Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout20100652 Ver 1_Restoration Plan_20100713VICKI'S THICKET RIPARIAN BUFFER MITIGATION SITE FINAL RESTORATION PLAN CRAVEN COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA EEP CONTRACT NO. 002283 Prepared for: 20100652 NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES ECOSYSTEM ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA c? Prepared by: \NAU I R -_ t.' L Ro;wnti a&Cctn at!c n Restoration Systems, L.L.C. 1101 Haynes Street, Suite 211 Raleigh, North Carolina 27604 July 2010 'T' 41 .,j EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Restoration Systems, L.L.C. has contracted with EEP (FDP contract #002283) through the Full Delivery Process (RFP #16-001383) to provide 28 Riparian Buffer Mitigation Units through the completion of the Vicki's Thicket Riparian Buffer Mitigation Site (Site) located approximately 3.5 miles southeast of Dover in Craven County. The Site encompasses approximately 31.35-acres of land (hereafter referred to as the "Site"), which has been ditched and cleared for row crop production. Approximately 2.77 acres exist outside of the 200 foot buffer area or are included in the surface area of the water in the ditches. The Site includes 28.58 acres of land suitable to provide riparian buffer mitigation units as defined in RFP #16-001383 and Contract No. 002283. A Deed of Conservation Easement and Survey of the Site were recorded with the Craven County Register of Deeds on March 18, 2010. The final survey is attached as an appendix to this Plan. The Site is situated along unnamed tributaries to Core Creek, a major tributary to the Neuse River. The Site is located within North Carolina Division of Water Quality (NCDWQ) sub-basin 03-04-08 of the Neuse River Basin and is encompassed within USGS 14-digit Hydrologic Unit and Targeted Local Watershed 03020202080010. Site streams drain to Core Creek (Stream Index Number 27-90). Core Creek has a best usage designation of C, Sw, NSW and sections are listed as impaired. Sections of Core Creek to which the Site drains are listed on the draft 2008 303(d) list for impaired biological integrity and low dissolved oxygen. Impairment results from agricultural crop production. The surrounding landscape is characterized primarily by agricultural land and silviculture stands. Agricultural land is farmed extensively where soils provide adequate drainage. Agricultural and silviculture fields are fairly contiguous in areas where drainage systems have been implemented. Site land use is characterized by agricultural row-crop production. Row crops identified during field investigations include soybeans. Ditches vary from 2 to 5 feet in depth and exhibited flow during Site visits. Site tributaries drain an approximately 0.36-square mile watershed at the Site outfall. Site tributaries are first- and second-order streams that have been altered by ditching, removal of riparian vegetation, and earthwork associated with agricultural practices. This Final Restoration Plan defines specific goals and objectives associated with the restoration of native forest on former agricultural fields located within the Site boundaries. The primary goals of this buffer restoration plan include: 1) enhancement of water quality functions (reduce nonpoint source sedimentation and nutrient inputs), 2) restoration of natural vegetation buffers along onsite ditches, and 3) creation of wildlife habitat associated with a riparian corridor. Upon successful completion of this restoration plan, the Site will be monitored to ensure successful vegetation density of 320 stems per acre for a period of five years. TABLE OF CONTENTS Section Page PART 1: INTRODUCTION ..........................................................................................................1 PART 2: PROJECT GOALS AND OBJECTIVES .......................................................................1 PART 3: EXISTING CONDITIONS .............................................................................................2 3.1 PHYSIOGRAPHY,TOPOGRAPHY, AND LAND USE .................................2 3.2 WATER QUALITY ......................................................................................2 3.3 SOILS .........................................................................................................3 