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HomeMy WebLinkAbout20060385 Ver 1_More Info Received_20060616 Wetland and Natural Resource Consultants, Inc. June 15, 2006 Mr. David Baker US Army Corps of Engineers 151 Patton Avenue, Room 208 Asheville, North Carolina 28801 RE: Forge Cove Transylvania County, North Carolina Mr. Kevin Barnett NC Division of Water Quality 2090 US Highway 70 Swannanoa, North Carolina 28778 JUN 1 6 2006 Mr. Baker and Mr. Barnett: DENT. - WATER QWALITY WRTWO AND STNRMWATER BRANCH Please reference comments received by the North Carolina Division of Water Quality, the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, the United States Environmental Protection Agency, the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, the North Carolina State Council of Trout Unlimited, and private citizens in response to the Public Notice issued on March 28, 2006 for the development known as Forge Cove. Development of the proposed lake and residential subdivision will impact streams, brook trout habitat, and water quality. This project will also cause the conversion of streams to open water habitat. However, through land planning, responsible development, and mitigation these impacts can and will be minor. Several alternative configurations for the lake were considered, as well as, the "no build" alternative. Because of the location of the brook trout populations, constructing three smaller lakes further up in the watershed was considered. Due to the topography of the land, it was impractical to build smaller ponds on any of the tributaries to Osborne Branch. Any ponds built on the property would need to be constructed on the main stem of Osborne Branch. In order for this plan to be cost effective, earthed ill dams would need to be used. Each of the dams, not including any flooding, would require more impacts than the one rolled concrete (RCC) dam being proposed; total earthenf ill dam impacts would exceed 400 linear feet. Although more of the brook trout's range would be avoided, hard impacts for smaller impoundments Canton Office Newton Office PO Box 882 wnrinc.com PO Box 224 Canton, NC 28716 Newton, NC 28658 828448-8801 828-465-3035 828-648-8802 Fax 1 828-465-3050 Fax of the brook trout's range would be avoided, hard impacts for smaller impoundments would be greater than the impacts currently proposed, without significantly decreasing the amount of stream flooding. Furthermore, additional impoundments on Osborne Branch would further fragment the brook trout population. The brook trout occur in a range such that no reasonable reconfiguration could avoid their range. Decreasing the size of the lake has been considered and is a reasonable alternative. The design team has reduced the size of the lake to 15.67 acres. In doing so, approximately 2000 linear feet of additional stream channel will be avoided including 715 additional linear feet of Osborne Branch. The structural engineer responsible for designing the dam has indicated that a RCC dam for this project would cost nearly 4 times that of an earthenf ill dam. Utilizing an RCC dam will reduce the height of the dam by 20 feet and reduce stream impacts associated with the dam to 125 linear feet of permanent impacts and 75 linear feet of temporary impacts. As originally proposed, the earthenf ill dam would require 430 linear feet of permanent impacts and 70 linear feet of outlet protection impacts. Use of an RCC dam will dramatically reduce hard impacts to Osborne Branch. In reducing the size of the lake, 3 lake-front lots at $400,000 each and 7 lake-view lots at $295,000 each will be eliminated. This will reduce revenue by approximately $3.3 million. Several nearby residences have commented on the project. Their main concerns are associated with dam safety and effects in the event of a dam failure. The dam has been designed such that it can withstand large rain events with confidence. The RCC dam will be capable of passing heavy stormwater flows without failing. The design team is aware of the concerns expressed by the nearby residences and has designed the dam to ensure safety and stability. Because of the size and location of the dam, it will be required to pass annual safety inspections conducted by the State of North Carolina. The proposed lake will be the primary amenity for this development. The "no build" alternative was considered but after economic evaluation, it was determined that the development was not cost-effective without the lake. Water-front lots and lots with a water body in their view-shed can provide double or triple the revenue, as compared to a comparable lot without such an amenity. The following tables compare the proposed project to the "no build" alternative in terms of total revenue. Canton Office Newton Office PO Box 882 wnrinc.com PO Box 224 Canton, NC 28716 Newton, NC 28658 828-648-8801 828-465-3035 828-648-8802 Fax 2 