20140129 Ver 1_Notice of Adaptive Management Plan_20201123

Strickland, Bev
From: Haywood, Casey M CIV (USA) <[e-mail]>
Sent: Monday, November 23, 2020 12:43 PM
To: Tugwell, Todd J CIV USARMY CESAW (US); Kim Browning; Bowers, Todd; Haywood,
Casey M CIV (USA); Davis, Erin B; Hamstead, Byron A; Wilson, Travis W.; Munzer, Olivia
Cc: Wiesner, Paul; Phillips, Kelly D; Samanns, Edward; Becker, Jonathan W.; Holthaus,
Matthew; Allen, Melonie; Horton, Jeffrey; Hajnos, Edward A; Smith, Ronnie D CIV
USARMY CESAW (USA); McLendon, C S CIV USARMY CESAW (USA)
Subject: [External] Notice of Adaptive Management Plan / NCDMS Little Buffalo Creek /
Cabarrus Co / SAW-2014-00386
Attachments: Little Buffalo Cr._94147_Adaptive Management Plan_11_16_2020.pdf
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Good morning IRT,
The below referenced Adaptive Management Plan review has been requested by NCDMS. Per Section 332.8(o)(9) of the
2008 Mitigation Rule, this review follows the streamlined review process, which requires an IRT review period of 15
calendar days from this email notification. Please provide any comments by 5 PM on the 15-day comment deadline
shown below. Comments provided after the 15-day comment deadline (shown below) may not be considered.
At the conclusion of this comment period, a copy of all comments will be provided to NCDMS and the NCIRT along with
District Engineer's intent to approve or disapprove this AMP.
Project Information:
Little Buffalo Creek Mit. Site
DMS Project # 94147
USACE # SAW-2014-00386
DWR # 20140129
RFP: 16-001122 — Issued 05/02/2008
Institution Date: 09/18/2009 — Full Delivery
Yadkin River Basin
Cataloging Unit 03040105
Cabarrus County, North Carolina
Proposed Assets at Closeout (2021):
6,337.533 SMUs (warm)
FD Provider: WSP — Contact: Ed Sammans, CE, PWS, CERP, [e-mail] 973-407-1468 (office), 973-951-3286
(cell)
NCDEQ- DIMS PM: Paul Wiesner [e-mail], [phone]
The Adaptive Management Plan can be accessed directly on the DIMS SharePoint site here:

IRT-DMS SharePoint Page:
https://ncconnect.sharepoi nt.com/sites/I RT-DMS/SitePages/Home.aspx
Little Buffalo Cr._94147_Adaptive Management Plan_11_16_2020
https://ncconnect.sharepoi nt.com/sites/I RT-
DMS/Misc%20Documents/Forms/Allitems.aspx?id=%2Fsites%2FIRT%2DDMS%2FMisc%20Documents%2FLittle%20BuffaI
o%20Cr%2E%5F94147%SFAdaptive%20Management%20PIan%5FII%5F16%5F2020%2Epdf&parent=%2Fsites%2FIRT%2
DDMS%2FMisc%20Documents
15-Day Comment Start: November 23, 2020
15-Day Comment Deadline: December 08, 2020 45-Day DE Decision: January 07, 2020
The IRT visited the Little Buffalo Creek Site on July 27, 2020. The full delivery provider (WSP) is proposing an adaptive
management plan to address cattle encroachment, invasive plant removal, stream channel corrections, and additional
plantings.
Please contact the Mitigation Office if you have questions.
V/ r,
Casey Haywood
Mitigation Specialist, Regulatory Division I U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
3331 Heritage Trade Dr, Ste. 105 1 Wake Forest, NC 27587 1
BUILDING STRONG

November 16, 2020
Paul Wiesner
NCDEQ — DMS
5 Ravenscroft Drive
Asheville, NC 28801
RE: Little Buffalo Creek Stream Restoration Project Adaptive Management Plan
NCDEQ — Division of Mitigation Services Contract #002029
DMS Project # 94147
Cabarrus County, North Carolina
Yadkin River Basin - 03040105
Dear Paul,
Below please find the Adaptive Management Plan (AMP) for the Little Buffalo Creek Stream Restoration
Project. The AMP has been developed in accordance with comments and recommendations from the
Interagency Review Team (IRT) received at the July 27, 2020 closeout site visit and follow up information
received by the IRT on August 17, 2020 via email.
