20171341 Ver 1_WRC Comments_20171109

Moore, Andrew W
From: Leslie, Andrea J
Sent: Thursday, November 09, 2017 12:26 PM
To: Hamstead, Byron; [e-mail]
Cc: Brown, David W SAW; Etchison, Luke; Williams, Lori A; Moore, Andrew W
Subject: RE: [External] Brandy Branch Restoration Project; Henderson Co (18-013)
I'm chiming in here, too. The Mills River at its confluence with Brandy Branch also hosts a number of other
state listed mussel species, as well as Eastern Hellbender. I will coordinate with NCWRC biologists on
whether we would like to move other mussel species. Ordinarily, we would only move individuals that
would be directly impacted by construction.
I think that what is most important is the use of measures that will minimize soil loss from the project. Greg,
can you describe what you can do to effectively minimize sediment loss (e.g., diversion of flows from work
area) within the constructed riffle and the boulder toe areas? Can you describe the amount of time needed to
construct the riffle and boulder toe areas?
Finally, will a wooded buffer be planted along the project reach? If so, how wide? Do you have a plant list? It
was not included in my packet.
FYI, a trout moratorium will not be required for this project.
Thanks much,
Andrea
Andrea Leslie
Mountain Habitat Conservation Coordinator
NC Wildlife Resources Commission
645 Fish Hatchery Rd.
Marion, NC 28752
828-400-4223
www.ncwildlife.org
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From: Hamstead, Byron [mailto:[e-mail]]
Sent: Thursday, November 09, 2017 10:27 AM
To: [e-mail]
Cc: Brown, David W SAW <[e-mail]>; Leslie, Andrea J <[e-mail]>
Subject: [External] Brandy Branch Restoration Project; Henderson Co (18-013)

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Hi Greg,
I just left you a voicemail regarding the project referenced above. We have records of the federally endangered
Appalachian elktoe mussel just downstream from the project on the Mills River. We are supportive of this project and
its intent to improve habitat. To reduce the probability for take of this species, the Mills River just downstream of the
proposed project should be surveyed before construction begins. Animals found should be relocated to a location
outside of the project's impact area, (probably somewhere upstream). Provided that this happens, we would concur
with a USACE determination (cc'd herein) that the proposed project is not likely to adversely affect Appalachian elktoe.
I want to muster a crowd to assist with this effort, but you/your client also has the option of hiring someone (provided
they have the requisite Section 10 permit to collect App elktoe). If you want our help, let me know when construction
would begin so I can get something on my calendar ASAP.
I will be out of the office until Nov 20th beginning this afternoon. Email or cell is best (c):828.337.2726.
Hope you are well,
Byron
Byron Hamstead
Fish and Wildlife Biologist
USFWS Asheville Field Office
160 Zillicoa St., Suite B
Asheville, NC, 28801
828-258-3939 ext. 225
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