PART 4: RESTORATION PLAN .................................................................................................3 4.1 VEGETATIVE PLAN ...................................................................................3 4.2 GRADING PLAN ........................................................................................4 4.3 FERTILIZATION PLAN ...............................................................................4 4.4 PROJECT PHASING ..................................................................................4 4.5 MONITORING AND SUCCESS CRITERIA ................................................5 PART 5: REFERENCES Appendix A Figures Figure 1 Site Location ................................................................................. Appendix A Figure 2 Watershed Location ...................................................................... Appendix A Figure 3 NRCS Soils Map ............................................................................ Appendix A Figure 4 Existing Conditions ...................................................................... Appendix A Figure 5 Recorded Survey ........................................................................... Appendix A Appendix B EEP Floodplain Requirements Checklist VICKI'S THICKET RIPARIAN BUFFER MITIGATION SITE FINAL RESTORATION PLAN CRAVEN COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA PART 1: INTRODUCTION This detailed restoration plan describes the Vicki's Thicket Riparian Buffer Mitigation Site (Site) and is designed specifically to assist in fulfilling North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources (NCDENR) Ecosystem Enhancement Program (EEP) restoration goals in accordance with Request For Proposal #16-001383. The Site is located approximately 3.5 miles southeast of Dover, in Craven County (Figure 1, Appendix A). This portion of Craven County is located centrally within Neuse River Basin 8-digit Cataloging Unit 03020202 (Figure 2, Appendix A). The following objectives are proposed to provide buffer mitigation credit requested under this solicitation: • Protect the Site in perpetuity with a conservation easement. • Revegetate the Site. • Monitor the Site successfully for 5 years This document provides a buffer restoration plan summarizing activities proposed within the Site. The Site encompasses 31.35 acres of land utilized for timber and agricultural row crop production, but only 28.58 acres are proposed for the generation of Riparian Buffer Mitigation Units. 2.77 acres of land have been placed under conservation easement but do not qualify to generate mitigation credit as they lie outside of the 200 foot buffer zone, or include the surface area of the water at the time off surveying. The plan includes 1) project goals and objectives, 2) descriptions of existing conditions, 3) restoration plans, and 4) vegetation monitoring plans. PART 2: PROJECT GOALS AND OBJECTIVES The following project is proposed to provide 28 Buffer Mitigation Units, as calculated in accordance with the requirements stipulated in EEP Request for Proposal #16-001383. The primary goals of this buffer restoration project focus on improving water quality, enhancing flood attenuation, and restoring aquatic and riparian habitat and will be accomplished by the following. 1. Removing nonpoint sources of pollution associated with agricultural production including a) cessation of broadcasting fertilizer, pesticides, and other agricultural materials into and adjacent to Site streams, ditches, or other open waterways and b) providing a vegetative buffer adjacent to streams and waterways to treat surface runoff which may be laden with sediment and/or agricultural pollutants. 