Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout20230766 Ver 1_signed DM Cheek Creek WSI Project0807_2019_20230526 I"Stj t""4 USDA 1��'1i1j�S Decision Memo (DM) Cheek Creek Watershed Rehabilitation Project USDA Forest Service Uwharrie National Forest Montgomery County, North Carolina I. Background The area of Cheek Creek (Hydrologic Unit Code 030401040401) just upstream where the creek is crossed by State Road (SR) 1563 has been damaged by unauthorized recreational off-highway vehicle (OHV) use leaving the state road to the south and driving in the floodplain and on side slopes of Cheek Creek, as well as unauthorized camping on the stream bank (Fig. 1, Fig. 2). This has created substantial stream bank disturbance, soil compaction and associated stream bank erosion and instability, and sedimentation into the creek, impacting aquatic and terrestrial plant and wildlife habitats. This reach of Cheek Creek is classified as Rosgen "C" stream type, with a degrading trend in the health due to unauthorized OHV vehicle use (Figs. 3-5). Based on field assessments of stream condition, erosion and sedimentation create the largest stressors to channel stability and aquatic habitat quality. No listed aquatic species is expected to occur in Cheek Creek. The desired condition for the creek is to have high quality riparian areas and diverse structural aquatic habitat that maintain hydrologic function and floodplain connectivity, improve stream stability, and minimize erosion and sedimentation. Decision Memo — Cheek Creek Watershed Rehabilitation Project 1 USDA S Cheek Creek -Watershed Improvement Project Uwharrie N.F. a } � 1 f� '14 i lc� F Watershed Improvement Project �! l �1 Location Fig. 1. Project location in Pekin area 12 miles southeast of Troy, NC. ' fl UWHARRIE NATIONAL FOREST CHEEK CREEK l F WATERSHED IMPROVEMENT DECISION MEMO I�OY1Kaae_JY,e � ,,LL �' - �GMtrltlWdTRRIIMtYY-]YMa Wfee has Rva I �`�— r � •�' � r• I .% b IF OYvc F.Jones �1 � `t Fig. 2. Site of project area. 2 Decision Memo — Cheek Creek Watershed Rehabilitation Project USDA � i► aS OIL Fig. 3. Area of vegetation and soil disturbance at the site where unauthorized camping occurs near the SR 1563 crossing. Note the compacted soils directly connected to the stream and the "mudding" hole next to the stream. i «:f T; ;sue, --rx-°; - •ti;� _ �` ;, ,r, •'-; , Fig. 4. Facing uphill from Cheek Creek where recreational vehicles access and cross the creek from SR 1463. Decision Memo — Cheek Creek Watershed Rehabilitation Project 3 USDA U�►S n� � A 4 Fig. S. Disturbance and compaction of the stream bank from recreational vehicles driving up and down into and from the Cheek Creek channel and across to the opposite bank. II. Decision II.a. Selection of categorical exclusion It is my decision that this proposed action meets the requirements of 36 CFR 220.6(e)(1) and Forest Service Handbook 1909.15 Section 32-2 for the categorical exclusion 36 CFR 220.6(e)(7): Modification or maintenance of stream or lake aquatic habitat improvement structures using native materials or normal practices. This categorical exclusion is applicable to this decision because the proposed action involves enhancement of Cheek Creek and biodiversity using in-stream structures in order to restore site productivity and reduce environmental impacts,which is fully consistent with the Uwharrie National Forest Land and Resource Management Plan (2012). II.b. Description of the Action This action as described here is approved for implementation: Coordinating with the North Carolina Department of Transportation,the Uwharrie NF will close unauthorized recreational vehicular access to the area where recreationists are driving off SR 1563 (Lovin' Hill Road) in the Pekin area approximately 12 miles southeast of Troy (Fig. 1) to access and recreate in the creek and camp along the creek in unauthorized campsites. The access points from SR 1563 will be barricaded on either side of the bridge and along Lovin' Hill Road on Forest Service property using a 0.2 miles of guardrail or large boulders (Fig. 2). 