828-465-3050 Fax Forge Cove with Lake Lot Description # of Lots Average Unit Price Sub-Total Lake Front 31 - $400,000 $12,400,000 Lake View 60 $295,000 $17,700,000 View 39 $280,000 $10,920,000 Creekside 21 $125,000 $2,625,000 Private 56 $110,000 $6,160,000 Lode Condos 12 $425,000 $5,100,000 Cottage Retreats 14 $550,000 $7,700,000 Total Revenue $60,242,500 Forge Cove without Lake (ark as central amenity) Lot Description # of Lots Average Unit Price Sub-Total Parkside 31 $255,000 $7,905,000 Park View 35 $205,000 $7,175,000 View 39 $270,000 $10,530,000 Creekside 21 $95,000 $1,995,000 Private 81 $80,000 $6,480,000 Lodge Condos 0 n/a n/a Cottage Retreats 26 $465,000 $12,090,000 Total Revenue $46,175,000 These tables only indicate the differences in revenue for lot sales. Another important factor is absorption rate. With a lake, the project could sell out in 3 years. Without the lake, it would likely take 6 years for the project to sell out. An additional 3 years of financing and marketing cost, without the lake, will substantially reduce the overall profit to be earned by this development. The real estate and marketing team has indicated that buyers are requesting more out of developers. Where lots and views have sufficed in the past, new potential buyers want multiple facilities within a planned community. In order to be competitive, developers are meeting demands with communities based around a central amenity. With the central amenity theme in mind, Fletcher Management Company has also considered a plan utilizing a 9-hole golf course. The course would be in roughly the same area as the proposed lake. Although hard impacts would be minimal, secondary impacts to the streams in that area would increase as compared with the lake alternative. Approximately 2900 linear feet of stream channel would be within the Canton Office Newton Office PO Box 882 wnrinc.com PO Box 224 Canton, NC 28716 Newton, NC 28658 828-648-8801 828-465-3035 828-648-8802 Fax 3 828-465-3050 Fax golf course greens. Construction of the golf course would require clearing and installation of non-native turf grasses, along with the utilization of fertilizers. Because Osborne Branch and its tributaries are not classified as Trout waters and a trout buffer is not required, stream corridors within the golf course greens could be cleared to the edge to provide unobstructed views and play of the holes. The streams within the golf course footprint would be more susceptible to stormwater run-off, erosion, and temperature increase due to lack of vegetation. Ecologically, this alternative is less favorable and was abandoned. The proposed dam will be a barrier that impedes brook trout passage; however, anthropogenic barriers are not the only barriers that impede fish passage. It is known that brook trout do not jump out of the water; therefore, all stream obstructions which would require any degree of jumping ability for successful passage act as complete barriers to upstream migrations. A large boulder or tree dislodged by a high-flow event and then deposited into the stream can create the same effective barrier. Brook trout in Osborne Branch where found as a direct result of the Forge Cove project proposal. Had the project not included impacts causing the issuance of a public notice, it is possible that brook trout would have never been identified in Osborne Branch given its DWQ classification. The trout survey done at Forge Cove indicated that the brook trout range extended approximately 500 linear feet beyond the footprint of the 27- acre lake. As in other impoundments, such as Hurricane Lake, it would be possible for brook trout to live in the lake and then migrate to the upper end of their range to spawn. With a reduction in the size of the lake to 15.67 acres, there will be an additional 715 linear feet of Osborne Branch avoided; totaling approximately 1215 linear feet of Osborne Branch beyond the footprint of the lake that can be utilized by the trout for spawning. Lakes have ecological and environmental value. A lake would help to moderate water temperature and positively affect the microclimate of the surrounding area. By storing water a lake would help to regulate stream flow, recharge groundwater, and moderate droughts. Lakes provide habitat to aquatic and semi-aquatic flora and fauna, which in turn provides a source of nutrition to many terrestrial species, adding biological diversity to the landscape. Canton Office Newton Office PO Box 882 wnrinc.com PO Box 224 Canton, NC 28716 Newton, NC 28658 828-648-8801 828-465-3035 828-648-8802 Fax 4 828-465-3050 Fax With the absence of the lake and common open areas, there is the potential to develop many more homesites. For this project to be cost effective without these amenities the number of lots would need to be increased and the lot sizes would need to be decreased. This formula could yield as many as 600 lots on the