20201225 Ver 2_ElmGrove_MY2_FINAL_20240313

Year 2 Monitoring Report FINAL

ELM GROVE NUTRIENT OFFSET BANK PARCEL
DWR Project # 2020-1225 V2

Tar-Pamlico River Basin

In Agreement with:
The Elm Grove Mitigation Banking Instrument for
Nutrient Offset Mitigation Credits Pursuant to the
Tar-Pamlico Nutrient Management Strategy

MARCH 2024

Prepared By:

Restoration Systems, LLC
1101 Haynes St. Suite 211
Raleigh, NC 27604
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
pg1 Elm Grove Nutrient Offset and Buffer Mitigation Bank Parcel
Year 2 Monitoring Report – COMMENT RESPONSE MEMO – MARCH 2024
Elm Grove Nutrient Offset and Bank Parcel - DWR Project # 2020-1225 V2
Year 2 Monitoring Report – COMMENT RESPONSE MEMO
Comments/Responses:
Comment 1. A requirement for an easement boundary check to be performed every year is noted in section
5.2 but does not seem to be included in the monitoring report. Include this information as a response to this
comment and make sure that this information is included in all future monitoring reports even if no
encroachments were observed – it is recommended that this information be included as a stand-alone section
either within, before or after “Parcel Maintenance”. Response: Noted. A boundary check was performed in fall
2023. No encroachments were noted at that time.
Comment 2. No stem height or vigor data is included in this report, despite being required as per the relevant
BPDP Section 4.1 which states "Data collected will include species, height, planting type, and vigor". The data
collected for height and vigor was also missing in MY1 and was commented on by DWR staff in response to
their review. Last year, RS acknowledged the DWR comment for missing data and indicated that this
information would be included in the MY2 report. RS needs to submit the missing data in response to this
comment.
Response: Noted. This data has been added to Appendix B.
Comment 3. Additionally, the Monitoring Report Section 5.1 incorrectly describes the monitoring protocol,
stating "total and planted stem density by plot and species will be reported during monitoring years 0-5.
Individual and average stem height data will be reported during monitoring years 3-5" while making no
mention of vigor data. This language also appears in the MY1 report. Why was this language changed from
what is in the BPDP, which states that this data is required to be submitted for all monitoring years, 0-
5? Response: Per the required CVS protocol, height and vigor data are collected on every stem counted each year.
However, the CVS Access database required by DWR for vegetation data cannot generate an automated report
containing individual stem height and vigor data. Each plot must be exported individually. This difficulty was brought to
DWR’s attention at As-Built. Katie Merritt (NC DWR) and Grant Lewis (Axiom Environmental on behalf of Davey
Mitigation) negotiated a compromise solution where the monitoring data reported would not include height/vigor data
until MY3 for another site. Davey mistakenly applied that standard to this site as well and indicated it by the language in
the monitoring methods section of the reports. That language has now been corrected.
Comment 4. No photos are included of the random transect plots. RS needs to include photos of all plots,
even transects. Response: Noted. Photos of random transects have been added to Appendix B.
Comment 5. It appears that the sitewide replant was successful, and the improved stem counts from
MY1 are noted. Plot 14 and random transects 5 and 6 are still very close to not meeting success
criteria. Therefore, DWR requests that RS include another round of random transect data in the MY3 report,
including plot photos, height, and vigor data.
Response: Noted. Random transects will be performed in MY3 as requested.

Elm Grove Nutrient Offset and Buffer Mitigation Bank Parcel pg. i
Year 2 Monitoring Report – MARCH 2024
Elm Grove Nutrient Offset and Bank Parcel
DWR Project # 2020-1225 V2
Year 2 Monitoring Report

Table of Contents
1.0 Introduction ..................................................................................................................................... 1
2.0 Parcel Location ................................................................................................................................. 1
2.1 Parcel Background ..................................................................................................................... 2
2.2 Parcel Objectives ....................................................................................................................... 2
3.0 Restoration Activities ....................................................................................................................... 3
3.1 Riparian Area Restoration Activities ......................................................................................... 4
3.2 Parcel Protection ........................................................................................................................ 5
4.0 Mitigation Potential ......................................................................................................................... 5
5.0 Monitoring Protocol & Success Criteria ........................................................................................... 5
5.1 Monitoring Protocol .................................................................................................................. 5
5.2 Parcel Maintenance .................................................................................................................. 6
5.3 Long Term Management Plan ................................................................................................... 7
6.0 Financial Assurance .......................................................................................................................... 7
7.0 References ....................................................................................................................................... 7

Appendix A: General Figures and Tables
Figure 1 - Parcel Location / Service Area
Figure 2 - Current Conditions Plan View
Table 1 - Project Components and Mitigation Credits
Table 2 - Project Activity and Reporting History
Table 3 - Project Contact
Table 4 - Project Baseline Information and Attributes

Appendix B: Baseline Vegetation Data, CVS Output Tables
Table 5 - Year 2 Vegetation Plot Data
Year 2 Vegetation Data Sheets with Height & Vigor
Table 6 - Temporary Transects
Vegetation Plot Photos 1-17
Temporary Transect Plot Photos

Appendix C: Adaptive Management Plan

Elm Grove Nutrient Offset and Buffer Mitigation Bank Parcel Page 1
Year 2 Monitoring Report – MARCH 2024
1.0 Introduction
Restoration Systems (Sponsor) is pleased to provide the North Carolina Division of Water Resources (NC
DWR) this Year 2 Monitoring Report for the Elm Grove Bank Parcel (Parcel). As agreed upon in the Elm
Grove Nutrient Offset Umbrella Banking Instrument (UBI) and Elm Grove Bank Parcel Development
Package (BPDP), made and entered into on October 19, 2021 by Restoration Systems, LLC, acting as Bank
Sponsor (Sponsor), and the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (NCDEQ), Division of
Water Resources (DWR). This document details the riparian area restoration activities, monitoring efforts,
and the final mitigation potential of the Parcel.

