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HomeMy WebLinkAbout20061944 Ver 1_Individual_20061221Individual Permit Application for U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Section 404 Permit North Carolina 401 Water Quality Certification December 2006 2006 1 8 44 ;, Applicant: RECEIVED Lonesome Valley LONESOME VALLEY 4 Attn: Shane Robichaud PO Box 3269 Cashiers, NC 28717 (828) 743-7696 Prepared By: C1earWater Environmental Consultants, Inc. 718 Oakland Street Hendersonville, NC 28791 (828) 698-9800 CLEARWATER ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTANTS, INC. December 20, 2006 Mr. Lori Beckwith US Army Corps of Engineers Asheville Field Office 151 Patton Avenue, Room 208 Asheville, North Carolina 28801 Mr. Cyndi Karoly N.C. Division of Water Quality 1650 Mail Service Center Raleigh, NC 27699-1650 Re: Section 404 Individual Permit Application Lonesome Valley Jackson County, NC Dear Lori and Cyndi: T RECEIVED 2006 1944 Enclosed for your review is an Individual Permit application for stream and wetland impacts associated with the construction of Lonesome Valley, a residential community in Cashiers, (Jackson County) North Carolina. The following information is included with the application as supporting documents: 1) 8.5 X 11" plan drawings including stream impacts 2) List of Adjacent Land Owners 3) Master Plan map 4) Threatened and Endangered Species Assessment Please do not hesitate to call me at (828) 698-9800 to discuss this application or if you have any questions. Sincerely, R. Clement Riddle, P.W.S. Principal enclosures cc: USFWS NCWRC NCDWQ-Asheville Office 2 ®r,�' (9 9 W R N DEC 2 12006 DENR - WATER QUALITY WETtANN W STORMWATER BRANCH 718 Oakland Street Hendersonville, North Carolina 28791 Phone: 828-698-9800 Fax: 828-698-9003 www.cwenv.com 4 2006 1 944 APPLICATION FOR DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY PERMIT OMB APPROVAL NO.0710-003 (33CFR 32 Expires October 1996 lie reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 5 hours per response, including the time for reviewing inspections, searching existing sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the collection of information. Send comments regarding this burden estimate or any other aspect of this collection of information, including suggestions for reducing this burden, to Department of Defense, Washington Headquarters Service Directorate of Information Operations and Reports, 1215 Jefferson Davis Highway, Suite 1204, Arlington, VA 22202-4302; and to the Office of Management and Budget, Paperwork Reduction Project (0710-0003), Washington, DC 20503. Please DO NOT RETURN your form to either of those addresses. Completed applications must be submitted to the District Engineer having jurisdiction over the location of the proposed activity, PRIVACY ACT STATEMENT Authority: 33 USC 401, Section 10; 1413, Section 404. Principal Purpose: These laws require permits authorizing activities in, or affecting, navigable waters of the United States, the discharge of dredged or fill material into waters of the Untied States, and the transportation of dredged material for the purpose of dumping it into ocean waters. Routine Uses: Information provided on this form will be used in evaluating the application for a permit. Disclosure: Disclosure of requested information is voluntary. If information is not provided, however, the permit application cannot be processed nor can a permit be issued. One set of original drawings or good reproducible Copies which show the location and character of the proposed activity must be attached to this application (see sample drawings and instructions) and be submitted to the District Engineer having jurisdiction over the location of the proposed activity. An application that is not completed in full will be returned ITEMS 1 THRU 4 TO BE FILLED BY THE CORPS 1. APPLICATION NO. 2. FIELD OFFICE CODE 3. DATE RECEIVED 4.13ATE APPLICATION RECEIVED (ITEMS BELOW TO BE FILLED BY APPLICANT) 5. APPLICANT'S NAME 8. AUTHORIZED AGENT'S NAME & TITLE (an agent is not required) Lonesome Valley ClearWater Environmental Consultants, Inc. 6, APPLICANT'S ADDRESS 9. AGENT'S ADDRESS C/O Mr. Sharpe Robichaud valley Rd 718 Oakland Street Hendersonville, NIC 28791 Ti f1 94 Lonesome i E; it PO Box 3269 Cashiers NC 28717 REenan 7. APPLICANT'S PHONE NOS. W/AREA CODE 10. AGENT'S PHONE NOS. W/AREA CODE a. Residence N/A a. Residence N/A b. Business 828-743-7696 b. Business 828-698-9800 11. STATEMENT OF AUTHORIZATION I hereby authorize, Clement Riddle to act in my behalf as my agent in the processing of this application and to furnish, upon roquest, supplemental information in support of this permit app APPLICANT'S SIGNATURE DATE 12. PROJECT NAME OR TITLE (see instructions) Lonesome Valley 13. NAME OF WATERBODY, IF KNOWN (if applicable) 14. PROJECT STREET ADDRESS (if applicable) Logan Creek 94 Lonesome Valley Rd 15. LOCATION OF PROJECT Jackson NC COUNTY STATE 16. OTHER LOCATION DESCRU'TIONS, IF KNOWN, (see instructions) Lonesome Valley 17. DIRECTIONS TO THE SITE: From U.S. Highway 64 in Brevard travel west toward Cashiers N.C. After dossing the Cake Toxaway Falls on Highway 64 travel approximately 9 miles west. The site is located on the northern side of Highway 64. The entrance is marked with two stone pillars on either side of the entrance road. sk"Awg ut DEC 2 12006 • 0 • 18. Nature ofActivity (Description of project, include all features) SEE ATTACHED. 19. Project Purpose (Describe the reason or purpose of the project, see instructions) SEE ATTACHED. USE BLOCKS 20-22 IF DREDGED AND/OR FILL MATERIAL IS TO BE DISCHARGED 20_ Reason(s)for Discharge SEE ATTACHED. 21. Type(s) of Material Being Discharged and the Amount of Each Type in Cubic Yards Fill of approximately 444 linear feet of culvert proposed in jurisdictional streams. 22. Surface Area in Acres of Wetlands or Other Waters Filled (see instructions) 0.053 acres of perennial and important intermittent streams 0.013 acres of wetlands 23. Is Any Portion of the Work Already Completed? Yes N No IF YES, DESCRIBE THE COMPLETED WORK Phase 1 impacts are complete. Permit received 07/28/05 and the USACE ID # 200531949. 24. Addresses of Adjoining Property Owners, Lessees, Etc., Whose Property Adjoins the Waterbody (If more than can be entered here, please attached a supplemental list). SEE ATTACHED, 25. List of Other Certifications or Approvals/Denials Received from other Federal, State or Local Agencies for Work Described in This Application AGENCY TYPE APPROVAL* IDENTIFICATION # DATE APPLIED DATE APPROVED DATE DENIED USACE 404 Permit 200531949 08/232002 07/28/2005 "Would include but is not restricted to zonin& building and flood plan permits 26. Application is hereby made for a permit or permits to authorize the work described in this application. I certify that the information in this application is complete and accurate. 1 further certify that I possess thf ity to undcrqLM the work described herein or am acting as the duly authorized agent agent of the applicant. r SIGNATURE OF APPLICANT DATE SIGNATURE OF AGENT DATE The application must be signed by the person who desires to undertake the proposed activity (applicant) or it may be signed by a duly authorized agent if the statement in block 11 has been filled out and signed. 19 U.S.C. Section 1001 provides that Whoever, in any manner within the jurisdiction of any department or agency of the United States knowingly and willfully falsifies, conceals, or covers up any trick, scheme, or disguises a material fact or makes any false, fictitious or fraudulent statements or entry, shall be fined not more than $10,000 or imprisoned not more than five years or both_ • Adjacent Landowners Lonesome Valley (PIN# 7583-50-8670) Warren Alexander Richard Page Jonathon Smith PO Box 1683 2425 Bogota St 980 Mayfield Rd Cashiers, NC 28717 Port Charlotte, F133980 Alpharetta, GA 30004 (PIN#7582-68-7894) (PIN# 7582-69-7293) (PIN# 7582-69-7696) Jane Hampson Duane Franceschi Richard McCullough 1401 Lincoln St 2909 Ivan Hoe Rd 166 Flamingo Ave Evanston, IL 60201 Tallahassee, FL 2312 Naples, FL 34108 (PIN# 7583-60-8112) (PIN#7583-70-1137) (PIN# 7583-70-5098 William Yag Elizabeth Masarek Spring Forest Property Owner As. 7657 Ponte Verde Way 7510 Brigantine Ln 6000 904 San Jose Blvd Naples, FL 34108 Porkland, FL Jacksonville, FL 32217 (PIN# 7583-70-7271) (PIN# 7583-80-3219) (PIN# 7583-80-5200, 7583-80-7205) Thalia Carlos Ray Daniel One National lo SW Lawrence McCallen •105 Flatwood Brandon Trail Atlanta, GA 30336 4421 St Andrew Dr Glenville, NC 28736 0583-, A 307) Boynton Beach, F133436 (PIN# 7583-55-2846,7583-55-1631) (PIN# 7583-80-9864) Westmark Dev. Co. of NC Charles Degenhardt Thomas West 20 Continental Dr 154 Grays Creek Dr 1672 Plum Thicket Ln W Sapphire, NC 28774 Savannah, GA 31410 Des Moines, IA 50266 (PIN# 7593-21-2777) (PIN# 7583-91-1978) (PIN# 7583-93-3357) German Family LTD Partnership Rodney Metz Elizabeth Webb 310 McAlpin Rd 3198 Edwater Dr 6040 Oakbrook Ct Ponte Savannah, GA 31406 Gainesville, GA 30501 Verde Beach FL 32082 (PIN# 7583-94-2924,7583-75-9375) (PIN# 7583-56-5351,7583-56-3131) (PIN# 7583-76-1242) Gary Metal Kathleen Hughes Lonesome Valley Co. Inc. 10651 SW 65' Ave 3766 Carrick Dr PO Box 1459 Miami, FL 33156 Ormond Beach, FL 32174 Cashiers, NC 28717 (PIN# 7582-68-7426) (PIN# 7582-68-9128) (PIN# 7582-67-8182) 0 • Gay Horne Patricia Ketcham E. Mitchell Betty 755 Loridans Dr 2217 Limerick Dr 33 Pepperidge Trail Atlanta, GA 30342 Tallahassee, FL 32308 Glenville, NC 28736 (PIN# 7582-66-0174,7582-56-7883) (PIN# 7583-45-9385) (PIN# 7583-45-9084) High C. Ltd Gary Coyle Mazie Salerno PO Box 1088 PO Box 2536 17417 Magnolia Island Blvd Wauchula, FL 33873 Cashiers, NC 28717 Clemont, FL 34711 (PIN# 7583-45-9084) (PIN# 7583-44-4440) (PIN# 7583-44-0252) George Brown Dzuira Family Holdings Partnership Donatas Siliunas PO Box 1671 330 Atlantic Rd 4900 N. Ocean Blvd. Zolfo, FL 33890 Key Biscayne, FL 33149 Ft. Lauderdale FL 33308 (PIN# 7583-34-7290) (PIN# 7583-34-4782) (PIN# 7583-23-3670) Nancy Middleton Richard Middleton David Miller 113 E. Gordon St. 12 Dahlgren Rd 1610 South Eighth St Savannah, GA 31401 Richmond VA 23219 Fernandina Beach FL 32034 (PIN# 7583-23-2170) (PIN# 7583-22-1968) (PIN# 7583-22-5764) Richard Beavers Amelia Service Center Red Bird Properties South Eighth St 1610 South Eighth St PO Box 2487 •1610 Fernandina Beach FL 32034 Fernandina Beach FL 32034 Cashiers, NC 28717 (PIN# 7583-22-8970) (PIN# 7583-22-8453,7583-22-8252) (PIN# 7582-66-4121) Barbara Swift R&E Land Holdings, LLC Van Swift 140 Bay View Ave PO Box 1459 CashiersNC 28717 NC 28302) 140 Bay View Ave Naples, FL 34108 , (PIN# 75, Naples, FL 34108 (PIN# 7583-22-8060,7583-21-8755) (PIN# 7583-21-8528) Howard Smith LVC 1 Inc. Keith Holdbrooks 8050 Corton Dr PO Box 2487 4115 Indian Hills Rd SE Myrtle Beach, SC 29572 Cashiers, NC 28717 Decatur, AL 35603 (PIN# 7583-30-3987) (PIN# 7582-38-5740,7582-76-3423) (PIN# 7582-76-4511 Spring Property Owners Assoc. Hoosier Products LP Martha Lewis 600 904 San Jose Blvd. 1185 Mount Paran Rd NW PO Box 2305 Jacksonville, FL 32217 Atlanta, GA 30327 Conway, SC 29526 (PIN# 7582-77-0288) (PIN# 7582-77-2493 (PIN# 7582-77-1945) 0 • Individual Permit Application for U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Section 404 Permit North Carolina 401 Water Quality Certification December 2006 Applicant: Lonesome Valley LONESOME Attn: Shane Robichaud PO Box 3269 Cashiers, NC 28717 (828) 743-7696 Prepared By: C1earWater Environmental Consultants, Inc. 718 Oakland Street Hendersonville, NC 28791 • (828) 698-9800 • Table of Contents 1.0 INTRODUCTION..................................................................................................................1 2.0 BACKGROUND.....................................................................................................................3 2.1 Project Location......................................................................................................................................... 