parcel. The marketing team indicated that the development would not sustain that many homesites. Forge Cove needs fewer lots at a higher price as opposed to more lots at a lower price. Having a development with fewer lots and a central amenity is the most economically feasible. A higher density development would exponentially increase stormwater run-off and anthropogenic impact to the land. A higher density development would require more road infrastructure and additional driveway crossings resulting in hard stream impacts greater than those already proposed; more hard impacts would occur without any of the benefits of additional aquatic habitat provided by the lake. Although the "no build" alternative would avoid direct impacts to streams due to lake construction, supplementary and indirect impacts would be equally or more substantially detrimental. The land planning team has minimized impacts to the maximum extent practicable. The original site plans included 58 acres of common open space, fifteen culverted road crossings and two additional driveway crossings totaling over 660 linear feet. There were also three homesites proposed that would have required stream relocation. A revised plan increased common open space to 100 acres and has completely eliminated all road crossings and the homesites requiring stream relocation. The only hard impacts associated with the project are those required for the dam and spillway. As with all developments, water quality could be temporarily impacted during construction of the project. Stringent sediment and erosion control measures will be used to contain as much sediment as possible during construction. These measures were outlined in the original permit application. Water quality degradation during construction cannot be attributed entirely to the construction of the dam, as some degradation could occur regardless of the dam construction or location. Sediment deposition and erosion on site will be comparable to sites similar in size and landscape position. Sediment deposition, erosion, and water quality degradation are expected to be negligible at this site. A 30-foot vegetated buffer will be around the perimeter of the lake. This vegetated buffer will add approximately 3 z acres to the common open area to be protected. The Forge Cove Home Owners Association will retain ownership of the lake and lake buffer. Approximately 3 miles of streams and their buffers will be placed into a Canton Office Newton Office PO Box 882 wnrinc.com PO Box 224 Canton, NC 28716 Newton, NC 28658 828-648-8801 828-465-3035 828-648-8802 Fax 5 828-465-3050 Fax ? t . conservation easement to be protected in perpetuity. Stream buffers range in size from 25 linear feet to greater than 500 linear feet, with the average buffer on site exceeding a width of 50 linear feet. Because of these buffers, long term stream quality and riparian buffers will be protected. An additional 2448 linear feet of stream channel will be restored through day-lighting, removal of rip-rap, and possible payment into the North Carolina Ecosystem Enhancement Program. Should you have any questions regarding the additional information provided in this correspondence, please do not hesitate to contact me at 828-712-9205. Best Regards, Jennifer Robertson CC: NC Division of Water Quality Attn: Mrs. Cyndi Karoly 2321 Crabtree Blvd Raleigh, North Carolina 27604 Enclosures: Project Plan Maps (3) Brook Trout Survey Maps (2) Qualitative Analysis of Cumulative Impacts Impact Table Mitigation Table EEP Acceptance Letter Revised Restoration Plan Fisher Realty Letter Canton Office Newton Office PO Box 882 wnrinc.com PO Box 224 Canton, NC 28716 Newton, NC 28658 828-648-8801 828-465-3035 828-648-8802 Fax 6 828-465-3050 Fax k1cs;-S-1 ?f \Bro Trout Upstream Distribution Limit 1051 8 T CL e ? 1 Brook Trout Site 4 5 8FT CL e SCALE 1P9=200 AC. `Brook Trout Site 3 ,z;5 8 F T CL 2.58 ±AC. 1 /F0-07 ± AC. GOES UG u r cr) n 6;'14%06 - Brook Trout Site 2 [4AOFT CL 1 Brook Trout Site 1 14 8FT e i 1, Lake Impact/Mitigation Summary Table Streams Stream Segment Impact Type Length Amt Below Ordinary High Water (yd3)* C Dam Fill 125 74 C Dam Outlet 75 44 C Flooded 2,340 866 E Flooded 542 90 F Flooded 473 17 G Flooded 687 46 H Flooded 103 4 Totals 4345 1141 * Estimated. Stream Segment uali uali Mitigation Ratio Mitigation Required (Stream Forms) (Bioclassification) C Excellent Good / Fair 2.5:1 313 If C Excellent Good / Fair 1:1 75 If C Excellent Good / Fair 1.5:1 3,510 If E Good Good / Fair. 1:1 542 If F Good Good / Fair 1:1 473 If G Good /Poor Poor 51 3431f H Good Good / Fair 1:1 103 If Totals 5,359 If "r 4 Mitigation Type Available Mitigation Impact Mitigated Mitigation by Activity (Column 2 divided Type (linear feet) Multiplier by Column 3) Preservation 16,627 8.5 2558 On-Site 985 1 985 Restoration Lake Buffer 4,875 5 975 Payment into EEP 841 1 841 Mitigation 5,359 Offered r 