4 Decision Memo — Cheek Creek Watershed Rehabilitation Project USDA S To stabilize the disturbed areas, soil compaction on approximately % of an acre of the disturbed site will be rehabilitated using sub-soiling (breaking up the compacted soil) to encourage the establishment of stabilizing vegetation. Pine straw mulch and native seeds will be placed on all disturbed soils and native trees and shrubs will be planted. Using a tracked excavator, benches will be excavated in the area of damaged stream banks near the point of bank-full elevation and shrubs and root masses from the excavated area will be transplanted onto the bare bank and tied into existing vegetation to facilitate rooting for bank stabilization. An additional 0.3 miles of stream restoration will occur in the stream channel of Cheek Creek directly in the area of the stream bank and access work beginning just upstream (south) of the bridge and continuing to the Forest Service boundary to further barricade vehicular access across the creek and rehabilitate the compacted area. This work in the stream channel involves installing trees (log vane in-stream structures) and toe-wood with plant transplants in the channel to divert high stream-flows away from eroding banks and to form pool habitats among riffles to create structural diversity (Figs. 6-7). Construction of TOE WOOD(with Transplants)& Bankfull Bench Typical Structure,,I'be constructed using Witdland Hydto!og,2012 des,gn 'snna i�wte- �. •,;� Cross Section '•i r', ,�L EXCAVATED BANK MATERIAL UPPER BANK 2t DES t`," �ovsTRUrnourrt:stsw.��s[oLrt.% k ONE STAKES t Cacawta upper bardno conuructa mttumurn t t rope Lem 8 ba+tktull to tetncceleremn � Ba�.em Dnert xt<atrd{w-from banl; y Caca�at<6<oewruce toe wcod benchandne..clunnelpool feature bared on rckrence paol dureruanr Placefoundaeonbp onbertche tyr5°aloe Lorobaok and a TRAIISPUVITS(SO40HAV BALES a place root wadlap< Wt, redo tfoundanonbgr t y Plac<fdkr tmterul teg trees.by tops --,deb—p—MI ro toa w.ds ', /JI a Add temporary counter-4ht to submerge by 6 place shalbw bacAlU on ': ' ::•� .- BACKNLL A GUMOS...... owin„. u.. Re—e—porarr wmght a pl—lne stake cunutgs on toe wood end place baeWW error curottp 8 ibce cou outer-g becl to the bnk ka:>7g recru+m;ma:o:.g hanpn;o,er the Lam of the toe—d to be puaed up mer the - _ TOE VWOOD r -rplann rad hey bekrm a'surrto'9 Caca+arrrhrubnanrplamrieg aket COI7STRUCTED.tp.,buth ,Ikw and pbce on toe wood up to benkfu0 eln anon then may need to b< WOOD BE 4CH {a}reed to r<ech benl5dl ek•aoon PI—h—takrcutnnp be,—.tq er.n.hen natbblO CONSTRUCTED Seed bank with name teedhcoter tretuplan:a ara sbpel6anl. CHWHJEL BOTTOM wvh cou<roston cmtoi—mg Pone btr reakrs�-to ermtplanes M bekt and b!:to help-ps" sad uu.b..I- PI ant t—d thrubr on upper b" Brad,0.00 rofNC ny0ro Fig. 6. Toe-wood and Bankfull bench diagram for installation in Cheek Creek to rehabilitate and stabilize streambanks and to revegetate riparian area and streamside. Decision Memo — Cheek Creek Watershed Rehabilitation Project 5 np,` t USDA 1/8 TO I/4 OF END OF 0 LOGS BURIED IN Log Vane Detail STREAM BED WITH BOULDER ON TOP AT BED ELEVATION AS _ NEEDED - � A LOGS PLACED AT A20-W 3 A ANGLE FROM BANK AND AT A -6%SLOPE FROM APPROX p Y.BANKFULL ELEVATION S. EXTENDING FROM BANK TOY. TO 113 OF CHANNEL WIDTH Constructed Pool .OM A- — A NOIRVOVEN Banl M GEOTEXTILE FABRIC PLACED RIVER ROCK LOGS TOPS OF TREES BURIED UNDER Constructed FABRIC d RIVER ROCK I Fig. 7. Log vane in-stream structure for installation to stabilize stream channel and improve structural diversity. Il.c.Analysis of Extraordinary Circumstances I find that there are no extraordinary circumstances that warrant further analysis and documentation in an EA or EIS. I took into account resource conditions identified in 36 CFR 220.6(a-b) and Forest Service Handbook 1909.15, Chapter 30, Section 30.4 (Interim Directive No 1909.15-2004-1) as documented here: 11.c.1. Federally-listed threatened or endangered species or designated critical habitat,species proposed for Federal listing or proposed critical habitat, or Forest Service Sensitive Species The Biological Evaluation (BE) for wildlife and botany was conducted for this project by the Croatan and Uwharrie National Forest Zone Wildlife Biologist and Botanist. The Wildlife Biologist received the list of aquatic species that may occur in Montgomery County as part of Section 7 informal consultation on June 12, 2019, and reviewed the site for terrestrial species. The Botanist visited the project area on May 18, 2017 and several times after that. The site is highly damaged from unauthorized camping and recreation use, and no terrestrial or aquatic species of concern are expected to occur. The analysis in the BE upon which this section is taken conforms with legal requirements set forth in Section 7(a)(2) of the Endangered Species Act (19 U.S.C. 1536), and the direction given in Forest