Measuring 22.48 acres, the Parcel is designed to provide mitigation credits for unavoidable impacts due
to development within the Tar-Pamlico River Basin. NCDWR representatives conducted an onsite
determination for parcel applicability and suitability of Site Features on October 28, 2020. A Site Viability
letter for Buffer & Nutrient Offset was provided by the Division on October 29, 2020 and December 14,
2020.

Restoration Systems (RS) was granted a Conservation Easement by Farfields, LLC recorded on April 6,
2022 at the Edgecombe County Register of Deeds on Book 1754 Page 1089-1102. On May 31, 2023 RS
assigned the Conservation Easement to the North Carolina Wildlife Habitat Foundation, an approved
easement holder, as recorded at the Edgecombe County Register of Deeds in Book 1780 Page 700-719.

RS began preparation for restoration of the riparian buffer and planted the Parcel in February of 2022.
Riparian buffer restoration activities included ripping/bedding of the parcel with a narrow set plow, bare-
root planting, and broadcast application of a permanent seed mix. On May 3, 2022, Axiom Environmental
installed seventeen (17) Carolina Vegetation Survey (CVS) monitoring plots and collected as-built data.
During September 2023, Axiom Environmental returned to the site and collected year 2 monitoring data
(Appendix B).

2.0 Parcel Location
The Parcel is located approximately 3.5 miles northeast of Tarboro in Edgecombe County, NC. The Parcel
is within the Tar -Pamlico River Basin 14-digit USGS Cataloging Unit 03020103010010 of the Middle
Atlantic Coastal Plain (North Carolina Division of Water Quality [NCDWQ] Sub-basin Number 03-03-03)
(Figure 1, Appendix A).

Parcel Location: (35.936380°, -77.495125°)
Directions to Parcel from Raleigh:
- Get on I-440 E from Capital Blvd
- Take US-64 E to Tarboro
- Take US-258 N 5 miles – Parcel is located on your right
- Latitude, Longitude: 35.936380°, -77.495125°

Elm Grove Nutrient Offset and Buffer Mitigation Bank Parcel Page 2
Year 2 Monitoring Report – MARCH 2024
2.1 Parcel Background
The Bank Parcel totals 22.48 acres. Prior to Parcel development, primary land use was agricultural and
silviculture. Agricultural fields account for nearly 100 percent of the Parcel' s current land use. Primary
crops were cotton, corn, and soybeans.

The Parcel includes four (4) surface water conveyances (ditches) with direct hydrologic connection to
three (3) unnamed tributaries which drain to the Tar River two miles southwest. Parcel surface water
conveyances and unnamed tributaries are periodically cleared of vegetation and maintained as cleared
ditches with some brush accumulation along feature slopes. An existing utility line runs adjacent to the
western property boundary along Highway 258 and at the northern end of Feature D2. These utility lines
are excluded from the Parcel' s footprint.

2.2 Parcel Objectives
The primary goals associated with the restoration of riparian areas within the Bank Parcel focused on
improving water quality, enhancing flood attenuation, and restoring wildlife habitat permanently. The Elm
Grove Bank Parcel Development Package (DWR ID#: 2020-1225 V2) Tar-Pamlico River Basin 8- Digit HUC:
03020103 pg.4 project goals were achieved by creating a forested riparian buffer adjacent to stream
channels and agricultural ditches. Goals were accomplished by the following.
1. Removing nonpoint sources of pollution associated with agricultural production, including a)
ceasing the broadcast application of fertilizer, pesticides, and other agricultural materials into and
adjacent to Parcel surface water conveyances (ditches) and streams b) providing a restored
riparian area to filter runoff from adjacent agricultural lands.
2. Reducing sedimentation within onsite and downstream receiving waters by reducing bank
erosion, vegetation maintenance, and agricultural land disturbances.
3. Promoting floodwater attenuation by increasing frictional resistance of floodwaters crossing
Parcel floodplains.
4. Improving aquatic habitat by enhancing stream bed shading and natural detritus input.
5. Providing a terrestrial wildlife corridor and refuge in an area extensively developed for agricultural
production.
6. Restoring and re- establishing natural community structure, habitat diversity, and functional
continuity.
7. Protecting the Parcel' s riparian buffer functions and values in perpetuity.

Goals will be accomplished by implementing restoration activities detailed in Table A. The width of the
restored riparian buffer, which will generate nutrient offset credit (NOC), will be a minimum of 50 feet
and a maximum of 200 feet on each side of site features. Parcel design will ensure no adverse impacts to
wetlands or existing riparian buffers occur.

Elm Grove Nutrient Offset and Buffer Mitigation Bank Parcel Page 3
Year 2 Monitoring Report – MARCH 2024

3.0 Restoration Activities
Riparian area restoration involved planting appropriate native tree species along the 200-foot-wide
riparian corridor of streams and hydrologically connected ditches at a density of 680 stems per acre on
8ft x 8ft spacing. Vegetation management and herbicide applications may be needed over the first few
years of tree establishment in the riparian restoration areas to prevent encroachment of undesirable
species that may out-compete the planted native vegetation. Tree species planted across the riparian
areas of the Parcel included those listed in Table C. Stems were mixed prior to planting to ensure diversity
of bare roots across the planted area. A seed mix including the species listed in Table D were applied to
provide temporary and permanent ground cover for soil stabilization and reduction of sediment loss
during rain events in areas without existing herbaceous cover. Planting took place on March 13, 2022.

