HomeMy WebLinkAbout202300369 Ver 1_Adaptive Management Plan (AMP)_NCDMS Wits End2023 Adaptive Management Plan
Wits End Stream and Wetland Mitigation Site
Union County, North Carolina
Yadkin River Basin
Cataloging Unit 03040105
DMS Project No. 100164
Full Delivery Contract No. 7968
DMS RFQ No. 16-032819-YD05 (Date of Issue: May 9, 2019)
USACE Action ID No. SAW-2020-00455
DWR Project No. 20200369
Restoration Systems, LLC
1101 Haynes Street, Suite 211
Raleigh, North Carolina 27604
Contact: Raymond Holz
919-755-9490 (phone)
919-755-9492 (fax)
September 18, 2023
2023 AMP (Project No. 100164) Table of Contents
Wits End Stream and Wetland Mitigation Site Restoration Systems, LLC
Union County, North Carolina September 2023
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1 INTRODUCTION .............................................................................................................................................. 3
1.1 Site Planting Effort ....................................................................................................................................... 4
2 MONITORING YEAR 0 – DATA ASSESSMENT REVIEW ...................................................................................... 5
2.1 Stream Assessment ...................................................................................................................................... 5
2.2 Hydrology Assessment ................................................................................................................................. 5
2.3 Vegetative Assessment ................................................................................................................................ 5
3 PROPOSED ADAPTIVE MANAGEMENT ACTIONS ............................................................................................. 5
3.1 Floodplain Grade Control............................................................................................................................. 6
3.2 Soil Mixing .................................................................................................................................................... 6
3.3 Live Stake Planting & Tree/Herbaceous Seeding ......................................................................................... 6
4 PROPOSED ADAPTIVE MANAGEMENT MONITORING ..................................................................................... 8
LIST OF REPORT TABLES
Table A. Wits End Planting Dates ................................................................................................................................... 4
Table B. Summary of Proposed VGCs ............................................................................................................................ 6
Table C. Live Stake Species & Quantity .......................................................................................................................... 7
Table D. Broadcast Tree Species & Quantity ................................................................................................................. 7
Table E. Broadcast Herbaceous Seed Species & Quantity ............................................................................................. 8
APPENDIX ITEMS
Figure 1 – Overview Map
Figure 2 – AMP Map
Photo Log
MY0/1 – IRT Site Visit Notes
Mitigation Plan – Project Success Criteria
Mitigation Plan – Monitoring Summary
Adaptive Management Plan (Project No. 100164) Page 3
Wits End Stream and Wetland Mitigation Site Restoration Systems, LLC
Union County, North Carolina September 2023
1 INTRODUCTION
Wits End Stream and Wetland Mitigation Site (Site) is an NCDMS Full-Delivery site located in Union County at
coordinates (34.9132, -80.4435). The project is currently in Year 1 of monitoring. The final mitigation plan is dated
October 13, 2021, and the As-Built report is dated April 2023.
Upon the completion of the physical grading associated with Site restoration in July of 2022, Restoration Systems
(Site Sponsor) and Axiom Environmental (Site Designer and Monitoring Contractor) began observing the anticipated
drying of unconsolidated sediments associated with the pond, which was removed during construction. As summer
months continued to dry, pond bed soils began to shrink, leading to cracking throughout most of the former pond
bed.
A remnant seed stock of a native Polygonum spp. within the pond bed soils quickly took root over most of the
exposed pond bed, providing root structure to the soils. Permanent seeding efforts completed as part of the planting
plan took root around the fringe of the former pond and in shallower portions of the pond. Along with the Site as a
whole, the pond was planted with bare roots in the spring of 2022 and winter of 2023.
Over the past 18-plus months, pond soil conditions and vegetative communities have separated into four distinct
conditions. Below is a description of each type, which are shown in Figure 1. Pond bed cracking and vegetation
condition observations were delineated and quantified for this AMP and future monitoring efforts.
Type 1.) No Physical Intervention: Along UT-2 and the left floodplain of Waxhaw Branch in the pond bed, both
planted/seeded bare-roots/herbaceous species have established and appear to have stabilized the
soil structure. 2023 herbaceous coverage is strong with good diversity, planted bare roots and
natural recruits appear to have been established to a satisfactory degree to achieve success criteria,
and soil cracking/structure is evolving appropriately. While remnant cracking signs are still visible,
the area seems stable, and no physical intervention is being proposed.
Type 2.) The right floodplain of Waxhaw Branch has areas where soil shrinking resulted in severe soil cracking
from the floodplain grade to the restrictive sub-soil layer. In these areas, the cracking is continuous
down the valley, resulting in a drainage effect to proposed wetland areas and adjacent floodplains,
exasperating the shrinking of area soils.
Type 3.) Two separate vegetation conditions exist Within the right floodplain area.
3A.) Areas where herbaceous vegetation was established in 2022 and returned in 2023 and
3B.) Areas where inundated floodplains/overbank flows of Waxhaw Branch prohibited the
herbaceous development in 2023.
