20071741 Ver 1_WRC Comments_20071022

9 North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission P
MEMORANDUM
TO:
FROM:
DATE:
SUBJECT
Amanda Jones, USACOE
Asheville Regulatory Field Office
Ron Linville, Regional Coordinator
Habitat Conservation Program
October 17, 2007
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National Committee for the New River (NCNB), Lansing Park, Big Horse Creek
(C-Trout), Ashe County
NCNR proposes to provide bank stabilization activities near the Lansing Park facility. Biologists
with the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission are familiar with habitat values in the
area. These comments are provided in accordance with the provisions of the Fish and Wildlife
Coordination Act (48 Stat. 401, as amended; 16 U.S.C. 661-667d) and the North Carolina
Environmental Policy Act (G.S. 113A-1 through 113A-10; NCAC 25).
The project involves reshaping banks and installation of natural channel design features like rock
vanes, root wads and large boulders. Brown trout are known for area streams. Projects in Ashe
County have the potential to impact the Green floater (Lasmigona subviridis, Kanawha minnow
(Phenacobius teretulus), Tonguetied minnow (Exoglossum laurae), Kanawha darter (Etheostoma
kanawhae) and species on the NC watch list {Appalachia darter (Percina gymnocephala), New
River crayfish (Cambarus chasmodactylus), and a crayfish with no common name (Orconectes
cristavarius) 1.
Based on our review of the submittal we will not object to the project provided the following
conditions are implemented during construction:
1. In stream work and land disturbance within the twenty-five (25) foot wide buffer
zone are prohibited during the brown and brook trout spawning season of October 15
through April 15 to protect the egg and fry stages of trout from off-site sedimentation
during construction.
2. State-of-the-art natural channel design methodologies and autochthonous plant
species should be used exclusively. The natural dimension, pattern and profile of the
Mailing Address: Division of Inland Fisheries - 1721 Mail Service Center - Raleigh, NC 27699-1721
Telephone: [phone] - Fag: [phone]
NCNR-Lansing Park -Page 2 -
October 17, 2007
stream should be provided to the extent practicable. Floodplain benches should be
preserved or restored in order to maintain or restore natural stream dimensions.
3. Any riprap used must not interfere with aquatic life passage during low flow
conditions.
4. Fiber matting should be natural fiber and biodegradable instead of plastic to reduce
wildlife impingement and/or entrapment.
5. Heavy equipment should be operated from the bank rather than in the stream channel
in order to minimize sedimentation and reduce the likelihood of introducing
pollutants into the water. If equipment must be used in waters, petroleum spill
containment equipment should be readily available. Equipment should be new or
low-hour, clean and well maintained.
6. Stringent erosion control measures should be installed where soil is disturbed and
maintained until project completion.
7. Temporary or permanent herbaceous vegetation should be planted on all bare soil
within five (5) days of ground disturbing activities to provide long-term erosion
control.
Thank you for the opportunity to review and comment on this project during the early planning
stages. If you have any questions regarding these comments, please contact me at 336-769-9453.
E-copy: Sue Homewood, DWQ-WSRO