3 2.2 Project Purpose and Scope of Work.......................................................................................................... 3 3.0 EXISTING SITE CONDITIONS..........................................................................................4 3.1 Soils...........................................................................................................................................................4 3.2 Vegetative Communities........................................................................................................................... 4 3.3 Threatened, Endangered, and Species of Special Concern ........................................................................ 6 4.0 PROPOSED PROJECT DEVELOPMENT - LONESOME VALLEY ...........................7 0 8.1 8.2 8.3 8.4 8.5 8.6 8.7 8.8 8.9 8.10 8.11 8.12 8.13 8.14 8.15 8.16 Conservation............................................................................................................................................ 4.1 Roads.........................................................................................................................................................7 27 4.2 Utilities...................................................................................................................................................... 7 5.0 DISCUSSION OF ALTERNATIVES................................................................................9 27 HistoricProperties................................................................................................................................... 5.1 Overview................................................................................................................................................... 9 FloodHazards.......................................................................................................................................... 5.2 Project Justification................................................................................................................................. 10 LandUse.................................................................................................................................................. 5.3 The Site.................................................................................................................................................... 12 ShoreErosion and Accretion................................................................................................................... 5.4 Development Plan (Wetland Avoidance/Actions to Minimize Impacts) ................................................. 12 Water Supply and Conservation.............................................................................................................. 5.5 Alternatives Conclusion.......................................................................................................................... 12 6.0 COMPENSATORY MITIGATION PLAN.......................................................................13 6.1 Stream Avoidance................................................................................................................................... 13 6.2 Stream Minimization............................................................................................................................... 14 6.3 Stream Preservation................................................................................................................................. 14 6.4 Natural Stream Channel Design Restoration ................................. 14 • 6.5 6.6 Stream Restoration Plan (570 linear feet)................................................................................................ Monitoring...............................................................................................................................................17 15 6.7 Success Criteria....................................................................................................................................... 18 6.8 Reporting................................................................................................................................................. 19 7.0 U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY 404(b)(1) GUIDELINES ........... 20 7.1 Compliance with U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Guidelines.................................................... 20 7.2 Factual Determination............................................................................................................................. 20 7.3 Potential Impacts on Physical and Chemical Characteristics of the Aquatic Ecosystem ........................ 20 7.4 Potential Impacts to Biological Characteristics of the Ecosystem........................................................... 22 7.5 Potential Impacts on Special Aquatic Sites............................................................................................. 23 7.6 Potential Effects on Human Use Characteristics..................................................................................... 24 7.7 Summary ................................................................................................................................................. 26 8.0 PUBLIC INTEREST CONSIDERATIONS......................................................................27 0 8.1 8.2 8.3 8.4 8.5 8.6 8.7 8.8 8.9 8.10 8.11 8.12 8.13 8.14 8.15 8.16 Conservation............................................................................................................................................ 27 Economics............................................................................................................................................... 27 Aesthetics................................................................................................................................................ 27 General Environmental Concerns............................................................................................................ 27 Wetlands.................................................................................................................................................. 27 HistoricProperties................................................................................................................................... 28 Fishand Wildlife Values......................................................................................................................... 28 FloodHazards.......................................................................................................................................... 28 FloodplainValues.................................................................................................................................... 28 LandUse.................................................................................................................................................. 28 Navigation............................................................................................................................................... 28 ShoreErosion and Accretion................................................................................................................... 28 Recreation................................................................................................................................................ 29 Water Supply and Conservation.............................................................................................................. 29 Water Quality (Stormwater Management).............................................................................................. 29 EnergyNeeds.......................................................................................................................................... 29 • 8.17 Safety .......................................................................................................................................................29 8.18 Food and Fiber Production...................................................................................................................... 29 8.19 Mineral Needs......................................................................................................................................... 29 8.20 Considerations of Property Ownership.................................................................................................... 30 8.21 Needs and Welfare of the Public............................................................................................................. 30 9.0 SUMMARY ...................................................... Appendix A Threatened and Endangered Species Survey Appendix B USACE 404 Permit Appendix C Mitigation Scope of Work • 0 .................................................................31 • 1.0 INTRODUCTION Lonesome Valley, Inc. proposes to complete Phase II of the residential subdivision, known as Lonesome Valley. The project is proposed for a 613 -acre section on the northern portion of Lonesome Valley just north of US Highway 64 in Jackson County, North Carolina (Figure 1). The proposed project, Phase II. of Lonesome Valley represents the final phase of the master plan. The site is bordered by US Highway 64 to the south and private second home resort communities to the east, west, and north. US Highway 64 provides the primary access to the site (Figure 2). The project site contains Logan Creek and numerous unnamed tributaries all of which drain into Logan Creek. Logan Creek flows into the Horsepasture River just south of US Highway 64. Lonesome Valley is a 788 -acre master planned community in Cashiers, North Carolina. This plan includes the construction of 250 homes and associated amenities based on a conservation ethic and design. The Jennings family has owned this land since 1895 and has demonstrated their commitment to the preservation of this unique landscape through years of sustainable family ventures this land has supported. Lonesome Valley has demonstrated through the completed Phase I, that this conservationist principle is achievable and a successful plan for the community, which will be developed. Residents will have access to an array of outdoor/adventure activities and amenities, including fly fishing, rock climbing, seasonal concerts, and a full-service spa. • As is usual with developments of this