Based on the input of the IRT and DMS an Adaptive Management Plan was developed to address the project
issues outlined below. Attachments include design sheets that highlight the proposed work areas along
Unnamed Tributary (UT) 2 and 3 as part of the Adaptive Management Plan. Below is an explanation of the
issues and the planned work that is targeted for completion in December 2020.
UT-2:
Issue: An approximately 75-foot segment of the channel has an undefined bed and bank as a result of past
sediment accumulation.
Plan: A follow up field visit conducted on October 16, 2020 determined that the length of channel that needs to
be modified is approximately 75 feet in length. A single thread channel will be excavated in this reach using
the existing channel dimensions as a guide for the appropriate width and depth. The location of the channel
construction is shown in Attachment A, Plan Sheet 1. Given the short segment and potential to damage trees
and shrubs with large equipment the work will be completed using hand tools. Excavated material will be side
cast upslope and into the riparian areas, spread out by raking and seeded with a native seed mix. The channel
edge will be planted with a double row of approximately 100 live stakes at 3-foot spacing. Live stakes will
consist of native species of willow (Salix), buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis) and dogwoods (Cornus).
The dense shrub growth will secure the channel banks, reduce the likelihood of herbaceous plant growth
within the channel, and promote stability of the channel banks and floodplain zone.
The major sources of sediment that may have affected this reach have been stabilized with the revegetation of
the easement (former cropland) and the removal of the beavers from the upslope pond. Based on field
observations the pond outfall is stable. Field observations over the past year have shown that ongoing channel
adjustment to form a single channel has persisted and is likely to be maintained with the removal of potential
sources of sediment. Assisted by establishment of lives stakes, and without a significant source of new
sediment loads, the channel is likely to maintain its restored form over time and effectively transport sediment.

UT-3:
Issue: The upper portion of the UT-3 channel is poorly defined and damaged by recent cattle encroachment
and sediment accumulation from the erosion of an off -site, unused cattle crossing. The area of prior bank
erosion at the culvert is appears to be stable and is no longer a significant source of sediment.
Plan: WSP conducted a field inspection October 9, 2020 to determine the length of channel to be restored and
the extent of replanting that will be required.
Channel: Based on field inspection, approximately 400 liner feet of stream channel beginning at the
start of the reach at Station 10+00 extending downstream to Station 14+00 (see UT3 Plan View sheet) requires
reconstruction to re-establish or reform a defined channel. WSP proposes to use a small, tracked excavator to
reform and excavate the channel beginning at the downstream end of the work area and proceeding upstream
to the start of the channel within the spring seep. The channel width will be restored to the original design
width and depth as depicted in the typical section sheet (attached). The maintenance work will restore the
channel back to its functional conditional before the bank erosion at the cattle crossing and the recent damage
from the cattle encroachment occurred. Without a significant source of sediment loads, the removal of cattle
encroachment and the additional tree and shrub live stake planting along the channel is likely to maintain the
restored form over time.
Riparian Vegetation: WSP has completed an initial fall herbicide treatment of the densest areas of tall
fescue within the easement. Additional herbicide treatment will occur in the spring of 2021.