At the MY0 IRT Site visit, held July 18, 2023, RS and the IRT discussed the development of an AMP to address pond
bed cracking and areas lacking herbaceous vegetation along the right floodplain of Waxhaw Branch (site visit notes
are attached for reference). This AMP proposes a two-pronged approach to address soil structure/wetland hydrology
and the establishment of appropriate tree and shrub species in the pond bed to meet Site goals and success criteria.
AMP Approach:
1.) Soil Structure/Wetland Hydrology – Right floodplain of Waxhaw Branch
Action: Installation of two log-constructed floodplain grade control structures to disrupt the free flow of
subsurface hydrology through the cracked soils of the floodplain and placement of large-woody debris on
the floodplain for added stability during overbank events.
Desired Outcome:
- The retention of water table hydrology – Allowing soil development to occur under normal conditions,
possibly resulting in the reformation of historic soil structure and reduced soil cracking.
Adaptive Management Plan (Project No. 100164) Page 4
Wits End Stream and Wetland Mitigation Site Restoration Systems, LLC
Union County, North Carolina September 2023
- Allowing sediment deposition to occur within the cracked floodplains from overbank flows, aiding in
soil structure development.
- Additional water table hydrology for establishing desired tree and shrub species at success criteria
densities.
2.) Vegetated Planting
RS has observed that where natural recruits have established in the pond bed, they are thriving.
Additionally, observations of bare-root planting in severely cracked soil areas indicate that the physical
planting of the bare-root is producing fracture lines in the cracked soil and, in some cases, cracking the soil,
leading to air pruning of our bare roots and high mortality rates.
Action: Planting of both 3-4’ live-stakes and broadcasting seeding the pond bed with mitigation plan
approved tree species.
Desired Outcome:
- Establish live-stake shrub species to aid in planting diversity and assist with soil structure development.
- Seeding with desired tree species may allow them to establish based on site conditions and avoid the
shock associated with bare-root planting.
- The two planting approaches proposed in this AMP, plus the previous two rounds of bare-root planting,
will increase desired tree and shrub diversity and densities within the pond bed.
Details of this AMP approach are provided in Section 3 and graphically depicted in Figure 2.
1.1 Site Planting Effort
Planting of the Site occurred in stages as construction was completed and as evaluations were made regarding
planted stem viability. Ample rain and cooler temperatures helped during the latter 2022 planting efforts. Before
the May 2022 planting efforts, bare roots were kept in a refrigerated truck to prevent budburst, and live stakes were
kept submerged in water. However, after an inspection in late 2022, it was determined that an additional planting
effort would help ensure Site vegetative success. Table A details site planting efforts.
Table A. Wits End Planting Dates
Type / Date Planting Location Notes
Bare Root
Thursday, April 7, 2022
- UT-1, UT-2, Waxhaw Branch (within the old pond
bed down to the confluence with UT-3), UT-4 to
the Waxhaw Branch floodplain
Temperature Range: 60°F - 80°F
Week of Precipitation: +/- 1.46 inches
Tuesday, May 24, 2022
- UT-3, from its confluence of Waxhaw Branch to
where UT-3 enters the Site, and the origin point
of UT-3A
- Streamside and wetland areas along Waxhaw
Branch starting at the confluence of UT3 (the
forested portion of Waxhaw Branch) down to
Snyder Store Road (Site outfall)
Temperature Range: 62°F - 75°F
The previous night, the Site received +/- 0.64
inches of rain, and a light drizzle occurred
during the morning of May 24
Monday, January 23,
2023 - Sitewide Temperature Range: 33°F - 54°F
Previous day rain: +/- 0.82 inches
Adaptive Management Plan (Project No. 100164) Page 5
Wits End Stream and Wetland Mitigation Site Restoration Systems, LLC
Union County, North Carolina September 2023
Table A. Wits End Planting Dates (continued)
1-gallon Containerized Planting
Thursday, July 28, 2022
- Waxhaw Branch – old road access and
construction area for Waxhaw Branch bridge.
- UT-3 southern easement edge
- 520 1-gal.
Temperature Range: 77°F - 96°F
A trace amount of rainfall occurred on July 29
Live Stakes
Monday, March 21,
2022
- Waxhaw Branch to the confluence with UT-2, UT-
1, UT-2, and UT-4 down to Waxhaw Branch
floodplain
Temperature Range: 38°F - 71°F
Week of Precipitation: +/- 0.85 inches
Thursday, April 7, 2022 - Marsh treatment areas, Waxhaw Branch from UT-
2 confluence down to UT-3 confluence
Temperature Range: 60°F – 80°F
Week of Precipitation: +/- 1.46 inches
Sunday, May 15, 2022 - UT-3/3A to its confluence with Waxhaw Branch
and down to Snyder Store Road (Site outfall)
Planting occurred in the morning, with
temperatures ranging from 66°F to 82°F. +/-
0.25 inches of rain fell that afternoon after
planting
2 MONITORING YEAR 0 – DATA ASSESSMENT REVIEW
MY0 (2023) monitoring and site visits were conducted between June 2022 and February 2023 to assess the condition
of the project. Stream, wetland, and vegetation criteria for the Site follow the approved success criteria presented
in the Mitigation Plan.
