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Home My WebLink About20080511 Ver 2_Year 2 Monitoring Report 2014_20140822To: Katie Merritt and Eric Kulz, NC DENR Water Resources From: David Knowles, GES consultant Date: 20 August 2014 Re: LaGrange Parcel (Phase I) Second Annual Report, Greene Environmental Services, LLC Ms Merritt- Included is the Second Annual Report for the LaGrange Phase I Bank Parcel, Year 2014, Neuse River Mitigation Bank. Based on two, 100 m2 monitoring plots, seedling density for planted species exceeded success the success criterion of 320 seedlings per acre. Thank you, David Knowles, Consultant for GES 252.757 -1978, juncusl @yahoo.com Jeff Becker 919.215 -3899, jrbecker @bellsouth.net RECEIVED AUG 2 2 2014 DENR -LAND QUALITY STORMWATER PERMITTING Second Annual Monitoring Report LaGrange Bank Parcel Greene Environmental Services, LLC Neuse River Umbrella Mitigation Bank DWQ #: 08- 0511v2 Year 2014 RECEIVED AUG 2 2 2014 DENR -LAND QUALITY STORMWATER PERMITTING Submitted to: Katie Merritt NC Department of Environment and Natural Resources Division of Water Resources — Water Quality Programs 1650 Mail Service Center Raleigh, NC 27699 -1650 Phone: (919) 807 -6371; Fax: (919) 8076494 GE� 6r.r�N anrr.ny!«LLm LLC Submitted by: Jeff Becker 1004 Glencastle Way Raleigh, NC 27606 Phone: (919) 215 -3899; Fax: (919) 859 -0911 Second Annual Monitoring Report LaGrange Bank Parcel Greene Environmental Services, LLC Neuse River Umbrella Mitigation Bank DWQ #: 08- 0511v2 Year 2014 Table of Contents Introduction and Background Page 3 Monitoring and Results for Year 2014 Page 3 Overall Condition, Maintenance and Supplemental Plantings Page 4 Tables 1 -6 Pages 5 -8 Figures 1 -8 Pages 9 -16 Second Annual Monitoring Report LaGrange Bank Parcel Greene Environmental Services, LLC Neuse River Umbrella Mitigation Bank DWQ #: 08- 0511v2 Year 2014 Introduction and Background Greene Environmental Services, LLC (GES) of Snow Hill, North Carolina added the LaGrange site to the GES Neuse River Basin Umbrella Mitigation Bank. The LaGrange site (bank parcel) is located at the southwest intersection of NC 903 and Old Jason Road (SR 1501), north of LaGrange, in Lenoir County, North Carolina (Figures 1 and 2). The latitude /longitude coordinates of the site are approximately 77° 44.315 W and 35° 20.588N. The purpose of the nutrient mitigation bank is to improve water quality within the Neuse River Basin by reducing nutrient and sediment inputs to the watershed and provide off -site mitigation for development requiring nutrient offsets. The bank parcel is located within the Middle Neuse Watershed (HUC: 03020202). The site drains to Meeting House Branch (Stream Index # 27- 72 -3), which drains into Bear Creek (Stream Index # 27- 72- (0.1)), a major tributary to the Neuse River. According to the NC Division of Water Quality Basinwide Information Management System, Meeting House Branch is classified as C; Sw, NSW. The bank parcel is approximately 3.39 acres, including 0.87 acres of riparian buffer and 2.52 acres of nutrient offset buffer restoration (Figures 3 and 4). This bank parcel was established under the terms and conditions of the GES Neuse River Basin Umbrella Mitigation Bank made and entered into by Mr. Bobby Ham of Greene Environmental Services, LLC, acting as the Bank Sponsor and the North Carolina Department of Environment and•Natural Resources — Division of Water Quality which was signed by the Division Director on October 3, 2008. The