Service Manual (FSM) 2671.44 and 2672.41-42, using best available information as documented in the BE. The BE was 6 Decision Memo — Cheek Creek Watershed Rehabilitation Project USDA �B submitted to the USFWS on June 24, 2019 and concurrence obtained on July 31, 2019. II.c.1.A. Terrestrial Wildlife The BE analysis determined that the project may affect, but is not likely to adversely affect the Federally-threatened northern long-eared bat (Myotis septentrionalis) and will not cause prohibited incidental take. Temporary adverse impacts could involve inadvertently removing an unknown roost tree during removal of vegetation for stream bank and stream rehabilitation, or harassment of individual bats caused by disturbance associated with human presence and noise during rehabilitation operations, in the low risk that bats may be present. Based on surveys, no known winter hibernacula or maternity roosts occur on the Uwharrie NF. Per the discretionary framework process identified in the final 4(d) rule, at least 30 days in advance of funding, authorizing, or carrying out this action, the Uwharrie NF will provide written notification of the determination of effect on the NLEB to the Asheville Office of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife. USFWS concurrence is not required, and if the USFWS does not respond within 30 days,the Uwharrie may presume it determination is informed by best available information and consider its project responsibilities under Section 7(a)(2) with respect to the NLEB fulfilled through the programmatic BO. The Federally-endangered red-cockaded woodpecker (Picoides borealis) is not currently known to exist on the Uwharrie NF, and the forest is on the extreme western portion of its range. The Uwharrie NF has a dynamic and active program of prescribed burning for removing understory from longleaf pine forests, and transitioning pine stands to native longleaf and shortleaf pine for increasing diversity,which may provide suitable habitat over the following decades. However, red-cockaded woodpeckers are very slow to spread to unoccupied habitats. This project will therefore have no effect on red-cockaded woodpecker or habitats that play a vital role in species recovery. The state-protected southern hognose snake (Heterodon simus), northern pine snake (Pituophis melanoleucus melanoleucus), and eastern coral snake (Micrurus fulvius) could potentially have habitat in the primarily longleaf pine/oak-dominated forest of the project location,where they burrow underground and in fallen logs and debris. Due to the mobility of these species, in the low chance that they might be present,they will likely move out of the area of disturbance. Resulting vegetation on and near the streambanks may actually create habitat for the southern hog-nosed snake. Therefore,the proposed project will have no impact on these species. The remainder of the terrestrial species were excluded from the analysis because they are not known to occur on the Uwharrie NF, or because specialized habitats such as seeps, wetlands, open glades or pastures, and hollow trees do not occur in the project area. Decision Memo — Cheek Creek Watershed Rehabilitation Project 7 M1[S R� USDA U�►S II.c.1.13. Aquatic Animal Species The USFWS identified four aquatic species that might be found in Montgomery County rivers and streams: one fish -the Cape Fear shiner, and three freshwater mussels - the Atlantic pigtoe,the brook floater, and the Savannah lilliput. None of these are known to occur on the Uwharrie Ranger District. The shiner is not known to occur in Montgomery County. It is unlikely that the Savannah lilliput could occur in Cheek Creek,and the limited extent of the area and work in the creek would reduce the potential for adverse impact. The rehabilitation will actually improve habitat for this species when completed and established. II.c.1.C. Plant Species A survey for threatened and endangered plants was first conducted on May 18, 2017 by Andrew Walker, the Uwharrie and Croatan National Forests Zone Botanist. The site has been revisited several times since that date. The project area is at the northwest edge of the Cheek Creek Ridge,which is recognized as a Special Interest Management Area in the Uwharrie National Forest Land and Resource Management Plan due to its unique mafic geography and distinctive botanical communities. A population of glade wild-quinine (Parthenium auriculatum) near the top of the ridge is one of the largest known to