Buffer Mitigation Plan

Catawba River Basin Revegetation and Buffer Mitigation Plan
1.Site Location
a.113 Keats Road,Mooresville,NC,28117 (PIN:4645097708.000)
b.Owner:LH Waterfront Construction LLC
2.Site Analysis
a.Soil Type:Clay Loam (Per Iredell SWCD &USDA NRCS Soil Survey)
b.Topographical Map (2’Contour Intervals)
c.Existing Site Conditions:
3.Buer Design Plans (Full View Plans will be provided at the end)
4.Buer Establishment Objective
a.Proposed buer restoration will convert approximately 0.15 acres of non vegetated land to
a functioning riparian buer.Restoration of the buer will address agricultural runo,
including nutrients and sediment,and restore terrestrial habitat.
List of Proposed Species
Scientific Name Common Name Height/Diameter Planting Zone Quantity Percentage
Quercus nigra Water Oak 60-100 ft./2.5 ft.Zone 1 3 10%
Acer rubrum Red Maple 60-90 ft./3 ft.Zone 1 6 20%
Acer negundo Ash-leaved
Maple (Boxelder)
30-60 ft./2.5 ft.Zone 1 6 20%
Diospyros virginiana Persimmon 20-70 ft./1-2 ft.Zone 1 2 6.667%
Populus deltoides Cottonwood
Eastern (Carolina
Poplar)
100 ft./5 ft.Zone 1 4 13.333%
Cornus florida Flowering
Dogwood
30 ft./8 in.Zone 1 4 13.333%
Alnus serrulata Alder,Common
(Hazel Alder,Tag
Alder)
20 ft./5 in.Zone 1 5 16.667%
No one species is greater than 50 percent of stems.(1)
b.Quercus nigra (Water Oak)
i.Soil and Topography:Commonly found along south eastern watercourses and
lowlands on silty clay and loamy soils.
ii.Erosion Control:The deep and extensive root system of Quercus nigra helps
stabilize the soil along riverbanks and stream channels.Its roots penetrate the soil,
binding it together and reducing the risk of erosion.This helps prevent sediment
runointo the water and maintains the integrity of the riparian area.
iii.Water Quality Improvement:Water oaks contribute to water quality improvement
in several ways.The tree's root system aids in water filtration,removing pollutants
and excess nutrients from runobefore they reach the water body.Quercus nigra
also helps to regulate water flow by absorbing excess water during periods of heavy
rainfall and releasing it gradually,reducing the risk of flooding and minimizing the
erosion caused by fast-flowing water.
iv.Wildlife Value:Quercus nigra provides habitat for various wildlife species in the
riparian zone.Its dense foliage and branching structure oer shelter and nesting
sites for birds,mammals,and insects.The acorns produced by water oaks serve as a
valuable food source for wildlife,including squirrels,deer,turkeys,and various
small mammals.
v.Bank Stabilization:Water oaks have strong root systems that anchor the soil,
providing stability to the riverbanks and stream channels.This helps prevent
erosion and bank collapse,protecting the riparian area from land loss and
maintaining the integrity of the watercourse.The stable banks also create valuable
habitat for aquatic organisms.
vi.Shade and Cooling Eect:The canopy of Quercus nigra provides shade along the
water's edge,helping to regulate water temperature.Cooler water temperatures are
essential for maintaining a healthy aquatic ecosystem and supporting the survival
of temperature-sensitive species.Additionally,the shade from water oaks reduces
evaporation,which can help conserve water resources.
c.Acer rubrum (Red Maple)
i.Soil and Topography:Red Maples can thrive on a wider range of soil types,textures,
moisture,pH,and elevation than any other forest species in North America (1).
Seedlings are very tolerant of flooding,showing no signs of stem or leaf damage
after 60 days of flooding (2).This capacity to withstand conditions of wetness or
dryness enables survival and growth on a wide variety of site conditions.
ii.Erosion Control:The dense root system of the red maple helps stabilize the soil and
prevent erosion along the water’s edge.The extensive network of roots binds the
soil particles together,reducing the risk of bank erosion and sediment runointo
the water.This helps maintain the integrity of the riparian zone and protects water
quality.