bank parcel was previous agricultural cropland and was planted with character species during March of 2010. During the planting process, Eric Kulz and Lia Gilleski of DWQ visited the site and determined that it was suitable for nutrient offset mitigation. Monitoring and Results for Year 2014 As specified in the LaGrange Bank Parcel Development Package (BPDP), this report represents the second year of vegetative monitoring. The BPDP requires the submission of an annual monitoring report each of five successive years. The LaGrange parcel was initially planted with character trees in 2010 and 2011 at a rate of 413 seedlings per acre (Table 1). Supplemental plantings were done in 2012 and 2013 at a rate of 108 and 103 seedlings per acre, respectively. Thus prior to the submission of this first annual monitoring report a total of 624 seedlings per acre had been planted on the 3.39 -acre parcel. In each of the two monitoring plots in the LaGrange Parcel, tree stems were recorded by species in August 2014 according to Carolina Vegetation Survey sampling protocols. Plot locations are mapped in Figure 5. Vegetation plot photo points were located at the northwestern corner of the plots (Figure 6). During the 2014 monitoring effort, a total of 43 seedlings representing eight tree species were recorded in the two monitoring plots. The total average density was 870.4 trees per acre (Table 2). Thirty of the 43 trees within the plots were from seedlings planted by GES; thus average planted seedling density was 607.3 trees per acre (Table 3). Thus seventy percent of the trees were planted species; bald cypress (Taxodium distichum) accounted for 43.3 percent of the planted seedlings followed, in decreasing order by river birch (Betula nigra), sycamore ( Plantangs occidentalis), black gum (Nyssa sylvatica), swamp chestnut oak (Quercus michauxii) and cherrybark oak (Quercus pagoda) (Table 4). Red maple (Acer rubrum) and loblolly pine (Pinus taeda) became established via natural colonization and met the CVS protocol height requirement of 10 cm, minimum (Table 5). Persimmon, green ash, yellow poplar, white oak, turkey oak, live oak, and pond cypress were planted on the LaGrange Parcel but were not recorded in the monitoring plots. A comparison of second year (2014) monitoring data to the first year (2013) indicted a six percent decrease in planted seedlings; from 647.8 to 607.3 seedlings per acre (Table 6). Combining planted and colonizing species there was only a two percent decline. Though there was a slight decrease in planted seedlings, the 320 trees per acre success criterion was well exceeded. Overall Condition, Maintenance and Supplemental Plantings Vegetation establishment and growth has been good at the LaGrange parcel. Growing conditions, e.g, adequate rainfall, length of growing season and fertile soils, have been advantageous since the initial plantings were undertaken. The height of some seedlings, especially river birch, planted in 2010, now exceeds 3 m with diameters (dbh) of 8 -10 cm. Other species exhibit slower growth but are performing as expected. Browsing by deer has been moderately problematic for seedlings in exposed areas and especially problematic for green ash seedlings. There has been some evidence of depredation by rabbits and possibly beavers and other rodents. Annual, herbaceous weed growth has been excessive; this would expectedly result in above - ground and below - ground competition with planted seedlings. However, the