20231319 Ver 1_Ashe County Middle School revised PCN application package_20240501

CLearWaLer
An EnviroScrence CompanyM
ClearWater Environmental Consultants, Inc
www.cwenv.com
May 1, 2024
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 (+/- 108.4 Ac)
Nationwide Permit 39 Request - Revisions
Ashe County, North Carolina
Dear Ms. Jones and Ms. Goss,
Due to a design change for the Ashe County Middle School Project (SAW-2022-02478), please
accept the attached documents to revise the PCN application package submitted on September
22, 2023. Additional material include:
1. Revised NC DMS Acceptance Letter (Attachment A),
2. Revised figures and Wetlands and Stream Impact Map (Attachment B),
3. Additional parcel documentation (delineation map, photos; Attachment C),
4. Approved Jurisdictional Determination documentation (Attachment D).
Most of the project area will remain on the same property parcels with the addition of the adjacent
parcel to the north (PIN 19227212). The new parcel is the location of the high school and will be
used for a one -lane access road to the middle school. The three parcels are approximately 108
acres but the project area will only be approximately 69.9 acres due to the small footprint of the
access road. No new stream or wetland impacts will occur with this design addition.
Other design changes, as found in Figure 5 (Attachment B), will decrease wetland impacts from
0.498 acres to 0.394 acres and stream impacts from 455 linear feet (0.029 acres) to 269 linear
feet (0.018 acres). This will eliminate the need for stream mitigation.
Please do not hesitate to contact me at 828-698-9800 if you have any questions regarding the
revised information. Copies have 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,
Eric R aniszyn
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

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'tee auanv�t"k
NORTH CAROLINA
Environmental Quality
Water Resources
Office Use Only
Corps Action I D no. [Click to enter.] Date received: [Click to enter.]
DWR project no. Click enter.] Date received: [Click to enter.]
Site Coordinates:
Latitude (DD.DDDDDD): 36.39047
Longitude (DD.DDDDDD):-81.473676
Form Version 4.3, 1210412023
Pre -Construction Notification (PCN) Form
(Ver. 4.2, 1210412023)
For Nationwide Permits and Regional General Permits and corresponding Water Quality Certifications
Please note: fields marked with a red asterisk are required. The form is not considered complete until all
mandatory questions are answered.
The PCN help document may be found at this link:
https://edocs.deg. nc.gov/WaterResources/DocView.aspx?dbid=0&id=2196924&cr=1
Page 1 of 20 PCN Form Version 4.3- December 4, 2023

A. Processing Information
County (counties) where project is located: *
Ashe Additional (if needed).
Is this an ARPA project? *
❑ Yes ❑x No
If yes, ARPA project number:
* The project number can be found on the "Letter of Intent to Fund'
(LOIF) or "Offer and Acceptance Letter". If you are unable to locate
Click or tap here to enter text.
your DWI ARPA Funding Project Number, please contact Corey
Basinger at core y.basingera(Mcdenr.gov for further assistance.
Is this a NCDMS project? *
(Click yes only if NCDMS is the applicant or co-
❑ Yes ❑x No
applicant)
Is this a public transportation project?
(Publicly funded municipal, state, or federal road, rail,
❑ Yes ❑x No
or airport project)
Is this a NCDOT project? *
❑ Yes ❑x No
If yes, NCDOT TIP or state project number:
Click to enter.
If yes, NCDOT WBS number: *
Click to enter.
❑x Section 404 Permit (wetlands, streams, waters,
Clean Water Act)
1 a. Type(s) of approval sought from the Corps: *
❑ Section 10 Permit (navigable waters, tidal
waters, Rivers and Harbors Act)
Has this PCN previously been submitted? *
❑x Yes ❑ No
Please provide the date of the previous submission. *
9/22/2023
❑x Nationwide Permit (NWP)
1 b. What type(s) of permit(s) do you wish to seek
❑ Regional General Permit (RGP)
authorization?
❑ Standard (IP)
This form may be used to initiate the standard/ individual permit process with the USACE. Please contact your Corps
representative concerning submittals for standard permits. All required items can be included as attachments and
submitted with this form.
1 c. Has the NWP or GP number been verified by the Corps? *
❑ Yes ❑x No
NWP number(s) (list all numbers ):
39
RGP number(s) (list all numbers ):
Click to enter.
Are you a federal applicant?
❑ Yes ❑x No
If yes, please provide a statement concerning compliance with the Coastal Zone Management Act
Click to enter text.
1 d. Type(s) of approval sought from DWR (check all that apply):
❑x 401 Water Quality Certification — Regular
❑ 401 Water Quality Certification— Express
❑ Non-404 Jurisdictional General Permit
❑ Riparian Buffer Authorization
❑ Individual 401 Water Quality Certification
Is this a courtesy copy notification
❑ Yes ❑x No
Page 2 of 20 PCN Form Version 4.3- December 4, 2023

1e.
Is this notification solely for the record because written approval is not required?
For the record only for DWR 401 Certification:
❑ Yes
❑x No
For the record only for Corps Permit:
❑ Yes
❑x No
1f.
Is this an after -the -fact permit/certification application?
❑ Yes
❑x No
1g.
Is payment into a mitigation bank or in -lieu fee program proposed for
mitigation of impacts?
® Yes
❑ No
If yes, attach the acceptance letter from mitigation bank or in -lieu fee program. See Attachment A.
1 h.
Is the project located in any of NC's twenty coastal counties?
❑ Yes
❑x No
1 i.
Is the project located within an NC DCM Area of Environmental
Concern (AEC)?
❑ Yes
❑x No ❑ Unknown
1j.
Is the project located in a designated trout watershed?
® Yes
❑ No
If yes, you must attach a copy of the approval letter from the appropriate Wildlife Resource Commission Office.
Trout information may be found at this link: http://www.saw.usace.army.miI/Missions/Regulatory-Permit-
Program/Agency-Coordination/Trout.aspx
Page 3 of 20 PCN Form Version 4.3- December 4, 2023

B. Applicant Information
1a.
Who is the primary contact?
Eisa Cox
1 b.
Primary Contact Email:
[e-mail]
1 c.
Primary Contact Phone: (###)###-####
336-246-7175
1 d.
Who is applying for the permit/certification? (check
all that apply)
® Owner 0 Applicant (other than owner)
1 e.
Is there an agent/consultant for this project?
® Yes ❑ No
2.
Landowner Information
2a.
Name(s) on Recorded Deed:
Ashe County Board of Education / County of Ashe
2b.
Deed Book and Page No.:
487/0909; 483/1553; 546/1787
2c.
Contact Person (for corporations):
Eisa Cox
2d.
Address
Street Address:
PO Box 604; 150 Government Circle, Suite 2500
Address line 2:
Click to entE
City:
Jefferson
State/ Province/ Region:
NC
Postal/ Zip Code:
28640
Country:
United States of America
2e.
Telephone Number: (###)###-####
336-246-7175 / 336-430-0771
2f.
Fax Number: (###)###-####
�,HUN LU U11L
2g.
Email Address:
[e-mail] /
[e-mail]
3.
Applicant Information (if different from owner)
3a.
Name:
3b.
Business Name (if applicable):
3c.
Address:
Street Address:
Click to enter.
Address line 2:
Click to enter.
City:
Click to enter.
State/ Province/ Region:
Click to enter.
Postal/ Zip Code:
Click to enter.
Country
Click to enter.
3d.
Telephone Number: (###)###-####
3e
Fax Number: (###)###-####
Click to entE
3f.
Email Address:
Page 4 of 20 PCN Form Version 4.3- December 4, 2023

