20201234 Ver 1_WRC Comments_20201105

North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission
Cameron Ingram, Executive Director

Mailing Address: Habitat Conservation • 1721 Mail Service Center • Raleigh, NC 27699-1721
Telephone: [phone] • Fax: [phone]
November 5, 2020

Mr. Bryan Roden-Reynolds
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Regulatory Branch
151 Patton Avenue, Room 208
Asheville, North Carolina 28801-5006

SUBJECT: Lick Creek Solar
UTs to Lick Creek, Stokes County

Dear Mr. Roden-Reynolds:

Biologists with the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) reviewed an application to
culvert and riprap 145 ft of unnamed tributaries (UTs) to Lick Creek in Stokes County. Our comments on
this application are offered for your consideration under provisions of the Clean Water Act of 1977 (33
U.S.C. 466 et. seq.) and Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act (48 Stat. 401, as amended; 16 U.S.C. 661-
667d).

Wild trout reproduction should not be impacted by project activities, and a trout moratorium is not needed
for the project. However, the property is just upstream of the Dan River, which is part of the Dan River
Aquatic Habitat, a NC Natural Heritage Program natural area rated Exceptional due to the importance and
richness of rare species it supports. Species in the vicinity of the project include Green Floater
(Lasmigona subviridis, US Federal Species of Concern, NC Endangered) and Riverweed Darter
(Etheostoma podostemone, NC Significantly Rare); excellent erosion and sediment control on the site is
particularly important to minimize sediment impacts to these species.

The application proposes to establish a large solar facility on 1,115 acres. The two culverts would be
placed in order to develop the site and provide post-construction access. Details are not provided on the
type of culvert to be used, but the disturbed channels will be restored to pre-construction contours,
matted, and livestaked. Work will be done in the dry. A riprap energy dissipator will be installed below
each culvert.

We offer the following recommendations to minimize impacts to the aquatic community:
1. In-channel work should be accomplished as quickly as possible and vigilance used in sediment and
erosion control during site preparation, construction, and clean up. Disturbed areas along streams
should be seeded, mulched and/or matted as soon as possible, preferably at the end of each workday.
2. Any erosion control matting used should be free of nylon or plastic mesh, as this type of mesh netting
frequently entangles wildlife and is slow to degrade, resulting in a hazard that may last for years.
Lick Creek Solar Page 2 November 5, 2020
UTs to Lick Cr, Stokes Co
3. We recommend against installing riprap dissipators, given the low slopes of the streams.
4. We recommend against using high density polyethylene (HDPE) material for culverts, as this slick
material is less likely to hold stream substrate and provide for movement of aquatic organisms like
fish and salamanders.
5. It appears that streams and wetlands will be otherwise avoided, with a 50-ft offset from each feature,
which we support. We strongly recommend avoiding any cutting within these buffers, allowing
native shrubs and trees to grow. Forested riparian buffers provide habitat areas for aquatic and
terrestrial wildlife species and travel corridors for terrestrial wildlife. In addition, forested riparian
buffers protect water quality by stabilizing stream banks and filtering stormwater runoff.
6. If site and/or transmission line maintenance is needed, avoid mowing between April 1 and October 1
to minimize impacts to nesting wildlife. We suggest a maintenance schedule that incorporates a
portion of the area (e.g., one-third of the area) each year. Pesticides, fertilizers, and other chemicals
should not be used in wetland areas or near streams.
7. If pesticides or chemicals will be used for site maintenance, stormwater runoff from the site should be
directed to bioretention areas prior to discharge to streams or wetlands; this will provide additional
protection for water quality and aquatic and terrestrial wildlife habitats.
8. It is especially important to ensure that sediment and erosion control measures are installed prior to
any land clearing or construction. These measures should be routinely inspected and properly
maintained. Excessive silt and sediment loads can have numerous detrimental effects on aquatic
resources including destruction of spawning habitat, suffocation of eggs, and clogging of gills of
aquatic species.
9. We strongly recommend incorporating a native pollinator mix on site, which can provide pollinator
habitat and ultimately reduce maintenance costs. See the attached “North Carolina Technical
Guidance for Native Plantings on Solar Sites” for planting recommendations.
10. We recommend that a wildlife-friendly buffer outside of the solar array be planted with a mix of
native warm season grasses and shrubs such as dogwood, button bush, and berry bushes. See the list
of recommended plants in the guidance document referenced in #5 above.
11. Develop a decommissioning plan that identifies the party responsible for decommissioning the
facility and the conditions under which decommissioning will occur. In addition, the plan should
include that all equipment is removed from the site and the land restored to pre-construction
conditions.

Thank you for the opportunity to review and comment on this project. Please contact me at (828) 400-
4223 if you have any questions about these comments.