weeds likely afford the seedlings some greater advantage by protecting them from browsing deer. In an effort to control rabbit and rodent populations, two 15 -foot tall hawk perches were installed on the site. Signage has been installed at key access locations identifying the Parcel as a conservation area, contact information and listing activities that are not allowed as per the conservation easement. in No remedial or supplemental planting is required for the 2015 growing season. The next monitoring effort will be conducted between late August and October 2015. Table 1. Approximate number of seedlings planted 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013 on 3.39 acre tract prior to the first annual monitoring effort. Year 2014 Annual Report, Greene Environmental Services, LLC. August 2014. *An error was made in the First Annual (2013) Report; planted seedlings of Quercus michauxii was unreported and Q pagoda was overestimated; the data in the above table reflects the correction. Planted April Planted Species Common 2013 Planted February/ Totals Name January 2012 March 2010 and 2011 Betula ni ra River birch 50 50 400 450 Diospyros Persimmon 0 25 0 25 vir iniana Fraxinus enns lvan i ca Green ash 0 0 200 200 Liriodendron tuli i era Yellow poplar 0 20 0 20 N ssa sylvatica Blackgum 0 30 200 230 Platanus occidentalis Sycamore 0 120 0 120 Quercus alba White oak 0 25 0 25 Quercus laevis Turkey oak 0 25 0 25 Quercus Swamp michauxii chestnut oak 0 0 100 100* Quercus pagoda Cherrybark 0 0 100 100* oak Quercus Live oak 0 45 0 45 vir iniana Taxodium distichum Bald cypress 100 25 400 425 Taxodium ascendes pond cypress 200 0 0 200 Total Seedlings Planted 350 365 1 1400 2115 Average Number Seedlings Planted per Acre 103 108 413 624 *An error was made in the First Annual (2013) Report; planted seedlings of Quercus michauxii was unreported and Q pagoda was overestimated; the data in the above table reflects the correction. Table 2. Stem density for all tree species in 100 m2 monitoring plots at LaGrange Parcel. Second Year Annual Report, 2014, Greene Environmental Services, LLC. August 2014. M Plot LAG -1 Plot LAG -2 Tract Averages Common Species Number Stems Number Stems Num. Stems per Name Stems per acre Stems per acre Stems acre Acer rubrum Red maple 3 121.5 8 323.9 5.5 +3.5 222.7 ±143.1 Betula nigra River birch 2 81 4 161.9 3.0 +1.4 121.5 +57.3 Nyssa sylssa Black gum 0 0 4 161.9 2.0 +2.8 81.0 +114.5 Loblolly Pinus taeda pine 0 0 2 81 1.0 +1.4 - 40.5 +57.3 - Platanus occidentalis Sycamore 2 81 3 121.5 2.5 +0.7 - 101.2 +28.6 - Swamp Quercus chestnut 0 0 1 40.5 0.5 +0.7 20.2 +28.6 michauxii oak Quercus Cherrybark pagoda oak 1 40.5 0 0 0.5 +0.7 - 20.2 +28.6 - Taxodium Bald distichum cypress g 323.9 5 202.4 6.5 +2.1 - 263.2 +85.9 - All Species Totals 16 647.8 27 1093.1 21.5 +7.8 870.4 +314.9 M Table 3. Stem density for planted tree species in 100 m2 monitoring plots at LaGrange Parcel. Year 2014 Annual Report, Greene Environmental Services, LLC. August 2014. Table 4. Relative density of species in 100 m2 monitoring plots in LaGrange Parcel. 