20070534 Ver 1_WRC Comments_20070402

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~ North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission ~
Richard B. Hamilton, Executive Director
TO: John Thomas, USACOE
Raleigh Regulatory Field Office
FROM: Ron Linville, Regional Coordinator 1~
Habitat Conservation Program
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DATE: March 27, 2007
SUBJECT: Town of Wilkesboro, Cub Creek Stabilization and Riparian Enhancement Project, Cub Creek,
Wilkes County
The Town of Wilkesboro proposes to stabilize streambanks and control erosion within an urban park. Biologists
with the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission are familiar with habitat values in the area. These
comments are provided in accordance with the provisions of the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act (48 Stat. 401,
as amended; 16 U.S.C. 661-667d) and the North Carolina Environmental Policy Act (G.S. 113A-1 through 113A-
10; NCAC 2S}.
The project will impact 3000 linear feet of streambanks and 0.688 acres of wetlands. Cub Creek is a perennial
stream supporting warm water habitats. The project should improve riparian and aquatic habitat values. Generally,
natural channel design techniques are proposed as is the use of mostly native plant species.
We will not object to the project as proposed providing the following recommendations are implemented:
L Maximum use of natural channel design methodologies should be used, The project as planned
appears to use extensive "toe stabilization" along the water edge. It is our view that using state-of-the-
art natural channel/bioengineering techniques should afford ample bank protection if properly designed
and installed based on site geomorphic assessments and reference reach mimicry.
2. Only native plants should be used for the project. Non-native annual crop cover may be used for quick
and temporary stabilization until native plantings can take hold.
3. Heavy equipment should be operated from the bank rather than in the stream channel in order to
minimize sedimentation and reduce the likelihood of introducing other pollutants into the stream. If
equipment must enter the stream, it should be well-maintained and low-hour or new equipment to
reduce petroleum Leakage potential.
4. Maximum available undisturbed forested buffers should be provided and permanently protected
through deed restrictions, conservation easements or other enforceable measures.
Thank you for the opportunity to review and comment on this project during the early planning stages. If you have
any questions regarding these comments, please contact me at 336/769-9453.
E-copy: Daryl Lamb, DWQ-WSRO
Mailing Address: Division of Inland Fisheries 1721 Mail Service Center Raleigh, NC 27699-1721
Telephone; [phone] • Fax: [phone]