4. Agent/ Consultant (if applicable)
4a. Name:
Eric Romaniszyn
4b. Business Name:
ClearWater Environmental Consultants
4c. Address:
Street Address:
145 7th Ave West, Suite B
Address line 2:
Click to entr
City:
Hendersonville
State/ Province/ Region:
NC
Postal/ Zip Code:
28792
Country:
United States of America
4d. Telephone Number: (###)###-####
828-698-9800
4e Fax Number: (###)###-####
Click to entc
4f. Email Address:
[e-mail]
Agent Authorization Letter:
Attach a completed/signed agent authorization form or letter. A sample form may be found at this link:
https://www.saw.usace.army. mil/Missions/Reg ulatory- Perm it-Program/Permits/2017-Nationwide-Permits/Pre-
construction-Notification/
Page 5 of 20 PCN Form Version 4.3- December 4, 2023

C. Project Information and Prior Project History
1. Project Information
1 a. Name of project: *
Ashe County Middle School
1 b. Subdivision name (if appropriate):
Click to enter.
1 c. Nearest municipality/town: *
West Jefferson
2.
Project Identification
2a.
Property identification number (tax PIN or parcel ID):
19227214; 19227517; 19227212
2b.
Property size (in acres):
108.4
2c.
Project Address:
Street Address:
191 Greenfield Lane
Address line 2:
Click to enter.
City:
West Jefferson
State/ Province/ Region:
NC
Postal/ Zip Code:
28640
Country:
United States of America
2d.
Site coordinates in decimal degrees (using 4-6 digits
after the decimal point): *
Latitude (DD.DDDDDD): * 36.39047
Longitude (-DD.DDDDDD): *--81.473676
3. Surface Waters
3a. Name of nearest body of water to proposed project: *
Cole Branch
3b. Water Resources Classification of nearest receiving
C, Tr
water: *
The Surface Water Classification map may be found at this link:
https:Hncdenr.maps.arcqis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=6e125ad7628f494694e259c80dd64265
New
3c. In what river basin(s) is your project located?
Choose additional (if needed)
3d. Please provide the 12-digit HUC in which the project is
050500010206
located: *
The Find Your HUC map may be found at this link:
https:Hncdenr.maps.arcgis.com/apps/Publiclnformation/index.html?appid=ad3a85aOc6d644aOb97cd069db238ac3
Page 6 of 20 PCN Form Version 4.3- December 4, 2023

4. Project Description and History
4a. 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 three properties (see attached parcel information and Attachment B, Figure 3). Most
of this project will occur on two parcels, a 2.5-acre site that consists of mowed grass with few trees and shrubs
owned by Ashe County Board of Education and a 66.3 acre site that consists of old pasture and forested land
that was previously a private residence but is currently owned by Ashe County. The third property is 39.6 acres
that is owned by the Ashe County Board of Education and is the location of the Ashe County High School.
However, only one acre of this property will be used for an access road to the middle school; this area consists of
mowed grass and athletic fields. The overall project area is bordered by multiple commercial properties to the
west, additional commercial properties and a community college to the north, a campground and residential
properties to the south, and forested land to the east.
4b. Have Corps permits or DWR certifications been obtained for this
❑ Yes ❑x No ❑ Unknown
project (including all prior phases) in the past?
If yes, please give the DWR Certification number and/or Corps
[Click to enter.]
Action ID (ex. SAW-0000-00000):
Eric Romaniszyn
Attach any pertinent project history documentation
4b2. Is any portion of the work already complete?
® Yes ❑ No
If yes, describe the completed work.
An impact plan set was provided (Figure 5)
4c. List of other certifications or approvals/denials received from other federal, state or local agencies for work
described in this application not related to the 404 or 401.
Ashe County erosion control permit; NC 401 stormwater permit
4d. Attach an 8'h x 11" excerpt from the most recent version of the USGS topographic map indicating the location of
the project site. See Attachment B, Figure 2.
4e. Attach an 8'h x 11" excerpt from the most recent version of the published County NRCS Soil Survey map
depicting the project site. See Attachment B, Figure 4
4f. List the total estimated acreage of all existing wetlands on the
1.912
property:
4g. List the total estimated linear feet of all existing streams (intermittent
4,673
and perennial) on the property:
4g1. List the total estimated acreage of all existing open waters on the
0
property:
4h. 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.
Page 7 of 20 PCN Form Version 4.3- December 4, 2023

4i. Describe the overall project in detail, including the type of equipment to be used:
The proposed project is for development of the new Ashe County Middle School in West Jefferson, NC. The area
is comprised of three parcels covering approximately 108 acres but the project area will be approximately 69
acres (see Attachment B, Revised Figures). 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 building and associated
entrance roads, parking, utilities, stormwater control measures, and athletic fields.
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 seven and
eight. 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 and through the adjacent high school.
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 square feet over three stories and will serve 650 to 800 students across grades six to eight. 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 site grades and have access to the outdoors
Site preparation will involve placing fill in the stream and wetland areas. The total stream impacts would be 269
linear feet (0.018 acres) and wetland impacts would be 0.394 acres (see Attachment B, 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. Approximately 8.2 acres of trees will be cleared for site development.
At stream impact S1, 78 linear feet (0.008 acres) of 36-inch diameter CMP culvert will be installed to route a
stream under the proposed entrance. This will connect to an existing 42 linear foot, 36-inch CMP culvert; see
Figure 5D for installation details. At stream impact S2, 23 linear feet (0.001 acres) of 36-inch CMP culvert will be
installed to route a stream under the proposed entrance; this culvert will tie into the S1 culvert. Junction boxes
will be used for all culvert connections and all culverts will be protected by pre -cast concrete headwalls. Both
culverts and headwalls will be installed "in -the -dry" via open cut and embedded to allow for aquatic passage.
Construction details are found in Attachment B, Figure 5. The S1 and S2 crossing will include utility lines
(electric, water, sewer) that will be installed under the entrance road.
The impacts at S4 and S5 are required to create a pad large enough for the school building and perimeter road;
the ground surface is being raised five to 20 feet at these locations. The impacts will occur within the same
stream channel where a 214 linear foot and 12-inch diameter French drain will be installed following the
engineering detail found in Figure 5C. Impact S4 will impact 39 linear feet (0.003 acres) of a perennial stream.
Impact S5 will include replacing an existing 27 linear foot culvert for a net impact of 129 If (0.006 acres) of an
intermittent stream. The French drain will outlet into the existing stream channel downstream of S4.
The access road entering the middle school property from the north will be one -lane. It will cross one stream
feature already placed in a culvert (see Attached C). The culvert will not need to be widened to accommodate the
road and therefore, no impacts to the stream will occur.
Typical construction equipment will be used during development of the site, including bulldozers, excavators,
backhoes, dump trucks, etc. They will be operated from higher ground where possible.
4j. Attach project drawings/site diagrams/depictions of impact areas for the proposed project. See Figure 5.
4k. Will this activity involve dredging in wetlands or waters? ❑ Yes ❑x No
If yes, describe the type of dredging, the composition of the dredged material, and the locations of disposal area.
U11CK io enter iex.
Page 8 of 20 PCN Form Version 4.3- December 4, 2023