size, Lonesome Valley has been constructed in phases. The applicant has expended considerable resources in design of a comprehensive Master Plan for the development. Site planning was begun 2 years ago and only the first 175 -acres have been constructed. This permit application will cover all remaining acreage (613 acres) associated with Lonesome Valley. The master plan is supported by extensive planning, engineering analysis and survey of the physical and biotic components of the site including aerial photography, 2 foot topographic surveys, complete Section 404 jurisdictional surveys, natural resource surveys and inventory, and threatened or endangered (T&E) species surveys of the site. 0 0 Table 1. Phase II Project Summary Information Existing Site Information Total site Acreage 613 Acres Total Linear Feet of Perennial Streams 38,335 Linear Feet Total Wetland Acreage 0.6 Total Open Water Acreage 4.17 Acres Proposed Site Development Total Wetland Roads Impacts 0.013 Acres (meadow fill) Total Perennial Stream Impacts 444 Linear Feet Avoidance/Minimization of Impacts Streams Avoided 37,891 Linear Feet Wetlands Avoided 0.587 Acres New Bridges 9 Upland Buffers Approximately 57 Acres 11 0 • 2.0 BACKGROUND Lonesome Valley has been a part of the Jennings family for over 100 years. Until recently, this family has protected this land and kept it in an undeveloped natural state. The exquisite natural landscape that surrounds this valley is truly unique, and this family has demonstrated commitment to the protection of this valley over the last century. E.H. Jennings acquired this approximately 800 -acre valley in 1895. During the 1940s, the land became the full-time family residence and farm. The valley supports an array of outdoor/adventure activities, including walking, hiking, biking, fly fishing, kayaking, canoeing, swimming, tennis, rock climbing, and camping. The area will host indoor activity areas that will make available basketball, volleyball, and fitness -aerobics. After participating in all these activities, residents will be able to enjoy the full service spa that will support this community's idea that at Lonesome Valley, relaxation is considered an activity, too. The initial planning efforts have focused on the entire site where the natural features of the land were studied to determine the type of development plan that would best fit the property. The project team including William G. Lapsley and Associates, Design Workshop, Inc., C1earWater Environmental Consultants, and others spent many days in the field to determine the best uses and preservation priorities for the project site. The • proposed master plan recognizes the natural features of the land and minimizes development activity in the most environmentally sensitive portions of the site. • 2.1 Project Location Lonesome valley is located in Jackson County, North Carolina and is accessed from US Highway 64. From U.S. Highway 64 in Brevard, travel west toward Cashiers, N.C. After crossing the Lake Toxaway Falls on Highway 64, travel approximately 9 miles west. The site is located on the northern side of Highway 64. The entrance is marked with two stone pillars on either side of the entrance road. 2.2 Project Purpose and Scope of Work The purpose of this development is to create a residential community and associated amenities based on designs that blend in with the unique natural landscape. 3 • 3.0 EXISTING SITE CONDITIONS The 613 -acre proposed project site is located in Jackson County, North Carolina and mainly (70%) consists of mature forest. Elevations range from approximately 3,620 feet to 4,150 feet. The project site contains Logan Creek and numerous unnamed tributaries all of which drain into Logan Creek. Logan Creek flows into the Horsepasture River just south of US Highway 64. Logan Creek is classified as a Trout Water by the NC Division of Water Quality. 3.1 Soils The soils on Lonesome Valley are mostly Edneyville-Chestnut complex, Cullasaja- Tuckasegge complex, and Cleveland -Chestnut -Rock outcrop complex (Figure 3). The soils are mostly stony and slopes range from 8 to 90 percent. 3.2 Vegetative Communities The site contains 7 different habitat types. These habitat types include high elevation granitic dome, montane alluvial forest, montane oak -hickory forest, mixed • pine/hardwood forest, maintained meadow, wetlands, and stream bed and bank. The habitat map is included in Appendix A, Figure 2. 3.2.1 High Elevation Granitic Dome This habitat type consists of uniform granite cliffs with some zoned mats of vegetation occurring along cracks and crevices in the rock. Woody species may occur in older established mats, they may include Carolina hemlock (Tsuga caroliniana), mountain laurel (Kalmia latifolia), and mountain rosebay (Rhododendron catawbiense). The majority of this habitat type is devoid of vascular plants. 3.2.2 Montane Alluvial Forest This habitat type occurs along stream and river floodplains at high to moderate elevations. Tree species here are dominated by Eastern Hemlock (Tsuga Canadensis) and red maple (Acer rubrum). The shrub layer consists of Rosebay (Rhododendron maximum) and dog hobble (Leucothoe fontanesiana). The dense shrub layer in this habitat type prevents the formation of any noticeable herbaceous layer. 3.2.3 Montane Oak Hickory Forest This habitat type occurs on dry-mesic slopes and ridgetops at high to moderate • elevations. The tree species here are dominated by a mixture of oaks, hickories, and other hardwood species, including red oak (Quercus rubra), chestnut oak (Quercus 4 • prinus), pignut hickory (Carya glabra), and tulip poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera). flowering dogwood (Cornus Florida) and red maple are commonly found in the understory. Shrub layer vegetation consists of rosebay (Rhododendron maximum), mountain laurel, bear huckleberry (Gaylussacia ursina), and blueberry (Vaccinium spp.). The herbaceous layer includes indian cucumber root (Medeola virginiana), blue eyed grass (Sisyrinchium sp.), bracken fern (Pteridium aquilinum), northern red oak (Quercus rubra), oxeye daisy (Chrysanthemum leucanthemum), buttercup (Ranunculus sp.), pink trillium (Trillium sp.), devils bit (Chamaelirium luteum), lily of the valley (Convallaria majalis), speckled wood lily (Clintonia umbellulata), squaw root (Conopholis americana), white baneberry (Actaea pachypoda), yellow flag (Iris pseudacorus), bedstraw (Galium spp.), and galax (Galax aphylla). 3.2.4 Mixed Pine/Hardwood Forest This habitat type occurs on dry-mesic slopes and ridgetops at high to moderate elevations. The tree species here are dominated by a mixture of pines, oaks, hickories, and other hardwood species, including red oak, chestnut oak (Quercus prinus), pignut hickory, and tulip poplar. The upper canopy level is composed of mature white pines (Pinus strobus). These mature pines overshadow approximately 20-40% of the lower oak hickory forest. Flowering dogwood and red maple (Acer rubrum) are commonly found in the lower understory. Shrub layer vegetation consists of rosebay (Rhododendron maximum), mountain laurel, bear huckleberry • (Gaylussacia ursina), and blueberry. The herbaceous layer includes indian cucumber root, bedstraw and galax. • 3.2.5 Maintained Meadow This habitat consists of mowed agricultural pastures suitable for livestock grazing. 3.2.6 Wetlands This habitat type is composed of a variety of seeps and bogs associated with the base of slopes, old stream channels, and low areas with poor drainage. Tree species include red maple, eastern hemlock, and tulip poplar. The shrub layer is dominated by rosebay and dog hobble. The shrub layer also includes multiflora rose (Rosa multiflora), hazel alder (Alnus serrulata), southern pinxter flower (Rhododendron canescens), spicebush (Lindera benzoin), and elderberry (Sambucus canadensis). Herbaceous species include cinnamon fern (Osmunda cinnamomea), soft rush (Juncus effuses), bluet (Houstonia sp), buttercup (Ranunculus sp.), unknown sedges (Carex spp.), turtlehead (Chelone sp.), jack in the pulpit (Arisaema triphyllum), netted chainfern (Woodwardia areolata), shining club moss (Lycopodium lucidulum), jewelweed (Impatiens capensis), yellow root (Xanthorhiza simplicissima), violet (Viola spp.), and rattlesnake root (Prenanthes sp.). 5 • 3.1.7 Stream Bed and Bank This habitat type is composed of coldwater mountain streams capable of supporting wild trout populations. 3.3 Threatened, Endangered, and Species of Special Concern The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the North Carolina Natural Heritage Program were contacted regarding the known or potential occurrences of federally listed threatened or endangered species or habitat types found on the project area. Six listed species are known to occur or have the potential to occur in Jackson County. A comprehensive threatened and endangered species survey has been prepared and is included as an attachment to this application (Appendix A). The report describes the habitats observed on the 613 -acre site and addresses the potential for the site to support listed species. During completion of threatened and endangered species habitat assessments for the 613 - acre project site, no listed species were observed. It is the opinion of C1earWater Environmental Consultants, Inc. that federally protected species are not likely to be present within the phase. As such, development of the proposed Lonesome Valley Phase II project is not likely to cause an adverse impact to any federally threatened or endangered species. • Although no threatened and endangered species were identified during this survey, because of the transitory nature of some of the listed threatened and endangered species and the particular flower/fruiting periods of some plants, it is possible that endangered species populations and locations may change over time. Therefore, any potential findings at a later date should be fully investigated and coordinated with appropriate agencies to prevent potential adverse impacts. 0 • 4.0 PROPOSED PROJECT DEVELOPMENT — LONESOME VALLEY The 613 -acre tract contains 0.6 acres of jurisdictional Wetlands/Waters of the U.S. Nearly all of the jurisdictional area on-site is comprised of perennial and intermittent streams totaling 38,335 linear feet. Lonesome Valley Development, LLC. the applicant, proposes to permanently impact 0.013 -acres of wetlands and 444 linear feet of stream to achieve the previously stated project purpose (Figures 4-4.6). The applicant proposes: 1. 0.053 -acres (444 linear feet) of fill in intermittent streams for the construction of roads. 2. 0.013 -acres of fill in wetland areas for the construction of roads. The attached master plan (Figure 4) proposes a total impact of 444 linear feet of perennial and intermittent stream (0.053 -acres of Waters of the U.S.). Wetland impacts are proposed to be 0.013 acres. The net result for Phase II of this project includes avoiding 37,891 linear feet of perennial and intermittent streams and 0.587 acres of Waters of the U.S./wetlands. Additional mitigation will be onsite and include the preservation and protection by restrictive covenants of the avoided streams and wetlands, and approximately 570 linear feet of stream restoration on an unnamed tributary of Logan's Creek. The avoided, preserved, • and restored streams will have at least 25 foot upland buffers on all 37,891 linear feet of streams and 0.587 acres of wetlands. 