20231319 Ver 1_Ashe County Middle School PCN package_20230922

CLearWaLer
An EnviroScrence CompanyM
ClearWater Environmental Consultants, Inc.
www.cwenv.com
September 22, 2023
Amanda Jones Ms. Stephanie Goss
US Army Corps of Engineers NC DWR, 401 Permitting & Buffer Unit
Asheville Regulatory Field Office 512 N. Salisbury Street, 9th Floor
151 Patton Avenue, Room 208 Raleigh, North Carolina 27604
Asheville, North Carolina 28801
RE: Ashe County Middle School (+/- 67 Ac)
Nationwide Permit 39 Request
Ashe County, North Carolina
Dear Ms. Jones and Ms. Goss,
The attached Pre -Construction Notification (PCN) request is being submitted on behalf of Ashe
County Board of Education; represented by Allison Kemp -Sullivan. The approximately 67-acre
project site is composed of Ashe County Parcel Index Numbers 19227214 and 19227517 and is
located along Mt. Jefferson Road in West Jefferson, NC (36.390470,-81.473676). The applicant
is seeking Nationwide Permit 39 for permanent wetland and stream impacts associated with
development of a new middle school.
We are aware of changes to the definition of "waters of the US" in the recent SCOTUS ruling on
the Sackett case and understand some of these features on site may no longer be considered
jurisdictional waterways. We also understand modifications to the permit may be necessary based
on new regulations or guidance from the Corps.
Please do not hesitate to contact me at 828-698-9800 if you have any questions regarding the
attached application and supplemental information. A copy of this application has been sent via
email to Andrea Leslie, NC Wildlife Resources Commission; Byron Hamstead, US Fish and
Wildlife Service; and Seren Homer, NCDEQ Division of Water Resources — Winston-Salem
Office.
Sincerely,
41�
Eric Romaniszyn
Senior Scientist
Copy issued:
NC DEQ Division of Water Resources, Winston-Salem Office — Seren Homer
NC WRC — Andrea Leslie
US FWS, Asheville Office — Byron Hamstead
145 Th Avenue West, Suite B
Hendersonville, NC 28792
828-698-9800 Tel

Preliminary Data Entry Fields for New Actions
JSAW — -
u
1. Project Name:
Ashe County Middle School
2. Work Type:
Private ❑ Institutional ❑
Government ❑�
Commercial ❑
3. Project Description / Purpose:
PCN application for a +/- 67 acre tract; for development of the new Ashe County Middle School
4. Property Owner / Applicant:
Ashe County Board of Education
5. Agent / Consultant: ClearWater, an EnviroScience Company
6. Related Action ID Number(s): 2022-02478
7. Project Location - Coordinates, Street Address, and/or Location Description:
Mt. Jefferson Road, West Jefferson, North Carolina 28694 (36.390470,-81.473676)
8. Project Location - Tax Parcel ID: 19227214; 19227517
9. Project Location — County: Ashe
10. Project Location — Nearest Municipality or Town: West Jefferson
11. Project Information — Nearest Waterbody: Cole Branch (Class C;Tr:+)
12. Watershed / 8-Digit Hydrologic Unit Code: New / 05050001
Authorization: Section 10 ❑ Section 404 ✓❑ Section 10 & 404 ❑
Regulatory Action Type:
❑ Standard Permit
U Nationwide Permit # 39
❑ Regional General Permit #
❑ Jurisdictional Determination Request
❑ Pre -Application Request
❑ Unauthorized Activity
❑ Compliance
❑ No Permit Required
Revised 20210513

CLearW
aLer
A EtreiloScience Company a
Department of the Ariiiy
Wihuington District. Corps of Engineers
Attn: Scott McLendon. Chief Regulatory Division
PO Box 1890
Wilrrrirrgtotr, NC 28402-1890
-and-
NC DWR, Webscape Unit
Attn: Paul Wojoski
512 North Salisbury Stre et
Raleigh, North C iarolirra 27604
I, the current landowrrer/iiianaging partner of the property idetitifed below, hereby authorize
C1earWater Ejivirotinietital Consultants, Lie. (C'EQ to act on iiiy behalf as my agent dining the
processing of jttrisdictioiial determination requests and pertiuts to impact Wetlands and Water of
the US subject to Federal jurisdiction wider Section 404 of the Cleary Water Act raid/or Section 10
of the Rivers and Harbors Act of 1899. CEC is authorized to provide siipplertleiltal uifoniiltioii as
needed at the request of the USAGE or DWR.
Additionally, I authorize representatives of the Wilntitigtoii District, US Army Corps of Etigirieers
to enter upon the property herein described for the purposes of conducting wisite investigations and
issuitig a deterirunation associated with Wetlands and Waters of the US stibject to Federal
jtulsdictloii tinder Section 404 of the Clean Water Act acid/or Section 10 of tine Rivers acid Harbors
Act of 1899.
Property Owtier of Record: Ashe County Board Of Education
Property Owiier Address: (Mailing) PO Box 604 Jefferson, NC 28640
(Physical) 320 South Street Jefferson, NC 28640
Phone Nwiiber: 336-246-7175
Entail address: [e-mail]
184 Campus Drive, West Jefferson, NC 28694
Property Locat.ioti: (Legal Description) 2.5 A '17 2.5 A FROM 19227-214 (PB 9/180)
Owtier/Managing partner Signature: iLC]1•� f 1 f
Owner/Managing printed name: l $o, cc) X
Date: kj } N 120 Z.Z
145 7th Avenue West_ Suite B
Heridersoriville. NC 28792
Plione: 828-698-9800
ta'tM.0venv. corn

CLearWater
An fnviro&fence Company 8
Department of the Army
Wilmington District, Corps of Engineers
Attn: Scott McLendon, Chief Regulatory Division
PO Box 1890
Wilmington, NC 28402-1890
-and-
NC DWR, Webscape Unit
Attn: Paul Wojoski
512 North Salisbury Street
Raleigh, North Carolina 27604
I, the current landowner/managing partner of the property identified below, hereby authorize
C1earWater Environmental Consultants, Inc. (CEC) to act on my behalf as my agent during the
processing of jurisdictional determination requests and permits to impact Wetlands and Water of
the US subject to Federal jurisdiction under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act and/or Section 10
of the Rivers and Harbors Act of 1899. CEC is authorized to provide supplemental information as
needed at the request of the USACE or DWR.
Additionally, I authorize representatives of the Wilmington District, US Army Corps of Engineers
to enter upon the property herein described for the purposes of conducting onsite investigations and
issuing a determination associated with Wetlands and Waters of the US subject to Federal
jurisdiction under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act and/or Section 10 of the Rivers and Harbors
Act of 1899.
Property Owner of Record:
a� t
m- �S Gee
Property Owner Address:
0,4�trso-). IVC 2-Fi? `4 0
Phone Number: 3U - 436 - 07
Email address: Qf1LFr+7, „ 6 �,�heCpy�fv qaN. C-001
Property Location:
Owner/Managing partner Signature: {{ [ r
Owner/Managing printed name: �dQ � J �l ^A
Date: j Z 4 Z 2-
145 71h Avenue West, Suite B
Hendersonville, NC 28792
Phone: [phone]
WWW.CWCDV.COM

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Office Use Only:
Corps action ID no.
DWQ project no.
Form Version 1.4 January 2009
Pre -Construction Notification (PCN) Form
A.
Applicant Information
1.
Processing
1a.
Type(s) of approval sought from the Corps:
❑X Section 404 Permit ❑ Section 10 Permit
1 b.
Specify Nationwide Permit (NWP) number: 39 or General Permit (GP) number:
1c.
Has the NWP or GP number been verified by the Corps?
❑ Yes ❑X No
1d.
Type(s) of approval sought from the DWQ (check all that apply):
X❑ 401 Water Quality Certification — Regular ❑ Non-404 Jurisdictional General Permit
❑ 401 Water Quality Certification — Express ❑ Riparian Buffer Authorization
1 e.
Is this notification solely for the record
because written approval is not required?
For the record only for DWQ
401 Certification:
❑ Yes ❑X No
For the record only for Corps Permit:
❑ Yes ❑X No
1f.
Is payment into a mitigation bank or in -lieu fee program proposed for
mitigation of impacts? If so, attach the acceptance letter from mitigation bank
or in -lieu fee program.
❑X Yes ❑X No
1g.
Is the project located in any of NC's twenty coastal counties. If yes, answer 1 h
below.
❑ Yes ❑X No
1 h.
Is the project located within a NC DCM Area of Environmental Concern (AEC)?
❑ Yes ❑X No
2.
Project Information
2a.
Name of project:
Ashe County Middle School
2b.
County:
Ashe
2c.
Nearest municipality / town:
West Jefferson
2d.
Subdivision name:
2e.
NCDOT only, T.I.P. or state project no:
3.
Owner Information
3a.
Name(s) on Recorded Deed:
Ashe County Board of Education / County of Ashe
3b.
Deed Book and Page No.
00487/0909; 00546/1787
3c.
Responsible Party (for LLC if
applicable):
3d.
Street address:
PO Box 604 / 150 Government Circle, Suite 2500
3e.
City, state, zip:
Jefferson, NC 28640
3f.
Telephone no.:
336-246-7175; 336-430-0771
3g.
Fax no.:
3h.
Email address:
[e-mail] / [e-mail]
Page 1 of 10
PCN Form — Version 1.4 January 2009

4.
Applicant Information (if different from owner)
4a.
Applicant is:
X❑ Agent ❑ Other, specify:
4b.
Name:
4c.
Business name
(if applicable):
4d.
Street address:
4e.
City, state, zip:
4f.
Telephone no.:
4g.
Fax no.:
4h.
Email address:
5.
Agent/Consultant Information (if applicable)
5a.
Name:
Eric Romaniszyn
5b.
Business name
(if applicable):
ClearWater, an EnviroScience Company
5c.
Street address:
145 7th Avenue W; Suite B
5d.
City, state, zip:
Hendersonville, NC 28792
5e.
Telephone no.:
828-698-9800
5f.
Fax no.:
5g.
Email address:
[e-mail]
Page 2 of 10

B.
Project Information and Prior Project History
1.
Property Identification
1a.
Property identification no. (tax PIN or parcel ID):
19227214; 19227517
1b.
Site coordinates (in decimal degrees):
Latitude: 36.39047 Longitude:-81.473676
1c.
Property size:
67 acres
2.
Surface Waters
2a.
Name of nearest body of water to proposed project:
Cole Branch
2b.
Water Quality Classification of nearest receiving water:
C, Tr
2c.
River basin:
New
3.
Project Description
3a. Describe the existing conditions on the site and the general land use in the vicinity of the project at the time of this
application:
The project area consists of two properties; a 2.5-acre site that consists of mowed grass with few trees and shrubs, and a 64.5-acre site that consists
of areas of old pasture and forested land that was previously a private residence. The project area is bordered by multiple commercial properties to the
west, the Ashe County High School to the north, a campground and residential properties to the south, and forested land to the east.
3b.
List the total estimated acreage of all existing wetlands on the property: 2.061
3c.
List the total estimated linear feet of all existing streams (intermittent and perennial) on the property: 4,805
3d. Explain the purpose of the proposed project:
To develop the site for a new middle school, including access roads, parking lots, utility connections, and stormwater BMPs.
3e. Describe the overall project in detail, including the type of equipment to be used:
See Attachment A.
4.
Jurisdictional Determinations
4a.
Have jurisdictional wetland or stream determinations by the
Corps or State been requested or obtained for this property /
project (includingall prior phases)in the past?
0 Yes ❑ No ❑ Unknown
Comments: SAW-2o22-02478
4b.
If the Corps made the jurisdictional determination, what type
of determination was made?
0 Preliminary ❑ Final
4c.
If yes, who delineated the jurisdictional areas?
Name (if known):
Agency/Consultant Company: Clearwater Environmental
Other:
4d. If yes, list the dates of the Corps jurisdictional determinations or State determinations and attach documentation.
ClearWater delineated the site on July 20, 21, and 22, 2022 and the PJD results are included in Attachment B.
5.
Project History
5a.
Have permits or certifications been requested or obtained for
this project (including all prior phases) in the past?
❑Yes 0 No ❑ Unknown
5b.
If yes, explain in detail according to "help file" instructions.
6.
Future Project Plans
6a.
Is this a phased project?
❑ Yes 0 No
6b.
If yes, explain.
Page 3 of 10
PCN Form — Version 1.4 January 2009

C. Proposed Impacts Inventory
1. Impacts Summary
1 a. Which sections were completed below for your project (check all that apply):
❑- Wetlands ❑X Streams - tributaries ❑ Buffers ❑ Open Waters ❑ Pond Construction
2. Wetland Impacts
If there are wetland impacts proposed on the site, then complete this question for each wetland area impacted.
2a.
Wetland impact
number
Permanent (P) or
Temporary T
2b.
Type of impact
2c.
Type of wetland
2d.
Forested
2e.
Type of jurisdiction
Corps (404,10) or
DWQ (401, other)
2f.
Area of
impact
(acres)
W1 P
Fill
Riverine Swamp Forest
Yes
Corps
0.068
W2 P
Fill
Riverine Swamp Forest
Yes
Corps
0.001
W3 P
Fill
Riverine Swamp Forest
No
Corps
0.153
W4 P
Fill
Riverine Swamp Forest
No
Corps
0.108
W5 P
Fill
Riverine Swamp Forest
Yes
Corps
0.01
W6 P
Fill
Riverine Swamp Forest
Yes
Corps
0.019
2g. Total Wetland Impacts:
2h. Comments:
See additional wetland impacts and total impacts in Attachment A, Additional Comments.
3. Stream Impacts
If there are perennial or intermittent stream impacts (including temporary impacts) proposed on the site, then complete this
question for all stream sites impacted.
3a.
Stream impact
number
Permanent (P) or
Temporary (T)
3b.
Type of impact
3c.
Stream name
3d.
Perennial (PER) or
intermittent (INT)?
3e.
Type of
jurisdiction
3f.
Average
stream
width
(feet)
3g.
Impact
length
(linear
feet)
S1 P
Culvert
UT to Cole Branch
PER
Corps
4.3
90
S2 P
Culvert
UT to Cole Branch
PER
Corps
1.9
23
S3 P
Type In (Other) French d
UT to Cole Branch
PER
Corps
2
134
S4 P
Type In (Other) French d
UT to Cole Branch
PER
Corps
3.5
77
S5 P
Type In (Other) French d
UT to Cole Branch
INT
Corps
2
131
S6
Choose one
3h. Total stream and tributary impacts
455
3i. Comments:
Total stream impacts are 0.029 acres. Impact S1 replaces an existing 42 If culvert and results in a net impact of 90 If (0.009 acres). Impact S5 replaces
an existing 27 If culvert with a French drain and net impact of 131 If (0.006 acres).
Page 4 of 10
PCN Form - Version 1.4 January 2009

4. Open Water Impacts
If there are proposed impacts to lakes, ponds, estuaries, tributaries, sounds, the Atlantic Ocean, or any other open water of
the U.S. then indivi ually list all open water impacts below.
4a.
Open water
impact number
Permanent (P) or
Temporary (T)
4b.
Name of waterbody
(if applicable)
4c.
Type of impact
4d.
Waterbody
type
4e.
Area of impact (acres)
01
Choose one
Choose
02
Choose one
Choose
03
Choose one
Choose
04
Choose one
Choose
4f. Total open water impacts
4g. Comments:
5. Pond or Lake Construction
If pond or lake construction proposed, the complete the chart below.
5a.
Pond ID number
5b.
Proposed use or
purpose of pond
5c.
Wetland Impacts (acres)
5d.
Stream Impacts (feet)
5e.
Upland
(acres)
Flooded
Filled
Excavated
Flooded
Filled
Excavated
P1
Choose one
P2
Choose one
5f. Total:
5g. Comments:
5h. Is a dam high hazard permit required?
❑ Yes ❑ No If yes, permit ID no:
5i. Expected pond surface area (acres):
5j. Size of pond watershed (acres):
5k. Method of construction:
6. Buffer Impacts (for DWQ)
If project will impact a protected riparian buffer, then complete the chart below. If yes, then individually list all buffer impacts
below. If any impacts require mitigation, then you MUST fill out Section D of this form.
6a. Project is in which protected basin?
❑ Neuse ❑ Tar -Pamlico ❑ Catawba ❑ Randleman ❑ Other:
6b.
Buffer Impact
number —
Permanent (P) or
Temporary T
6c.
Reason for impact
6d.
Stream name
6e.
Buffer
mitigation
required?
6f.
Zone 1
impact
(square
feet)
6g.
Zone 2
impact
(square
feet
131
Yes/No
B2
Yes/No
B3
Yes/No
B4
Yes/No
B5
Yes/No
B6
Yes/No
6h. Total Buffer Impacts:
6i. Comments:
Page 5 of 10

D.
Impact Justification and Mitigation
1.
Avoidance and Minimization
la. Specifically describe measures taken to avoid or minimize the proposed impacts in designing project.
See Attachment A
1 b. Specifically describe measures taken to avoid or minimize the proposed impacts through construction techniques.
See Attachment A
2.
Compensatory Mitigation for Impacts to Waters of the U.S. or Waters of the State
2a.
Does the project require Compensatory Mitigation for
impacts to Waters of the U.S. or Waters of the State?
❑X Yes ❑ No
2b.
If yes, mitigation is required by (check all that apply):
❑X DWQ ❑X Corps
2c.
If yes, which mitigation option will be used for this
project?
❑ Mitigation bank
❑X Payment to in -lieu fee program
❑ Permittee Responsible Mitigation
3.
Complete if Using a Mitigation Bank
3a.
Name of Mitigation Bank:
3b. Credits Purchased (attach receipt and letter)
Type: Non -riparian wetland
Type: Riparian wetland
Type: Choose one
Quantity:
Quantity:
Quantity:
3c. Comments:
4.
Complete if Making a Payment to In -lieu Fee Program
4a. Approval letter from in -lieu fee program is attached.
❑X Yes
4b.
Stream mitigation requested:
455 linear feet
4c.
If using stream mitigation, stream temperature:
cold
4d.
Buffer mitigation requested (DWQ only):
square feet
4e.
Riparian wetland mitigation requested:
0.371 acres
4f.
Non -riparian wetland mitigation requested:
0.127 acres
4g.
Coastal (tidal) wetland mitigation requested:
acres
4h.
Comments: See Attachment D - DMS acceptance letter and WAM/SAM data forms
5.
Complete if Using a Permittee Responsible Mitigation Plan
5a.
If using a permittee responsible mitigation plan, provide a description of the proposed mitigation plan.
Page 6 of 10
PCN Form — Version 1.4 January 2009

6. Buffer Mitigation (State Regulated Riparian Buffer Rules) — required by DWQ
6a. Will the project result in an impact within a protected riparian buffer that requires
❑ Yes X❑ No
buffer mitigation?
6b. If yes, then identify the square feet of impact to each zone of the riparian buffer that requires mitigation. Calculate the
amount of mitigation required.
6c.
6d.
6e.
Zone
Reason for impact
Total impact
Multiplier
Required mitigation
(square feet)
(square feet)
Zone 1
3 (2 for Catawba)
Zone 2
1.5
6f. Total buffer mitigation required:
6g. If buffer mitigation is required, discuss what type of mitigation is proposed (e.g., payment to private mitigation bank,
permittee responsible riparian buffer restoration, payment into an approved in -lieu fee fund).
6h. Comments:
Page 7 of 10

E.
Stormwater Management and Diffuse Flow Plan (required by DWQ)
1.
Diffuse Flow Plan
1a.
Does the project include or is it adjacent to protected riparian buffers identified
❑ Yes ❑X No
within one of the NC Riparian Buffer Protection Rules?
1 b.
If yes, then is a diffuse flow plan included? If no, explain why.
❑ Yes ❑ No
2.
Stormwater Management Plan
2a.
What is the overall percent imperviousness of this project?
14.5 %
2b.
Does this project require a Stormwater Management Plan?
❑X Yes ❑ No
2c.
If this project DOES NOT require a Stormwater Management Plan, explain why:
2d.
If this project DOES require a Stormwater Management Plan, then provide a brief, narrative description of the plan:
Civil
Design Concept is preparing a Stormwater Management Plan that will be adapted to site conditions and complies with NC DWR standards for
runoff
quantity and quality. CDC will submit the Plan directly to DWR when complete.
2e.
Who will be responsible for the review of the Stormwater Management Plan?
NC DWR
3.
Certified Local Government Stormwater Review
3a.
In which localgovernment's jurisdiction is thisproject?
Ashe County
❑ Phase II
❑ NSW
3b.
Which of the following locally -implemented stormwater management programs
❑ USMP
apply (check all that apply):
❑ Water Supply Watershed
X❑ Other: DWR 401
3c.
Has the approved Stormwater Management Plan with proof of approval been
❑Yes X❑ No
attached?
4.
DWQ Stormwater Program Review
❑Coastal counties
❑HQW
4a.
Which of the following state -implemented stormwater management programs apply
❑ORW
(check all that apply):
❑Session Law 2006-246
❑Other:
4b.
Has the approved Stormwater Management Plan with proof of approval been
❑ Yes ❑ No
attached?
5.
DWQ 401 Unit Stormwater Review
5a.
Does the Stormwater Management Plan meet the appropriate requirements?
❑ Yes ❑ No
5b.
Have all of the 401 Unit submittal requirements been met?
❑ Yes ❑ No
Page 8 of 10
PCN Form — Version 1.4 January 2009

F.
Supplementary Information
1.
Environmental Documentation (DWQ Requirement)
1a.
Does the project involve an expenditure of public (federal/state/local) funds or the
0 Yes ❑ No
use of public (federal/state) land?
1 b.
If you answered "yes" to the above, does the project require preparation of an
environmental document pursuant to the requirements of the National or State
❑Yes 0 No
(North Carolina) Environmental Policy Act (NEPA/SEPA)?
1c.
If you answered "yes" to the above, has the document review been finalized by the
State Clearing House? (If so, attach a copy of the NEPA or SEPA final approval
❑ Yes 0 No
letter.)
Comments:
2.
Violations (DWQ Requirement)
2a.
Is the site in violation of DWQ Wetland Rules (15A NCAC 2H .0500), Isolated
Wetland Rules (15A NCAC 2H .1300), DWQ Surface Water or Wetland Standards,
❑Yes X❑ No
or Riparian Buffer Rules (15A NCAC 2B .0200)?
2b.
Is this an after -the -fact permit application?
❑Yes X❑ No
2c.
If you answered "yes" to one or both of the above questions, provide an explanation of the violation(s):
3.
Cumulative Impacts (DWQ Requirement)
3a.
Will this project (based on past and reasonably anticipated future impacts) result in
❑Yes X❑ No
additional development, which could impact nearby downstream water quality?
3b.
If you answered "yes" to the above, submit a qualitative or quantitative cumulative impact analysis in accordance with the
most recent DWQ policy. If you answered "no," provide a short narrative description.
The project only involves development of the project parcel with utility connections that abut the project boundary. This project will not result in
additional development that could affect downstream water quality.
4.
Sewage Disposal (DWQ Requirement)
4a.
Clearly detail the ultimate treatment methods and disposition (non -discharge or discharge) of wastewater generated from
the proposed project, or available capacity of the subject facility.
Proposed sanitary sewer mains on site will tie into the existing sanitary sewer main along Mount Jefferson Road. Wastewater will be
treated by the West Jefferson wastewater treatment plant.
Page 9 of 10
PCN Form — Version 1.4 January 2009

5. Endangered Species and Designated Critical Habitat (Corps Requirement)
5a. Will this project occur in or near an area with federally protected species or
0 Yes ❑ No
habitat?
5b. Have you checked with the USFWS concerning Endangered Species Act
0 Yes ❑ No
impacts?
5c. If yes, indicate the USFWS Field Office you have contacted.
Asheville
5d. What data sources did you use to determine whether your site would impact Endangered Species or Designated Critical
Habitat?
USFWS IPAC weblink, NHP Natural Heritage Data Explorer, and protected bat species survey. See Attachment C for survey reports. The bat survey
report was submitted to USFWS and NHP for review.
6. Essential Fish Habitat (Corps Requirement)
6a. Will this project occur in or near an area designated as essential fish habitat?
❑ Yes X❑ No
6b. What data sources did you use to determine whether your site would impact Essential Fish Habitat?
NOAA's Essential Fish Habitat (EFH) Mapper. Accessed August 15, 2023 at https://www.habitat.noaa.gov/apps/efhmapper/.
7. Historic or Prehistoric Cultural Resources (Corps Requirement)
7a. Will this project occur in or near an area that the state, federal or tribal
governments have designated as having historic or cultural preservation
❑ Yes 0 No
status (e.g., National Historic Trust designation or properties significant in
North Carolina history and archaeology)?
7b. What data sources did you use to determine whether your site would impact historic or archeological resources?
Data were gathered from NCHPO's HPOWEB 2.0 for General Audience; accessed August 15, 2023.
8. Flood Zone Designation (Corps Requirement)
8a. Will this project occur in a FEMA-designated 100-year floodplain?
❑ Yes X❑ No
8b. If yes, explain how project meets FEMA requirements:
8c. What source(s) did you use to make the floodplain determination?
NC Floodplain Mapping Program. FEMA Map Nos. 3710297700J and 3710297600J; effective November 4, 2009 (Figure 6).
Eric Romaniszyn
�/
�—i
September 20, 2023
Applicant/Agent's Printed Name
Date
Applicant/Agent's Signature
(Agent's signature is valid only if an authorization
letter from the applicant isprovided.)
Page 10 of 10

Figures 1 - 6

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Ashe County, Number: 3710297700J
North Carolina and 3710297600J
145 7th Avenue West, Suite B Effective: 11 /4/2009
Hendersonville, NC 28792 Figure 6

Attachment A
PCN Additional Information

Section B, 3e. Describe the overall project in detail, including the type of equipment to be
used:
The approximately 67-acre site is proposed for development of the new Ashe County Middle
School in West Jefferson, NC. Current land uses are forest, mowed grass, and old farm field with
vegetation being nearly all pasture. Much of the site will be cleared and graded for the main
building with associated entrance road, parking, utilities, and sports fields (see Figure 5, Impact
Map).
The proposed school is replacing the existing middle school that is over 55 years old. The new
site adjacent to the Ashe County High School presents a valuable opportunity to optimize
resources and share assets that will be a long-term cost savings for the school system. In addition,
the development of a middle school with athletic amenities aligns with the county's goals of
providing additional parks and recreation facilities for the community that can be shared.
The current middle school situated at the end of Northwest Lane in Warrensville was completed
in 1966. With a gross square footage of 84,654, this facility has been serving approximately 460
students in grades 7 and 8. The new school will be located approximately 7.5 miles south and will
be adjacent (south) of the high school. Access will be from Mount Jefferson Road.
The building will incorporate the principles of sustainable design and strategies which support
flexibility and student focused learning environments. The total gross area of the facility is planned
to be approximately 158,000 sf over 3 stories and will serve 650 to 800 students across grades 6
to 8. While the school programmatic needs are substantial, equal emphasis has been placed on
minimizing impact on the site. The multiple levels have been strategically organized to work with
the site grades to also have direct access to the outdoors.
Site preparation will involve placing fill in the stream and wetland areas. The total stream impacts
would be 0.029 acres (455 If) and wetland impacts would be 0.498 acres (see Figure 5, Impact
Map). Authorization for these is requested under a Nationwide Permit 39. Photos of jurisdictional
waters that will be impacted are found in Attachment E.
At stream impact S1, 128 If (0.012 acres) of 84" diameter RCP culvert will be installed to route a
stream under the proposed entrance. We estimate 11.0 cubic yards of fill will be required. This
will replace an existing 42 If (0.004 acres) culvert and the net stream impact will be 90 If (0.009
acres). At stream impact S2, 26 If (0.002 acres) of 24" HDPE culvert will be installed to route a
stream under the proposed entrance; this culvert will tie into the S1 culvert and have an impact of
23 If (0.001 acres). We estimate 0.312 cubic yards of fill will be required. Both culverts will be
installed "in -the -dry" via open cut and embedded to allow for aquatic passage (see engineering
details in Figure 5).
The impacts at S3, S4 and S5 are required to create a pad large enough for the school building
and perimeter road. At stream impact S3, the ground surface is being lowered 30 to 40 feet and
a French drain installed at the toe of the slope will direct water west to outlet into a stream channel.
The outlet will be armored with a rip rap apron to prevent erosion.
At stream impacts S4 and S5, the ground surface is being raised five to 20 feet. These locations
are within the same stream channel where a 228 If French drain will be installed following the
engineering detail found in Figure 5. Impact S4 will impact 77 If (0.007 acres) of a perennial
stream. Impact S5 will include replacing an existing 27 If culvert for a net impact of 131 If (0.006

acres) of an intermittent stream. The drain will outlet into the existing stream channel downstream
of S4.
Utility lines (electric, water, sewer) will be installed under the entrance road. They will cross over
the culvert installed at stream crossing S1/S2 (see Figure 5).
Typical construction equipment will be used during development of the site, including bulldozers,
excavators, backhoes, dump trucks, etc.
Section C. 2a. Wetland Impacts (continued)
2a. Wetland
2e.
impact
Type of
2f.
number
2b.
2c.
jurisdiction
Area of
Permanent (P) or
Type of
Type of
2d.
Corps (404,10) or
impact
Temporary T
impact
wetland
Forested
DWQ 401, other
acres
W7 P
Fill
Riverine
Yes
Corps
0.014
Swamp Forest
W8 P
Fill
Riverine
Yes
Corps
0.007
Swamp Forest
W9 P
Fill
Riverine
Yes
Corps
0.105
Swamp Forest
W10 P
Fill
Riverine
Yes
Corps
0.001
Swamp Forest
W11 P
Fill
Riverine
Yes
Corps
0.005
Swamp Forest
W12 P
Fill
Riverine
Yes
Corps
0.002
Swamp Forest
W13 P
Fill
Riverine
Yes
Corps
0.005
Swamp Forest
2g. Total Wetland Impacts
0.498
Section D, la. Specifically describe measures taken to avoid or minimize the proposed
impacts through project design.
The project design avoids permanent impacts to 1.563 acres of wetland (76% of wetland area on
site) and 4,350 linear feet of stream (91 % of stream length on site).
Permanent stream impacts are proposed for installation of two culverts under the school entrance
road, and three French drains under the perimeter road and school building. Permanent wetland
impacts are proposed along the entrance road and portions of the building footprint. All other
proposed structures and infrastructure, including most of the entrance roads, parking areas, and
the building footprint, are proposed in uplands.
The proposed soccer field was rotated and grading adjusted from the original design. This
resulted in less stream and wetland impacts.
The entrance road will be 3-lanes with dedicated bus and car entry lanes. It also includes a shared
exit lane that reduces the road width and minimizes impacts to streams and wetlands.

