20140073 Ver 2_Year 3 Monitoring Report_2022_20230213

Mitigation Project Information Upload
ID#* 20140073
Version* 2
Select Reviewer: *
Katie Merritt
Initial Review Completed Date 02/15/2023
Mitigation Project Submittal - 2/13/2023
..................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
Is this a Prospectus, Technical Proposal or a New Site? * 0 Yes O No
Type of Mitigation Project:*
Stream Wetlands Buffer Nutrient Offset
(Select all that apply)
Project Contact Information
Contact Name: *
Email Address: *
Jeremiah Dow [e-mail]
Project Information
ID#:*
20140073
Existing ID#
Project Type:
• DMS Mitigation Bank
Version:* 2
Project Name: Green Valley Farms Riparian Buffer Mitigation
Site
County:
Randolph
Document Information
Mitigation Document Type: *
Mitigation Monitoring Report
File Upload:
Signature
............................................
Print Name: *
Signature:*
Existing Version
GreenValleyFarmll_100111_MY3_2022.pdf 5.97MB
Please upload only one PDF of the complete file that needs to be submitted...
Jeremiah Dow

Year 3 Monitoring Report
FINAL
Green Valley Farm II Mitigation Project
DMS Project #: 1001111 Contract #: 7862 1 DWR # 20140073v2 I RFP: 16-007703
Randolph County, North Carolina
Cape Fear River Basin
Randleman Lake Watershed
HUC 03030003
Prepared By:
fires
Resource Environmental Solutions, LLC
For Environmental Banc and Exchange, LLC
Prepared For:
NC Department of Environmental Quality
Division of Mitigation Services
February 2023

fires
February 3, 2023
Jeremiah Dow
NC DEQ Division of Mitigation Services
217 West Jones Street
Raleigh, NC 27604
3600 Glenwood Avenue, Suite 100
Raleigh, NC 27612
Corporate Headquarters
6575 West Loop South, Suite 300
Bellaire, TX 77401
Main: 713.520.5400
RE: RES Green Valley Farm 11: Year 3 Monitoring Report (NCDMS ID 100111)
Listed below are comments provided by DMS on January 13, 2023 regarding the RES Green
Valley Farm 11: Draft Year 3 Monitoring Report and RES' responses.
1. A witness post needs installed at the corner monument in the southeast corner in the
woods near VP 3. It may be worthwhile to verify other corners are properly marked,
specifically those in the woods on the east side of the project.
RES will perform a site walk to check all corners of the Project are properly marked.
2. There was extensive scalloping observed between corner posts on the west side of the
project. Please describe the steps that will be taken in MY4 to address the issue.
RES will install additional t-posts between corner posts along the farm field side of the
easement.
3. On the east side near VPs 1 & 2 there is evidence that a vehicle has driven through the
easement. There is horse tape there now, but it is unclear if the encroachment is still
occurring. Please add additional posts if the encroachment continues.
RES plans to add additional posts and woody debris to this area to prevent driving.

Table of Contents
1 Project Summary.................................................................................................................................... 1
1.1 Project Location and Description.............................................................................................. 1
1.2 Monitoring Protocol and Project Success Criteria.................................................................... 1
1.3 Project Components.................................................................................................................. 2
1.4 Riparian Mitigation Approach................................................................................................... 3
1.5 Construction and As -Built Conditions...................................................................................... 3
1.6 Year 3 Monitoring Performance................................................................................................ 3
2 Reference................................................................................................................................................4
Annendix A: Background Tables and Site Mans
Table 1:
Buffer Project Areas and Assets
Table 2:
Project Activity and Reporting History
Table 3:
Project Contacts Table
Table 4:
Project Background Information
Figure 1:
Site Location Map
Figure 2:
Current Conditions Plan View
Annendix B: Vegetation Assessment Data
Table 5: Plant Species Summary
Table 6: Supplemental Planted Species
Table 7: Vegetation Plot Mitigation Success Summary Table
Table 8: Stem Count Total and Planted by Plot Species
Appendix C: Vegetation Monitoring Plot Photos
n