2014 Annual Report, Greene Environmental Services, LLC. August 2014. Plot LAG -1 Plot LAG -2 Tract Averages Number Stems Number Stems Num. Stems per Species Common 25.6 Name Stems per acre Stems per acre Stems acre Betula nigra River birch 2 81.0 4 1 61.9 3.0 121.5 +57.3 Nyssa Black gum 0 0.0 4 161.9 2.0 81.0 +114.5 sylvatica michauxii oak 2.3 3.3 Quercus pagoda Cherrybark oak Platanus Sycamore y 2 81.0 3 121.5 2.5 101.2 +28.6 occidentalis 43.3 Percent of planted stems 70% of Stems are of Planted Species to total stems Swamp Quercus chestnut 0 0.0 1 40.5 0.5 20.2 +28.6 michauxii oak Quercus Cherrybark pagoda oak 1 40.5 0 0.0 0.5 20.2 +28.6 Taxodium Bald distichum cypress 8 323.9 5 202.4 6.5 263.2 +85.9 Planted Species, Total Stems and Stems per 13 526.3 17 688.3 15.0 607.3 +114.5 Acre Table 4. Relative density of species in 100 m2 monitoring plots in LaGrange Parcel. 2014 Annual Report, Greene Environmental Services, LLC. August 2014. Percent of Percent of Species Common name Total Stems Planted Stems by S ecies by Species Acer rubrum Red maple 25.6 NA Betula nigra River birch 14.0 20.0 Nyssa sylvatica Black gum 9.3 13.3 Pinus taeda Loblolly pine 4.7 NA Platanus Sycamore occidentalis 11.6 16.7 Quercus Swamp chestnut michauxii oak 2.3 3.3 Quercus pagoda Cherrybark oak 2.3 3.3 Taxodium Bald cypress d istichum 30.2 43.3 Percent of planted stems 70% of Stems are of Planted Species to total stems Table 5. Stem heights for naturally colonizing tree species in 100 m2 monitoring plots at LaGrange Parcel. Year 2014, Second Annual Report, Greene Environmental Services, LLC. August 2014. Table 6. Comparison of seedling density per acre between the first (YR2013) and second (YR2014) growing seasons based on seedling counts in 10 m by 10 m (0.0247- acre). Negative number represents a decline in seedling density. Year 2014, Second Annual Report, Greene Environmental Services, LLC. August 2014. Seedling Species Common Number of Second Year (2014) Monitoring, Seedlings Per Acre Number of Approx. Species Betula nigra River birch Stem heights 121.5 Nyssa sylvatica Name Stems 81.0 Stems Platanus occidentalis Sycamore 81.0 101.2 m Quercus michauxii heights m 40.5 20.2 LAG -1 LAG -2 Cherrybark oak 40.5 20.2 -20.2 ( -50 %) Taxodium distichum 0.5 1 222.7 263.2 40.5 ( +15 %) 1.0 0.5 607.3 -40.5 -6% Colonizing 1.5 Acer rubrum 0.5 Acer rubrum Red maple 3 2.0. 8 0.5 40.5 0(0%) Colonizing totals 1 242.9 1.0 20.3(+9%) Planted and Colonizing Seedlings Combine planted and colonizing totals 890.7 1.0 20.3(-2%) 1.0 1.0 Pinus taeda Loblolly pine 0 0 2 1.5 2.0 Table 6. Comparison of seedling density per acre between the first (YR2013) and second (YR2014) growing seasons based on seedling counts in 10 m by 10 m (0.0247- acre). Negative number represents a decline in seedling density. Year 2014, Second Annual Report, Greene Environmental Services, LLC. August 2014. Seedling Species Common Name First Year (2013) Monitoring, Seedlings Per Acre Second Year (2014) Monitoring, Seedlings Per Acre Change in Seedling Density Per Acre and Percent Planted Seedlings Betula nigra River birch 141.7 121.5 -20.2 ( -14 %) Nyssa sylvatica Black gum 121.5 81.0 -40.5 ( -33 %) Platanus occidentalis Sycamore 81.0 101.2 20.2(+20%) Quercus michauxii Swamp chestnut 40.5 20.2 -20.2 ( -50 %) Quercus pagoda Cherrybark oak 40.5 20.2 -20.2 ( -50 %) Taxodium distichum I Bald cypress 1 222.7 263.2 40.5 ( +15 %) Planted totals 1 647.8 607.3 -40.5 -6% Colonizing Seedlings Acer rubrum Red maple 202.4 222.7 20.3(+9%)- Pinus taeda Loblolly pine 40.5 40.5 0(0%) Colonizing totals 1 242.9 263.3 20.3(+9%) Planted and Colonizing Seedlings Combine planted and colonizing totals 890.7 870.4 20.3(-2%) w CTE Greene Environmental Services. LLC 90 Hain Produce Rd. Snow Hill. NC 28580 RECEIVED AUG Z 4 LUN DENR-LAND QUALITY STORMWATER PERMITTINal, LaGrange Site R99ional J*tpod At i lings F1#Id Klnvlt� W%, E, s 133 Figure 1— Vicinity Map 3.5 mi I � �IIII�'V2 Ch Bank Parcel Location rl F l r F Corn CTE Figure 2 — USGS Topographic Map Greene Environmental Services. LLC 90 Ham Produce Rd. Snow Hill. NC 28580 10 • 33.0 r f, N.T.S I GEFigure 3 — Aerial Map Greene Environmental Services. LLC 90 Ham Produce Rd. Snow Hill. NC 28580 it CANAL NPS S D526'37*W 38.42' -'N _1,! , 3 -T U 7.939.70 sq. ft. TOTAL AC RES acres by computer HAM S70RAGE, LLC D.B. 1597, Pg. 114 P.C. 12, Pg. 99 of M rn 109,5 Nutrient Offset Area N 7542'31? 