20081549 Ver 1_Monitoring Report_20080527

G 08-1549
ANNUAL RIPARIAN BUFFER MONITORING REPORT
YEAR 2007 (YEAR 5)
CASEY DAIRY-WALNUT CREEK
RIPARIAN BUFFER RESTORATION SITE
WAYNE COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA
Contract # AW03011-4
' 9 Qd[M [0),
MAY 2 7 2008
)E.'iR - WATER QUALITY
WE !,.ANDS AND STORMWATER BRANCH
ARCADIS
ARCADIS G&M of North Carolina, Inc. and RESTORATION SYSTEMS
801 Corporate Center Drive, Suite 300 1101 Haynes Street, Suite 107
Raleigh, North Carolina 27607 Raleigh, North Carolina 27604
[phone] restorationsystems.com
[phone]
November 2007 RECEIVED
NOV 2 5 2007
N ECOSYSTEM
cNHAh0;°.Iv'ENT PROGRAM
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1.0 INTRODUCTION .............................................................................................................. 1
2.0 MONITORING PROGRAM .............................................................................................. 3
2.1 General Description ............................................................................................... 3
2.2 Vegetation Monitoring Procedure ......................................................................... 5
2.3 Success Criteria ..................................................................................................... 5
2.4 Sampling Results and Comparison to Success Criteria ......................................... 5
3.0 CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS ............................................................. 9
4.0 REFERENCES ................................................................................................................. 10
LIST OF TABLES
Table 1: Inventory of Reference Wetland Tree Species ........................................................... 7
Table 2: 2007 Vegetation Monitoring Data and Results ........................................................... 8
Table 3. Summary of Vegetation Plot Results for Years 1 through 5 .................................... 10
LIST OF SHEETS
Sheet 1: Site Location ............................................................................................................... 2
Sheet 2: As-Built Planting ........................................................................................................ 4
Sheet 3: Monitoring Plan .......................................................................................................... 6
APPENDICES
Appendix A: Vegetation Plot Photographs
Case Dairy-Walnut Creek Riparian Buffer Restoration Site Table of Contents
Annual Wetland Monitoring Report November 2007
Year 5 (2007) Restoration Systems, LLC
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801 Corporate Center Dr SITE LOCATION
Suite 300 CASEY DAIRY - WALNUT CREEK
Raleigh, NC 27607 SHEET 1
?J Tel.[phone] RIPARIAN BUFFER RESTORATION
ARCADIS Fax.[phone] WAYNE COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA
ANNUAL RIPARIAN BUFFER MONITORING REPORT
YEAR 2007 (YEAR 5)
CASEY DAIRY-WALNUT CREEK RIPARIAN BUFFER RESTORATION SITE
WAYNE COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA
1.0 INTRODUCTION
Restoration Systems and the North Carolina Wetlands Restoration Program established the
Casey Dairy-Walnut Creek Riparian Buffer Restoration Site (Site) to provide for wildlife and
water quality benefits within the coastal region of the Neuse River basin. The Site comprises a
72-acre cattle farm, pasture, and dairy situated within the floodplain of Walnut Creek,
approximately 4 miles upstream of its confluence with the Neuse River (Sheet 1). This riparian
buffer restoration is expected to reduce nutrient loads six-fold from the Site to the Neuse River
Basin relative to existing conditions. This restoration plan has been developed in accordance
with the Guidelines for Riparian Buffer Restoration (NCDENR 2001). The plan was
implemented in November and December of 2002 and included the following primary
components.
(1) Approximately 4,800 feet of cattle exclusion fencing was erected to reduce cattle
excrement within surface water runoff and to eliminate stream bank collapse and erosion
due to hoof damage.
(2) Pasture surfaces on the floodplain were ripped and disked in two directions to remove soil
compaction and to facilitate vegetation establishment and nutrient uptake.
(3) Water control structures (rock cross-vanes) were installed within ditches to passively raise
the water table within the rooting zone of planted riparian species.
(4) Cross-vanes have served to reduce flow velocity, promote passive filling of ditches
through siltation, and to facilitate vegetation growth within surface water flow pathways
throughout the riparian buffer.
(5) Approximately 59,640 trees and shrubs were planted to promote riparian community
restoration, nutrient uptake/recycling, and associated water quality benefits.
(6) A perpetual conservation easement was established over the tract to ensure continued
protection of the restored riparian buffer.
This report documents the results of the fifth year of monitoring according to the monitoring
program as outlined in the restoration plan. Monitoring activities have been performed
throughout 2007, including evaluations of surface water flow, erosion potential, and vegetation
growth. Results are compared to success criteria. In summary, the Site met success criteria for
riparian buffer vegetation establishment in 2007 with an average of 497 character stems per acre.