4.1 Roads The primary purpose for this project permit is to build roads that will provide access to the new residential and amenity areas of Lonesome Valley. These roads will require twenty-two stream crossings, thirteen of which have impacts. Impacts associated with these roads will be minimized as two of the crossings are at locations where there is an existing culvert. These two 20 foot culverts will be replaced with 35 foot and 37 foot larger culverts. Nine bridges/half pipe culverts are also being planned as a way to minimize impacts. There is a total proposed impact of 444 linear feet proposed to perennial and intermittent streams and 0.013 acres of wetlands resulting from twelve access roads (Figure 4-4.6). 4.2 Utilities There are no proposed permanent or temporary impacts to streams or wetlands onsite resulting from the installation of utilities. It is the intent of the applicant to bring electricity and sewer to the site via underground and within the existing road right of ways. In the event that utility lines must cross jurisdictional areas, impacts will be temporary and crossings will be conducted following the USACE and NC Division of Water Quality guidelines and conditions of Nationwide • Permit 12, as well as conditions of this Individual Permit. The drinking water will 7 • be supplied by a connection to the existing CWS system in Sapphire Valley and supplemented by three to four wells located on the Lonesome Valley property. The sewer will be collected on site, pumped to an existing CWS Systems, Inc. sewer system and then treated at the Sapphire -Fairfield wastewater treatment plant. CWS Systems, Inc. is the owner/operator of both systems. • 0 • 5.0 DISCUSSION OF ALTERNATIVES 5.1 Overview This discussion of alternatives is submitted by the Applicant to assist the Wilmington District, USACE in evaluating the application for authorization to discharge dredged or fill material into waters of the United States, including wetlands, under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act, 33 U.S.C. § 1344 at the Lonesome Valley development in Jackson County, North Carolina. An analysis of the Section 404(b)(1) Guidelines requirements for consideration of alternatives as required by 40 C.F.R. 230.10(a) is set forth below. Actions taken to avoid and minimize wetland impacts are presented in Section 6.0 of this Application. The Section 404(b)(1) Guidelines Alternatives requirements provide that "no discharge of dredged or fill material shall be permitted if there is a practicable alternative to the proposed discharge which would have less adverse impact on the aquatic ecosystem, so long as the alternative does not have other significant adverse environmental consequences." [See 40 C.F.R. 230.10(a) (emphasis added).] The record must contain "sufficient information to demonstrate that the proposed discharge complies with the requirements of Section 230.10(a) of the Guidelines. The amount of information needed to make such a determination and the level of scrutiny required by the Guidelines is commensurate with the severity of the environmental impact (as determined by the functions of the aquatic resource and the nature of the proposed activity) and the scope/cost of the project." [See ACOE/EPA Memorandum to the Field "Appropriate Level of Analysis Required for Evaluating Compliance with Section 404(b)(1) Guidelines Alternatives Requirements," p. 2, dated August 23, 1994, hereinafter the "Memorandum."] As noted in the Memorandum at pages 3-4, the 404(b)(1) Guidelines "only prohibits discharges when a practicable alternative exists which would have less adverse impact on the aquatic ecosystem." [See Memorandum.] "If an alleged alternative is unreasonably expensive to the applicant, the alternative is not practicable." [See Guidelines Preamble, "Economic Factors," 45 Federal Register 85343 (December 24, 1980).] Practicable alternatives for the project are those alternatives that are "available and capable of being done after taking into consideration costs, existing technology, and logistics in light of overall project purposes." [See 40 C.F.R. 230.10(a)(2).] Clarification is provided in the Preamble to the Guidelines on how cost is to be considered in the determination of practicability. An alternative site is considered "available" if it is presently owned by the applicant or "could reasonably be obtained, utilized, expanded or managed in order to fulfill the basic purpose of the proposed activity." 40 C.F.R. § 230. 1 0(a)(2). • Our intent is to consider those alternatives, which are reasonable in terms of the overall scope/cost of the proposed project. The term economic [for which the term "costs" was 9 • substituted in the final rule] might be construed to include consideration of the applicant's financial standing, or investment, or market share, a cumbersome inquiry which is not necessarily material to the objectives of the Guidelines. The EPA 404(b)(1) Guidelines state that, "we have chosen instead to impose an explicit, but reputable presumption that alternatives to discharges in special aquatic sites are less damaging to the aquatic ecosystem, and are environmentally preferable." Of course, the general requirements that impacts to the aquatic system not be acceptable also apply. This presumption "...contains sufficient flexibility to reflect circumstances of unusual cases" (249 Fed. Reg., 85339, December 24, 1980). It is clear from these stipulations that a preferable alternative may allow filling in certain wetland areas and subsequent mitigation and/or management of other areas. 5.2 Project Justification Lonesome Valley has been a part of the Jennings family for over 100 years. Until recently, this family has protected the ecological integrity of this land and kept it in a pristine natural state. The exquisite natural landscape that surrounds this valley is truly unique, and this family has demonstrated commitment to the protection of this valley over the last century through sustainable mink and trout farming practices. Only now has the family allowed the development of 250 homes on 788 acres of this area. The design and construction are restricted to plans that blend in with and • sustain the natural landscape. Master Planning and permitting large/long term development projects depend highly upon having flexibility to implement sound land planning and engineering design principles which are often conceptual at the time of permitting, but which must include available land for development to economically justify the project, reasonable site access, construction of utilities and stormwater systems, and appropriate location of various land use amenities. The applicant has expended significant resources to conduct intensive surveys and assessments, including a land survey, intensive land planning and market analysis, wetland delineation and survey, and threatened and endangered species survey. The information gathered from these tasks has been considered in preparation of the master plan submitted with this permit application. Market analysis conducted by the applicant confirms the aptness of the project site for the intended purpose. However, for the project to be economically viable, enough real estate must be made available for amenities to cover development costs and provide a reasonable profit. Since the land area is finite, development costs, particularly construction costs, must be limited for the project to be successful. It is important to note that the implemented Phase I of Lonesome Valley has been very successful and highly regarded to date. Phase I included obtaining USACE Nationwide Permits 13 and 39. The Action I.D. number for that permit is 200531949 • and a copy of both the permit and permit application are included in Appendix B. 10 • The proposed development supports an array of outdoor/adventure activities, including walking, hiking, biking, fly fishing, kayaking, canoeing, swimming, tennis, rock climbing, and camping. The area will host indoor activity areas that will make available basketball, volleyball, and fitness -aerobics. After participating in all these activities, residents will be able to enjoy the full service spa that will support this community's idea that at Lonesome Valley, relaxation is considered an activity, too. • When reviewing this application, the USACE is also required to consider the public interest in this project. In considering the public interest, the USACE must evaluate the probable impacts of the project and evaluate the "benefits which reasonably may be expected to occur from the proposal against reasonably foreseeable detriments." In balancing these interests, the USACE must consider the public and private need for the proposed project, the practicability of using reasonable alternative locations, and the extent and permanence of the beneficial and/or detrimental impacts of the project. The USACE also considers other factors, including: Conservation, economics, aesthetics, general environmental concerns, wetlands, historic properties, fish and wildlife values, flood hazards, floodplain values, land use, navigation, shore erosion and accretion, recreation, water supply and conservation, water quality, energy needs, safety, food and fiber production, mineral needs, considerations of the property ownership and in general, the needs and welfare of the people. Furthermore, the USACE regulations state that a permit will be granted unless the district engineer determines that it would be contrary to the public interest. Lonesome Valley Development, LLC. has extensively evaluated these factors over the last 2 years through the planning process and believes that the proposed project is clearly in the public interest. The project will benefit the public in terms of riparian protection, general environmental concerns, wetlands, fish and wildlife values, and water quality. Most importantly, while the project will impact a limited number of perennial and intermittent streams, the overall stream impact for the project is very minimal and is offset by adequate mitigation. These preserved streams and small seep areas will be subject to restrictive covenants to ensure permanent preservation. Because these streams perform valuable water quality functions, the preservation of these important areas will contribute in perpetuity to wetlands, stream, fish, and wildlife protection and improved water quality. While the project would result in the preservation of these important and significant areas, the USACE must bear in mind that the Jennings family has turned away other significant development proposals (golf,' lakes) that would have resulted in many more stream and wetland impacts. The development plan that the Jennings family has chosen further demonstrates their commitment to the protection of this land in its current state for future generations to enjoy. 