I Proiect Summary
L I Project Location and Description
The Green Valley Farm II Project is within the Randleman Lake Watershed of the Cape Fear River Basin
within the 8-digit Hydrologic Unit Code (HUC) 03030003, 14-digit HUC 03030003010070 and DWR Sub -
basin Number 03-06-08.
The Project is located in Randolph County approximately 2.3 miles northwest of Level Cross, North
Carolina (Figure 1). To access the Project head North on Randleman Road from city center for one mile
and turn left on Hockett Dairy Road. Go about 1.3 miles before taking a farm access road to reach the
project, on the right side. The coordinates are 35.9086 °N and-79.833 'W.
Environmental Banc & Exchange, LLC (EBX), a wholly -owned subsidiary of Resource Environmental
Solutions (RES), is pleased to provide this Monitoring Report for the Green Valley Farm II Riparian
Buffer Mitigation Project (Project) as a full -delivery buffer mitigation project for the Division of Mitigation
Services (DMS) (DMS 9100111). This Project provides riparian buffer mitigation credits for unavoidable
impacts due to development within the Randleman Lake Watershed (Figure 1). This Monitoring Report
is in accordance with the Consolidated Buffer Mitigation Rule 15A NCAC 02B .0295 and the Randleman
Lake Water Supply Watershed Buffer Rule 15A NCAC 02B .0250.
The conservation easement of the Green Valley Farm II Project totals approximately 7.19 acres and includes
two unnamed tributaries that drain directly into Randleman Lake approximately 1,000 feet downstream of
the Project. Land use within the Project parcel was primarily actively farmed row crops and newly planted
riparian forest. The goal of the Project was to restore ecological function to the existing stream and riparian
area by establishing appropriate plant communities while minimizing temporal and land disturbing impacts.
Riparian area improvements help filter runoff from agricultural fields, thereby reducing nutrient and
sediment loads to Project channels and the overall watershed. Restoration, of the Randleman Lake riparian
area (as defined in 15A NCAC 02B .0250), results in a reduction of the water quality stressors affecting the
Project. This Project is consistent with the management strategy for maintaining and protecting riparian
areas in the Randleman Lake watershed.
The easement is comprised of four sections, separated by two crossings and UT4. This Project surrounds
an existing DMS project, Green Valley Farm Buffer Restoration Site (DMS # 95012, 2014-0073v1) that
was closed out (Figure 2). The Green Valley II Project is composed of two stream channels: UT1 and UT4.
Both of these reaches are outside of the actual easement boundaries but included in the previous Green
Valley Farm Project. UT4 is a tributary to UT1, which then flows into Randleman Lake. UT1 is
approximately 1,677 linear feet and is on the western side of the project. UT4 is approximately 590 linear
feet and runs between the four easement segments. Stream identifications were verified by the DWR site
visit on September 1, 2011, as well as a re-evaluation for UT4 on February 23, 2017.
1.2 Monitoring Protocol and Project Success Criteria
Vegetation monitoring and visual assessments are to be conducted annually. Riparian area vegetation
monitoring is based on the "Carolina Vegetation Survey -Ecosystem Enhancement Program Protocol for
Recording Vegetation: Level 2 Plot Sampling Only Version 4.2". Monitoring plots were installed a
minimum of 100 meters squared in size and covered at least two percent of the planted mitigation area.
These plots were randomly placed throughout the planted riparian restoration area and was representative
of the riparian area restoration. The following data was recorded for all trees in the plots: species, height,
Green Valley Farm II Mitigation Project 1 Year 3 Monitoring Report
Project 9100111 February 2023