Section D, 1 b. Specifically describe measure taken to avoid or minimize proposed impacts
through construction techniques.
The culverts will be installed in the dry using a pump around system (see Figure 5) and all
equipment will be operated from high ground. Stream banks and disturbed vegetation will be
restored using natural restoration design techniques. Appropriate erosion and sediment control
measures will be implemented to avoid unintended impacts to waters on and adjacent to the site.

Attachment B
Preliminary Jurisdictional
Determination Verification

U.S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS
WILMINGTON DISTRICT
Action Id. 2022-02478 County: Ashe U.S.G.S. Quad: NC -Jefferson
NOTIFICATION OF JURISDICTIONAL DETERMINATION
Requestor:
County of Ashe
Adam Stumb
Address:
150 Government Circle
Jefferson, NC 28640
Telephone Number:
336-430-0771
E-mai I :
adam.stumbWashecountygov.com
Requestor: Ashe County Board of Education
Eisa M. Cox
Address: P.O. Box 604
Jefferson, NC 28640
Telephone number: 336-246-7175
Email: Eisa.cox(&_),ashe.k12.nc.us
Size (acres) 67 Nearest Town West Jefferson
Nearest Waterway Beaver Creek River Basin Kanawha
USGS HUC 05050001 Coordinates Latitude: 36.390470
Longitude:-81.473676
Location description: The site is located at/near 191 Greenfield Lane, in West Jefferson, NC.
Indicate Which of the Following Apply:
A. Preliminary Determination
® There appear to be waters, including wetlands on the above described project area/property, that may be subject to Section 404
of the Clean Water Act (CWA)(33 USC § 1344) and/or Section 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act (RHA) (33 USC § 403). The
waters, including wetlands have been delineated, and the delineation has been verified by the Corps to be sufficiently accurate
and reliable. The approximate boundaries of these waters are shown on the enclosed delineation map dated 12/27/2022 (Figure
5). Therefore this preliminary jurisdiction determination may be used in the permit evaluation process, including determining
compensatory mitigation. For purposes of computation of impacts, compensatory mitigation requirements, and other resource
protection measures, a permit decision made on the basis of a preliminary JD will treat all waters and wetlands that would be
affected in any way by the permitted activity on the site as if they are jurisdictional waters of the U.S. This preliminary
determination is not an appealable action under the Regulatory Program Administrative Appeal Process (Reference 33 CFR Part
331). However, you may request an approved JD, which is an appealable action, by contacting the Corps district for further
instruction.
❑ There appear to be waters, including wetlands on the above described project area/property, that may be subject to Section 404
of the Clean Water Act (CWA)(33 USC § 1344) and/or Section 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act (RHA) (33 USC § 403).
However, since the waters, including wetlands have not been properly delineated, this preliminary jurisdiction determination
may not be used in the permit evaluation process. Without a verified wetland delineation, this preliminary determination is
merely an effective presumption of CWA/RHA jurisdiction over all of the waters, including wetlands at the project area, which
is not sufficiently accurate and reliable to support an enforceable permit decision. We recommend that you have the waters,
including wetlands on your project area/property delineated. As the Corps may not be able to accomplish this wetland
delineation in a timely manner, you may wish to obtain a consultant to conduct a delineation that can be verified by the Corps.
B. Approved Determination
❑ There are Navigable Waters of the United States within the above described project area/property subject to the permit
requirements of Section 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act (RHA) (33 USC § 403) and Section 404 of the Clean Water Act
(CWA)(33 USC § 1344). Unless there is a change in law or our published regulations, this determination may be relied upon for
a period not to exceed five years from the date of this notification.

2022-02478
❑ There are waters, including wetlandson the above described project area/property subject to the permit requirements of Section
404 of the Clean Water Act (CWA) (33 USC § 1344). Unless there is a change in the law or our published regulations, this
determination may be relied upon for a period not to exceed five years from the date of this notification.
❑ We recommend you have the waters, including wetlands on your project area/property delineated. As the Corps may not be
able to accomplish this wetland delineation in a timely manner, you may wish to obtain a consultant to conduct a delineation that
can be verified by the Corps.
❑ The waters, including wetlands on your project area/property have been delineated and the delineation has been verified by
the Corps. The approximate boundaries of these waters are shown on the enclosed delineation map dated DATE. We strongly
suggest you have this delineation surveyed. Upon completion, this survey should be reviewed and verified by the Corps. Once
verified, this survey will provide an accurate depiction of all areas subject to CWA jurisdiction on your property which, provided
there is no change in the law or our published regulations, may be relied upon for a period not to exceed five years.
❑ The waters, including wetlands have been delineated and surveyed and are accurately depicted on the plat signed by the
Corps Regulatory Official identified below onDATE. Unless there is a change in the law or our published regulations, this
determination may be relied upon for a period not to exceed five years from the date of this notification.
❑ There are no waters of the U.S., to include wetlands, present on the above described project area/property which are subject to the
permit requirements of Section 404 of the Clean Water Act (33 USC 1344). Unless there is a change in the law or our published
regulations, this determination may be relied upon for a period not to exceed five years from the date of this notification.
❑ The property is located in one of the 20 Coastal Counties subject to regulation under the Coastal Area Management Act (CAMA).
You should contact the Division of Coastal Management in Morehead City, NC, at [phone] to determine their
requirements.
Placement of dredged or fill material within waters of the US, including wetlands, without a Department of the Army permit may
constitute a violation of Section 301 of the Clean Water Act (33 USC § 1311). Placement of dredged or fill material, construction or
placement of structures, or work within navigable waters of the United States without a Department of the Army permit may
constitute a violation of Sections 9 and/or 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act (33 USC § 401 and/or 403). If you have any questions
regarding this determination and/or the Corps regulatory program, please contact Amanda Jones at 828-271-7980 ext. 4225 or
amanda. i ones(a,usace.army.mil .
C. Basis For Determination: See the preliminary jurisdictional determination form dated 12/27/2022 and
attached Figure 5.
D. Remarks:
E. Attention USDA Program Participants
This delineation/determination has been conducted to identify the limits of Corps' Clean Water Act jurisdiction for the particular site
identified in this request. The delineation/determination may not be valid for the wetland conservation provisions of the Food Security
Act of 1985. If you or your tenant are USDA Program participants, or anticipate participation in USDA programs, you should request
a certified wetland determination from the local office of the Natural Resources Conservation Service, prior to starting work.
F. Appeals Information (This information applies only to approved jurisdictional determinations as indicated in B.
above)
If you object to this determination, you may request an administrative appeal under Corps regulations at 33 CFR Part 331. Enclosed
you will find a Notification of Appeal Process (NAP) fact sheet and Request for Appeal (RFA) form. If you request to appeal this
determination you must submit a completed RFA form to the following address:
US Army Corps of Engineers
South Atlantic Division
Attn: Mr. Philip A. Shannin
Administrative Appeal Review Officer
60 Forsyth Street SW, Floor M9
Atlanta, Georgia 30303-8803
AND
PHILIP.A. SHANNINkUSACE.ARMY.MIL

2022-02478
In order for an RFA to be accepted by the Corps, the Corps must determine that it is complete, that it meets the criteria for appeal
under 33 CFR part 331.5, and that it has been received by the Division Office within 60 days of the date of the NAP. Should you
decide to submit an RFA form, it must be received at the above address by Not applicable.
**It is not necessary to submit an A form to the Division Office if you do not object to the determination in this correspondence.**
Corps Regulatory Official:
Date of JD: 12/27/2022 Expiration Date of JD: Not applicable
The Wilmington District is committed to providing the highest level of support to the public. To help us ensure we
continue to do so, please complete our Customer Satisfaction Survey, located online at
https://re ulatoa.ops.usacc.army.mil/customer-service-survey/.
Copy Furnished:
ClearWater, an EnviroScience Company / Attn: Jeff Golladay (via email)

NOTIFICATION OF ADMINISTRATIVE APPEAL OPTIONS AND PROCESS AND
REQUEST FOR APPEAL
Applicant: County of Ashe, Adam Stumb I File Number: 2022-02478 Date: 12/27/2022
Attached is: and Ashe County Board of Education, Eisa M. Cox
See Section below
INITIAL PROFFERED PERMIT (Standard Permit or Letter of permission)
A
PROFFERED PERMIT (Standard Permit or Letter of permission)
B
❑
PERMIT DENIAL
C
❑
APPROVED JURISDICTIONAL DETERMINATION
D
❑X
PRELIMINARY JURISDICTIONAL DETERMINATION
E
SECTION I - The following identities your rights and options regarding an administrative appeal of the above decision.
Additional information may be found at or htti)://www.usace.army.mil/Missions/CivilWorks/RcaulatoryProaramandPermits.asnx
or the Corps regulations at 33 CFR Part 331.
A: INITIAL PROFFERED PERMIT: You may accept or object to the permit.
• ACCEPT: If you received a Standard Permit, you may sign the permit document and return it to the district engineer for final
authorization. If you received a Letter of Permission (LOP), you may accept the LOP and your work is authorized. Your
signature on the Standard Permit or acceptance of the LOP means that you accept the permit in its entirety, and waive all
rights to appeal the permit, including its terms and conditions, and approved jurisdictional determinations associated with the
permit.
• OBJECT: If you object to the permit (Standard or LOP) because of certain terms and conditions therein, you may request
that the permit be modified accordingly. You must complete Section If of this form and return the form to the district
engineer. Your objections must be received by the district engineer within 60 days of the date of this notice, or you will
forfeit your right to appeal the permit in the future. Upon receipt of your letter, the district engineer will evaluate your
objections and may: (a) modify the permit to address all of your concerns, (b) modify the permit to address some of your
objections, or (c) not modify the permit having determined that the permit should be issued as previously written. After
evaluating your objections, the district engineer will send you a proffered permit for your reconsideration, as indicated in
Section B below.
B: PROFFERED PERMIT: You may accept or appeal the permit
• ACCEPT: If you received a Standard Permit, you may sign the permit document and return it to the district engineer for final
authorization. If you received a Letter of Permission (LOP), you may accept the LOP and your work is authorized. Your
signature on the Standard Permit or acceptance of the LOP means that you accept the permit in its entirety, and waive all
rights to appeal the permit, including its terms and conditions, and approved jurisdictional determinations associated with the
permit.
• APPEAL: If you choose to decline the proffered permit (Standard or LOP) because of certain terms and conditions therein,
you may appeal the declined permit under the Corps of Engineers Administrative Appeal Process by completing Section II of
this form and sending the form to the division engineer. This form must be received by the division engineer within 60 days
of the date of this notice.
C: PERMIT DENIAL: You may appeal the denial of a permit under the Corps of Engineers Administrative Appeal Process by
completing Section II of this form and sending the form to the division engineer. This form must be received by the division
engineer within 60 days of the date of this notice.
D: APPROVED JURISDICTIONAL DETERMINATION: You may accept or appeal the approved JD or provide new
information.
• ACCEPT: You do not need to notify the Corps to accept an approved JD. Failure to notify the Corps within 60 days of the
date of this notice, means that you accept the approved JD in its entirety, and waive all rights to appeal the approved JD.
• APPEAL: If you disagree with the approved JD, you may appeal the approved JD under the Corps of Engineers
Administrative Appeal Process by completing Section II of this form and sending the form to the district engineer. This form
must be received by the division engineer- within 60 days of the date of this notice.

E: PRELIMINARY JURISDICTIONAL DETERMINATION: You do not need to respond to the Corps regarding the
preliminary JD. The Preliminary JD is not appealable. If you wish, you may request an approved JD (which may be appealed),
by contacting the Corps district for further instruction. Also you may provide new information for further consideration by the
Corps to reevaluate the JD.
SECTION II - REQUEST FOR APPEAL or OBJECTIONS TO AN INITIAL PROFFERED PERMIT iff
REASONS FOR APPEAL OR OBJECTIONS: (Describe your reasons for appealing the decision or your objections to an initial
proffered permit in clear concise statements. You may attach additional information to this form to clarify where your reasons or
objections are addressed in the administrative record.)
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: The appeal is limited to a review of the administrative record, the Corps memorandum for the
record of the appeal conference or meeting, and any supplemental information that the review officer has determined is needed to
clarify the administrative record. Neither the appellant nor the Corps may add new information or analyses to the record.
However, you may provide additional information to clarify the location of information that is already in the administrative
record.
POINT OF CONTACT FOR QUESTIONS OR INFORMATION:
If you have questions regarding this decision and/or the
If you only have questions regarding the appeal process you may
appeal process you may contact:
also contact:
District Engineer, Wilmington Regulatory Division
MR. PHTLTP A. SHANNTN
Attn: Amanda Jones
ADMTNTSTRATTVE APPEAL REVTEW OFFTCER
Asheville Regulatory Office
CESAD-PDS-O
U.S Army Corps of Engineers
60 FORSYTH STREET SOUTHWEST, FLOOR M9
151 Patton Avenue, Room 208
ATLANTA, GEORGTA 30303-8803
Asheville, North Carolina 28801
PHONE: [phone]; FAX [phone]
EMAIL: PHILIP.A.SHANNIN(a_USACE.ARMY.MIL
RIGHT OF ENTRY: Your signature below grants the right of entry to Corps of Engineers personnel, and any government
consultants, to conduct investigations of the project site during the course of the appeal process. You will be provided a 15-day
notice of any site investigation, and will have the opportunit to participate in all site investigations.
Date:
Telephone number:
Signature of appellant or agent.
For appeals on Initial Proffered Permits send this form to:
District Engineer, Wilmington Regulatory Division, Attn: Amanda Jones, 69 Darlington Avenue, Wilmington, North Carolina
28403
For Permit denials, Proffered Permits and Approved Jurisdictional Determinations send this form to:
Division Engineer, Commander, U.S. Army Engineer Division, South Atlantic, Attn: Mr. Philip Shannin, Administrative
Appeal Officer, CESAD-PDO, 60 Forsyth Street, Room 1OM15, Atlanta, Georgia 30303-8801
Phone: [phone]

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Appendix 2 - PRELIMINARY JURISDICTIONAL DETERMINATION (PJD) FORM
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
A. REPORT COMPLETION DATE FOR PJD: IDecember 27, 2022
County of Ashe, Attn: Adam Stumb, 150 Government Circle,
Jefferson, NC 28640
B. NAME AND ADDRESS OF PERSON REQUESTING PJD: Ashe County Board of Education, Attn: Eisa Cox, P.O. Box 604,
Jefferson, NC 28640
C. DISTRICT OFFICE, FILE NAME, AND NUMBER: CESAW-RG-A / Ashe County Middle School PJD / SAW - 2022-02478
D. PROJECT LOCATION(S) AND BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
(USE THE TABLE BELOW TO DOCUMENT MULTIPLE AQUATIC RESOURCES AND/OR
AQUATIC RESOURCES AT DIFFERENT SITES)
State: NC County/parish/borough: Ashe City: West Jefferson
Center coordinates of site (lat/long in degree decimal format):
Lat.: 36.390470 Long.:-81.473676
Universal Transverse Mercator: NAD83
Name of nearest waterbody: Cole Branch (Class C;Tr:+)
E. REVIEW PERFORMED FOR SITE EVALUATION (CHECK ALL THAT APPLY):
❑ Office (Desk) Determination. Date:
❑ Field Determination. Date(s): I November 30, 2022
TABLE OF AQUATIC RESOURCES IN REVIEW AREA WHICH "MAY BE" SUBJECT TO REGULATORY
JURISDICTION.
Site
number
Latitude
(decimal
degrees)
Longitude
(decimal
degrees)
Estimated amount
of aquatic resource
in review area
(acreage and linear
feet, if applicable)
Type of aquatic
resource (i.e., wetland
vs. non -wetland
waters)
Geographic authority
to which the aquatic
resource "may be"
subject (i.e., Section
404 or Section 10/404)
See Attached Aquatic Resources Table Below

Table 1. Aquatic Resources
Site number
Latitude
Longitude
Estimated amount of
aquatic resource in
review area
Type of aquatic
resource
Geographic authority to which
the aquatic resources "may
be" subject
SA
36.390315
-81.476833
1094
Non -Wetland
Section 404
SB
36.389233
-81.477783
47
Non -Wetland
Section 404
SC
36.390866
-81.476648
96
Non -Wetland
Section 404
SD
36.391250
-81.476763
277
Non -Wetland
Section 404
SE
36.391391
-81.476501
87
Non -Wetland
Section 404
SF
36.391561
-81.476221
255
Non -Wetland
Section 404
SG (Per)
36.390371
-81.474697
713
Non -Wetland
Section 404
SG (Int)
36.390968
-81.473416
146
Non -Wetland
Section 404
SH
36.390299
-81.473351
223
Non -Wetland
Section 404
SJ
36.390217
-81.472545
508
Non -Wetland
Section 404
SK
36.390601
-81.473350
72
Non -Wetland
Section 404
SL
36.391651
-81.472563
132
Non -Wetland
Section 404
SM
36.388724
-81.472997
1155
Non -Wetland
Section 404
WA
36.391072
-81.476817
0.439
Wetland
Section 404
WB
36.391282
-81.476648
0.212
Wetland
Section 404
WC
36.391466
-81.476512
0.072
Wetland
Section 404
WD
36.391518
-81.476317
0.041
Wetland
Section 404
WE
36.391743
-81.476075
0.008
Wetland
Section 404
WF
36.391783
-81.475913
0.113
Wetland
Section 404
WG
36.391413
-81.476097
0.626
Wetland
Section 404
WH
36.390245
-81.475715
0.084
Wetland
Section 404
WJ
36.390357
-81.474846
0.030
Wetland
Section 404
WK
36.390363
-81.474478
0.017
Wetland
Section 404
WL
36.390406
-81.474273
0.019
Wetland
Section 404
WM
36.390425
-81.474103
0.049
Wetland
Section 404
WN
36.390313
-81.473795
0.003
Wetland
Section 404
WP
36.390343
-81.473416
0.005
Wetland
Section 404
WQ
36.390317
-81.472945
0.010
Wetland
Section 404
WR
36.390243
-81.472516
0.023
Wetland
Section 404
WS
36.390258
-81.473025
0.100
Wetland
Section 404
WT
36.390607
-81.473003
0.006
Wetland
Section 404
WU
36.390684
-81.473653
0.005
Wetland
Section 404
WV
36.390771
-81.473571
0.001
Wetland
Section 404
WX
36.390826
-81.473512
0.004
Wetland
Section 404
WY
36.391209
-81.473081
0.012
Wetland
Section 404
WZ
36.391631
-81.472810
0.020
Wetland
Section 404
WAA
36.391643
-81.472445
0.005
Wetland
Section 404
WBB
36.391672
-81.471868
0.004
Wetland
Section 404
WCC
36.391787
-81.471768
0.005
Wetland
Section 404
WDD
36.391306
-81.471904
0.061
Wetland
Section 404
WEE
36.390908
-81.472552
0.020
Wetland
Section 404
WFF
36.390898
-81.472232
0.002
Wetland
Section 404
WGG
36.392281
-81.471218
0.001
Wetland
Section 404
WHH
36.392209
-81.471271
0.001
Wetland
Section 404
WJJ
36.392025
-81.471435
0.018
Wetland
Section 404
WKK
36.390859
-81.470011
0.012
Wetland
Section 404
WILL
36.388884
-81.473254
0.004
Wetland
Section 404
WMM
36.388928
-81.473043
0.015
Wetland
Section 404
WNN
36.388760
-81.473120
0.014
Wetland
Section 404

1) The Corps of Engineers believes that there may be jurisdictional aquatic resources in
the review area, and the requestor of this PJD is hereby advised of his or her option
to request and obtain an approved JD (AJD) for that review area based on an
informed decision after having discussed the various types of JDs and their
characteristics and circumstances when they may be appropriate.
2) In any circumstance where a permit applicant obtains an individual permit, or a
Nationwide General Permit (NWP) or other general permit verification requiring "pre -
construction notification" (PCN), or requests verification for a non -reporting NWP or
other general permit, and the permit applicant has not requested an AJD for the
activity, the permit applicant is hereby made aware that: (1) the permit applicant has
elected to seek a permit authorization based on a PJD, which does not make an
official determination of jurisdictional aquatic resources; (2) the applicant has the
option to request an AJD before accepting the terms and conditions of the permit
authorization, and that basing a permit authorization on an AJD could possibly result
in less compensatory mitigation being required or different special conditions; (3) the
applicant has the right to request an individual permit rather than accepting the terms
and conditions of the NWP or other general permit authorization; (4) the applicant can
accept a permit authorization and thereby agree to comply with all the terms and
conditions of that permit, including whatever mitigation requirements the Corps has
determined to be necessary; (5) undertaking any activity in reliance upon the subject
permit authorization without requesting an AJD constitutes the applicant's acceptance
of the use of the PJD; (6) accepting a permit authorization (e.g., signing a proffered
individual permit) or undertaking any activity in reliance on any form of Corps permit
authorization based on a PJD constitutes agreement that all aquatic resources in the
review area affected in any way by that activity will be treated as jurisdictional, and
waives any challenge to such jurisdiction in any administrative or judicial compliance
or enforcement action, or in any administrative appeal or in any Federal court; and (7)
whether the applicant elects to use either an AJD or a PJD, the JD will be processed
as soon as practicable. Further, an AJD, a proffered individual permit (and all terms
and conditions contained therein), or individual permit denial can be administratively
appealed pursuant to 33 C.F.R. Part 331. If, during an administrative appeal, it
becomes appropriate to make an official determination whether geographic
jurisdiction exists over aquatic resources in the review area, or to provide an official
delineation of jurisdictional aquatic resources in the review area, the Corps will
provide an AJD to accomplish that result, as soon as is practicable. This PJD finds
that there "may be" waters of the U.S. and/or that there "may be" navigable waters of
the U.S. on the subject review area, and identifies all aquatic features in the review
area that could be affected by the proposed activity, based on the following
information:

SUPPORTING DATA. Data reviewed for PJD (check all that apply)
Checked items should be included in subject file. Appropriately reference sources
below where indicated for all checked items:
❑■ Maps, plans, plots or plat submitted by or on behalf of the PJD requestor:
Map:Vicinity, USGS Topo, Aerial, USDA Soil, Wetland/Stream Delineation
❑■ r
to sheets prepared/submitted by or on behalf of the PJD requestor.
Office concurs with data sheets/delineation report.
❑ Office does not concur with data sheets/delineation report. Rationale:
❑ Data sheets prepared by the Corps:
❑ Corps navigable waters' study:
❑ U.S. Geological Survey Hydrologic Atlas:
❑ USGS NHD data.
❑ USGS 8 and 12 digit HUC maps.
❑■ U.S. Geological Survey map(s). Cite scale & quad name:
1:24,000 Scale; Jefferson Quad
❑ Natural Resources Conservation Service Soil Survey. Citation:
❑ National wetlands inventory map(s). Cite name:
❑ State/local wetland inventory map(s):
❑ FEMA/FIRM maps:
❑ 100-year Floodplain Elevation is: .(National Geodetic Vertical Datum of 1929)
❑■ Photographs: ■❑ Aerial (Name & Date): NCCGIA 2019 (CW Photolog: July 2022)
or ❑ Other (Name & Date):
❑ Previous determination(s). File no. and date of response letter:
0 Other information (please specify): Property Data
IMPORTANT NOTE: The information recorded on this form has not necessarily
been verified by the Corps and should not be relied upon for later jurisdictional
determinations.
Sig ture and date of
Regulatory staff member
completing PJD
e
11 /18/2022
Signature and date of
person requesting PJD
(REQUIRED, unless obtaining
the signature is impracticable)'
' Districts may establish timeframes for requestor to return signed PJD forms. If the requestor does not respond
within the established time frame, the district may presume concurrence and no additional follow up is
necessary prior to finalizing an action.

