20171209 Ver 1_WRC Comments_20171117

n North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission n
Gordon Myers, Executive Director
November 17, 2017
Mr. William Elliott
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Regulatory Branch
151 Patton Avenue, Room 208
Asheville, North Carolina 28801-5006
SUBJECT: Lake Lure Shoreline Stabilization
Lake Lure, Rutherford County
Dear Mr. Elliott:
Biologists with the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) reviewed an application to
restore stabilize 907 feet of shoreline on Lake Lure in Rutherford County. Our comments on this
application are offered for your consideration under provisions of the Clean Water Act of 1977 (33 U.S.C.
466 et. seq.) and Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act (48 Stat. 401, as amended; 16 U.S.C. 661-667d).
The application describes the repair of existing masonry seawall, replacement of a wood wall with
masonry seawall, and the placement of riprap along the shoreline for stability at six sites.
This project should not affect wild trout reproduction and the activities do not need to be avoided during
the trout spawning moratorium. We do not object to the placement of a rip rap toe at the foot of the
shoreline, as this increases habitat complexity. Shallow water bottom and complex shoreline structure,
most notably fallen trees and other large woody debris (LWD), are important habitat components for
various sunfish, largemouth bass, and other fishes in the lake. They also are used by many reptiles and
birds for perching, basking, and foraging areas. We recommend that any LWD be left in place or moved
temporarily and replaced after stabilization work is complete.
Thank you for the opportunity to review and comment on this regulatory action. Please contact me at
[phone] if you have any questions about these comments or need further assistance.
Sincerely,
Andrea Leslie
Mountain Region Coordinator, Habitat Conservation Program
ec: Amy Annino, NC Division of Water Resources
Clint Calhoun, Town of Lake Lure
Mailing Address: Habitat Conservation • 1721 Mail Service Center • Raleigh, NC 27699-1721
Telephone: [phone] • Fax: [phone]