1 !. C (S "- C' 3 2 5 Qualitative Analysis of Cumulative Impacts For Forge Cove Fletcher Management Company Transylvania County, North Carolina June 15, 2006 Prepared by: Wetland and Natural Resource Consultants e? Introduction Current regulations applicable to the issuance of 401 Water Quality Certifications require that the Division of Water Quality confirm that the project it is evaluating "does not result in cumulative impacts, based upon past or reasonably anticipated future impacts, which cause or will cause a violation of downstream water quality standards". DWQ currently utilizes the following documentation to implement its regulatory obligation to evaluate cumulative impacts: "Draft Internal Policy, Cumulative Impacts and the 401 Water Quality Certification and Isolated Wetland Program. NC Division of Water Quality, October 3, 2002, Version 1.6". DWQ's policy provides for three levels of cumulative impact analysis. Most small scale projects where little impervious surface is added and where the project is situated in an already developed locale will only require a "Generic Description" of the project's possible cumulative impacts. A "Qualitative Analysis" is required for projects of somewhat more impact that are located near existing roads and development. A "Quantitative Analysis" is required where a project is significantly and is likely to have a growth stimulating effect. DWQ's policy provides that it is applicable to private development projects, although it recognizes that "many private development projects are unlikely to cause cumulative impacts". DWQ recognizes that private development projects most commonly have cumulative impacts when they are 1) relatively large, 2) involve commercial development, and 3) occur in otherwise relatively undeveloped landscapes with an impact on regional growth patterns". For the Forge Cove, DWQ staff has determined that a qualitative analysis of the potential cumulative impacts of the project in terms of its effects on downstream water quality would be appropriate. To determine potential cumulative impacts, this project was reviewed for any growth stimulating effects and their downstream impacts on water quality. As described in greater detail below, the applicant does not believe that the project will result in cumulative impacts that cause or will cause a violation of downstream water quality standards because it is not likely to be growth simulative due to its size, its nature, and the fact that it will be constructed in an otherwise relatively developed local landscape. Project Description, Location, and Existing Site Conditions The Fletcher Management Company is proposing the construction of an approximately 15- acre lake to provide the central amenity to a 425-acre tract known as Forge Cove. The site plan consists of a residential development with 207 single-family lots ranging in size from 1/2 to 7 acres and greater than 100 acres of common open space. Forge Cove is located off Sutton Creek Road, northeast of Brevard in Transylvania County, North Carolina. In general, the site is bordered to the north by the South Fork Mills River, to the east by the Transylvania/Henderson County Line, to the south by Boylston Highway, and to the west by Sutton Mountain. The site also shares its northern and part of its eastern boundary with the Pisgah National Forest; and its southeastern boundary with a neighboring subdivision. The site is primarily forested with mixed mesic hardwood stands of differing age classes. There is one residence on the property and several outbuildings associated with this residence. A small pond exists in the front yard of the residence as well as a large lawn area. There are some old logging roads within the property boundary. Elevations on the property range from approximately 2380 feet at the lowest point in the Long Branch valley to approximately 3260 feet at the highest points on Sharpy Mountain. Project Area Description The project is located approximately three miles from Brevard, North Carolina. Brevard is the largest municipality in Transylvania County. Due to its proximity to waterfalls and designated forest areas, Brevard is a seasonal destinations for outdoor enthusiasts and prospective "second home" buyers. Brevard has approximately 6700 permanent residents. This population along with the growing seasonal population has instigated commercial and residential development in the area. The main commercial development in Brevard is along the NC Highway 64 corridor. The Town of Brevard is a self-sufficient municipality that contains all the necessary amenities to live, work, and play. Watershed Description This project is located in the French Broad River Basin. Osborne Branch and its tributaries are the primary hydrologic systems on site. There are three ponds on the downstream section of Osborne Branch below the project site ranging in size from