Casey Dairy-Walnut Creek Riparian Buffer Restoration Site page 1
Annual Wetland Monitoring Report November 2007
Year 5 (2007) Restoration Systems, LLC
2.0 MONITORING PROGRAM
2.1 General Description
Primary construction activities were completed in December 2002, including bank stabilization,
subsurface ripping, and water table manipulations. Vegetation planting was completed in
January 2003; 59,640 seedlings were planted as outlined in Sheet 2. A significant flood event
occurred during Hurricane Isabel in September 2003. Three subsequent floods were documented
during the fall hurricane season of 2004 and 2006. Constructed fences have not been damaged
or breached by cattle or hurricanes during the report period.
Successional (old-field) vegetation growth continued to include heavy recruitment of herbaceous
species including smartweeds (Polygonum spp.), climbing hempweed (Mikania scandens),
morning glory Qpomoea spp.), blackberry (Rubus spp), rice cutgrass (Leersia oryzoides), dog
fennel (Eupatorium capillifolium), ragweed (Ambrosia spp.), horseweed (Erigeron canadensis),
goldenrod (Solidago spp.), beggar-ticks (Bidens sp.), cattail (Typha sp.), and soft rush (Juncus
effusus). The fifth-year growth of herbaceous vegetation occasionally includes dense thickets 5
feet or greater in height overtopping planted seedlings. In areas containing a predominance of
smartweeds, climbing hempweed, and/or blackberry, many of the seedlings have been pulled to
the ground and are producing secondary shoots.
Natural recruitment also includes intermittent pockets of shrub and tree seedlings dominated by
red maple (Acer rubrum) and sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua) and additionally, hickory
(Carya sp.), loblolly pine (Pinus taeda), green ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica), black cherry
(Prunus serotina), American sycamore (Platanus occidentalis), and willow (Salix spp.).
Several stems of privet (Ligustrum sinense) were recorded. However, this invasive species lacks
aggressive tendencies within the organic soils of the Site and does not present any potential to
dominate.
In some areas, old-field herbaceous vegetation continued to overtop and flatten the planted
seedlings during the growing seasons of 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, and 2007. Dense successional
vegetation averaged 5 feet or greater in height. However, vegetation sampling in dense thickets
indicate that planted seedlings continue to exhibit survival rates in excess of 75 percent.
Therefore, control of vigorous herbaceous competition is not warranted. In addition, the
herbaceous competition continues to reduce beaver consumption of planted trees on the
floodplain. Severe stress and mortality of planted seedlings in relatively large numbers was only
noted where soft rush (Juncus effusus) developed into dense stands. Herbaceous growth rates are
expected to decline over the next several years as canopy closure progresses.
Casey Dairy-Walnut Creek Riparian Buffer Restoration Site page 3
Annual Wetland Monitoring Report November 2007
Year 5 (2007) Restoration Systems, LLC
Planting Regime

Planting Zone 1

(ago f") 2

(20-50 feel)
3
(50-200 rest)

TSTEM
PlanBng Assoc ialbn Stream Bart Stream-Side Floodplain PLANTED
Planting Area (acres) 11.2 15.3 45.5 72
UNDERSTORY/SHRUBS
Species Name B Pkwded # Placed 0 Plarded B Planed
Buttrlbrrsh (C.ephdgnVxrx ooddMtffW) 1600 600 2400
EMWberty (SMnbcrara CW*dWWft) 1120 370 1490
Swamp Red Bay (Parma per) 440 680 1100
Red Chokd=Ty (Amnia arbtaDft) 460 120 560
Pomw"m blb xmwn (Vbum n nudUM) 390 350 740
TREES
Riwr BMdt (Betts Mora) 970 1190 2940 5100
Ams ken Syet+rnors P%*wwre ocddsrttb) 340 330 590 1260
Green Ash (Fraxkxrs pwww*anice) 240 270 590 1100
Bald Cypnas (ftworrn dtwdwm) 1290 1770 5440 6500
Swamp chestnut Oak (Oman mom") 460 640 1900 9000
Water TUpeb ftssa aquatics) 620 1180 3300 5100
p TUpab (Nyw MR n 580 780 2270 3590
owrcw oak (Q MM loft) 670 960 2740 4390
UK" Oak (wars Mw t ft) 760 970 3060 4810
WNow Oak (Qusran ow1m) 510 630 2070 3210
ChMrybMk Oak (Oman pagoda) 450 620 2030 3100
TUMp Poplar gmod rtdm kmpftm) 440 670 1900 3100
WWW Oak (Quarars Mora) 330 520 1660 2400
WOW Rdwry (Carya aquwca) 240 330 1390 1960
TOTAL 12.290 13.640 33.715 59.840
Average Plarrlirtg Density 1100 890 740 830
Average Plant 6 bet x 8 fast 7 bat x 7 test .5 test x 7.5 faw 7 foal x 7 test
WIN Caroline
Vftft s Reskmatbn
Proprfm
320 Wed Jones Strew
Ralsiph N.C. 27604
RsNor M R Sysfents
1101 Hfptes Street
SUVA 203
Rdeiph N.C. 27604
(919) 78544
0
ARCADIS
801 Corporate Center Dr
Suite 300
Raleigh. NC 27607
Tel.[phone]
Fax [phone]
Casey Dairy -
Walnut Creek
Riparian Buffer
Restoration
Wayne County
North Carolina
TiYa:
As-suMt
Pl0619
SHEET 2
Wildlife species observations were noted throughout the monitoring activities. Diagnostic bird
species that use the restored floodplain wetlands include common yellowthroat (Geothlypis
trichas), sora (Porzana carolina), great blue heron (Ardea herodias), belted kingfisher (Ceryle
alcyon), Canada goose (Branta canadensis), red-winged blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus), green
heron (Butorides virescens), wood duck (Aix sponsa), and mallard (Anas platyrhynchos).