occur within the state. The project area is at the base of the slope along Cheek Creek, and has been severely disturbed by illegal OHV activity and camping. A diversity of native plants associated with mafic soils persist at the site, including redbud (Cercis canadensis), painted buckeye (Aesculus sylvatica), southern sugar maple (Acer floridanum),and sweet shrub (Calycanthus floridanus). However,these desirable native species are now mixed with a variety of non-native invasive species (NNIS),which have become established as a result of ground disturbance resulting from the unauthorized OHV activity. Most prominent of the NNIS species are mimosa (Albizia julibrissin), Chinese privet (Ligustrum sinense), and sericea lespedeza (Lespedeza cuneata). An unauthorized-user created vehicle trail runs from the creek up the steep ridge slope and provides unauthorized access to the rest of the Special Interest Management Area. The proposed action of installing the guardrail to block the unauthorized activity should help prevent the further spread of NNIS and help protect the rare community types and overall integrity of the Cheek Creek Special Interest Management Area. No other federal or state listed plants were found during the botanical survey, including the Federally-endangered Schweinitz's sunflower (Helianthus schweintzii). ll.c. 2. Floodplains, wetlands, or municipal watersheds This action will not negatively affect any floodplains,wetlands, steep slopes, erosive soils or municipal watersheds. The purpose of the project is to restore the floodplain, creek banks,and creek itself to good ecological and structural condition from its damaged state caused by unauthorized recreational OHV and camping use. 8 Decision Memo — Cheek Creek Watershed Rehabilitation Project USDA Emc The North Carolina Department of Public Safety, Emergency Management requested compliance with EO 11988, F000dplain Management,which is intended to minimize impacts of floods on human safety, health, and welfare,and preserve natural and beneficial values of floodplains. The proposed closure of this section of Cheek Creek to OHV and camping use and rehabilitation of the damage to this section of Cheek Creek and its adjacent upland areas caused by repeated OHV use of the upland area and the creek itself necessarily involves siting rehabilitation actions directly within the creek and associated floodplain. The design of the rehabilitation action is intended to sustainably repair the damage, support natural regeneration of native vegetation, and re-create natural conditions of the creek bed to promote the growth of ecological biodiversity inherent in Cheek Creek. Therefore, the action is designed to minimize potential harm to or within the floodplain. Therefore, I have determined that this project complies with EO 11988 with its purpose and design, and, therefore, the request of the North Carolina Department of Public Safety, Emergency Management. Compliance with the US Army Corps of Engineers and state agency requirements per the Clean Water Act Section 404 will further ensure protection of the floodplain. ll.c.3. Congressionally-designated areas,such as wilderness, wilderness study areas, or national recreation areas The project area is not located within or near any Congressionally-designated areas, including the Birkhead Mountains Wilderness Area. II.c.4. Inventoried roadless areas or potential wilderness areas There are no inventoried roadless area or potential wilderness areas on the Uwharrie NF. II.c.5. Research Natural Areas There are no Research Natural Areas on the Uwharrie NF. Il.c.6. Archaeological sites, historic properties, and areas All work for this proposed action was conducted in accordance with the Programmatic Agreement (PA) dated 6/30/2009. The Uwharrie/Croatan Zone Archaeologist has determined that the proposed project has no potential for adverse or beneficial effect to a Historic Property or unevaluated cultural resource, and therefore is an Exempt Undertaking. No further Section 106 compliance documentation is required because the project is exempt from review or consultation under section (v) of the PA for undertakings in areas previously and appropriately surveyed. This area was previously surveyed by the Zone Archaeologist for the Prescribed Burn Preparation Analysis (Harmon and Noel 1993), and it was determined that the proposed watershed rehabilitation does not go through any National Register listed or eligible archaeological