approximately 2 acre to 3 acres. In addition to Osborne Branch, the site contains smaller portions of the Long Branch and Sutton Creek watersheds. All streams and unnamed tributaries on the site are classified as "C" waters. Class "C" waters are defined as "freshwaters protected for secondary recreation, fishing, aquatic life including propagation and survival, and wildlife." All wetlands are associated with on-site channels. The larger wetland complexes occur in the flood plain of Osborne Branch. Hydrology is groundwater and surface water from intermittent channels slowed down by the low slope gradient along Osbourne Branch. There is no dominant over-story within the wetland. The dominant mid-story, scrub-shrub stratum consists of tag alder (A/nusserru/ata), and dog hobble (Leucothoe racemosa) with an herbaceous layer of sedges (Carexspp.) and ferns (Osmunda cinnamomea, etc.). These wetlands drain to Osbourne Branch (Class C) in the French Broad River Basin. Other on-site wetlands are seeps located at the tops of channels; they are groundwater seeps that may or may not support vegetation, primarily sphagnum moss (Sphagnum spp.) and sedges (Corex spp.). These seeps flow into unnamed tributaries on site. Project Induced Growth The project is not likely to induce adjacent development primarily because there are no services, utilities, or roads being constructed by the Fletcher Management Company that will be available to adjacent landowners or the general public. Because Forge Cove is bordered by Pisgah National Forest and an adjacent subdivision, there is no potential for growth in those areas. There is no commercial development directly associated with site development and any induced commercial growth will be accommodated by Brevard. The members of this new community are likely to shop and dine at the local restaurants and retail stores in the Brevard area. However, because these residents are likely to be seasonal, it is not likely to create a demand for additional retail or commercial ventures. The majority of the residents at Forge Cove will be baby-boomers who do not have school aged children. Therefore, no schools or other related supporting development will occur due to the development of Forge Cove. Summary Fletcher Management Company proposes to develop this project in accordance with likely conditions in the 401 Water Quality Certification and the 404 Permit authorizations. The purpose of implementing these guidelines is to protect the downstream water quality in the area of the project. Other development that occurs in the same watershed will likely be restricted to similar conditions providing protection to surface waters. Because of the projects close proximity to Brevard and the NC Highway 64 corridor, the applicant does not believe that any potential effects on growth will occur due to the development of Forge Cove. Forge Cove Impact Summary Table Proposed Lake Impacts Map Location Feature Stream Quality Type of Impact Proposed Impact (linear feet) C channel (perennial) excellent / good-fair Dam Construction 125 C channel (perennial) excellent / good-fair Dam Outlet 75 C channel (perennial) excellent / good-fair Flooding 2340 E channel (perennial) good / good-fair Flooding 542 F channel (perennial) good / good-fair Flooding 473 G channel (perennial) good/poor / poor Flooding 687 H channel (perennial) good / good-fair Flooding 103 Total Linear Feet of Lake Impact 4345 Proposed Road Crossing and Lot Impacts 10 new road crossings are proposed above the high water mark of the lake. All will be arched or bridged resulting in no new linear feet of impact. No impacts will occur due to lot development. Total Linear Feet of New Lot and Road Impact 0 Total Linear Feet of Hard Impact 200 Total Linear Feet of Flooding Impact 4145 Total Linear Feet of New Impact 4345 I ? I f / s .. 'PL,-\ = r '' ''- : iE, idiom 20;'.2 June 8, 2006 hon ,a2a) 883 ?r S (823) 877-31182 Mr. Robert Johnson Fletcher Management Company 1548 The Greens Way, Suite 4 Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250 Dear Robert: Our office has been working in the Transylvania County real estate industry for almost 30 years. During this time we have learned a great deal about what does and does not sell in the region. For many years we have seen developers cut in a road and sell lots as they are platted. The real estate market in the Brevard area is coming of age, and the potential buyer is becoming more sophisticated. The new market needs more than lots and views; the new market wants amenities, the new market desires community. That is why we are so excited about the Forge Cove development. Forge Cove's lake amenity and associated parks and greenways create a great community that will be well positioned in the Brevard are marketplace. Without the lake, the financial success of the project would be in jeopardy. In the following summary you can