2.1 Stream Assessment
Morphological surveys for MY0 were conducted on June 2, 2022. All streams within the Site are stable and
functioning as designed. No stream areas of concern were identified during MY0.
2.2 Hydrology Assessment
28 groundwater monitoring gauges were installed throughout the Site’s wetlands. Hydrologic data will be collected
and reported during MY1 (2023).
2.3 Vegetative Assessment
The MY0 vegetative survey was completed in February 2023. Vegetation monitoring resulted in a sitewide stem
density average of 426 planted stems per acre permanent plot average (413 stems per acre/sitewide average), above
the interim requirement of 320 stems per acre required at MY3. Additionally, 31 of the 37 fixed vegetation plots and
7 of the 12 temporary plots met the interim success criteria.
3 PROPOSED ADAPTIVE MANAGEMENT ACTIONS
This AMP proposes a two-pronged approach to address soil structure/wetland hydrology and the establishment of
appropriate tree and shrub species within the former pond bed of Waxhaw Branch to meet Site goals and success
criteria. Earthwork is proposed for the installation of two floodplain grade controls in key areas, minimizing ground
disturbance to floodplains and proposed wetland areas, the turning of soils within a small area of the former pond
bed currently devoid of vegetation and subject to soil cracking, and the placement of large woody debris on the
floodplain. Planting and seeding activities are proposed over +/- 5.1 acres via live-stake planting and seeding of
native, mitigation plan approved, tree and herbaceous species.
Adaptive Management Plan (Project No. 100164) Page 6
Wits End Stream and Wetland Mitigation Site Restoration Systems, LLC
Union County, North Carolina September 2023
3.1 Floodplain Grade Control
There are two locations where the outer bends of Waxhaw Branch come within close proximity of the form pond
boundary. At these locations, depicted in Figure 2, RS proposes installing log-constructed floodplain grade control
(VGC) structures. These structures would tie into the stable, uncracked soils adjacent to the Waxhaw Branch channel
and extend through the pond bed, tying into the uncracked soils beyond the former pond bed. Structures would be
placed adjacent to rock riffles of Waxhaw Branch but would not connect directly to the stream – no stream impacts
are associated with their installation.
The structures will be set so the top is level with the floodplain grade. The primary objective is to eliminate
subsurface groundwater flow through the existing cracks and for sediment deposition to occur within the cracks, not
on the floodplain itself. Rebar will anchor the footer log to the undisturbed subgrade and the top log to the footer
log. Excavated soil will be replaced and compacted around the structures, and live stakes will be planted.
3.2 Soil Mixing
Within the area identified in Figure 1 as “AMP Type 3B - Severe Soil Cracking - Bare Soil: 0.427 Ac.” RS proposes to
turn the soil with a large tiller or excavator mechanically. While doing so, RS will incorporate large woody debris into
this area to help with soil structure. This area is identified in Figure 2 as “Mechanical Soil Mixing - Severe Soil Cracking
- Bare Soil: 0.427 Ac.”
3.3 Live Stake Planting & Tree/Herbaceous Seeding
Proposed vegetation-based AMP practices are delineated in Figure 2 and consist of areas on the left and right
floodplain of Waxhaw Branch, 3.006 and 2.050 acres, respectively. RS proposes vegetation-based AMP work via two
approaches: 1.) planting of 3–4-foot live stakes, and 2.) broadcast seeding to native, Mitigation Plan approved tree
and herbaceous species.
Vegetation Approach 1: Live stake planting, right floodplain of Waxhaw Branch, 3.006 acres
During the IRT Site visit in July, the use of live stakes for planting was discussed. The physical rooting of live stakes
allows the plant stem additional opportunity to establish itself versus a bare root sapling’s existing root structure,
increasing the odds of survival. Live stakes have been used on previous NC mitigation projects to re-establish the soil
structure of former pond bed soils. In addition, planting live stakes would allow RS the opportunity to improve
woody species diversity was discussed. As such, RS proposes planting four (4) species via 3–4-foot live stakes at a
density of 250 stems per acre – proposed species are detailed in Table C. Given that the depth of the restrictive soil
layer is relatively shallow, 2-3 feet, RS felt that thicker, mid-length live stakes provide the greatest chance of
establishment. The use of live stake poles, or 5+ foot live stake whips, was discussed with the IRT. RS may include
black willow live stake poles in addition to the defined species below, but they will supplement the 3-4-foot live
stakes and will not be the primary planting material. Live stakes will be planted at higher densities around the
proposed VGC structures.
Table B. Summary of Proposed VGCs
VGC Structure No. Length (ft.) Disturbance (sq. ft.)