planting date (or volunteer), and grid location. All stems in plots were flagged with flagging tape. There are
six fixed vegetation monitoring plots (Figure 2).
Photos are to be taken at all vegetation plot origins each monitoring year and be provided in the annual
reports. Visual inspections and photos are to be taken to ensure that restoration areas are being maintained
and compliant. The measures of vegetative success for the Project are the survival of at least four native
hardwood tree species, where no one species is greater than 50 percent of stems, at a density of at least 260
stems per acre at the end of Year 5. Native volunteer species may be included to meet the performance
standards as determined by NC Division of Water Resources (DWR).
A visual assessment of the conservation easement was performed each year to confirm:
• No encroachment has occurred;
• No invasive species in areas where invasive species were treated;
• Diffuse flow is being maintained in the conservation easement areas; and there has not
been any cutting, clearing, filling, grading, or similar activities that would negatively affect
the functioning of the riparian area.
Component/ Monitoring Maintenance through project close-out
Feature
Vegetation Annual Vegetation shall be maintained to ensure the health and vigor of the targeted plant
vegetation community. Routine vegetation maintenance and repair activities may include
monitoring supplemental planting, pruning, mulching, and fertilizing. Exotic invasive plant species
shall be treated by mechanical and/or chemical methods. Any vegetation requiring
herbicide application will be performed in accordance with NC Department of
Agriculture (NCDA) rules and regulations. Vegetation maintenance activities will be
documented and reported in annual monitoring reports. Vegetation maintenance will
continue through the monitoring period.
Invasive and Nuisance Visual Invasive and noxious species will be monitored and treated so that none become
Vegetation Assessment dominant or alter the desired community structure of the Project. Locations of invasive
and nuisance vegetation will be mapped.
Project Boundary Visual Project boundaries shall be identified in the field to ensure clear distinction between the
Assessment mitigation project and adjacent properties. Boundaries will be marked with signs
identifying the property as a mitigation project and will include the name of the long-
term steward and a contact number. Boundaries may be identified by fence, marker,
bollard, post, tree -blazing, or other means as allowed by Project conditions and/or
conservation easement. Boundary markers disturbed, damaged, or destroyed will be
repaired and/or replaced on an as -needed basis. Easement monitoring and staking/
signage maintenance will continue in perpetuity as a stewardship activity.
Road Crossing Visual Road crossings within the Project may be maintained only as allowed by conservation
Assessment easement or existing easement, deed restrictions, rights of way, or corridor agreements.
Crossings in easement breaks are the responsibility of the landowner to maintain.
1.3 Project Components
This Project generates 175,509.615 riparian restoration credits on existing cropland. These riparian
mitigation credits generated service Randleman Lake buffer impacts within the Randleman Lake watershed.
The total mitigation credits that the Green Valley Farm II Mitigation Project generates are summarized
below and in Table 1.
Green Valley Farm II Mitigation Project 2 Year 3 Monitoring Report
Project 9100111 February 2023