5.
Jurisdictional Determinations
5a.
Have the wetlands or streams been delineated on the property or in
® Yes ❑ No ❑ Unknown
proposed impact areas?
Comments:
Click to enter tex'
5b.
If the Corps made a jurisdictional determination,
❑ Preliminary ❑x Approved ❑ Emailed concurrence
what type of determination was made?
❑ Not Verified ❑ Unknown ❑ n/a
Corps AID number (ex. SAW-0000-00000):
SAW-2022-02478
Name (if known): ClicK io enter.
5c.
If 5a is yes, who delineated the jurisdictional
Agency/Consultant Company: ClearWater Environmental
areas?
Consultants
Other: Click to enter
5d.
List the dates of the Corps jurisdictional determination or State determination if a determination was made by
either agency.
PJD = December 27, 2022 (see original PCN application package September 22, 2023); AJD = March 8, 2024
5d1.
Attach jurisdictional determinations. See AJD in Attachment D.
6. Future Project Plans
6a. Is this a phased project?
❑ Yes ❑x No
6b. If yes, explain.
Click to enter.
Are any other NWP(s), regional general permit(s), or individual permit(s) used, or intended to be used, to
authorize any part of the proposed project or related activity? This includes other separate and distant crossings
for linear projects that require Department of the Army authorization but don't require pre -construction
notification.
None
7. Addresses of adjoining property owners, lessees, etc. whose property adjoins the waterbody (if more than can be
entered here, please attach a supplemental list)
See Attachment E.
8. Scheduling of activity:
This project will begin as soon as all required local, state and federal permits are obtained. It will also depend if
the trout moratorium is in place and/or a tree clearing moratorium is in place for bats.
Page 9 of 20 PCN Form Version 4.3- December 4, 2023

D. Proposed Impacts Inventory
Impacts Summary
❑x Wetlands ❑x Streams - tributaries
1 a. Where are the impacts associated with your project ❑ Buffers ❑ Open Waters
(check all that apply):
❑ Pond Construction
2. Wetland Impacts
If there are wetland impacts proposed on the site, complete this table for each wetland area impacted.
2a.
2a1.
2b.
2c.
2d.
2e.
2f.
2g.
Site #*
Impact
Impact
Wetland Type*
Wetland Name*
Forested
Jurisdiction
Impact Area
Reason/Type*
Duration*
?*
Type*
(ac)*
W1
Fill (Incl.
Permanent
Bottomland
WA
Yes
Both
0.080
Riprap)
Hardwood Forest
W2
Fill (Incl.
Permanent
Bottomland
WA
Yes
Both
0.002
Riprap)
Hardwood Forest
W3
Fill (Incl.
Permanent
Bottomland
WG
No
Both
0.194
Riprap)
Hardwood Forest
W4
Fill (Incl.
Permanent
Bottomland
WG
No
Both
0.097
Riprap)
Hardwood Forest
W7
Fill (Incl.
Permanent
Bottomland
WY
Yes
Both
0.014
Riprap)
Hardwood Forest
W11
Fill (Incl.
Permanent
Bottomland
WX
Yes
Both
0.005
Riprap)
Hardwood Forest
W12
Fill (Incl.
Permanent
Bottomland
WV
Yes
Both
0.001
Riprap)
Hardwood Forest
W13
Fill (Incl.
Permanent
Bottomland
WU
Yes
Both
0.001
Riprap)
Hardwood Forest
Choose one
Temp/ Perr
Choose one
Click to ente
iN
Choose one
Click to enter
2g1. Total temporary wetland impacts
0 ac
2g2. Total permanent wetland impacts
0.394 ac
2g3. Total wetland impacts
0.394 ac
2h. Type(s) of material being discharged and the amount of each type in cubic yards:
Standard fill dirt, approximately 2,000 cubic yds.
2i. Comments:
Features W5, W6, W8, W9, and W10 that were identified as wetlands in the original PCN application were considered
non -jurisdictional by the Corps and removed from the impacts; these totaled 0.142 acres. See the AJD in Attachment D.
Wetland names align with the features identified in the PJD dated December 27, 2022.
Page 10 of 20 PCN Form Version 4.3- December 4, 2023

3.
Stream Impacts
If there are perennial or intermittent stream/ tributary impacts (including
temporary impacts) proposed on the site,
complete this table for all stream/ tributary sites impacted.
** All Perennial or Intermittent streams must be verified by DWR or delegated
local government
3a
3b.
3c.
3d.
3e.
3f.
3g.
3h.
Site #*
Impact
Impact
Impact Type*
Stream Name*
Stream
Jurisdiction
Stream Width
Impact length
Reason*
Duration*
Type*
Type*
(avg ft) *
(linear ft)
S1
Road crossing
Permanent
Crossing/
Unnamed
Perennial
Both
4.3
78
Culvert
tributary
S2
Road crossing
Permanent
Crossing/
Unnamed
Perennial
Both
1.9
23
Culvert
tributary
S4
Road crossing
Permanent
Crossing/
Unnamed
Perennial
Both
3.5
39
Culvert
tributary
S5
Road crossing
Permanent
Crossing/
Unnamed
Intermitte
Both
2
129
and building
Culvert
tributary
nt
footprint
Click to enter
Temp/ Perm
Choose one
Click to enter
Per/Int
Choose one
Click to enter
Click to enter
Click to enter
Temp/ Perm
Choose one
Click to enter
Per/Int
Choose one
Click to enter
Click to enter
Click to enter
Temp/ Perm
Choose one
Click to enter
Per/Int
Choose one
Click to enter
Click to enter
Click to enter
Temp/ Perm
Choose one
Click to enter
Per/Int
Choose one
Click to enter
Click to enter
Click to enter
Temp/ Perm
Choose one
Click to enter
Per/Int
Choose one
Click to enter
Click to enter
Click to enter
Temp/ Perm
Choose one
Click to enter
Per/Int
Choose one
Click to enter
Click to enter
Click to enter
Temp/ Perm
Choose one
Click to enter
Per/Int
Choose one
Click to enter
Click to enter
Click to enter
Temp/ Perm
Choose one
Click to enter
Per/Int
Choose one
Click to enter
Click to enter
Click to enter
Temp/ Perm
Choose one
Click to enter
Per/Int
Choose one
Click to enter
Click to enter
Click to enter
Temp/ Perm
Choose one
Click to enter
Per/Int
Choose one
Click to enter
Click to enter
3i1.
Total jurisdictional ditch
0 linear ft
impact:
3i2.
Total permanent stream
269 linear ft
impacts:
M.
Total temporary stream
0 linear ft
impacts:
34.
Total stream and ditch
269 linear ft
impacts:
3j.
Comments:
0.018 acres of permanent stream impact, construction details for impacts
are in Figure 5.
Feature S3 (54 linear feet,
0.002 acres) was identified as
a stream in the original PCN application but
was considered non -jurisdictional by the
Corps and removed from the impacts;
see the AJD in Attachment D.
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., individually list all open water impacts in the table below.
4a. 4a1. 4b. 4c. 4d. 4e. 4f.
Site # Impact Reason Impact Waterbody Name Activity Type Waterbody Impact area
Duration Type (ac)
Page 11 of 20 PCN Form Version 4.3- December 4, 2023