Sincerely,
Andrea Leslie
Mountain Region Coordinator, Habitat Conservation Program

Attachment: North Carolina Technical Guidance for Native Plantings on Solar Sites

ec: Brad Luckey, Pilot Environmental
Sue Homewood, NC Division of Water Resources
Bryan Tompkins, US Fish and Wildlife Service

North Carolina Technical Guidance
for Native Plantings on Solar Sites
North Carolina Pollinator Conservation Alliance
October 2018
Introduction
North Carolina is home to nearly 500 species of native bees and more than 2,200 and 170 species of moths
and butterflies, respectively. In the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission’s 2015 State Wildlife
Action Plan (SWAP) (www.ncwildlife.org/plan), there are 28 insect species that have been listed as Species
of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN). This list includes the rusty-patched bumble bee (Bombus affinis),
a species that has been recently listed as federally endangered under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). In
addition, the yellow-banded bumble bee (Bombus terricola), an SGCN in the SWAP, has been petitioned for
listing under the ESA. There are several species of butterfly that are considered threatened or endangered
due to loss of host plant habitat, including the frosted elfin (Callophyrs irus) and monarch butterfly (Danaus
plexippus), currently under review for listing by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The primary threat to these
imperiled species is habitat loss and fragmentation.
Threatened and endangered pollinators found in North Carolina
Historically, a significant portion of North Carolina was considered ‘prairie’ habitat; less than 1% currently
remains. In the early1500’s, European settlers detailed the existence of prairie-type openings across the
Piedmont region. In 1540, Hernando de Soto wrote of large swaths of un-forested areas that were eas-
ily navigated on horseback with abundant amounts of grass. In 1718, a French explorer, Guillaume Delisle,
reported the landscape as a sparsely forested, open grassland containing bison and elk, present from the
Neuse River to the foot of the mountains.
These early explorers depicted a vastly different landscape than exists in modern-day North Carolina. It is
likely these former prairie-type habitats were maintained by centuries of wildfires and Native Americans who
managed the open areas for agricultural purposes and game species. After European colonization, Native
Americans and large grazers were displaced and prairie areas were converted to pastures, agriculture fields
or succeeded to forest. It is difficult to approximate the floral and faunal diversity that has been lost with the
disappearance of this expansive habitat. However, the solar industry has an opportunity to create large areas
of habitat with similar prairie characteristics that may offset habitat loss and declining pollinator populations
(Forup et al. 2008).
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Rusty-patched bumble bee © Susan Day Yellow-banded bumble bee © Denis Doucet
Frosted Elfin Butterfly © Bill Bouton Monarch Butterfly © Lindsey Brendel
Healthy Pollinator Communities
A healthy pollinator population is an excellent indicator of the overall health of most terrestrial communities
(Kevan 1999). Maintaining species diversity is crucial to providing ecosystem resilience in the face of future
environmental change. The most important pollinator conservation actions that can be incorporated into
solar facility planning include the creation, restoration and/or preservation of native beneficial pollinator
vegetation and vegetated riparian buffers.
Honey bee (left) and painted lady (right) feeding on flowers
Vegetation
Pollinator-friendly plants provide food sources, shelter, nesting and egg deposition sites for native pollinator
species. Increasing the abundance and diversity of native plants within and around solar facilities can have
beneficial effects on native pollinator populations (Tonietto et al. 2011), thereby benefiting other plants and
wildlife in the area. Benefits may include increased populations, population fitness and pollinator diversity in
and around the project site. Increased populations can also increase home garden and agricultural produc-
tion in adjacent areas.
1. Food Sources – Consistent, energy rich food sources provide enhanced larval and adult nutrition and
better adaptability to pests and diseases. Because flowers provide nectar (high in sugar and amino acids)
and pollen (high in protein), the common belief is that pollinator conservation consists solely of increas-
ing floral diversity at a site (Fontaine et al. 2005). While increased floral diversity is desirable, a variety of
native grasses, shrubs and trees are as important to pollinator health because they provide vital foraging,
cover, nesting and egg deposition areas. To further enhance pollinator health and diversity at solar sites:
• Use a wide variety of plants that bloom from early spring into late fall. Increasing pollinator health
and diversity by providing a consistent food sources throughout the seasons is vital to healthy polli-
nator populations. A diverse pollinator population requires blooming plants from March-November.
Early blooming plants (March-May) are particularly important because pollinators are coming out of
winter dormancy and need a consistent early food source for colony creation. It is important to use
plants that are native to your region because they are adapted to the local climate, soil and pollinator
species. Night-blooming plants should be included to support moths and bats.
• Incorporate a variety of plant types into the site plan. Plants of different heights and types (e.g.,
flowers, grasses, trees and shrubs) will attract different pollinator species and provide a variety of
food sources. Fruit- producing shrubs and trees should be planted wherever possible and as required
“screening” around the solar facility. Fermenting fruits from trees and shrubs are important food
sources for bees, beetles and butterflies.
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© Kees Smans © Carol Duke
• Include larval host plants. Providing abundant and diverse larval host plants is necessary for healthy
butterfly and moth populations. Moths and butterflies require specific plants or habitats to deposit
their eggs during different life stages. Eggs must be deposited on or near the plant on which their
larva will feed once it hatches. Some butterflies and moths use only a single species or genus for host
plants. For example, monarch butterflies lay their eggs only on the leaves of milkweed plants. Upon
hatching, the larvae will feed only on milkweed plants. Some butterfly species are generalist feeders
and will use a wide range of plants such as trees, shrubs and forbs. Many moth species lay their eggs
on the trunk or leaves of trees and shrubs, or in leaf litter on the ground. To provide egg-laying habitat
for the highest number of butterflies and moths, planting plans should incorporate plant species that
can be used by several species.