2. Reducing sedimentation within on-site and downstream receiving waters by a) increasing retention time for surface waters entering and leaving the Site, b) reducing bank erosion associated with vegetation maintenance and agricultural plowing to Site ditches, and c) planting a forested vegetative buffer adjacent to Site streams. Vicki's Thicket Riparian Buffer Mitigation Site Page 1 Restoration Plan (Contract #002283) 3. Promoting floodwater attenuation by ripping soils and revegetating Site floodplains, increasing frictional resistance on lateral surface flow across the Site. 4. Providing terrestrial wildlife habitat including a natural forested corridor in an area that is currently cleared of natural vegetation and highly dissected by agricultural practices. PART 3: EXISTING CONDITIONS 3.1 PHYSIOGRAPHY, TOPOGRAPHY, AND LAND USE The Site is located in the Carolina Flatwoods and Mid-Atlantic Floodplains/Low Terrace ecoregion of North Carolina within United States Geological Survey (USGS) Cataloging Unit 03020202080010 of the Neuse River Basin (North Carolina Division of Water Quality [NCDWQ] sub-basin number 03-04-08). Regional physiography is characterized by flat plains on lightly dissected marine terraces, major river floodplains and associated terraces, swamps, Carolina bays, oxbow lakes, ponds, and low gradient streams with sand and silt substrates. On-site elevations are relatively flat, averaging approximately 16 feet National Geodetic Vertical Datum (NGVD) across the Site (USGS Dover, North Carolina 7.5-minute topographic quadrangle). The Site provides water quality functions to a 0.36-square mile watershed at the Site outfall. The watershed is characterized by agriculture and silviculture land. Agriculture land is primarily characterized by agriculture fields utilized for row crop production, which is farmed extensively where soils provide adequate drainage. Impervious surfaces account for less that 2 percent of the upstream drainage area. The Site is entirely dominated by agricultural land including earthen roads with no impervious surfaces. 3.2 WATER QUALITY The Site is located within NCDWQ subbasin 03-04-08 of the Neuse River Basin and is encompassed within USGS 14-digit Hydrologic Unit and Targeted Local Watershed 03020202080010. Site streams drain to Core Creek (Stream Index Number 27-90). Core Creek has a best usage designation of C, Sw, NSW (NCDWQ 2008b) and downstream sections are listed as impaired. Streams with a best usage designation of C are suitable for aquatic life propagation and survival, fishing, wildlife, secondary recreation, and agriculture. Secondary recreation includes wading, boating, and other uses not involving human body contact with waters on an organized or frequent basis. The supplemental classification Sw (Swamp Waters) is intended for waters which have low velocities and other natural characteristics which are different from adjacent streams. The supplemental classification of NSW (Nutrient Sensitive Waters) is intended for waters needing additional nutrient management due to their being subject to excessive growth of microscopic or macroscopic vegetation. According to the NCDWQ June 2008 Draft Neuse River Basinwide Water Quality Plan, a stressor study completed on Core Creek found high levels of nutrients and identified pesticides and organics in the sediment, likely due to runoff from the many agricultural fields in the area. These pesticides were related to fish kills in the Core Creek area on April 23, 2003 and May 3, 2003. The numerous agricultural fields located in the watershed contribute to significant sedimentation of Core Creek due to nonpoint source runoff after rainfall events. Additionally, nutrient inputs from farmland and a few animal operations probably contribute to nutrient enrichment and subsequent biological impacts or impairment. NCDWQ recommends continued implementation of agricultural BMPs in Vicki's Thicket Riparian Buffer Mitigation Site Page 2 Restoration Plan (Contract #002283) this watershed to continue the effort in reducing sedimentation and nutrient loading to the Neuse River Estuary. The proposed project is supportive of the reduction in sediment and nutrients, which will serve to address existing deficiencies with the watershed, and will assist NCEEP in meeting goals with the Targeted Local Watershed 03020202080010. 