC Division of Water Quality. 2008. Notice of violation and recommendation for enforcement,
dated 4-14-2008.
US Army Corps of Engineers. 2007. Nationwide Permit 39, Action ID 2007-142-063. Issued 6-
18-2007, expired 6-18-2009.
------------------------------------ 2008. Letter of non-compliance, dated 10 April 2008.
APPENDIX A
PHOTOGRAPHS OF
RESTORATION ACTIVITIES AT
SEVEN LAKES COUNTRY CLUB DRIVING RANGE
SEVEN LAKES, MOORE COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA
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Appendix A-1. The recovering stream channel (above) and
A densely revegetating area at the end of the tee box (below),
Seven Lakes Country Club Driving Range, Seven Lakes,
Moore County, NC.
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y?p \? ? ZrY'? ''? t Appendix A-2. Monitoring Plot #1 on the southwestern slope of the wetland (above)
and Monitoring Plot #2 at the northern end of the wetland
(below), Seven Lakes Country Club Driving Range, Seven Lakes, Moore
County, NC.
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Appendix A-3. Monitoring Plot #3 at the southeastern end of the wetland (above)
and the restoration area from the tee box (below), Seven Lakes Country Club
Driving Range, Seven Lakes, Moore County, North Carolina.