11 • In addition to the preservation of the stream and wetland habitats, the applicant has chosen to minimize impacts to the riparian forest along each of the tributaries and wetlands by establishing upland buffers that are a minimum of 25 feet on each side of the bank. These buffer areas will be preserved and protected under the proposed master plan. By permitting this project, the USACE would allow preservation of these habitats. 5.3 The Site Lonesome Valley Development, LLC. plans to build approximately 250 homes on 788 acres. The Jennings family and Lonesome Valley Development, LLC. desire to develop this property in a way that builds a sustainable community and allows new residents to enjoy the land in ways the Jennings family has for over a century. 5.4 Development Plan (Wetland Avoidance/Actions to Minimize Impacts) In preparing this plan, the applicant considered a variety of constraints, including impacts to wetlands/waters of the U.S. The applicant has avoided and minimized impacts to wetlands to the greatest extent practicable and feasible while still accomplishing the overall project purpose. During design of the proposed master plan, the applicant considered many development alternatives, which included impacts to substantially more streams than the proposed plan depicts. • The applicant conducted a pre -application meeting with regulatory agency personnel including the USACE, NCDWQ, and NCWRC on October 31, 2006 and presented a master plan layout for the Lonesome Valley Development. Avoidance and minimization efforts were completed by increasing the use of bridges and half -pipe culverts eight stream crossing locations. In addition to the approximately 570 linear feet of stream restoration, the proposed master plan will preserve 37,891 linear feet of stream and 0.587 acres of wetlands, thereby demonstrating that the applicant has designed the proposed project in order to avoid wetland impacts to the greatest extent practicable. Because the site is covered in long linear stream segments, it would be impossible to avoid all of these streams while continuing to maintain a rational project design and the flexibility needed to construct a large scale master planned residential community with a lengthy build out period. Two of the proposed impacts are located in streams that are already impacted by existing road culverts. 5.5 Alternatives Conclusion This discussion of alternatives, together with other documents submitted by the applicant in support of its 404 Permit, shows that the project complies with the guidelines and promotes public interest. As this analysis clearly demonstrates, the • proposed layout of the Lonesome Valley is designed to avoid and minimize impacts to the site to the maximum extent practicable. 12 • 6.0 COMPENSATORY MITIGATION PLAN This conceptual mitigation plan describes compensatory measures for unavoidable impacts to intermittent and perennial streams associated with the development of the Lonesome Valley Development, Jackson County, North Carolina. Consistent with regulatory guidance, the applicant is proposing to offset impacts to perennial and "important" intermittent stream from roads (444 linear feet), and wetlands (0.013 acres). The following conceptual mitigation plan is provided in support of the applicant's permit application and the mitigation measures are described in detail below: The applicant will avoid and preserve 37,891 linear feet of stream and approximately 57 acres of legally designated upland buffers with a minimum width of 25 feet (Figure 4). The applicant will also restore approximately 570 linear feet of perennial and intermittent stream that is currently flowing down an unnamed tributary of Logan Creek (Appendix Q. By evaluating the existing stream channel, a new stream channel will be designed using Natural Stream Channel Design methods (Rosgen) to restore a natural dimension, pattern, and profile to the channel. • Restoration 570 linear feet perennial and intermittent stream 1.4:1 ratio • • Preservation 37,891 linear feet perennial and intermittent 85:1 ratio stream with minimum 25 foot buffers (57 acres) 0.587 wetlands with minimum 25 foot buffer 45:1 ratio Upon conditional approval, the applicant's stream restoration consultant (Buck Engineering) will prepare final stream restoration designs and plans. These final plans will be submitted to the USACE and NCDWQ to be approved prior to any proposed impacts occurring. Implementation of the mitigation plan will begin immediately upon issuance of a 401 Division of Water Quality Certification and USACE Section 404 Permits on a schedule based upon the growing season. Stream mitigation (preservation and restoration) will be protected in perpetuity under restrictive covenants. The stream restoration will be conducted using Natural Stream Channel Design methods approved by the NCDWQ and USACE (North Carolina Stream Relocation and Restoration Guidance, September, 2001 and USAGE, Stream Mitigation Guidelines). This includes a geomorphologic approach based on understanding valley types, watershed conditions, stream dimension, stream pattern, and stream profiles, sediment transport, and reference reach analysis. 6.1 Stream Avoidance • The development of Lonesome Valley will avoid 37,891 linear feet of perennial and intermittent stream and 0.587 acres of wetlands. Other avoidance measures 13 • include the construction of nine road bridges/halfpipes. The design cost for bridges/halfpipes onsite varies from 5 to 15 times greater than the cost for a culvert. The installation of nine bridges is an additional significant avoidance measure at a greater cost. The bridges are located on unnamed tributaries to Logan Creek (Figure 4). 6.2 Stream Minimization Stream impacts will be minimized during construction of the Lonesome Valley Development by implementing additional sedimentation and erosion control measures during the grading and filling phases of the project. Best Management Practices (BMP) will be employed to minimize the impacts to streams adjacent to the proposed development. The BMP's that may be employed include siltation barriers, sediment traps, sediment basins, and sodding. Use of BMP's will be one of the most useful methods of mitigation to minimize disturbance of natural stream/wetland functions. 6.3 Stream Preservation Lonesome Valley Development, Inc. proposes to preserve approximately 37,891 linear feet of perennial and intermittent stream. These waters are ecologically important for aquatic habitat, foraging areas, and riparian corridors which connect • to the Horsepasture River. These streams will be preserved in perpetuity through the implementation of appropriate legal and physical mechanisms (i.e., restrictive covenants). These streams are particularly important to preserve because they are in an area, which has a high potential for development. The functions and values of these streams will be additionally protected and enhanced by establishment of a permanent upland buffer with a minimum of 25 feet wide. The total of the upland buffers will comprise approximately 57 acres. 6.4 Natural Stream Channel Design (Restoration) The stream mitigation project proposed for the Lonesome Valley Development will utilize Natural Channel Design methods. This is a geomorphological approach to stream restoration based on an understanding of the valley type, general watershed conditions, dimension, pattern, profile, hydrology and sediment transport of natural, stable channels reference conditions and applying this understanding to the reconstruction or relocation of an unstable or new channel. 6.4.1 Morphological Stream Classification Stream analysis will be conducted using the Rosgen Stream Classification System. This system is based on five criteria: width/depth ratio, entrenchment ratio, slope, sinuosity, and channel materials. This system • allows: 1) a prediction of a streams behavior from its appearance, 2) a 14 • comparison of site specific data from a given reach to data from other reaches of similar character, and 3) a consistent and reproducible system of technical communications across disciplines (Rosgen, 1996). 6.4.2 Regional Curves Bankfull hydraulic geometry relationships, also called regional curves, were first developed by Dunne and Leopold (1978), and relate bankfull channel dimensions to drainage area. Gage station analyses throughout the United States have shown that bankfull discharge has an average return interval of about 1.5 years or 67% annual exceedence probability. The North Carolina Mountain Regional Curves will be used when appropriate for this project (NC Stream Restoration Institute). The watershed area, discharge, bankfull width, and bankfull depth for the gage site will be plotted on the curve(s) to confirm their validity for this region. The primary purpose for developing regional curves is to aid in identifying bankfull stage and dimension in an un -gaged watershed and to help estimate the bankfull dimension and discharge for natural channel designs. 6.4.3 Reference Reach(es) The reference reach is a stream segment that represents a stable channel • within a particular valley morphology. The reference reach will be used to develop natural channel design criteria based upon measured morphological relations associated with the bankfull stage for a specific stable stream type. Specific data on stream channel dimension, pattern, and profile will be collected and presented by dimensionless ratios by stream type. The morphological data collected will be used for extrapolation to disturbed reaches in similar valley types for the purposes of restoration and stream enhancement, stabilization, and stream relocation. Attempts will be made to use a suitable stable reference reach locations on-site. The applicant will select a site with similar valley types that will serve as the blueprint for the dimension, pattern, and profile of the channel to be restored. If a reference reach cannot be located, a gage station analysis will be used along with the existing condition survey to select a stream from a reference reach database. Justification will be provided to show that the selected reference reach is appropriate for the restoration site. 6.5 Stream Restoration Plan (570 linear feet) The applicant will restore approximately 570 linear feet of intermittent/perennial stream in the Hydrologic Unit 03060101010020, and the Savannah River sub - basin 03-13-02. The site is also in an EEP targeted local watershed 10020, the 15 Horsepasture River Basin. Historically, the site was used for pasture, timbering, and as a trout farm. The past agricultural and timber operations led to degradation of the on-site streams. The property is owned by LVC-I, Inc. The owner would like to mitigate on-site disturbances by restoring a 570 foot reach on Logan Creek (Appendix Q. Based on acceptance of this conceptual plan for mitigation, the proposed restoration plan should yield 570 stream mitigation units. This project reach extends from below a bedrock waterfall downstream to the confluence with the West Fork of Logan Creek. The reach is degraded over most of the project length. The channel is overly wide, large lateral and mid -channel bars are present, bank erosion is common, and buffer vegetation has been removed. The conceptual plan for this reach is to implement restoration level improvements along this reach. This reach is contiguous with a reach that is currently being restored by Buck Engineering under contract with the Ecosystem Enhancement Program. The primary goal of this restoration effort will be to restore the channel dimension, pattern and profile, so that the stream can transport sediment more effectively and in balance with its upstream supply of sediment. The design is intended to achieve the maximum level of improvement, given the current stream condition and constraints. In doing so, water quality and habitat improvement will be realized. • Currently, the existing morphology lacks the ability to transport sediment in equilibrium with the supply reaches. The results of this disequilibrium are numerous mid -channel and lateral bars and a planar bed that offers little habitat value. Bank erosion is common on this reach in areas where mid -channel bars have formed. Actively eroding banks will be stabilized through grading, bioengineering, log structures and vegetation. Vertical banks will be sloped to an angle that can support deep-rooted woody riparian vegetation. Where possible, a floodplain bench will be excavated where the stream is incised. 