see the potential lot revenue differences: Forge Cove with Lake Lot description 9 of lots Average Unit Price Sub-total Parkside lots 31 $400,000 $12,400,000 Park View lots 60 $295,000 $17,700,000 View lots 39 $280,000 $10,920,000 Creekside lots 21 $125,000 $2,625,000 Private lots 56 $.110,000 $6,160,000 Lodge condos* 12 $425,000 $5,100,000 Cottage rentals 14 $550,000 $7,700,000 Total Revenue $60,242,500 ? d Y Forge Cove without Lake Central Park as Amenity Lot description # of lots Parkside lots 31 Park View lots 35 View lots 39 Creekside lots 21 Private lots 81 Lodge condos * 0 Cottage retreats 26 Total Revenue * Note Without a lake the Condo lodge would not be a reality $46,175,000 These numbers only show the revenue differences. Another factor is absorption rate. With the lake, the project could sell out in 3 years; without the lake, sell out will likely take 6 years. The extra 3 years of financing and marketing cost without the lake will substantially reduce the overall profit of the development. In summary, it is obvious that the lake is a necessary feature to create a project that is up to Fletcher Management's proven quality. If you need any further information please do not hesitate to call. Sincerely yours, Average Unit Price Sub-total $255,000 $7,905,000 $205,000 $7,175,000 $270,000 $10,530,000 $ 95,000 $1,995,000 $ 80,000 $6,480,000 N/A N/A $465,000 $12,090,000 Arthur G. Fisher Fisher Realty Z) ^ tem 4o$ Y s PROGRAM May 23, 2006 Jennifer Robertson Water and Natural Resources Consultants POB 882 Canton, NC 28806 Project: Forge Cove County: Transylvania The purpose of this letter is to notify you that the North Carolina Ecosystem Enhancement Program (NC EEP) is willing to accept payment for impacts associated with the above referenced project. Please note that this decision does not assure that the payment will be approved by the permit issuing agencies as mitigation for project impacts. It is the responsibility of the applicant to contact these agencies to determine if payment to the NC EEP will be approved. This acceptance is valid for six months from the date of this letter. 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 404/401/CAMA permits to NC EEP. Once NC EEP receives a copy of the 404 Permit and/or the 401 Certification an invoice will be issued and payment must be made. Based on the information supplied by you the impacts that may require compensatory mitigation are summarized in the following table. River Basin Wetlands Stream Buffer Buffer Cataloging (Acres) (Linear Feet) Zone 1 Zone 2 Unit (Sq. Ft.) (Sq. Ft.) Riparian Non-Riparian Coastal Marsh Cold Cool Warm French Broad 0 0 0 0 929 0 0 0 06010105 Upon receipt of payment, EEP will take responsibility for providing the compensatory mitigation for the permitted impacts up to a 2:1 ratio, (buffers, Zone 1 at a 3:1 ratio and Zone 2 at a 1.5:1 ratio). The type and amount of the compensatory mitigation will be as specified in the Section 404 Permit and/or 401 Water Quality Certification, and/or CAMA Permit. The mitigation will be performed in accordance with the Memorandum of Understanding between the N. C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers dated November 4, 1998. If you have any questions or need additional information, please contact Chris Mankoff at (919) 716-1921. Sincerely, qq illiam D. Gilmore, PE Director cc: Cyndi Karoly, Wetlands/401 Unit Rebekah Newton, USACE - Asheville Kevin Barnett, DWQ Regional Office - Asheville File YXWA R.estOrGK?4... f ... PV'OtEGt' our state, lCDENR North Carolina Ecosystem Enhancement Program, 1652 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-1652 / 91 9-71 5-0476 / www.nceep.net Forge Cove Stream Restoration Plan Transylvania County, North Carolina June 15, 2006 Prepared by: WMI Executive Summary The Developer of Forge Cove, Paul Fletcher, proposes this restoration plan as an outline to remove existing pipe on-site and to restore the stream channel and adjacent riparian buffer areas. All work will take place on site using natural channel design techniques. Proposed activities will occur at one location on site. The plan, as outlined within this document, serves as guidance for the proposed restoration and will serve as partial mitigation for dam construction on site. Restoration will be: • removal of 345' of pipe from Long Branch stream channel o removal of rip-rap from both ends of pipe • restoration of 700' of same stream channel accounting for road crossings of current pipe and current structures on property altering natural stream flow • allow natural unabated stream flow through channel • creation of aquatic habitat using rock and large woody debris • stabilization of stream bank with fine grading, if necessary o addition of topsoil as necessary • re-vegetation of stream banks as riparian buffers o temporary and permanent seeding schedule as shown below o plant list shown below