01
Click to enter.
Temp/ Perm
Click to enter.
Choose one
Choose one
Click to enter.
02
Click to enter.
Temp/ Perm
Click to enter.
Choose one
Choose one
Click to enter.
03
Click to enter.
Temp/ Perm
Click to enter.
Choose one
Choose one
Click to enter.
04
Click to enter.
Temp/ Perm
Click to enter.
Choose one
Choose one
Click to enter.
05
Click to enter.
Temp/ Perm
Click to enter.
Choose one
Choose one
Click to enter.
4g.
Total temporary open water impacts
Click to enter. ac
4g.
Total permanent open water impacts
Click to enter. ac
4g.
Total open water impacts
Click to enter. ac
4h.
Comments:
lick to enter.
5.
Pond or Lake Construction
If pond or lake construction is proposed, complete
the table below. (*This
does NOT include offline stormwater
management ponds.)
5a.
5b.
5c.
5d.
5e.
Pond ID
Proposed use or
Wetland Impacts (ac)
Stream
Impacts (ft)
Upland
#
purpose of pond
Impacts (ac)
Flooded
Filled
Excavated
Flooded
Filled
Excavated
P1
Choose one
Click t.
Click tt.
Click to
DICK 10
Click to
Click to
UICK IC,
enter.
enter.
enter.
enter.
enter.
enter.
enter.
P2
Choose one
Click to
Click to
Click to
Click to
Click to
Click to
Click to
enter.
enter.
enter.
enter.
enter.
enter.
enter.
P3
Choose one
Click to
Click to
Click to
Click to
Click to
Click to
Click to
enter.
enter.
enter.
enter.
enter.
enter.
enter.
5f.
Total
Click to
Click to
Click to
Click to
Click to
Click to
Click to
enter.
enter.
enter.
enter.
enter.
enter.
enter.
5g.
Comments:
Click to enter.
5h.
Is a dam high hazard permit required?
❑ Yes ❑ No
If yes, permit ID no.:
Click to enter.
5i.
Expected pond surface area (acres):
Click to enter.
5j.
Size of pond watershed (acres):
Click to enter.
5k.
Method of construction:
Click to enter.
Page 12 of 20 PCN Form Version 4.3- December 4, 2023

6. Buffer Impacts (DWR requirement)
If project will impact a protected riparian buffer, then complete the chart below. Individually list all buffer impacts.
6a. Project is in which protected basin(s)?
(Check all that apply.)
❑ Neuse ❑ Tar -Pamlico ❑ Catawba
❑ Jordan ❑ Goose Creek ❑ Randleman
❑ Other: Click to ente
Site #*
6b.
Impact Type*
6c.
Impact Duration*
6d.
Stream Name*
6e.
Buffer
Mitigation
Required?*
6f.
Zone 1 Impact*
(sq ft)
6g.
Zone 2 Impact*
(sq ft)
B1
Choose one
Temp/ Perm
Click to enter.
Y/N
Click to enter.
Click to enter
B2
Choose one
Temp/ Perm
Click to enter.
Y/N
Click to enter.
Click to enter
B3
Choose one
Temp/ Perm
Click to enter.
Y/N
Click to enter.
Click to enter
B4
Choose one
Temp/ Perm
Click to enter.
Y/N
Click to enter.
Click to enter
B5
Choose one
Temp/ Perm
Click to enter.
Y/N
Click to enter
Click to enter.
B6
Choose one
Temp/ Perm
Click to enter.
Y/N
Click to enter
Click to enter.
B7
Choose one
Temp/ Perm
Click to enter.
Y/N
Click to enter
Click to enter.
B8
Choose one
Temp/ Perm
Click to enter.
Y/N
Click to enter
Click to enter.
B9
Choose one
Temp/ Perm
Click to enter.
Y/N
Click to enter
Click to enter.
B10
Choose one
Temp/ Perm
Click to enter.
Y/N
Click to enter
Click to enter.
1311
Choose one
Temp/ Perm
Click to enter.
Y/N
Click to enter
Click to enter.
B12
Choose one
Temp/ Perm
Click to enter.
Y/N
Click to enter
Click to enter.
B13
Choose one
Temp/ Perm
Click to enter.
Y/N
Click to enter
Click to enter.
B14
Choose one
Temp/ Perm
Click to enter.
Y/N
Click to enter
Click to enter.
B15
Choose one
Temp/ Perm
Click to enter.
Y/N
Click to enter
Click to enter.
B16
Choose one
Temp/ Perm
Click to enter.
Y/N
Click to enter
Click to enter.
B17
Choose one
Temp/ Perm
Click to enter.
Y/N
Click to enter.
Click to enter.
B18
Choose one
Temp/ Perm
Click to enter.
Y/N
Click to enter
Click to enter.
B19
Choose one
Temp/ Perm
Click to enter.
Y/N
Click to enter
Click to enter.
B20
Choose one
Temp/ Perm
Click to enter.
Y/N
Click to enter.
Click to enter.
6h. Total temporary impacts:
Zone 1: Click to enter sq ft
Zone 2: Click to enter. sq ft
6h. Total permanent impacts:
Zone 1: Click to enter sq ft
Zone 2: Click to enter. sq ft
6h. Total combined buffer impacts:
Zone 1: Click to enter sq ft
Zone 2: Click to enter. sq ft
6i. Comments:
LACK to enter.
Please attach supporting documentation (impact maps, plan sheets, etc.) for the proposed project.
Page 13 of 20 PCN Form Version 4.3- December 4, 2023

E. Impact Justification and Mitigation
1. Avoidance and Minimization
1a. Specifically describe measures taken to avoid or minimize the proposed impacts through project design:
The school design changed from the original PCN application submitted September 22, 2023. Changes included
shifting the building downslope, reorienting athletic fields, and moving the northern access road (see Attachment
B, Figure 5). The new location of the northern access road was designed to use an existing culvert for one
stream crossing and aligned to avoid a second stream crossing. All changes reduced wetland impacts from
0.498 acres to 0.394 acres and stream impacts from 455 linear feet (0.029 acres) to 269 linear feet (0.018
acres).
The project design avoids permanent impacts to 1.518 acres of wetland (79% of wetland area on site) and 4,404
linear feet of stream (94% of stream length on site).
Permanent stream impacts are proposed for installation of two culverts under the school entrance road, and one
French drain under the school building and adjacent driveway. Permanent wetland impacts are proposed along
the entrance road and portions of the building footprint and adjacent driveway. All other proposed structures and
infrastructure, including most of the entrance roads, parking areas, and the building footprint, are proposed in
uplands.
The primary entrance road form the west 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.
1 b. Specifically describe measures taken to avoid or minimize proposed impacts through construction techniques:
Appropriate erosion and sediment control measures will be implemented to avoid unintended impacts to waters
on and adjacent to the site. All equipment will be operated from high ground where possible. A pump -around
system will be used to install culverts and headwalls in -the -dry (see Attachment B, Figure 5). After installation,
stream banks and disturbed vegetation will be restored using natural restoration design techniques.
2. Compensatory Mitigation for Impacts to Waters of the U.S., Waters of the State, or Riparian Buffers
2a. If compensatory mitigation is required, by whom is it required? ❑ DWR ❑x Corps
(check all that apply)
2b. If yes, which mitigation option(s) will be used for this ❑ Mitigation Bank
project? (check all that apply) ❑x In Lieu Fee Program
❑ Permittee Responsible Mitigation
3. Complete if using a Mitigation Bank
(Must satisfy NC General Statute143-214.11 (d1).)
3a. Name of mitigation bank:
Click to enter.
3b. Credits purchased/requested:
Type: Choose one
Quantity Click to enter.
Type: Choose one
Quantity Click to enter.
Type: Choose one
Quantity Click to enter
Attach receipt and/or approval letter.
3c. Comments:
UJUK W efltel.
Page 14 of 20 PCN Form Version 4.3- December 4, 2023