3.3 SOILS Soils that occur within the Project, according to the Soil Survey of Craven County, North Carolina (NRCS 1989) are depicted in Figure 5 (Appendix A) and described in Table 1. Table 1. NRCS Soils Mapped within the Site Soil Series Family Description Typic This series consists of poorly drained, moderately permeable soils on Rains Paleaquults flats, Carolina bays and interstream divides. Depth to seasonal high water table occurs at 0.5 to 1.5 feet Aeric This series consists of somewhat poorly drained, moderately Lynchburg Paleaquults permeable soils on marine terraces and flats. Depth to the seasonal ...................................................................... high water table occurs at 0.5 to 1.5 feet. Aquic This series consists of moderately well-drained, moderately permeable Goldsboro Paleudults soils of marine terraces and uplands. Depth to the seasonal high water table occurs at 1.5 to 2.5 feet PART 4: RESTORATION PLAN The primary goals of this buffer restoration project include 1) enhancement of water quality functions (reduce nonpoint source sedimentation and nutrient inputs), 2) restoration of natural vegetation buffers along onsite ditches, 3) creation of wildlife habitat associated with a riparian corridor. Restoration of forest and stream-side habitat allows for development and expansion of characteristic species across the landscape. Ecotonal changes between community types contribute to diversity and provide secondary benefits, such as enhanced feeding and nesting opportunities for mammals, birds, amphibians, and other wildlife. 4.1 VEGETATION PLAN Onsite observations and community descriptions from Classification of the Natural Communities of North Carolina (Schafale and Weakley 1990) were used to develop the primary plant community associations that will be promoted during community restoration efforts. Areas will be planted with species characteristic of the Coastal Plain Bottomland Hardwood Forest (Table 2). Bare-root seedlings of tree and shrub species will be planted within the Site at a density of approximately 1000 stems per acre. Planting will be performed between December 1 and March 15 to allow plants to stabilize during the dormant period and set root during the spring season. A total of 30,000 diagnostic tree and shrub seedlings will be planted in support of Site buffer restoration (Table 2). Vicki's Thicket Riparian Buffer Mitigation Site Page 3 Restoration Plan (Contract #002283) Table 2. Vegetation Plan Plant Common Name Species Name Number Planted (% of Total) American elm Ulmus Americana 4,500 (15) Black Gum Nyssa sylvatica 1,500(5) Elderberry Sambucus Canadensis 1,500(5) Loblolly pine Pinus taeda 4,500 (15) Northern red oak Quercus rubra 3000 (10) River Birch Betula nigra 1,500(5) Sugarberry Celtis laevigata 1,500(5) Swamp chestnut oak Quercus michauxii 4,500 (15) Sycamore Plantanus occidentalis 3,000 (10) Willow oak Quercus phellos 4,500 (15) TOTAL 30,000 Final distribution and densities will be reported in the detailed mitigation plan. 4.2 GRADING PLAN Existing ditches are very stable conveyances except for minor areas of bank erosion. Prior to planting, soils will be ripped with linear bands perpendicular to the direction of surface water flows. The established micro-topography on leveled surfaces will promote diffuse flow and surface water storage. In addition, subsurface hardpans may be eliminated to promote vegetation growth/survival and to increase groundwater recharge rates. All vegetative buffers will be a minimum of 50 feet in width. 4.3 FERTILIZATION PLAN No fertilization activities are proposed for the Site. The application of fertilizers may compound water quality degradation within onsite and downstream receiving waters. 4.4 PROJECT PHASING A tentative phasing schedule for the proposed project is presented below: Weeks from Task Description Contract Execution Task 1 Environmental Screening (CE Document) 5 Task 2 Conservation Easement Recorded 36 Task 3 Develop Approved Restoration Plan 52 Task 4 Mitigation Site Earthwork 35* Task 5 Site Planting 35* Install Monitoring Equipment 40* Task 6 Prepare Mitigation Plan and As Built Plans 53* Task 7 Submit Year 1 Monitoring Report Dec. after implementation Task 8 Submit Year 2 Monitoring Report Dec. - 2 yrs after implementation Task 9 Submit Year 3 Monitoring Report Dec. - 3 yrs after implementation Task 10 Submit Year 4 Monitoring Report Dec. - 4 yrs after implementation Task 11 Submit Year 5 Monitoring Report Dec. - 5 yrs after implementation * Time frame is dependent upon seasonal conditions at completion of Site implementation. Vicki's Thicket Riparian Buffer Mitigation Site Page 4 Restoration Plan (Contract #002283) 4.5 MONITORING AND SUCCESS CRITERIA The Monitoring Plan ensures vegetation growth and survival. Monitoring of restoration efforts will be performed for 5 years or until success criteria