Attachment C
Threatened and Endangered
Species Information

Ashe County Middle School
Approximately 67 Acres
Ashe County, NC
Threatened and Endangered Species Review and Habitat Assessment
Prepared For
AA
THE COUNTY
320 South Street
PO Box 604
Jefferson, NC 28640
[phone]
Prepared By
CLeaON&er
An EnviroScience Company01
145 7t" Avenue W
Suite B
Hendersonville, NC 28792
October 18, 2022
Revised August 16, 2023

Table of Contents
1.0
INTRODUCTION...................................................................................................2
2.0
METHODOLOGY..................................................................................................2
3.0
HABITAT CLASSIFICATION................................................................................3
3.1
Montane Oak -Hickory Forest............................................................................................
3
3.2
Acidic Cove Forest............................................................................................................
4
3.3
Meadow.............................................................................................................................4
3.4
Disturbed Field..................................................................................................................
5
3.5
Bottomland Hardwood Forest...........................................................................................
5
3.6
Swamp Forest -Bog Complex............................................................................................
5
3.7
Emergent Wetland............................................................................................................
6
3.8
Low Elevation Seep..........................................................................................................
6
3.9
Streams.............................................................................................................................6
3.10
Soils...................................................................................................................................7
4.0
PROTECTED SPECIES........................................................................................7
4.1
Bald Eagle.........................................................................................................................
7
4.2
Bog Turtle..........................................................................................................................
7
4.3
Gray Bat............................................................................................................................
8
4.4
Heller's Blazing Star..........................................................................................................
9
4.5
Northern Long-eared Bat..................................................................................................
9
4.6
Rock Gnome Lichen........................................................................................................
10
4.7
Swamp Pink....................................................................................................................
10
4.8
Tricolored Bat..................................................................................................................
11
5.0
CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS......................................................12
6.0
REFERENCES................................................................................................................
13
List of Tables
Table 1: US Fish and Wildlife Service IPaC - Official Species List.
Table 2: NCNHP Summary of Element Occurrences
Table 3: USDA Soil Units occurring within the project boundary.
List of Figures
Figure 1:
Site Vicinity Map
Figure 2:
USGS Topographic Map
Figure 3:
NCCGIA Aerial Imagery Map
Figure 4:
NRCS Soils Map
Figure 5:
Study Area — Habitat Map
Appendices
Appendix A: US Fish and Wildlife Service IPaC - Official Species List and NC
Natural Heritage Program Data
Appendix B: Photolog
Clearwater, an EnviroScience Company Page 1
Project #16567 Ashe County Middle School

1.0 INTRODUCTION
The following report includes methods used and results for a threatened and endangered
species survey and habitat assessment for the proposed approximately 67-acre Ashe
County Middle School project. The study area occupies an undeveloped tract in West
Jefferson, Ashe County, NC (Figure 1). The site is accessed from an unnamed drive
located behind the West Jefferson Walmart along US Hwy 221 S. The project site is
bordered by Ashe County High School and residential land to the north, commercial
businesses to the west, a campground and residential properties to the south, and Mount
Jefferson State Natural Area to the east. The site ranges in elevation from approximately
3,070 feet to 3,370 feet above mean sea level (MSL) (Figure 2).
The threatened and endangered species survey was conducted to determine the
occurrence of or the potential for existence of federally listed threatened and endangered
animal and plant species, in addition to the bald eagle, within the project site (Figure 3).
Completion of this survey was directed by and complies with three current state and federal
regulations: the Federal Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 USC 1531-1543), the North
Carolina Endangered Species Act (N.C.G.S. Sect. 113 article 25), and the North
Carolina Plant Protection and Conservation Act of 1979 (N.C.G.S. Sect. 19b 106:
202.12-22).
2.0 METHODOLOGY
The protected species survey and habitat assessment was conducted July 20 to 22, 2022,
by ClearWater, an EnviroScience Company (ClearWater) to determine the potential for
occurrences of animal and plant species listed as endangered or threatened by current
federal regulations, in addition to the bald eagle.
An official species list was obtained through the US Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS)
Information and Planning and Consultation (IPaC) webpage on July 19, 2022, with a
revised list obtained on August 16, 2023 (Table 1, Appendix A). This species list provides
existing data concerning the presence or potential occurrence of threatened or endangered
species in the defined project boundary. The FWS lists seven federally threatened and
endangered species, in addition to the bald eagle and bog turtle (threatened due to similar
appearance), as occurring or potentially occurring in the project boundary.
Table 1. FWS IPaC generated Official Species List for federally protected species listed as
potentially occurring within the project boundary.
Common Name
Scientific Name
Status
Bald eagle
Haliateetus leucocephalus
BGPA'
Bog turtle
Clemmys muhlenbergii
Threatened
Gray bat
Myotis grisescens
Endangered
Heller's blazing star
Liatris helleri
Threatened
Northern long-eared bat
Myotis septentrionalis
Endangered
Rock gnome lichen
Gymnoderma lineare
Endangered
Swamp pink
Helonias bullata
Threatened
Tricolored bat
Perimyotis subflavus
Proposed Endangered
Protected by the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act.
2 Threatened due to similar appearance; not subject to Section 7 consultation.
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Project #16567 Ashe County Middle School

A database search of the NC Natural Heritage Program (NHP) dated July 7, 2022, with a
revised search on August 16, 2023, provided existing data concerning the presence or
potential occurrences of federal and state listed species in Ashe County, North Carolina
within the project area and within one -mile of the project area (Appendix A). The NHP
database reported one (1) element occurrence (EO) of a threatened or endangered
species within a one -mile radius of the project boundary (Table 2).
Table 2. NCNHP Summary of Element Occurrences
EO ID Common Name Last Observation Date EO Rank
Within a One -mile Radius of the Project Area
32157 FNorthern long-eared bat 1 2005-07-05 A
The EO for northern long-eared bat (NLEB) within a one -mile radius of the project area (EO
ID 32157) is rated "Very High" accuracy and occurs within Mount Jefferson State Natural
Area to the east of the project site. The EO was recorded on July 05, 2005 and included the
mist -netting of 11 NLEB individuals (Lambiase 2005). Additionally, the EO notes that 11
NLEB individuals were mist -netted in the same location on May 19, 2004. The last
observation for this EO is July 05, 2005.
During the pedestrian field surveys conducted by ClearWater biologists, site habitats were
identified and compared with recognized habitats for seven federally protected species
potentially occurring on the site. Potential flora were identified to the taxonomic unit level
necessary to determine if the observed specimen was a protected species.
An additional bat survey was completed between July 28 and 31, 2023. Results are
reported separately.
3.0 HABITAT CLASSIFICATION
During our site visit, ClearWater biologists identified nine (9) habitats across the 67-acre
project site: montane oak -hickory forest, acidic cove forest, meadow, disturbed field,
bottomland hardwood forest, swamp forest -bog complex, emergent wetland, low elevation
seep, and stream (Figure 5). A general overview of the site and descriptions of each
habitat type are included below.
3.1 Montane Oak -Hickory Forest
The montane oak -hickory forest is the dominant forest type within the project site.
This habitat occupies the upper slopes of the site, above the natural draws and
crenulations.
In general, northern red oak (Quercus rubra) and pignut hickory (Carya glabra)
are the dominant overstory species. Additional mature trees observed include red
maple (Acer rubrum), sweet birch (Betula lenta), tulip poplar (Liriodendron
tulipifera), white oak (Quercus albs), cucumber tree (Magnolia acuminata),
striped maple (Acer pensylvanicum), American hornbeam (Carpinus caroliniana),
and chestnut oak (Quercus montana).
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Project #16567 Ashe County Middle School

The understory is sparse -to -moderately dense throughout this habitat and is
dominated by red maple. Additional species observed in the understory include
northern red oak, pignut hickory, white oak, tulip poplar, American hornbeam,
chestnut oak, great rhododendron (Rhododendron maximum), American holly (Ilex
opaca), Japanese barberry (Berberis thunbergil), spicebush (Linidera benzoin), and
sassafras (Sassafras albidum).
The herbaceous layer was typically sparse throughout the oak -hickory forest;
however, a diverse assembly of species were observed. Herbaceous species
observed include tall goldenrod (Solidago altissima), tulip poplar, American holly,
multiflora rose (Rosa multiflora), red maple, roundleaf greenbriar (Smilax
rotundifolia), Christmas fern (Polystichum acrostichoides), maidenhair fern
(Adiantum sp.), eastern hay -scented fern (Dennstaedtia punctilobula),
Pennsylvania sedge (Carex pensylvanica), lesser burdock (Arctium minus),
mayapple (Podophyllum peltatum), common violet (Viola odorata), Japanese
stiltgrass (Microstegium vimineum), poison ivy (Toxicodendron radicans), Indian
hemp (Apocynum cannabinum), Indian pipe (Monotropa uniflora), baneberry
(Actaea sp.), wood sorrel (Oxalis stricta), Canadian wood nettle (Laportea
canadensis), black cohosh (Actaea racemosa), American hog -peanut
(Amphicarpaea bracteata), ebony spleenwort (Asplenium platyneuron), bloodroot
(Sanguinaria canadensis), pale Indian plantain (Arnoglossum atriplicifolium), bull
thistle (Cirsium vulgare), and deer -tongue grass (Dichanthelium clandestinum).
3.2 Acidic Cove Forest
Acidic cove forest communities are present within sheltered crenulations that occur
in the eastern region of the site (Figure 5). These coves have understories of
primarily acid -tolerant species. The dominant tree species observed are tulip poplar
and red maple. Northern red oak, great rhododendron, and black gum (Nyssa
sylvatica) were also observed in the tree stratum.
The understory is moderately dense with great rhododendron, mountain laurel
(Kalmia latifolia), and spicebush. Additional saplings present include red maple,
American hornbeam, and eastern white pine (Pnus strobus).
The herbaceous layer is sparse throughout this habitat and the most prevalent
species include Christmas fern, eastern hay -scented fern, and Japanese stiltgrass.
Additional herbs observed include common violet, Canadian wood nettle, sensitive
fern (Onoclea sensibilis), tall goldenrod, Indian cucumber root (Medeola virginiana),
rattlesnake root (Prenanthes sp.), multiflora rose, roundleaf greenbrier, wood sorrel,
and wild comfrey (Cynoglossum virginianum).
3.3 Meadow
Two small meadow habitats occur in the western region of the site, adjacent to
disturbed field areas. The meadows are distinguished from the disturbed field
habitat as they appear to be intentionally unmaintained, with mowed lines
delineating their boundaries. The meadows had very sparse woody vegetation
cover that consisted black cherry trees and saplings. The herbaceous layer is
dominated by tall goldenrod and bedstraw (Galium sp.). Additional herbs
observed include Queen Anne's lace (Daucus carota), Carolina horsenettle
Clearwater, an EnviroScience Company Page 4
Project #16567 Ashe County Middle School

(Solanum carolinense), poison ivy, daisy fleabane (Erigeron annuus), woodbine
(Clematis sp.), red fescue (Festuca rubra), blackberry (Rubus sp.), wild basil
(Clinopodium vulgare), red clover (Trifolium pratense), cinquefoil (Potentilla sp.),
common milkweed (Asclepias syriaca), deer -tongue grass, lesser knapweed
(Centaurea nigra), horseweed (Erigeron canadensis), and blue vervain (Verbena
hastata).
3.4 Disturbed Field
The disturbed field habitat encompasses portions of the 67-acre project site that
are actively maintained and mowed. These areas did not contain any trees,
shrubs, or saplings. The herbaceous layer is dominated by red fescue and
includes Carolina horsenettle, velvet grass (Holcus lanatus), long leaf plantain
(Plantago lanceolata), common selfheal (Prunella vulgaris), ironweed (Vernonia
fasciculata), Queen Anne's lace, tall goldenrod, red clover, common milkweed,
and common dandelion (Taraxacum officinale).
3.5 Bottomland Hardwood Forest
The bottomland hardwood forest habitat encompasses the forests along the
tributaries within the project site, as well as the non -wetland forest surrounding the
swamp forest -bog complex. The dominant canopy tree species is red maple and
additional trees present include northern red oak, black cherry, black willow,
crabapple (Malus sp.), eastern white pine, and black locust.
The dense shrub and sapling stratum is dominated by crabapple. Additional
understory species observed include red maple, spicebush, black locust, and black
cherry.
The herbaceous layer is also dense and includes jewelweed, tall goldenrod, white
avens (Geum canadense), bamboo, multiflora rose, common selfheal, blackberry,
muscadine (Vitis rotundifolia), poison ivy, common burdock, and Carolina
horsenettle.
3.6 Swamp Forest -Bog Complex
The swamp forest -bog complex occurs primarily as the network of wetlands along
the westernmost tributary within the project boundary. Additional swamp forest -bog
wetlands occur adjacent to the various tributaries throughout the site (Figure 5).
Soils range from mucky mineral to thick organic soils. Several areas appear to
contain surface water for most of the year.
Mature canopy trees are prevalent and include red maple, black willow, crabapple,
and tag alder (Alnus serrulata). The shrubs stratum is moderately dense and
dominated by tag alder and silky dogwood (Corpus amomum). Additional shrub
species observed include red maple, black willow, spicebush, and crabapple. The
sparse -to -moderately dense herbaceous layer throughout these wetlands included
jewelweed, eastern skunk cabbage (Symplocarpus foetidus), golden ragwort
(Packers aurea), swamp aster (Symphyotrichum puniceum), sensitive fern, rice cut
grass (Leersia oryzoides), and white avens.
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Project #16567 Ashe County Middle School

3.7 Emergent Wetland
Two emergent wetlands are located within the project site near its boundary with
the large off -site pond (Figure 5). These wetlands were characterized by an
absence of mature canopy trees, a sparse shrub and sapling stratum, and a dense
herbaceous stratum. Hydric soils were deep and ranged mucky mineral to thick
organic soils.
The shrub and sapling stratum included tag alder, crabapple, and silky dogwood.
The dense herbaceous layer is dominated by swamp aster, soft rush (Juncus
effusus), and sallow sedge (Carex lurida). Additional herbs observed include
sensitive fern, eastern skunk cabbage, jewelweed, deer -tongue grass, tall
goldenrod, willow herb (Epilobium sp.), small spike false nettle (Boehmeria
cylindrica), Allegheny monkey flower (Mimulus ringens), and cattail (Typha sp.).
3.8 Low Elevation Seep
Several small seeps are located along the higher slopes near the eastern boundary
of the project site. These wetlands were characterized by thin layers of mucky soils,
shallow bedrock, and the presence of minor surface water.
Few trees were rooted within the seeps and included several tulip poplars. The
shrub stratum is sparse and includes spicebush, red maple, and Japanese spiraea
(Spiraea japonica). The sparse herbaceous layer included sallow sedge, sensitive
fern, jewelweed, bedstraw, Jack-in-the-pulpit (Arisaema triphyllum), Virginia
creeper, blisterwort (Ranunculus recurvatus), and clearweed (Piles pumila).
3.9 Streams
The freshwater habitats within the project boundary include the streambeds and
banks of several unnamed tributaries to Cole Branch (Class C;Tr:+). The
westernmost UT to Cole Branch originate off -site, flows through the swamp forest -
bog complex and includes several small tributaries that originate in the wetland.
The UTs to Cole Branch within the center of the site originate on -site and are
bordered by several small wetlands. The easternmost UT to Cole Branch within
the project site originates off -site and flows along the boundary between oak -
hickory forest and disturbed field habitats. On average, the streams on -site range
from 2-8 feet wide and contains mostly small gravel and cobble substrate that is
partially to fully embedded with sediment. Typical mature trees growing along the
banks of the stream include black cherry, black locust, red maple, black willow, and
American hornbeam. Shrub and saplings along the streams include black willow,
black cherry, multiflora rose, American hornbeam, black locust, and silky dogwood.
The herbaceous layer along the streambanks was typically dominated by creeping
buttercup, jewelweed, and golden ragwort. Additional herbs observed include
Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis), swamp aster, poison ivy, annual flat sedge
(Cyperus eragrostis), Virginia creeper, soft rush, smartweed (Persicaria sp.), dwarf
St. John's wort (Hypericum mutilum), and fireweed (Chamaenerion sp.).
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Project #16567 Ashe County Middle School

3.10 Soils
Soils mapped by
Transylvania County
(NRCS 2022).
the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)
Soil Survey are listed in Table 3 and shown in Figure 4
Table 3. USDA Soil Units occurring within the project boundary.
Map Unit Symbol
Map Unit Name
BrB
Braddock gravelly loam, 2 to 8 percent slopes
BrD
Braddock gravelly loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes
PsF
Porters stony loam, 25 to 65 percent slopes
TUE
Tus uitee and Spivey stony soils, 15 to 25 percent slopes
To
Toxaway loam
4.0 PROTECTED SPECIES
The following is a brief description of each federally listed species included in the survey, its
recognized habitat, and comments regarding survey results for that species.
4.1 Bald Eagle
Bald eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) were removed from the endangered
species list in August 2007 because their populations recovered sufficiently. Bald
and Golden eagles are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA)
and the Bald and Golden Eagle Act (Eagle Act)
Distinguished by a white head and white tail feathers, bald eagles are powerful,
brown birds that may weigh 14 pounds and have a wingspan of 8 feet. Male
eagles are smaller, weighing as much as 10 pounds and have a wingspan of 6
feet. Sometimes confused with golden eagles, bald eagles are mostly dark brown
until they are four to five years old and acquire their characteristic coloring.
Bald eagles live near rivers, lakes, and marshes where they can find fish, their
staple food. Bald eagles will also feed on waterfowl, turtles, rabbits, snakes, and
other small animals and carrion. Bald eagles require a good food base, perching
areas, and nesting sites. Their habitat includes estuaries, large lakes, reservoirs,
rivers, and some seacoasts. In winter, the birds congregate near open water in
tall trees for spotting prey and night roosts for sheltering.
Based on a desktop review using 2019 aerial imagery, no potentially suitable
feeding sources for bald eagles were identified within a one -mile radius of the
project boundary. Bald eagles typically nest within 1-mile of suitable feeding
sources. Additionally, no bald eagle nests were observed within the project
boundary. It is the opinion of ClearWater that the proposed project is not likely to
adversely affect nesting bald eagles.
4.2 Bog Turtle
The bog turtle (Clemmys muhlenbergil) is federally listed as threatened in North
Carolina. This is the smallest emydid turtle, and one of the smallest turtles in the
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Project #16567 Ashe County Middle School

world. Adult carapace length is 7.9 to 11.4 cm (3.1 to
4.5 inches). The dark brown or black carapace may
be marked with radiating light lines or a light blotch on
the vertebral and pleural scutes. Scute annuli area
usually prominent in juvenile and young adult
specimens, but the carapace may be nearly smooth in
old adults. The head, neck, and limbs are typically '•ice W
dark brown with variable reddish to yellow spots and
streaks. A large reddish -orange to yellow blotch is -
visible behind and above each tympanum, sometimes merging into a continuous
band on the neck. The upper jaw is weakly notched. The plastron is brown or
black, but often with lighter yellow blotches towards the medial and anterior scute
edges. A mature male bog turtle has a concave plastron and a long, thick tail,
with the vent posterior to the rear edge of the carapace with tail extended. The
female has a flat plastron and a thinner, smaller tail, with the vent at or beneath
the rear carapace edge.
The southern population of the bog turtle, ranging from southern Virginia to
northern Georgia, is also protected with a threatened designation because its
physical appearance is similar to the northern population. The southern bog
turtle population is separated from the northern population by approximately 250
miles. However, individual bog turtles in the southern population closely
resemble individuals in the northern bog turtle population, causing difficulty in
enforcing prohibitions protecting the northern population. Therefore, the FWS has
designated the southern population as "threatened (similarity of appearance)."
This designation prohibits collecting individual turtles from this population and
bans interstate and international commercial trade. It has no effect on land
management activities of private landowners in southern states where the bog
turtle lives.
Potentially suitable habitat for bog turtle was observed on site. The emergent
wetlands on site provide wet, grassy cover with open, sunny areas for basking.
However, the northern population of bog turtle does not occur in North Carolina
and no turtles were observed in the emergent wetland habitats. It is the opinion
of ClearWater that the proposed project is not likely to adversely affect the
northern bog turtle.
4.3 Gray Bat
The gray bat (Myotis grisescens) is the largest member of its genus in the
eastern United States. Its forearm measures 40-46 mm, and it weighs from 7-16
grams. It is easily distinguished from all other bats within its range by its mono -
colored fur. All other eastern bats have distinctly bi-or tri-colored fur on their
backs. Following molt in July or August, gray bats are dark gray, but they often
bleach to chestnut brown or russet between molts (especially apparent in
reproductive females during May and June). The wing membrane connects to the
foot at the ankle rather than at the base of the first toe, as in other species
of Myotis. Gray bats roost in caves year-round. Most winter caves are deep and
vertical; all provide large volume below the lowest entrance and act as cold air
traps. A much wider variety of cave types are used during spring and fall
transient periods. In summer, maternity colonies prefer caves that act as warm
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Project #16567 Ashe County Middle School

air traps or that provide restricted rooms or domed ceilings that are capable of
trapping the combined body heat from thousands of clustered individuals.
No naturally occurring caves were found within the project boundary. It is the
opinion of ClearWater that the proposed project is not likely to adversely affect
gray bat. The gray bats active season is March 15 to November 15. We
recommend limiting tree clearing activities to November 15 to March 15 as a
voluntary conservation measure.
4.4 Heller's Blazing Star
Heller's blazing star (Liatris helleri) is a Federally Threatened, perennial herb in
the aster family. This species typically has one or more erect stems up to 16
inches tall that grow from a tuft of pale green leaves at the base of the plant. The
long and narrow upper leaves of the plant are alternate. Flowers are lavender -
colored and tubular, growing in clustered heads which are scattered along the
stem in a 3-8-inch-long spike. Flowering occurs from July to September.
Heller's blazing star grows in shallow, acidic soil on high -elevation rock ledges
that are exposed to full sunlight. This species is known to occur in Ashe, Avery,
Burke, Caldwell, and Watauga Counties in North Carolina; however, less than 10
populations are known to remain.
Potentially suitable habitat for Heller's blazing star was not observed within the
project site. No high -elevation rock ledges exposed to full sunlight occur within
the project boundary. It is the opinion of ClearWater that the proposed project is
not likely to adversely affect Heller's blazing star.
4.5 Northern Long-eared Bat
The Northern long-eared bat (NLEB; Myotis septentrionalis), is a medium-sized
bat about 3 to 3.7 inches in length but with a wingspan of 9 to 10 inches. As its
name suggests, this bat is distinguished by its long ears, particularly as
compared to other bats in its genus, Myotis, which are bats noted for their small
ears (Myotis means mouse -eared). The NLEB is found across much of the
eastern and north central United States and all Canadian provinces from the
Atlantic coast west to the southern Northwest Territories and eastern British
Columbia. NLEBs spend winter hibernating in caves and mines, called
hibernacula. They typically use large caves or mines with large passages and
entrances; constant temperatures; and high humidity with no air currents.
Summer habitat for the NLEB consists of the cavities, hollows, cracks, or loose
bark of live or dead trees typically greater than three inches DBH (diameter at
breast height).
No naturally occurring suitable wintering habitat for the NLEB exists within the
project boundary. Potentially suitable summer habitat for NLEBs was observed
on site in the form of mature trees and large snags throughout the bottomland
forest and swamp forest -bog complex habitats.
Due to the presence of suitable summer habitat, the FWS will likely limit tree
clearing on site during the bat's active season (March 31 to October 15 or
Clearwater, an EnviroScience Company Page 9
Project #16567 Ashe County Middle School

November 15 depending on proximity to known hibernacula). Conducting a bat
survey near the start of the active summer season could confirm or deny the
presence of this species on site. A negative presence/absence survey result may
be able to waive the tree clearing moratorium.
It is ClearWater's opinion that tree clearing conducted between October 16
March 30 should support a may affect, not likely to adversely affect determination
for this species; however, consultation with FWS will still likely be required due to
the project's location.
4.6 Rock Gnome Lichen
Federally listed as an endangered species, rock gnome lichen (Gymnoderma
lineare) occurs on rocks in areas of high humidity either at high elevations
(usually vertical cliff faces) or on boulders and large rock outcrops in deep river
gorges at lower elevations. Distinguishing characteristics include dense colonies
of narrow (.04 inch) straps that are blue -grey on the upper surface and generally
shiny -white on the lower surface. Near the base they grade to black (the similar
species of Squamulose cladonias are never blackened toward the base). Fruiting
bodies are borne at the tips of the straps and are black (similar Cladonia species
have brown or red fruiting bodies). Flowering occurs July through September.
Suitable habitat for this species was not observed within the project boundary.
No high elevation rock outcrops were observed and the site exists at elevations
below those known to support populations of rock gnome lichen. It is the opinion
of ClearWater that the proposed project is not likely to adversely affect rock
gnome lichen.
4.7 Swamp Pink
Swamp pink (Helonias bullata) is a perennial
herb in the lily family. It has a basal rosette
of evergreen, strap -like leaves and an
upright pink to lavender flower head. The
tall flower stalks (up to 4.5 feet) appear from
March to May. During the winter the leaves
often turn reddish brown and lie flat or
slightly raised above the ground. These
winter leaves are often hidden by leaf litter,
but a visible button in the center of the
leaves represents the next season's flower
head. Although the plant can reproduce by seed, most of its reproduction is by
vegetative expansion of established plants. This means plants tend to grow in
clumps, close to the parent plants. Seed dispersal is limited, and populations
appear to expand at a very slow rate.
Swamp pink is found in a variety of wetland habitats, including mountain bogs,
swampy forested wetlands bordering small streams, wet meadows, and spring
seepage areas. Swamp pink can be found across much of New Jersey and
Delaware and sporadically in Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina,
and Georgia.
Clearwater, an EnviroScience Company Page 10
Project #16567 Ashe County Middle School

Potentially suitable habitat for swamp pink may occur within the project site. Most
of the wetlands within the swamp forest -bog complex are perennially saturated,
forested wetlands that contained several species typically associated with swamp
pink. Swamp pink was not observed on site. Additionally, no members of the
Helonias genus were observed on site. It is the opinion of ClearWater that the
proposed project is not likely to adversely affect swamp pink.
4.8 Tricolored Bat
Tricolored bat (Perimyotis subflavus) is a small -sized
bat that averages 3 to 3.5 inches in length with an
average wingspan of approximately 9 inches. The fur
color varies from yellow to brown to black, with younger
individuals generally having darker coloration. The key
characteristic, as the name suggests, is their tricolored
back, which is a gradient from dark near the tail, light in
the middle, and dark near the head.
The tricolored bat is found across the eastern half of
North America. In winter months, this species �+ .
hibernates in humid caves. Specifically in the ELI
southeastern US, they have also been found
hibernating in road culverts and occasionally in tree cavities. In the spring,
summer, and fall, when this species is not hibernating, they can be found in open
forests, forest edges, and occasionally in crevices of old buildings. Their diet is
composed almost exclusively of flying insects, typically foraged from open fields
and waterways along forested areas.
This species is currently listed as proposed endangered by the USFWS as of
September 13, 2022. No formal federal management guidelines for protecting
this species and its associated habitat have been released from USFWS.
USFWS has 12 months after the closure of the public notice period (ended
November 14, 2022) to determine the final listing status of this species. If this
species becomes listed as threatened or endangered, federal management
guidelines will be set in place to minimize adverse impacts.
Potentially suitable summer habitat for this species was observed on site. The
forested areas contain several snags and mature trees. Until management
guidelines from USFWS are published, it is anticipated that a clear clearing
moratorium would be put into place from approximately April 1 through October
31 if the proposed endangered listing becomes effective.
ClearWater recommends avoiding tree clearing in the non -hibernation season,
between April 1 and October 31, to minimize potential impacts to this species. If
seasonal tree clearing is conducted in winter months, it would be the opinion of
ClearWater that this project may affect but is not likely to adversely affect the
tricolored bat.
Clearwater, an EnviroScience Company Page 11
Project #16567 Ashe County Middle School

5.0 CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
During completion of threatened and endangered species review and habitat assessment
for the proposed Ashe County Middle School site, ClearWater observed potentially
suitable habitat for swamp pink and bog turtle, and potentially suitable summer habitat for
NLEB and the tricolored bat.
Areas of potentially suitable habitat for swamp pink were surveyed outside of the USFWS
designated optimal survey window (April — May). However, swamp pink, or any members
of the Helonias genus, were observed within the project site. Nonetheless, USFWS may
recommend additional surveys be conducted in the identified potentially suitable habitat if
project activities propose impacts in these areas.
The project site was surveyed for Heller's blazing star within the USFWS designated
optimal survey windows (July — September). This species, or potentially suitable habitat for
this species, was not observed within the project site. Additionally, no members of the
Liatris genus were observed within the project site.
ClearWater recommends limiting tree clearing activities to October 15 to March 31 to
avoid adverse impacts to NLEB and the tricolored bat.
It is of the opinion of ClearWater that the development of the proposed Ashe County Middle
School site is not likely to adversely affect the federally protected species listed as
potentially occurring within the project boundary or in Ashe County, NC.
Potential flora were identified to the taxonomic unit level necessary to determine if the
observed specimen was a protected species. However, due to the transitory nature of
some of the listed threatened and endangered species and the particular flower/fruiting
periods of some plants; it is possible that endangered species populations and locations
may change over time. Therefore, any potential findings at a later date should be fully
investigated and coordinated with appropriate agencies to prevent potential adverse
impacts.
Clearwater, an EnviroScience Company Page 12
Project #16567 Ashe County Middle School