iii.Water Quality Improvement:Red Maple trees play a crucial role in filtering and
improving water quality.They intercept rainwater,reducing the impact of
raindrops on the soil and preventing soil erosion.The root system also helps in
nutrient and pollutant uptake,reducing the amount of pollutants reaching the
water body.Furthermore,the tree canopy provides shade,which helps regulate
water temperature and minimize excessive algal growth.
iv.Wildlife Value:Acer rubrum in a riparian buer provides habitat and food sources
for a variety of wildlife species.The tree’s flowers attract pollinators,such as bees
and butterflies,while its seeds and fruits are consumed by birds and small
mammals.The presence of red maple in the riparian buer enhances biodiversity
and supports the ecological health of the area.
v.Bank Stabilization:Red maple's deep-rooted system helps stabilize the banks of
rivers and streams.The roots anchor the soil,reducing the risk of bank collapse or
slumping.This stability not only protects the riparian area but also provides
valuable habitat for aquatic organisms,such as fish and amphibians.
vi.Shade and Cooling Eect:The canopy of Acer rubrum oers shade along the
water's edge,which helps regulate water temperature.Cooler water temperatures
are beneficial for aquatic organisms that are sensitive to temperature changes.
Additionally,the shade provided by the tree helps to reduce evaporation and
conserve water resources.
d.Acer negundo (Ash-leaved Maple [Boxelder])
i.Soil and Topography:Toleration of a variety of soil types,including clay,loam,
sand,and even shallow or poorly drained soils.Able to tolerate periodic flooding.
Typically found in areas such as,along rivers,streams,and wetland margins.
ii.Erosion Control:The root system of Acer negundo can help stabilize the soil along
riverbanks and stream channels,reducing the risk of erosion.Although not as
extensive as some other tree species,the fibrous roots of boxelder trees still provide
some level of soil binding and erosion prevention,particularly on smaller
watercourses with lower flow rates.
iii.Water Quality Improvement:Like other riparian buer plants,Acer negundo can
contribute to water quality improvement.The tree's roots can filter out sediments,
nutrients,and other pollutants from surface runo,preventing them from entering
the water body.The vegetation also helps slow down and absorb rainfall,allowing
water to infiltrate into the ground and reducing the potential for runoand
associated water quality issues.
iv.Wildlife Value:While Acer negundo may not be as preferred by wildlife as some
other tree species,it can still provide habitat value in a riparian buer.The tree's
foliage and branches oer shelter and nesting sites for birds,small mammals,and
insects.The seeds of boxelder are consumed by certain bird species,such as finches
and woodpeckers,and can serve as a food source.
v.Shade and Cooling Eect:The canopy of Acer negundo provides shade along the
water's edge,which can help regulate water temperature.Cooler water
temperatures are beneficial for aquatic organisms that are sensitive to temperature
fluctuations.Additionally,shading from the tree reduces evaporation,helping to
conserve water resources.
e.Diospyros virginiana (Perimmon)
i.Soil and Topography:Thrives in loamy or sandy soils that are rich in organic
matter,able to adapt to a range of soil textures through,including clay and rocky
soils.Commonly found in upland areas,woodlands,and open fields.
ii.Erosion Control:The root system of Diospyros virginiana can help stabilize the soil
along riverbanks and stream channels,reducing the risk of erosion.Although not as
extensive as some other riparian tree species,the tree's roots still provide some
level of soil binding and erosion prevention,particularly in less erosive conditions.
iii.Water Quality Improvement:Like other riparian buer plants,American
persimmon can contribute to water quality improvement.The tree's root system
helps filter out sediments,nutrients,and other pollutants from surface runo,
preventing them from entering the water body.The vegetation also helps slow
down and absorb rainfall,allowing water to infiltrate into the ground and reducing
the potential for runoand associated water quality issues.
iv.Wildlife Value:Diospyros virginiana provides habitat and food sources for various
wildlife species in the riparian zone.The tree's dense foliage oers shelter and
nesting sites for birds and small mammals.The fruit of the persimmon tree is
consumed by a variety of wildlife,including birds,mammals,and insects.Planting
American persimmon in a riparian buer can enhance wildlife habitat and
contribute to biodiversity conservation.
f.Populus deltoides (Cottonwood Eastern [Carolina Poplar])
i.Soil and Topography:Tolerates a wide range of soil textures,including clay,loam,
and sandy soils.Highly adapted to wetland and riparian environments,preferring
moist to wet soil conditions and able to tolerate periodic flooding.