2. Foraging/Cover – A diversity of plants on solar sites provides pollinators with protection from severe
weather and predators. Leaf litter, dead plant material and multiple vegetation layers will help create
“shelter areas” across the site for numerous pollinators. Establishing adequate plant density throughout
the site will also allow pollinators to avoid predators and safely move through the landscape.
3. Nesting and Egg Deposition - Different pollinators have different needs for reproduction. Solar facilities
should be designed to maintain a diverse array of habitats to accommodate varied pollinators, from
hummingbirds to butterflies to bees. Hummingbirds typically nest in trees or shrubs while many moths
and butterflies lay eggs on specific host plants. Most native bees nest in wood (or wood-like structures),
hollow plant stems or in the ground. Areas of uncovered soil provide ground-nesting pollinators with
easy access to underground tunnels. Brush piles, dead trees/shrubs and leaf litter are ideal for providing
nesting and egg deposition habitat for a host of moth and butterfly species.

Riparian/Wetland areas
Vege tated riparian buffers are vital to maintaining a healthy ecosystem. These areas can provide many
important elements such as food sources, shelter and nesting habitat. Most importantly, they are a water
source. A clean, reliable water source provides drinking and bathing opportunities for pollinators. In many
areas, vegetated riparian areas have a higher floristic diversity than other areas, and support more foraging
pollinators than adjacent fields. By preserving or restoring vegetated, aquatic buffers, solar sites can increase
water quality and quantity, and provide cover for pollinators to move safely between feeding and water-
ing areas. Un-interrupted/connected vegetated riparian buffers also provide safe travel corridors between
nesting sites for greater dispersal and reproductive efforts. For these reasons, solar sites should be designed
so that all riparian buffer areas within the site are “connected”. For more information on solar siting, see
Attachment.
4
Monarch butterfly eggs on milkweed leaves
© Monica Maeckle
Solar Farm Site Preparation and Planting Guidelines
There are four planting options that can be used to establish pollinator habitat within a solar installation:
1. Clover/grass mix underneath panels and in rows; tall-growing pollinator mix (native forbs and native
grass) in buffer area.
2. Clover/grass mix underneath panels; short-growing pollinator mix in rows and buffer area.
3. Short-growing pollinator mix underneath panels and in rows; tall-growing pollinator mix in buffer area.
4. Short-growing pollinator mix throughout the site.
Solar Farm Layout