are fulfilled. Vegetation monitoring will follow the 2006 CVS-EEP Vegetation Monitoring Protocol set forth by EEP (Lee et al. 2006). After planting has been completed, an initial evaluation will be performed to verify planting methods and to determine initial species composition and density. Supplemental planting and additional Site modifications will be implemented, if necessary. During quantitative vegetation sampling between June 1 and September 31 of the first year, 10-meter by 10-meter square sample plots will be randomly placed within the Site. In each sample plot, vegetation sampling will follow Level 1-2 CVS-EEP plot sampling methods (Lee et al. 2006). Vegetation Success Criteria Success criteria have been established to verify that the vegetation component supports community elements necessary for forest development. Success criteria are dependent upon the density and growth of characteristic forest species. An average density of 320 stems per acre must be surviving after five monitoring years. Vicki's Thicket Riparian Buffer Mitigation Site Page 5 Restoration Plan (Contract #002283) PART 5: REFERENCES Lee, M.T., R.K. Peet, S.D. Roberts, and T.R. Wentworth. 2006. CVS-EEP Protocol for Recording Vegetation. Version 4.0. North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Ecosystem Enhancement Program. Raleigh, North Carolina. North Carolina Division of Water Quality (NCDWQ). 2007a. Final North Carolina Water Quality Assessment and Impaired Waters List (2006 Integrated 305(b) and 303(d)Report)(onllne).Avallable: http://h2o.enr.state.nc.us/tmdl/documents/303d_Report.pdf [November 10, 2008]. North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Raleigh, North Carolina. North Carolina Division of Water Quality (NCDWQ). 2007b. Redbook, Surface Waters and Wetlands Standards. North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Division of Water Quality. Raleigh, North Carolina. North Carolina Division of Water Quality (NCDWQ). 2008a. Draft North Carolina Water Quality Assessment and Impaired Waters List (2008 Integrated 305(b) and 303(d) Report). Public Review (online). Available: http://h2o.enr.state.nc.us/tmdl/documents/B.Draft2008303dList.pdf. [November 10, 2008]. North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Raleigh, North Carolina. North Carolina Division of Water Quality (NCDWQ). 2008b. Draft Basinwide Planning Program: Neuse River Basinwide Water Quality Plan - June 2008. North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Raleigh, North Carolina. Schafale, M.P. and A.S. Weakley. 1990. Classification of the Natural Communities of North Carolina: Third Approximation. North Carolina Natural Heritage Program, Division of Parks and Recreation, N.C. Department of Environment, Health, and Natural Resources. Raleigh, North Carolina. United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). 1989. Soil Survey of Craven County, North Carolina. Natural Resources Conservation Service Vicki's Thicket Riparian Buffer Mitigation Site Page 6 Restoration Plan (Contract #002283) Appendix A Figures Vicki's Thicket Riparian Buffer Mitigation Site Page 7 Restoration Plan (Contract #002283) EEP Targeted Watersh ed River Subbasm =State River Basin Site is located within the 03020202080010 EEP targeted watershed. 04 Restoration Systems, LLC 1101 Haynes St. Suite 211 Raleigh, NC 27604 to I: 919.755.9490 Figure 2: Vickr s Thicket Riparian Buffer Watershed Mitigation Site Location Neuse 02 Craven County, NC 1:150,000 00.316 1.2 1.8 24 Miles N 4 Soils Easement�. Ly - Lynchburg Fine Sandy Loam ■ o. Goldsboro Loamy Fineacres� �� � r s � �, a ,�'* ♦ � rY° ti,�. '$ �.. r `w?• � ,. ro �'��.t, '-� -w . •` oa ,.. f •y, a'4o � 1ka _{ stz.a5�'..�i,. �. � .. v '.` s:t'e..'.��+'�S'=.t�,.� .^a_: w;�'4...� � �>.':,�� 1-�`,:` ,." WP ,. s�.. a _ ... � f , 4 ��' tet_ ��>• Restoration Systems, LLC Figure 3: Vicki s Thicket Riparian Buffer 1101 Haynes St. Suite 211 qr 1: Raleigh, NC 27604 Soils Mitigation Site tel: 919.756.9490 Craven County, NC o � � -I Z 7 ?Y U Q 1.4 \ R N E-4 047 oil ?A qq WWI / ° k - b Pjv / PR I'd / IA g 5 dd elf 1cm - \ E i~C, \ \ Ilk 11111", Iln't I I, ki? it!] 01,1, 'lilt A, I I 1 111111 t1111111 m o i l r i i r iii I I i ; 7 b W: tit e Ali k? 8$ n m? Ia E ^ vE as g ` 411.x° ibis T[;i ?arulnr r?r Is t2 A milli -b IVAP C @ ? ??..:? ? F P ??'G ???