Rural Subject
Restoration UTU4
50-100 110,917 1 1
100% 1.00000 110,917.000
Rural Subject
Restoration UTU4
101-200 195,735 1
33% 3.03030 64,592.615
TOTALS
306.652
175,509.615
1.4 Riparian Mitigation Approach
Restoration efforts along UT1 and UT4 were accomplished through the planting, establishment, and
protection of a hardwood forest community. The result was a riparian habitat that functions to mitigate
nutrient and sediments inputs from the surrounding uplands. Traditional riparian restoration, as outlined in
15A NCAC 02B .0295 (n), was utilized. All riparian restoration activities took place within the 50-200'
riparian area along to UT1 and UT4 and was subject to crediting and ratios as outlined in the Consolidated
Buffer Mitigation Rule. Mitigation ratios followed those provided in the Consolidated Buffer Mitigation
Rule. Prior to the issuance of the RFP (916-007703), RES received approval for restoration on February
27, 2012, and an update on March 24, 2017. RES received an email from DWR on May 13, 2019, that
indicated that an updated site visit was not necessary.
1.5 Construction and As Built Conditions
Revegetation of the Site included treating invasive species and planting native hardwood bareroot trees.
Prior to planting, RES prepped the Site by spraying and ripping the easement. Piedmont Alluvial Forest is
the target community type for the riparian restoration areas. The community is defined by Schafale (2012).
The planting of bareroot trees occurred in May 2020. Deviations from the initial planting plan were due to
bareroot availability. A list of the planted tree species can be found in Table 5. Additionally, a temporary
and permanent seed mixture was applied in areas where row crops were present. Among a variety of seeds,
the mixture also included black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta) which is a perennial, pollinator species.
1.6 Year 3 Monitoring Performance
Monitoring of the six permanent vegetation plots was completed on October 6, 2022. Vegetation tables are
in Appendix B and associated photos are in Appendix C. Year 3 monitoring data indicates that six out of
six plots are exceeding the success criteria of 260 planted stems per acre. Planted stem densities ranged
from 405 to 890 planted stems per acre with a mean of 634 planted stems per acre across all plots. A total
of 14 species were documented within the plots. Volunteer species were noted at Year 3 monitoring and
are expected to increase in upcoming years. The average tree height observed was 3.7 feet.
In response to Vegetation Plot 6 not meeting success and visual monitoring in MY2, the southern areas of
the easement, about 5.33 acres, were supplemental planted with 1,500 container trees on April 6, 2022. RES
attributes the low stem density areas to Johnson grass competition. A mix of 1, 2, 3, and 5-gallon containers
were used. Species and container sizes are in Appendix B. RES mowed strips and treated the Johnson grass
before planting the new container trees. RES also sprayed rings around the newly planted trees in May to
keep the competition down. There were signs of minor easement encroachment in MY3 that will be
addressed in MY4. Encroachment repairs include adding additional posts between corners along the farm
field and blocking a driving path with posts and woody debris on the eastern portion of the easement.
Green Valley Farm II Mitigation Project 3 Year 3 Monitoring Report
Project 9100111 February 2023

2 Reference
Lee Michael T., Peet Robert K., Roberts Steven D., and Wentworth Thomas R., 2008. CVS-EEP Protocol
for Recording Vegetation Level. Version 4.2
NC Environmental Management Commission. 2014. Rule 15A NCAC 02B.0295 - Mitigation Program
Requirements for the Protection and Maintenance of Riparian Buffers.
NC Environmental Management Commission. 2010. Rule 15A NCAC 02B .0250 - Randleman Lake Water
Supply Watershed: Protection and Maintenance of Existing Riparian Buffers.
Resource Environmental Solutions, LLC (2020). Green Valley Farm II Mitigation Project — Final
Mitigation Plan.
Schafale, M.P. 2012. Classification of the Natural Communities of North Carolina, Fourth
Approximation. North Carolina Natural Heritage Program, Division of Parks and Recreation,
NCDENR, Raleigh, NC.
Green Valley Farm II Mitigation Project 4 Year 3 Monitoring Report
Project 9100111 February 2023

Appendix A
Proj ect Background Tables and Site Maps

U
w
E
R
Z
v
LL
w
I�
I �
H
G!
O.
F N N
U

Table 2. Project Activity and Reporting History
Green Valley Farm II Site
Elapsed Time Since planting complete: 2 year 7 months
Number of reporting Years : 3
Activity or Deliverable
Data Collection
Complete
Completion or
Delivery
Restoration Plan
NA
Jan-20
Final Design — Construction Plans
NA
NA
Stream Construction
NA
NA
Site Planting
NA
May-20
As -built (Year 0 Monitoring — baseline)
May-20
Jun-20
Year 1 Monitoring
Nov-20
Dec-20
Year 2 Monitoring
Nov-21
Nov-21
Supplemental Tree Planting
N/A
Apr-22
Johnson Grass Ring Spray
N/A
May-22
Year 3 Monitoring
Oct-22
Nov-22
Year 4 Monitoring
Year 5 Monitoring
= The number of reports or data points produced excluding the baseline

Table 3. Project Contacts Table
Green Valley Farm II Site
Planting Contractor
H&J Forestry
Planting contractor POC
Matt Hitch
Nursery Stock Suppliers
Arborgen
Monitoring Performers
RES / 3600 Glenwood Ave, Suite 100, Raleigh, NC 27612
Monitoring POC
Grayson Sanner [phone]