The restoration of the area will have oversight by WNR staff to ensure proper techniques and success, and to propose alterations during the restoration process if necessary. Restoration success will be measured in terms of stream aquatic life and stream buffer plant survival. Construction Plan and Specifications The restoration process will begin with the removal of the pipe, rip rap, and any other stream implements. Any structures that stand in the way of the natural stream channel will be removed at this time as well. All attempts will be made to recreate the channel and stream bank slopes and angles as they were on the site prior to disturbance. At this point we will begin to harvest on site materials to be used in the restoration process. Materials such as topsoil, vegetation, and rock will be harvested on site during other construction activities from areas of similar slope and aspect. On site, natural rock will be used in the restoration of natural aquatic habitat in the stream channel. Large woody debris also harvested on site will be used as an amendment to the stream channel to create natural aquatic habitat. Once the stream is restored focus will move on to the stream banks. Topsoil harvested on site will be added to the stream banks at a minimum depth of six inches. No soil amendments (fertilizer) will be added in order to keep the system as natural as possible and to prevent any excess nutrient runoff into the stream. Fine grading will be used when necessary to recreate side slopes and micro-topography will be used for soil stabilization and to minimize runoff. Planting Plan and Specifications The slopes will be planted with the appropriate species once the construction is complete in order to recreate the natural riparian buffers that were once there. Rosebay Rhododendron will be planted densely along the stream channel to provide shade, woody debris, and to mimic the natural system present on site. Rosebay Rhododendron and Dog-Hobble will be planted at a dense ratio toward the outer edge of the stream buffer to minimize re- colonization by invasive exotic species and mimic natural conditions on the site. (A listing of species is found below; additional species may be selected as needed, due to availability and site need.) In the rest of the area, trees and shrubs will be mixed and the planting arrangement will be on 10 X 10 foot spacing, which will result in 436 stems per acre. Tree shelters may be used to accelerate growth and increase survivability. All permanent vegetation will be harvested on site to ensure they are suitable native species. During other construction, vegetation from similar slope and aspect will be harvested. This vegetation will be properly excavated and prepared for transport in order to minimize damage and ensure survivability. These plants will then be planted in the riparian buffer zone. The objective will be to mimic most of the natural buffer that is on site, which is mainly composed of shrubs and trees. However, winter rye will be used initially as a temporary planting to aid with soil stabilization. Planting Specifications All areas between shrubs/trees will receive 3" of mulch. The contractor will assure percolation of all planting beds/pits prior to installation. Large trees will be anchored into the ground with a'Duckbill' Model No. 88-DTS-O earth anchors or approved equal. Evergreen trees will be anchored with three 2"x2"x8' evenly spaced stakes and tied with recycled tire tree ties as manufactured by Grostrait or approved equal to promote a straight growth pattern and prevent wind impacts. Woody Vegetation Rhododendron maximum Leucothoe fontanesiona Tsuga canadensis Liriodendron tulipifera Fagusgrandifolia Quercus rubra Rosebay Rhododendron Dog-Hobble Eastern Hemlock Tuliptree American Beech Red Oak Herbaceous Vegetation M Y ACME long" p?Ctos Rate (?/acro) ,. ?7: + tc racy 15 - Dec, t5 ? . . Cck d Playa aid Pbo+nc3nt -- Atx;l. 15 - Doc. 50 Rates t'blacro) 10 hoopodaza tK.obe in 1??, a? Gocastal Pion, in mowtow*) 50 leopedozo when duration of t pora?'y cover is not to extend ? Jim. A ve 2500 ft.: Fvb. 15 - May 15 Ba-s tw 2500 ft.: Feb. I - May - Jan. I - May I i Plain - Dec.. 1 - Apra 15 ctms Rate t'bta") Oft"m ft}lot 40 > and MourtitaN+e, o wwfi-stemmed Such xyc Aw may be f +a+E. is to of 50 b/ocr+es. #?fdbtatcllrt9 - MG{y 15 - Aug. 15 #'?Al'? - Mimi fl i5 At<L 15 1'S of soft tests or apply 24ee ground agrlc amol tb.larre 10-IO-10 fertilizer. ? =,40PO Iblmrc 9tram. AtfCtsor sbrm4 by too ". with oo , nottft% =p r??r ar, toot. A dish w1tYt bkxleas set noCrly et t con be # i hg tool. ca a gv"th is riot fvliy adequate. Reseed, refertilizea and mulch 1m- fYSf}r7W" er-osbn ar other clc'mage. 5pec4cs Rote, (Amc-re) ToU Fv&CWJe (K(--31) 100 rfcoa tespedeza 20 Kdre do lespedezo 10 5 AM'", Blue-gross 5 .. r g 1, use unscartfied seed for se r"O 1 Aug. 15 cdd` to lb/ocre. 6ennon or 15 iblacre 5udanToss. Prior to May 1 or At*%, y d 40 tb/acre rte (grain). It mad be bematicy to plant the grasses in late summer ar?d t? rat the, lespedezos in March. cater: $e#4w 2500 ft: Best Possible Able 2500 ft. Aug. 15 - 'crept. 