Supplemental planting with native trees and shrubs within the conservation easement is planned in December
2020 concurrent with the channel work. The reconstructed channel will be replanted with approximately 800
live stakes at 3-foot spacing. A portion of the live stakes will also be planted within the spring seep at the
upstream end of the UT3. Live stakes will consist of native species of willow (Salix), buttonbush
(Cephalanthus occidentalis), and dogwoods (Cornus). The supplemental planting in portions of the riparian
zone, outside of the live stake planting area, will focus on areas with low tree density based on the recent 2020
monitoring results. The combined areas for supplemental planting are approximately 1.0 acre in size and will
be planted with a mixture of native tree species, including oaks (Quercus), sycamore (Platanus occidentalis),
sugarberry (Celtis laevigata), slippery elm (Ulmus rubra) and black gum (Nyssa sylvatica). Approximately
200 plants installed at 12 to 15 foot centers are necessary to meet the required planting density. The plant
material will be container grown plants in No. 1 size containers (I-gallon)with an approximate height of 3
feet. The main planting areas coincide with the two fescue treatment areas shown on the UT3 Plan View sheet,
though additional small patches requiring just a few trees will also be planted.
Cattle Encroachment:
Issue: Recent cattle encroachments have impacted the condition of the stream channel and riparian zone on
UT-3 and to a lesser degree the riparian area along portions of UT-4 and the mainstem of Little Buffalo Creek
below (downstream) of Old Mine Road. The cessation of recurring cattle encroachments is a requirement of
the IRT for future project closeout and credit release.
Plan: WSP has been in correspondence/discussion with Mr. Marcus Harward, cattle owner and lessee of
pasture from Mr. Philip Cline, as well as Mr. Cline and Mr. Allen Hamill, the primary landowner's whose land
is affected by cattle encroachments. Mr. Harward indicated his willingness to do what is needed to avoid future
cattle encroachments at the site, including:
Keeping the gates closed at the stream crossing.
Improving the fence at the crossing to prevent calves from moving through the chains when
the crossing is in use.

Providing a water source in the lower, western pasture. Cattle use this field primarily in the
fall and winter.
Conducting weekly inspections of the fence and addressing any issues to prevent cattle from
accessing easement.
Communicating with WSP frequently on status and findings of the weekly inspections.
WSP will continue regular coordination with Mr. Harward, Mr. Cline and Mr. Allen throughout the year to
track progress and compliance with these elements of the plan. In addition to these items, WSP has initiated
monthly site visits to inspect the conservation easement, fence condition, and signs of cattle encroachment, and
will report site findings to DMS following each visit. DMS has likewise initiated monthly site visits.
The exclusion of livestock together with the planting of additional trees and shrubs along the modified channel
segments of UT-2 and UT-3, and portions of the riparian zone of UT-3, will improve the rate of forest
establishment within the riparian zone, improve water quality and water infiltration through soil, and provide
for a stable and persistent channel and floodplain.
WSP staff completed the installation of additional fencing at Old Mine Road to close off gaps between the
easement fence and the bridge to prevent cattle from entering the easement from the roadway.
Invasive Plants:
Issue: Invasive plants have been greatly reduced to less than 5 percent cover within the easement. Some
recurrence of treated species such as Chinese privet and tree -of -heaven has been noted within the easement by
both WSP and DMS staff. DMS staff have also observed patches of Japanese honeysuckle.
Plan: Invasive plant removal will be performed within the easement in the winter and spring using a
combination of hand -pulling and cut -stump herbicide treatment. The stream restoration and enhancement
corridor will be inspected and invasive plants removed or treated as encountered.
Monitoring Plan:
Following the completion of the stream channel corrections and additional plantings, WSP will conduct
periodic visual monitoring of site conditions along the entire channel and riparian zones of UT-2 and UT-3.
Site conditions will be recorded through photographs and plan notes indicating locations of active bank
erosion, excessive sediment aggradation and degradation, head cuts, undercut banks, and other features
indicative of active channel adjustments. If needed, any additional channel work to address localized areas of
instability on UT-2 or UT-3 will be completed by hand work. Locations will be marked on a site map with
approximate beginning and end points, type of feature, and photograph locations to aid in future inspections of
these same areas. The dam outfall above UT-2 will also be inspected periodically for signs of erosion or new
beaver activity.
For UT-3 the riparian zone will be monitored for tree and shrub density in the spring using the established plot
and a series of a minimum of six additional 1 Om by 1 Om plots. Both planted material and recruits will be
counted. Each plot will be photographed. The general condition of the observed trees and shrubs will be
recorded.