When choosing seed mixes for flowers and grasses, the following parameters are recommended:
• A minimum of nine native flower species.
• A minimum of two native grass species.
• At least three flower species from each bloom period (early, mid and late): early, April-June;
mid, June-August; and late, August-September.
The use of native plant species is recommended when creating seed mixes. However, clover is an exception
as it is a nonnative, naturalized species that has persisted across the landscape without the negative qualities
of invasive and noxious plant species. Clover seeds are readily available for purchase, easy to propagate and
low-growing. Most importantly, clover provides a valuable nectar source for pollinating insects. Where
possible, select native seeds from local growers, as they tend to be adapted to local conditions such as
climate, insects/pests and soil.
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PERIMETER
ROWS
PERIMETERBUFFER
Table 1. Solar Farm Seed Selection
Common Name Scientific Name Height Bloom Region*
Western Yarrow Achillea millefolium
var. occidentalis
1-3'Spring C, P
Fringed Bluestar Amsonia ciliata 2'Spring C
Eastern Bluestar Amsonia tabernae-
montana
3'Spring C, P, M
Goldenstar Chrysogonum virgin-
ianum
1'Spring C, P, M
Lobed Tickseed Coreopsis auriculata 1'Spring C, P, M
Piedmont Barbara's
Buttons
Marshallia obovata var.
obovata
2'Spring P
Narrowleaf Evening
Primrose
Oenothera fruticosa 2'Spring C, P, M
Appalachian Ragwort Packera anonyma 2.5'Spring C, P, M
Small's Beardtongue Penstemon smallii 3'Spring P, M
Trailing Phlox Phlox nivalis 1'Spring C, P, M
Heartleaf Scullcap Scutellaria ovata 2'Spring C, P, M
Common Blue Violet Viola sororia .5'Spring C, P, M
Spiked Wild Indigo Baptisia albescens 3-4'Spring-Summer C, P
Rattlesnake Master Eryngium yuccifolium 3-6'Spring-Summer C, P, M
Indian Blanket Gaillardia pulchella var.
drummondii
1-2'Spring-Summer C
Spotted Beebalm Monarda punctata 1-3'Spring-Summer P
Appalachian Beard-
tongue
Penstemon laevigatus 2-5'Spring-Summer C, P
Golden Alexander Zizia aurea 1-3'Spring-Summer P, M
Butterfly Milkweed Asclepias tuberosa 1-3'Spring-Fall C, P, M
Yellow Wild Indigo Baptisia tinctoria 2-3'Spring-Fall P, M
Wild Bergamot Monarda fistulosa 2-5'Spring-Fall P, M
White Colicroot Aletris farinosa 3'Summer C, P, M
Nodding Onion Allium cernuum 2'Summer P, M
White Milkweed Asclepias variegata 3'Summer C, P, M
Bearded Beggarticks Bidens aristosa 6'Summer C, P, M
Sensitive Pea Chamaecrista nictitans 1'Summer C, P, M
Maryland Goldenaster Chrysopsis mariana 2'Summer C, P, M
Greater Tickseed Coreopsis major 3'Summer C, P, M
Whorled Tickseed Coreopsis verticillata 3'Summer C, P
Wild Quinine Parthenium integrifolium 1-3'Summer C, P, M
Eastern Gray Beard-
tongue
Penstemon canescens 2.5'Summer P, M
Hoary Mountainmint Pycnanthemum incanum 3'Summer P, M
Clustered Mountain-
mint
Pycnanthemum muticum 3'Summer C, P, M
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Common Name Scientific Name Height Bloom Region*
Hoary Skullcap Scutellaria incana 3'Summer C, P, M
Partridge Pea Chamaecrista fascic-
ulata
1-3'Summer-Fall P
Mistflower Conoclinium coelesti-
num
1-3'Summer-Fall C, P
Oxeye Sunflower Heliopsis helianthoides 3-5'Summer-Fall P, M
Slender Bush Clover Lespedeza virginica 1-2'Summer-Fall C, P, M
Grassleaf Blazing Star Liatris pilosa 4-5'Summer-Fall C, P
Dense Blazing Star Liatris spicata 3-4'Summer-Fall P, M
Scaly Blazing Star Liatris squarrosa 1-2'Summer-Fall C, P
Narrowleaf Moun-
tainmint
Pycnanthemum tenui-
folium
1-3'Summer-Fall C, P, M
Orange Coneflower Rudbeckia fulgida 2-4'Summer-Fall P
Blackeyed Susan Rudbeckia hirta 1-3'Summer-Fall C, P, M
Gray Goldenrod Solidago nemoralis 1-2'Summer-Fall P, M
Licorice-scented
Goldenrod
Solidago odora 1-3'Summer-Fall C, P
Showy Goldenrod Solidago speciosa 2-4'Summer-Fall P, M
New England Aster Symphyotrichum no-
vae-angliae
3-6'Summer-Fall P, M
Late Purple Aster Symphyotrichum
patens
2-3'Summer-Fall C, P, M
Wavy-leaved Aster Symphotrichum undu-
latum
3-4'Summer-Fall C, P, M
Ironweed Vernonia novebora-
censis
3-6'Summer-Fall C, P, M
White Wood Aster Eurybia divaricata 2'Fall C, P, M
Swamp Sunflower Helianthus angustifo-
lius
3-6'Fall C, P
Browneyed Susan Rudbeckia triloba var.
triloba
3'Fall M
Eastern Silver Aster Symphyotrichum
concolor
4'Fall C, P, M
Largeflower Aster Symphyotrichum gran-
diflorum
3'Fall C, P