01 50 150
02 45 135
Cross Section of Proposed VGC Structure
Adaptive Management Plan (Project No. 100164) Page 7
Wits End Stream and Wetland Mitigation Site Restoration Systems, LLC
Union County, North Carolina September 2023
Table C. Live Stake Species & Quantity
Species Common Name #
Cephalanthus occidentalis Button bush 200
Sambucus nigra Elderberry 200
Salix nigra Black willow 200
Salix sericea Silky willow 200
800
Vegetation Approach 2: Broadcast seeding of tree and herbaceous species, 5.1 Acres
Observations of the two-prior bare-root planting efforts within the cracked soil areas indicate the physical planting
of the bare-root is producing fracture lines in the cracked soil and, in some cases, cracking the soil, leading to air
pruning of our bare roots and high mortality rates. In addition, where natural recruits have established in the pond
bed, they are thriving. As such, RS believes the most appropriate way to achieve site success criteria is to attempt a
broadcast seeding of mitigation plan-approved tree species.
RS has talked with our Forestry Representative, Chad Casselman, Operations Manager at Native Forest Nursery,
regarding this approach, including cold-stratifying seeds before broadcasting them to improve germination rates.
Black Gum is the only species that would require true cold stratification. Cold stratification simulates the natural
process by subjecting the seed to a cool (ideally 34 to 37 degrees Fahrenheit) moist environment. Other species
would be kept in refrigerated storage until shipment/planting. In addition to the broadcasting to tree species, RS
would seed the 5.1 acres with another application of the Mitigation Plan approved permanent seed mix. Tables D
and E provide species lists and rates for both applications.
Table D. Broadcast Tree Species & Quantity
Species Common
Name Seeds/lb Germ. % * Proposed lbs. Total Seeds Seeds/ac.
Nyssa sylvatica Black gum 2,600 60-80 2 5,200 1,019
Quercus nigra Water oak 300 60-80 17 5,100 1,000
Quercus phellos Willow oak 400 70-90 13 5,200 1,019
Betula nigra River birch 200,000 30-50 1 200,000 39,215
* Assuming a lower-than-average germination rate due to rodents eating seeds and less-than-ideal planting conditions, RS has
based seeding rates on the low-end of the forestry-provided germination rates.
Space purposefully left blank.
Adaptive Management Plan (Project No. 100164) Page 8
Wits End Stream and Wetland Mitigation Site Restoration Systems, LLC
Union County, North Carolina September 2023
Table E. Broadcast Herbaceous Seed Species & Quantity
Permanent Seed- Sitewide @ 2 lbs /acre
Species % Species % Species %
Yarrow
(Achillea millefolium) 0.8 Garden tickseed
(Coreopsis tinctoria) 4 Slender rush
(Juncus tenuis) 0.5
Redtop
(Agrostis gigantea) 15 Mexican aster
(Cosmos bipinnatus) 1 Roundhead bushclover
(Lespedeza capitata) 0.5
Winter bentgrass
(Agrostis hyemalis) 5 Giant larkspur
(Consolida ajacis) 2 Dense blazing star
(Liatris spicata) 0.5
Autumn bentgrass
(Agrostis perennans) 5 Showy tick-trefoil
(Desmodium canadense) 1 Wild bergamot
(Monarda fistulosa) 0.5
Creeping bentgrass
(Agrostis stolonifera) 2 Purple coneflower
(Echinacea purpurea) 5 Beaked panicgrass
(Panicum anceps) 0.5
Blue wild indigo
(Baptisia australis) 2 Virginia wildrye
(Elymus virginicus) 5 Deer-tongue
(Panicum clandestinum) 5
Fox sedge
(Carex vulpinoidea) 1 Blue mistflower
(Eupatorium coelestinum) 0.5 Foxglove beardtongue
(Penstemon digitalis) 1
Partridge pea
(Chamaecrista fasciculata) 1 Common boneset
(Eupatorium perfoliatum) 0.5 Coneflower - Clasping
(Rudbeckia amplexicaulis) 1
Sensitive partridge pea
(Chamaecrista nictitans) 1 Blanket flower
(Gaillardia perennial) 0.5 Black-eyed Susan,
(Rudbeckia hirta) 3
Oxeye daisy
(Chrysanthemum leucanthemum) 4.5 Narrowleaf sunflower
(Helianthus angustifolius) 0.5 American senna
(Senna hebecarpa) 0.5
Shasta daisy
(Chrysanthemum x superbum) 3 Oxeye
(Heliopsis helianthoides) 0.5 Purpletop
(Tridens flavus) 18
Lanceleaf coreopsis
(Coreopsis lanceolata) 4 Rose mallow
(Hibiscus moscheutos) 5 American vervain
(Verbena hastata) 1
Permanent Seed- Marsh Treatments, Pools, Seeps @ 5 lbs /acre
Species % Species % Species %
Switchgrass
(Panicum rigidulum) 36 Greenish-white sedge
(Carex albolutescens) 8 Hop sedge
(Carex lupulina) 5
Bearded beggarticks
(Bidens aristosa) 20 Virginia wildrye
(Elymus virginicus) 6 Fox sedge
(Carex vulpinoidea) 2
Narrowleaf sunflower
(Helianthus angustifolius) 18 Soft rush
(Juncus effusus) 5
4 PROPOSED ADAPTIVE MANAGEMENT MONITORING
Upon completion of the AMP, RS will provide an AMP Implementation Memo to DMS and the IRT detailing the
completed efforts with photo documentation. As a baseline, RS will conduct random vegetation transects as defined
in the approved Mitigation Plan within the vegetation AMP zones in the spring of 2024 (MY2). RS will repeat these
transects in the fall of 2024 and include the results in the MY2 (2024) monitoring report. Given that the Site is
currently in MY1, RS does not propose additional monitoring protocols. RS will continue delineating and monitoring
pond bed cracking and report the results in the yearly monitoring reports and future Current Condition Plan View
figures.