ii.Erosion Control:The extensive root system of Populus deltoides helps stabilize the
soil in riparian areas,reducing erosion caused by water currents.The roots bind the
soil particles together,preventing sediment runoand the subsequent degradation
of water quality.
iii.Water Quality Improvement:The presence of Populus deltoides in riparian buers
helps improve water quality by filtering out pollutants and contaminants.The trees'
leaves and bark capture airborne pollutants,while their roots filter out sediments
and trap pollutants such as heavy metals,pesticides,and fertilizers.
iv.Wildlife Value:Populus deltoides trees in riparian buers provide important habitat
for a variety of plant and animal species.The dense foliage,along with the fallen
branches and leaves,creates a diverse microhabitat that supports a range of
wildlife,including birds,insects,amphibians,and mammals.The trees also oer
nesting sites,roosting areas,and foraging opportunities.
v.Bank Stabilization:The strong and extensive root system of Populus deltoides
helps stabilize the banks of rivers and streams.By anchoring the soil,these trees
prevent erosion and reduce the likelihood of bank collapses,protecting adjacent
land from damage and preventing sediment from entering the water.
vi.Shade and Cooling Eect:The tall canopy of Populus deltoides provides shade to
the water bodies in riparian areas,reducing water temperature.This is particularly
important for the health of cold-water fish species that require cooler water
temperatures.Lower water temperatures also enhance dissolved oxygen levels,
which benefit aquatic organisms.
vii.Nutrient filtration:Riparian buers with Populus deltoides trees act as natural
filters,removing excess nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus from runo.
These nutrients,if not intercepted,can contribute to water pollution and
eutrophication in rivers and streams.The tree's roots absorb and metabolize these
nutrients,reducing their impact on downstream ecosystems.
g.Cornus florida (Flowering Dogwood)
i.Soil and Topography:Cornus florida prefers soils with good drainage
characteristics,allowing excess water to move away from the root zone.Benefits
from soil that retains moisture well.The combination of plantings alongside can
help promote ideal soil conditions.Sensitive to extreme heat and drought stress,
planting in areas that benefit from a cool breeze,shade,or proximity to water
bodies can help create a more favorable microclimate for the tree.
ii.Erosion Control:The root system of Cornus florida is fibrous and extensive,which
helps stabilize the soil in riparian areas.The roots bind the soil particles together,
reducing erosion caused by water currents and preventing sediment runointo the
water.
iii.Water Quality Improvement:Cornus florida trees help improve water quality by
filtering pollutants and contaminants.The tree's leaves,branches,and bark capture
airborne pollutants,such as particulate matter and chemical compounds,reducing
their impact on water bodies.The roots also filter out sediments and trap
pollutants,including nutrients,pesticides,and heavy metals,preventing them from
reaching the water.
iv.Wildlife Value:Cornus florida trees provide important habitat for a variety of
wildlife species.The tree's dense foliage,flowers,and fruits attract insects,birds,
and small mammals,supporting biodiversity in the riparian zone.Birds often
utilize the tree for nesting sites and feed on the fruits,while insects are an essential
food source for many other species.
v.Shade and Cooling Eect:The canopy of Cornus florida provides shade to the
riparian area,reducing water temperature and minimizing temperature
fluctuations.Cooler water temperatures are beneficial for sensitive aquatic
organisms,particularly cold-water fish species that require cooler environments to
thrive.
vi.Nutrient uptake:Cornus florida can absorb and utilize excess nutrients,such as
nitrogen and phosphorus,from the soil.Excessive nutrients in the water can lead to
eutrophication,which negatively impacts aquatic ecosystems.By absorbing these
nutrients,Cornus florida helps reduce nutrient loading in the water,improving
water quality and reducing the risk of algal blooms.
h.Alnus serrulata (Alder,Common [Hazel Alder,Tag Alder])
i.Soil and topography:Well adapted to moist/wet soil conditions and is often found
in areas with high water tables,such as riparian zones,swamps,and marshes.Due
to the root system's adaptation to oxygen-deprived conditions (caused by the
presence of specialized structures called pneumatophores that allow gas exchange)
Alnus serrulata can grow in soils with poor drainage.Toleration of a wide variety of
soil textures,including,sandy,loamy,and clay soils.
ii.Erosion Control:The root system of Alnus serrulata is extensive and fibrous,
helping to stabilize the soil in riparian areas.The roots bind the soil particles
together,reducing erosion caused by water currents and preventing sediment
runointo the water.