Table A – Restoration Plan Activities
Restoration
Plan Activity Phase Specific Actions
Riparian
Restoration
1. Prior to planting, the bank parcel will be disked in linear bands parallel to the
direction of surface water flows. The established microtopography on leveled
surfaces will promote diffuse flow and surface water storage throughout the
floodplain.
2. Herbaceous vegetation treatment will be performed as needed before
planting and may include selected herbicide treatments and/or limited
mechanical clearing to remove undesirable vegetation. Where required,
invasive species will be selectively removed and/or spot treated by a licensed
pesticide applicator.
3. Establishment of a native herbaceous community via site -specific seed mix
including both native types of grass and forbs, with a variety of annual and
perennial plants known to benefit wildlife and pollinators. The grass seed
component will focus on low-growing species which favor the establishment
of the target forest community. Forbs will include a diverse mixture of native
and naturalized forbs and wildflowers.
4. Establishment of a native hardwood forest via planting bare -root saplings
along all Parcel Features from the top of bank to the Parcel' s easement
boundary.

Elm Grove Nutrient Offset and Buffer Mitigation Bank Parcel Page 4
Year 2 Monitoring Report – MARCH 2024

3.1 Riparian Area Restoration Activities
Restoration of the riparian area allows for recolonization and expansion of characteristic species across
the landscape. The riparian areas were restored according to the Consolidated Buffer Mitigation Rule 15A
NCAC 02B.0295. The planting plan for the riparian restoration area included planting 13,800 native bare-
root hardwood saplings across 22.48 acres at a Parcel density of +/- 600 stems per acre and live stakes for
stream bank stabilization where necessary. The planted species composition is intentionally diverse and
while based on these communities, also accounted for local observations and nursery availability.

All species were selected based on their ability for sediment stabilization, rapid growth rate, the ability to
withstand hydraulic forces associated with flood events, suitability to specific soil types, and Parcel
conditions. Tree species were mixed thoroughly before planting to provide a diverse and random plant
across the Site. Planting density is set to ensure sufficient diversity and density of planted stems outlined
in Rule 15A NCAC 02B.0295 of 260 trees per acre at the end of five years. No one tree species will be
greater than 50% of the established stems.

The bare root planting list is provided in Table C followed by the permanent seed mix in Table D. Baseline
data was collected in May 2022 by Axiom Environmental and derived an average planted stem density of
438 stems per acre. Year 1 monitoring data was collected on October 2022 and derived an average planted
stem density of 257 stems per acre. An Adaptive Management Plan including supplemental planting was
executed in January 2023. Year 2 monitoring data was collected in September 2023 and derived an
average planted stem density of 566 stems per acre (Appendix B).

Table C – Initial Planting List – Planted Q1 2022
Common Name Scientific Name Tree/Shrub* Number of
Stems
Species % of
Total
River birch Betula nigra Tree 1,150 8.3%
Common hackberry Celtis occidentalis Tree 700 5.1%
Eastern Redbud Cercis canadensis Shrub 750 5.4%
Persimmon Diospyros virginiana Tree 1,250 9.1%
Yellow poplar Liriodendron tulipifera Tree 1,150 8.3%
Southern crabapple Malus angustifolia Tree 750 5.4%
Mulberry Morus rubra Tree 1,150 8.3%
Black gum Nyssa sylvatica Tree 1,150 8.3%
Sycamore Platanus occidentalis Tree 1,250 9.1%
Oak (Swamp chestnut) Quercus michauxii Tree 1,250 9.1%
Oak (Water) Quercus nigra Tree 1,250 9.1%
American elm Ulmus americana Tree 1,150 8.3%
Southern arrowwood Viburnum dentatum Shrub 850 6.2%
Total 13 Species 13,800 100%

Elm Grove Nutrient Offset and Buffer Mitigation Bank Parcel Page 5
Year 2 Monitoring Report – MARCH 2024

Table D – Permanent Seed
Common Name Amount (in
pounds) Common Name Amount (in
pounds)
Common Yarrow 1.35 Perennial Gaillardia (Blanketflower) 2.25
Winter Bentgrass, 2.25 Narrowleaf Sunflower 1.80
Blue False Indigo 0.45 Oxeye Sunflower 2.25
Plains Coreopsis 2.25 Wild Bergamot 0.45
Lanceleaf Coreopsis 2.25 Deertongue, Tioga 2.25
Cosmos 2.25 Clasping Coneflower 0.45
Rocket Larkspur 1.35 Blackeyed Susan 2.25
Showy Ticktrefoil 2.25 Purpletop 11.25
Purple Coneflower 2.25 Blue Vervain 0.90
Virginia Wildrye, 'Madison' 4.50
Total (pounds) 60.00

3.2 Parcel Protection
Restoration Systems (RS) was granted a Conservation Easement by Farfields, LLC recorded on April 6, 2022
at the Edgecombe County Register of Deeds on Book 1754 Page 1089-1102. RS marked the easement at
every corner with an iron, CE cap, and corner t-post. Additionally, easement signs were placed on t posts
along the Parcel boundaries. On May 31, 2023 RS assigned the Conservation Easement to the North
Carolina Wildlife Habitat Foundation, an approved easement holder, as recorded at the Edgecombe
County Register of Deeds inn Book 1780 Page 700-719.

4.0 Mitigation Potential
Of the approximately 22.48 acres protected under the conservation easement, 20.92 acres or 911,663
square feet are anticipated to provide nutrient offset credit equivalent to 46,040.271 lbs. of nitrogen
offset credit and 2,965.349 lbs. of phosphorous offset credit. The management objectives, mitigation
type, and proposed credits are detailed in the Project Credit Table provided in Table 1. These Nutrient
Offset Credits will be neither convertible nor transferable to any other credit type, including Riparian
Buffer Mitigation. Credit deductions were calculated to account for areas with less than or 50 feet and for
diffused flow (DWR Diffuse Flow Memorandum 2008-0819).

