20081367 Ver 1_Conetoe Buffer Restoration_20080715

Prepared for:
ANNUAL MONITORING REPORT
YEAR 3 (2008)
CONETOE BUFFER RESTORATION SITE
PITT COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA
(Contract Number D05026-1)
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NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES
ECOSYSTEM ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM
RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA
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Prepared by:
Restoration Systems, L.L.C.
1101 Haynes Street, Suite 211
Raleigh, North Carolina 27604
And
Axiom Environmental, Inc.
RECEIVED
JUN 2 0 2008
NC ECOSYSTEM
ENHANCEMENTPROGRAM
Willow Spring, North Carolina 27592 Axiom Environmental,
June 2008
il!l ? 5 ?_008
Inc.
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Restoration Systems, LLC (Restoration Systems) has completed riparian buffer restoration at the
Conetoe Buffer Restoration Site (hereafter referred to as the "Site") to assist the North Carolina
Ecosystem Enhancement Program (EEP) in fulfilling restoration goals in the region. The Site is
located approximately 10 miles northwest of Greenville, in Pitt County. This portion of Pitt
County is located centrally within Tar-Pamlico River Basin 14-digit Targeted Local Watershed
03020103050050.
The Site encompasses approximately 10.19 acres immediately adjacent to unnamed tributaries to
Conetoe Creek. A total of 10.19 Buffer Mitigation Units, resulting from 10.19 acres of buffer
restoration, were completed in February 2006.
Prior to restoration, Site land use was characterized by spray fields utilized for sewage sludge
application. The Site was cleared of native forest vegetation, ditched to reduce the impacts of
groundwater on land use, and planted with herbaceous ground cover. Site streams were ditched
and received periodic vegetative maintenance, resulting in eroding banks.
Site reforestation, consisting of a Mesic Pine Flatwoods community, was implemented within the
entire 10.19-acre Site. The primary goals of this buffer restoration project focused on
reforestation of the Site with native species to 1) improve water quality; 2) enhance flood
attenuation; 3) reduce sedimentation/siltation; 4) increase channel bank stability; 5) filter and
reduce pollutants prior to entering Conetoe Creek; 6) serve as a wildlife corridor by providing
connectivity to forested areas adjacent to the Site; 7) provide increased habitat for aquatic and
terrestrial wildlife; 8) increase organic matter, carbon export, and woody debris in the stream
corridor; 9) restore shade to open waters of the Site; 10) increase potential for appropriate mussel
habitat; and 11) enhance macroinvertebrate species populations in the channel.
As a whole, the densities of four vegetation plots across the Site were above the required 320
stems per acre with an average of 1432 tree stems per acre in the Third Monitoring Year (Year
2008). In addition, each individual plot met success criteria and had increasing species diversity
with 8 to 10 species present within each plot.
Conetoe Buffer Restoration Site page i
Annual Monitoring Report Restoration Systems, LLC
Year 3 (2008)
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1.0 INTRODUCTION .............................................................................................................. 1
2.0 VEGETATION MONITORING PROGRAM ................................................................... 3
2.2.1 Vegetation Success Criteria .................................................................................... 5
2.2.2 Vegetation Sampling Results and Comparison to Success Criteria ........................ 6
3.0 CONCLUSIONS .................................................................................................................6
4.0 REFERENCES ................................................................................................................... 8
LIST OF TABLES
Table 1. Character Tree Species .................................................................................................... 5
Table 2. 2008 Vegetation Monitoring Data and Results ................................................................ 7
Table 3. Summary of Vegetation Plot Results ............................................................................... 6
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1. Site Location ................................................................................................................... 2
Figure 2. Monitoring Plan .............................................................................................................. 5
APPENDICES
Appendix A. Vegetation Plot Photographs
Appendix B. Wildlife Observations
Conetoe Buffer Restoration Site page ii
Annual Monitoring Report Restoration Systems, LLC
Year 3 (2008)
CONETOE BUFFER RESTORATION SITE
ANNUAL MONITORING REPORT
YEAR 3 (2008)
PITT COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA
1.0 INTRODUCTION
Restoration Systems, LLC (Restoration Systems) has completed the restoration of riparian buffer
at the Conetoe Buffer Restoration Site (hereafter referred to as the "Site") to assist the North
Carolina Ecosystem Enhancement Program (EEP) in fulfilling restoration goals in the region. The
Site is located approximately 10 miles northwest of Greenville, in Pitt County (Figure 1).