0 In several sections, mid -channel aggradation and subsequent lateral migration is evident, causing severe channel instability. In these sections, a stable channel dimension will be constructed and mid -channel bars removed. Areas that are over -wide will be narrowed by filling and reestablishing a floodplain. Log or boulder structures will be installed to redirect current to an established channel thalweg and to stabilize reconstructed banks. A vegetated riparian buffer of herbaceous and woody vegetation, native to the area, will be installed to provide wildlife habitat and stability to the restored stream. Large woody debris beneficial to channel stability and habitat will be incorporated into the restoration plan, using trees removed for construction access. 16 • 6.6 Monitoring As -built plans will be completed and submitted to the agencies that will document the intent of the project was implemented in the field. The as -built plans will confirm the constructed channel is of the design pattern, dimension and profile. Lonesome Valley Development, LLC. will evaluate the success of the stream restoration and enhancement using the following forms of monitoring: photo documentation, plant survival, channel stability measurements, and biological evaluations. 6.6.1 Geomorphic monitoring Geomorphic monitoring will include vertical bed stability using monumented cross-sections and scour chains. Cross sections will be located in both riffles and pools. Lateral bed stability will be verified using monumented cross sections and bank iron pins. Pebble counts will also be conducted to monitor the change in frequency of particle size change. The location of the monumented cross-sections, scour chain, bank pins, and pebble count transects will be finalized during construction and shown on the as -built plans. Monitoring will occur once a year for 5 years and again for at least two bankfull flow events after construction. is 6.6.2 Photos Photos will document channel aggradation or degradation, bank erosion, success of riparian vegetation, effectiveness of erosion and control measures, and absence or presence of in -stream bars. Photos will be taken at the same location each year. At least one photograph upstream and downstream will be taken at each permanent cross-section point, as well as key stream structures such as cross vanes, rootwads, or other designated features. 6.6.3 Riparian Buffers Vegetative survival inside the planted riparian buffer will be documented for a 5 -year period through photographic determination of the entire length of the corridor. Documentation will occur at pre -established randomly fixed stations each year. Baseline monitoring and As -Built Summaries will be submitted immediately following planting. Monitoring will occur annually thereafter for a period of five years. Vegetative monitoring will be accomplished by establishing parallel line transects within the designated riparian zones. The center of each plot will be permanently marked and appropriately labeled and marked for future identification. Within each plot, stem survival of planted and volunteer • tree species will be documented in a 15 -foot radius area. Volunteer shrubs 17 • and herbaceous species will be documented in ten and 5 -foot radius areas, respectively. Species composition and dominance will be measured within each plot. All stems will be identified to at least the genus level and the number of stems recorded for each plot. For purposes of measuring against the success criteria, survival of planted seedlings will be expressed in terms of the calculated number of live stems per acre. Volunteer species will be expressed in terms of number of stems per acre and coverage. 6.7 Success Criteria 6.7.1 Geomorphic Monitoring (Channel Stability) The applicant will monitor the stream banks for evidence of stability. Success is determined when there is minimal evidence of instability, which may include down -cutting, deposition, bank erosion, increase in sands or finer substrate. Substantial determinations of success will be made by the applicant and confirmed by the USACE and NCDWQ. 6.7.2 Photos • The applicant will monitor the streambed and banks taking longitudinal and lateral photos. Success is determined when there is no substantial aggradation, degradation, or bank erosion. Substantial determinations of success will be made by the applicant and confirmed by the USACE and NCDWQ. 6.7.3 Plant Survivability The applicant will monitor the plant survival by recording survival plots, stake counts, and tree counts. Goals include 75 percent survival (320 trees) trees after three years, with no fewer than 260 trees per acre after 5 years. Areas of less than 75 percent coverage will be reseeded and/or fertilized and live stakes and /or bare rooted trees will be planted to achieve desired densities. If significant problems are identified prior to the end of the monitoring program, USACE and NCDWQ regulatory agency personnel will be consulted regarding the advisability of remedial action at that time. Remedial action may include replanting, additional grading, stabilization, alteration, and continued monitoring. If, at the end of the monitoring program, success criteria have not been met for the hydrologic components, channel stability or vegetative components, the applicant will consult with the USACE, the NCDWQ and other appropriate state and federal agencies to determine specific causes and appropriate remedial actions. Review of • specific causes resulting in success criteria deficiencies may include: hydrologic 18 • influences, plant mortality, vandalism, animal depredation, or invasion of nuisance plants. • • It is the intent of the applicant to achieve the success criteria; however, the applicant cannot be responsible for acts of god or natural disasters, which may undermine or preclude success. In the event of such acts or disasters, the applicant will immediately coordinate with the appropriate state and federal agencies for proper actions, if needed. 6.8 Reporting Annual reports detailing the findings of the above defined monitoring will be prepared by the applicant and submitted to the USACE and NCDWQ. This includes an as -built report and annual reports for a total of five consecutive years. The reports will provide the findings of that year's monitoring data and a cumulative account of monitoring to date. Corrective measures, if needed, will be identified and discussed. WE • 7.0 U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY 404(b)(1) GUIDELINES 7.1 Compliance with U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Guidelines EPA interim regulations providing guidance for specification of deposit on sites for dredge and fill material were published on September 17, 1993, in 40 C.F.R. 230 per Section 404(b)l. Sub -Parts A through I pertain to dredge and fill permits, and apply to project sites similar to this project. Sub -Part D presents a summary of compliance criteria for the 404(b)l guidelines. This section references and defines practicable alternatives and indicates that a Dredge & Fill Permit shall not be issued if practicable alternatives exist. Alternatives reviewed, detailed in Section 7.0, were assessed for compliance with 404(b) l guidelines. Additional EPA guidance is presented related to general regulatory criteria, wildlife value, and human health guidelines. The discharge of dredge and fill material is considered pennittable under these guidelines if the discharge activity: does not contribute to violation of state water quality standards; does not violate toxic effluent standards; does not jeopardize the continued existence of species listed as T&E pursuant to the federal Endangered Species Act of 1973 and • subsequent amendments; does not cause degradation to any marine sanctuaries; does not contribute to significant degradation of "waters of the United States;" does not adversely affect human health as pertains to water supply; does not adversely impact wildlife, food chain, and special aquatic sites; does not contribute to the discharge of pollutants that may affect the food web; does not have negative effects on the productivity of the aquatic ecosystem, or their physical values; and does not have adverse impacts on recreation, aesthetic or economic values. Additionally, the applicant is required to minimize potential adverse impacts on the aquatic ecosystem. U 7.2 Factual Determination The USACE is required to determine both potential short-term and long-term effects of a proposed discharge of dredge and fill material on the physical, chemical, and biological components of an aquatic environment. 7.3 Potential Impacts on Physical and Chemical Characteristics of the Aquatic Ecosystem Sub -Part C of the 40 C.F.R. 230 guidelines lists six physical and chemical characteristics that must be assessed during the permit review, and the effects of which must be determined to be minimal on the aquatic ecosystem. 20 7.3.1 Substrate The modification of the substrate to an aquatic ecosystem can cause changes in water circulation, depth, drainage patterns, water fluctuations, water temperature, and benthic organism changes. Proposed impacts to wetlands total 0.013 acres and on-site stream segments total 444 linear feet will be mitigated through stream preservation and restoration areas. 