Adaptive Management Plan (Project No. 100164) Appendix Items
Wits End Stream and Wetland Mitigation Site Restoration Systems, LLC
Union County, North Carolina September 2023
2023 Adaptive Management Plan
Wits End Stream and Wetland Mitigation Site
APPENDIX ITEMS
Figure 1 – Overview Map
Figure 2 – AMP Map
Photo Log
MY0/1 – IRT Site Visit Notes
Mitigation Plan – Project Success Criteria
Mitigation Plan – Monitoring Summary
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FIGURE
Drawn by:
Date:
Scale:
Project No.:
RJH
SEPTEMBER 2023
1:1,800
20-011
Title:
Project:
Prepared for:
Union County, NC
WITS END
2023-MY1AMP
FIGURE 01OVERVIEW
1
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Legend
Parcel Boundaries
Wits End - Conservation Easement
Asbuilt Top of Bank (TOB)
Permanent Vegetation Plots Meeting MY0 Stem Density Criteria
Permanent Vegetation Plots Not Meeting MY0 Stem Density Criteria
Temporary Vegetation Plots (50m x 2m) Meeting MY0 Stem Density Criteria
Temporary Vegetation Plots (50m x 2m) Not Meeting MY0 Stem Density Criteria
Temporary Vegetation Plots (25m x 4m) Not Meeting MY0 Stem Density Criteria
Groundwater Gauge
^_Rain/Soil
#*Stream Crest Gauge
#*Stream Flow Gauge
Asbuilt Wetland Assets
Wetland Reestablishment
Wetland Enhancement
Wetland Creation
Wetland Preservation
Wits End - PJD, Open Water (Extent of former pond): 11.344 Ac.
2023-AMP Pond Bed Condition
AMP Type 1 - No Physical Intervention: 7.228 Ac.
AMP Type 2 - Severe Soil Cracking: 2.790 Ac.
AMP Type 3A - Severe Soil Cracking - Lacking Herbaceous Vegetation: 0.103 Ac.
AMP Type 3B - Severe Soil Cracking - Bare Soil: 0.427 Ac.
0 500250Feet
Note: Basemap is from NC One Map
Date Flown 01/2023
NC DEQ Division of Enviromental Quality
Division of Mitigation Services
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Proposed Valley Grade Control #1
+/- 50 ft.in length
+/- 150 sq.ft. of ground distrubance
Proposed Valley Grade Control #2
+/- 45 ft.in length
+/- 135 sq.ft. of ground distrubance
Right Floodplain of Waxhaw Branch
Planting Area 1: 3.006 Acres
Left Floodplain of Waxhaw Branch
Planting Area 1: 2.050 Acres
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FIGURE
Drawn by:
Date:
Scale:
Project No.:
RJH
SEPTEMBER 2023
1:1,800
20-011
Title:
Project:
Prepared for:
Union County, NC
WITS END
2023-MY1AMP
FIGURE 02PROPOSED WORK
2
³
Legend
Parcel Boundaries
Wits End - Conservation Easement
Valley Grade Control
Mechanical Soil Mixing - Severe Soil Cracking - Bare Soil: 0.427 Ac.
Wits End 2023-AMP - Planting and Seeding: +/- 5.1 Acres
Asbuilt Top of Bank (TOB)
Permanent Vegetation Plots Meeting MY0 Stem Density Criteria
Permanent Vegetation Plots Not Meeting MY0 Stem Density Criteria
Temporary Vegetation Plots (50m x 2m) Meeting MY0 Stem Density Criteria
Temporary Vegetation Plots (50m x 2m) Not Meeting MY0 Stem Density Criteria
Temporary Vegetation Plots (25m x 4m) Not Meeting MY0 Stem Density Criteria
Groundwater Gauge
^_Rain/Soil
#*Stream Crest Gauge
#*Stream Flow Gauge
Asbuilt Wetland Assets
Wetland Reestablishment
Wetland Enhancement
Wetland Creation
Wetland Preservation
Wits End - PJD, Open Water (Extent of former pond): 11.344 Ac.