6.0 REFERENCES
NCNHP (North Carolina Natural Heritage Program Database). Accessed July 2022 and August
2023. https://ncnhde.natureserve.org/.
NRCS (Natural Resources Conservation Service). 2022. Web Soil Survey for Ashe County.
https://websoilsurvey.sc.egov.usda.gov/App/WebSoilSurvey.aspx; Accessed July 2022.
NC State University. 2022. Liatris Gaertner ex Schreber (Asteraceae). Rare Plants of NC - Liatris.
Retrieved October 14, 2022, from
https://Promects.ncsu.ed u/cals/plantbiology/ncsc/rare/liatris. htm
USFWS (United States Fish and Wildlife Service). 1991. Swamp Pink (Helonias bullata)
Recovery Plan. Newton Corner, Massachusetts. 56 pp.
USFWS. 1997. Recovery Plan for Rock Gnome Lichen (Gymnoderma lineare) (Evans)
Yoshimura and Sharp. Atlanta, GA. 30 pp.
USFWS. 1999. Recovery Plan for Liatris helleri Porter (Heller's Blazing Star). First Revision.
Atlanta, GA. 25 pp.
USFWS. 1997. Gray Bat Factsheet. Accessed July 2022.
USFWS. 2007. Bald Eagle Fact Sheet. Accessed July 2022.
USFWS. 2011. Bog Turtle Fact Sheet. Accessed July 2022.
USFWS. 2011. Rock Gnome Lichen Fact Sheet. Accessed July 2022.
USFWS. 2017. Digest of Federal Resource Laws of Interest to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service:
Bald Eagle Protection Act of 1940. https://www.fvvs.gov/laws/lawsdigest/baldegl.html.
Accessed July 2022.
USFWS. 2021. Critical Habitat Interactive Mapper.
https://www.arcgis.com/home/webmap/viewer.html?url=https://services.arcqis.com/QVEN
GdaPbd4LUkLV/ArcGIS/rest/services/USFWS Critical Habitat/FeatureServer&source=s
d. Accessed July 2022.
USFWS Information, Planning, and Consultation System. Accessed July 2022 and August 2023.
https://ecos.fvvs.gov/ipac/.
USFWS Midwest Region. 2015. Northern Long-eared Bat Fact Sheet. Accessed July 2022.
USFWS Asheville Ecological Services Field Office. 2022. Optimal Survey Windows for North
Carolina's Federally Threatened, Endangered, and At Risk Plants.
https://www.fvvs.qov/story/2022-03/north-carolinas-federally-threatened-endangered-and-
risk-plant-species; Accessed July 2022.
ClearWater, an EnviroScience Company Page 13
Project #16567 Ashe County Middle School

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Appendix A:
US Fish and Wildlife Service IPaC -
Official Species List and NC Natural
Heritage Program Data

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United States Department of the Interior
FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE
Asheville Ecological Services Field Office
160 Zillicoa Street
Asheville, NC 28801-1082
Phone: [phone] Fax: [phone]
In Reply Refer To: August 16, 2023
Project Code: 2023-0117557
Project Name: Ashe County Middle School
Subject: List of threatened and endangered species that may occur in your proposed project
location or may be affected by your proposed project
To Whom It May Concern:
The enclosed species list identifies threatened, endangered, proposed and candidate species, as
well as proposed and designated critical habitat, that may occur within the boundary of your
proposed project and/or may be affected by your proposed project. The enclosed species list
fulfills the requirements of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) under section 7(c) of the
Endangered Species Act (Act) of 1973, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.).
Please note that new species information can change your official species list. Under 50 CFR
402.12(e) of the regulations implementing section 7 of the Act, the accuracy of this species list
should be verified after 90 days. The Service recommends you visit the ECOS-IPaC website at
regular intervals during project planning and implementation to ensure your species list is
accurate or obtain an updated species list.
The purpose of the Act is to provide a means whereby threatened and endangered species and the
ecosystems upon which they depend may be conserved. Under sections 7(a)(1) and 7(a)(2) of the
Act and its implementing regulations (50 CFR 402 et seq.), Federal agencies are required to
utilize their authorities to carry out programs for the conservation of threatened and endangered
species and to determine whether projects may affect threatened and endangered species and/or
designated critical habitat.
A biological assessment (BA) or biological evaluation (BE) should be completed for your
project. A BA is required for major construction activities (or other undertakings having similar
physical impacts) considered to be Federal actions significantly affecting the quality of the
human environment as defined in the National Environmental Policy Act (42 U.S.C. 4332(2) (c))
(NEPA). For projects other than major construction activities, the Service suggests that a BE be
prepared to determine effects of the action and whether those effects may affect listed species
and/or designated critical habitat. Effects of the action are all consequences to listed species or
critical habitat that are caused by the proposed action, including the consequences of other

08/16/2023
activities that are caused by the proposed action. A consequence is caused by the proposed action
if it is reasonably certain to occur and would not occur "but for" the proposed action..
Recommended contents of a BA/BE are described at 50 CFR 402.12. More information and
resources about project review and preparing a BA/BE can be found at the following web link:
https://www.fws. gov/office/asheville-ecological-services/asheville-field-office-online-review-
cess-overview.
If a Federal agency determines listed species and/or designated critical habitat may be affected
by the proposed project, the agency is required to consult with the Service pursuant to 50 CFR
402. The Service is not required to concur with "no effect" determinations from Federal action
agencies. If consultation is required, the Service recommends that candidate species, proposed
species, proposed critical habitat, and at -risk species be addressed within the consultation. More
information on the regulations and procedures for section 7 consultation, including the role of
permit or licensed applicants, can be found in the "Endangered Species Consultation Handbook"
at the following web link: https://www.fws.gov/media/endangered-species-consultation-
handbook.
Migratory Birds: In addition to responsibilities to protect threatened and endangered species
under the Act, there are additional responsibilities under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA)
and the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act (BGEPA) to protect native birds from project -
related impacts. Any activity, intentional or unintentional, resulting in take of migratory birds,
including eagles, is prohibited unless otherwise permitted by the Service (50 C.F.R. Sec. 10.12
and 16 U.S.C. Sec. 668(a)). More information about MBTA and BGEPA can be found at the
following web link: https://www.fws.gov/program/migratory-birds.
We appreciate your consideration of Federally listed species. The Service encourages Federal
agencies to include conservation of threatened and endangered species in their project planning
to further the purposes of the Act. Please contact our staff at 828-258-3939, if you have any
questions. In any future correspondence concerning this project, please reference the
Consultation Code which can be found in the header of this letter.
Attachment(s):
■ Official Species List
■ USFWS National Wildlife Refuges and Fish Hatcheries
■ Migratory Birds
■ Wetlands
OFFICIAL SPECIES LIST
This list is provided pursuant to Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act, and fulfills the
requirement for Federal agencies to "request of the Secretary of the Interior information whether
any species which is listed or proposed to be listed may be present in the area of a proposed
action".

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This species list is provided by:
Asheville Ecological Services Field Office
160 Zillicoa Street
Asheville, NC 28801-1082
[phone]

08/16/2023
4
PROJECT SUMMARY
Project Code: 2023-0117557
Project Name: Ashe County Middle School
Project Type: Government / Municipal (Non -Military) Construction
Project Description: Development of site for new middle school
Project Location:
The approximate location of the project can be viewed in Google Maps: https://
www.goog]e.com/maps/(a-)36.39050485,-81.472497848498,14z
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Counties: Ashe County, North Carolina

08/16/2023
ENDANGERED SPECIES ACT SPECIES
There is a total of 8 threatened, endangered, or candidate species on this species list.
Species on this list should be considered in an effects analysis for your project and could include
species that exist in another geographic area. For example, certain fish may appear on the species
list because a project could affect downstream species.
IPaC does not display listed species or critical habitats under the sole jurisdiction of NOAA
Fisheriesi, as USFWS does not have the authority to speak on behalf of NOAA and the
Department of Commerce.
See the "Critical habitats" section below for those critical habitats that lie wholly or partially
within your project area under this office's jurisdiction. Please contact the designated FWS office
if you have questions.
1. NOAA Fisheries, also known as the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), is an
office of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration within the Department of
Commerce.
MAMMALS
NAME
Gray Bat Myotis grisescens
No critical habitat has been designated for this species.
Species profile: https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/6329
Northern Long-eared Bat Myotis septentrionalis
No critical habitat has been designated for this species.
Species profile: https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/9045
Tricolored Bat Perimyotis sub flovus
No critical habitat has been designated for this species.
Species profile: https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/10515
REPTILES
NAME
Bog Turtle Glyptemys muhlenbergii
Population: U.S.A. (GA, NC, SC, TN, VA)
No critical habitat has been designated for this species.
Species profile: https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/6962
STATUS
Endangered
Endangered
Proposed
Endangered
STATUS
Similarity of
Appearance
(Threatened)

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F:
INSECTS
NAME
STATUS
Monarch Butterfly Danaus plexippus
Candidate
No critical habitat has been designated for this species.
Species profile: https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/9743
FLOWERING PLANTS
NAME
STATUS
Heller's Blazingstar Liatris helleri
Threatened
No critical habitat has been designated for this species.
Species profile: https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/5962
Swamp Pink Helonias bulloto
Threatened
Population:
No critical habitat has been designated for this species.
Species profile: https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/4333
LICHENS
NAME STATUS
Rock Gnome Lichen Gymnoderma lineare Endangered
No critical habitat has been designated for this species.
Species profile: hops://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/3933
CRITICAL HABITATS
THERE ARE NO CRITICAL HABITATS WITHIN YOUR PROJECT AREA UNDER THIS OFFICE'S
JURISDICTION.
YOU ARE STILL REQUIRED TO DETERMINE IF YOUR PROJECT(S) MAY HAVE EFFECTS ON ALL
ABOVE LISTED SPECIES.
USFWS NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE LANDS
AND FISH HATCHERIES
Any activity proposed on lands managed by the National Wildlife Refuge system must undergo a
'Compatibility Determination' conducted by the Refuge. Please contact the individual Refuges to
discuss any questions or concerns.
THERE ARE NO REFUGE LANDS OR FISH HATCHERIES WITHIN YOUR PROJECT AREA.
MIGRATORY BIRDS
Certain birds are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act! and the Bald and Golden Eagle
Protection Act2.

08/16/2023
Any person or organization who plans or conducts activities that may result in impacts to
migratory birds, eagles, and their habitats should follow appropriate regulations and consider
implementing appropriate conservation measures, as described below.
1. The Migratory Birds Treated of 1918.
2. The Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act of 1940.
3. 50 C.F.R. Sec. 10.12 and 16 U.S.C. Sec. 668(a)
The birds listed below are birds of particular concern either because they occur on the
USFWS Birds of Conservation Concern (BCC) list or warrant special attention in your
project location. To learn more about the levels of concern for birds on your list and how this
list is generated, see the FAQ below. This is not a list of every bird you may find in this location,
nor a guarantee that every bird on this list will be found in your project area. To see exact
locations of where birders and the general public have sighted birds in and around your project
area, visit the E-bird data mapping tool (Tip: enter your location, desired date range and a species
on your list). For projects that occur off the Atlantic Coast, additional maps and models detailing
the relative occurrence and abundance of bird species on your list are available. Links to
additional information about Atlantic Coast birds, and other important information about your
migratory bird list, including how to properly interpret and use your migratory bird report, can be
found below.
For guidance on when to schedule activities or implement avoidance and minimization measures
to reduce impacts to migratory birds on your list, click on the PROBABILITY OF PRESENCE
SUMMARY at the top of your list to see when these birds are most likely to be present and
breeding in your project area.
BREEDING
NAME SEASON
Bald Eagle Hahaeetus leucocephalus Breeds Sep 1 to
This is not a Bird of Conservation Concern (BCC) in this area, but warrants attention Aug 31
because of the Eagle Act or for potential susceptibilities in offshore areas from certain types
of development or activities.
Canada Warbler Cardellina canadensis Breeds May 20
This is a Bird of Conservation Concern (BCC) throughout its range in the continental USA to Aug 10
and Alaska.
Cerulean Warbler Dendroica cerulea Breeds Apr 27
This is a Bird of Conservation Concern (BCC) throughout its range in the continental USA to Jul 20
and Alaska.
https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/2974
Chimney Swift Chaetura pelagica Breeds Mar 15
This is a Bird of Conservation Concern (BCC) throughout its range in the continental USA to Aug 25
and Alaska.

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12
Bird tracking data can also provide additional details about occurrence and habitat use
throughout the year, including migration. Models relying on survey data may not include this
information. For additional information on marine bird tracking data, see the Diving Bird Study
and the nanotag studies or contact Caleb Spiegel or Pam Loring.
What if I have eagles on my list?
If your project has the potential to disturb or kill eagles, you may need to obtain a permit to avoid
violating the Eagle Act should such impacts occur.
Proper Interpretation and Use of Your Migratory Bird Report
The migratory bird list generated is not a list of all birds in your project area, only a subset of
birds of priority concern. To learn more about how your list is generated, and see options for
identifying what other birds may be in your project area, please see the FAQ "What does IPaC
use to generate the migratory birds potentially occurring in my specified location". Please be
aware this report provides the "probability of presence" of birds within the 10 km grid cell(s) that
overlap your project; not your exact project footprint. On the graphs provided, please also look
carefully at the survey effort (indicated by the black vertical bar) and for the existence of the "no
data" indicator (a red horizontal bar). Ahigh survey effort is the key component. If the survey
effort is high, then the probability of presence score can be viewed as more dependable. In
contrast, a low survey effort bar or no data bar means a lack of data and, therefore, a lack of
certainty about presence of the species. This list is not perfect; it is simply a starting point for
identifying what birds of concern have the potential to be in your project area, when they might
be there, and if they might be breeding (which means nests might be present). The list helps you
know what to look for to confirm presence, and helps guide you in knowing when to implement
conservation measures to avoid or minimize potential impacts from your project activities,
should presence be confirmed. To learn more about conservation measures, visit the FAQ "Tell
me about conservation measures I can implement to avoid or minimize impacts to migratory
birds" at the bottom of your migratory bird trust resources page.
WETLANDS
Impacts to NWI wetlands and other aquatic habitats may be subject to regulation under Section
404 of the Clean Water Act, or other State/Federal statutes.
For more information please contact the Regulatory Program of the local U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers District.
Please note that the NWI data being shown may be out of date. We are currently working to
update our NWI data set. We recommend you verify these results with a site visit to determine
the actual extent of wetlands on site.
FRESHWATER POND
• PUBHh
RIVERINE
• R5UBH
■ R4SBC

08/16/2023
13
FRESHWATER EMERGENT WETLAND
■ PEM1A

08/16/2023
IPAC USER CONTACT INFORMATION
Agency: ClearWater Environmental Consultants, Inc.
Name: Eric Romaniszyn
Address: 145 7th Avenue West
Address Line 2: Suite B
City: Hendersonville
State: NC
Zip: 28792
Email [e-mail]
Phone: [phone]

Roy Cooper, Governor
a'. - INC DEPARTMENT OF
a■ ■■ NATURAL AND CULTURAL RESOURCES
a mom
August 16, 2023
Eric Romaniszyn
ClearWater Environmental Consultants, Inc.
145 7th Avenue West
Hendersonville, NC 28792
RE: Ashe County Middle School
Dear Eric Romaniszyn:
D_ Reid Wilson, Secretary
Misty 6uchanarn
Deputy Director, Natural Heritage Program
NCNHDE-23032
The North Carolina Natural Heritage Program (NCNHP) appreciates the opportunity to provide
information about natural heritage resources for the project referenced above.
A query of the NCNHP database indicates that there are records for rare species, important natural
communities, natural areas, and/or conservation/managed areas within the proposed project
boundary. These results are presented in the attached 'Documented Occurrences' tables and map.
The attached `Potential Occurrences' table summarizes rare species and natural communities that
have been documented within a one -mile radius of the property boundary. The proximity of these
records suggests that these natural heritage elements may potentially be present in the project area
if suitable habitat exists. Tables of natural areas and conservation/managed areas within a one -mile
radius of the project area, if any, are also included in this report.
If a Federally -listed species is documented within the project area or indicated within a one -mile
radius of the project area, the NCNHP recommends contacting the US Fish and Wildlife Service
(USFWS) for guidance. Contact information for USFWS offices in North Carolina is found here:
https://www.fws.gcv/offices/Di rectory/ListOffices.cfm?statecode=37.
Please note that natural heritage element data are maintained for the purposes of conservation
planning, project review, and scientific research, and are not intended for use as the primary criteria
for regulatory decisions. Information provided by the NCNHP database may not be published
without prior written notification to the NCNHP, and the NCNHP must be credited as an information
source in these publications. Maps of NCNHP data may not be redistributed without permission.
Also please note that the NC Natural Heritage Program may follow this letter with additional
correspondence if a Dedicated Nature Preserve, Registered Heritage Area, Land and Water Fund
easement, or an occurrence of a Federally -listed species is documented near the project area.
If you have questions regarding the information provided in this letter or need additional assistance,
please contact Rodney A. Butler at rod nev.butlerCa ncdcr.aov or 919-707-8603.
Sincerely,
NC Natural Heritage Program
DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL ANp CULTURAL RESOURCES
�p 121 W. JONES STREET, RALEIGH, NC 27603 - 16SI MAIL SERVICE CENTER, RALEIGH. NC 27699
I& CFC 919.707.9120 • FAX 919,707,9121

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Appendix B:
Photolog

Photo 1. View of Wetland A (WA) Border.
Photo 2. View of Wetland D (WD) and Stream F (SF).

Photo 3. View of Wetland H (WH) and Stream G (SG) - Perennial.
PO& 36.39102,-81.473469 ALT: 3054ft
jk
Photo 4. View of Stream G (SG) - Intermittent.

South West Elevation
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South West Elevation

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21 J u s 24.22, 13 5'S:42 �

BAT MIST NET SURVEY REPORT
Ashe County Middle School Project
Ashe County, North Carolina
Ms. Allison Kemp -Sullivan
Representative for Ashe County Board of
Education
Prepared for: 320 South Street
PO Box 604
Jefferson, NC 28640
ES Project No.: 17771
USFWS IPaC Consultation Code: 2022-0065187
Date: August 9, 2023
Prepared by:
EnviroScience
Excellence In Any Environment
5070 Stow Rd.
Stow, OH 44224
800-940-4025
www.EnviroSciencelnc.com

Bat Mist Net Survey Report
Prepared for: Ashe County Board of Education
Final Report
Document Date: August 9, 2023
Project No.: 17771
USFWS IPaC Consultation Code: 2022-0065187
Authorization for Release
The analyses, opinions, and conclusions in this document are based entirely on EnviroScience's
unbiased, professional judgment. EnviroScience's compensation is not in any way contingent on
any action or event resulting from this study.
To the best of their knowledge, the undersigned attest that this document and the information
contained herein are accurate and conform to EnviroScience's internal Quality Assurance
standards.
Dan Cox
Senior Bat Biologist; Report Author
""+Znww
Mary Gilmore
Senior Bat Biologist and Technical Lead; Technical Reviewer

Ashe County Middle School Project Bat Survey Report
Ashe County Board of Education
1.0 INTRODUCTION AND SITE DESCRIPTION................................................................... 1
2.0 METHODS...................................................................................................................... 2
3.0 RESULTS AND DISCUSSION........................................................................................ 3
4.0 CONCLUSIONS.............................................................................................................. 3
5.0 LITERATURE CITED...................................................................................................... 4
LIST OF TABLES
Table 1. Mist -Net Site Summary for Ashe County Middle School Project Bat Survey, Ashe County,
North Carolina.
LIST OF APPENDICES
Appendix A: Figures
Figure 1. Site Location Map
Figure 2. USGS 7.5-minute Topographic Map, Jefferson Quadrangle
Figure 3. Aerial Photograph with Net Locations
Appendix B: Site -Specific Authorization
Appendix C: Photolog
Appendix D: Field Data Forms
EnviroScience
`� Excellence In Any Environment

Ashe County Middle School Project Bat Survey Report
Ashe County Board of Education
INTRODUCTION AND SITE DESCRIPTION
This report presents the findings of a northern long-eared bat (Myotis septentrionalis; Federally
Endangered) and tricolored bat (Perimyotis subflavus, Proposed Endangered) mist -net survey for
the Ashe County Board of Education within the proposed Ashe County Middle School project area
located in West Jefferson, Ashe County, North Carolina (Appendix A, Figure 1).
The approximately 67-acre project area contains forest, maintained fields, and an old home site.
Mount Jefferson State Natural Area (SNA) is immediately adjacent to the project area to the
northeast. The surrounding land use consists primarily of residential and commercial properties
and Mount Jefferson SNA. Since the project area occurs within the summer range of the northern
long-eared bat and tricolored bat, construction could impact potentially suitable habitat for these
bat species, as per the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) 2023 Range -wide Indiana Bat
and Northern Long -Eared Survey Guidelines (May 2023).
The 2023 Guidelines describe separate levels of effort for Indiana bats and northern long-eared
bats. Where species' ranges overlap, regulatory surveys that encapsulate both species should
use the higher level of survey effort. This project area is only within range of the northern long-
eared bat. According to USFWS protocol, the minimum effort in the seasonal range of the northern
long-eared bat survey is a higher level of effort compared to the Indiana bat and requires a
minimum of ten net nights ([1 site x 4 nets] + [1 site x 3 nets] + [1 site x 3 nets] = 10 net nights)
per 123 acres (0.5km2) of suitable summer habitat for non -linear projects. Additionally, the
guidance states that the 2023 protocols may also be used for the tricolored bat (Perimyotis
subflavus) presence/probable absence surveys using the northern long-eared bat level of effort.
EnviroScience conducted a northern long-eared bat and tricolored bat mist -net survey between
July 28-31, 2023. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the presence or probable absence
of the northern long-eared bat and the tricolored bat within the project area. The survey was based
on EnviroScience's professional judgment and interpretation of the technical criteria outlined in
the USFWS documents the USFWS 2023 Range -wide Indiana Bat and Northern Long -Eared Bat
Survey Guidelines (May 2023), and correspondence with the USFWS North Carolina Field Office
(USFWS NCFO) and the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC).
LM EnviroScience
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Ashe County Middle School Project Bat Survey Report
Ashe County Board of Education
METHODS
EnviroScience biologists traversed the project area on foot to identify potential bat habitat
(roosting areas, feeding areas, drinking pools, and flight corridors). The initial field reconnaissance
was completed to establish mist net sites that would maximize the success of the mist net survey.
Given the size and amount of forested habitat within the project area, three mist net sites were
completed for this project.
EnviroScience sampled a total of 10 net nights ([1 site x 4 nets] + [1 site x 3 nets] + [1 site x 3
nets] = 10 net nights) between July 28-31, 2023. Mist -net surveys were implemented in
accordance with the guidelines outlined in the USFWS 2023 Guidelines. Mist nets were set to
maximize coverage of flight paths used by bats along potentially suitable travel corridors, foraging
areas, forest gaps, and/or drinking areas. Placement of mist nets was based upon the extent of
canopy cover, presence of an open flyway, and forest conditions near the project. The actual
location and orientation of each net were determined in the field by a qualified biologist. The
USFWS NCFO expressed interest in surveying ephemeral streams that may occur in the southern
portion of the project area. Field reconnaissance determined that the streams were either too
cluttered with vegetation to serve as a flyway or had an open forest understory that did not create
an adequate funneling effect to capture bats. No pools of water that may serve as drinking pools
were observed in any stream. Representative photos of streams in the project area are found in
Appendix C, Photos 11 and 12.
A qualified biologist holding a current USFWS permit and North Carolina permit led the survey
effort at the site. Surveys began each evening at or around sunset and continued for at least five
hours. Nets were checked approximately every 10 minutes for the presence of captured bats. All
captured bats were live -caught in mist -nets and released unharmed near the point of capture.
Biological and morphometric data (i.e., species, sex, age class, reproductive condition, mass, and
forearm length) were recorded on datasheets for each individual captured. Captured bats' wings
were examined through back -lighting for signs of damage from the fungus that causes white -nose
syndrome (WNS) using Reichard's Method (Reichard & Kunz, 2009).
All mist -nets used during the survey were Avinet — USA made 75/2 38mm mesh, polyester,
reduced "bag" for bats (Avinet Inc. — Dryden, New York). The mist -nets measure 2.6 meters high,
contain four shelves, and are of various lengths ranging from 4 meters to 18 meters. Custom-built
net poles that reach a maximum of 7.8 meters (25.5 feet) into the canopy were used for the survey.
These custom-built net poles and mist -net surveying techniques are based upon Gardner et al.
(1989) and Nagorsen et al. (1980).
Surveys were not conducted during periods of inclement weather. Inclement weather includes:
(a) temperatures that fall below 50OF (10°C); (b) precipitation, including rain and/or heavy fog, that
exceeds 30 minutes or continues intermittently during the survey period; and (c) sustained wind
speeds greater than 9 miles/hour (4 meters/seconds; 3 on Beaufort scale) for 30 or more minutes.
All netting and field activities followed the most recent guidelines established by USFWS to
minimize the transmission of WNS between captured bats. Submersible equipment was either
submersed in hot water that maintained a temperature of at least 550C (131 OF) for a minimum of
20 minutes or submersed in Lysol IC Quaternary Disinfectant Cleaner. Individual bats were kept
in unused paper bags while waiting for processing. Disposable nitrile gloves were worn over
sanitized handling gloves and changed following the handling of each bat. All non -disposable
LM EnviroScience
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Ashe County Middle School Project Bat Survey Report
Ashe County Board of Education
equipment, e.g., Pesola scales, calipers, rulers, etc., coming into contact with bats were sanitized
with 70% Isopropyl Alcohol immediately following the handling of each bat. Additional personal
protective equipment (PPE) was used in response to COVID-19. Each crew member had
dedicated PPE consisting of N-95 masks and hand sanitizer. All PPE was decontaminated after
each use, following the same methods as described above.
Net placement at each net site is shown in Appendix A; Figure 3; photographs of each net set are
in Appendix C, and field data forms detailing the sites are located in Appendix D.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
EnviroScience sampled a total of 10 net nights ([1 site x 4 nets] + [1 site x 3 nets] + [1 site x 3
nets] = 10 net nights) between July 28-31, 2023. Surveys were not conducted on July 29 due to
rain. Each night of survey began at sunset (or near) and lasted for a minimum of five hours.
The location of mist -net sets within each net site is provided in Appendix A, Figure 3. Table 1
summarizes the mist -net locations. Representative photographs of net sets are provided it
Appendix C, and field data forms are provided in Appendix D.
A total of 8 bats were captured during the mist -net survey. All bats were big brown bats (Eptesicus
fuscus). No other bat species, including northern long-eared bats or tricolored bats, were captured
during the survey. Big brown bats are listed as common by the North Carolina Wildlife Resource
Commission (NCWRC 2023).
Table 1. Mist -Net Site Summary for Ashe County Middle School Project Bat Survey
West Jefferson, Ashe County, North Carolina.
Site
Net
Latitude
Longitude
Total Number of
Bats Captured
1
A
36.39159
-81.47308
4
B
36.39138
-81.47287
1
C
36.39144
-81.47259
0
A
36.39201
-81.47225
1
2
B
36.39180
-81.47204
0
C
36.39153
-81.47155
1
D
36.39101
-81.47105
0
A
36.39050
-81.47247
1
3
B
36.39024
-81.47234
0
C
36.38997
-81.47208
0
Total Number of Bats Captured
8
CONCLUSIONS
In accordance with the study plan approved by the USFWS North Carolina Field Office and
NCWRC (Appendix B), EnviroScience conducted a northern long-eared bat and tricolored bat
LM EnviroScience
`� sxrellence in Any Environment

Ashe County Middle School Project Bat Survey Report
Ashe County Board of Education
presence/probable absence mist -net survey within the Ashe County Middle School Project area
located within West Jefferson, Ashe County, North Carolina.
The mist -netting effort consisted of 10 net nights ([1 site x 4 nets] + [1 site x 3 nets] + [1 site x 3
nets] = 10 net nights) between July 28-31, 2023. Eight big brown bats were captured during the
survey.
No northern long-eared bats or tricolored bats were captured during the survey; therefore, it is
unlikely that the species are present within the project area during the maternity season. No other
federally or state listed bats were captured during the mist net survey.
EnviroScience seeks concurrence with our results and confirmation that no conservation
measures are necessary for the northern long-eared bat or tricolored bat based on the survey
results.
5.0 LITERATURE CITED
Gardner, J. E., Garner, J.D., & Hofmann, J.E. (1989). A portable mist -netting system for
capturing bats with emphasis on Myotis soda/is (Indiana bat). Bat Research News, 30,1-8.
Nagorsen, D. W. & Paterson, R. L. (1980). Mammal Collectors Manual. A Guide for Collecting,
Documenting, and Preparing Mammal Specimens for Scientific Research. Belonging to the
unnumbered series: Life Sciences Miscellaneous Publications. Royal Ontario Museum,
Toronto. ISBN: 0-88854-255- pa.
NCWRC. August 2023. North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission — Additional Bat
Information. https://www.ncwildlife.org/Learning/Species/Mammals/Bat.
Reichard, J.D. & Kunz, T.H. (2009). White -nose syndrome inflicts lasting injuries to the wings of
little brown myotis (Myotis lucifugus). Acta Chiropterologica, 11, 457-464.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. (2023, March). 2023 Range -Wide Indiana Bat and Northern Long -
Eared Bat Survey Guidelines.
https://www.fws. gov/sites/defauIt/fi Ies/documents/USFWS_Range-
wide_I Bat %26_NLEB_Survey_Guidelines_2023.05.10.pdf
LM EnviroScience
`� sxrellence in Any Environment

Appendix A
Figures
JMEnviroScience
Excellence In Any Environment

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Appendix B
Site -Specific Authorization
JMEnviroScience
Excellence In Any Environment

Daniel Cox
From: Cameron, Susan <[e-mail]>
Sent: Wednesday, July 5, 2023 1:09 PM
To: Daniel Cox
Cc: Youngman, Holland J; Hamstead, Byron A
Subject: Re: [EXTERNAL] Ashe County Middle School Project Study Plan
[EXTERNAL EMAIL - Please use caution]
Great ... thanks Dan! Looking forward to hearing what you find.
Best,
Sue
Sue Cameron
U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Asheville Field Office
160 Zillicoa Street
Asheville, NC 28801
828-450-7469
susan [e-mail]
NOTE: This email correspondence and any attachments to and from this sender is subject to the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and
may be disclosed to third parties.
From: Daniel Cox <[e-mail]>
Sent: Wednesday, July 5, 2023 12:21 PM
To: Cameron, Susan <[e-mail]>
Cc: Youngman, Holland J <[e-mail]>; Hamstead, Byron A <[e-mail]>
Subject: RE: [EXTERNAL] Ashe County Middle School Project Study Plan
Hi Sue,
Thanks for getting back to me.
Yes, we will be tracking PESU if we catch them. The appropriate telemetry equipment will be on -site during the
survey.
You are correct about that particular aerial being older. I chose that aerial because it was taken during leaf off
and there seemed to be confusion on why specific net locations were chosen. I will use a current aerial for the
final report.
And, agreed, final net sets will be within walking distances that will allow nets to be checked every 10 minutes.
I will have a second rabies -vaccinated biologist at the site to assist with this, and she is very familiar with this
project area. Net sets will be distributed to survey as many habitat features as is feasible for the project area.
Thanks!