sites,historic properties, and/or areas, or have any unevaluated sites. Decision Memo — Cheek Creek Watershed Rehabilitation Project 9 USDA 0 Any unanticipated discoveries will be handled per the PA Part X and Appendix 6. The Department of Natural and Cultural Resource Natural Heritage Program had no comment on 02/01/2019 in response to the State Clearinghouse letter dated 02/05/2019. III. Public Involvement Public scoping for this proposed action was begun in December 2018, with a scoping letter that included the project description and map mailed December 17, 2018 to all adjacent landowners and no comments were received. It was first recorded on the National Forests of North Carolina's Schedule of Proposed Actions (SOPA) on January 2019, and updated on April 2019. The SOPA is available on the National Forest of North Carolina website https://www.fs.fed.us/sopa/components/reports/sopa-110811-2019-07.html All agencies included in the State Clearinghouse response dated 02/05/2019 not specifically recorded in Sections II.c.2 and V. provided no comment regarding the proposed action. IV. Findings Required by Other Laws and Regulations All management practices and activities of the action are consistent with management direction, including standard and guidelines, in the Uwharrie NF Land and Resource Management Plan (2012),which was developed in accordance with the National Forest Management Act of 1976, 15 USC 1604(i) and 36 CFR 219.10(e). This decision is consistent with the following desired future conditions and standards and guidelines in the Plan: IV.a. Desired Future Conditions for Soil,Water,and Fisheries: • 1: Aquatic ecosystems are diverse,with properly functioning streams providing high quality habitat for all native aquatic species, including non- game species. (pg. 12) • 5: Native fresh water mussel communities are diverse and represented by multiple age-classes,with signs of reproduction evident.Appropriate habitats support sustainable populations of native freshwater mussels, including those that are federally-listed, regionally-sensitive, or locally rare. Non-native mussel species are not negatively impacting native species. (pg. 13) • 6: Streamsides are dominated by native riparian vegetation,including trees capable of adding large woody debris for hydrologic stability and instream habitat.Aquatic habitat is diverse and relatively free of unnatural sediments. Pool habitats are frequent and provide cover for many species of fish. Vegetated streamside areas are effective in providing shading to the streams and filtering sediments. (pg. 13) 10 Decision Memo — Cheek Creek Watershed Rehabilitation Project U U�S SDA a • 7: Stream channels retain connection to natural floodplains, so that normal flooding can be accommodated by the forest without creating gullies or eroding stream banks. Man-made dikes and deposition are absent, allowing the stream to flood out of its banks and onto the floodplain in a natural way. (pg. 13) • 10: Soil productivity is sustained through nitrogen and carbon fixation, mineral release from parent material, decaying organic matter,and translocation of nutrients. Erosion and compaction are infrequent occurrences. (pg. 13) IV. b. Guidelines for Soil,Water, and Fisheries: • 2: Major soil disturbances that expose the soil surface or substantially alter soil properties such as temporary roads, skid trails,landings, and ruttings should not occupy more the fifteen percent of forest vegetation management treatment areas except for watershed improvements, restoration of species, or to correct soil and water problems. (page 35) • 3: Vegetation cutting and use of mechanized ground disturbing equipment should stay more than 33 feet away from perennial streams unless such activities are needed for riparian wildlife habitat, stream channel stability, to restore riparian vegetation, or to provide access for recreation or stream crossings. (page 35) • 10:-Stream restoration designs should utilize the natural stream channel whenever possible. (page 36) • 12: When selecting aquatic habitat for restoration, the following criteria should be used: o The condition and vulnerability of the watershed where the site is located - fair or poor sites within otherwise good condition, high vulnerability watersheds should be given first priority o Degree of improvement needed to achieve "good" condition - sites rated "fair" should be restored before sites rated "poor." (page 36) This project is intended to restore damaged areas