0 500250Feet
Note: Basemap is from NC One Map
Date Flown 01/2023
NC DEQ Division of Enviromental Quality
Division of Mitigation Services
Wits End Stream and Wetland Mitigation Site Photo Date: 08/23/2023
Waxhaw Branch
Photo 1: Looking south, downstream along Waxhaw Branch
Photo 2: Looking north, upstream along Waxhaw Branch
Peach Orchard Road
Page 1 of 1
AMP Type 2 - Severe Soil Cracking -
Lacking Herbaceous Vegetation: 0.103 Ac.
Approx. Location of
Proposed
VGC Structure 1
Waxhaw Branch
Approx. Location of
Proposed
VGC Structure 1
Approx. Location of
Proposed
VGC Structure 2
UT2
Wits End Stream and Wetland Mitigation Site Photo Date: 09/08/2023
Detail Area 1: AMP Type 3B -
Severe Soil Cracking - Bare
Soil
Photo 4: Depth to un-cracked sub-grade/soil
Peach Orchard Road
Page 2 of 1
Photo 3: Soil cracking – mid-Summer conditions
Wits End Stream and Wetland Mitigation Site Photo Date: 09/08/2023
Detail Area 2: AMP Type 1 -
No Physical Intervention
Photo 6: Vegetation conditions
Peach Orchard Road
Page 3 of 1
Photo 5: Soil cracking – mid-Summer conditions
Wits End Stream and Wetland Mitigation Site Photo Date: 09/08/2023
Detail Area 3: AMP Type 1 -
No Physical Intervention
Photo 6: Photo 6: Vegetation conditions
Peach Orchard Road
Page 4 of 1
Photo 5: Soil cracking – mid-Summer conditions
Restoration Systems, LLC
1101 Haynes St. Suite 211
Raleigh, North Carolina
Ph: (919) 755-9490
July 24, 2023 Fx: (919) 755-9492
1101 Haynes St., Suite 211 • Raleigh, NC 27604 • www.restorationsystems.com • Ph 919.755.9490 • Fx 919.755.9492
Matthew Reid
Project Manager
Division of Mitigation Services
Sent via email to: matthew.reid@deq.nc.gov
Subject: Wits End, MY0/MY1 (2023) IRT Site Visit Notes
DMS Project No. 100164
USACE Action ID No. SAW-2020-00455 & DWR Project No. 20200369
On July 18, 2023, Restoration Systems (RS) held an on-site meeting with regulatory agencies to review and discuss
the Wits End Mitigation Site (Site). Below is a list of attendees and site visit notes.
Attendees:
USACE:
- Steven Kichefski
- Erin Davis
NC DWR:
- Maria Polizzi
- Mac Haupt
NC DMS:
- Matthew Reid
Restoration Systems:
- Raymond Holz
- Alex Baldwin
- Josh Merritt
Axiom Environmental:
- Grant Lewis
Site Visit Notes:
General
• A review of the Wits End Mitigation Plan Addendum/Modification was conducted before the walkthrough
began. Each item in the addendum was discussed, and the as-built Record Drawings were reviewed to
inform the IRT of the requested changes.
• Erin Davis noted the Site’s permanent seed mix included Roundhead Lespedeza (Lespedeza capitata), or
Bush Clover/Round-headed Bush Clover, which is native to the north/southeastern USA
(https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/lespedeza-capitata/).
RS reviewed the planted seed mixed, and Roundhead Lespedeza was planted as indicated in the MY0
Report. It accounted for 0.50% of the Site’s permanent seed mix and should not be misinterpreted with
RS seeding the highly invasive Chinese Lespedeza (Lespedeza cuneata). During the site visit/walk-through,
there was no observance of a monoculture that had formed. Roundhead Lespedeza is well-suited for clay,
loam (silt), sand, and shallow rocky soils, which comprise most of the Site. RS will continue to watch for
the development of Roundhead Lespedeza monocultures at the site. However, given the low-percentage
Roundhead Lespedeza planted and the Site’s current herbaceous condition, RS does not expect
monocultures to develop.
• The group discussed the as-built stream profile through the former pond, which indicates the channel was
constructed lower than designed. Permanent stream cross-sections through this reach show the channel
was constructed properly, with an appropriate relationship between the channel’s bankfull and the
restored floodplain. Survey rod discrepancies are assumed to be the cause, as no other profile issues were
observed in the as-built drawings. RS will continue to monitor this reach of Waxhaw Branch for any
downcutting or subsidence of the channel.
• Eastern Cottonwood – The IRT verbally agreed that it was okay to count Eastern Cottonwood on-site as a
volunteer species towards Site vegetative performance standards during future monitoring years. Moving
forward, Eastern Cottonwood will be recorded as an "Approved Post Mit Plan" species and capped at 10%
for any one fix or random vegetation monitoring plot. RS will need to keep an eye on Eastern Cottonwood
monoculture development, as areas of dense recruits were observed during the visit, particularly around
the confluence of UT3 and UT3A.