° ?0?? b ? ? ? o n ,, ,'?rrrrrrrr•?i•`' ? n N W 0 rl b W 0 N N b 0 b w r o? m N X O O fC f n W 0 N ma 19. Vol --` 0 V t 0 ?i a 4?w 1 IlI l,I ,I I ,lI l,r 11111.. ... H l, i VIII bi -?j `J N M 04 CD N R "AGAWN MlYOp Yd ?bu0 e0I01 L 1001 ?LC1016bM r , L Z V tp- 1? 2 f N W g F-r ? W ? ?y a w S ?8 x w m 7 a Z a? u : ?'osrN M7 QI a ? e ? 7 LL H d N N to b a a r N A! O I Appendix B EEP Floodplain Requirements Checklist Vicki's Thicket Riparian Buffer Mitigation Site Page 8 Restoration Plan (Contract #002283) ?Y El°?tment PROGRAM EEP Floodplain Requirements Checklist This form was developed by the National Flood Insurance program, NC Floodplain Mapping program and Ecosystem Enhancement Program to be filled for all EEP projects. The form is intended to summarize the floodplain requirements during the design phase of the projects. The form should be submitted to the Local Floodplain Administrator with three copies submitted to NF1P (attn. Edward Curtis), NC Floodplain Mapping Unit (attn. John Gerber) and NC Ecosystem Enhancement Program. Project Location Name of project: Vicki's Thicket Riparian Buffer Mitigation Site Name if stream or feature: Unnamed tributaries to Core Creek County: Craven Name of river basin: Neuse 03020202080010 Is project urban or rural? rural Name of Jurisdictional municipality/county: Craven County DFIRM panel number for entire site: 4582 Consultant name: Barrett Jenkins Phone number: 919-334-9118 Address: 1101 Haynes Street, Suite 211 Raleigh, NC 27604 Vickis Thicket FEMA Floodplain Checklist-1 Page 1 of 4 Design Information Restoration Systems, L.L.C. has contracted with EEP (FDP contract #002283) through the full Delivery Process (RFP #16-001383) to provide 28 Riparian Buffer Mitigation Units through the completion of the Vicki's Thicket Riparian Buffer Mitigation Site (Site) located approximately 3.5 miles southeast of Dover in Craven County. The Site encompasses approximately 31.35- acres of land (hereafter referred to as the "Site"), which has been ditched and cleared for row crop production. The Site is situated along unnamed tributaries to Core Creek, a major tributary to the Neuse River. The Site is located within DWQ sub-basin 03-04-08 of the Neuse River Basin and is encompassed within USGS 14-digit Hydrologic Unit and Targeted Local Watershed 03020202080010. The primary goals of this buffer restoration project focus on improving water quality, enhancing flood attenuation, and restoring aquatic and riparian habitat. Restoration activities include recording of a permanent conservation easement and reforestation of Site. There are no stream or wetland restoration components to the project, only buffer restoration. Floodplain Information Is project located in a Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA)? C Yes G No If project is located in a SFHA, check how it was determined: r Redelineation C Detailed Study C Limited Detail Study C Approxnmte Study r Don't know List flood zone designation: Check if applies: [ ± AE Zone 0 Floodway 0 Non-Encroachment None F A Zone 0 Local Setbacks Required C No Local Setbacks Required If local setbacks are required, list how man feet: Vickis Thicket FEMA Floodplain_Checklist-1 Page 2 of 4 Does proposed channel boundary encroach outside floodway/non- encroachment/setbacks? C, Yes G No Land Acquisition (Check) G State owned (fee simple) G Conservation easment (Design Bid Bui1d) n Conservation Easement (Full Delivery Project) Note: if the project property is state-owned, then all requirements should be addressed to the Department of Administration, State Construction Office (attn: Herbert Neily, 919)807-4101) Is community/county participating in the NFIP program? rv Yes 0 No Note: if community is not participating, then all requirements should be addressed to NFIP attn: Edward Curtis, (919) 715-8000 x369) Name of Local Floodplain Administrator: Chad Strawn Phone Number: 252 636 6618 Floodplain Requirements This section to be filled by designer/applicant following verification with the LFPA vi No Action C No Rise C Letter of Map Revision r, Conditional Letter of Map Revision r l Other Requirements List other requirements: Comments: Vickis Thicket FEMA Floodpiain_Checklist-1 Page 3 of 4 Name: &4 Jrs. vl c Signature: Title: aK• er Date: Vickis Thicket FEMA Floodplain_Checklist-1 Page 4 of4