5.0 Monitoring Protocol & Success Criteria
5.1 Monitoring Protocol
Restoration monitoring procedures for vegetation at each Phase will monitor plant survival and species
diversity. Quantitative sampling will include seventeen (17) permanent 10 x 10-meter vegetation plots as
outlined in the CVS Level 1-2 Protocol for Recording Vegetation, Version 4.2 (Lee et al. 2008) and will occur
no earlier than Fall of each year (Figure 2, Appendix A). Vegetation plot placement will adequately
represent riparian buffer credit and nutrient offset credit areas. A reference photo will be taken from the
origin point of each plot. All planted stems in the plots will be marked with flagging tape and recorded.
Data collected will include species, height, planting type (planted stem and/or volunteer). Total and
planted stem density by plot and species will be reported during monitoring years 0-5 (Table 5, Appendix
B). Individual and average stem height data will be reported during monitoring years 0-5. Monitoring of
the restoration efforts will be performed for five years or until success criteria are fulfilled. Restoration
Systems shall submit to NCDWR annual monitoring reports no later than December 31st of each year.
Each report will document the success of the vegetation and any maintenance, supplemental planting, or

Elm Grove Nutrient Offset and Buffer Mitigation Bank Parcel Page 6
Year 2 Monitoring Report – MARCH 2024
encroachment within the easement areas. Success criteria within the buffer will be based on the survival
of planted species at a density of 260 stems per acre after five years of monitoring.

Year 2 (2023) Monitoring occurred September 29, 2023, and resulted in an average of 567 stems/acre
across the site. Additionally, all 17 individual plots met success criteria (Appendix B). In addition to the
permanent vegetation plots, 6 temporary transects were measured at random throughout the Site. These
resulted in an average stem density of 358 planted stems per acre. Vegetation data is in tables 5 and 6
(Appendix B), and the locations of plots and transects are depicted on Figure 2 (Appendix A).

5.2 Parcel Maintenance
Adaptive Management Plan (AMP) - In response to high stem mortality, RS implemented a full replant of
the site in January 2023. Bare-root stems were planted site-wide on 10’ x 12’ centers, adding an average
density of 363 additional stems per acre. Spacing and densities were based on the Year 1 monitoring
survey data. An additional 0.02-acre area, which was identified during the as-built walkthrough as lacking
planted stems, was planted on 8’ x 8’ centers for a density of 680 stems per acre. Planted species were
picked from the original planting list with minor modifications based on the species’ success. Also of note,
RS planted 600 Pinus taeda (Loblolly pine), which will not count towards vegetation success. Pinus taeda
is drought tolerant, adapted to sandy, well-drained soils, and offers rapid growth to provide shade for
hardwood bare roots. The supplemental planting list is provided in Table E, and documentation of the
AMP is in Appendix C.

Table E – Supplemental Planting
Common Name Scientific Name Tree/Shrub* Number of
Stems
Species % of
Total
River birch Betula nigra Tree 700 8.6%
Common hackberry Celtis occidentalis Tree 700 8.6%
Persimmon Diospyros virginiana Tree 700 8.6%
Yellow poplar Liriodendron tulipifera Tree 800 9.8%
Wax myrtle Morella cerifera Tree 350 4.3%
Mulberry Morus rubra Tree 1,000 12.3%
Black gum Nyssa sylvatica Tree 700 8.6%
Loblolly pine Pinus taeda Tree 600 7.4%
Sycamore Platanus occidentalis Tree 1,000 12.3%
Oak (Swamp chestnut) Quercus michauxii Tree 800 9.8%
Oak (Water) Quercus nigra Tree 800 9.8%
Total 11 Species 8,150 100.0%

In addition to the adaptive management plan outlined above, if the Parcel or a specific component of the
Parcel fails to achieve the success criteria outlined in Section 5.1, adaptive measures will be developed
and/ or appropriate remedial actions will be implemented. Site maintenance will be performed to correct
any identified problems on the Parcel that have a high likelihood of affecting the project success. Such
items include, but are not limited to, fire, flooding, drought, or insects that cause excess tree mortality.
Any actions implemented will be designed to achieve the success criteria and will include a work schedule
and updated monitoring criteria. Any parcel maintenance performed will be included in the monitoring
report for that year. A rigorous herbicide schedule may need to be implemented in the first few years of
tree establishment in the restoration areas to prevent the establishment of invasive species that may out-
compete the planted native vegetation. The only herbicides used on the Parcel will be aquatic approved

Elm Grove Nutrient Offset and Buffer Mitigation Bank Parcel Page 7
Year 2 Monitoring Report – MARCH 2024
herbicides that will be applied in accordance with North Carolina Department of Agriculture rules and
regulations.

The easement boundary will be checked annually as part of monitoring activities. Easement boundary
conditions and any maintenance performed will be reported in the annual monitoring reports to DWR. If
mowing is deemed necessary by the Sponsor during the monitoring period, the Sponsor must receive
approval from DWR prior to conducting any mowing within Tar-Pamlico Buffer Zones 1 and 2 to ensure
that no buffer violations have occurred.

5.3 Long Term Management Plan
A permanent conservation easement to preserve all areas and prohibit all use of the property inconsistent
with its use as a nutrient offset and riparian buffer mitigation property, including any activity that would
materially alter the biological integrity of the Site/ Parcel was recorded at the Edgecombe County Register
of Deeds on 4/6/2022 in Book 1754 Page 1089. RS assigned the conservation easement and its interests
in perpetuity to a qualified holder under NC General Statute ("GS") 121- 34 et seq. and 170(h) of the
Internal Revenue Code on 5/31/2023. The assignment is recorded in Deed Book 1780 Page 700. The holder
is the North Carolina Wildlife Habitat Foundation, which is certified under 501(c)(3) of the Internal
Revenue Code and has been approved by DWR.