Wits End, MY0/MY1 (2023) IRT Site Visit Notes Page 2
DMS Project No. 100164
USACE Action ID No. SAW-2020-00455 & DWR Project No. 20200369
• RS must watch for monoculture development of Eastern Cottonwood, Red Maple, Sweet Gum, Green Ash,
and pine throughout the Site. If by MY3 (2025) development of monocultures exists that our out-
competing planted tree species, RS may have to thin/remove the species referenced above.
• Missing flow gauges – In discussions with the Axiom Environmental monitoring crew, flow gauges were
present at the Site in early July. The group observed missing flow gauges along UT3 and UT4 during the
visit. These gauges are believed to have been washed away during heavy rains/flows. New gauges have
been ordered and will be installed as soon as possible.
• The IRT requested winter-time photos of the Site moving forward.
• The IRT indicated they would like to visit the site before the MY3 (2025) credit release meeting, which
would be between January and March of 2026.
• In the near future, RS will submit an Adaptive Management Plan to the IRT to address pond bed
cracking/subsurface flow within the wetland areas along the right floodplain of Waxhaw Branch within the
former pond.
Waxhaw Branch/Old Pond Bed
• The IRT requested RS map and plot pond bed cracking and bare areas on the CCPV moving forward.
• Waxhaw Branch – RS discussed the construction process of Waxhaw Branch through the old pond bed.
The IRT requested that RS closely watch wetland development where pond-bed soils were removed and
replaced during construction, as wetlands may not develop within the +/- 15-foot corridor along Waxhaw
Branch. The subject area is proposed for wetland credit but may need to be modified/removed depending
on wetland development.
• The IRT was pleased to see the general coverage of wetland monitoring gauges throughout the Site.
However, it was noted that as wetland development continues, gauge placement may need to be altered
to monitor the Site’s wetlands appropriately, as wetlands are likely to contract/expand from those
proposed in the Mitigation Plan.
UT2
• The IRT walked the lower portion of UT2 from its confluence with Waxhaw Branch in the old pond bed to
BMP/wetland draw located off the right bank of UT2 above the constructed ford crossing.
- In general, significantly less pond bed cracking/soil structure issues were observed along U2 in the
old pond bed.
- The ford crossing was stable and well-vegetated upstream and downstream.
- The BMP was holding water, and RS discussed that no rock was used at the outfall of the BMP, and
instead, woody debris and live stakes were used to stabilize the outfall. Woody debris was present,
and live stakes were established.
UT3 & 3A
• Review of the Mitigation Plan Modification of UT3/3A and the Enhancement 2 Reach of UT3 was
conducted. The IRT observed the confluence drop structure of UT3/3A into the existing UT3 channel
without concern. RS will monitor the effect, if any, of the UT3 E2 Reach on the proposed floodplain
wetlands.
• The IRT reviewed the former floodplain pond along UT3, which was filled with woody debris and planted
with bare roots and live stakes. Herbaceous vegetation had been established and was functioning as
proposed/in line with the IRT’s wishes. This is one area with heavy Eastern Cottonwood recruits and could
require removal/thinning in future monitoring years.
Wits End, MY0/MY1 (2023) IRT Site Visit Notes Page 3
DMS Project No. 100164
USACE Action ID No. SAW-2020-00455 & DWR Project No. 20200369
UT4 & 5
• The IRT walked UT4 from the mounted flow gauge, which was missing – as previously discussed, to UT4’s
confluence with UT5 and Waxhaw Branch. It was noted that UT4 had re-established nicely with the
removal of pine trees within the easement footprint, but concern with pine recruits was high. RS will watch
this area, and pine removal/thinning will likely need to occur during later monitoring years.
Waxhaw Branch / Forest Reach
• The walk-through ended with a review of the Site’s outfall/drop structure. Beaver activity is present
downstream of the Site, across Snyder Store Road, to the point that a portion of the outfall structure was
inundated. A very small, +/- 6-inch mud-constructed beaver dam was observed at the top of the outfall
structure. RS will continue to monitor beaver activity, but at this point, the observed activity was not a
detriment to the reach.
• The IRT reviewed the former floodplain pond located in the left floodplain of Waxhaw Branch. During
construction, RS removed the earthen impoundment around the former pond, which was then filled with
woody debris and planted with bare roots and live stakes. Herbaceous vegetation had been established
and was functioning as proposed/in line with the IRT’s wishes.
Adaptive Management Plan (Project No. 100164) Appendix Items
Wits End Stream and Wetland Mitigation Site Restoration Systems, LLC
Union County, North Carolina September 2023
Wits End Mitigation Plan – Project Success Criteria
Streams
• All streams must maintain an Ordinary High-Water Mark (OHWM), per RGL 05-05.
• Continuous surface flow in each intermittent tributary should occur each year for at least 30 consecutive days.
• Bank height ratio (BHR) cannot exceed 1.2 at any measured cross-section over the monitoring period.