174.73' N 5522*41'E 58.15' N 5115'42"E 42.8" N 7530'29*W 130,57',,,;p -.S 6049*06'W 138.24' N 6936'55W 124,01' N 6619'06*W 38.54' N.T.S. Neuse Buffer Area: 37,939.70 sq. ft. (0.87 acres) Nutrient Offset Area: 109,581.98 sq. ft. (2.52 acres) (3E Figure 4 — Survey Excerpt Green* Environmental Services. LLC 90 Ham Produce Rd. Snow Hill. NC 28580 .12 GE Greene Environmental Services. LLC 90 Ham Produce Rd. Snow Hill. NC 28580 Figure 5. Monitoring Plot Locations 3 GE Greene Environmental Services. LLC 90 Ham Produce Rd. Snow Hill. NC 28580 Monitoring Plot LAG -1 Monitoring Plot LAG -2 Figure 6. Monitoring Plot Photographs 14 NW SW Seedling Number Monitoring Plot Map: LAG -1 Common Name NE 1 Taxodium distichum SE 10 __ _ e 11 -- 0 -1 -0 -; Sycamore 9 ff - - o r IT 8 — - River birch Live O Taxodium distichum Bald cypress 6 _ _ 0'4 O 7 . Bald cypress Live 7 9 Bald cypress 0 5 8 o 14 t Live 9 Taxodium distichum Bald cypress Live 10 Platanus occidentalis Sycamore Live 11 Taxodium distichum Bald cypress 2 _ 0.2 Taxodium distichum Bald cypress 1 _ 0 1 Quercus alba 0 14 Betula nigra River birch Live 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 IOM NW SW Seedling Number Species Common Name Status in 2014 1 Taxodium distichum Bald cypress Live 2 Platanus occidentalis Sycamore Live 3 uercus pagoda Cherrybark oak Live 4 Betula ni ra River birch Live 5 Taxodium distichum Bald cypress Live 6 Taxodium distichum Bald cypress Live 7 Taxodium distichum Bald cypress Live 8 Taxodium distichum Bald cypress Live 9 Taxodium distichum Bald cypress Live 10 Platanus occidentalis Sycamore Live 11 Taxodium distichum Bald cypress Live 12 Taxodium distichum Bald cypress Live 13 Quercus alba White oak Live 14 Betula nigra River birch Live Figure 7. Monitoring plot map for plot LAG -1; 100 mZ monitoring plot at LaGrange Parcel. Year 2014 Annual Report, Greene Environmental Services, LLC. 15 Monitoring Plot Map: LAG -2 NE SE 10I O 7 pq — - -- i i r { 9 - - - -�- - - ;- — - 6 5 O'_6 8 - -- I i 7 6 1 — E9 13 0 5 -- pt-2— 4 1---0 ,l 2 1 - - O- 3 —0- 16 - -- - - , 0 _ O�17� _! _.. -�__ - -_ O! 14 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 , 10 m NW SW Seedling Number Species Common Name Status in 2014 I Betula ni ra River birch Live 2 Betula ni ra River birch Live 3 Taxodium distichum Bald cy ress Live 4 Betula nigra River birch Live 5 Betula nigra River birch Live 6 Quercus michauxii Swamp chestnut oak Live 7 N ssa s lvatica Black gum Live 8 Taxodium distichum Bald cypress Live 9 N ssa s lvatica Black gum Live 10 Taxodium distichum Bald cypress Live 11 Taxodium distichum Bald cy ress Live 12 Taxodium distichum Bald cypr ess Live 13 Platanus occidentalis Sycamore Live 14 Platanus occidentalis Sycamore Live 15 N ssa sylvatica Black gum Live 16 Platanus occidentalis Sycamore Live 17 N ssa s lvatica Black gu m Live Figure 8. Monitoring plot map for plot LAG -2; 100 m2 monitoring plot at LaGrange Parcel. Year 2014 Annual Report, Greene Environmental Services, LLC. 16