7.3.2 Suspended Particulate/Turbidity (Sediment and Erosion Control) The discharge of dredge and fill material can increase the amount of suspended particulates in the aquatic ecosystem. While such an increase in the turbidity level can have a negative effect on microorganisms and invertebrates, it is expected to be controlled and minimized by the project design. Through the placement of silt screens, hay bales, or other turbidity barriers, utilizing Best Management Practices will control and minimize suspended particulates that may exit the area of disturbance. The proposed project will be constructed and managed in such a way as to minimize the potential for elevated levels of suspended particulates. The State of North Carolina enacted the Sediment and Erosion Control • law as part of the Sedimentation Pollution Control Act of 1973. This law requires that anyone disturbing more than one acre of land must submit an erosion control plan and receive approval from the N.C. Division of Land Quality. An Erosion and Sedimentation Control Plan for the Lonesome Valley Development will be designed by William G. Lapsley and Associates, Inc. The erosion and sedimentation control plan will be reviewed and approved by the Jackson County Soil and Erosion Control Officer. Jackson County's erosion control program is closely based on the North Carolina Erosion Control Program. The purpose of the erosion control plan is to develop measures that will contain erosion during storm events before it reaches streams or leaves the site. Lonesome Valley Development, LLC. is committed to conducting a project wide approach to erosion control by utilizing Best Management Practices. 7.3.3 Water Quality The proposed discharge of dredge and fill material shall not cause creased chemical contamination levels within the aquatic ecosystem. Specifically, changes in clarity, color, odor, and taste of water in addition to possible chemical contamination shall be minimized or reduced. All discharges of dredge and fill material will be controlled with a sedimentation and erosion control plan. • It is anticipated that all of the material needed to fill the site will be taken from on-site areas. The fill material used on-site will be clear and free of 21 chemical contamination. Should additional fill material be required, suitable off-site clean fill material will be purchased and transported to the proj ect. 7.3.4 Current Patterns in Water Circulation The discharged dredge and fill material shall not adversely modify current water circulation patterns by obstructed flow, changing direction or velocity of water, or change in the velocity or flow of circulation. The proposed activity should minimize the alterations to the dynamics of the aquatic ecosystem. The proposed impacts are located at the headwaters of streams and will not provide fragmentation of stream segments. 37,891 linear feet of the streams will be totally unaffected. The water management system can be expected to maintain water levels at existing levels. Therefore, no impacts to current patterns in water circulation are anticipated. 7.3.5 Normal Water Fluctuations Changes in water level fluctuations, promoting a static or non -fluctuating ecosystem may produce negative environmental effects, potentially caused • by the discharge of dredge and fill material into aquatic systems. The proposed project includes a surface water management plan that provides naturally fluctuating water levels based on design criteria. 7.3.6 Salinity The concern in regard to physical and chemical characteristics of an aquatic ecosystem is related to the salinity gradient from saltwater into freshwater. A discharge of dredge and fill material can alter the salinity and mixing zone between salt and freshwater. Since the project is located inland, and is not tidally influenced, no modification to the salinity of on- site or adjacent waters is expected. 7.4 Potential Impacts to Biological Characteristics of the Ecosystem Sub -Part D of the 40 C.F.R. 230 guidelines specifies three areas of concern from which disposal of dredge and fill material can affect the biological components of the ecosystem. These components are T&E species; fish, crustaceans, mollusks, and other aquatic organisms in the food web; and other wildlife. 7.4.1 Threatened or Endangered Species Discharge of dredge .and fill material is not likely to cause the potential • loss of valuable habitat to wildlife and plant species listed as T&E by the 22 USFWS through the Endangered Species Act of 1973, and its subsequent additions and amendments (50 C.F.R. 17.11). No impacts to federally listed species are expected as described in Section 3.3 above. 7.4.2 Fishes, Crustaceans, Mollusks, and other Aquatic Organisms in the Food Web Discharges of dredge and fill material can alter the food web by impacting animals such as invertebrates that make up the basis of a food chain. The release of contaminants or an increase in turbidity may have potential negative effects on certain aspects of the food web. Such releases may also potentially increase the levels of exotic species. Impacts to primary food chain production within the waters of the U.S./wetlands on the project should reasonably be expected to have minimal to no effects on wetland and aquatic systems on-site. 7.4.3 Other Wildlife The discharge of dredge and fill material can have a negative effect on the breeding and nesting areas, escape cover, travel corridors, and preferred food sources for resident and migrant wildlife species. • While a loss of wildlife habitat for wetland -dependent species may result from construction of the project, the proposed preservation of riparian and upland buffer corridors allows for wildlife movement and foraging that will more than balance any minor loss of stream and wetland habitat. • 7.5 Potential Impacts on Special Aquatic Sites Sub -Part E of the 40 C.F.R. 230 guidelines addresses considerations for potential impacts on special aquatic sites, which include: sanctuaries and refuges; wetlands; mud flats; vegetated shallows; coral reefs; and riffle and pool complexes. 7.5.1 Sanctuaries and Refuges The discharge of dredge and fill material may cause potential negative effects on adjacent sanctuaries and wildlife refuges through impacts to water quality, loss of wildlife habitat, additional human access, creating the need for frequent maintenance activity, resulting in the establishment of undesirable plant and animal species, and change of balance of habitat type. No impacts on sanctuaries or refuges resulting from the development of the project are anticipated. 23 0 7.5.2 Wetlands The discharge of dredge and fill material may potentially have adverse effects on wetlands including wetland substrate, hydrology, and vegetation. Discharges can lead to a loss of wetland values, such as wildlife habitat, flood storage, and groundwater recharge. Proposed impacts to 0.013 acres of wetlands will be offset by the preservation and legal protection of streams, wetlands, and upland buffers; and stream restoration. 7.5.3 Mud Flats Discharges of dredge and fill material may potentially have negative impacts on mud flats that exist along inland lakes, ponds, and riverine systems. Since the project does not contain any mud flat communities, loss of value to these ecosystems will not occur on-site. 7.5.4 Vegetated Shallows Vegetated shallows are permanently inundated areas that contain rooted aquatic vegetation. This type of habitat generally exists within estuarine, marine, and some freshwater lakes and rivers. No such vegetated shallow habitats exist on the project; therefore, there are no expected impacts to this type of ecosystem. 7.5.5 Coral Reefs Coral reefs typically exist within marine ecosystems. No coral reefs exist on the project; therefore, no impacts to this type of ecosystem will occur. 7.5.6 Riffle and Pool Complexes Discharge of dredge and fill material into or upstream of riffle and pool complexes may potentially have a negative impact to water quality and wildlife value. Riffle and pool ecosystems generally exist along steeper gradients of streams and rivers. Riffle and pool complexes are on the project site. Stream restoration of will be designed to replicate existing pool and riffle complexes. 7.6 Potential Effects on Human Use Characteristics Sub -Part F of the 40 C.F.R. 230 guidelines address potential effects on human use of wetlands and waterways. Factors including water supply, recreational and commercial fisheries, water -related recreation, aesthetics, and parks and similar preserves are considered within this portion of the guidelines. No effects on • 24 human use characteristics can be anticipated from the proposed development of the project. 7.6.1 Municipal and Private Water Supply Discharges of dredge and fill material may potentially have a negative impact on water quality serving as a water supply for municipalities or private developments. Since the waters associated with the project are not a source of any public or private water supply, no impacts from the proposed project can be expected. 7.6.2 Recreational and Commercial Fisheries Discharges of dredge and fill material may potentially have a negative effect on water quality and fisheries habitat or may potentially have a negative effect on recreation and commercial fisheries. On-site streams flow into the Horsepasture River, which is a popular recreational fishery. The upland streamside buffers will be established to preserve streams and provide for their long-term protection and viability. The applicant is also conducting stream restoration on Logan Creek. 7.6.3 Water -Related Recreation • A discharge of dredge and fill material may have a negative effect on water -related recreation by impairing or destroying water resources that support recreational activities. Development of the project is not expected to have negative impacts on water -related recreation activities. 37,891 linear feet of the buffered streams are being restored/preserved in this Phase 2. Preservation from Phase I and II totals approximately 54,100 linear feet of stream. • 7.6.4 Aesthetics The discharge of dredge and fill materials into wetland ecosystems may adversely impact the aesthetic value of natural aquatic ecosystems. The project has been planned to eliminate impacts to the on-site wetlands and primary streams. Disruption to on-site natural systems has been minimized, 570 linear feet of stream restoration mitigation will be provided along with 57 acres of upland buffers, 0.587 acres of wetlands, and 37,891 linear feet of stream preservation, which will be provided as a result of implementation of the mitigation plan. 25 • • 7.6.5 Parks, National and Historical Monuments, National Beach Shores, Wilderness Areas, Research Sites, and Similar Preserves No areas as described above will be affected by the proposed development of the project. 7.7 Summary Based on the EPA guidelines identified within 40 C.F.R. 230, and enumerated herein, a number of potential environmental impacts have been presented and subsequently addressed. The proposed impact to 444 linear feet of intermittent and perennial streams will not cause any off-site adverse impacts. Mitigation provided on-site should more than compensate for any on-site impacts. The proposed mitigation plan will provide for stream restoration and wetland/stream preservation by ensuring vitality and sustainability of wetland and stream functions and values. 26 0 8.0 PUBLIC INTEREST CONSIDERATIONS Pursuant to 33 C.F.R. 323.6, a determination that the project is not contrary to the public interest must be achieved before permit issuance. Public interest considerations are listed in 33 C.F.R. 320.4 (a)(1) and are discussed below. 