The Site conservation easement encompasses 10.19 acres immediately adjacent to unnamed
tributaries to Conetoe Creek within subbasin 03-03-03 of the Tar-Pamlico River Basin. The Site
is part of United States Geological Survey Catalogue Unit 03020203 of the South Atlantic/Gulf
Region and is encompassed within a Hydrologic Unit that has been targeted for restoration needs
(Targeted Local Watershed 03020103050050) (EEP 2004).
A Detailed Buffer Restoration Plan was completed for the Site in July 2005. The plan outlined
methods designed to reforest the entire 10.19-acre Site with native species. Prior to
implementation, the entire Site was composed of sewage sludge spray fields. The following
objectives provide 10.19 Buffer Mitigation Units as requested under the EEP Request for Proposal
(RFP) 16-DO5026 dated October 22, 2004:
Restoration of approximately 10.19 acres of riparian buffer through planting with native
forest species.
Protection of the Site in perpetuity with a conservation easement which is held by the State
of North Carolina.
The primary goals of this buffer restoration project focused on reforestation of the entire 10.19-
acre Site with native species to 1) improve water quality; 2) enhance flood attenuation; 3) reduce
sedimentation/siltation; 4) increase channel bank stability; 5) filter and reduce pollutants prior to
entering Conetoe Creek; 6) serve as a wildlife corridor by providing connectivity to forested areas
adjacent to the Site; 7) provide increased habitat for aquatic and terrestrial wildlife; 8) increase
organic matter, carbon export, and woody debris in the stream corridor; 9) restore shade to open
waters of the Site; 10) increase potential for appropriate mussel habitat; and 11) enhance
macro invertebrate species populations in the channel.
The primary goals were accomplished by:
1. Removing nonpoint sources of pollution associated with land use practices including a)
removal of spray field application of sewage sludge into and adjacent to Site streams and
b) cessation of broadcasting fertilizer, pesticides, and other agricultural materials into and
adjacent to Site streams.
2. Reducing sedimentation within onsite and downstream receiving waters through a) a
reduction of bank erosion associated with ditch vegetation maintenance, b) filtering and
reducing surface runoff from adjacent spray fields, and c) planting a forest buffer adjacent
to Site streams.
Conetoe Buffer Restoration Site page 1
Annual Monitoring Report Restoration Systems, LLC
Year 3 (2008)
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Dwn. by:
2128 RoWand Pond Dr SITE LOCATION Ckdby: CLF FIGURE
WillowS"Vs, NC 27%2 WGL
(919) 215.1 OW CONETOE BUFFER RESTORATION SITE Date:
(919) 341-IM fax Pitt County, North Carolina June 2008,
Axiom Emkonmenlal, Inc. 11 11 Project: 08-007
3. Increasing floodwater attenuation by revegetating Site streams thereby promoting
increased frictional resistance on floodwaters crossing the Site.
4. Providing wildlife habitat including a forested riparian corridor.
As constructed, the Site provides 10.19 acres of riparian buffer restoration (10.19 Buffer
Mitigation Units).
On June 27, 2005, EEP contracted with Restoration Systems to complete restoration of the Site. A
Detailed Buffer Restoration Plan was completed for the project in July 2005. Upon completion of
the detailed plan, Carolina Silvics planted the Site during the first week of February 2006. An As-
built Mitigation Plan was completed by Axiom Environmental, Inc. in May 2006.
Information on project managers, owners, and contractors follows:
Owner Information
Restoration Systems, L.L.C.
George Howard and John Preyer
1101 Haynes Street, Suite 211
Raleigh, North Carolina 27604
[phone]
Designer and Monitoring Performer Information
Axiom Environmental, Inc.