A letter report will be sent to DMS with the results of the monitoring by May 30t" with recommendations to
address any issues observed. A final letter report summarizing the monitoring and maintenance findings will
be submitted in early fall to DMS and the IRT.

Permitting Plan:
Prior to implementation of any work that will directly impact aquatic resources the appropriate federal and
state permits will be acquired. For this project a Nationwide Permit No. 27 for habitat enhancement will be
required from the USACE, and a Section 401 Water Quality Certificate will be required from the NC Division
of Water Quality. Permit applications and supporting materials will be prepared and submitted to each agency
for review and approval. The area of disturbance on UT2 and UT3 is estimated to be less than 700 SY or 0.016
acre; therefore, a Land Disturbance permit will not be required.
Project Closeout:
WSP is proposing a project closeout site visit to be scheduled for November or early December of 2021.
Based on the implementation of the measures noted above and the exclusion of cattle from the easement WSP
anticipates requesting a full credit release for UT-2 and UT-3 for a combined total of 1,259 SMUs.
Reach
ID
Stationing
Existing
Feet
(linear
feet)
Restoration
Footage*
(Stationing)
Mitigation
Ratio
Stream
Mitigation
Units
335 P (10+00 -
13+35)
94 EII (13+35 -
10+00 to
13+79)
R 1:1
UT 2
19+51
951
49 R (13+79 -
E II 2.5:1
343
14+28)
P 5:1
523 EII (14+28 -
19+51)
218 R (10+00 -
12+18)
249 EII (12+18 -
14+67)
194 EI (14+67 -
16+61)
24 R (16+61 -
16+85)
342 EI (16+85 -
10+00 to
20+27)
R 1:1
UT 3
1�975
E I 5:1
916
24+75
109 EII (20+27 -
E II 2.5:1
2
21+36)
23 R (21+36 -
21+59)
255 EII (21+59 -
24+14)
40 R (24+14 -
24+54)
21 EII (24+54-
24+75)
Please let me know if you have any questions regarding the proposed Adaptive Management Plan.
Sincerely,
=:i!c.
Edward Samanns
Senior Program Manager
Cc: I Becker, WSP
M. Holthaus, WSP
Attachments
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CONSTRUCTION
LIMITS
8'
8• 1 VARIES
OUTER EDGE OF
OUTER EDGE OF VARIES
4' -BANKFULL BENCH
EXISTING
BANKFULL BENCH
GROUND
EXISTING
GROUND
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%i\ LOW FLOW CHANNEL
6" GRAVEL LINED BOTTOMS
MAINSTEM CONCRETE REMOVAL RIFFLE
ALIGNMENT STATIONS
64+06 TO 64+21.15
64+56.15 TO 64+66.15
65+06.15 TO 65+27.87
N.T.S.
CONSTRUCTION LIMITS
10.5' 1 10.5'
OUTER EDGE OF
BANKFULL BENCH
VARIES
EXISTING
GROUND
VARIES
5, EXISTING
GROUND
\
OUTER EDGE OF
ANKFULL BENCH
6" GRAVEL LINED BOTTOMS I SLOW FLOW CHANNEL
MAINSTEM CONCRETE REMOVAL POOL
ALIGNMENT STATIONS
64+36.15 TO 64+46.15
64+76.15 TO 64+96.15
N.T.S.
OUTER EDGE OF
BANKFULL BENCF
MEET EXISTING GROUND -
EXISTING
GROUND
MEET EXISTING GROUN
CONSTRUCTION LIMITS
VARIES • 0.5' • 0.5'• VARIES
OUTER EDGE OF
BANKFULL BENCF
NOTE: CHANNEL DEPTH SHALL
BE 6 INCHES MINIMUM.
LOW FLOW CHANNEL
UT2 AND UT3 CHANNEL CREATION
ALIGNMENT STATIONS
UT2 13+72.14 TO 14+23.88
UT3 10+00 TO 11+97.12
N.T.S.
