20190158 Ver 1_Notice of NCDMS Adaptive Management Plan Review Brahma_20230130 (3)

December 1, 2022
Lindsay Crocker
Eastern Regional Supervisor
NC DEQ Division of Mitigation Services
217 West Jones St., Raleigh, NC 27603
Restoration Systems, LLC
1101 Haynes St. Suite 211
Raleigh, North Carolina
Ph: [phone]
Fx: [phone]
Subject: Brahma Mitigation Site: Remedial Action Plan for Additional Bare -Root Planting
Contract# 7743, DMS Project ID/IMS #: 100092, RFP: 16-007571
USACE Action ID No. SAW-2019-00126 & DWR Project No. 20190158
Mrs. Crocker,
During the 2022 growing season, Restoration Systems (RS) observed areas of low planted -stem densities
at the Brahma Mitigation Site (Site). These observations were confirmed by quantitative vegetation
surveying; results of the vegetation survey, both permanent plots and random transects, are included in
the MY2 (2022) Monitoring Report. The survey showed a site -wide average of 340 planted stems/acre,
excluding live stakes, slightly above the MY 3 vegetation success criteria of 320 stems per acre. However,
11 of the 23 surveyed plots/transects failed to achieve the 320 stems per acre criteria. The 11 failing
plots/transects averaged 209 stems/acre, below the MY7 vegetation success criteria for planted stems.
Vegetation mortality during MY1 and 2 mainly occurred in wetland credit areas where herbaceous
species have established. These are likely out -competing many of the smaller bare -root trees. Though
herbaceous growth across the Site is strong, IRS does not feel it is warranted to treat the herbaceous
layer at this time. Remedial bare -root planting will be of a higher -quality stock with species being a
minimum of 18"-24" inches tall with adequate root mass to help reduce mortality.
Based on the qualitative and quantitative assessments, IRS proposes implementing an adaptive
management plan, which includes 13.08 acres of bare -root planting within the Site's original 17.7-acre
planted area (Figure A — Attached). Table A lists proposed bare -root species and quantities. These stems
have been secured, and IRS anticipates planting in late January/early February of 2023.
Table A: Proposed Species and Quantity of Supplemental Planting
Vegetation Association: Piedmont/Low Mountain Alluvial Forest
Proposed Planting Area = 13.08 Acres
Species
Count
% of Total
Replant
Listed Mitigation
Plan Species
Wetland
Indicator
River birch (Betula nigra)
600
16.44%
Yes
FACW
Black Gum (Nyssa sylvatica)
550
15.07%
Yes
FAC
Green Ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica)
150
4.11%
Yes
FACW
Oak Water (Quercus nigra)
550
15.07%
Yes
FAC
Oak Willow (Quercus phellos)
350
9.59%
Yes
FACW
Silky Dogwood (Cornus amomum)
350
9.59%
Yes
FACW
Sycamore (Platanus occidentalis)
550
15.07%
Yes
FACW
Tulip Poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera)
550
15.07%
Yes
FAC
Total
3,650
100
1101 Haynes St., Suite 211 • Raleigh, NC 27604 • www.restorationsystems.com • Ph 919.755.9490 • Fx 919.755.9492

December 1, 2022
Brahma Mitigation Site: Remedial Action Plan for Additional Bare -Root Planting
Page 2
MY2 data indicates the current planted stem density within the proposed replant area is roughly 209
stems per acre. RS intends to replant the designated areas to a density of 480 stems per acre or plant an
additional +/-270 stems per acre. As part of this effort, RS will replant permanent vegetation monitoring
plots 3-4, 6, 8, 11-16, 18, and 19. Though vegetation plot 17 is within the remedial planting area, the
MY2 vegetation survey recorded 14 living planted stems. RS is not planning to replant Plot 17.
RS will conduct four random vegetation transects within the replanted areas in the Spring of 2023 and
repeat the same transects in the Fall of 2023. Transect data will be presented in the MY3 (2023)
Monitoring Report.
Please let me know if you have any questions or if I can provide any additional information.
Sincerely,
Raymond Holz
Operations Manager
Restoration Systems, LLC
Attachment — Figure A, Remedial Planting Plan Figure

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