Dan Cox
Biologist
EnviroScience, Inc.
O. 800.940.4025 1 C. 859.351.3919
From: Cameron, Susan <[e-mail]>
Sent: Wednesday, July 5, 2023 9:37 AM
To: Daniel Cox <[e-mail]>
Cc: Youngman, Holland J <[e-mail]>; Hamstead, Byron A <[e-mail]>
Subject: Re: [EXTERNAL] Ashe County Middle School Project Study Plan
[EXTERNAL EMAIL - Please use caution]
Hi Dan,
Thank you for the clarification/additional information and I understand the confusion with the new
form. I'm guessing there will be some improvements to this form next year.
I've responded to your points in red below. Let me know what you think about tracking PESU.
Thanks!
Best,
Sue
Sue Cameron
U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Asheville Field Office
160 Zillicoa Street
Asheville, NC 28801
828-450-7469
susan [e-mail]
NOTE: This email correspondence and any attachments to and from this sender is subject to the Freedom of Information Act
(FOIA) and may be disclosed to third parties.
From: Daniel Cox <[e-mail]>
Sent: Thursday, June 29, 2023 3:25 PM
To: Cameron, Susan <susan [e-mail]>
Cc: Youngman, Holland J <holland [e-mail]>; Hamstead, Byron A <byron [e-mail]>
Subject: RE: [EXTERNAL] Ashe County Middle School Project Study Plan
Hi, Sue.
Thanks for getting back to me quickly. Sorry for the missing info. We've been finding with several other
USFWS FO's that the new study plan form is inadequate/confusing. It's been leading to a lot of extra back
and forth where our old company study plan would have had all the necessary info.
I've attempted to address your bulleted points in order.

Yes. We do intend to include the tricolored bat in the survey. I should have checked that box in the
study plan form. My fault. Great. Will you also be tracking PESU? We would encourage this since
we know so little about this species.
1 have attached my federal permit and CV. I have been conducting bat surveys throughout the
eastern half of the US for the last 18 years. I will be assisted by McKenzie Beyer. She is rabies
vaccinated, and I have attached her resume. Thank you.
Appendix A form attached
As for the state permit, they notified me that they are updating their system and will not be
reviewing permit applications until 1 July. Surveys will not be completed without the appropriate
state permits.
• Given the total project area is less than 123 acres in size, we are proposing 10 net nights. I intend
to survey 4 net sets for 2 nights (Site 1) and 2 net sets for 1 night (Site 2), which would equal 10
net nights (4 nets x 2 nights + 2 nets x 1 night = 10 net nights). The survey would be completed
over 3 nights of netting, excluding weather delays. I may decide to change the plan to 3 nets x 2
nights + 4 nets x 1 night = 10 net nights — I will decide what is best for the project once I'm on site.
Regardless, I will survey a minimum of 10 net nights. Hn, OK. i nai makes sense.
No net sets will be surveyed for more than 2 consecutive nights. Sites 1 and 2 will be separate
locations.
Two rabies vaccinated biologists will present per site. I will be one of the two.
• 1 chose 6 net set locations because I have proposed netting at 4 locations for 2 nights and 2
locations for 1 night. That would be 6 total net set locations. I hope that makes sense. I have
included screenshots of the proposed net locations when the forest is in "leaf off'. Each proposed
net location is on a forest corridor. Final net set locations will be determined in the field, but they
will be distributed throughout the project area as best as possible. I see there may be a suitable
drainage in the southern portion of the project area. If it is suitable for netting, I may move two sites
to the southern portion. McKenzie Beyer, who will be assisting, is very familiar with this project
area and will be helpful in identifying flight corridors when we are on site. I have attached an
updated kmz that is hopefully clearer. If this still isn't acceptable, I'm happy to set up a call to
discuss options with you. Thank you. This is more clear. Just a reminder that you need to be able
to check each net every 10 minutes by walking in between nets. Only mentioning this b/c nets sites
seem pretty spread out. If it is conducive to netting, I think it would be great if you could get a net
on the creek so that you're sampling more habitat types. So in the more southern portion, perhaps
you can put a net on the creek and a net in a nearby forest corridor. I understand that you won't
really know until you have assessed the site on the ground. If the creek doesn't work out, two on
the identified corridor is fine. FYI ... the aerial your using seems older than what I have, so it might
be helpful for you to look at more recent aerial before your site visit. At any rate, no need to send
updated maps. We'll see what you ended up with in the report.
Sue Cameron
U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Asheville Field Office
160 Zillicoa Street
Asheville, NC 28801
828-450-7469
susan [e-mail]
NOTE: This email correspondence and any attachments to and from this sender is subject to the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and
may be disclosed to third parties.
From: Daniel Cox <[e-mail]>
Sent: Thursday, June 29, 2023 3:25 PM
To: Cameron, Susan <susan [e-mail]>

Cc: Youngman, Holland J <[e-mail]>; Hamstead, Byron A <byron [e-mail]>
Subject: RE: [EXTERNAL] Ashe County Middle School Project Study Plan
Hi, Sue.
Thanks for getting back to me quickly. Sorry for the missing info. We've been finding with several other
USFWS FO's that the new study plan form is inadequate/confusing. It's been leading to a lot of extra back and
forth where our old company study plan would have had all the necessary info.
I've attempted to address your bulleted points in order.
• Yes. We do intend to include the tricolored bat in the survey. I should have checked that box in the
study plan form. My fault.
• 1 have attached my federal permit and CV. I have been conducting bat surveys throughout the eastern
half of the US for the last 18 years. I will be assisted by McKenzie Beyer. She is rabies vaccinated, and
have attached her resume.
• Appendix A form attached
• As for the state permit, they notified me that they are updating their system and will not be reviewing
permit applications until 1 July. Surveys will not be completed without the appropriate state permits.
• Given the total project area is less than 123 acres in size, we are proposing 10 net nights. I intend to
survey 4 net sets for 2 nights (Site 1) and 2 net sets for 1 night (Site 2), which would equal 10 net nights
(4 nets x 2 nights + 2 nets x 1 night = 10 net nights). The survey would be completed over 3 nights of
netting, excluding weather delays. I may decide to change the plan to 3 nets x 2 nights + 4 nets x 1
night = 10 net nights — I will decide what is best for the project once I'm on site. Regardless, I will
survey a minimum of 10 net nights.
• No net sets will be surveyed for more than 2 consecutive nights. Sites 1 and 2 will be separate
locations.
• Two rabies vaccinated biologists will present per site. I will be one of the two.
• I chose 6 net set locations because I have proposed netting at 4 locations for 2 nights and 2 locations
for 1 night. That would be 6 total net set locations. I hope that makes sense. I have included
screenshots of the proposed net locations when the forest is in "leaf off". Each proposed net location is
on a forest corridor. Final net set locations will be determined in the field, but they will be distributed
throughout the project area as best as possible. I see there may be a suitable drainage in the southern
portion of the project area. If it is suitable for netting, I may move two sites to the southern portion.
McKenzie Beyer, who will be assisting, is very familiar with this project area and will be helpful in
identifying flight corridors when we are on site. I have attached an updated kmz that is hopefully
clearer. If this still isn't acceptable, I'm happy to set up a call to discuss options with you.

f � - • Yam• -+ � g.
':. *Ashe CpuntygHig� Schcal Site 1 Net
4
Site 1 - Net B
F onke a Rey {lr�J' r ``
.. LI
AO
ISite 1 NC
w .� •�'is •_� t�
r{
Site 2 446t A
pots
1
d �.
Ran:�,d 1�:1� r an C:` lawrolnl

Dan Cox
Biologist
EnviroScience, Inc.
O. 800.940.4025 1 C. 859.351.3919
From: Cameron, Susan <susan [e-mail]>
Sent: Wednesday, June 28, 2023 1:14 PM
To: Daniel Cox <[e-mail]>
Cc: Youngman, Holland J <[e-mail]>; Hamstead, Byron A <bvron [e-mail]>
Subject: RE: [EXTERNAL] Ashe County Middle School Project Study Plan

[EXTERNAL EMAIL - Please use caution]
Hi Dan,
Thanks for submitting a bat study plan for this project. FYI, this is listed as project 2022-0065187 in INC. We have the
following questions and comments regarding the study plan:
• Given the proposed listing of tricolored bat and the potential for this species in the action area, we suggest
including it in the survey. Since the project was entered into IPaC in 2022, tricolored bat may not have
shown up at that time, but should show up in an updated IPaC species list.
• Please provide copies of relevant federal permits and names and qualifications of those who will be
assisting.
• Please provide a habitat assessment using the form in appendix A of the survey guidance.
• We see that you applied for a state permit on June 19th. As a reminder, you will need to receive that permit
before work can begin.
• Please provide clarification on the number of net nights and how that was calculated. The numbers provided
in the form suggest more than 10 net nights, which if great, just want to make sure we understand the
setup.
• As a reminder net -sets can be repeatedly sampled throughout the project, but no more than 2 consecutive
nights at a single location is recommended. The study plan mentions you will be netting for 3 nights.
• Also provide clarification on staffing. Will you have two biologists per nest site?
• Your map shows six nets places throughout northeastern portion of the parcel, but we don't see two clear
net sites. We suggest showing two net sites and nets within sites. The number of net sites and nets should
correspond to the form. It might make sense to have a northern site and a site further south if there are
appropriate places to put nets. We're happy to discuss ideas if needed.
Best,
Sue
From: Daniel Cox <[e-mail]>
Sent: Tuesday, June 20, 2023 10:03 AM
To: Cameron, Susan <susan [e-mail]>
Cc: Youngman, Holland J <[e-mail]>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Ashe County Middle School Project Study Plan
This email has been received from outside of DOI - Use caution before clicking on links, opening attachments, or responding.
Hello, Sue.
Please find the attached study plan for the proposed Ashe County Middle School Project located in Ashe
County, NC. I am requesting site -specific authorization in accordance with my federal permit requirements.
Please contact me with any questions or comments.
Thank you!
Dan Cox
Biologist

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OHITNIVAIWVINC F10
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DISCLOSURE UNDER APPLICABLE LAW. If the reader of this message is not the intended recipient, or the employee or
agent responsible for delivering the message to the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that you have received
this message in error and that any review, dissemination, distribution, or copying of this communication is strictly
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Appendix C
Photolog
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Ashe County Middle School Project Bat Survey Report
Ashe County Board of Education
Photograph 11. Representative view of drainage occurring in the project area.
Photograph 12. Representative view of small stream located in the southern
portion of the project area.
C-6

Ashe County Middle School Project Bat Survey Report
Ashe County Board of Education
Photograph 13. Representative view of big brown bat (Eptesicus fuscus) captured
during the mist -net survey.
C-7

Appendix D
Field Data Forms
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Attachment D
NC DMS Acceptance Form
WAM/SAM Data Forms

ROY COOPER
Governor
ELIZABETH S. BISER
Secretary
MARC RECKTENWALD
Director
Eisa Cox
Ashe County Board of Education
PO Box 604
Jefferson, NC 28640
NORTH CAROLINA
Environmental Quality
September 6, 2023
Expiration of Acceptance: 3/6/2024
Project: Ashe County Middle School County: Ashe
This is a conditional acceptance letter.
The purpose of this letter is to notify you that the NCDEQ Division of Mitigation Services (DMS) is willing to
accept payment for compensatory mitigation for impacts associated with the above referenced project as
indicated in the table below. Please note that this decision does not assure that participation in the DMS in -
lieu fee mitigation program will be approved by the permit issuing agencies as mitigation for project impacts.
It is the responsibility of the applicant to contact permitting agencies to determine if payment to the DMS will
be approved. You must also comply with all other state, federal or local government permits, regulations or
authorizations associated with the proposed activity including G.S. § 143-214.11.
This acceptance is valid for six months from the date of this letter and is not transferable. If we have not
received a copy of the issued 404 Permit/401 Certification within this time frame, this acceptance will
expire. It is the applicant's responsibility to send copies of the permits to DMS. Once DMS receives a copy
of the permit(s) an invoice will be issued based on the required mitigation in that permit and payment must
be made prior to conducting the authorized work. The amount of the in -lieu fee to be paid by an applicant is
calculated based upon the Fee Schedule and policies listed on the DMS website.
Based on the information supplied by you in your request to use the DMS, the impacts for which you are
requesting compensatory mitigation credit are summarized in the following table. The amount of mitigation
required and assigned to DMS for this impact is determined by permitting agencies and may exceed the
impact amounts shown below.
River Basin
Impact Location
8-di it HUC
Impact Type
Impact Quantity
New
05050001
Riparian Wetland
0.371
Non -Riparian Wetland*
0.127
Cold Stream
455
*Non -riparian wetland credit is not available in this service area. In accordance with the directive
from the February 8, 2011 IRT meeting, non -riparian wetland impacts located in the mountain and
piedmont areas of North Carolina can be accepted as requested, but mitigated utilizing riparian
wetland mitigation credits. Upon receipt of payment, DMS will take responsibility for providing the
compensatory mitigation. The mitigation will be performed in accordance with the In -Lieu Fee Program
instrument dated July 28, 2010 and 15A NCAC 02B .0295 as applicable. Thank you for your interest in the
DMS in -lieu fee mitigation program. If you have any questions or need additional information, please contact
[e-mail].
Sincerely,
FOR James. B Stanfill
Deputy Director
cc: Eric Romaniszyn, agent
1<1�
� North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality 1 Division of Mitigation Services
tr_��QEQ
217 West Jones Street 1 1652 Mail Service Center I Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-1652
orr�wwu.rrr�rrs+►� /'� 919.707.8976

Accompanies user manual version z.i
USACE AID #: NCDWR #:
INSTRUCTIONS: Attach a sketch of the assessment area and photographs. Attach a copy of the USGS 7.5-minute topographic
quadrangle, and circle the location of the stream reach under evaluation. If multiple stream reaches will be evaluated on the same
property, identify and number all reaches on the attached map, and include a separate form for each reach. See the NC SAM User
Manual for detailed descriptions and explanations of requested information. Record in the "Notes/Sketch" section if any supplementary
measurements were performed. See the NC SAM User Manual for examples of additional measurements that may be relevant.
NOTE EVIDENCE OF STRESSORS AFFECTING THE ASSESSMENT AREA (do not need to be within the assessment area).
PROJECT / SITE INFORMATION:
1. Project name (if any): Ashe County Middle School 2. Date of evaluation: 8/17/2023
3. Applicant/owner name: Ashe County Board of Education 4. Assessor name/organization: ClearWater Environmental
5. County: Ashe 6. Nearest named water body
7. River Basin: New on USGS 7.5-minute quad: Cole Branch
8. Site coordinates (decimal degrees, at lower end of assessment reach): 36.390470,-81.473676
STREAM INFORMATION: (depth and width can be approximations)
9. Site number (show on attached map): SL 10. Length of assessment reach evaluated (feet): 50
11. Channel depth from bed (in riffle, if present) to top of bank (feet): - 3 ft r Unable to assess channel depth.
12. Channel width at top of bank (feet): - 8 ft 13. Is assessment reach a swamp stream? C Yes C'
14. Feature type: f-' Perennial flow * Intermittent flow ( Tidal Marsh Stream
STREAM RATING INFORMATION:
15. NC SAM Zone: l: Mountains (M) C Piedmont (P) C Inner Coastal Plain (I) C Outer Coastal Plain (0)
16. Estimated geomorphic L 1
valley shape (skip for (' a ��- ti b
Tidal Marsh Stream): (more sinuous stream, flatter valley slope) (less sinuous stream, steeper valley slope)
17. Watershed size: (skip LR Size 1 (< 0.1 miz) C' Size 2 (0.1 to < 0.5 mil) C' Size 3 (0.5 to < 5 miz) C' Size 4 (>_ 5 miZ)
for Tidal Marsh Stream)
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
18. Were regulatory considerations evaluated? Co Yes e No If Yes, check all that appy to the assessment area.
F Section 10 water F Classified Trout Waters r- Water Supply Watershed (L' I C' II C` III (` IV C V)
r Essential Fish Habitat r Primary Nursery Area r High Quality Waters/Outstanding Resource Waters
r Publicly owned property r NCDWR riparian buffer rule in effect r Nutrient Sensitive Waters
r Anadromous fish 303(d) List CAMA Area of Environmental Concern (AEC)
r Documented presence of a federal and/or state listed protected species within the assessment area.
List species:
r Designated Critical Habitat (list species):
19. Are additional stream information/supplementary measurements included in "Notes/Sketch" section or attached? Ci Yes
1. Channel Water- assessment reach metric (skip for Size 1 streams and Tidal Marsh Streams)
C A Water throughout assessment reach.
fi B No flow, water in pools only.
C C No water in assessment reach.
2. Evidence of Flow Restriction - assessment reach metric
C` A At least 10 % of assessment reach in -stream habitat or riffle -pool sequence is adversely affected by a flow restriction or fill to the
point of obstructing flow or a channel choked with aquatic macrophytes or ponded water or impounded on flood or ebb within
the assessment reach (examples: undersized or perched culverts, causeways that constrict the channel, tidal gates).
ii B Not A
3. Feature Pattern - assessment reach metric
C A A majority of the assessment reach has altered pattern (examples: straightening, modification above or below culvert).
fi B Not A.
4. Feature Longitudinal Profile - assessment reach metric
C A Majority of assessment reach has a substantially altered stream profile (examples: channel down -cutting, existing damming,
over widening, active aggradation, dredging, and excavation where appropriate channel profile has not reformed from any of
these disturbances).
fi B Not A
5. Signs of Active Instability - assessment reach metric
Consider only current instability, not past events from which the stream has currently recovered. Examples of instability include
active bank failure, active channel down -cutting (head -cut), active widening, and artificial hardening (such as concrete, gabion, rip -rap).
fi A < 10 % of channel unstable
C B 10 to 25 % of channel unstable
C C > 25 % of channel unstable

6. Streamside Area Interaction - streamside area metric
Consider for the Left Bank (LB) and the Right Bank (RB).
LB RB
f+ A 6-6 A Little or no evidence of conditions that adversely affect reference interaction
C B C B Moderate evidence of conditions (examples: berms, levees, down -cutting, aggradation, dredging) that adversely affect
reference interaction (examples: limited streamside area access, disruption of flood flows through streamside area,
leaky or intermittent bulkheads, causeways with floodplain constriction, minor ditching [including mosquito ditching])
C C C C Extensive evidence of conditions that adversely affect reference interaction (little to no floodplain/intertidal zone access
[examples: causeways with floodplain and channel constriction, bulkheads, retaining walls, fill, stream incision,
disruption of flood flows through streamside area] or too much floodplain/intertidal zone access [examples:
impoundments, intensive mosquito ditching]) or floodplain/intertidal zone unnaturally absent or assessment reach is a
man-made feature on an interstream divide
7. Water Quality Stressors - assessment reach Antertidal zone metric
Check all that apply.
[ A Discolored water in stream or intertidal zone (milky white, blue, unnatural water discoloration, oil sheen, stream foam)
F B Excessive sedimentation (burying of stream features or intertidal zone)
F C Noticeable evidence of pollutant discharges entering the assessment reach and causing a water quality problem
F D Odor (not including natural sulfide odors)
]- E Current published or collected data indicating degraded water quality in the assessment reach. Cite source in the "Notes/Sketch"
section.
r F Livestock with access to stream or intertidal zone
r G Excessive algae in stream or intertidal zone
r H Degraded marsh vegetation in the intertidal zone (removal, burning, regular mowing, destruction, etc.)
r I Other: Poor riparian buffer on right bank (explain in "Notes/Sketch" section)
r J Little to no stressors
8. Recent Weather -watershed metric
For Size 1 or 2 streams, D1 drought or higher is considered a drought; for Size 3 or 4 streams, D2 drought or higher is considered a
drought.
C` A Drought conditions and no rainfall or rainfall not exceeding 1 inch within the last 48 hours
C B Drought conditions and rainfall exceeding 1 inch within the last 48 hours
fi C No drought conditions
9 Large or Dangerous Stream - assessment reach metric
C' Yes ti No Is stream is too large or dangerous to assess? If Yes, skip to Metric 13 (Streamside Area Ground Surface Condition).
10. Natural In -stream Habitat Types- assessment reach metric
10a. (- Yes C` No Degraded in -stream habitat over majority of the assessment reach (examples of stressors include excessive
sedimentation, mining, excavation, in -stream hardening [for example, rip -rap], recent dredging, and snagging)
(evaluate for size 4 Coastal Plain streams only, then skip to Metric 12)
10b. Check all that occur (occurs if > 5 % coverage of assessment reach) (skip for Size 4 Coastal Plain streams)
r A Multiple aquatic macrophytes and aquatic mosses m y r F 5 % oysters or other natural hard bottoms
(include liverworts, lichens, and algal mats) F m r G Submerged aquatic vegetation
r B Multiple sticks and/or leaf packs and/or emergent o r H Low -tide refugia (pools)
vegetation o r I Sand bottom
w
r C Multiple snags and logs (including lap trees) a)`D r J 5 % vertical bank along the marsh
r D 5 % undercut banks and/or root mats and/or roots O r K Little or no habitat
in banks extend to the normal wetted perimeter
r E Little or no habitat
*********************************REMAINING QUESTIONS ARE NOT APPLICABLE FOR TIDAL MARSH STREAMS****************************
11. Bedform and Substrate -assessment reach metric (skip for Size 4 Coastal Plain streams and Tidal Marsh Streams)
11a. C' Yes (*- No Is assessment reach in a natural sand -bed stream? (skip for Coastal Plain streams)
11 b. Bedform evaluated. Check the appropriate box(es).
r A Riffle -run section (evaluate 11c)
r B Pool -glide section (evaluate 11d)
r C Natural bedform absent (skip to Metric 12, Aquatic Life)
11 c. In riffles sections, check all that occur below the normal wetted perimeter of the assessment reach - whether or not submerged.
Check at least one box in each row (skip for Size 4 Coastal Plain Streams and Tidal Marsh Streams). Not Present (NP) _
absent, Rare (R) = present but s 10%, Common (C) _ > 10-40 % , Abundant (A) _ > 40-70 % , Predominant (P) _ > 70%. Cumulative
percentages should not exceed 100 % for each assessment reach.
NP R C A P
r r r r f Bedrock/saprolite
C C C C C Boulder (256 - 4096 mm)
Cobble (64 - 256 mm)
Gravel (2 - 64 mm)
C C C, C C Sand (.062-2 mm)
Silt/clay (< 0.062 mm)
C C C C C Detritus
C C C, C C Artificial (rip -rap, concrete, etc.)
11d. C Yes Cr No Are pools filled with sediment? (skip for Size 4 Coastal Plain streams and Tidal Marsh Streams)

12. Aquatic Life — assessment reach metric (skip for Size 4 Coastal Plain streams and Tidal Marsh Streams)
12a. ti Yes C' No Was an in -stream aquatic life assessment performed as described in the User Manual?
If No, select one of the following reasons and skip to Metric 13. C` No Water C` Other:
12b. C' Yes is No Are aquatic organisms present in the assessment reach (look in riffles, pools, then snags)? If Yes, check
all that apply. If No, skip to Metric 13.
1 >1 Numbers over columns refer to "individuals" for size 1 and 2 streams and "taxa° for size 3 and 4 streams.
Adult frogs
r r Aquatic reptiles
r r Aquatic macrophytes and aquatic mosses (include liverworts, lichens, and algal mats)
r r Beetles (including water pennies)
r r Caddisfly larvae (Trichoptera [T])
F_ F_ Asian clam (Corbicula )
r r Crustacean (isopod/amphipod/crayrish/shrimp)
r r Damselfly and dragonfly larvae
r r Dipterans (true flies)
r r Mayfly larvae (Ephemeroptera [E])
F_ F_ Megaloptera (alderfly, fishfly, dobsonfly larvae)
r r Midges/mosquito larvae
r r Mosquito fish (Gambusia) or mud minnows (Umbra pygmaea)
r r Mussels/Clams (not Corbicula )
r r Other fish
F_ F_ Salamanders/tadpoles
r r Snails
r r Stonefly larvae (Plecoptera [P])
r r Tipulid larvae
r r Worms/leeches
13. Streamside Area Ground Surface Condition — streamside area metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams and B valley types)
Consider for the Left Bank (LB) and the Right Bank (RB). Consider storage capacity with regard to both overbank flow and
upland runoff.
LB RB
C A C A Little or no alteration to water storage capacity over a majority of the streamside area
C` B C` B Moderate alteration to water storage capacity over a majority of the streamside area
L' C L' C Severe alteration to water storage capacity over a majority of the streamside area (examples include: ditches, fill,
soil, compaction, livestock disturbance, buildings, man-made levees, drainage pipes)
14. Streamside Area Water Storage — streamside area metric (skip for Size 1 streams, Tidal Marsh Streams, and B valley types)
Consider for the Left Bank (LB) and the Right Bank (RB) of the streamside area.
LB RB
C` A C` A Majority of streamside area with depressions able to pond water>_ 6 inches deep
( B C B Majority of streamside area with depressions able to pond water 3 to 6 inches deep
f- C f C Majority of streamside area with depressions able to pond water < 3 inches deep
15. Wetland Presence — streamside area metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams)
Consider for the Left Bank (LB) and the Right Bank (RB). Do not consider wetlands outside of the streamside area or within the
normal wetted perimeter of assessment reach.
LB RB
f Y (Y Are wetlands present in the streamside area?
GN CAN
16. Baseflow Contributors — assessment reach metric (skip for size 4 streams and Tidal Marsh Streams)
Check all contributors within the assessment reach or within view of and draining to the assessment reach.
FA Streams and/or springs Qurisdictional discharges)
F B Ponds (include wet detention basins; do not include sediment basins or dry detention basins)
F C Obstruction that passes some flow during low -flow periods within assessment area (beaver dam, bottom -release dam)
F D Evidence of bank seepage or sweating (iron oxidizing bacteria in water indicates seepage)
F E Stream bed or bank soil reduced (dig through deposited sediment if present)
F F None of the above
17. Baseflow Detractors —assessment area metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams)
Check all that apply.
r A Evidence of substantial water withdrawals from the assessment reach (includes areas excavated for pump installation)
r B Obstruction not passing flow during low flow periods affecting the assessment reach (ex: watertight dam, sediment deposit)
r C Urban stream (> 24 % impervious surface for watershed)
r D Evidence that the stream -side area has been modified resulting in accelerated drainage into the assessment reach
r E Assessment reach relocated to valley edge
r F None of the above
18. Shading — assessment reach metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams)
Consider aspect. Consider "leaf -on" condition.
f-' A Stream shading is appropriate for stream category (may include gaps associated with natural processes)
(a B Degraded (example: scattered trees)
f-' C Stream shading is gone or largely absent