iii.Water Quality Improvement:Alnus serrulata contributes to water quality
improvement by filtering pollutants and contaminants.The shrub's roots have the
ability to absorb and retain excess nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus,
reducing their impact on the water.Additionally,the dense vegetation of Alnus
serrulata can intercept and filter sediments and pollutants,preventing their entry
into the water.
iv.Wildlife Value:Alnus serrulata provides important habitat and food sources for
various wildlife species.Its dense foliage and shrubby structure create cover and
nesting sites for birds,small mammals,and insects.The shrub's catkins and seeds
serve as a food source for birds and mammals,contributing to the biodiversity of
the riparian area.
v.Nitrogen fixation:Alnus serrulata has the ability to form a symbiotic relationship
with nitrogen-fixing bacteria called Frankia.These bacteria convert atmospheric
nitrogen into a form usable by plants,enriching the soil with nitrogen.This
process,known as nitrogen fixation,can enhance soil fertility and contribute to the
overall health of the riparian ecosystem.
5.Maintenance and Monitoring
a.Annual Monitoring will be conducted during the growing season for a period of two years.
The report will include all information required by DMS monitoring guidelines including
photographs,plot locations,and documentation of existing species density and
composition.Monitoring will be performed in accordance with the Consolidated
Mitigation Buer Rule (5)and current DMS standards.
i.The final vegetative success criteria will be the survival of 260 planted stems per
acre in the riparian buer at the end of the required monitoring period (Monitoring
Year (MY02)).Reference photos of the vegetation will be taken at predetermined
photo point locations.Any vegetative problem areas in the site will be noted and
reported in each monitoring report.Monitoring reports will identify any
contingency measures that may need to be employed to remedy site deficiencies.
ii.Vegetation Management (All practices deemed allowable by (6))
1.Vegetation Cover Assessment:Monitoring of the establishment
and growth of vegetation within the buer.Assessment of the
density,species composition,and overall health of the planted
vegetation.
2.Invasive Species Management:Monitoring and control of
invasive plant species to prevent their establishment and
maintain the dominance of desired native vegetation.
1.15A NCAC 02B .0295 §(n)(2)(B)
2.Hepting,George H.1971.Diseases of forest and shade trees of the United States.U.S.Department of
Agriculture,Agriculture Handbook 386.Washington,DC.658 p.
3.Carpenter,James R.,and Cary A.Mitchell.1980.Root respiration characteristics of flood-tolerant
and intolerant tree species.Journal of American Society of Horticultural Science 1O5(5):684-687.
4.15A NCAC 02B .0614 §(10)(qq)(v-vi)
5.15A NCAC 02B .0295
6.15A NCAC 02B .0614 §(10)(qq)
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Dock
Zone 2: Fescue Seed & Straw
30' Vegetation Buffer
40 8 12 16 20
Scale: 3/32" = 1 ft
Project Name:Revegetation & Buffer Mitigation Restoration
Address:113 Keats Road
City:Mooresville
Zip/Postal Code:28117
State/Province:NC
Tax Map NO :4645097708.000
Symbol Botanical Name Common Name Qty
Acer ginnala Ash-leaved Maple (Boxelder)6
Populus deltoides Cottonwood Eastern(Carolina Poplar)4
Cornus florida 'Welchii Junior Miss'Flowering Dogwood 4
Alnus Glutinosa Hazel Alder, Tag Alder 5
Diospyros virginiana Persimmon 2
Acer rubrum Autumn Red Maple 6
Quercus nigra Water Oak 3
Alnus serrulata (Alder, Commmon, Hazel Alder, Tag Alder)
Populus deltoides (Cottonwood Eastern [Carolina Poplar])
Acer rubrum (Red Maple)
Cornus florida (Flowering Dogwood)
Diospyros virginiana (Persimmon)
Acer negundo (Ash-leaved Maple [Boxelder])
Quercus nigra (Water Oak)
Zone 1 Species Legend
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Dock 30' Vegetation Buffer
30 6 9 12 15
Scale: 5/32" = 1 ft
Project Name:Revegetation & Buffer Mitigation Restoration
Address:113 Keats Road
City:Mooresville
Zip/Postal Code:28117
State/Province:NC
Tax Map NO :4645097708.000