20141149 Ver 9_2014-1149-V9_Benton_Branch_Closeout (AMP)_20230613

ID#* 20141149 Version* 9
Select Reviewer:
Katie Merritt
Initial Review Completed Date 06/20/2023
Mitigation Project Submittal - 6/13/2023
Is this a Prospectus, Technical Proposal or a New Site?* Yes No
Type of Mitigation Project:*
Stream Wetlands Buffer Nutrient Offset
(Select all that apply)
Project Contact Information
Contact Name: * Email Address:
Raymond J Holz [e-mail]
Project Information
ID#: * 20141149 Version:* 9
Existing ID# Existing Version
Project Type: DMS Mitigation Bank
Project Name: Benton Branch Buffer Bank
County: Caswell
Document Information
Mitigation Document Type:*
Mitigation Remediation Plans
File Upload: 2014-1149-V9_Benton _ Branch _Closeout (AMP).pdf 2.98MB
Please upload only one PDF of the complete file that needs to be submitted...
Signature
Print Name:* Raymond Holz
Signature:
L`z`Y

Restora�on Systems, LLC
1101 Haynes St. Suite 211
Raleigh, North Carolina
Ph: [phone]
Fx: [phone]
Thursday, June 8, 2023

ATTN: Katie Merritt
North Carolina Division of Water Resources
1617 Mail Service Center,
Raleigh, NC 27699-1617

Subject: Proposal of an Adaptive Management Plan for the Benton Branch Bank Parcel Phase One Haw River WS
Umbrella Banking for Riparian Buffer and Nutrient Offset Mitigation Credits (DWR# 2014-1149-V9)

Ms. Merritt,

After the closeout site visit of the Parcel, you provided the attached Field Notes. This proposal responds to those
Field Notes, including an Adaptive Management Plan (AMP) to address stem vigor issues within an area of concern
at the Site.

During the closeout site visit on May 3rd, 2023, stem densities and heights appeared low along a portion of the
riparian restoration area measuring 1.11 acres along Benton Branch, precisely within the vicinity of CVS Plots 18,
19, and 20 (Figure 1). Stem data within the referenced plots exceeded the success criteria by more than 10%,
except for stem heights. Within the referenced CVS Plots, stem density averaged 418.2 stems per acre, and vigor
scored an average of 3. However, the stem heights averaged +/- 2 feet. Multiple variables, including deer
browsing, shading from established hardwood trees, and poor soil conditions, could be the lead cause for low stem
heights.

On May 31st, 2023, RS took six (6) soil samples at four (4) locations within the area of concern (Figure 1). Soil
samples will be used to determine if underlining soil issues influence tree mortality and height. Pending the soil
sampling results, Restoration Systems (RS) will provide an amendment to the AMP, including soil sample results
and soil amendment activities.

Additionally, RS proposes planting seventy-five (75) three-gallon containerized shade-tolerant trees on 25 feet by
25 feet spacing. Planting larger shade-tolerant stems will prevent deer browsing and withstand shading caused by
mature deciduous hardwoods. Table 1 below details the species suitable for planting under the current conditions.
A minimum combination of four (4) species will be used for the supplemental planting and will be selected based
on availability. Stems will be planted in/around CVS plots. Monitoring will continue within CVS Plots 18, 19, and 20
for at least one (1) year to ensure tree survival and vigor. All other CVS plots will be released from monitoring.

Table 1: Supplemental planting species, shade tolerance, and wetland indicator status
Common Name Scientific Name Shade Tolerance Wetland Indicator
Black gum Nyssa sylvatica Sun, Part Shade, Shade FAC
Ironwood Carpinus caroliniana Part Shade, Shade FAC
Persimmon Diospyros virgiana Part Shade FAC
Redbud Cercis canadensis Part Shade, Shade UPL
Water Oak Quercus nigra Part Shade FAC
Tulip Poplar Liriodendron tulipifera Sun, Part Shade, Shade FACU
Note – All species listed were approved in the stream and wetland Mitigation Plan

RS will photograph the completed work and submit an AMP Completion Notice to DWR and separately to the
USACE in the annual stream mitigation monitoring report.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at 910.840.3809.
Restoration Systems, LLC
Benton Branch (DWR# 2014-1149-V9) Closeout AMP
June 8, 2023
Page 2

Sincerely,

Josh Merritt
Project Manager
Restoration Systems, LLC

Attachments:
- Site Closeout Field Notes
- Figure 1

Restoration Systems, LLC
Benton Branch (DWR# 2014-1149-V9) Closeout AMP
June 8, 2023
Page 3

Site Closeout Field Notes

Benton Branch (DWR No. 2014-1149 v9):
- In and around Veg Plots 18-20
o There were many areas void of stems all-together. Where stems were present along the riparian
restora�on areas of Benton Branch, they rarely exceeded two feet and vigor was low. Two
figures are atached to this email showing the areas of vegeta�on concern along Benton Branch.
o Stems within veg plots 18, 19 and 20 were representa�ve of the areas surrounding the plots

- Ka�e’s Comments (virtually two methods to proceed with). DWR will proceed with approving Method 1
only.
o Method 1 (Par�al credit release)
 Task 8: Full release
 Task 9: 5% release – Credit release for Task 8 & Task 9 are con�ngent upon receiving the
Adap�ve Management Plan (AMP) for riparian restora�on areas along Benton
Branch. Figures showing the AMP areas are atached to this email.
 Implement an adap�ve management plan for the problema�c area.
• AMP (Soil sampling, plant one row of 3-gallon deer-resistant/shade-tolerant
trees, possibly use tree tubes if planted height isn’t sufficient to limit deer
browsing, and possible soil amendments depending on soil samples).
 Submit proof of comple�on (Photo documenta�on, species, dates, etc.)
 Con�nued monitoring for at least one (1) years - released from monitoring on all veg
data except for the veg plots along “Benton Branch.” These include plots 18, 19 and 20.

o DWR will not be able to allow Method 2. Method 2 (Full credit lease once an AMP is submited,
approved, and implemented)
 DWR indicated a full credit release could occur if the problema�c veg plots (18-20)
coincide with the IRT’s stream mi�ga�on veg monitoring - they do.
• If this is the allowable path forward, RS will implement the AMP outlined in
Method 1 and will add two random vegeta�on transects in the areas of
vegeta�on plots 18, 19, and 20 to the yearly stream and wetland monitoring
reports (MY6 and MY7)

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Source: Esri, Maxar, Earthstar Geographics, and the GIS User Community
FIGURE
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Project No.:
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Prepared for:
1³
Alamace County, NC
JGM
June 2023
1:3,000
2014-1149-V9
AdaptiveManagementPlan
Benton BranchBank Parcel
NC DEQ Division of Water Resources
401 & BufferPermitting Branch
0 100 200 300 40050
Feet
Legend
Conservation Easement =33.14 acres
Stream Channel
CVS Plot
Area of Low Vigor/Supplemental Planting Area = 1.11 acres
!.Soil Sample Locations
Benton Branch
Area of Low Vigor andSupplemental PlantingArea
Area of Low Vigor and Supplemental Planting Area