W. Grant Lewis
2126 Rowland Pond Drive
Willow Spring, North Carolina 27592
[phone]
2.0 VEGETATION MONITORING PROGRAM
Planting Contractor Information
Carolina Silvics
Dwight McKinney
908 Indian Trail Road
Edenton, North Carolina 27932
919) 523-4375
Monitoring procedures for vegetation were designed in accordance with Stream Mitigation
Guidelines (USACE et al. 2003) and the Draft Internal Guidance for Vegetation Monitoring Plans
for NCWRP Riparian Buffer and Wetland Restoration Projects (undated). A general discussion of
the plant community restoration monitoring program is provided. Monitoring of restoration
efforts will be performed for a minimum of 5 years or until success criteria are fulfilled. The
locations of monitoring plots are depicted in Figure 2.
During the first year, vegetation received visual evaluation on a periodic basis to ascertain the
degree of overtopping of planted species by nuisance species. Subsequently, quantitative
sampling of vegetation will be performed between June 1 and September 30 of each monitoring
year for five years or until the vegetation success criteria are achieved.
Conetoe Buffer Restoration Site page 3
Annual Monitoring Report Restoration Systems, LLC
Year 3 (2008)
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Four sample transects were installed within planted areas of the Site shortly after replanting to
equally represent the Site (Figure 2). Each transect is 300 feet in length and 8 feet in width (0.055
acre). In each sample plot, vegetation parameters to be monitored include species composition
and species density. Visual observations of the percent cover of shrub and herbaceous species
were also noted. Photographs of the four vegetation plots are included in Appendix A.
2.2.1 Vegetation Success Criteria
Success criteria have been established to verify that the vegetation component is dependent upon
density and growth of "Character Tree Species." Character Tree Species include planted species,
those observed in forest stands near the Site, and those listed in the Mesic Pine Flatwood
community descriptions from Classification of the Natural Communities of North Carolina
(Schafale and Weakley 1990). All planted canopy tree species and those identified in Schafale
and Weakley (1990) will be utilized to define "Characteristic Tree Species" as termed in the
success criteria.
Table 1. Character Tree Species
Planted Species Examples of Mesic Pine Flatwood Species*
River Birch (Betula nigra) Mockernut Hickory (Carya alba)
Loblolly Pine (Pinus taeda) Sand Hickory (Carya pallida)
White Oak (Quercus alba) Sweetgum (Liguidambar styraciflua)
Southern Red Oak (Quercus falcata) Longleaf Pine (Pinus palustris)
Swamp Chestnut Oak (Quercus Bluejack Oak (Quercus incana)
Water Oak (Quercus nigra) Post Oak (Quercus stellata)
Cherrybark Oak (Quercus pagoda) Blackjack Oak (Quercus marilandica)
Willow Oak (Quercus phellos) Black Cherry (Prunus serotina)
Northern Red Oak (Quercus rubra)
* Species described in Schafale and Weakley (1990) and observed within adjacent sites; this is not a comprehensive
list.
Vegetation success criteria for the Site will be the existence of an overall density of at least 320
stems per acre five years after the initial planting. Additional seedlings are expected to be
recruited to the Site from adjacent forested communities. These individuals may also be counted
in the overall success rate for the Site provided they are native hardwood tree species.
If vegetation success criteria are not achieved based on average density calculations from
combined plots over the entire restoration area, supplemental planting may be performed with
Character Tree Species. Supplemental planting will be performed as needed until achievement of
vegetation success criteria.
No quantitative sampling requirements are proposed for herb assemblages as part of the vegetation
success criteria. Development of floodplain forests over several decades will dictate the success in
recruitment and establishment of desired understory and groundcover populations. Visual
Conetoe Buffer Restoration Site page 5
Annual Monitoring Report Restoration Systems, LLC
Year 3 (2008)
estimates of the percent cover of herbaceous species will be noted and documented through
periodic photographs. Photographs of the vegetation plots are included in Appendix A.
2.2.2 Vegetation Sampling Results and Comparison to Success Criteria
Quantitative sampling of vegetation was conducted in June 2008. Results are provided in Table 2.
