20080229 Ver 2_Mitigation Plan Review EK_20080215

Forrest Creek Application/Mitigation Plan
Subject: Forrest Creek Application/Mitigation Plan
From: Eric Kulz <eric. kulz@ncmai 1. net>
Date: Fri, 15 Feb 2008 09:28:01 -0500
To: "Matthews, Monte K SAW" <Monte. K. Matthews@saw02. usace. army.mil>
CC: Ian McMillan <[e-mail]>
Monte:
-JM! j
I just reviewed the Mitigation Plan for the project. I had a question about the credits generated by the
project. On Page 11, the plan includes a table showing the credits generated. My question is related to
the proposed enhancement credit. In their plan they are proposing Enhancement 1 at a 1.5:1 ratio (325
feet of enhancement yields 217 credits). However, the proposed work, as described in Appendix B,
2nd page, consists of removal of non-native and invasive species, and repair of a culvert. Sounds like
Enhancement 2 to me, which should have a lower credit ratio.
Enhancement 1 generally includes improvements to the stream channel and riparian zone that restore
dimension and profile. Enhancement 2 may augment stability, but generally does not include changes
to dimension and profile. I think what they are doing qualifies as Enhancement 2. According to their
formula on Page 11, they should be using 2.5:1 to get 130 feet of credit.
I know determining credit stuff is up to you guys, I just wanted to point this out.
FYI, additional comments I will be making include vegetation success criteria (they said 260 stems per
acre after 5 years, but if they want buffer credit it will need to be 320 spa).
The plan is proposing the use of black walnut. Black walnut is allelopathic to other plant species, and
may hinder good vegetation growth around these trees. I consulted Karen Hall at N.C. State University
regarding the use of this species on restoration sites. Ms Hall stated that she does not plant this tree
on restoration projects, though it is listed as a potential tree to plant in riparian areas. It tends to form
monocultures because of the prolific number of seeds it produces. The allelopathy compounds the
issue of its dominance to the exclusion of just about everything else. I am going to recommend that
they substitute another species.
Sorry if I sound crabby ......... I am pretty nitpicky when I review these things. All in all it appears to be
a good plan. We are meeting here on 2/29 to discuss a MBI for providing Neuse buffer credits at this
site.
If I can't find a copy of the MBI, can you make me a copy? I'd like to double-check the credit release
schedule in the plan with what was agreed to in the MBI. Maybe it will give me an excuse to come up
and see your new digs!!
Eric
1 of 2 2/15/2008 9:46 AM
Forrest Creek Application/Mitigation Plan
Eric W. Kulz
Environmental Specialist
401 Oversight and Express Permitting Unit
2321 Crabtree Blvd., Suite 250
Raleigh, NC 27604
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
2 of 2 2/15/2008 9:46 AM