20141149 Ver 8_Rocky Top MR Review_20220304

From:Merritt, Katie
To:Raymond Holz
Cc:Baker, Caroline D
Subject:Rocky Top MR Review
Date:Friday, March 4, 2022 3:55:53 PM
Hey Raymond,
DWR has reviewed the Year 4 Monitoring Report for the Rocky Top Buffer/Nutrient Offset site.
Comments on the report are provided as follows:
1) Plot data in all 4 plots reveals very short heights on planted stems in comparison to
what is common by Year 4. Of most concern is Plot 3, where all planted stems are
smaller than 3 feet. Is there a factor other than rocky soil conditions to consider here
that may need to be addressed by RS prior to the next growing season? What additional
efforts can RS take to assist in tree development?
During supplementing efforts in 2020, did RS include areas within buffer and nutrient
2)
offset credit generating areas as part of that supplemental plant? If not, explain why.

Please provide a response to the comments above, and include all required documentation
requested. Once DWR receives a response to comments, DWR can proceed issuing a credit
release for this task.

Thank you for your patience,
Katie

Katie Merritt
Nutrient Offset & Buffer Banking Coordinator
401 & Buffer Permitting Unit
North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality
Office: 919-707-3637
Work Cell: 919-500-0683
Website: https://deq.nc.gov/about/divisions/water-resources/water-quality-permitting/401-buffer-
permitting-branch
512 N. Salisbury Street, Raleigh, NC 27620
1617 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-1617
Email correspondence to and from this address is subject to the
North Carolina Public Records Law and may be disclosed to third parties.