Grasses Scientific Name Height Bloom Region*
Downy Danthonia Danthonia sericea 3'Spring C, P, M
Virginia Wildrye Elymus virginicus 3-6'Spring C, P, M
Winter Bentgrass Agrostis hyemalis 2-4'Spring-Fall C, P, M
Deertongue Dichanthelium clan-
destium
2-4'Spring-Fall P, M
Sideoats grama Bouteloua curtipendula 1-2'Summer-Fall C, P, M
Bigtop Lovegrass Eragrostis hirsuta 2-4'Summer-Fall C, P
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Grasses Scientific Name Height Bloom Region*
Beaked Panicgrass Panicum anceps 2-4'Summer-Fall C, P, M
Little Bluestem Schizachyrium scopar-
ium
3-6'Summer-Fall C, P, M
Indiangrass Sorghastrum nutans 3-8'Summer-Fall C, P
Purpletop Tridens flavus 3-5'Summer-Fall C, P, M
Muhly Grass Muhlenbergia capillaris 3'Fall C, P, M
Naturalized Scientific Name Height Bloom Region*
Lanceleaf Coreopsis Coreopsis lanceolata 1-2'Spring-Summer C, P, M
Plains Coreopsis Coreopsis tinctoria 1-2'Spring-Summer C, P, M
Red Clover Trifolium pratense 1-1.5'Summer C, P, M
White Clover Trifolium repens .5-1.5'Spring-Fall C, P, M
* C=Coastal, P=Piedmont, M=Mountains
Solar farm in North Carolina planted with pollinator-friendly vegetation, including blackeyed
susans (Rudbeckia hirta)
Site Preparation
Collect a soil sample from the proposed site and submit to the local County Cooperative Extension Office
for soil testing. Existing invasive, agricultural weeds and nonnative vegetation should be eliminated before
planting commences. Please refer to the following list for invasive and nonnative species in North Carolina:
https://www.ncwildflower.org/plant_galleries/invasives_list.
8
© Liz Kalies
Herbicide application prior to planting may be necessary. In particular, herbicide treatment across multiple
seasons may be necessary to eradicate certain turf grasses and/or invasive species. When determining
application amounts, always adhere to instructions on the herbicide label. Allow a minimum of 72 hours
between herbicide application and planting. Post-construction, a heavy duty, offset rake attached to an ATV
may be used to scarify the ground underneath the panels.
Timing
The ideal planting window is in the month of October or from early-April to late-May. Creating pollinator
habitat in already established solar sites is feasible. However, solar infrastructure can complicate establish-
ment and possibly limit site preparation and seeding options. A site assessment at each property will be
necessary to determine the appropriate site preparation needed for planting.
Planting Method
A ground-stabilizing mix should be broadcast in the project area, pre-construction. Seasonal conditions may
dictate the choice of ground cover. Winter wheat and rye are recommended for fall and winter plantings;
browntop millet may be used in the spring and summer. Clover and ground cover mixes may be broadcast
post-construction. Short and tall-growing pollinator mixes should be drilled with an appropriate seed drill
designed to accommodate the size and texture of different seeds. No-till planting is preferred for establish-
ment to limit soil erosion potential, reduce weed pressure and retain soil moisture. If necessary, smooth the
area and firm the soil with a cultipacker to ensure seeds are not planted too deeply. Collect soil samples and
have them analyzed prior to planting. Barring an extreme deficiency in potassium, phosphorous or pH of 3.5
or lower, do not use fertilizer or any form of soil augmentation, as that will encourage weed growth. Typically,
native plants do not require fertilizer.
Maintenance
The first year of maintenance may require repeated mowings to eradicate weedy growth. During the first
year, mow the site when weeds have reached 12-18 inches in height. Mow to a 6-8 inch height. Mowing less
than this height may stunt the growth of the pollinator plants. Repeat mowings when weeds reach 12-18
inches in height. Once established, maintenance in proceeding years will be reduced.
Some form of disturbance, likely mowing, will be needed every 2-3 years to prevent establishment of woody
vegetation. Mow only in late winter (or early spring) to alleviate adverse impacts to wildlife; an ideal window
is March 1 to March 31. Spot-spraying unwanted (woody) vegetation, as well as invasive/nonnative species,
will likely be necessary annually.
Once the habitat has been established, mow only a portion of the site per season. One third or one fourth of
the area each season is recommended to allow for insect refugia throughout the year. If possible, the same
area should not be mowed in consecutive years. Posted informational signage is encouraged to explain the
process, as pollinator habitat can take several years to become established and have aesthetic value.
Buffers/Screen Areas
In some areas, vegetated screening is required around solar facilities. The installation of these buffer areas
may create another important habitat feature at the project site. In areas where screening will be required
or desired, a diverse selection of native tree and shrub species should be used to create a hedgerow habitat
structure. Hedgerows typically include a variety of tree and shrub species that vary in height, as opposed to
hedges, which are usually made up of a single species in a closely spaced row. The resulting layers of plants
mimic an early successional or forest edge habitat, fulfilling different habitat functions for wildlife such as
shelter, nesting sites and food sources. Many tree and shrub species can be purchased as bare root saplings
at a fraction of the cost of container plants. Hedgerow/forest edge habitat supports a variety of wildlife
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species. Hedgerows, like riparian buffers, generally support a higher diversity of pollinator and floral species
than surrounding landscapes, and provide a valuable forage resource and corridor for movement of pollina-
tors. Even if screening is not required, the creation of hedgerows in practical areas around the solar facility
is an excellent way to create a diverse habitat structure, provide cover for wildlife and enhance the overall