19. Buffer Width - streamside area metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams)
Consider "vegetated buffer" and "wooded buffer" separately for left bank (LB) and right bank (RB) starting at the top
of bank out to the first break.
Vegetated Wooded
LB RB LB RB
Cr' A C A Cr' A C` A >_ 100-feet wide or extends to the edge of the watershed
f B C B (' B (' B From 50 to < 100-feet wide
f C (a- C C C C C From 30 to < 50-feet wide
(- D C` D C` D Cr' D From 10 to < 30-feet wide
f E f E (' E f E < 10-feet wide or no trees
20. Buffer Structure - streamside area metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams)
Consider for left bank (LB) and right bank (RB) for Metric 19 ("Vegetated" Buffer Width).
LB
RB
(r' A
C` A
Mature forest
C` B
C` B
Non -mature woody vegetation or modified vegetation structure
( C
(i C
Herbaceous vegetation with or without a strip of trees < 10 feet wide
( D
(' D
Maintained shrubs
( E
C E
Little or no vegetation
21. Buffer Stressors - streamside area metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams)
Check all appropriate boxes for left bank (LB) and right bank (RB). Indicate if listed stressor abuts stream (Abuts), does not abut but
is within 30 feet of stream (< 30 feet), or is between 30 to 50 feet of stream (30-50 feet).
If none of the following stressors occurs on either bank, check here and skip to Metric 2r.-
Abuts < 30 feet 30-50 feet
LB RB LB RB LB RB
f A (' A (' A (' A (' A (' A Row crops
l- B C` B C` B C` B C` B (" B Maintained turf
f C (' C (' C (i C ( C f C Pasture (no livestock)/commercial horticulture
(' D C` D (` D (` D (' D ( D Pasture (active livestock use)
22. Stem Density- streamside area metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams)
Consider for left bank (LB) and right bank (RB) for Metric 19 ("Wooded" Buffer Width).
LB RB
(i A C` A Medium to high stem density
(' B Ci B Low stem density
(' C (' C No wooded riparian buffer or predominantly herbaceous species or bare ground
23. Continuity of Vegetated Buffer- streamside area metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams)
Consider whether vegetated buffer is continuous along stream (parallel). Breaks are areas lacking vegetation > 10-feet wide.
LB RB
(: A (i A The total length of buffer breaks is < 25 percent.
( B ( B The total length of buffer breaks is between 25 and 50 percent.
( C C C The total length of buffer breaks is > 50 percent.
24. Vegetative Composition - First 100 feet of streamside area metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams)
Evaluate the dominant vegetation within 100 feet of each bank or to the edge of the watershed (whichever comes first) as it contributes
to assessment reach habitat.
LB RB
(i A (' A Vegetation is close to undisturbed in species present and their proportions. Lower strata composed of native
species, with non-native invasive species absent or sparse.
(' B (i B Vegetation indicates disturbance in terms of species diversity or proportions, but is still largely composed of native
species. This may include communities of weedy native species that develop after clear -cutting or clearing or
communities with non-native invasive species present, but not dominant, over a large portion of the expected strata or
communities missing understory but retaining canopy trees.
C` C C` C Vegetation is severely disturbed in terms of species diversity or proportions. Mature canopy is absent or communities
with non-native invasive species dominant over a large portion of expected strata or communities composed of planted
stands of non -characteristic species or communities inappropriately composed of a single species or no vegetation.
25. Conductivity- assessment reach metric (skip for all Coastal Plain streams)
25a. (` Yes Gb No Was a conductivity measurement recorded?
If No, select one of the following reasons. (i No Water (' Other:
251b. Check the box corresponding to the conductivity measurement (units of microsiemens per centimeter).
( A <46 ( B 46 to < 67 t- CC 67 to < 79 r D 79 to < 230 ['. E >> 230
Notes/Sketch:
small headwater intermittent stream, some water in pool areas, right bank buffer disturbed by gravel driveway that altered vegetation, pools
had sediment but not completely full

NC SAM Stream Rating Sheet
Accompanies User Manual Version 2.1
Stream Site Name Ashe County Middle School Date of Evaluation 8/17/2023
Stream Category Mb1 Assessor Name/Organization ClearWater Environmenta
Notes of Field Assessment Form (Y/N) YES
Presence of regulatory considerations (Y/N) YES
Additional stream information/supplementary measurements included (Y/N) YES
NC SAM feature type (perennial, intermittent, Tidal Marsh Stream) Intermittent
Function Class Rating Summary
USACE/ NCDWR
All Streams Intermittent
(1) Hydrology
(2) Baseflow
(2) Flood Flow
(3) Streamside Area Attenuation
(4) Floodplain Access
(4) Wooded Riparian Buffer
(4) Microtopography
(3) Stream Stability
(4) Channel Stability
(4) Sediment Transport
(4) Stream Geomorphology
(2) Stream/Intertidal Zone Interaction
(2) Longitudinal Tidal Flow
(2) Tidal Marsh Stream Stability
(3) Tidal Marsh Channel Stability
(3) Tidal Marsh Stream Geomorphology
HIGH
MEDIUM
HIGH
HIGH
HIGH
MEDIUM
NA
HIGH
HIGH
HIGH
HIGH
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
HIGH
MEDIUM
HIGH
HIGH
HIGH
MEDIUM
NA
HIGH
HIGH
HIGH
HIGH
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
(1) Water Quality
(2) Baseflow
(2) Streamside Area Vegetation
(3) Upland Pollutant Filtration
(3) Thermoregulation
(2) Indicators of Stressors
(2) Aquatic Life Tolerance
(2) Intertidal Zone Filtration
LOW
MEDIUM
MEDIUM
MEDIUM
MEDIUM
NO
LOW
NA
LOW
MEDIUM
MEDIUM
MEDIUM
MEDIUM
NO
NA
NA
(1) Habitat
(2) In -stream Habitat
(3) Baseflow
(3) Substrate
(3) Stream Stability
(3) In -stream Habitat
(2) Stream -side Habitat
(3) Stream -side Habitat
(3) Thermoregulation
(2) Tidal Marsh In -stream Habitat
(3) Flow Restriction
(3) Tidal Marsh Stream Stability
(4) Tidal Marsh Channel Stability
(4) Tidal Marsh Stream Geomorphology
(3) Tidal Marsh In -stream Habitat
(2) Intertidal Zone Habitat
HIGH
HIGH
MEDIUM
HIGH
HIGH
HIGH
HIGH
HIGH
MEDIUM
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
HIGH
HIGH
MEDIUM
HIGH
HIGH
HIGH
HIGH
HIGH
MEDIUM
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Overall
HIGH
HIGH

Accompanies user manual version z.i
USACE AID #: NCDWR #:
INSTRUCTIONS: Attach a sketch of the assessment area and photographs. Attach a copy of the USGS 7.5-minute topographic
quadrangle, and circle the location of the stream reach under evaluation. If multiple stream reaches will be evaluated on the same
property, identify and number all reaches on the attached map, and include a separate form for each reach. See the NC SAM User
Manual for detailed descriptions and explanations of requested information. Record in the "Notes/Sketch" section if any supplementary
measurements were performed. See the NC SAM User Manual for examples of additional measurements that may be relevant.
NOTE EVIDENCE OF STRESSORS AFFECTING THE ASSESSMENT AREA (do not need to be within the assessment area).
PROJECT / SITE INFORMATION:
1. Project name (if any): Ashe County Middle School 2. Date of evaluation: 8/17/2023
3. Applicant/owner name: Ashe County Board of Education 4. Assessor name/organization: ClearWater Environmental
5. County: Ashe 6. Nearest named water body
7. River Basin: New on USGS 7.5-minute quad: Cole Branch
8. Site coordinates (decimal degrees, at lower end of assessment reach): 36.390470,-81.473676
STREAM INFORMATION: (depth and width can be approximations)
9. Site number (show on attached map): SA 10. Length of assessment reach evaluated (feet): 100
11. Channel depth from bed (in riffle, if present) to top of bank (feet): -2.5 - 3 ft r Unable to assess channel depth.
12. Channel width at top of bank (feet): -8 13. Is assessment reach a swamp stream? C Yes C'
14. Feature type: Ca' Perennial flow C' Intermittent flow ( Tidal Marsh Stream
STREAM RATING INFORMATION:
15. NC SAM Zone: l: Mountains (M) C Piedmont (P) C Inner Coastal Plain (I) C Outer Coastal Plain (0)
16. Estimated geomorphic L 1
valley shape (skip for (' a ��- ti b
Tidal Marsh Stream): (more sinuous stream, flatter valley slope) (less sinuous stream, steeper valley slope)
17. Watershed size: (skip C' Size 1 (< 0.1 miz) LR Size 2 (0.1 to < 0.5 mil) C Size 3 (0.5 to < 5 miz) C Size 4 (>_ 5 miZ)
for Tidal Marsh Stream)
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
18. Were regulatory considerations evaluated? Co Yes e No If Yes, check all that appy to the assessment area.
F Section 10 water F Classified Trout Waters r- Water Supply Watershed (C I C' II C` III (` IV C V)
r Essential Fish Habitat r Primary Nursery Area r High Quality Waters/Outstanding Resource Waters
r Publicly owned property r NCDWR riparian buffer rule in effect r Nutrient Sensitive Waters
r Anadromous fish 303(d) List CAMA Area of Environmental Concern (AEC)
r Documented presence of a federal and/or state listed protected species within the assessment area.
List species:
r Designated Critical Habitat (list species):
19. Are additional stream information/supplementary measurements included in "Notes/Sketch" section or attached? Ci Yes
1. Channel Water- assessment reach metric (skip for Size 1 streams and Tidal Marsh Streams)
Ce A Water throughout assessment reach.
C B No flow, water in pools only.
C C No water in assessment reach.
2. Evidence of Flow Restriction - assessment reach metric
C` A At least 10 % of assessment reach in -stream habitat or riffle -pool sequence is adversely affected by a flow restriction or fill to the
point of obstructing flow or a channel choked with aquatic macrophytes or ponded water or impounded on flood or ebb within
the assessment reach (examples: undersized or perched culverts, causeways that constrict the channel, tidal gates).
ii B Not A
3. Feature Pattern - assessment reach metric
C A A majority of the assessment reach has altered pattern (examples: straightening, modification above or below culvert).
fi B Not A.
4. Feature Longitudinal Profile - assessment reach metric
C A Majority of assessment reach has a substantially altered stream profile (examples: channel down -cutting, existing damming,
over widening, active aggradation, dredging, and excavation where appropriate channel profile has not reformed from any of
these disturbances).
fi B Not A
5. Signs of Active Instability - assessment reach metric
Consider only current instability, not past events from which the stream has currently recovered. Examples of instability include
active bank failure, active channel down -cutting (head -cut), active widening, and artificial hardening (such as concrete, gabion, rip -rap).
fi A < 10 % of channel unstable
C B 10 to 25 % of channel unstable
C C > 25 % of channel unstable

6. Streamside Area Interaction - streamside area metric
Consider for the Left Bank (LB) and the Right Bank (RB).
LB RB
f+ A 6-6 A Little or no evidence of conditions that adversely affect reference interaction
C B C B Moderate evidence of conditions (examples: berms, levees, down -cutting, aggradation, dredging) that adversely affect
reference interaction (examples: limited streamside area access, disruption of flood flows through streamside area,
leaky or intermittent bulkheads, causeways with floodplain constriction, minor ditching [including mosquito ditching])
C C C C Extensive evidence of conditions that adversely affect reference interaction (little to no floodplain/intertidal zone access
[examples: causeways with floodplain and channel constriction, bulkheads, retaining walls, fill, stream incision,
disruption of flood flows through streamside area] or too much floodplain/intertidal zone access [examples:
impoundments, intensive mosquito ditching]) or floodplain/intertidal zone unnaturally absent or assessment reach is a
man-made feature on an interstream divide
7. Water Quality Stressors - assessment reach Antertidal zone metric
Check all that apply.
[ A Discolored water in stream or intertidal zone (milky white, blue, unnatural water discoloration, oil sheen, stream foam)
F B Excessive sedimentation (burying of stream features or intertidal zone)
F C Noticeable evidence of pollutant discharges entering the assessment reach and causing a water quality problem
F D Odor (not including natural sulfide odors)
]- E Current published or collected data indicating degraded water quality in the assessment reach. Cite source in the "Notes/Sketch"
section.
r F Livestock with access to stream or intertidal zone
r G Excessive algae in stream or intertidal zone
r H Degraded marsh vegetation in the intertidal zone (removal, burning, regular mowing, destruction, etc.)
r I Other: Poor riparian buffer affecting shade (explain in "Notes/Sketch" section)
r J Little to no stressors
8. Recent Weather -watershed metric
For Size 1 or 2 streams, D1 drought or higher is considered a drought; for Size 3 or 4 streams, D2 drought or higher is considered a
drought.
C` A Drought conditions and no rainfall or rainfall not exceeding 1 inch within the last 48 hours
C B Drought conditions and rainfall exceeding 1 inch within the last 48 hours
fi C No drought conditions
9 Large or Dangerous Stream - assessment reach metric
C' Yes ti No Is stream is too large or dangerous to assess? If Yes, skip to Metric 13 (Streamside Area Ground Surface Condition).
10. Natural In -stream Habitat Types- assessment reach metric
10a. (- Yes C` No Degraded in -stream habitat over majority of the assessment reach (examples of stressors include excessive
sedimentation, mining, excavation, in -stream hardening [for example, rip -rap], recent dredging, and snagging)
(evaluate for size 4 Coastal Plain streams only, then skip to Metric 12)
10b. Check all that occur (occurs if > 5 % coverage of assessment reach) (skip for Size 4 Coastal Plain streams)
r A Multiple aquatic macrophytes and aquatic mosses m y r F 5 % oysters or other natural hard bottoms
(include liverworts, lichens, and algal mats) F m r G Submerged aquatic vegetation
r B Multiple sticks and/or leaf packs and/or emergent o r H Low -tide refugia (pools)
vegetation o r I Sand bottom
w
r C Multiple snags and logs (including lap trees) a)`D r J 5 % vertical bank along the marsh
r D 5 % undercut banks and/or root mats and/or roots O r K Little or no habitat
in banks extend to the normal wetted perimeter
r E Little or no habitat
*********************************REMAINING QUESTIONS ARE NOT APPLICABLE FOR TIDAL MARSH STREAMS****************************
11. Bedform and Substrate -assessment reach metric (skip for Size 4 Coastal Plain streams and Tidal Marsh Streams)
11a. C' Yes (*- No Is assessment reach in a natural sand -bed stream? (skip for Coastal Plain streams)
11 b. Bedform evaluated. Check the appropriate box(es).
r A Riffle -run section (evaluate 11c)
r B Pool -glide section (evaluate 11d)
r C Natural bedform absent (skip to Metric 12, Aquatic Life)
11 c. In riffles sections, check all that occur below the normal wetted perimeter of the assessment reach - whether or not submerged.
Check at least one box in each row (skip for Size 4 Coastal Plain Streams and Tidal Marsh Streams). Not Present (NP) _
absent, Rare (R) = present but s 10%, Common (C) _ > 10-40 % , Abundant (A) _ > 40-70 % , Predominant (P) _ > 70%. Cumulative
percentages should not exceed 100 % for each assessment reach.
NP R C A P
Bedrock/saprolite
Boulder (256 - 4096 mm)
Cobble (64 - 256 mm)
Ca C` Gravel (2 - 64 mm)
C' C' Ci C C' Sand (.062-2 mm)
Silt/clay (< 0.062 mm)
Detritus
Cr C' C, C C' Artificial (rip -rap, concrete, etc.)
11d. C Yes Cr No Are pools filled with sediment? (skip for Size 4 Coastal Plain streams and Tidal Marsh Streams)

12. Aquatic Life - assessment reach metric (skip for Size 4 Coastal Plain streams and Tidal Marsh Streams)
12a. (a- Yes C' No Was an in -stream aquatic life assessment performed as described in the User Manual?
If No, select one of the following reasons and skip to Metric 13. C` No Water C` Other:
12 b. 6-b Yes C' No Are aquatic organisms present in the assessment reach (look in riffles, pools, then snags)? If Yes, check
all that apply. If No, skip to Metric 13.
1 >1 Numbers over columns refer to "individuals" for size 1 and 2 streams and "taxa° for size 3 and 4 streams.
Adult frogs
r r Aquatic reptiles
r r Aquatic macrophytes and aquatic mosses (include liverworts, lichens, and algal mats)
r r Beetles (including water pennies)
r r Caddisfly larvae (Trichoptera [T])
Asian clam (Corbicula )
r r Crustacean (isopod/amphipod/crayrish/shrimp)
r r Damselfly and dragonfly larvae
r r Dipterans (true flies)
r r Mayfly larvae (Ephemeroptera [E])
F_ F_ Megaloptera (alderfly, fishfly, dobsonfly larvae)
r r Midges/mosquito larvae
r r Mosquito fish (Gambusia) or mud minnows (Umbra pygmaea)
r r Mussels/Clams (not Corbicula )
r r Other fish
F Salamanders/tadpoles
r r Snails
r r Stonefly larvae (Plecoptera [P])
r r Tipulid larvae
r r Worms/leeches
13. Streamside Area Ground Surface Condition - streamside area metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams and B valley types)
Consider for the Left Bank (LB) and the Right Bank (RB). Consider storage capacity with regard to both overbank flow and
upland runoff.
LB RB
C' A C' A Little or no alteration to water storage capacity over a majority of the streamside area
C` B C` B Moderate alteration to water storage capacity over a majority of the streamside area
C C C C Severe alteration to water storage capacity over a majority of the streamside area (examples include: ditches, fill,
soil, compaction, livestock disturbance, buildings, man-made levees, drainage pipes)
14. Streamside Area Water Storage - streamside area metric (skip for Size 1 streams, Tidal Marsh Streams, and B valley types)
Consider for the Left Bank (LB) and the Right Bank (RB) of the streamside area.
LB RB
C` A C A Majority of streamside area with depressions able to pond water>_ 6 inches deep
C B C B Majority of streamside area with depressions able to pond water 3 to 6 inches deep
C' C C C Majority of streamside area with depressions able to pond water < 3 inches deep
15. Wetland Presence - streamside area metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams)
Consider for the Left Bank (LB) and the Right Bank (RB). Do not consider wetlands outside of the streamside area or within the
normal wetted perimeter of assessment reach.
LB RB
ti Y ti Y Are wetlands present in the streamside area?
C` N (` N
16. Baseflow Contributors - assessment reach metric (skip for size 4 streams and Tidal Marsh Streams)
Check all contributors within the assessment reach or within view of and draining to the assessment reach.
FA Streams and/or springs Qurisdictional discharges)
7 B Ponds (include wet detention basins; do not include sediment basins or dry detention basins)
F C Obstruction that passes some flow during low -flow periods within assessment area (beaver dam, bottom -release dam)
F D Evidence of bank seepage or sweating (iron oxidizing bacteria in water indicates seepage)
F E Stream bed or bank soil reduced (dig through deposited sediment if present)
F F None of the above
17. Baseflow Detractors -assessment area metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams)
Check all that apply.
r A Evidence of substantial water withdrawals from the assessment reach (includes areas excavated for pump installation)
r B Obstruction not passing flow during low flow periods affecting the assessment reach (ex: watertight dam, sediment deposit)
r C Urban stream (> 24 % impervious surface for watershed)
r D Evidence that the stream -side area has been modified resulting in accelerated drainage into the assessment reach
r E Assessment reach relocated to valley edge
r F None of the above
18. Shading - assessment reach metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams)
Consider aspect. Consider "leaf -on" condition.
C' A Stream shading is appropriate for stream category (may include gaps associated with natural processes)
Ca' B Degraded (example: scattered trees)
C' C Stream shading is gone or largely absent

19. Buffer Width - streamside area metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams)
Consider "vegetated buffer" and "wooded buffer" separately for left bank (LB) and right bank (RB) starting at the top
of bank out to the first break.
Vegetated Wooded
LB RB LB RB
f A f A C` A C` A >_ 100-feet wide or extends to the edge of the watershed
Ca' B (a- B C B C B From 50 to < 100-feet wide
C C C C C C fib- C From 30 to < 50-feet wide
C D C' D C D C' D From 10 to < 30-feet wide
C E C E 0- E C E < 10-feet wide or no trees
20. Buffer Structure - streamside area metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams)
Consider for left bank (LB) and right bank (RB) for Metric 19 ("Vegetated" Buffer Width).
LB
RB
C' A
C` A
Mature forest
C` B
Ci B
Non -mature woody vegetation or modified vegetation structure
Ci C
C C
Herbaceous vegetation with or without a strip of trees < 10 feet wide
C D
C D
Maintained shrubs
C E
C E
Little or no vegetation
21. Buffer Stressors - streamside area metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams)
Check all appropriate boxes for left bank (LB) and right bank (RB). Indicate if listed stressor abuts stream (Abuts), does not abut but
is within 30 feet of stream (< 30 feet), or is between 30 to 50 feet of stream (30-50 feet).
If none of the following stressors occurs on either bank, check here and skip to Metric 2r.-
Abuts < 30 feet 30-50 feet
LB RB LB RB LB RB
C A C A C A C A C A C' A Row crops
C B C B C B C' B f B C` B Maintained turf
C C C C 0- C C C C C f C Pasture (no livestock)/commercial horticulture
C D C D C` D C' D C' D C' D Pasture (active livestock use)
22. Stem Density- streamside area metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams)
Consider for left bank (LB) and right bank (RB) for Metric 19 ("Wooded" Buffer Width).
LB RB
C` A Ci A Medium to high stem density
C B C B Low stem density
Ca C C C No wooded riparian buffer or predominantly herbaceous species or bare ground
23. Continuity of Vegetated Buffer- streamside area metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams)
Consider whether vegetated buffer is continuous along stream (parallel). Breaks are areas lacking vegetation > 10-feet wide.
LB RB
C: A Ci A The total length of buffer breaks is < 25 percent.
C B C B The total length of buffer breaks is between 25 and 50 percent.
C' C C' C The total length of buffer breaks is > 50 percent.
24. Vegetative Composition - First 100 feet of streamside area metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams)
Evaluate the dominant vegetation within 100 feet of each bank or to the edge of the watershed (whichever comes first) as it contributes
to assessment reach habitat.
LB RB
C A Ci A Vegetation is close to undisturbed in species present and their proportions. Lower strata composed of native
species, with non-native invasive species absent or sparse.
(i B C- B Vegetation indicates disturbance in terms of species diversity or proportions, but is still largely composed of native
species. This may include communities of weedy native species that develop after clear -cutting or clearing or
communities with non-native invasive species present, but not dominant, over a large portion of the expected strata or
communities missing understory but retaining canopy trees.
C` C C C Vegetation is severely disturbed in terms of species diversity or proportions. Mature canopy is absent or communities
with non-native invasive species dominant over a large portion of expected strata or communities composed of planted
stands of non -characteristic species or communities inappropriately composed of a single species or no vegetation.
25. Conductivity- assessment reach metric (skip for all Coastal Plain streams)
25a. ( Yes (b No Was a conductivity measurement recorded?
If No, select one of the following reasons. Ci No Water (' Other:
251b. Check the box corresponding to the conductivity measurement (units of microsiemens per centimeter).
( A <46 (" B 46 to < 67 t- CC 67 to < 79 r D 79 to < 230 ['. E >> 230
Notes/Sketch:
Some small sections of active bank failure, short sections of disturbed riparian buffer, streamside area on left bank modified for
home/mowed grass and/or pasture (some buffer trees/shrubs present)

NC SAM Stream Rating Sheet
Accompanies User Manual Version 2.1
Stream Site Name Ashe County Middle School Date of Evaluation 8/17/2023
Stream Category Mb2 Assessor Name/Organization ClearWater Environmenta
Notes of Field Assessment Form (Y/N) YES
Presence of regulatory considerations (Y/N) YES
Additional stream information/supplementary measurements included (Y/N) YES
NC SAM feature type (perennial, intermittent, Tidal Marsh Stream) Perennial
Function Class Rating Summary
USACE/ NCDWR
All Streams Intermittent
(1) Hydrology HIGH
(2) Baseflow HIGH
(2) Flood Flow HIGH
(3) Streamside Area Attenuation HIGH
(4) Floodplain Access HIGH
(4) Wooded Riparian Buffer MEDIUM
(4) Microtopography NA
(3) Stream Stability HIGH
(4) Channel Stability HIGH
(4) Sediment Transport HIGH
(4) Stream Geomorphology HIGH
(2) Stream/Intertidal Zone Interaction NA
(2) Longitudinal Tidal Flow NA
(2) Tidal Marsh Stream Stability NA
(3) Tidal Marsh Channel Stability NA
(3) Tidal Marsh Stream Geomorphology NA
(1) Water Quality HIGH
(2) Baseflow HIGH
(2) Streamside Area Vegetation HIGH
(3) Upland Pollutant Filtration HIGH
(3) Thermoregulation MEDIUM
(2) Indicators of Stressors NO
(2) Aquatic Life Tolerance HIGH
(2) Intertidal Zone Filtration NA
(1) Habitat HIGH
(2) In -stream Habitat HIGH
(3) Baseflow HIGH
(3) Substrate HIGH
(3) Stream Stability HIGH
(3) In -stream Habitat HIGH
(2) Stream -side Habitat MEDIUM
(3) Stream -side Habitat MEDIUM
(3) Thermoregulation MEDIUM
(2) Tidal Marsh In -stream Habitat NA
(3) Flow Restriction NA
(3) Tidal Marsh Stream Stability NA
(4) Tidal Marsh Channel Stability NA
(4) Tidal Marsh Stream Geomorphology NA
(3) Tidal Marsh In -stream Habitat NA
(2) Intertidal Zone Habitat NA
Overall HIGH

