GUC Year 3 Monitoring Report Notes

From:Hamilton, Ryan
To:Baker, Caroline D
Subject:GUC Year 3 Monitoring Report Notes
Date:Thursday, May 18, 2023 11:22:36 AM
Attachments:image001.png
Hi Caroline,
Please file
Laserfiche Upload: Email
DWR#: 2017-1122v2
Doc Date: 1/12/2023
Doc Type: Mitigation monitoring Report Review
Doc Name: Same as email subject
Thanks,
Not requesting a credit release for MY3
Site conditions have declined considerably from MY2 to MY3.
Only 35 out of 80 (40%) vegetation plots meet density success criteria compared to
59/80 (68%) in MY2
Average planted stem density is 240.5 per acre compared to 334 in MY2
Only 4/17 random transects met success criteria
Low stem survival is primarily being thought to be caused by poor soil conditions along with
adverse climate patterns
2021 maintenance summary
12 pigs were trapped and removed in coordination with USDA
24,650 stems were planted in accordance with the AMP
Due to poor initial planting conditions
2022 Maintenance Summary
An additional 14,350 stems were planted in March 2022 across 24.5 acres of low vigor
area thought to be due the drought in 2021
A total of 100,900 stems have been planted, 39,000 coming from parcel maintenance
30 different tree species were initially planted
Of the 35 plots that are meeting density requirements, 7 did not meet the diversity
requirements meaning only 28 out of 80 plots (35%) actually meets success criteria
Only 68 stems are above 90cm roughly 3 feet in height
All plot photos show overgrown grasses and vegetation with very few visible stems
No vigor
Letter attached to the MR discusses how soil moisture has been a continuous problem and
drought will likely continue to be a problem. Based on the soil conditions and unfavorable
drought conditions, RS is proposing to plant test areas throughout the site in January and
February 2023:
3750 stems planted across 7.29 acres
3 additional species that are drought resistant
2023 monitoring will include additional sampling in this test area
RS would like to meet with DWR to discuss the draft plan

Ryan Hamilton (he/him)
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
Email correspondence to and from this address is subject to the
North Carolina Public Records Law and may be disclosed to third parties.
DEQ is updating its email addresses to @deq.nc.gov in phases from May 1st to June 9th.Employee
email addresses may look different, but email performance will not be impacted.
Email correspondence to and from this address may be subject to the North Carolina Public Records Law and may be disclosed to third
parties by an authorized state official.