• BHR at any measure riffle cross-section should not change by more than 10% from baseline condition during any single
monitoring year.
• The stream project shall remain stable, and all other performance standards shall be met through four separate bankfull
events, occurring in separate years, during the monitoring years 1-7.
Wetland Hydrology & Soils
• During average climatic conditions, saturation or inundation within the upper 12 inches of the soil surface for 8 percent
of the growing season*.
• Soil profile descriptions must meet one of the hydric soil indicators identified in the Field Indicators of Hydric Soils in the
United States, Version 8.2 (USDA 2018) in monitoring years 4 and 7.
Vegetation
• Within planted portions of the Site, a minimum of 320 stems per acre must be present at year 3, a minimum of 260 stems
per acre must be present at year 5, and a minimum of 210 stems per acre must be present at year 7.
• Trees must average 7 feet in height at year 5 and 10 feet at year 7.
• Planted and volunteer stems are counted, provided they are included in the approved planting list for the Site; natural
recruits not on the planting list may be considered by the IRT on a case-by-case basis.
• Any single species can only account for up to 50% of the required number of stems within any vegetation plot.
* The growing season is defined as March 1 to November 14, with the March 1 start date to be confirmed by documentation of
soil temperature greater than 41°F at 12 inches below the surface and bud burst of two or more different non-evergreen vascular
plant species (Section 8.1, Mitigation Plan).
Adaptive Management Plan (Project No. 100164) Appendix Items
Wits End Stream and Wetland Mitigation Site Restoration Systems, LLC
Union County, North Carolina September 2023
Wits End Mitigation Plan – Monitoring Summary
Stream Parameters
Parameter Method Schedule/Frequency Number/Extent Data Collected/Reported
Stream Profile Full longitudinal survey As-built (unless otherwise
required) All restored stream channels Graphic and tabular data.
Stream Dimension Cross-sections Years 1, 2, 3, 5, and 7 Total of 28 cross-sections on
restored channels Graphic and tabular data.
Channel Stability
Visual Assessments Yearly All restored stream channels
Areas of concern depicted on the plan view
figure with a written assessment and
photograph of the area included in the report
Additional Cross-sections Yearly Only if instability is documented
during monitoring Graphic and tabular data.
Stream Hydrology Continuous monitoring surface water
gauges and/or trail camera
Continuous recording through
the monitoring period
5 surface water gauges on UT 2,
3A, 3, 4, and 5 Surface water data for each monitoring period
Bankfull Events
Continuous monitoring surface water
gauges and/or trail camera
Continuous recording through
the monitoring period
3 crest gauges (pressure
transducers on Waxhaw Br up-and
downstream, and UT 3
Surface water data for each monitoring period
Visual/Physical Evidence Continuous through the
monitoring period
Visual monitoring and
photographic evidence as needed
Visual evidence, photo documentation, and/or
rain data.
Benthic
Macroinvertebrates
“Qual 4” method described in Standard
Operating Procedures for Collection and
Analysis of Benthic Macroinvertebrates,
Version 5.0 (NCDWR 2016)
Pre-construction, Years 3, 5,
and 7 during the “index
period” referenced in Small
Streams Biocriteria
Development (NCDWQ 2009)
2 stations (on Waxhaw Br
upstream and UT 3 downstream);
however, the exact locations will
be determined at the time pre-
construction benthics are collected
Results will be presented on a site-by-site basis.
They will include a list of taxa collected, an
enumeration of Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera,
Tricopetera taxa, and Biotic Index values. *
Wetland Parameters
Parameter Method Schedule/Frequency Number/Extent Data Collected/Reported
Wetland
Restoration
Groundwater gauges
Years 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7
throughout the year, with the
modified growing season** as
defined in the approved Site
mitigation plan
27 gauges spread throughout
restored wetlands
Soil temperature and bud burst of two woody
species at the beginning of each monitoring
period to verify the start of the modified
growing season, groundwater and rain data for
each monitoring period
Soil profile descriptions As-built and Years 3, 5, and 7 27 soil profile descriptions, one at
each groundwater gauge
Soil profile descriptions completed to assess the
development of hydric soil morphologic features
Vegetation Parameters
Parameter Method Schedule/Frequency Number/Extent Data Collected/Reported
Vegetation
establishment and
vigor
Permanent vegetation plots 0.0247
acres (100 square meters) in size As-built, Years 1, 2, 3, 5, and 7 37 plots spread across the Site Species, height, planted vs. volunteer,
stems/acre
Annual random vegetation plots, 0.0247
acres (100 square meters) in size As-built, Years 1, 2, 3, 5, and 7 12 plots randomly selected each
year Species and height
* Benthic Macroinvertebrate sampling data will not be tied to success criteria; however, the data may be used to observe positive gains to in-stream habitat.
** The growing season is defined as March 1 to November 14, with the March 1 start date to be confirmed by documentation of soil temperature greater than 41°F at 12 inches
below the surface and bud burst of two or more different non-evergreen vascular plant species (Section 8.1, Mitigation Plan