4. Complete if Using an In Lieu Fee Program
4a. Attach approval letter from in lieu fee program. See Attachment A.
4b. Stream mitigation requested:
0
4c. If using stream mitigation, what is the stream temperature:
Choose one
NC Stream Temperature Classification Maps can be found under the Mitigation Concepts tab on the Wilmington
District's RIBITS website: (Please use the filter and select Wilmington district)
https://ribits.usace.army.miI/ribits apex/f?p=107:27:2734709611497::NO:RP:P27 BUTTON KEY:O
4d. Buffer mitigation requested (DWR only):
0 square feet
4e. Riparian wetland mitigation requested:
0.394 acres
4f. Non -riparian wetland mitigation requested:
0 acres
4g. Coastal (tidal) wetland mitigation requested:
Click to ente acres
4h. Comments:
We are requesting a mitigation ratio of 2:1 for all forested wetland impacts and 1.5: 1 for non -forested wetlands.
See Attachment A for NC Wetland Assessment Forms.
5. Complete if Providing a Permittee Responsible Mitigation Plan
5a. If proposing a permittee responsible mitigation plan, provide a description of the proposed mitigation plan,
including mitigation credits generated.
NICK to entel .
5b. Attach mitigation plan/documentation.
6.
Buffer Mitigation (State Regulated Riparian Buffer Rules) — DWR requirement
6a.
Will the project result in an impact within a protected riparian buffer
❑ Yes ❑x No
that requires buffer mitigation?
If yes, please complete this entire section — please contact DWR for more information.
6b.
If yes, identify the square feet of impact to each zone of the riparian buffer that requires
mitigation. Calculate the
amount of mitigation required in the table below.
6c.
6d.
6e.
Zone
Reason for impact
Total impact
Multiplier
Required mitigation
(square feet)
(square feet)
Zone 1
Click to enter.
Click to enter.
Choose one
Click to enter.
Zone 2
Click to enter.
Click to enter.
';hoose one
Click to enter.
6f. Total buffer mitigation required
Click to enter.
6g.
If buffer mitigation is required, is payment to a mitigation bank or
❑ Yes ❑ No
NC Division of Mitigation Services proposed?
6h.
If yes, attach the acceptance letter from the mitigation bank or NC Division of Mitigation Services.
6i.
Comments:
Click to enter.
Page 15 of 20 PCN Form Version 4.3- December 4, 2023

F. Stormwater Management and Diffuse Flow Plan (DWR requirement)
1. Diffuse Flow Plan
1 a. Does the project include or is it adjacent to protected riparian buffers
❑ Yes ❑x No
identified within one of the NC Riparian Buffer Protection Rules?
1 b. All buffer impacts and high ground impacts require diffuse flow or other form of stormwater treatment. If the
project is subject to a state implemented riparian buffer protection program, include a plan that fully documents
how diffuse/dispersed flow will be maintained.
All Stormwater Control Measures (SCM) must be designed in accordance with the NC Stormwater Design
Manual (https://deg.nc.,qov/about/divisions/energy-mineral-land-resources/energy-mineral-land-Permit-
guidance/stormwater-bmp-manual).
Associated supplement forms and other documentation must be provided.
❑ Level Spreader
What Type of SCM are you
❑ Vegetated Conveyance (lower seasonal high water table- SHWT)
providing?
❑ Wetland Swale (higher SHWT)
(Check all that apply)
❑ Other SCM that removes minimum 30% nitrogen
❑ Proposed project will not create concentrated stormwater flow through the
buffer
For a list of options to meet the diffuse flow requirements, click here.
Attach diffuse flow documentation.
2.
Stormwater Management Plan
2a.
Is this an NCDOT project subject to compliance with NCDOT's
Individual NPDES permit NCS000250?
❑ Yes ❑x No
2b.
Does this project meet the requirements for low density projects as
defined in 15A NCAC 02H .1003(2)?
❑ Yes ❑x No
To look up low density requirements, click here:
http://reports.oah.state.nc.us/ncac/title%2015a%20-%20environmental%20guaIity/chapter%2002%20-
%20environ mental%20manage ment/subchapter%20h/15a%20ncac%2002h%20.1003.pdf
2c.
Does this project have a stormwater management plan (SMP)
❑x Yes ❑ No
reviewed and approved under a state stormwater program or state -
approved local government stormwater program?
❑ n/a — project disturbs < 1 acre
Note: Projects that have vested rights, exemptions, or grandfathering from state or locally implemented
stormwater programs or projects that satisfy state or locally -implemented stormwater programs through use of
community in -lieu programs should answer "no" to this question.
2d.
Which of the following stormwater management program(s) apply?
❑ Local Government
(Check all that apply.)
❑x State
If you have local government approval, please include the SMP on their overall impact map.
❑ Phase II ❑ USMP
Local Government Stormwater Programs
❑ NSW ❑ Water Supply
Page 16 of 20 PCN Form Version 4.3- December 4, 2023

Please identify which local government stormwater program you are using.
Click to enter.
State Stormwater Programs
Comments:
❑ Phase II ❑ HQW or ORW
❑ Coastal Counties ❑x Other: DWR 401
Civil Design Concept prepared a Stormwater Management Plan adapted to site conditions and complied with NC
DWR standards for runoff quantity and quality. CDC submitted the Plan directly to DWR in April 2024; CDC has
not received a permit number as of April 22, 2024.
G. Supplementary Information
1. Environmental Documentation
1a. Does the project involve an expenditure of public (federal/state/local)
® Yes ❑ No
funds or the 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 (North Carolina) Environmental
❑ Yes ❑x No
Policy Act (NEPA/SEPA)?
1 c. 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
❑ Yes ❑ No
NEPA or SEPA final approval letter.)
Comments:
Click to en«
2. Violations (DWR Requirement)
2a. Is the site in violation of DWR Water Quality Certification Rules (15A
NCAC 2H .0500), Isolated Wetland Rules (15A NCAC 2H .1300),
Federally Non -Jurisdictional Wetlands /Classified Surface Waters
❑ Yes ❑x No
(15A NCAC 2H. 1400) DWR Surface Water or Wetland Standards or
Riparian Buffer Rules (15A NCAC 2B .0200)?
2b. If you answered "yes" to the above question, provide an explanation of the violation(s):
Click to enter.
3. Cumulative Impacts (DWR Requirement)
3a. Will this project (based on past and reasonably anticipated future
impacts) result in additional development, which could impact nearby
❑ Yes ❑x No
downstream water quality?
3b. 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.
3c. If yes, provide a qualitative or quantitative cumulative impact analysis in accordance with the most recent DWR
policy. (Attach .pdf)
Page 17 of 20 PCN Form Version 4.3- December 4, 2023

1 4. Sewage Disposal (DWR Requirement)
4a. Is sewage disposal required by DWR for this project? 1 ® Yes ❑ No ❑ N/A
4b. If yes, describe in detail the treatment methods and dispositions (non -discharge or discharge) of wastewater
generated from the proposed project. If the wastewater will be treated at a treatment plant, list the capacity
available at that plant.
The 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, which has a total capacity of
500,000 gpd and an available capacity of 270,000 gpd as of April 17, 2024.
5. Endangered Species and Designated Critical Habitat (Corps Requirement)
5a. Will this project occur in or near an area with federally protected
® Yes ❑ No
species or habitat? (IPAC weblink: https://www.fws.gov/ipac/ ffws.gov1)
5b. Have you checked with the USFWS concerning Endangered Species
® Yes ❑ No
Act impacts?
5c. If yes, indicate the USFWS Field Office you have contacted.
Asheville
5d. Is another federal agency involved?
❑ Yes ❑x No ❑ Unknown
If yes, which federal agency?
Click to enter.
5e. Is this a DOT project located within Divisions 1-8?
❑ Yes ❑x No
5f. Will you cut any trees in order to conduct the work in waters of the
U.S.?
® Yes ❑ No
5g. Does this project involve bridge maintenance or removal?
❑ Yes ❑x No
5g1. If yes, have you inspected the bridge for signs of bat use such as
staining, guano, bats, etc.? Representative photos of signs of bat use
❑ Yes ❑ No
can be found in the NLEB SLOPES, Appendix F, pages 3-7.
Representative photos of signs of bat use can be found in the NLEB SLOPES, Appendix F, pages 3-7. Link to
NLEB SLOPES document: http://saw-reg.usace.army.mil/NLEB/1-30-17-signed NLEB-SLOPES&apps.pdf
If you answered yes to 5g1, did you discover any signs of bat use? *
❑ Yes ❑ No ❑ Unknown
If yes, please show the location of the bridge on the permit drawings/ project plans
5h. Does this project involve the construction/ installation of a wind
turbine(s)?
❑ Yes ❑x No
If yes, please show the location of the wind turbine(s) on the permit drawings/ project plans (attach .pdf)
5i. Does this project involve blasting and /or other percussive activities
that will be conducted by machines, such as jackhammers,
❑ Yes ❑x No
mechanized pile drivers, etc.?
If yes, please provide details to include type of percussive activity, purpose, duration, and specific location of this
activity on the property (attach .pdf)
5j. 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 of
original application package dated September 22, 2023). The bat survey report was submitted to USFWS and NHP for
review; the results of the mist net study indicated no presence of protected species.
Attach consultation documentation. See Attachment F for bat survey report.
Page 18 of 20 PCN Form Version 4.3- December 4, 2023