6.0 Financial Assurance
RS secured all financial assurances according to the approved UBI. No bond shall be less than $150,000 to
cover costs of construction and no less than $100,000 initially, to cover monitoring expenses. Performance
bonds for monitoring shall be renewed at least annually to cover the next years monitoring period, with
confirmation of renewal provided to DWR with each annual monitoring report when applicable. DWR
reserves the right to alter the credit release schedule if monitoring reports are submitted without proof
of bond renewals when applicable.

7.0 References

Consolidated Buffer Mitigation Rule - 15A NCAC 02B .0295 (Published November 17, 2014)

Lee, M.T., R.K. Peet, S.D. Roberts, and T.R. Wentworth. 2008. CVS-EEP Protocol for Recording Vegetation.
Version 4.2. North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Ecosystem
Enhancement Program. Raleigh, North Carolina.

Schafale, M. P. and Weakley, 2012. A Classification of the Natural Communities of North Carolina, Fourth
Approximation.

US Department of Agriculture (USDA), 2021. Web Soil Survey (online). Available:
https://websoilsurvey.sc.egov.usda.gov/App/HomePage.htm [Accessed July 19, 2021].

US Fish and Wildlife Service, 2021. Endangered Species, Threatened Species, and Candidate Species, Wake
County, North Carolina (online). Available:
https://www.fws.gov/raleigh/species/cntylist/wake.html (Accessed July 19, 2021).
Elm Grove Nutrient Offset and Buffer Mitigation Bank Parcel Appendix A: General Figures and Tables
Year 2 Monitoring Report – MARCH 2024
Appendix A: General Figures and Tables

Figure 1 - Parcel Location / Service Area
Figure 2 - Current Conditions Plan View
Table 1 - Project Components and Mitigation Credits
Table 2 - Project Activity and Reporting History
Table 3 - Project Contact
Table 4 - Project Baseline Information and Attributes

^_
Bank Parcel Location35.936380°, -77.495125°
FIGURE
Drawn by:
Date:
Scale:
Project No.:
Title:
Project:
Prepared for:
1³0 105Miles
Service Layer Credits: Sources: Esri, HERE,DeLorme, Intermap, increment P Corp., GEBCO,USGS, FAO, NPS, NRCAN, GeoBase, IGN, KadasterNL, Ordnance Survey, Esri Japan, METI, Esri China(Hong Kong), swisstopo, MapmyIndia, ©
RJH
1:275,000
ELM GROVE NUTRIENT OFFSET BANK PARCEL
Edgecombe County, NC
NC DEQ Division of Water Resources
401 & Buffer
Permitting
Branch
Legend
Tar-Pamlico USGS 8-Digit HUC Boundary, 03020103, Service Area for Nutrient Offset Credits
2020-1225v2
PARCEL LOCATIONAND SERVICEAREA
August 2022
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Non Cre dit Ar ea:
TO B is with in DO T/Ut ilit it y RO W
Feature C
Feature B1
F e a t u r e B 2
F
eature A
1
Feature A2
1
6
5
4
3
2
58
32
9
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6
7
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13
12
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16
14
15
FIGU R E
Dra wn b y:
Da te:
Sca le :
Pro jec t N o.:
Tit le:
Pro jec t:
Pre pa red fo r:
2³
Ed g ec om be C ou n ty, N C
KR J
1:3 ,0 0 0
EL M G R OV ENUTRIENT OF F SE TBANK PA R C E L
N C D EQ D iv isio n o f Wa te r R es o urc e s
40 1 & Iso la te d Wetla n ds /Wate rs Pr og ra m & 4 01 Sto rm wa ter
0 190 380 570 76095
Feet
20 20 -12 2 5v 2
Legen d
Elm G ro ve - Su bject Fee-Sim ple Par cels
Elm G ro ve - Co nser va tion Ea sem en t: 22.48 Ac .
Elm G ro ve - I nst alled CVS Plot s (1 7 Tot al)
Yea r 2 (2 023 ) Tem po rar y Veg et at io n Tra nse cts
30-Foot -Power lin e
Elm G ro ve - Su rv eyed To p of Ba nk
Elm G r ove - Sur vey ed Top o f Ba nk O f fs et s
TO B t o 5 0 Fee t
TO B t o 1 00 Fe et
TO B t o 2 00 Fe et
Elm G r ove - NO C Ar ea s
Rest or at ion (TO B - 2 00-f t) - NO C
No Cre dit - Les s Tha n 50-Fe et or CE Do es n't Ext en d to TO B
C C P VAND C R E D IT MA P
D ec em be r 20 23
Ima ge ry: 20 2 1 NC On eMa p
NO TE ABO UT W I DTHS & CREDI TI NG :
Nutr ient O ff set C red it (NO C)
Nut rien t O ff set Cre dit is cont iguo us f rom TO B, is a m in im um of
50 f t. f r om t he TO B and a m ax im u m of 200 f t. fr om th e TO B.