aesthetic value of the site.
Please see the following table for suggested screening plant species:
Table 2. Hedgerow Screening Species
Common Name Scientific Name Bloom
Red Buckeye Aesculus pavia Small Tree Spring
Serviceberry Amelanchier arborea Small Tree Spring
Eastern Redbud Cercis canadensis Small Tree Spring
Washington Hawthorn Crataegus phaenopyrum Small Tree Spring
Carolina Silverbell Halesia carolina Small Tree Spring
American Holly Ilex opaca Small Tree Spring
Southern Crabapple Malus angustifolia Small Tree Spring
American Crabapple Malus coronaria Small Tree Spring
American Plum Prunus americana Small Tree Spring
Chickasaw Plum Prunus angustifolia Small Tree Spring
Black Willow Salix nigra Small Tree Spring
Sassafras Sassafras albidum Small Tree Spring
Flowering Dogwood Cornus florida Small Tree Spring-Summer
Smooth Sumac Rhus glabra Small Tree Spring-Summer
Winged Sumac Rhus copallinum Small Tree Summer-Fall
Red Maple Acer ruburm Tree Spring
Pignut Hickory Carya glabra Tree Spring
Shagbark Hickory Carya ovata Tree Spring
Black Cherry Prunus serotina Tree Spring
Persimmon Diospyros virginiana Tree Spring-Summer
Spicebush Lindera benzoin Shrub Spring-Summer
Choke Cherry Prunus virginiana Shrub Spring-Summer
Raspberry, Blackberry Rubus spp.Shrub Spring-Summer
Blueberries Vaccinium spp.Shrub Spring-Summer
Beauty Berry Callicarpa americana Shrub Summer
New Jersey Tea Ceanothus americanus Shrub Summer
Buttonbush Cephelanthus occidentalis Shrub Summer
Sweet Pepperbush Clethra alnifolia Shrub Summer
Elderberry Sambucus canadensis Shrub Summer
Black Haw Viburnum prunifolium Shrub Summer-Fall
Downy Arrowwood Viburnum rafinesquianum Shrub Summer-Fall
Cross Vine Bignonia capreolata Vine Spring
Dutchman's Pipe Aristolochia macrophylla Vine Spring-Summer
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Common Name Scientific Name Bloom
Coral Honeysuckle Lonicera sempervirena Vine Spring-Summer
Virginia Creeper Parthenocissus quinquefolia Vine Spring-Summer
Passionflower Passiflora incarnata Vine Spring-Fall
Trumpet Creeper Campsis radicans Vine Summer
Virgin's Bower Clematis virginiana Vine Summer-Fall
Climbing Aster Ampelaster carolinianus Vine Fall
Trees used as buffer zone for solar farm in North Carolina
© photolibrary.com; diagram from http://dnr.maryland.gov/wildlife/Pages/habitat/wahedgerows.aspx
Seed Suppliers
Though we do not endorse any specific company, the following establishments can either create a mix of
your choice or have pollinator mixes available for purchase:
• Roundstone Native Seed Company
• Ernst Conservation Seeds, Inc.
• Prairie Moon Nursery
The following local establishments can assist with creation of an appropriate native, pollinator mix:
• North Carolina Botanical Garden - Chapel Hill, NC
• Garrett Wildflower Seed Farm – Smithfield, NC
• Mellow Marsh Farm – Siler City, NC
• Niche Gardens – Chapel Hill, NC (no seed mixes)
• Cure Farm – Pittsboro, NC (no seed mixes)
• Big Bloomers Flower Farm – Sanford, NC (no seed mixes)
Additional Benefits from Pollinator Conservation Activities
Establishing native habitat on solar sites will have numerous benefits to people, wildlife and ecological
functions within and adjacent to the site. Specific benefits from establishing native habitat include:
• Soil stabilization and storm water filtration – The establishment of diverse, native vegetation and pro-
tected riparian buffers can increase water quality and stream bank stabilization both within and down-
stream of the site (Wratten et al. 2012). Densely planted and deep-rooted vegetation help attenuate the
11
flow of storm water across the land and allows for increased soil infiltration. This decreases the speed
and amount of water entering streams which aids in stream bank stabilization and minimizes turbidity.
Prairie root systems also increase water storage capacity on land, creating a natural bio-retention area to
help mitigate storm water runoff and flooding caused by impervious surfaces.
• Pollinator services for agriculture - Native bees provide free pollination services and are specialized for
foraging on flowers, such as squash, berries or orchard crops. This specialization results in more efficient
pollination and production of larger and more abundant fruit from certain crops (Blaauw et al. 2014).
Pollinators are critical to the $78 billion agricultural economy of North Carolina. More than 70% of crops
require either insect pollination or have higher production because of pollinating insects. A 2012 study in
California found that native bees are likely responsible for between $900 million and $2.4 billion in crop
production, suggesting their role may be greater than previously anticipated (USDA-NRCS 2013). By
maintaining habitats that increase diversity and species populations, solar sites can have positive effects
on crop production on adjacent agricultural operations.
• Decreased pesticide use – In addition to supporting pollinators, native plant habitats attract beneficial
insects that are predators and parasitoids of crop pests and are less prone to destructive insects and
disease. This can decrease the amount of pesticide needed at the site and adjacent properties.
• Diversity of other species and species habitats – Establishing a diverse native plant structure on a site
not only benefits pollinators but can benefit other species as well. Many native pollinator plants provide
food sources for other animals. Taller native plants on a site can provide habitat to ground nesting/feed-
ing birds, small mammals and a variety of reptiles and amphibians.
• Tra vel corridors for movement – Designing solar farms to ensure wildlife connectivity and movement
across the landscape ensures that species have increased access to other forage areas, aids in repro-
duction and increases genetic diversity. If a solar site is large, including unfenced corridors through the
facility allows for movement of pollinators and other wildlife species. Additionally, fencing at sites should
be installed in a way that allows small mammal and turtle movement.