2.2 Vegetation Monitoring Procedure
Quantitative vegetation sampling was performed in October and November of 2007. Permanent,
0.15-acre transect plots were established at the locations depicted on Sheet 3. Each transect
measures 600 feet in length and 10.9 feet in width. Ten plots were established, providing a
2 percent quantitative sample.
In each plot, tree/shrub species and number of stems were recorded. Species data collected from
each plot were combined to calculate an average density of the riparian buffer restoration area
based on success criteria.
2.3 Success Criteria
A minimum mean density of 320 character trees/shrubs stems must be surviving for 3 years after
initial planting. Subsequently, 290 character stems must be surviving in year 4 and 260 character
stems in year 5. With the exception of cypress (Taxodium distichum) and tupelo (Nyssa spp.), no
character species can comprise more than 20 percent of the 260 stem/acre total required for year
5; the excess stems will be discarded from the statistical analyses. Because the Site likely
supported extensive cypress-tupelo swamp under historic conditions, cypress and tupelo species
may comprise up to 100 percent of the stem per acre requirement. Character species are defined
as planted species or native species identified in reference (relatively undisturbed) riparian
buffers in the region (Sheet 2 and Table 1). For this monitoring program, character species
exclude pine (Pinus spp.), sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua), red maple (Acer rubrum),
willow (Salix spp.), and exotic elements.
2.4 Sampling Results and Comparison to Success Criteria
Quantitative sampling of vegetation was performed in October and November of 2007. Results
of the fall sampling are provided in Table 2. In summary, an average of 497 character stems per
acre are surviving after the fifth year of monitoring. These densities are well-above the 260
character stems per acre requirement for success. Planted character species include bald cypress
(Taxodium distichum, 115 stems per acre), swamp/water tupelo (Nyssa biora/aquatica, 69
stems per acre), river birch (Betula nigra, 48 stems per acre), overcup oak (Quercus lyrata, 17
stems per acre), cherrybark oak (Quercus pagoda, 33 stems per acre), willow oak (Quercus
phellos, 41 stems per acre), and water oak (Quercus nigra, 26 stems per acre). Only two plots
(1200-1800 and 1800-2400) were slightly below the required 260 stems/acre. These plots are
located in the wettest portion of the site where soft rush and cattail are abundant.