Elm Grove Nutrient Offset and Buffer Mitigation Bank Parcel Appendix A: General Figures and Tables
Year 2 Monitoring Report – MARCH 2024
Table 2. Project Activity and Reporting History
Activity / Milestone BPDP Proposed Date Actual Date
BPDP Approved NA November 10, 2021
Parcel Protection NA Recorded April 5, 2022
Planting Q1 2022 March 13, 2022
As-built Data Collection Q2 2022 May 3, 2022
Construction Completion Walkthrough NA July 6, 2022
As-built Report Submittal NA September 2022
Year 1 NA December 2022
Year 2 NA December 2023
Year 3-5 Monitoring Q4 2024 - 2026 On schedule

Table 3: Project Contact
Firm POC & Address
Full Delivery Provider Restoration Systems, LLC
1101 Haynes Street, Suite 211
Raleigh, North Carolina 27604
George Howard and John Preyer
919.755.9490
Designer/Permitting: Restoration Systems, LLC
Raymond Holz: 919.755.9490
1101 Haynes Street, Suite 211
Raleigh, North Carolina 27604
Planting Contractor: Restoration Systems, LLC
Josh Merritt: 919.755.9490
1101 Haynes Street, Suite 211
Raleigh, North Carolina 27604
Seeding Contractor: Restoration Systems, LLC
Matthew Harrell: 919.755.9490
1101 Haynes Street, Suite 211
Raleigh, North Carolina 27604
Nursery Stock Suppliers: ArborGen 1.888.888.7158
Baseline Data Collection Axiom Environmental, Inc.
Grant Lewis; 919.215.1693
218 Snow Ave. Raleigh, NC
27603
Vegetation Monitoring: Axiom Environmental, Inc.
Grant Lewis; 919.215.1693
218 Snow Ave. Raleigh, NC
27603

Table 4: Project Baseline Information & Attributes
Project Information
Project Name Elm Grove
County Edgecombe
Project Area (acres) 22.48
Project Coordinates (latitude and longitude) 35.936380ºN, -77.495125ºW (NAD83/WGS84)
Project Watershed Summary Information
Physiographic Province Inner Coastal Plain
River Basin Tar-Pamlico
USGS Hydrologic Unit 8-digit 03020103 USGS Hydrologic Unit 14-digit 03020103010010
DWR Sub-basin 03-03-02
Project Drainage Area, Total Outfall (acres) 224
Project Drainage Area Percentage of Impervious
Area <5%

Elm Grove Nutrient Offset and Buffer Mitigation Bank Parcel Appendix B: Vegetation Data, CVS Output Tables
Year 2 Monitoring Report – MARCH 2024
Appendix B: Vegetation Data, CVS Output Tables
Table 5 – Year 2 Vegetation Plot Data
Year 2 Vegetation Data Sheets with Height & Vigor
Table 6 - Temporary Transects
Vegetation Plot Photos 1-17
Temporary Transect Plot Photos