Example of a corridor through this solar farm that follows a streambed.

• Carbon sequestration - Carbon sequestration occurs when the amount of carbon dioxide absorbed by
growing plants is greater than the amount of the gas released by decomposing plant material. Forests act
as “carbon sinks”, meaning they absorb more carbon dioxide than they release. Grassland/prairies also
act as “carbon sinks”, with most of the grassland’s carbon sequestration happening below ground, where
roots dig into the soil of depths up to 15 feet and more. It has been shown that grasslands can store more
carbon below ground than a forest can store above ground (Pacala et al. 2001).
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© Google Earth
• Aesthetic value – Prairie/pollinator habitat restoration can increase the aesthetic value of the solar site.
When properly established, a field of native forbs and grasses can provide a colorful display that will
enhance the site and offer a diverse element to the landscape. With proper seed mixes, flowers will last
from spring until the first frost, giving a colorful backdrop for most of the year. This is especially valuable
in areas where solar farms are sited in proximity to residential or high traffic areas.
• Decrease maintenance costs – Native plant communities are a low maintenance alternative to non-
native plants. Because most native plant species are adapted to the local environment and have deep
root systems, they do not require watering or pesticides. Though native plant communities require some
maintenance, proper maintenance would consist of mowing no more than twice a year, which would be
considerably lower in cost and recurrence than maintenance of turf grass. Native plant communities take
an additional upfront cost to install but result in about 50% savings of the total maintenance costs when
compared to turf or pasture (ASLA 2015). The return on investment for conversion of turf/pasture to
native plant communities can likely be met within three to five years.
Additional Conservation Recommendations for Wildlife Conservation
• Install bluebird boxes around the site.
• Provide raptor perches around the site.
• Install bat boxes around the site.
• Leave piles of sand, graded soil or bare ground areas for ground-nesting bees.
• Construct screened areas as hedgerows or forest edge habitat.
• Plant native vines along perimeter fencing to increase diversity and habitat.
• Retain and/or restore wetlands or water features on site.
• Install fencing that allows movement of small wildlife; use fixed-knot woven wire, security fencing, 75
inches in height (17/75/6) deer mesh, with no barbed wire. Install the fencing upside-down such that the
bottom section of fence has a vertical wire spaced at least 7 inches apart.