CONSTRUCTION LIMITS
VARIES
EXISTING Ex
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EXISTING TOE OF SLOP OW FLOW CHANNEL
UT3 AND UT4 BANK ENHANCEMENT
ALIGNMENT STATIONS
UT3 14+60.22 TO 19+74.90
UT4 14+31 TO 18+28
N.T.S.
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�ROJECT NO. 94147
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STREAM BANK DETAIL - ZONE 1
N.T.S.
LIVE STAKE INSTALLATION:
1. TAMP THE LIVE STAKE INTO THE GROUND AT RIGHT ANGLES TO THE SLOPE FACE.
2. LIVE STAKES SHALL BE INSTALLED 2-3 FEET APART USING TRIANGULAR
SPACING. STAKES SHOULD BE PLACED WITH 2 TO 4 STAKES PER SOUARE YARD.
3. BUDS SHALL BE ORIENTED UP.
4. FOUR FIFTHS OF THE LENGTH OF THE LIVE STAKE SHALL BE INSTALLED INTO
THE GROUND AND SOIL FIRMLY PACKED AROUND IT AFTER INSTALLATION.
5. STAKES THAT SPLIT DURING INSTALLATION SHALL BE REPLACED AT THE
CONTRACTORS EXPENSE.
6. AN IRON BAR CAN BE USED TO MAKE A PILOT HOLE IN FIRM SOIL. DRIVE THE
LIVE STAKE INTO THE GROUND WITH A DEAD HAMMER (HAMMER HEAD FILLED
WITH SHOT OR SAND).
ACCEPTABLE LIVE STAKE SPECIES
SCIENTIFIC NAME
BLACK WILLOW
SALIX NIGRA
SILKY DOGWOOD
CORNUS AMOMUM
NOTE: REFER TO PLANTING NOTES
n •
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STREAM BED
LIVE STAKE INSTALLED AT RIGHT
6 IN BY 6 IN BACKFILLED
I it HMINAL ANUHUH I Ht NUH
LIVE STAKE INSTALLATION
N.T.S.
6 IN BY 6 IN BACKFILLED
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LIVE STAKE CUTTINGS SHALL BE INSTALLED WITHIN THE PLANTING ZONE I AS INDICATED ON THE PLANTING NOTES.
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LIVE STAKE CUTTINGS SHALL BE 0.5 TO 1.5 INCHES IN DIAMETER AND A MINIMUM OF THREE FEET LONG.
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3.
CUTTINGS SHOULD BE UNDAMAGED, DISEASE AND INSECT FREE STOCK, AND FROM THE LIST OF ACCEPTABLE SPECIES PROVIDED ON THE PLANS.
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4.
MATERIALS MUST HAVE SIDE BRANCHES CLEANLY REMOVED AND BARK INTACT.
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5.
THE BASAL ENDS SHOULD BE CUT AT AN ANGLE FOR EASY INSERTION INTO THE SOIL. THE TOP SHOULD BE SOUARE. STAKES SHOULD BE
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6.
MATERIALS SHALL BE SOAKED IN WATER A MINIMUM OF 10 DAYS IMMEDIATELY AFTER PREPARATION. MATERIALS SHOULD BE INSTALLED THE
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SAME DAY THAT THEY ARRIVE ON SITE. THE MATERIAL MUST NOT BE ALLOWED TO DRY OUT; KEEP MATERIALS IN WATER OR IN A COOL,
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SHADED. WET ENVIROMENT PRIOR TO INSTALLATION.
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PLANTS SHALL BE BOTH CUT AND INSTALLED WHEN THEY ARE DORMANT: THAT IS, PRIOR TO BUD SWELL AND LEAF EMERGENCE IN THE
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SPRING AND AFTER LEAVES HAVE TURNED COLOR AND FALLEN OFF IN THE FALL. THE INSTALLATION PERIOD IN THE SPRING IS BETWEEN
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°ATE DUNE
2014
MARCH 1 AND APRIL 15, AND IN THE FALL BETWEEN OCTOBER 30 AND NOVEMBER 30.
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