FW: Sassarixa Swamp MY 2 Review

Baker, Caroline D
From: Hamilton, Ryan
Sent: Wednesday, January 18, 2023 4:50 PM
To: Baker, Caroline D
Subject: FW: Sassarixa Swamp MY 2 Review
Hi Caroline,
Please file
Laserfiche Upload: Email
DWR#: 2019-0661
Doc Date:01/18/2023
Doc Type: Mitigation monitoring Report Review
Doc Name: Same as email subject
Thanks,
Ryan Hamilton
401 & Buffer Permitting Branch
Division of Water Resources
North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality
[phone] Cell
Location: 512 N. Salisbury Street, Archdale Building, Raleigh, NC 27604
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Email correspondence to and from this address is subject to the
North Carolina Public Records Law and may be disclosed to third parties.
From: Hamilton, Ryan
Sent: Wednesday, January 18, 2023 4:49 PM
To: Jason Lorch <[e-mail]>
Cc: Andrea Eckardt <[e-mail]>; Merritt, Katie <[e-mail]>
Subject: Sassarixa Swamp MY 2 Review
Hi Jason,
DWR has reviewed the Year 2 Monitoring Report for the Sassarixa Swamp Site. Comments on the report are
provided as follows:
1. Supplemental planting over 5.4 acres of the site was conducted in February 2022. Neither the Year 1 report
summary, the plot data collected in September of 2021, nor any comments from DWR review on the Year 1
report, suggested issues warranting the need to provide such extensive supplemental planting along
T6. Additionally, there was not an Adaptive Management Plan submitted to DWR for review and
approval. Explain why Wildlands was prompted to perform adaptive management and why Wildlands did
not consult with DWR prior to implementation.

2. Extending comment #1: Based on plot data in the Yr 2 report along T6 (plots 16-19), performance standards
exceeded 526-809 stems/acre for year 2. Plot data alone for Year 2, does not suggest poor performance of
stems in this T6 tract area. Are the plots representative of the area around them? Did Wildlands plant
inside the plots during their planting efforts in February 2022?
3. Extending comment #1: The parcel adaptive management section of the Yr 2 report states the additional
stems from the Feb. 2022 replant, were planted across the T6 tract, but there were no figures included in
the report showing the replant. Provide a clear map depicting where along the site Wildlands performed
supplemental planting in 2022. Lastly, the provider is required to notify DWR of all adaptive management,
including extensive supplemental planting efforts, and receive approval prior to implementation. Explain
why Wildlands did not engage DWR on the supplemental planting effort prior to implementation.
4. Please provide more information on the proposed 8.1 acres of adaptive management proposed for Winter
2022-2023. This is a substantial supplemental planting effort, yet little was provided in the year 2 report
explaining why Wildlands needs to replant (example: tree mortality, Encroachment, Cattle access, Fescue
competition, ???). Additionally, the monitoring report says, "along various tributaries" and the maps do not
provide any indication of planned adaptive management. Describe where the intended replanting effort
will take place specifically, and provide an explanation as to why the replant is necessary considering the
plot data is not supporting the need to replant? Include in your response, a detailed figure depicting
anticipated areas for replanting. Any replant not necessary within the Bank's conservation easement
boundary does not need to be depicted.
5. It is highly suggested that thinning of lobolly pine and sweet gums are included in the adaptive
management plan, especially in plots 4,9 and 13, despite there not being issues with over -competition at
this time.
6. DWR is also curious if similar issues are present within riparian restoration areas of the Sassarixa Swamp
Phase I DMS Full Delivery site. Explain.
7. Vigor data is required for all plots and should be included in future monitoring reports.
Once DWR receives a response to all comments above, DWR will consider issuance of a partial credit release with
the remaining credits to be released upon confirmation that the AMP has been fully implemented. Additionally,
confirmation of bond renewal through next year's monitoring period will also be required before the issuance of a
credit release.
Thank you for your patience,
Ryan Hamilton
401 & Buffer Permitting Branch
Division of Water Resources
North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality
[phone] Cell
Location: 512 N. Salisbury Street, Archdale Building, Raleigh, NC 27604
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Email correspondence to and from this address is subject to the
North Carolina Public Records Law and may be disclosed to third parties.