Accompanies user manual version z.i
USACE AID #: NCDWR #:
INSTRUCTIONS: Attach a sketch of the assessment area and photographs. Attach a copy of the USGS 7.5-minute topographic
quadrangle, and circle the location of the stream reach under evaluation. If multiple stream reaches will be evaluated on the same
property, identify and number all reaches on the attached map, and include a separate form for each reach. See the NC SAM User
Manual for detailed descriptions and explanations of requested information. Record in the "Notes/Sketch" section if any supplementary
measurements were performed. See the NC SAM User Manual for examples of additional measurements that may be relevant.
NOTE EVIDENCE OF STRESSORS AFFECTING THE ASSESSMENT AREA (do not need to be within the assessment area).
PROJECT / SITE INFORMATION:
1. Project name (if any): Ashe County Middle School 2. Date of evaluation: 8/17/2023
3. Applicant/owner name: Ashe County Board of Education 4. Assessor name/organization: ClearWater Environmental
5. County: Ashe 6. Nearest named water body
7. River Basin: New on USGS 7.5-minute quad: Cole Branch
8. Site coordinates (decimal degrees, at lower end of assessment reach): 36.390470,-81.473676
STREAM INFORMATION: (depth and width can be approximations)
9. Site number (show on attached map): SH 10. Length of assessment reach evaluated (feet): 100
11. Channel depth from bed (in riffle, if present) to top of bank (feet): -1 ft r Unable to assess channel depth.
12. Channel width at top of bank (feet): -2.5 13. Is assessment reach a swamp stream? C Yes C'
14. Feature type: Ca' Perennial flow C' Intermittent flow ( Tidal Marsh Stream
STREAM RATING INFORMATION:
15. NC SAM Zone: l: Mountains (M) C Piedmont (P) C Inner Coastal Plain (I) C Outer Coastal Plain (0)
16. Estimated geomorphic L 1
valley shape (skip for (' a ��- ti b
Tidal Marsh Stream): (more sinuous stream, flatter valley slope) (less sinuous stream, steeper valley slope)
17. Watershed size: (skip LR Size 1 (< 0.1 miz) C' Size 2 (0.1 to < 0.5 mil) C' Size 3 (0.5 to < 5 miz) C' Size 4 (>_ 5 miZ)
for Tidal Marsh Stream)
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
18. Were regulatory considerations evaluated? Co Yes e No If Yes, check all that appy to the assessment area.
F Section 10 water F Classified Trout Waters r- Water Supply Watershed (C I C' II C` III (` IV C V)
r Essential Fish Habitat r Primary Nursery Area r High Quality Waters/Outstanding Resource Waters
r Publicly owned property r NCDWR riparian buffer rule in effect r Nutrient Sensitive Waters
r Anadromous fish 303(d) List CAMA Area of Environmental Concern (AEC)
r Documented presence of a federal and/or state listed protected species within the assessment area.
List species:
r Designated Critical Habitat (list species):
19. Are additional stream information/supplementary measurements included in "Notes/Sketch" section or attached? Ci Yes
1. Channel Water- assessment reach metric (skip for Size 1 streams and Tidal Marsh Streams)
Ce A Water throughout assessment reach.
C B No flow, water in pools only.
C C No water in assessment reach.
2. Evidence of Flow Restriction - assessment reach metric
C` A At least 10 % of assessment reach in -stream habitat or riffle -pool sequence is adversely affected by a flow restriction or fill to the
point of obstructing flow or a channel choked with aquatic macrophytes or ponded water or impounded on flood or ebb within
the assessment reach (examples: undersized or perched culverts, causeways that constrict the channel, tidal gates).
ii B Not A
3. Feature Pattern - assessment reach metric
C A A majority of the assessment reach has altered pattern (examples: straightening, modification above or below culvert).
fi B Not A.
4. Feature Longitudinal Profile - assessment reach metric
C A Majority of assessment reach has a substantially altered stream profile (examples: channel down -cutting, existing damming,
over widening, active aggradation, dredging, and excavation where appropriate channel profile has not reformed from any of
these disturbances).
fi B Not A
5. Signs of Active Instability - assessment reach metric
Consider only current instability, not past events from which the stream has currently recovered. Examples of instability include
active bank failure, active channel down -cutting (head -cut), active widening, and artificial hardening (such as concrete, gabion, rip -rap).
fi A < 10 % of channel unstable
C B 10 to 25 % of channel unstable
C C > 25 % of channel unstable

6. Streamside Area Interaction - streamside area metric
Consider for the Left Bank (LB) and the Right Bank (RB).
LB RB
f+ A 6-6 A Little or no evidence of conditions that adversely affect reference interaction
C B C B Moderate evidence of conditions (examples: berms, levees, down -cutting, aggradation, dredging) that adversely affect
reference interaction (examples: limited streamside area access, disruption of flood flows through streamside area,
leaky or intermittent bulkheads, causeways with floodplain constriction, minor ditching [including mosquito ditching])
C C C C Extensive evidence of conditions that adversely affect reference interaction (little to no floodplain/intertidal zone access
[examples: causeways with floodplain and channel constriction, bulkheads, retaining walls, fill, stream incision,
disruption of flood flows through streamside area] or too much floodplain/intertidal zone access [examples:
impoundments, intensive mosquito ditching]) or floodplain/intertidal zone unnaturally absent or assessment reach is a
man-made feature on an interstream divide
7. Water Quality Stressors - assessment reach Antertidal zone metric
Check all that apply.
]- A Discolored water in stream or intertidal zone (milky white, blue, unnatural water discoloration, oil sheen, stream foam)
r B Excessive sedimentation (burying of stream features or intertidal zone)
r C Noticeable evidence of pollutant discharges entering the assessment reach and causing a water quality problem
r D Odor (not including natural sulfide odors)
r E Current published or collected data indicating degraded water quality in the assessment reach. Cite source in the "Notes/Sketch"
section.
r F Livestock with access to stream or intertidal zone
r G Excessive algae in stream or intertidal zone
r H Degraded marsh vegetation in the intertidal zone (removal, burning, regular mowing, destruction, etc.)
r I Other: (explain in "Notes/Sketch" section)
r J Little to no stressors
8. Recent Weather -watershed metric
For Size 1 or 2 streams, D1 drought or higher is considered a drought; for Size 3 or 4 streams, D2 drought or higher is considered a
drought.
C` A Drought conditions and no rainfall or rainfall not exceeding 1 inch within the last 48 hours
C B Drought conditions and rainfall exceeding 1 inch within the last 48 hours
fi C No drought conditions
9 Large or Dangerous Stream - assessment reach metric
C' Yes ti No Is stream is too large or dangerous to assess? If Yes, skip to Metric 13 (Streamside Area Ground Surface Condition).
10. Natural In -stream Habitat Types- assessment reach metric
10a. (- Yes C` No Degraded in -stream habitat over majority of the assessment reach (examples of stressors include excessive
sedimentation, mining, excavation, in -stream hardening [for example, rip -rap], recent dredging, and snagging)
(evaluate for size 4 Coastal Plain streams only, then skip to Metric 12)
10b. Check all that occur (occurs if > 5 % coverage of assessment reach) (skip for Size 4 Coastal Plain streams)
r A Multiple aquatic macrophytes and aquatic mosses m y r F 5 % oysters or other natural hard bottoms
(include liverworts, lichens, and algal mats) F m r G Submerged aquatic vegetation
r B Multiple sticks and/or leaf packs and/or emergent o r H Low -tide refugia (pools)
vegetation o r I Sand bottom
w
r C Multiple snags and logs (including lap trees) a)`D r J 5 % vertical bank along the marsh
r D 5 % undercut banks and/or root mats and/or roots O r K Little or no habitat
in banks extend to the normal wetted perimeter
r E Little or no habitat
*********************************REMAINING QUESTIONS ARE NOT APPLICABLE FOR TIDAL MARSH STREAMS****************************
11. Bedform and Substrate -assessment reach metric (skip for Size 4 Coastal Plain streams and Tidal Marsh Streams)
11a. C' Yes (*- No Is assessment reach in a natural sand -bed stream? (skip for Coastal Plain streams)
11 b. Bedform evaluated. Check the appropriate box(es).
r A Riffle -run section (evaluate 11c)
r B Pool -glide section (evaluate 11d)
r C Natural bedform absent (skip to Metric 12, Aquatic Life)
11 c. In riffles sections, check all that occur below the normal wetted perimeter of the assessment reach - whether or not submerged.
Check at least one box in each row (skip for Size 4 Coastal Plain Streams and Tidal Marsh Streams). Not Present (NP) _
absent, Rare (R) = present but s 10%, Common (C) _ > 10-40 % , Abundant (A) _ > 40-70 % , Predominant (P) _ > 70%. Cumulative
percentages should not exceed 100 % for each assessment reach.
NP R C A P
Bedrock/saprolite
Boulder (256 - 4096 mm)
Cobble (64 - 256 mm)
Gravel (2 - 64 mm)
C' C, C Ca C' Sand (.062-2 mm)
C' C' r: r C' Silt/clay (< 0.062 mm)
Detritus
t+ C C C C' Artificial (rip -rap, concrete, etc.)
11d. C` Yes ti No Are pools filled with sediment? (skip for Size 4 Coastal Plain streams and Tidal Marsh Streams)

12. Aquatic Life - assessment reach metric (skip for Size 4 Coastal Plain streams and Tidal Marsh Streams)
12a. (a- Yes C' No Was an in -stream aquatic life assessment performed as described in the User Manual?
If No, select one of the following reasons and skip to Metric 13. C` No Water C` Other:
12 b. 6-b Yes C' No Are aquatic organisms present in the assessment reach (look in riffles, pools, then snags)? If Yes, check
all that apply. If No, skip to Metric 13.
1 >1 Numbers over columns refer to "individuals" for size 1 and 2 streams and "taxa° for size 3 and 4 streams.
Adult frogs
r r Aquatic reptiles
r r Aquatic macrophytes and aquatic mosses (include liverworts, lichens, and algal mats)
r r Beetles (including water pennies)
r r Caddisfly larvae (Trichoptera [T])
F_ F_ Asian clam (Corbicula )
r r Crustacean (isopod/amphipod/crayrish/shrimp)
r r Damselfly and dragonfly larvae
r r Dipterans (true flies)
r r Mayfly larvae (Ephemeroptera [E])
F_ F_ Megaloptera (alderfly, fishfly, dobsonfly larvae)
r r Midges/mosquito larvae
r r Mosquito fish (Gambusia) or mud minnows (Umbra pygmaea)
r r Mussels/Clams (not Corbicula )
r r Other fish
[- F_ Salamanders/tadpoles
r r Snails
r r Stonefly larvae (Plecoptera [P])
r r Tipulid larvae
r r Worms/leeches
13. Streamside Area Ground Surface Condition - streamside area metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams and B valley types)
Consider for the Left Bank (LB) and the Right Bank (RB). Consider storage capacity with regard to both overbank flow and
upland runoff.
LB RB
C' A C' A Little or no alteration to water storage capacity over a majority of the streamside area
C` B C` B Moderate alteration to water storage capacity over a majority of the streamside area
C C C C Severe alteration to water storage capacity over a majority of the streamside area (examples include: ditches, fill,
soil, compaction, livestock disturbance, buildings, man-made levees, drainage pipes)
14. Streamside Area Water Storage - streamside area metric (skip for Size 1 streams, Tidal Marsh Streams, and B valley types)
Consider for the Left Bank (LB) and the Right Bank (RB) of the streamside area.
LB RB
C` A C A Majority of streamside area with depressions able to pond water>_ 6 inches deep
C B C B Majority of streamside area with depressions able to pond water 3 to 6 inches deep
C' C C C Majority of streamside area with depressions able to pond water < 3 inches deep
15. Wetland Presence - streamside area metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams)
Consider for the Left Bank (LB) and the Right Bank (RB). Do not consider wetlands outside of the streamside area or within the
normal wetted perimeter of assessment reach.
LB RB
C' Y C' Y Are wetlands present in the streamside area?
GN CAN
16. Baseflow Contributors - assessment reach metric (skip for size 4 streams and Tidal Marsh Streams)
Check all contributors within the assessment reach or within view of and draining to the assessment reach.
r A Streams and/or springs Qurisdictional discharges)
7- B Ponds (include wet detention basins; do not include sediment basins or dry detention basins)
F C Obstruction that passes some flow during low -flow periods within assessment area (beaver dam, bottom -release dam)
F D Evidence of bank seepage or sweating (iron oxidizing bacteria in water indicates seepage)
F E Stream bed or bank soil reduced (dig through deposited sediment if present)
F F None of the above
17. Baseflow Detractors -assessment area metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams)
Check all that apply.
r A Evidence of substantial water withdrawals from the assessment reach (includes areas excavated for pump installation)
r B Obstruction not passing flow during low flow periods affecting the assessment reach (ex: watertight dam, sediment deposit)
r C Urban stream (> 24 % impervious surface for watershed)
r D Evidence that the stream -side area has been modified resulting in accelerated drainage into the assessment reach
r E Assessment reach relocated to valley edge
r F None of the above
18. Shading - assessment reach metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams)
Consider aspect. Consider "leaf -on" condition.
6' A Stream shading is appropriate for stream category (may include gaps associated with natural processes)
C B Degraded (example: scattered trees)
C C Stream shading is gone or largely absent

19. Buffer Width - streamside area metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams)
Consider "vegetated buffer" and "wooded buffer" separately for left bank (LB) and right bank (RB) starting at the top
of bank out to the first break.
Vegetated Wooded
LB RB LB RB
Cr' A Ci A C` A Ci A >_ 100-feet wide or extends to the edge of the watershed
C B C B C B C' B From 50 to < 100-feet wide
f' C ( C C C C C From 30 to < 50-feet wide
C' D C' D Ci D C' D From 10 to < 30-feet wide
( E ( E C E f E < 10-feet wide or no trees
20. Buffer Structure - streamside area metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams)
Consider for left bank (LB) and right bank (RB) for Metric 19 ("Vegetated" Buffer Width).
LB
RB
C' A
Ci A
Mature forest
C` B
C` B
Non -mature woody vegetation or modified vegetation structure
Ci C
f C
Herbaceous vegetation with or without a strip of trees < 10 feet wide
( D
( D
Maintained shrubs
( E
( E
Little or no vegetation
21. Buffer Stressors - streamside area metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams)
Check all appropriate boxes for left bank (LB) and right bank (RB). Indicate if listed stressor abuts stream (Abuts), does not abut but
is within 30 feet of stream (< 30 feet), or is between 30 to 50 feet of stream (30-50 feet).
If none of the following stressors occurs on either bank, check here and skip to Metric 2rv-
Abuts < 30 feet 30-50 feet
LB RB LB RB LB RB
C A C A C A C A C' A ( A Row crops
C' B C` B C` B C` B C` B f B Maintained turf
( C ( C (' C (' C (' C f C Pasture (no livestock)/commercial horticulture
C' D C` D f D f D f D ( D Pasture (active livestock use)
22. Stem Density- streamside area metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams)
Consider for left bank (LB) and right bank (RB) for Metric 19 ("Wooded" Buffer Width).
LB RB
C` A (i A Medium to high stem density
Ci B (' B Low stem density
(' C (' C No wooded riparian buffer or predominantly herbaceous species or bare ground
23. Continuity of Vegetated Buffer- streamside area metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams)
Consider whether vegetated buffer is continuous along stream (parallel). Breaks are areas lacking vegetation > 10-feet wide.
LB RB
C: A Ci A The total length of buffer breaks is < 25 percent.
( B C B The total length of buffer breaks is between 25 and 50 percent.
f� C (- C The total length of buffer breaks is > 50 percent.
24. Vegetative Composition - First 100 feet of streamside area metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams)
Evaluate the dominant vegetation within 100 feet of each bank or to the edge of the watershed (whichever comes first) as it contributes
to assessment reach habitat.
LB RB
C A Ci A Vegetation is close to undisturbed in species present and their proportions. Lower strata composed of native
species, with non-native invasive species absent or sparse.
(i B C' B Vegetation indicates disturbance in terms of species diversity or proportions, but is still largely composed of native
species. This may include communities of weedy native species that develop after clear -cutting or clearing or
communities with non-native invasive species present, but not dominant, over a large portion of the expected strata or
communities missing understory but retaining canopy trees.
C' C C` C Vegetation is severely disturbed in terms of species diversity or proportions. Mature canopy is absent or communities
with non-native invasive species dominant over a large portion of expected strata or communities composed of planted
stands of non -characteristic species or communities inappropriately composed of a single species or no vegetation.
25. Conductivity- assessment reach metric (skip for all Coastal Plain streams)
25a. ( Yes (b No Was a conductivity measurement recorded?
If No, select one of the following reasons. Ci No Water (' Other:
251b. Check the box corresponding to the conductivity measurement (units of microsiemens per centimeter).
( A <46 ( B 46 to < 67 t- CC 67 to < 79 r D 79 to < 230 ['. E >> 230
Notes/Sketch:
Small first order headwater stream, old farm/dirt road nearby on left bank, invertebrates were common but not abundant, very little
understory growth in wooded areas

NC SAM Stream Rating Sheet
Accompanies User Manual Version 2.1
Stream Site Name Ashe County Middle School Date of Evaluation 8/17/2023
Stream Category Mb1 Assessor Name/Organization ClearWater Environmenta
Notes of Field Assessment Form (Y/N) YES
Presence of regulatory considerations (Y/N) YES
Additional stream information/supplementary measurements included (Y/N) YES
NC SAM feature type (perennial, intermittent, Tidal Marsh Stream) Perennial
Function Class Rating Summary
USACE/ NCDWR
All Streams Intermittent
(1) Hydrology HIGH
(2) Baseflow HIGH
(2) Flood Flow HIGH
(3) Streamside Area Attenuation HIGH
(4) Floodplain Access HIGH
(4) Wooded Riparian Buffer MEDIUM
(4) Microtopography NA
(3) Stream Stability HIGH
(4) Channel Stability HIGH
(4) Sediment Transport MEDIUM
(4) Stream Geomorphology HIGH
(2) Stream/Intertidal Zone Interaction NA
(2) Longitudinal Tidal Flow NA
(2) Tidal Marsh Stream Stability NA
(3) Tidal Marsh Channel Stability NA
(3) Tidal Marsh Stream Geomorphology NA
(1) Water Quality HIGH
(2) Baseflow HIGH
(2) Streamside Area Vegetation MEDIUM
(3) Upland Pollutant Filtration MEDIUM
(3) Thermoregulation HIGH
(2) Indicators of Stressors NO
(2) Aquatic Life Tolerance HIGH
(2) Intertidal Zone Filtration NA
(1) Habitat MEDIUM
(2) In -stream Habitat LOW
(3) Baseflow HIGH
(3) Substrate MEDIUM
(3) Stream Stability HIGH
(3) In -stream Habitat LOW
(2) Stream -side Habitat HIGH
(3) Stream -side Habitat HIGH
(3) Thermoregulation HIGH
(2) Tidal Marsh In -stream Habitat NA
(3) Flow Restriction NA
(3) Tidal Marsh Stream Stability NA
(4) Tidal Marsh Channel Stability NA
(4) Tidal Marsh Stream Geomorphology NA
(3) Tidal Marsh In -stream Habitat NA
(2) Intertidal Zone Habitat NA
Overall HIGH

NC WAM WETLAND ASSESSMENT FORM
Accompanies User Manual Version 5
USACE AID#: NCDWR #:
Project Name Ashe County Middle School Date of Evaluation 8/17/2023
Applicant/Owner Name Ashe County Board of Education Wetland Site Name WG
Wetland Type Non -Tidal Freshwater Marsh Assessor Name/Organization Clearwater Environmental
Level III Ecoregion Blue Ridge Mountains Nearest Named Water Body Cole Branch
River Basin New USGS 8-Digit Catalogue Unit 05050001
County Ashe NCDWR Region Winston-Salem
(E Yes f No Precipitation within 48 hrs? Latitude/Longitude (deci-degrees) 36.390470,-81.473676
Evidence of stressors affecting the assessment area (may not be within the assessment area)
Please circle and/or make note on last page if evidence of stressors is apparent. Consider departure from reference, if
appropriate, in recent past (for instance, approximately within 10 years). Noteworthy stressors include, but are not limited
to the following.
- Hydrological modifications (examples: ditches, dams, beaver dams, dikes, berms, ponds, etc.)
• Surface and sub -surface discharges into the wetland (examples: discharges containing obvious pollutants, presence of nearby
septic tanks, underground storage tanks (USTs), hog lagoons, etc.)
• Signs of vegetation stress (examples: vegetation mortality, insect damage, disease, storm damage, salt intrusion, etc.)
• Habitat/plant community alteration (examples: mowing, clear -cutting, exotics, etc.)
Is the assessment area intensively managed? (' Yes (*— No
Regulatory Considerations - Were regulatory considerations evaluated? 6 Yes (' No If Yes, check all that apply to the assessment area.
Anadromous fish
Federally protected species or State endangered or threatened species
NCDWR riparian buffer rule in effect
Abuts a Primary Nursery Area (PNA)
Publicly owned property
N.C. Division of Coastal Management Area of Environmental Concern (AEC) (including buffer)
Abuts a stream with a NCDWQ classification of SA or supplemental classifications of HOW, ORW, or Trout
Designated NCNHP reference community
Abuts a 303(d)-listed stream or a tributary to a 303(d)-listed stream
What type of natural stream is associated with the wetland, if any? (check all that apply)
C Blackwater
t: Brownwater
F Tidal (if tidal, check one of the following boxes) " Lunar " Wind (' Both
Is the assessment area on a coastal island? Yes o No
Is the assessment area's surface water storage capacity or duration substantially altered by beaver? (' Yes (E No
Does the assessment area experience overbank flooding during normal rainfall conditions? (` Yes (e— No
Ground Surface Condition/Vegetation Condition — assessment area condition metric
Check a box in each column. Consider alteration to the ground surface (GS) in the assessment area and vegetation structure
(VS) in the assessment area. Compare to reference wetland if applicable (see User Manual). If a reference is not applicable,
then rate the assessment area based on evidence of an effect.
GS VS
(E A ( A Not severely altered
B t! B Severely altered over a majority of the assessment area (ground surface alteration examples: vehicle tracks, excessive
sedimentation, fire -plow lanes, skidder tracks, bedding, fill, soil compaction, obvious pollutants) (vegetation structure
alteration examples: mechanical disturbance, herbicides, salt intrusion [where appropriate], exotic species, grazing,
less diversity [if appropriate], hydrologic alteration)
2. Surface and Sub -Surface Storage Capacity and Duration — assessment area condition metric
Check a box in each column. Consider surface storage capacity and duration (Surf) and sub -surface storage capacity and
duration (Sub). Consider both increase and decrease in hydrology. A ditch <_ 1 foot deep is considered to affect surface water only,
while a ditch > 1 foot deep is expected to affect both surface and sub -surface water. Consider tidal flooding regime, if applicable.
Surf Sub
r A t! A Water storage capacity and duration are not altered.
CZ B ( B Water storage capacity or duration are altered, but not substantially (typically, not sufficient to change vegetation).
r' C r C Water storage capacity or duration are substantially altered (typically, alteration sufficient to result in vegetation
change) (examples: draining, flooding, soil compaction, filling, excessive sedimentation, underground utility lines).
3. Water Storage/Surface Relief— assessment area/wetland type condition metric (skip for all marshes)
Check a box in each column for each group below. Select the appropriate storage for the assessment area (AA) and the wetland
type (WT).
AA WT
3a. C A C A Majority of wetland with depressions able to pond water > 1 foot deep
C B C B Majority of wetland with depressions able to pond water 6 inches to 1 foot deep
( C ( C Majority of wetland with depressions able to pond water 3 to 6 inches deep
(i D 6 D Depressions able to pond water < 3 inches deep
3b. C A Evidence that maximum depth of inundation is greater than 2 feet
( B Evidence that maximum depth of inundation is between 1 and 2 feet
6 C Evidence that maximum depth of inundation is less than 1 foot

4. Soil Texture/Structure — assessment area condition metric (skip for all marshes)
Check a box from each of the three soil property groups below. Dig soil profile in the dominant assessment area landscape
feature. Make soil observations within the 12 inches. Use most recent National Technical Committee for Hydric Soils guidance for
regional indicators.
4a. A Sandy soil
fE B Loamy or clayey soils exhibiting redoximorphic features (concentrations, depletions, or rhizospheres)
C C Loamy or clayey soils not exhibiting redoximorphic features
D Loamy or clayey gleyed soil
E Histosol or histic epipedon
4b. Ci A Soil ribbon < 1 inch
C' B Soil ribbon >_ 1 inch
4c. C A No peat or muck presence
(0- B A peat or muck presence
5. Discharge into Wetland — opportunity metric
Check a box in each column. Consider surface pollutants or discharges (Surf) and sub -surface pollutants or discharges (Sub).
Examples of sub -surface discharges include presence of nearby septic tank, underground storage tank (UST), etc.
Surf Sub
X A (E A Little or no evidence of pollutants or discharges entering the assessment area
r B C B Noticeable evidence of pollutants or discharges entering the wetland and stressing, but not overwhelming the
treatment capacity of the assessment area
r C C C Noticeable evidence of pollutants or discharges (pathogen, particulate, or soluble) entering the assessment area and
potentially overwhelming the treatment capacity of the wetland (water discoloration, dead vegetation, excessive
sedimentation, odor)
6. Land Use — opportunity metric (skip for non -riparian wetlands)
Check all that apply (at least one box in each column). Evaluation involves a GIS effort with field adjustment. Consider sources
draining to assessment area within entire upstream watershed (WS), within 5 miles and within the watershed draining to the
assessment area (5M), and within 2 miles and within the watershed draining to the assessment area (2M). Effective riparian buffers
are considered to be 50 feet wide in the Coastal Plain and Piedmont ecoregions and 30 feet wide in the Blue Ridge Mountains ecoregion.
WS 5M 2M
F A r A F A >_ 10% impervious surfaces
F B r B F B Confined animal operations (or other local, concentrated source of pollutants)
F C r C F C >_ 20% coverage of pasture
r D r D r D >_ 20% coverage of agricultural land (regularly plowed land)
r E r E r E >_ 20% coverage of maintained grass/herb
r F r F r F >_ 20% coverage of clear-cut land
r G r G r G Little or no opportunity to improve water quality. Lack of opportunity may result from little or no disturbance in
the watershed or hydrologic alterations that prevent dainage and/or overbank flow from affectio the
assessment area.
7. Wetland Acting as Vegetated Buffer— assessment area/wetland complex condition metric (skip for non -riparian wetlands)
7a. Is assessment area within 50 feet of a tributary or other open water?
(E Yes C No If Yes, continue to 7b. If No, skip to Metric 8.
7b. How much of the first 50 feet from the bank is weltand? (Wetland buffer need only be present on one side of the water body. Make
buffer judgment based on the average width of wetland. Record a note if a portion of the buffer has been removed or disturbed.)
G A >_ 50 feet
f - B From 30 to < 50 feet
C` C From 15 to < 30 feet
f— D From 5 to < 15 feet
(— E < 5 feet or buffer bypassed by ditches
7c. Tributary width. If the tributary is anastomosed, combine widths of channels/braids for a total width.
(i < 15-feet wide C > 15-feet wide (` Other open water (no tributary present)
7d. Do roots of assessment area vegetation extend into the bank of the tributary/open water?
6 Yes C No
7e. Is tributary or other open water sheltered or exposed?
6 Sheltered — adjacent open water with width < 2500 feet and no regular boat traffic.
t— Exposed — adjacent open water with width %>_ 2500 feet or regular boat traffic.
8. Wetland Width at the Assessment Area — wetland type/wetland complex condition metric (evaluate WT for all marshes
and Estuarine Woody Wetland only; evaluate WC for Bottomland Hardwood Forest, Headwater Forest, and Riverine Swamp
Forest only)
Check a box in each column. Select the average width for the wetland type at the assessment area (WT) and the wetland complex at the
assessment area (WC). See User Manual for WT and WC boundaries.
WT WC
A t— A >_ 100 feet
(' B C' B From 80 to < 100 feet
G C C' C From 50 to < 80 feet
f D C D From 40 to < 50 feet
C' E C' E From 30 to < 40 feet
t— F t— F From 15 to < 30 feet
f G f G From 5 to < 15 feet
f H (' H < 5 feet

9. Inundation Duration — assessment area condition metric (skip for non -riparian wetlands)
Answer for assessment area dominant landform.
Ci A Evidence of short -duration inundation (< 7 consecutive days)
B Evidence of saturation, without evidence of inundation
C Evidence of long -duration inundation or very long -duration inundation (7 to 30 consecutive days or more)
10. Indicators of Deposition —assessment area condition metric (skip for non -riparian wetlands and all marshes)
Consider recent deposition only (no plant growth since deposition).
A Sediment deposition is not excessive, but at approximately natural levels.
B Sediment deposition is excessive, but not overwhelming the wetland.
C C Sediment deposition is excessive and is overwhelming the wetland.
11. Wetland Size — wetland type/wetland complex condition metric
Check a box in each column. Involves a GIS effort with field adjustment. This metric evaluates three aspects of the wetland area: the
size of the wetland type (WT), the size of the wetland complex (WC), and the size of the forested wetland (FW) (if applicable, see User
Manual). See the User Manual for boundaries of these evaluation areas. If assessment area is clear-cut, select "K" for the FW column.
WT WC FW (if applicable)
C A C A C A >_ 500 acres
C B C B C B From 100 to < 500 acres
r C C C C C From 50 to < 100 acres
C D C D C D From 25 to < 50 acres
C E C E C E From 10 to < 25 acres
C F C F C F From 5 to < 10 acres
C G G G C G From 1 to < 5 acres
GH CH CH From 0.5 to < 1 acre
C I C I C I From 0.1 to < 0.5 acre
C J C J C J From 0.01 to < 0.1 acre
C K C K C K < 0.01 acre or assessment area is clear-cut
12. Wetland Intactness — wetland type condition metric (evaluate for Pocosins only)
r A Pocosin is the full extent (> 90%) of its natural landscape size.
C B Pocosin is < 90% of the full extent of its natural landscape size.
13. Connectivity to Other Natural Areas — landscape condition metric
13a. Check appropriate box(es) (a box may be checked in each column). Involves a GIS effort with field adjustment. This
evaluates whether the wetland is well connected (Well) and/or loosely connected (Loosely) to the landscape patch, the contiguous
metric naturally vegetated area and open water (if appropriate). Boundaries are formed by four -lane roads, regularly maintained utility
line corridors the width of a four -lane road or wider, urban landscapes, fields (pasture open and agriculture), or water > 300 feet wide.
Well Loosely
C A C A >_ 500 acres
C B W B From 100 to < 500 acres
C C C C From 50 to < 100 acres
C D C D From 10 to < 50 acres
6W E C E < 10 acres
C F C F Wetland type has a poor or no connection to other natural habitats
13b. Evaluate for marshes only.
C Yes G No Wetland type has a surface hydrology connection to open waters/stream or tidal wetlands.
14. Edge Effect —wetland type condition metric (skip for all marshes and Estuarine Woody Wetland)
May involve a GIS effort with field adjustment. Estimate distance from wetland type boundary to artificial edges. Artificial edges include
non -forested areas >_ 40 feet wide such as fields, development, roads, regularly maintained utility line corridors and clear -cuts. Consider
the eight main points of the compass. Artificial edge occurs within 150 feet in how many directiions? If the assessment area is clear-cut,
select option "C."
CA 0
C B 1 to 4
C C 5to8
15. Vegetative Composition — assessment area condition metric (skip for all marshes and Pine Flat)
C A Vegetation is close to reference condition in species present and their proportions. Lower strata composed of appropriate
species, with exotic plants absent or sparse within the assessment area.
C B Vegetation is different from reference condition in species diversity or proportions, but still largely composed of native species
characteristic of the wetland type. This may include communities of weedy native species that develop after clearcutting or
clearing. It also includes communities with exotics present, but not dominant, over a large portion of the expected strata.
C C Vegetation severely altered from reference in composition, or expected species are unnaturally absent (planted stands of non -
characteristic species or at least one stratum inappropriately composed of a single species), or exotic species are dominant in
at least one stratum.
16. Vegetative Diversity — assessment area condition metric (evaluate for Non -tidal Freshwater Marsh only)
A Vegetation diversity is high and is composed primarily of native species (<10% cover of exotics).
f B Vegetation diversity is low or has > 10% to 50% cover of exotics.
C C Vegetation is dominated by exotic species (>50% cover of exotics).