Table 5. Total Stems by Plot and Species
Project Code 22‐011.  Project Name: Elm Grove
PnoLS P‐all T PnoLS P‐all T PnoLS P‐all T PnoLS P‐all T PnoLS P‐all T PnoLS P‐all T PnoLS P‐all T PnoLS P‐all T PnoLS P‐all T PnoLS P‐all T
Betula nigra river birch Tree 222666333 111111333111222222
Celtis occidentalis common hackberry Tree 1 1 1 111111111444 111
Cercis canadensis eastern redbud Tree 111333 333111
Diospyros virginiana common persimmon Tree 2 2 2 111
Liriodendron tulipifera tuliptree Tree 1 1 1 222111111 555111111
Malus angustifolia southern crabapple Tree 333
Morella cerifera wax myrtle shrub 222111
Morus rubra red mulberry Tree 1 1 1 222333222444555111
Nyssa sylvatica blackgum Tree 2 2 2 111111 111
Platanus occidentalis American sycamore Tree 111
Quercus oak Tree 1 1 1 111111 333111
Quercus bicolor swamp white oak Tree 1 1 1 1 1 1
Quercus michauxii swamp chestnut oak Tree 222111 111111222222222 333
Quercus nigra water oak Tree 333333111111222111 111555
Quercus phellos willow oak Tree 3 3 3
Quercus rubra northern red oak Tree
Ulmus americana American elm Tree 111111333 111
Viburnum dentatum southern arrowwood Shrub 555111111 666
16 16 16 13 13 13 16 16 16 14 14 14 13 13 13 18 18 18 15 15 15 13 13 13 12 12 12 15 15 15
999666777999101010111111444444777888
647.5 647.5 647.5 526.1 526.1 526.1 647.5 647.5 647.5 566.6 566.6 566.6 526.1 526.1 526.1 728.4 728.4 728.4 607 607 607 526.1 526.1 526.1 485.6 485.6 485.6 607 607 607
Color for Density
Exceeds requirements by 10% PnoLS = Planted excluding livestakes
Exceeds requirements, but by less than 10% P‐all = Planting including livestakes
Fails to meet requirements, by less than 10% T = All planted and natural recruits including livestakes
Fails to meet requirements by more than 10% T includes natural recruits
Current Plot Data (MY2 2023)
1
0.02
1
0.02
1
0.02
1
0.02
1
0.02
1
0.02
1
0.02
1
0.02
1
0.02
Stem count
size (ares)
size (ACRES)
Species count
Stems per ACRE
1
0.02
22011‐01‐0007 22011‐01‐0008 22011‐01‐0009 22011‐01‐0010
Scientific Name Common Name Species Type
22011‐01‐0001 22011‐01‐0002 22011‐01‐0003 22011‐01‐0004 22011‐01‐0005 22011‐01‐0006
Table 5. Total Stems by Plot and Species (continued)
Project Code 22‐011.  Project Name: Elm Grove
PnoLS P‐all T PnoLS P‐all T PnoLS P‐all T PnoLS P‐all T PnoLS P‐all T PnoLS P‐all T PnoLS P‐all T PnoLS P‐all T PnoLS P‐all T PnoLS P‐all T
Betula nigra river birch Tree 222222 222111282828121212202020
Celtis occidentalis common hackberry Tree 111444 444 333212121101010242424
Cercis canadensis eastern redbud Tree 6 6 6 1 1 1 15 15 15 6 6 6 16 16 16
Diospyros virginiana common persimmon Tree 111 444111333
Liriodendron tulipifera tuliptree Tree 111333222 666 222262626444111111
Malus angustifolia southern crabapple Tree 333111111
Morella cerifera wax myrtle shrub 333
Morus rubra red mulberry Tree 2 2 2 111222232323999191919
Nyssa sylvatica blackgum Tree 2 2 2 777222444
Platanus occidentalis American sycamore Tree 3 3 3 444 222
Quercus oak Tree 111111111 333 131313777131313
Quercus bicolor swamp white oak Tree 222
Quercus michauxii swamp chestnut oak Tree 444111111333111 333272727161616262626
Quercus nigra water oak Tree 222333111222222222 292929232323272727
Quercus phellos willow oak Tree 333
Quercus rubra northern red oak Tree 111111222111
Ulmus americana American elm Tree 2 2 2 2 2 2 111111222141414777888
Viburnum dentatum southern arrowwood Shrub 1 1 1 14 14 14 9 9 9 10 10 10
17 17 17 13 13 13 17 17 17 7 7 7 14 14 14 10 10 10 15 15 15 238 238 238 108 108 108 184 184 184
666777999444555666888181818141414141414
688 688 688 526.1 526.1 526.1 688 688 688 283.3 283.3 283.3 566.6 566.6 566.6 404.7 404.7 404.7 607 607 607 566.6 566.6 566.6 257.1 257.1 257.1 438 438 438
Color for Density
Exceeds requirements by 10% PnoLS = Planted excluding livestakes
Exceeds requirements, but by less than 10% P‐all = Planting including livestakes
Fails to meet requirements, by less than 10% T = All planted and natural recruits including livestakes
Fails to meet requirements by more than 10% T includes natural recruits
Species count
Stems per ACRE
Current Plot Data (MY2 2023)
17
0.42
Scientific Name Common Name Species Type
Stem count
size (ares)
size (ACRES)
1
0.02
17
0.42
17
0.42
1
0.02
1
0.02
1
0.02
1
0.02
1
0.02
1
0.02
22011‐01‐0013 22011‐01‐0014 22011‐01‐0015 22011‐01‐0016 22011‐01‐0017
Annual Means
MY2 (2023) MY1 (2022) MY0 (2022)22011‐01‐0011 22011‐01‐0012
Table 6. Temporary Vegetation Plot Data ‐ MY2 (2023)
Elm Grove Nutrient Offset Bank Parcel
Species T‐1 T‐2 T‐3 T‐4T‐5T‐6
Betula nigra 111
Celtis occidentalis 211
Cercis canadensis 2
Diospyros virginiana 11 1
Liriodentron tulipifera 33
Morus rubra 132
Nyssa sylvatica 2
Platnus occidentalis 11 1
Quercus bicolor 3
Quercus michauxii 1122
Quercus nigra 1142 1
Ulmus americana 123
Total Number of Stems 71212877
Stems/Acre 283 486 486 324 283 283
Elm Grove Site
MY2 (2023) Vegetation Monitoring Photographs
Elm Grove Site Appendix B: Visual Assessment Data
MY2 Monitoring Report
Plot 8Plot 7
Plot 1 Plot 2
Plot 3 Plot 4
Plot 5 Plot 6
Elm Grove Site
MY2 (2023) Vegetation Monitoring Photographs
Plot 15
Plot 9 Plot 10
Plot 11 Plot 12
Plot 13 Plot 14
Plot 16
Elm Grove Site Appendix B: Visual Assessment Data
MY2 Monitoring Report
Elm Grove Site
MY2 (2023) Vegetation Monitoring Photographs
Plot 17
Elm Grove Site Appendix B: Visual Assessment Data
MY2 Monitoring Report
Appendix B: Random Transect Photos Elm Grove Nutrient Offset and Buffer Mitigation Bank Parcel
Year 2 Monitoring Report – MARCH 2024
T1 T2
T3 T4
T5 T6

Elm Grove Nutrient Offset and Buffer Mitigation Bank Parcel Appendix C: Adaptive Management Plan
Year 2 Monitoring Report – MARCH 2024
Appendix C: Adaptive Management Plan

Restoration Systems, LLC
1101 Haynes St. Suite 211
Raleigh, North Carolina
Ph: [phone]
February 28, 2023 Fx: [phone]

1101 Haynes St., Suite 211 • Raleigh, NC 27604 • www.restorationsystems.com • Ph 919.755.9490 • Fx 919.755.9492

TO: Ms. Katie Merritt
Nutrient Offset & Buffer Banking Coordinator
401 & Buffer Permitting Unit
North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality
1617 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-1617

FROM: Barrett Jenkins

RE: DWR #2020-1225v2 / Elm Gove Nutrient Offset Site / Completion of Adaptive Management
Plan

Ms. Merritt,

This letter is to notify DEQ of the completion of the Adaptive Management Plan (AMP) for the Elm Grove
Nutrient Offset Site (Site) (DWR #2020-1225v2) submitted in December 2022. During the as-built site visit
on July 6, 2022, multiple items requiring corrective action were identified, including high stem mortality,
stem flagging within veg plots, no conservation easement placards on easement boundaries, a small
section measuring .02 acres not planted, an old pasture fence was in the easement, and the addition of
new T-post.

On September 1, 2022, NC Wildlife Habitat Foundation (NCWHF) conservation easement placards were
installed on all surveyed corners. Additionally, the old pasture fence was moved outside the easement,
and new T-posts were added to the areas Katie Merritt highlighted. A map is attached highlighting action
items, and photos of the work described are provided below.