6. Essential Fish Habitat (Corps Requirement)
6a. Will this project occur in or near an area designated as
an Essential Fish Habitat?
❑ Yes ❑x No
Is there submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV) around
the project vicinity?
El Yes ❑x No El Unknown
Will this project affect submerged aquatic vegetation?
❑ Yes ❑x No ❑ Unknown
Explain: Click to enter.
6b. What data source(s) did you use to determine whether your site would impact Essential Fish Habitat?
NOAA's Essential Fish Habitat (EFH) Mapper. Accessed April 22, 2024 at www.habitat.noaa.gov/apps/efhmapper/.
7. Historic or Prehistoric Cultural Resources (Corps Requirement)
Link to the State Historic Preservation Office Historic Properties Map (does not include archaeological data):
http://,qis.ncdcr.gov/hpoweb/
7a. Will this project occur in or near an area that the state, federal or tribal
governments have designated as having historic or cultural
❑ Yes ❑x No
preservation status (e.g., National Historic Trust designation or
properties significant in North Carolina history and archaeology)?
7b. What data source(s) 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 April 22, 2024.
7c. Attach historic or prehistoric documentation:
8. Flood Zone Designation (Corps Requirement)
Link to the FEMA Floodplain Maps: https://msc.fema.gov/portal/search
8a. Will this project occur in a FEMA-designated 100-year floodplain?
❑ Yes ❑x No
8b. If yes, explain how the 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
(see Attachment B, Figure 6).
H. Miscellaneous
Comments:
G`IirL 4n nn+nr
Attach pertinent documentation or attachments not previously requested
Page 19 of 20 PCN Form Version 4.3- December 4, 2023

I. Signature *
❑x By checking the box and signing below, I, as the project proponent, certify to the following:
• The project proponent hereby certifies that all information contained herein is true, accurate, and complete, to
the best of my knowledge and belief;
• The project proponent hereby requests that the certifying authority review and take action on this CWA 401
certification request within the applicable reasonable period of time;
• The project proponent hereby agrees that submission of this PCN form is a "transaction" subject to Chapter
66, Article 40 of the NC General Statutes (the "Uniform Electronic Transactions Act");
• The project proponent hereby agrees to conduct this transaction by electronic means pursuant to Chapter 66,
Article 40 of the NC General Statutes (the "Uniform Electronic Transactions Act");
• The project proponent hereby understands that an electronic signature has the same legal effect and can be
enforced in the same way as a written signature; AND
• As the project proponent, I intend to electronically sign and submit the PCN/online form.
Full Name: * Eric Romaniszyn
Signature:
Date: * 5/1 2024
Page 20 of 20 PCN Form Version 4.3- December 4, 2023

Attachment A
NC Division of Mitigation Services
Acceptance Letter
=ej
WAM 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
April 23, 2024
Expiration of Acceptance: 10/23/2024
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
0.283
Non -Riparian Wetland*
0.111
*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,
1 kv�dj q/Yk o
Kelly Williams
In -Lieu Fee Program Coordinator
cc: Eric Romaniszyn, agent
North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality I Division of Mitigation Services
217 West Jones Street 1 1652 Mail Service Center I Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-1652
h(h�TH :.AROI iRA IV
o �nmmmenni w�a 919,707,8976

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 WA
Wetland Type Riverine Swamp Forest 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
Yes (' 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? C-' Yes (a No
Regulatory Considerations - Were regulatory considerations evaluated? (a Yes r No If Yes, check all that apply to the assessment area.
F Anadromous fish
F Federally protected species or State endangered or threatened species
F NCDWR riparian buffer rule in effect
F Abuts a Primary Nursery Area (PNA)
F Publicly owned property
F N.C. Division of Coastal Management Area of Environmental Concern (AEC) (including buffer)
7 Abuts a stream with a NCDWQ classification of SA or supplemental classifications of HQW, ORW, or Trout
F Designated NCNHP reference community
F 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)
( Blackwater
(: Brownwater
F Tidal (if tidal, check one of the following boxes) (' Lunar (' Wind ( Both
Is the assessment area on a coastal island? (' Yes (: No
Is the assessment area's surface water storage capacity or duration substantially altered by beaver? C-' Yes (a No
Does the assessment area experience overbank flooding during normal rainfall conditions? r Yes (a 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
( 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 Subsurface 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 ( B Water storage capacity or duration are altered, but not substantially (typically, not sufficient to change vegetation).
( C 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. ( A ( A Majority of wetland with depressions able to pond water > 1 foot deep
( B ( 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
r D (: D Depressions able to pond water < 3 inches deep
3b. ( 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
r 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. C_ A Sandy soil
B Loamy or clayey soils exhibiting redoximorphic features (concentrations, depletions, or rhizospheres)
C Loamy or clayey soils not exhibiting redoximorphic features
D Loamy or clayey gleyed soil
E Histosol or histic epipedon
4b. A Soil ribbon < 1 inch
B Soil ribbon >_ 1 inch
4c. A No peat or muck presence
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
C: A C: A Little or no evidence of pollutants or discharges entering the assessment area
C B C B Noticeable evidence of pollutants or discharges entering the wetland and stressing, but not overwhelming the
treatment capacity of the assessment area
C 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 F A F A >_ 10% impervious surfaces
F B F B F B Confined animal operations (or other local, concentrated source of pollutants)
F C F C F C >_ 20% coverage of pasture
F D F D F D >_ 20% coverage of agricultural land (regularly plowed land)
F E F E F E >_ 20% coverage of maintained grass/herb
F F F F 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?
r 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.)
f A >_ 50 feet
C: B From 30 to < 50 feet
f C From 15 to < 30 feet
C D From 5 to < 15 feet
f 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.
C: <- 15-feet wide C' > 15-feet wide C' Other open water (no tributary present)
7d. Do roots of assessment area vegetation extend into the bank of the tributary/open water?
C: Yes C' No
7e. Is tributary or other open water sheltered or exposed?
(a Sheltered - adjacent open water with width < 2500 feet and no regular boat traffic.
C 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
C A
>_ 100 feet
C B
C: B
From 80 to < 100 feet
C C
C C
From 50 to < 80 feet
C D
C D
From 40 to < 50 feet
C E
C E
From 30 to < 40 feet
C F
C F
From 15 to < 30 feet
C'G
C'G
From 5 to < 15 feet
C H
C 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
• 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).
C: A Sediment deposition is not excessive, but at approximately natural levels.
C 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
C 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 C: G C G From 1 to < 5 acres
C H C H C H From 0.5 to < 1 acre
C: I r 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 C: B From 100 to < 500 acres
C C C C From 50 to < 100 acres
C D C D From 10 to < 50 acres
C: 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 C' 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."
C A 0
C' B 1to4
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.
r 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)
C: A Vegetation diversity is high and is composed primarily of native species (<10% cover of exotics).
C 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?
(. 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
n
( A
( A
Canopy closed, or nearly closed, with natural gaps associated with natural processes
mr
B
( B
Canopy present, but opened more than natural gaps
O
(: C
(: C
Canopy sparse or absent
o
C A
C A
Dense mid-story/sapling layer
c9
(: B
(: B
Moderate density mid-story/sapling layer
a
( C
( C
Mid-story/sapling layer sparse or absent
s (: A
(: A
Dense shrub layer
D
t (' B
( B
Moderate density shrub layer
U) ( C
( C
Shrub layer sparse or absent
s (: A
(: A
Dense herb layer
( B
( B
Moderate density herb layer
( C
( 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).
(: B Not A
19. Diameter Class Distribution — wetland type condition metric (skip for all marshes)
(: 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.
( 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).
(: 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 rB rC (: D
(7
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.
(: 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.
r 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
8/17/2023
Wetland Type Riverine Swamp Forest
Assessor Name/Organization ;learWater Environments
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