For More Information on Designing Your Solar Farm
Gabriela Garrison
Eastern Piedmont Habitat Conservation Coordinator
NC WIldlife Resources Commission
Sandhills Depot, P.O. Box 149
Hoffman, NC 28347
Office and Cell: [phone]
[e-mail]
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Bluebird box © Dave Kimeer Wildlife-friendly fencing © Liz Kalies
Bryan Tompkins
Fish and Wildlife Biologist, Energy Project Coordinator
US Fish and Wildlife Service
160 Zillicoa Street, Asheville, North Carolina 28801
828/258-3939 ext.240 (office)
828/450-7586 (cell)
[e-mail]
Supplemental Information
Pollinators and Safety in the Field
Meadows and native plant fields are the ideal location to find bees and other pollinators. There is concern
that large, flowering fields may lead to an increased chance of getting stung. However, if precautions are
taken, there is minimal risk of harm.
Native bumble bees and honeybees:
• Male bees do not have stingers.
• Females are unlikely to sting, as it causes them to die.
• Female bees only sting when their nest is threatened.
• If a bee is on a flower, it will likely ignore your presence.
Wasps:
• Most stings are caused by wasps, including yellow jackets and hornets.
• Wasps only sting when their nest is threatened.
How to prevent stings from bees and wasps:
• Avoid perfumed soaps, shampoos and deodorants.
• Wear light-colored clothing and pull hair back to reduce the chance of insects getting tangled in hair.
• Be observant; avoid areas where bees or wasps frequent, such as logs or a hole in the ground.
• Remain calm and still if a stinging insect is flying around. Swatting is perceived as an aggressive motion
and may cause stinging behavior.
• Empty trash cans regularly, keep them covered and don’t eat near them.
• Store your lunch in a lunchbox and drink in a container with a lid.
• Workers with a history of severe allergic reactions to insect bites or stings should carry an epinephrine
auto injector and wear medical ID jewelry stating their allergy.
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References
1. https://www.osha.gov/dte/grant_materials/fy10/sh-20823-10/outdoorwork-eng.pdf
2. https://www.lhsfna.org/index.cfm/lifelines/september-2015/work-safely-around-bees-and-other-sting-
ing-insects/
3. http://ipm.ucanr.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn7449.html
4. http://news.berkeley.edu/2011/06/20/wild-pollinators-worth-billions-to-farmers/
American Society of Landscape Architects. (2015) Native Meadows and Grasslands: From Vision to Re-
ality. Annual Meeting and Expo, Chicago. https://www.asla.org/uploadedFiles/CMS/Meetings_and_
Events/2015_Annual_Meeting_Handouts/SUN-B06_Native%20Meadows%20and%20Grasslands.pdf
Blaauw, B. R., Isaacs, R. and Clough, Y. (2014) Flower plantings increase wild bee abundance and the pollina-
tion services provided to a pollination-dependent crop. Journal of Applied Ecology, 51, 890-898. https://
doi:10.1111/1365-2664.12257
Fontaine C., Dajoz I., Meriguet J., Loreau M. (2005) Functional diversity of plant–pollinator interaction webs
enhance the persistence of plant communities. PLOS Biology 4(1), e1. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.
pbio.0040001
Forup, M. L., Henson, K. S., Craze, P. G. and Memmott, J. (2008) The restoration of ecological interactions:
plant–pollinator networks on ancient and restored heathlands. Journal of Applied Ecology, 45, 742-752.
https://doi:10.1111/j.1365-2664.2007.01390.x
Kevan, P. G. (1999) Pollinators as bioindicators of the state of the environment: species, activity and diversity.
In M. G. Paoletti (Ed.), Invertebrate Biodiversity as Bioindicators of Sustainable Landscapes (pp. 373-393).
Amsterdam: Elsevier.
Pacala, S. W., Hurtt, G. C., Baker, D., Peylin, P., Houghton, R. A., Birdsey, R. A., . . . Field, C. B. (2001) Consis-
tent land- and atmosphere-based U.S. carbon sink estimates. Science, 292(5525), 2316-2320. https://
doi:10.1126/science.1057320
Tonietto, R., Fant, J., Ascher, J., Ellis, K., & Larkin, D. (2011) A comparison of bee communities of Chicago
green roofs, parks and prairies. Landscape and Urban Planning, 103(1), 102-108. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.
landurbplan.2011.07.004
Wratten, S. D., Gillespie, M., Decourtye, A., Mader, E., & Desneux, N. (2012) Pollinator habitat enhancement:
Benefits to other ecosystem services. Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment, 159, 112-122. https://doi.
org/10.1016/j.agee.2012.06.020
USDA-NRCS. (2013) Michigan Biology Technical Note No. 20. “Pollinator Biology and Habitat.’ 36pp. http://
www.xerces.org/wpcontent/uploads/2013/05/MichiganPollinatorBiologyandHabitat.pdf
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ATTACHMENT
Siting of Solar Projects to Benefit Pollinators
Siting solar installations to avoid areas with significant biodiversity and high quality habitat is an important
step. It is difficult to absolve the damage once high quality habitat or rare species have disappeared. Choosing
‘degraded’ sites for solar development (e.g., brownfields, sites with prior development, little or no vegetation,
poor soil quality, etc.) reduces impact and diminishes the amount of carbon lost due to site conversion and
construction. Furthermore, by developing a degraded site, solar companies have an opportunity to add
pollinator habitat to the landscape, rather than destroy potentially rare and/or significant habitat.
This graphic illustrates how “ecosystem services” – benefits to humans that are provided by nature – are
compromised least when solar farms are sited on degraded lands.
© Avery Bond
There is an extensive amount of conservation data available for public consumption. These data can be used
to determine the location of environmentally sensitive areas with priority habitat and SGCNs. The following
is not an all-inclusive list, rather a sampling of publicly-available information for conservation planning:
1. South Atlantic Landscape Conservation Cooperative (SALCC): www.southatlanticlcc.org. The mission
of the SALCC is to facilitate conservation actions that sustain natural and cultural resources, guided by
a shared adaptive Blueprint. Their Conservation Blueprint is a living spatial plan to conserve natural and
cultural resources across the South Atlantic region. As described on their website, it is 100% data-driven
and based on terrestrial, freshwater, marine and cross-ecosystem indicators. The Blueprint represents
feedback from over 500 individuals and 150 organizations and agencies.
2. The Nature Conservancy’s Resilient and Connected Network (RCN) is the first study to comprehensively
map resilient land and significant climate corridors across the eastern United States: http://maps.tnc.org/
resilientland/. Released in October 2016, the study took eight years to complete, involved 60 scientists
and developed innovative new techniques for mapping climate-driven movements. RCN corridors rep-
resent areas that species are likely to use to move over time in response to climate change, generally in
upward and northward directions. Solar developers should not site in the RCN resilient areas and avoid
fragmenting the RCN corridors. This will help protect biodiversity both now and into the future.
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3. The North Carolina Wildlife Resource Commission’s Green Growth Toolbox (GGT): www.ncwildlife.org/
Conserving/Programs/Green-Growth-Toolbox. The GGT is a technical assistance tool designed to help
communities and organizations conserve high quality habitats and SGCNs. The goal is to conserve the
State’s most unique natural assets while continuing to grow as a community. Conservation data includes,
but is not limited to, the Biodiversity and Wildlife Habitat Assessment, Natural Heritage Data, National
Wetlands Inventory Data, Streams, Important Watersheds and Priority Bird Habitat.
Other siting considerations include maintaining a minimum 100-foot undisturbed native, forested buffer
along perennial streams, and a minimum 50-foot buffer along intermittent streams and wetlands. Main-
taining undisturbed, forested buffers along these areas will reduce impacts to aquatic and terrestrial wildlife
resources, as well as aquatic habitat both within and downstream of the site. In addition, these buffers will
act as a travel corridor for wildlife species. Lastly, forested riparian buffers protect water quality by stabiliz-
ing stream banks and filtering storm water runoff.
The project footprint should be surveyed for wetlands and streams to ensure there are no impacts to surface
waters. In addition to providing wildlife habitat, wetland areas and streams aid in flood control and water
quality protection. United States Army Corps of Engineers Section 404 Permits and NC Division of Water
Resources Section 401 Certifications are required for any impacts to jurisdictional streams or wetlands.
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