Restoration Systems (RS) observed extensive dieback of planted hardwood species across the Site during
the Yr. 1, 2022, monitoring season. The Yr. 1 vegetation survey indicated an average of two-hundred and
fifty-seven (257) stems per acre across the Site, which fails to meet the requirements by less than 10%.
Multiple variables, including moderate planting conditions and drought, are the lead causes for the high
mortality in planted stems. Table 1 shows consecutive weeks within a level 1 or 2 droughts for Edgecombe
County.

Table 1: Consecutive weeks in drought
Drought Level FIPS* Start Date End Date Consecutive Weeks
Level 1 37065 3/24/2022 7/28/2022 19
Level 2 37065 4/7/2022 7/7/2022 14
(2022) US Drought Monitor https://droughtmonitor.unl.edu/DmData/DataDownload/WeeksInDrought.aspx
*Federal Information Processing Standards (FIPS)

On January 9, 2023, RS implemented a site-wide replant of eight thousand one hundred and fifty (8,150)
bare roots (Figure 1). Spacing and densities were based on Yr. 1 monitoring data. The bare roots were
planted on 10’ x 12’ centers, adding an average of three hundred and sixty-three (363) stems per acre.
The species were picked from the original planting list with minor modifications based on the species’
Restoration Systems, LLC
DWR #2020-1225v2 / Elm Gove Nutrient Offset Site / Completion of Adaptive Management Plan
Page 2

success. The .02 acres lacking planted material were replanted on 8’ x 8’ centers, adding six hundred and
eighty (680) stems per acre.

RS planted six hundred (600) Pinus taeda (Loblolly Pine), which will not count towards vegetation success
criteria, but will benefit the Site. Pinus taeda is drought tolerant, adapted to sandy, well-drained soils, and
offers rapid growth to provide shade for hardwood bare roots.

Planted species were hand mixed into bundles by a professional to ensure proper diversity of planted
material throughout the replanted areas. Two RS Project Managers were onsite to guarantee that the
overall quality of the planting would exceed success criteria requirements. Bare roots were planted and
flagged within the fixed vegetation monitoring plots, which will be recorded in the Yr. 2, 2023, Monitoring
Report.

Table 2 details the species and the number of planted stems. Photo documentation is provided on pages
4-5 of the replanting effort.

Table 2: Remedial planting species and number of stems
Common Name Species Number of Stems
River birch Betula nigra 700
Common hackberry Celtis occidentalis 700
Persimmon Diospyros virginiana 700
Yellow Poplar Liriodendron tulipifera 800
Mulberry Morus rubra 1,000
Loblolly Pine Pinus taeda 600
Black gum Nyssa sylvatica 700
Sycamore Platanus Occidentalis 1,000
Oak (Swamp chestnut) Quercus michauxii 800
Oak (Water) Quercus nigra 800
Wax myrtle Morella cerifera 350
Total 13 species 8,150

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at 512.230.0424.

Sincerely,

Barrett Jenkins
Restoration Systems

Attachments
1.) Photo Log
2.) Figure 1 – AMP Action Items Overview
Restoration Systems, LLC
DWR #2020-1225v2 / Elm Gove Nutrient Offset Site / Completion of Adaptive Management Plan
Page 3

1101 Haynes St., Suite 211 • Raleigh, NC 27604 • www.restorationsystems.com • Ph 919.755.9490 • Fx 919.755.9492

Photo 1: Fence moved outside CE corner noted in Figure 1. September 1, 2022

Photo 2: All surveyed corners with T-posts marked as below. September 1, 2022

Restoration Systems, LLC
DWR #2020-1225v2 / Elm Gove Nutrient Offset Site / Completion of Adaptive Management Plan
Page 4

Restoration Systems, LLC
DWR #2020-1225v2 / Elm Gove Nutrient Offset Site / Completion of Adaptive Management Plan
Page 5

Photo 3: Hand mixing efforts to ensure species diversity. January 9, 2023

Photo 4: A variety of selected species mixed in planting bags. January 9, 2023

Restoration Systems, LLC
DWR #2020-1225v2 / Elm Gove Nutrient Offset Site / Completion of Adaptive Management Plan
Page 6

Photo 5: Planting crew hand planting bare root hardwoods. January 9, 2023

Photo 6: CVS plot after replants with newly planted stem marked with pink flagging. January 9, 2023

N
C

H
i
g
h
w
a
y

2
5
8
Added T-post
Fea
t
u
r
e

C

Feature B1
Feature

B
2
F
e
a
t
u
r
e

A
1
Fea
t
u
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e

A
2
Zone 2 Replant Area:
8' x 8' centers
Fence removed from easement
Added T-postAdded T-postAdded T-post
5
8
3
2
9
1
6
7
4
10
13
11
12
17
16
14
15
FIGURE
Drawn by:
Date:
Scale:
Project No.:
Title:
Project:
Prepared for:
1³
Edgecombe County, NC
RJH
1:3,000
ELM GROVENUTRIENT OFFSETBANK PARCEL
AMP
0 130 260 390 52065
Feet
2020-1225v2
Legend
Elm Grove - Conservation Easement: 22.48 Ac.
Installed CVS Plots (17 total)
Exceeds requirements by 10%
Exceeds requirements, but by less than 10%
Fails to meet requirements by more than 10%
Fails to meet requirements, by less than 10%
30-Foot-Powerline
Removed Fence
!.T-post added
Zone 1 Replant 21.5 acres (10' x 12' centers)
Zone 2 Replant .71 acres (8' x 8' center)
Elm Grove - Surveyed Top of Bank Offsets
TOB to 50 Feet
TOB to 100 Feet
TOB to 200 Feet
Elm Grove - Surveyed Top of Bank
Elm Grove - Subject Fee-Simple Parcels
CCPV MY1 (2022)AND AMP Action ItemsOverview
February 2023
Imagery: 2021 NC OneMap
NC DEQ Division of Water Resources
401 & BufferPermitting Branch