Vegetation success criteria for year 3 (320 stems per acre) were exceeded for the 2008 annual
monitoring year with 1432 tree stems per acre across the Site. In addition, each individual plot
met success criteria and had increasing species diversity with 8 to 10 species present within each
plot.
3.0 CONCLUSIONS
As a whole, vegetation plots across the Site were above the required 320 stems per acre with an
average of 1432 tree stems per acre in the Third Monitoring Year (Year 2008). In addition, each
individual plot met success criteria and had decent species diversity with 8 to 10 species present
within each plot. Average stems per acre and species diversity has increased since the first year of
monitoring.
Table 3. Summary of Vegetation Plot Results
Stems/Acre Coun tin Towards Success Criteria
Plot Year 1
2006 Year 2
2007 Year 3
2008 Year 4
2009 Year 5
2010
1 764 945 1091
2 1473 2327 1345
3 655 1309 1236
4 1673 1655 2055
Average Plots 1-4 1141 1547 1432
Documented animal species that utilize the developing wetland ecosystem are listed in Appendix
B.
Conetoe Buffer Restoration Site page 6
Annual Monitoring Report Restoration Systems, LLC
Year 3 (2008)
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4.0 REFERENCES
Ecosystem Enhancement Program (EEP). 2004. Tar-Pamlico River Basin Watershed Restoration
Plan. North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Raleigh.
North Carolina Wetlands Restoration Program (NCWRP). Undated. Draft Internal Guidance for
Vegetation Monitoring Plans for NCWRP Riparian Buffer and Wetland Restoration
Projects. North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Raleigh,
North Carolina.
Schafale, M. P., A.S. Weakley. 1990. Classification of the Natural Communities of North
Carolina: Third Approximation, NC Natural Heritage Program, Division of Parks and
Recreation, NC DEM, Raleigh NC.
United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), United States Environmental Protection
Agency (USEPA), North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC), Natural
Resources Conservation Service (MRCS), and North Carolina Division of Water Quality
(NCDWQ). 2003. Stream Mitigation Guidelines. State of North Carolina.
Conetoe Buffer Restoration Site page 8
Annual Monitoring Report Restoration Systems, LLC
Year 3 (2008)
APPPENDIX A
VEGETATION PLOT PHOTOGRAPHS
Conetoe Buffer Restoration Site
Annual Monitoring Report Restoration Systems, LLC
Year 3 (2008)
Conetoe Buffer Restoration Site
Year 3 (2008) Annual Monitoring
Vegetation Plot Photos Taken June 2008
Conetoe Buffer Restoration Site
Annual Monitoring Report Restoration Systems, LLC
Year 3 (2008)

30
G1k? 4
APPPENDIX B
WILDLIFE OBSERVATIONS
Conetoe Buffer Restoration Site
Annual Monitoring Report Restoration Systems, LLC
Year 3 (2008)
WILDLIFE OBSERVED AT SITE CONETOE RESTORATION SITE
BIRDS*: August June
2006 2008

Red-tailed Hawk Buteo "amaicensis x
Turkey Vulture Cathartes aura x x
Northern Bobwhite Colinus vir inianus x
Killdeer Charadrius vociferus x
Mourning Dove Zenaida macroura x x
Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica x
Common Crow Corvus brach rh nchos x
Eastern Bluebird Sialia sialis x x
Starling Sturnus vul aris x
Northern Cardinal Cardinalis cardinalis x
Indigo Bunting Passerina c anea x
American Goldfinch Cardeulis tristis x
Field Sparrow S izella ussila x
Red-winged Blackbird A elaius hoeniceus x

REPTILES and AMPHIBIANS:
Green Fro Rana clamitans x
Black Snake -- x
Bullfrog Rana catesbeiana x
*Bird list: The Sibley Guide to Birds by David Allen Sibley. National Audubon
Society. 2000. Chanticleer Press, Inc.
August 2006/June 2008 - incidental to other fieldwork.
Conetoe Buffer Restoration Site
Annual Monitoring Report Restoration Systems, LLC
Year 3 (2008)