Table 4. Project Background Information
Project Name
Green Valley Farm II
County
Randolph
Project Area (acres)
7.19
Project Coordinates (latitude and longitude)
Latitude: 35.9086 N Longitude:-79.833 W
Planted Acreage (Acres of Woody Stems Planted)
7.19
Project Watershed Summary Information
Physiographic Province
Southern Outer Piedmont
River Basin
Randleman Lake
USGS Hydrologic Unit 8-digit
03030003
USGS Hydrologic Unit 14-digit
03030003010070
DWR Sub -basin
03-06-08

a"
m
0
U
IC Beck dba/Q
h & Stanley...
a
w
o0
C
Invitations Express
Hodgin Far
M Rd
a
o:
0
c
3
0
0
Arborfield or
E
ID
a�
� J
d
a O
O
mta 2 E
n
R
O 2.
t ges
A
m
N
O
S
Kerner ille i� ?
Greensboro
Green Valley Farm II
Hockett Daily Rd Hockett Dairy Mitigation Project
tew Rd HockFic Dairy Rrl Hockett Dairy R` �
Jamestov, r
Pleasant
3 Ng Point Garden
a
rchdale CI
Legend Trin
homasville
Conservation Easement
Randleman Lake Service Area
E ndle an Gr
- NC DMS Conservation Easement
" Figure 1 - Project Vicinity Date: 10/13/2022
w F
Green Valley Farm II Drawn by: GDS pres
5 Mitigation Project
0 500 1,000 g Checked by: MDE
1 inch =l,000 feet
Feet Randolph Count North Carolina ees or ngoresd(enr eorth for o modern world

R/\/\/\/\A

Appendix B
Vegetation Assessment Data

Appendix B. Vegetation Assessment Data
Table 5. Green Valley Farm II Planted Species Summary
Common Name
Scientific Name
Total Stems Planted
Willow Oak
Quercus phellos
1,900
River Birch
Betula nigra
1,200
White Oak
Quercus alba
1,100
Water Oak
Quercus nigra
1,000
American Sycamore
Platanus occidentalis
800
Tulip Poplar
Liriodendron tulipfera
800
Southern Crabapple
Malus angustifolia
800
Northern Red Oak
Quercus rubra
600
Common Persimmon
Diospyros virginiana
500
American Plum
Prunusamericana
500
Eastern Redbud
Cercis canadensis
500
Common Elderberry
Sambucus canadensis
2
Black Walnut
Juglans nigra
1
Total
10,01
Table 6. Green Valley Farm II Supplemental Planted Species
Common Name
Size (gallons)
Stems Planted
Cherrybark oak
1
33
American Elm
1
63
2
148
3
20
Hackberry
5
79
Pawpaw
3
40
Pin oak
1
223
3
148
Tulip poplar
3
26
5
31
Red oak
3
10
Redbud
3
46
River birch
1
110
2
121
3
59
Shumard oak
1
116
3
4
Sycamore
5
12
White oak
1
78
3
55
Willow oak
1
78
Total
1500

Appendix B. Vegetation Assessment Data
Table 7. Green Valley Farm II Vegetation Plot Mitigation Success Summary
Average
Success
Planted
Volunteer
Total
Planted
Plot #
Criteria
Stems/Acre
Stems/Acre
Stems/Acre
Stem
Met?
Height (ft)
1
890
4532
5423
Yes
3.3
2
769
567
1335
Yes
4.0
3
486
0
486
Yes
3.5
4
769
81
850
Yes
2.8
5
486
162
647
Yes
3.5
6
405
0
405
Yes
6.0
Project Avg
634
890
1524
Yes
3.7

§§�
a
:§
77
77
;
77
77
77
;
77
;
,)
7;
/
-!r
�E
(m\m
j)`f
)
§`Eftr§3f{/E{ff
§)0
�\;f)ou:E
j
0§;«{{j}{\ju<
z/>
:)§!\7§&{0\!\7®
2&}3§§
-
;(�e:/:§(
`\\j\})\\\\\\\j\\\\\\\

Appendix C
Vegetation Monitoring Plot Photos

000,