1= JvN 25 - Wit. 15 Mar. I - Apr. 1 Her. I - " to Julq 25 - Avg. 15 JoN 15 - A44 30 Mcr. 20 - Apr. 20 Kx. 5 May , d?ar#1er in fall, and start later 1n n6o6r h-2A e ec?t-fc r,W19 510 peS. A "me and fertIlIze?r occorc" to soil test or q' 4POO #blacre ground aywvltural lWne5torw, z*%d 14 Volacre 5-fO-10 fertilizer. =4=-5X?00 blocre, graain strew or 0? ?,a - 1e nwkhmg rn r laI- #4vlhor mu by tack r, ci VW , rov# , or nettinq. M&tt" 15 they preferred an_P me on steep slopes. 1 Gore thm orate o goor. Refortiiize in the. second Growth is Mfg cad->,qu ate. Reseed, fertilize, and VMS" dared areas immedlotely. Plant Material Specifications Bare Root or Container (Herbaceous): The plants will either be ordered as bare root or in 1-quart containers. Plants will be planted immediately upon delivery. Plants will be stored in shade and kept moist otherwise. Once planted, the specimens shall appear healthy with no leaf spots, leaf damage, leaf discoloration, chlorosis, leaf wilting or curling, or evidence of insects on leaves or stems. Balled and Bagged (Woody Plants): The size of the earthen ball shall at least meet the minimum requirements in the American Standard for Nursery Stock (1980). Where plants are to be planted in saturated soils, the bagged root ball shall have a surface diameter that is at least z of the diameter of the un-pruned drip-line and a depth that is at least 8" per 5' of tree/shrub height. The hole for the tree/shrub will be the rootball diameter plus 12" around the outer edge. The crown of the rootball will be placed 1" above finish grade. Plants will be planted immediately upon delivery. If this does not occur, plants shall be stored in shade and root balls kept moist through periodic watering until the time of planting. Once growing, the plants shall appear healthy with no leaf spots, leaf damage, leaf discoloration, chlorosis, leaf wilting or curling, or evidence of insects on leaves. Container (Woody Plants): The soil within the root ball shall be field capacity (1/3 atmosphere) or wetter upon delivery to the job site. Any wilted, dry and/or lightweight plants shall be rejected. Plants shall be planted immediately upon delivery. If not then they must be stored in shade and root balls kept moist through periodic watering until time of planting. The shrub species will be either 2' to Tor T to 4' in height. The tree species will be 8' to 10' for the Red Maples and T minimum for the Willow and Sycamores. Soil and root masses must at least meet the minimum required container size. If soil/root masses are substantially smaller, soil around the root mass is loose, indicating the plant has not been in the container long enough to root itself, it shall be rejected. If growing, plants shall appear healthy with no leaf spots, leaf damage, leaf discoloration, chlorosis, leaf wilting or curling, or evidence of insects on leaves. For trees and shrubs, where spiraling woody roots exist on the outside f the soil/root mass upon the removal of plants from the containers, the landscape contractor shall separate (cutting where necessary) and spread them out prior to planting. Fertilization Woody Vegetation: Fall/Winter plantings-Use Osmocote 18-5-11, twelve to fourteen month release fertilizer, to be placed in hole or in soil fill/amendment mix at planting. Use grams (1 ounce) per 1-quart container, 90 grams (3 ounce) per 1-gallon container (30 grams per each additional gallon). Use 15 grams (1 ounce) per un-rooted cutting for willow whips (if used). Soil Amendments: Soil amendments are required around tree and shrub plantings. The amendments used should be leaf or pine bark compost at rates of one part compost to one part soil (from planting hole). Fertilizer should be mixed in with soil amendment mix. No surface mulch is required where plants are planted at or near original grade, unless tree shelters are used to promote growth and survival percentage. A 6" soil berm will be constructed 12" from the outer edge of the rootball to hold water. r Potential Sources For Plant Material Herbaceous Material: Niche Gardens (919) 231-6161 1111 Dawson Road Chapel Hill, NC 27516 We-Du Nurseries (828) 738-8300 Rt. 5, Box 724 Marion, NC 28752 Shrub Material: Campbell's Nursery (919) 851-1162 2816 Campbell Road Raleigh, NC 27606 Cure Nursery (919) 542-6186 880 Buteo Road Pittsboro, NC 27312 Fern Valley Farms (910) 463-2412 1624 Fern Valley Farm Road Yadkinville, NC 27055 Tree Material: NC Division of Forest Resources (828) 438-6270 Edwards Nursery 701 Sanford Drive Morganton, NC 28655 Tree Shelters: Treessentials Company (800) 248-8239 2371 Waters Drive Mendota Heights, MN 55120-1163 Tire Tree Ties: Grostrait (707) 745-4330