17. Vegetative Structure — assessment area/wetland type condition metric
17a. Is vegetation present?
G Yes C No If Yes, continue to 17b. If No, skip to Metric 18.
17b. Evaluate percent coverage of assessment area vegetation for all marshes only. Skip to 17c for non -marsh wetlands.
'9 A >_ 25% coverage of vegetation
i' B < 25% coverage of vegetation
17c. Check a box in each column for each stratum. Evaluate this portion of the metric for non -marsh wetlands. Consider structure
in airspace
above
the assessment area (AA) and the wetland type (WT) separately.
AA
WT
a
CA
C A
Canopy closed, or nearly closed, with natural gaps associated with natural processes
°
C B
C B
Canopy present, but opened more than natural gaps
U
di C
G C
Canopy sparse or absent
T
o
r A
C A
Dense mid-story/sapling layer
C B
f— B
Moderate density mid-story/sapling layer
6 C
G C
Mid-story/sapling layer sparse or absent
r A C A Dense shrub layer
L R B
C B
Moderate density shrub layer
f C
a C
Shrub layer sparse or absent
9 R A
C. A
Dense herb layer
to r B
C B
Moderate density herb layer
C C
C C
Herb layer sparse or absent
18. Snags — wetland type condition metric (skip for all marshes)
f A Large snags (more than one) are visible (> 12-inches DBH, or large relative to species present and landscape stability).
( B Not A
19. Diameter Class Distribution —wetland type condition metric (skip for all marshes)
C A Majority of canopy trees have stems > 6 inches in diameter at breast height (DBH); many large trees (> 12 inches DBH) are
present.
f B Majority of canopy trees have stems between 6 and 12 inches DBH, few are > 12-inch DBH.
C C Majority of canopy trees are < 6 inches DBH or no trees.
20. Large Woody Debris —wetland type condition metric (skip for all marshes)
Include both natural debris and man -placed natural debris.
C` A Large logs (more than one) are visible (> 12 inches in diameter, or large relative to species present and landscape stability).
r B Not A
21. Vegetation/Open Water Dispersion — wetland type/open water condition metric (evaluate for Non -Tidal Freshwater
Marsh only)
Select the figure that best describes the amount of interspersion between vegetation and open water in the growing season. Patterned
areas indicate vegetated areas, while solid white areas indicate open water.
CA CB CC i-D
22. Hydrologic Connectivity— assessment area condition metric (evaluate for riparian wetlands and Salt/Brackish Marsh only)
Examples of activities that may severely alter hydrologic connectivity include intensive ditching, fill, sedimentation, channelization,
diversion, man-made berms, beaver dams, and stream incision. Documentation required if evaluated as B, C, or D.
G A Overbank and overland flow are not severely altered in the assessment area.
C B Overbank flow is severely altered in the assessment area.
C C Overland flow is severely altered in the assessment area.
C` D Both overbank and overland flow are severely altered in the assessment area.
Notes
wetland is a mowed (not regularly) area adjacent to a stream, composed mostly of grasses, some trees/shurbs adjacent to stream, possible old
pasture/farm that is no longer present

NC WAM Wetland Rating Sheet
Accompanies User Manual Version 5.0
Wetland Site Name WG
Date
3/17/2023
Wetland Type Non -Tidal Freshwater Marsh
Assessor Name/Organization ;learWater Environment;
Notes on Field Assessment Form (Y/N)
YES
Presence of regulatory considerations (Y/N)
YES
Wetland is intensively managed (Y/N)
NO
Assessment area is located within 50 feet of a natural tributary or other open water (Y/N)
YES
Assessment area is substantially altered by beaver (Y/N)
NO
Assessment area experiences overbank flooding during normal rainfall conditions (Y/N)
NO
Assessment area is on a coastal island (Y/N)
NO
Sub -function Rating Summary
Function Sub -function
Metrics
Rating
Hydrology Surface Storage and Retention
Condition
NA
Sub -Surface Storage and Retention
Condition
NA
Water Quality Pathogen Change
Condition
NA
Condition/Opportunity
NA
Opportunity Presence? (Y/N)
NA
Particulate Change
Condition
NA
Condition/Opportunity
NA
Opportunity Presence? (Y/N)
NA
Soluble Change
Condition
NA
Condition/Opportunity
NA
Opportunity Presence? (Y/N)
NA
Physical Change
Condition
NA
Condition/Opportunity
NA
Opportunity Presence? (Y/N)
NA
Pollution Change
Condition
NA
Condition/Opportunity
NA
Opportunity Presence? (Y/N)
NA
Habitat Physical Structure
Condition
LOW
Landscape Patch Structure
Condition
MEDIUM
Vegetation Composition
Condition
HIGH
Function Rating Summary
Function Metrics/Notes
Rating
Hydrology Condition
HIGH
Water Quality Condition
HIGH
Condition/Opportunity
HIGH
Opportunity Presence? (Y/N)
YES
Habitat Condition
LOW
Overall Wetland Rating HIGH

NC WAM WETLAND ASSESSMENT FORM
h�.�.u�uuan�ca u— rvianual --un o
I USACE AID#: NCDWR #: I
Project Name Ashe County Middle School
Applicant/Owner Name Ashe County Board of Education
Wetland Type Riverine Swamp Forest
Level III Ecoregion Blue Ridge Mountains
River Basin New
County Ashe
Yes f— No Precipitation within 48 hrs?
Date of Evaluation 8/17/2023
Wetland Site Name WA
Assessor Name/Organization Clearwater Environmental
Nearest Named Water Body Cole Branch
USGS 8-Digit Catalogue Unit 05050001
NCDWR Region Winston-Salem
Latitude/Longitude (deci-degrees) 36.390470,-81.473676
Evidence of stressors affecting the assessment area (may not be within the assessment area)
Please circle and/or make note on last page if evidence of stressors is apparent. Consider departure from reference, if
appropriate, in recent past (for instance, approximately within 10 years). Noteworthy stressors include, but are not limited
to the following.
- Hydrological modifications (examples: ditches, dams, beaver dams, dikes, berms, ponds, etc.)
• Surface and sub -surface discharges into the wetland (examples: discharges containing obvious pollutants, presence of nearby
septic tanks, underground storage tanks (USTs), hog lagoons, etc.)
• Signs of vegetation stress (examples: vegetation mortality, insect damage, disease, storm damage, salt intrusion, etc.)
• Habitat/plant community alteration (examples: mowing, clear -cutting, exotics, etc.)
Is the assessment area intensively managed? i Yes (. No
Regulatory Considerations - Were regulatory considerations evaluated? (. Yes ( No If Yes, check all that apply to the assessment area.
Anadromous fish
Federally protected species or State endangered or threatened species
NCDWR riparian buffer rule in effect
Abuts a Primary Nursery Area (PNA)
Publicly owned property
N.C. Division of Coastal Management Area of Environmental Concern (AEC) (including buffer)
F Abuts a stream with a NCDWQ classification of SA or supplemental classifications of HOW, ORW, or Trout
Designated NCNHP reference community
Abuts a 303(d)-listed stream or a tributary to a 303(d)-listed stream
What type of natural stream is associated with the wetland, if any? (check all that apply)
i Blackwater
(: Brownwater
r Tidal (if tidal, check one of the following boxes) (- Lunar Wind i Both
Is the assessment area on a coastal island? (- Yes C No
Is the assessment area's surface water storage capacity or duration substantially altered by beaver?
Does the assessment area experience overbank flooding during normal rainfall conditions?
i Yes (. No
i Yes r No
Ground Surface Condition/Vegetation Condition — assessment area condition metric
Check a box in each column. Consider alteration to the ground surface (GS) in the assessment area and vegetation structure
(VS) in the assessment area. Compare to reference wetland if applicable (see User Manual). If a reference is not applicable,
then rate the assessment area based on evidence of an effect.
GS VS
(: A (: A Not severely altered
i B (' B Severely altered over a majority of the assessment area (ground surface alteration examples: vehicle tracks, excessive
sedimentation, fire -plow lanes, skidder tracks, bedding, fill, soil compaction, obvious pollutants) (vegetation structure
alteration examples: mechanical disturbance, herbicides, salt intrusion [where appropriate], exotic species, grazing,
less diversity [if appropriate], hydrologic alteration)
2. Surface and Sub -Surface Storage Capacity and Duration — assessment area condition metric
Check a box in each column. Consider surface storage capacity and duration (Surf) and sub -surface storage capacity and
duration (Sub). Consider both increase and decrease in hydrology. A ditch <_ 1 foot deep is considered to affect surface water only,
while a ditch > 1 foot deep is expected to affect both surface and sub -surface water. Consider tidal flooding regime, if applicable.
Surf Sub
(: A (: A Water storage capacity and duration are not altered.
(' B i B Water storage capacity or duration are altered, but not substantially (typically, not sufficient to change vegetation).
i C i C Water storage capacity or duration are substantially altered (typically, alteration sufficient to result in vegetation
change) (examples: draining, flooding, soil compaction, filling, excessive sedimentation, underground utility lines).
3. Water Storage/Surface Relief— assessment area/wetland type condition metric (skip for all marshes)
Check a box in each column for each group below. Select the appropriate storage for the assessment area (AA) and the wetland
type (WT).
AA WT
3a. r A i A Majority of wetland with depressions able to pond water > 1 foot deep
(' B i B Majority of wetland with depressions able to pond water 6 inches to 1 foot deep
f C i C Majority of wetland with depressions able to pond water 3 to 6 inches deep
(: D (: D Depressions able to pond water < 3 inches deep
3b. i A Evidence that maximum depth of inundation is greater than 2 feet
(- B Evidence that maximum depth of inundation is between 1 and 2 feet
(: C Evidence that maximum depth of inundation is less than 1 foot

4. Soil Texture/Structure — assessment area condition metric (skip for all marshes)
Check a box from each of the three soil property groups below. Dig soil profile in the dominant assessment area landscape
feature. Make soil observations within the 12 inches. Use most recent National Technical Committee for Hydric Soils guidance for
regional indicators.
4a. i A Sandy soil
(-a B Loamy or clayey soils exhibiting redoximorphic features (concentrations, depletions, or rhizospheres)
i C Loamy or clayey soils not exhibiting redoximorphic features
i D Loamy or clayey gleyed soil
C E Histosol or histic epipedon
4b. r A Soil ribbon < 1 inch
C B Soil ribbon >_ 1 inch
4c. f A No peat or muck presence
(a- B A peat or muck presence
5. Discharge into Wetland — opportunity metric
Check a box in each column. Consider surface pollutants or discharges (Surf) and sub -surface pollutants or discharges (Sub).
Examples of sub -surface discharges include presence of nearby septic tank, underground storage tank (UST), etc.
Surf Sub
(-a A (-o A Little or no evidence of pollutants or discharges entering the assessment area
i B i B Noticeable evidence of pollutants or discharges entering the wetland and stressing, but not overwhelming the
treatment capacity of the assessment area
i C i C Noticeable evidence of pollutants or discharges (pathogen, particulate, or soluble) entering the assessment area and
potentially overwhelming the treatment capacity of the wetland (water discoloration, dead vegetation, excessive
sedimentation, odor)
6. Land Use — opportunity metric (skip for non -riparian wetlands)
Check all that apply (at least one box in each column). Evaluation involves a GIS effort with field adjustment. Consider sources
draining to assessment area within entire upstream watershed (WS), within 5 miles and within the watershed draining to the
assessment area (5M), and within 2 miles and within the watershed draining to the assessment area (2M). Effective riparian buffers
are considered to be 50 feet wide in the Coastal Plain and Piedmont ecoregions and 30 feet wide in the Blue Ridge Mountains ecoregion.
WS 5M 2M
F A r A F A >_ 10% impervious surfaces
F B r- B r B Confined animal operations (or other local, concentrated source of pollutants)
F C F C r C >_ 20% coverage of pasture
F D F D r D >_ 20% coverage of agricultural land (regularly plowed land)
F E F E r E >_ 20% coverage of maintained grass/herb
W F F F r F >_ 20% coverage of clear-cut land
F G F G r G Little or no opportunity to improve water quality. Lack of opportunity may result from little or no disturbance in
the watershed or hydrologic alterations that prevent dainage and/or overbank flow from affectio the
assessment area.
7. Wetland Acting as Vegetated Buffer— assessment area/wetland complex condition metric (skip for non -riparian wetlands)
7a. Is assessment area within 50 feet of a tributary or other open water?
(a- Yes i No If Yes, continue to 7b. If No, skip to Metric 8.
7b. How much of the first 50 feet from the bank is weltand? (Wetland buffer need only be present on one side of the water body. Make
buffer judgment based on the average width of wetland. Record a note if a portion of the buffer has been removed or disturbed.)
( A >_ 50 feet
(: B From 30 to < 50 feet
f C From 15 to < 30 feet
(' D From 5 to < 15 feet
(' E < 5 feet or buffer bypassed by ditches
7c. Tributary width. If the tributary is anastomosed, combine widths of channels/braids for a total width.
(: <_ 15-feet wide (' > 15-feet wide (' Other open water (no tributary present)
7d. Do roots of assessment area vegetation extend into the bank of the tributary/open water?
(: Yes C No
7e. Is tributary or other open water sheltered or exposed?
(: Sheltered — adjacent open water with width < 2500 feet and no regular boat traffic.
r Exposed — adjacent open water with width %>_ 2500 feet or regular boat traffic.
8. Wetland Width at the Assessment Area — wetland type/wetland complex condition metric (evaluate WT for all marshes
and Estuarine Woody Wetland only; evaluate WC for Bottomland Hardwood Forest, Headwater Forest, and Riverine Swamp
Forest only)
Check a box in each column. Select the average width for the wetland type at the assessment area (WT) and the wetland complex at the
assessment area (WC). See User Manual for WT and WC boundaries.
WT WC
C A i A >_ 100 feet
i B (o- B From 80 to < 100 feet
i C i C From 50 to < 80 feet
C D i D From 40 to < 50 feet
( E i E From 30 to < 40 feet
( F (' F From 15 to < 30 feet
i G i G From 5 to < 15 feet
C H i H < 5 feet

9. Inundation Duration — assessment area condition metric (skip for non -riparian wetlands)
Answer for assessment area dominant landform.
(: A Evidence of short -duration inundation (< 7 consecutive days)
(' B Evidence of saturation, without evidence of inundation
i C Evidence of long -duration inundation or very long -duration inundation (7 to 30 consecutive days or more)
10. Indicators of Deposition — assessment area condition metric (skip for non -riparian wetlands and all marshes)
Consider recent deposition only (no plant growth since deposition).
(-a A Sediment deposition is not excessive, but at approximately natural levels.
i B Sediment deposition is excessive, but not overwhelming the wetland.
(' C Sediment deposition is excessive and is overwhelming the wetland.
11. Wetland Size — wetland type/wetland complex condition metric
Check a box in each column. Involves a GIS effort with field adjustment. This metric evaluates three aspects of the wetland area: the
size of the wetland type (WT), the size of the wetland complex (WC), and the size of the forested wetland (FW) (if applicable, see User
Manual). See the User Manual for boundaries of these evaluation areas. If assessment area is clear-cut, select "K" for the FW column.
WT WC FW (if applicable)
(' A (' A (' A >_ 500 acres
(' B ( B (' B From 100 to < 500 acres
(' C ( C (' C From 50 to < 100 acres
(' D ( D (' D From 25 to < 50 acres
(' E ( E (' E From 10 to < 25 acres
(' F ( F (' F From 5 to < 10 acres
(' G (: G (' G From 1 to < 5 acres
(' H ( H (' H From 0.5 to < 1 acre
(i I f I (i I From 0.1 to < 0.5 acre
(' J ( J (' J From 0.01 to < 0.1 acre
(' K ( K (' K < 0.01 acre or assessment area is clear-cut
12. Wetland Intactness — wetland type condition metric (evaluate for Pocosins only)
(' A Pocosin is the full extent (> 90%) of its natural landscape size.
(' B Pocosin is < 90% of the full extent of its natural landscape size.
13. Connectivity to Other Natural Areas — landscape condition metric
13a. Check appropriate box(es) (a box may be checked in each column). Involves a GIS effort with field adjustment. This
evaluates whether the wetland is well connected (Well) and/or loosely connected (Loosely) to the landscape patch, the contiguous
metric naturally vegetated area and open water (if appropriate). Boundaries are formed by four -lane roads, regularly maintained utility
line corridors the width of a four -lane road or wider, urban landscapes, fields (pasture open and agriculture), or water > 300 feet wide.
Well Loosely
(' A r A >_ 500 acres
(' B (i B From 100 to < 500 acres
i C r C From 50 to < 100 acres
r D ( D From 10 to < 50 acres
r E r E < 10 acres
r F r F Wetland type has a poor or no connection to other natural habitats
13b. Evaluate for marshes only.
r Yes r No Wetland type has a surface hydrology connection to open waters/stream or tidal wetlands.
14. Edge Effect — wetland type condition metric (skip for all marshes and Estuarine Woody Wetland)
May involve a GIS effort with field adjustment. Estimate distance from wetland type boundary to artificial edges. Artificial edges include
non -forested areas >_ 40 feet wide such as fields, development, roads, regularly maintained utility line corridors and clear -cuts. Consider
the eight main points of the compass. Artificial edge occurs within 150 feet in how many directiions? If the assessment area is clear-cut,
select option "C."
(' A 0
( B 1 to 4
f: C 5 to 3
15. Vegetative Composition — assessment area condition metric (skip for all marshes and Pine Flat)
r A Vegetation is close to reference condition in species present and their proportions. Lower strata composed of appropriate
species, with exotic plants absent or sparse within the assessment area.
(' B Vegetation is different from reference condition in species diversity or proportions, but still largely composed of native species
characteristic of the wetland type. This may include communities of weedy native species that develop after clearcutting or
clearing. It also includes communities with exotics present, but not dominant, over a large portion of the expected strata.
(' C Vegetation severely altered from reference in composition, or expected species are unnaturally absent (planted stands of non -
characteristic species or at least one stratum inappropriately composed of a single species), or exotic species are dominant in
at least one stratum.
16. Vegetative Diversity — assessment area condition metric (evaluate for Non -tidal Freshwater Marsh only)
(F A Vegetation diversity is high and is composed primarily of native species (<10% cover of exotics).
(- B Vegetation diversity is low or has > 10% to 50% cover of exotics.
(' C Vegetation is dominated by exotic species (>50% cover of exotics).

17. Vegetative Structure — assessment area/wetland type condition metric
17a. Is vegetation present?
fe Yes (- No If Yes, continue to 17b. If No, skip to Metric 18.
17b. Evaluate percent coverage of assessment area vegetation for all marshes only. Skip to 17c for non -marsh wetlands.
{' A >_ 25% coverage of vegetation
B < 25% coverage of vegetation
17c. Check a box in each column for each stratum. Evaluate this portion of the metric for non -marsh wetlands. Consider structure
in airspace
above
the assessment area (AA) and the wetland type (WT) separately.
AA
WT
a
f A
r A
Canopy closed, or nearly closed, with natural gaps associated with natural processes
°
(' B
r B
Canopy present, but opened more than natural gaps
c�
(i C
(i C
Canopy sparse or absent
T
o
(' A
r A
Dense mid-story/sapling layer
(F B
r B
Moderate density mid-story/sapling layer
(' C
(' C
Mid-story/sapling layer sparse or absent
(: A
(a- A
Dense shrub layer
L (' B
r B
Moderate density shrub layer
U) r- C
r C
Shrub layer sparse or absent
9 t: A
t: A
Dense herb layer
�5 (- B
r B
Moderate density herb layer
x
(' C
r C
Herb layer sparse or absent
18. Snags — wetland type condition metric (skip for all marshes)
(- A Large snags (more than one) are visible (> 12-inches DBH, or large relative to species present and landscape stability).
(i B Not A
19. Diameter Class Distribution — wetland type condition metric (skip for all marshes)
r A Majority of canopy trees have stems > 6 inches in diameter at breast height (DBH); many large trees (> 12 inches DBH) are
present.
(' B Majority of canopy trees have stems between 6 and 12 inches DBH, few are > 12-inch DBH.
r C Majority of canopy trees are < 6 inches DBH or no trees.
20. Large Woody Debris — wetland type condition metric (skip for all marshes)
Include both natural debris and man -placed natural debris.
(' A Large logs (more than one) are visible (> 12 inches in diameter, or large relative to species present and landscape stability).
(i B Not A
21. Vegetation/Open Water Dispersion — wetland type/open water condition metric (evaluate for Non -Tidal Freshwater
Marsh only)
Select the figure that best describes the amount of interspersion between vegetation and open water in the growing season. Patterned
areas indicate vegetated areas, while solid white areas indicate open water.
(' A (' B (' C : D
22. Hydrologic Connectivity— assessment area condition metric (evaluate for riparian wetlands and Salt/Brackish Marsh only)
Examples of activities that may severely alter hydrologic connectivity include intensive ditching, fill, sedimentation, channelization,
diversion, man-made berms, beaver dams, and stream incision. Documentation required if evaluated as B, C, or D.
G A Overbank and overland flow are not severely altered in the assessment area.
(' B Overbank flow is severely altered in the assessment area.
(' C Overland flow is severely altered in the assessment area.
t' D Both overbank and overland flow are severely altered in the assessment area.
Notes
Forested area between stream and school field, dense shrub and herb/grass layers, trees are few but large

NC WAM Wetland Rating Sheet
Accompanies User Manual Version 5.0
Wetland Site Name WA
Date
3/17/2023
Wetland Type Riverine Swamp Forest
Assessor Name/Organization ;learWater Environment;
Notes on Field Assessment Form (Y/N)
YES
Presence of regulatory considerations (Y/N)
YES
Wetland is intensively managed (Y/N)
NO
Assessment area is located within 50 feet of a natural tributary or other open water (Y/N)
YES
Assessment area is substantially altered by beaver (Y/N)
NO
Assessment area experiences overbank flooding during normal rainfall conditions (Y/N)
NO
Assessment area is on a coastal island (Y/N)
NO
Sub -function Rating Summary
Function Sub -function
Metrics
Rating
Hydrology Surface Storage and Retention
Condition
HIGH
Sub -Surface Storage and Retention
Condition
MEDIUM
Water Quality Pathogen Change
Condition
HIGH
Condition/Opportunity
Opportunity Presence? (Y/N)
Particulate Change
Condition
HIGH
Condition/Opportunity
Opportunity Presence? (Y/N)
Soluble Change
Condition
HIGH
Condition/Opportunity
Opportunity Presence? (Y/N)
Physical Change
Condition
HIGH
Condition/Opportunity
HIGH
Opportunity Presence? (Y/N)
YES
Pollution Change
Condition
NA
Condition/Opportunity
NA
Opportunity Presence? (Y/N)
NA
Habitat Physical Structure
Condition
LOW
Landscape Patch Structure
Condition
LOW
Vegetation Composition
Condition
HIGH
Function Rating Summary
Function Metrics/Notes
Rating
Hydrology Condition
HIGH
Water Quality Condition
HIGH
Condition/Opportunity
Opportunity Presence? (Y/N)
YES
Habitat Condition
LOW
Overall Wetland Rating HIGH

Attachment E
Photo Log

X

-_ -..�., s-'ram'"' � ,_. �,'"*".,,•",�':' "' ..- ,��arx�iou�,..,�,a�+�ary. •tea?.3�n�..:;�sd-s.
Photo 2. Site WA and SA
Photo 3. Site WB

T
Photo 6. Site WD
Photo 7. Site SB and WD

Photo 1. View of impact St stream.
Photo 2. View of impact S2 stream.

Photo 3. View of impact S3 stream.
Photo 4. View of impact S4 stream (intermittent).

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Z 2:28:16 P

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FF 1f fx�!}z;
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s

Photo 9. View of wetland impact area W9.
Photo 10. Representative view of wetland impact areas W11, W12, and W13.

Attachment F
30-day Prefile

Jeff Golladay
From: Jeff Golladay
Sent: Monday, August 22, 2022 8:S2 AM
To: 401 [e-mail]
Subject: 401/Buffer Pre -filing Meeting Request
Please fill out the following information:
Project Name: Ashe County Middle School
County: Ashe
Applicant Name: Ashe County Board of Education
Applicant Email: [e-mail] (Ashe County Board of Education Representative)
**Please note that multiple projects may be submitted within the same email by supplying all the above information for
each project.
***In the event your email is not allowing auto -responses, please save a copy of your sent email for your records and if
necessary use that copy in application/form submittal.