20070708 Ver 1_WRC Comments_20070503

North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission ~
Richard B. Hamilton, Executive Director (~~j2
TO: Monte Matthews, USACOE D ~ ~ ~ ~ l'I L~~'~
Raleigh Regulatory Field Office ,.
MAY ~ ZOQ1
R n Linville Re Tonal Coordinator /'~
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Habitat Conservation Program q~tV~ - ~"Q}~tt ~UAlf7Y
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DATE: Apri130, 2007
SUBJECT: Wilkes Community College Pond and Stream Restoration, Unnamed Tributary Moravian Creek,
DWQ No. 20070708, Wilkes County
Wilkes Community College proposes to modify an existing stormwater porni. 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 25).
The Community College proposes to lower the normal water elevation in the pond, provide varied aquatic and
aquatic edge habitats. The project will improve nutrient uptake and improve safety with a littoral shelf.
Approximately 36 to 150 feet of stream and floodplain may be restored.
Based on our review of the submittal and our knowledge of area habitats, we will not object to the project. The
following recommendations are provided for consideration by the Community College and for permitting purposes.
1. Only autochthonous plants should be incorporated into the project.
2. State-of-the-art natural channel design and construction methodologies should be used for the project.
3. A minimum undisturbed buffer zone is recommended where practicable (see attached example). We
recommend 50' intermittent and 100' perennial stream buffers. Maximum available buffers should be
provided. This may help reduce use of the area by grazing geese and improve habitat for various
species of songbirds and smaller animals such as rabbits and squirrels.
4. Although not recommended, any walking trails placed in the buffer zone should be kept away from
pond/stream to the maximum extent practicable. Any path should be pervious with a width that does
not exceed minimum requirements specified in the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
5. Aquatic life associated with the project should be preserved for restocking or properly disposed of if
mortality occurs.
6. If possible, a designed minimum flow release should maintain downstream aquatic habitats.
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 Kalergh, Nl: l /byy-t /[ i
Telephone: [phone] Faa: [phone]

Wilkes Community College -Page 2 - April 30, 2007
Piedmont Stormwater Pond Planting Recommendations
Instead of using the typical fescue grasses, the upper interior and exterior of the structure should be planted with the
following mix to reduce thermal impacts and to restore some diminished wildlife habitats:
Spring/Summer Mixture, May 1-Sept. 15 Fall/Winter Mixture, Sept. 15 -April 30
Browntop millet 201bs/a Winter Wheat 1201bs/a
Kobe lespedeza 201bs/a Kobe lespedeza 201bs/a
Shrub lespedeza l lb/a Shrub lespedeza 1 lb/a
Switchgrass* S lb/a Switchgrass* S lb/ac
Add to fall or spring plantings: `Tioga' Deertongue (Panicum clandestenum} at a rate of 7 lbs. Pure Live Seeds
(PLS) per acre.
* When possible on slopes less than 3:1 use Switchgrass instead of lespedezas and on slopes greater than 3:1 use
Orchard Grass or Creeping Red Fescue. Other native species may be appropriate depending on soil, slope, and
region. Korean lespedeza may be appropriate in colder geophysical areas. We do not recommend Sericea
lespedeza. Native plants and warm season grasses are preferred over exotic plants.
Add one of the following to the above mixture:
Creeping Red Fescue S Ibs/acre
Ladino Clover** S lbslacre
Atlantic Coastal Panic Grass 51bs/acre (PLS)
Alfalfa** S 1bslacre (requires fertilizer containing Boron)
** Lime & fertilize disturbed areas according to NRCS soil test results and follow planting guidelines as appropriate
and necessary. Depending on elevation and region, other native species may be appropriate. Note that mowing
should be limited to late winter or early spring. Mowing should only occur as needed to prevent unwanted tree
growth on a 2-3 year schedule.
The provision of shade around impounded waters can significantly reduce thermal impacts. Trees and shrubs (1
year bare root seedlings) should be planted randomly at a minimal rate of I00 trees per acre on the top and upper
portions of the structure and at a minimal rate of 150 per acre around the normal water elevation and littoral shelf
area. The following list of tree species may assist in providing habitat benefits:
Loblolly Pine* Red Cedar Black Gum American Holly Dogwood
Hickory Sumac White Oak Willow Oak Red Maple** Oak
Viburnum Green Ash Ironwood Black Cherry Persimmon
Water Oak Spice Bush Willow (sp) Serviceberry
Swamp Chestnut Silky Dogwood
Other species may be utilized depending on site requirements and native plant availability. Pines* should not
exceed 15% of the reforestation. No more than 20% of the tree species will be of a single species. An 80% success
rate is acceptable over five years. Large or fast growing trees like Sycamore and Maple** may not be appropriate
near detention facility dams.
Additional planting suggestions and plant supply sources may be obtained from Stewardship biologist, Elizabeth
Hughes at 8281651-8380.