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
t: Yes (- 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 (a No
Regulatory Considerations - Were regulatory considerations evaluated? (a Yes ( No If Yes, check all that apply to the assessment area.
F Anadromous fish
F Federally protected species or State endangered or threatened species
F NCDWR riparian buffer rule in effect
F Abuts a Primary Nursery Area (PNA)
F Publicly owned property
F N.C. Division of Coastal Management Area of Environmental Concern (AEC) (including buffer)
Fv- Abuts a stream with a NCDWQ classification of SA or supplemental classifications of HQW, ORW, or Trout
F Designated NCNHP reference community
F 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)
f Blackwater
Brownwater
F Tidal (if tidal, check one of the following boxes) (- Lunar (` Wind ( Both
Is the assessment area on a coastal island? ( Yes t: No
Is the assessment area's surface water storage capacity or duration substantially altered by beaver? ( Yes (a No
Does the assessment area experience overbank flooding during normal rainfall conditions? ( Yes (a 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 (- A Not severely altered
( B (a 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 Subsurface 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 A Water storage capacity and duration are not altered.
• B f B Water storage capacity or duration are altered, but not substantially (typically, not sufficient to change vegetation).
C 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. ( A ( A Majority of wetland with depressions able to pond water > 1 foot deep
( B ( 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
(a D D Depressions able to pond water < 3 inches deep
3b. ( 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
(a 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. t A Sandy soil
B Loamy or clayey soils exhibiting redoximorphic features (concentrations, depletions, or rhizospheres)
t C Loamy or clayey soils not exhibiting redoximorphic features
t D Loamy or clayey gleyed soil
t E Histosol or histic epipedon
4b. A Soil ribbon < 1 inch
t B Soil ribbon >_ 1 inch
4c. t A No peat or muck presence
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 (a A Little or no evidence of pollutants or discharges entering the assessment area
C B C B Noticeable evidence of pollutants or discharges entering the wetland and stressing, but not overwhelming the
treatment capacity of the assessment area
C 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
r A r A r A >_ 10% impervious surfaces
F B F B F B Confined animal operations (or other local, concentrated source of pollutants)
r C r C r C >_ 20% coverage of pasture
F D F D F D >_ 20% coverage of agricultural land (regularly plowed land)
r E r E r E >_ 20% coverage of maintained grass/herb
F F F F F >_ 20% coverage of clear-cut land
F G F G F 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 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.)
t: A >_ 50 feet
C B From 30 to < 50 feet
C C From 15 to < 30 feet
C D From 5 to < 15 feet
C 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.
t: <_ 15-feet wide C - > 15-feet wide C - Other open water (no tributary present)
7d. Do roots of assessment area vegetation extend into the bank of the tributary/open water?
(a Yes C - No
7e. Is tributary or other open water sheltered or exposed?
(a Sheltered — adjacent open water with width < 2500 feet and no regular boat traffic.
C - 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
C A
>_ 100 feet
C B
C B
From 80 to < 100 feet
(a C
C C
From 50 to < 80 feet
C D
C D
From 40 to < 50 feet
C E
C E
From 30 to < 40 feet
C F
C F
From 15 to < 30 feet
C G
C G
From 5 to < 15 feet
C H
C 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)
f B Evidence of saturation, without evidence of inundation
C 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).
t: A Sediment deposition is not excessive, but at approximately natural levels.
C 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
C 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 A- G C G From 1 to < 5 acres
A- H C H C H 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)
C 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 A- B From 100 to < 500 acres
C C C C From 50 to < 100 acres
C D C D From 10 to < 50 acres
E 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 (@- 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."
C A 0
C B 1to4
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)
4- A Vegetation diversity is high and is composed primarily of native species (<10% cover of exotics).
C 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?
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
n
C A
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
A— C
A— C
Canopy sparse or absent
oC
A
C A
Dense mid-story/sapling layer
C9
C B
C B
Moderate density mid-story/sapling layer
4— C
4— C
Mid-story/sapling layer sparse or absent
s C- A C- A Dense shrub layer
B
C - B
Moderate density shrub layer
C() (` C
A— C
Shrub layer sparse or absent
s A— A
A— A
Dense herb layer
( B
( B
Moderate density herb layer
( C
( C
Herb layer sparse or absent
18. Snags -wetland type condition metric (skip for all marshes)
C A Large snags (more than one) are visible (> 12-inches DBH, or large relative to species present and landscape stability).
C B Not A
19. Diameter Class Distribution - wetland type condition metric (skip for all marshes)
( 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.
( 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).
C 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 A- D
(7
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.
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.
( 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
8/17/2023
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

Attachment B
Revised Maps

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Attachment D
Approved Jurisdictional
Determination

DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY
U.S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS, WILMINGTON DISTRICT
ASHEVILLE REGULATORY FIELD OFFICE
151 PATTON AVENUE ROOM 208
ASHEVILLE NC 28801
March 8, 2024
Regulatory Program/Division
Eisa Cox
Ashe County Board of Education
P.O. Box 604
Jefferson, NC 28640
Via Email: [e-mail]
Dear Ms. Cox:
This letter is in response to your request to the Wilmington District, Asheville
Regulatory Field Office for an approved jurisdictional determination. The project/review
area is located along Mt. Jefferson Road, in West Jefferson, Ashe County, North
Carolina. Coordinates for the review area are: 36.391734-81.473472. The review area
for this determination is limited to an approximately 25-acre area, which is illustrated on
the enclosed site map (Figure 5). This request has been assigned the file number 2022-
02478. This file number should be referenced in all correspondence concerning this
project.
Based on our review of the information you furnished, a site inspection conducted on
November 1, 2023, and other information available to our office, we have determined
the above -referenced area does not contain any waters of the United States under U.S.
Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) regulatory jurisdiction. While there are wetlands
present based upon criteria contained in the 1987 Corps of Engineers Wetland
Delineation Manual and the Eastern Mountains and Piedmont regional supplement,
these areas are no longer considered jurisdictional based on the amended 2023 Rule to
conform to the 2023 Supreme Court decision in Sackett v. EPA, 598 U.S., 143 S. Ct.
1322 (2023) ("Sackett"). See attached Memorandum for the Record and Figure 5
(Approved Jurisdiction Map dated March 1, 2024) for further clarification.
This determination is valid for a period of five years from the date of the letter,
unless new information warrants revision of the determination before the expiration date
or a District Engineer has identified, after public notice and comment, that specific
geographic areas with rapidly changing environmental conditions merit re -verification on
a more frequent basis.
This letter contains an approved jurisdictional determination for your subject site. 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 Division Appeals Officer at
the address listed on the RFA form. 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
by the Corps by May 7, 2024. It is not necessary to submit an RFA form to the
Division Office if you do not object to the determination in this correspondence.
This determination has been conducted to identify the limits of Corps' Clean Water
Act jurisdiction for the review area identified in this request. The 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.
If you have any questions concerning this correspondence, please contact Amanda
Fuemmeler, Project Manager of the Asheville Regulatory Field Office at 828-271-7980
ext. 4225, by mail at the above address, or by email at [e-mail].
Please take a moment to complete our customer satisfaction survey located at
https://regulatory.ops.usace.army.miI/customer-service-survey/.
Sincerely,
A�
Amanda Fuemmeler
Project Manager
Enclosures
cc: Eric Romaniszyn Clearwater, an EnviroScience Company (via email)