Casey Dairy-Walnut Creek Riparian Buffer Restoration Site page 5
Annual Wetland Monitoring Report November 2007
Year 5 (2007) Restoration Systems, LLC
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Table 1: Inventory of Reference Wetland Tree Species
Walnut Creek-Neuse River Corridor, Wayne-Lenoir Counties
Scientific Name Common Name Scientific Name Common Name
Acer rubrum] Red Maple' Platanus occidentalis American Sycamore
Acer negundo Box Elder Populus heterophylla Swamp Cottonwood
Betula nigra River Birch Prunus serotina Black Cherry
Carpinus caroliniana Ironwood Quercus alba White Oak
Carya aquatica Water Hickory Quercus laurifolia Laurel Oak
Carya tomentosa Mockemut Hickory Quercus lyrata Overcup Oak
Celtis laevigata Hackberry Quercus michataii Swamp Chestnut Oak
Chamaecyparis thyoides Atlantic White Cedar Quercus nigra Water Oak
Cornus spp. Dogwood Quercus pagoda Cherrybark Oak
Fagus grandifolia American Beech Quercus phellos Willow Oak
Fraxinus caroliniana Carolina Ash Quercus rubra Northern Red Oak
Fraxinus pennsylvanica Green Ash Salix caroliniana Carolina Willow'
Fraxinus profunda Pumpkin Ash Salix nigra Black Willow'
Gordonia lasianthus Loblolly Bay Symplocus tinctoria Horse Sugar
Ilex opaca American Holly Taxodium distichum Bald Cypress
Juglans nigra Black Walnut Ulmus alata Winged Elm
Jumperus virginiana Eastern Red Cedar Ulmus americana American Elm
Liquidambar styraciflua' Sweet Gum' Ulmus rubra Slippery Elm
Liriodendron tulipifera Tulip Poplar
Magnolia virginiana Sweet Bay
Morus rubra Red Mulberry
Nyssa aquatica Water Tupelo
Nyssa billora Swamp Tupelo
Nyssa sylvatica Black Gum
Oxydendrum arboreum Sourwood
Persea palustris Red Bay
Pinus serotina Pond Pine
Pinus taedal Loblolly Pine'
i s Lobiohy pine, red maple, sweet gum, and willow species have been excluded as character elements.
Casey Dairy-Walnut Creek Riparian Buffer Restoration Site page 7
Annual Wetland Monitoring Report November 2007
Year 5 (2007) Restoration Systems, LLC
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3.0 CONCLUSIONS AND SUMMARY OF RESULTS FOR YEARS I THROUGH 5
In summary, the restoration site achieved success criteria for the fifth monitoring year with an
average of 497 character stems per acre surviving. These densities are well-above the 260
character stems per acre requirement for success. In addition, the site is highly successful,
having achieved success criteria over the entire 5-year monitoring period. Table 3 summarizes
the vegetation data gathered each of the 5 monitoring years.
The cattle exclusion fencing and rock cross-vanes are functioning as intended. No erosion or
sediment problems were noted within the Site.
Beaver have not had a significant impact by chewing/uprooting planted seedlings. The heavy
herbaceous cover may serve to protect the seedlings from beaver. Several beaver dams have
been constructed in downstream reaches of the project. However, long-term inundation has not
yet induced extensive mortality of planted seedlings or herbaceous cover. Beaver are present
and active within bottomland hardwood and swamp forest ecosystems throughout the Neuse
River watershed. Measures to control this species are not necessary. The beaver dams have
created excellent habitat for waterfowl and have not resulted in significant mortality of planted
seedlings.
In some areas, old-field herbaceous vegetation has overtopped and flattened the planted
seedlings during the growing seasons of each monitoring year. Dense successional vegetation
averaged 5 feet or greater in height. However, vegetation sampling in dense thickets indicate
that planted seedlings continue to exhibit survival rates in excess of 75 percent. Herbaceous
growth rates are expected to decline over the next several years as the planted seedlings mature
and provide increased shading. Therefore, control of vigorous herbaceous competition is not
warranted.
Casey Dairy-Walnut Creek Riparian Buffer Restoration Site page 9
Annual Wetland Monitoring Report November 2007
Year 5 (2007) Restoration Systems, LLC
Table 3. Summary of Vegetation Plot Results for Years 1 through 5
Casey Dairy - Walnut Creek Riparian Buffer Restoration Site
Total Stems/Acre Counting Toward Success Criteria
Year 1 2003 Year 2 2004 Year 3 2005 Year 4 2006 Year 5 2007
575 672 632 552 497
Casey Dairy-Walnut Creek Riparian Buffer Restoration Site page 10
Annual Wetland Monitoring Report November 2007
Year 5 (2007) Restoration Systems, LLC
4.0 REFERENCES
North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources (NCDENR). 2001.
Guidelines for Riparian Buffer Restoration. North Carolina Department of Environment and
Natural Resources, Raleigh, North Carolina.
Casey Dairy-Walnut Creek Riparian Buffer Restoration Site page I 1
Annual Wetland Monitoring Report November 2007
Year 5 (2007) Restoration Systems, LLC
APPENDIX A
Vegetation Plot Photographs
Casey Dairy Riparian Buffer Restoration Site
Year 5 (2007) Annual Monitoring Report
Vegetation Photographs Taken November 2007
Plot 0000-0600
Plot 0600-1200
Plot 2400-3000
Plot 1800-2400
Plot 3000-3600
g C 5 a . ??1,J- '+??
i. lilt
??fy1r 1
Plot 5400-6000
Plot 3600-4200
Plot 4200-4800
Plot 4800-5400