within and directly adjacent to damage caused by unauthorized OHV and camping, and will restore creek channel integrity and streambank vegetation and stability, as well as diversity and health of stream habitats. The stream restoration actions conducted within the creek bed will restore the integrity and stability of the channel and increase structural and therefore ecological diversity of this section of creek. Because the unauthorized OHV use and campsite is localized to the area directly south of SR 1563, the remainder of the creek is in good condition, and this project will restore the creek, creek side, and unauthorized access road to good condition, consistent with the rest of Cheek Creek. Decision Memo - Cheek Creek Watershed Rehabilitation Project 11 USA �U�S IV.c. Environmental Justice This action does not result in Environmental Justice issues, as defined in Executive Order 12898, as no actions will be taken that will disproportionately adversely impact minority or low income populations. V. Response to DEQ Comments In response to questions from the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ),this project does not involve: • Any sewer extensions; • Open burning, as all excavated vegetation will be used for rehabilitation purposes; • Need for an erosion and sedimentation control plan,as the area of disturbance within Cheek Creek is less than one acre in size and all disturbed soils will be revegetated using rooted vegetation excavated from the site and planting of native plants where needed; • Abandonment of any water wells; • Existence of existing or abandoned underground storage tanks, as the Department of Water Management/UST commented that it has no record of an identified release of petroleum in the area of concern, nor are there any records of registered USTs. The Uwharrie NF will apply for a 401 Water Quality Certification from the NC Department of Water Quality in compliance with T15A02H.0500. A Pre- Construction Notification will be submitted to the US Army Corp of Engineers for CWA Section 404 permitting. VI. Implementation Date The implementation of this project is proposed to begin in the spring of 2020 and may be implemented immediately upon my signature on this Decision Memo. VII. Administrative Review and Appeal Opportunity This decision, as a categorically excluded action, is not subject to appeal processes pursuant to 36 CFR 215 nor to objection processes per 36 CFR 218. Vill. Contact For further information on this decision, please contact Theresa Savery at (910) 576-6391 ext. 102, by email at theresa.savery@usda.gov, or in person at Uwharrie ger District, 789 NC H 27 East,Troy NC 27371. CH SPISAK Date District Ranger, Uwharrie Ranger District 12 Decision Memo — Cheek Creek Watershed Rehabilitation Project USDA � ,aS In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture(USDA)civil rights regulations and policies,the USDA,its Agencies,offices,and employees,and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color,national origin,religion,sex,gender identity(including gender expression),sexual orientation, disability,age,marital status,family/parental status,income derived from a public assistance program,political beliefs,or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity,in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA(not all bases apply to all programs).Remedies and complaint filing deadlines vary by program or incident. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g.,Braille, large print,audiotape,American Sign Language,etc.)should contact the responsible Agency or USDA's TARGET Center at(202)720-2600(voice and TTY)or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at(800)877-8339.Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English. To file a program discrimination complaint,complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form,AD-3027,found online at http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html and at any USDA office or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form.To request a copy of the complaint form,call(866)632-9992.Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by:(1)mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture,Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue,SW,Washington,D.C.20250-9410;(2)fax: (202)690-7442;or(3)email:program.intake@usda.gov. USDA is an equal opportunity provider,employer and lender. Decision Memo — Cheek Creek Watershed Rehabilitation Project 13