NOTIFICATION OF ADMINISTRATIVE APPEAL OPTIONS AND PROCESS AND
REQUEST FOR APPEAL
Applicant: Eisa Cox, Ashe County Board of
File Number: 2022-02478
Date: 3/8/2024
Education
Attached is:
See Section below
❑
INITIAL PROFFERED PERMIT (Standard Permit or Letter of permission)
A
❑
PROFFERED PERMIT (Standard Permit or Letter of permission)
B
❑
PERMIT DENIAL WITHOUT PREJUDICE
C
❑
PERMIT DENIAL WITH PREJUDICE
D
❑x
APPROVED JURISDICTIONAL DETERMINATION
E
❑
PRELIMINARY JURISDICTIONAL DETERMINATION
j F
SECTION I
The following identifies your rights and options regarding an administrative appeal of the above decision.
Additional information may be found at https://www.usace.army.mil/Missions/Civil-Works/Regulatory-
Program-and-Permits/appeals/ or 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 II of this form and
return the form to the district engineer. 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.
-1-

C. PERMIT DENIAL WITHOUT PREJUDICE: Not appealable
You received a permit denial without prejudice because a required Federal, state, and/or local authorization
and/or certification has been denied for activities which also require a Department of the Army permit before
final action has been taken on the Army permit application. The permit denial without prejudice is not
appealable. There is no prejudice to the right of the applicant to reinstate processing of the Army permit
application if subsequent approval is received from the appropriate Federal, state, and/or local agency on a
previously denied authorization and/or certification.
D: PERMIT DENIAL WITH PREJUDICE: You may appeal the 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.
E: APPROVED JURISDICTIONAL DETERMINATION: You may accept or appeal the approved JD or
provide new information for reconsideration
• 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 division engineer. This form must be received by the division engineer within 60 days of the date of
this notice.
• RECONSIDERATION: You may request that the district engineer reconsider the approved JD by
submitting new information or data to the district engineer within 60 days of the date of this notice. The
district will determine whether the information submitted qualifies as new information or data that justifies
reconsideration of the approved JD. A reconsideration request does not initiate the appeal process. You
may submit a request for appeal to the division engineer to preserve your appeal rights while the district
is determining whether the submitted information qualifies for a reconsideration.
F: PRELIMINARY JURISDICTIONAL DETERMINATION: Not appealable
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.
POINT OF CONTACT FOR QUESTIONS OR INFORMATION:
If you have questions regarding this decision you
If you have questions regarding the appeal process, or
may contact:
to submit your request for appeal, you may contact:
District Engineer, Wilmington District Regulatory
Krista Sabin
Division
Regulatory Administrative Appeal Review Officer
Attn: Amanda Fuemmeler
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Wilmington District U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
South Atlantic
151 Patton Avenue Room 208
60 Forsyth Street, Room M9
Asheville, NC 28801
Atlanta, Georgia 30303-8801
Phone: [phone]
Email: Krista.D.Sabi n usace.arm .mil
SECTION II — REQUEST FOR APPEAL or OBJECTIONS TO AN INITIAL PROFFERED PERMIT
-2-

REASONS FOR APPEAL OR OBJECTIONS: (Describe your reasons for appealing the decision or your
objections to an initial proffered permit in clear concise statements. Use additional pages as necessary. 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.
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 opportunity to
participate in all site investigations.
Date:
Signature of appellant or agent.
Email address of appellant and/or agent:
Telephone number:
-3-

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Attachment F
Bat Survey Report

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
Mary Gilmore
Senior Bat Biologist and Technical Lead; Technical Reviewer

Ashe County Middle School Project Bat Survey Report
Ashe County Board of Education
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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
IEnviroScience
Excellence In Any Environment

Ashe County Middle School Project Bat Survey Report
Ashe County Board of Education
1.1 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
�/ Excclle ;c h A! r D%, roil rr,n;

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
0 EnviroScience
`� Excellence In Any Environment

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.
3.0 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
A
36.39159
-81.47308
4
1
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
4.0 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
�/ Excclle ;c h A! r D%' roil rrl!

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 sodalis (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/default/files/documents/USFWS_Range-
wide_IBat_%26_NLEB_Survey_Guidelines_2023.05.10.pdf
0 EnviroScience
�/ Excellence In Any Environment

Appendix A
Figures
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Appendix B
Site -Specific Authorization
0 EnviroScience
`/ 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 <byron_hamstead @fws.gov>
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 <byron_hamstead @fws.gov>
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 ham stead @fws.gov>
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. W11 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. /An, 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 <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.
• 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.
• 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.

IpAsho Cook Site 1 -Net C
Site 1 - Net B
nt a Rey
y ;Site 1 - NE
_ Site 2 -Net A--
SUpercenter
1
46
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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 <holland [e-mail]>; Hamstead, Byron A <byron [e-mail]>
Subject: RE: [EXTERNAL] Ashe County Middle School Project Study Plan
0

[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 IPaC. 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

EnviroScie=6'
Excellence In Any Environment
5070 Stow Road, Stow, OH 44224 EnviroSciencelnc.com
O. 800.940.4025 1 C. 859.351.3919 24-HR 888.866.8540
OH I TN I VA I WV I NC M RIM
Meet our new team in North Carolina!
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DISCLOSURE UNDER APPLICABLE LAW. If the reader of this message is not the intended recipient, or the employee or
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this message in error and that any review, dissemination, distribution, or copying of this communication is strictly
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THIS MESSAGE IS INTENDED ONLY FOR THE PERSONAL AND CONFIDENTIAL USE OF THE INDIVIDUAL OR ENTITY TO
WHOM IT IS ADDRESSED AND MAY CONTAIN INFORMATION THAT IS PRIVILEGED, CONFIDENTIAL, AND EXEMPT FROM
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
prohibited.
THIS MESSAGE IS INTENDED ONLY FOR THE PERSONAL AND CONFIDENTIAL USE OF THE INDIVIDUAL OR ENTITY TO
WHOM IT IS ADDRESSED AND MAY CONTAIN INFORMATION THAT IS PRIVILEGED, CONFIDENTIAL, AND EXEMPT FROM
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
prohibited.

Appendix C
Photolog
0 EnviroScience
`/ Excellence In Any Environment

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Ashe County Middle School Project Bat Survey Report
Ashe County Board of Education
Photograph 7. Representative view of Mist -Net Site 2, Net D. Photograph taken
facing southeast.
Photograph 8. Representative view of Mist -Net Site 3, Net A. Photograph
taken facing west.
C-4

Ashe County Middle School Project Bat Survey Report
Ashe County Board of Education
Photograph 11. Representative view of drainage occurring in the project area.
Y 5 ry
Sit
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
0 Enviroscience
`/ Excellence In Any Environment

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