8.1 Conservation Conservation of natural resources will be achieved through preservation of 57 acres of upland buffers, 0.587 acres of Wetlands/Waters of the U.S., and 37,891 linear feet of Streams/Waters of the U.S. The location of these upland buffer, wetland, and stream preservation areas will serve to protect and preserve the function and value of the areas and maintain suitable foraging, breeding, and nesting habitat and corridors for wildlife species. Stream restoration will occur on 570 linear feet of Logan Creek. The preservation/restoration of these areas will provide consist riparian connections throughout the project site. 8.2 Economics The proposed project of Lonesome Valley will provide approximately 250 family homes with additional amenities. The proposed Lonesome Valley Development is expected to have a positive impact on the property tax base for Jackson County as well as a positive impact on local shopping and residential property values. Municipal sewer/ water extensions will connect to the existing CWS system in Sapphire Valley and the roads within the project site are designed to meet the N.0 Department of Transportation (DOT) standards. 8.3 Aesthetics This residential project is consistent with the unique landscape in the area and the project is maintaining this design to preserve this natural landscape. The applicant has carefully planned to minimize any visual impacts to Lonesome Valley. 8.4 General Environmental Concerns Other than stream impacts, proposed development activities on the project would have no significant identifiable impacts upon other environmental components. 8.5 Wetlands Development of the project will impact 0.013 -acres of wetlands. This minimal wetland impact should be offset by stream, wetland, and upland buffer preservation. 27 • 8.6 Historic Properties Recent correspondence with the North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources dated August 30, 2006 stated that there are no known recorded archaeological sites within the project boundaries of this project site. 8.7 Fish and Wildlife Values The project is a residential community designed to preserve the ecological integrity of Lonesome Valley. As part of the compensatory mitigation plan 37,891 linear feet of stream and 0.587 acres of wetlands will be preserved with approximately 57 acres of upland buffers and 570 linear feet of stream will be restored. Overall fish and wildlife values of the project site will be maintained. 8.8 Flood Hazards None of the site included in Phase 2 is located within the 100—year flood plain (Figure 6) (Federal Insurance Rate Maps, Community Panel Number 37021CO456C, effective date May 6, 1996). 8.9 Floodplain Values . These streams are located in steep topography where the channels are laterally contained, there is little to no floodplain area adjacent to these streams. Most of the streams on-site are classified as Type `B" streams with little to no floodplain (Applied River Morphology, Rosgen, 1996). The floodplain will be protected by 25 foot upland buffers. 8.10 Land Use The proposed project is consistent with the existing land uses for the property and surrounding area. 8.11 Navigation No navigable waters exist on-site. The proposed project will not effect navigation. 8.12 Shore Erosion and Accretion The project should have minimal effects on erosion and runoff. An erosion control plan will be implemented as part of the construction plan for the project (See Section 7.3.2 above). During the construction process, Best Management Practices (BMP) will be followed. These BMP's will include the construction of swales, erosion and sediment control structures, turbidity barriers, and other measures that will prevent sediment transport off the project into other waters. Use of devices • 28 • such as silt screens, staked hay bales, temporary grassing, wind rowing of vegetation, and other mechanisms to prevent turbidity will be employed. 8.13 Recreation The applicant is preserving 37,891 linear feet of streams, 0.587 acres of wetlands with 57 -acres of upland buffers, and approximately 256 acres of open space. 8.14 Water Supply and Conservation Potable water will be provided to the project by CWS Systems, Inc. Development of the project will incorporate the following water conservation measures as required: • Use native or indigenous vegetation in the landscaping to the maximum extent practicable in order to minimize heavy landscape irrigation needs during dry periods. 8.15 Water Quality (Stormwater Management) No short term or long term adverse water quality impacts are anticipated from this low density project. BMP's will be incorporated during construction. Stream • buffers are being provided to assure long-term stream protection and integrity. 8.16 Energy Needs There are no known sources of materials on the project that could be used to generate energy, nor will the project contribute to any other energy production. It is expected that Duke Power will supply the electrical energy needed for development. 8.17 Safety The proposed project will be designed with the maximum possible considerations for public safety. 8.18 Food and Fiber Production The project site is not utilized for food production. Silvicultural activities have been ongoing for years on the project site. Silvicultural activities will eventually be eliminated and the remaining stands will be incorporated into the site plans to provide shade trees, buffer areas, riparian corridors and recreational areas. 8.19 Mineral Needs • The project fulfills no current mineral needs. 29 . 8.20 Considerations of Property Ownership U The proposed development of the project will not in any way hinder surrounding private property owners from enjoying, managing, or developing their properties in any legal fashion they may choose consistent with applicable laws and regulations. The address of the project property owner is as follows: Owner: Lonesome Valley Development, LLC. Contact: Shane Robichaud P.O. Box 3269 Cashiers, NC 28717 828-743-7696 (828) 743-0186 Fax 8.21 Needs and Welfare of the Public The project will positively address the needs and welfare of the public by providing a residential community that emphasizes pedestrian protection and enjoyment of a unique natural area. 30 .7 • • 9.0 SUMMARY By master planning the project, the applicant proposes all compensatory mitigation up- front or concurrent with development activities. The alternative to wetland master planning is piecemealing many different smaller projects on the same tract where avoidance will be difficult and fragmentation is more likely to occur. 31 1 GI sYrack Rdge Windy Ga - - Packs Gap �e Gstrtut Frdge lrt Lbunle KrtoO Gap T he y J ,,t � � Goldmrrrtg'Rrdge •, Swell J t ,'� + QyBone Gap acharys Gap ; �_ Bum' cabin Gap Project Site \ - _ �de.,nai.Fau: eor,eram Gap SheeF arH __ �� I airFNd Fa Ns t 1D7 .y.. ..... •y I � Lu t n-Lake Dam ``( AW Lak.-Dam 1 LL 1r t1 :•. Sapph'ue LA roam / taHe a v caan-a �a biea Lake D m / �HigYi Himpton -- '�lcashiers Va!!ey~a / (, Ha mptan Lake Dam / rmae.grnse \ / - 7 \) ......a a �., CLEARWATER Lonesome Valley Environmental Consultants, Inc. Jackson County 718 Oakland Street Site Vicinity Map North Carolina Hendersonville, NC 28791 Figure 1 828-698-9800 83005'00" W 83004'00" W WGS84 83003'00" W �•�� � (� � til } •�\ _— ice, �� � ' ' _- f'�., `� _J � 1 �` �•B Ind"� f S `f ,•. (f� , �I 1 o PHASE i' I +Qin; ��. } a Lf),J . f f 1_v f1 ) rLn O o `..; 1 %`1 \ ` l r �'Jar I Jj � Q 7 •l 4.1 �, PHASE I bD- O lI1 c' 11 I` Ln {! (�" ! C�'� -ii :_ rte. ,'.yam` _J•� 'J 1 _v ``a$ a 'J i l 05'00" W 83"04'00" ',W 0 WGS84 83"03'00" W 1 MILE MN TN 5,,p, .5 1000 FEET 0 SOU WOO METERS Map created with TOPOI ®02003 National Geographic (www.nationalgeographic.com(topo) CLEARWATER Lonesome Valley Jackson County Environmental Consultants, Inc. 718 Oakland Street USGS Topographic Site Map Figure 2 North Carolina Hendersonville, NC 28791 828-698-9800 CLEARWATER Lonesome Valley Environmental Consultants, Inc. Jackson County 718 Oakland street USDA Soil Survey Map North Carolina Hendersonville, NC 28791 Figure 3 828-698-9800 0 • • r _. i { c erose s IF la *our (, WAG. I,Arsuer a A taocues9 P.A... Y7t1eAM k 71s[iJ!® ll�ices Jal'BeNO C*R 0(IHSULtt116 mrt3Q18018 ! CA141 PLANNdtS l 1� INDORH GA6CIMA �2i�6A901M174.8, NOFTI[ CAM:7i14fA Figure 4 F:IU r: • • SERWOMTROJECTSIonesome VallevlProiect Filesldwollmoact map Phase 2 dwa,1218/2006 9:36:37 AM. 1:1 Figure 4 U w V V1' p � p/ m O � µ � � r (T W m N N o o µ � W FF Figure 4 co E 3 U - W W w U) 6, I EGENn 4 EIRIDGE HALF PIPE CROSSING W/ TEMPORARY IMPACT PERMANENT ® IMS EA /WETLANDS . (ROADWAY CROSSING) - > STREAMS IJ7�^� i 25 BUFFER Q WETLANDS GREEN SPACE .� PROPOSED ROADS IMPACT #13 PROPOSED LOT UNE PROPOSED 17' IMPACT (EXISTING 20' CULVERT i REPLACED WITH 37' CULVERT) IMPACT #12 PROPOSED 37' IMPACT IMPACT #11 PROPOSED 30' IMPACT (SPA DRIVE) IMPACT #10 PROPOSED 30' IMPACT (SPA DRIVE) IMPACT #9 PROPOSED 35' IMPACT PRELIMINARY NOT POR CONSTRITCTION - - I I WILLIAM G. LAPSLEY & ASSOCIATES, P.A. SHEET I CONSULTING ENGINEERS & LAND PLANNERS LONESOME VALLEY PHASE 2 STREAM 1635 Asheville Highway JACKSON COUNTY AND WETLAND IMPACTS Post Office Box 546 CASHIERS Hendersonville, NC 28743 NORTH CAROLINA a- (828) 697-7334 SCALE: I"= 400' www.wgla.com Figure 4.1 • n - J Ili v CO IZ E LL N O a •O W w 10 BRIDE/HALF PIPE CROSSING STREAMS WETLANDS PROPOSED ROADS W/ TEMPORARY IMPACT LFGENn PERMANENT 2b• suFFIR GRA SPACE _ -_..— PROPOSED LOT UNE STREAM/WETLANDS IMPACT (ROADWAY CROSSING) PRELIMINARY J� i 1 5 J J L ,i WILLIAM G. LAPSLEY & ASSOCIATES, P.A. SHEET 2 CONSULTING ENGINEERS & LAND PLANNERS LONESOME VALLEY PHASE 2 STREAM 1635 Asheville Highway JACKSON COUNTY AND WETLAND IMPACTS Post Office Box 546 CASHIERS Hendersonville, NC 28793 NORTH CAROLINA ~ (828) 697-7334 SCALE: I"= 400' rte^' www.wgla.com Figure 4.2 PRELIMINARY NOT POR CON3fRUC[TON • I FGFNf) 4& BRIDGE/NAIF PIPE CROSSING W/ TEMPORARY IMPACT PERMANENT STREAM/WETLANDS IMPACT (ROADWAY CROSSING) rams STREAMS 3 CV G) Rn (0 .1= CL RZ co E U W d E: LL U O g a� Q) E: 0 0 m 0 0 J F- U LU O fY W W Q 25 BUFFER 0 WETLANDS GREEN SPACE PROPOSED ROADS - PROPOSED LOT LINE IMPACT REVISION #14 PREVIOUSLY PERMITTED PHASE 1 IMPACTS WETLAND FLOODING 0.015 AC WETLAND FILL 0.005 AC CHANGED TO WETLAND FILL 0.034 AC WILLIAM G. LAPSLEY & ASSOCIATES, P.A. SHEET 3 CONSULTING ENGINEERS & LAND PLANNERS LONESOME VALLEY PHASE 2 STREAM 1635 Asheville Highway JACKSON COUNTY AND WETLAND IMPACTS r YAPost Office Box 546 CASHIERS Hendersonville, NC 28793 NORTH CAROLINA (828) 697-7334 SCALE: I"= 400' mwww.wgla.com/— 60 1 Figure 4.3 n U CD 0 a ti `7 U co 0- E E: LL i IMPACT #8 PROPOSED 35' IMPACT IMPACT #7 PROPOSED 15' IMPACT (EXISTING 20' CULVERT REPLACED WITH 35' CULVERT) LEGEN BR04XIHW PIPE CROSSING W/ TEMPORARY IMPACT PERMANENT ® STREAM/WEILANDS IMPACT (ROADWAY CROSSING) w� STREAMS L'-, SUFFER M3 WETLANDS 12 GREEN SPACE IMPACT #6 - PROPOSED ROADS PROPOSED 75' IMPACT PROPOSED LOT UNE �PRELIMINARY11NOT FOR CONSTRUCTTON IMPACT #5 PROPOSED 30' IMPACT WILLIAM G. LAPSLEY & ASSOCIATES, P.A. SHEET 4 CONSULTING ENGINEERS & LAND PLANNERS LONESOME VALLEY PHASE 2 STREAM 1635 Asheville Highway JACKSON COUNTY AND WETLAND IMPACTS Post Office Box 546 CASHIERS n jW m Hendersonville, NC 28793 NORTH CAROLINA (828) 697-7334 SCALE: I"= 400' --!` www.wgla.com Figure 4.4 • ti M N a 3 'a CV N N s CL. CL m E U m a E U N 'O s, CU O) E: O a) J U LU O CL CC W IMPACT #1 PROPOSED 35' IMPACT I ,.I f 1 I i F ' IMPACT ##2 PROPOSED 35' IMPACT i' PRELIMINARY N07 FOR CON3fR,ZC IMPACT #3 m �� PROPOSED 35' IMPACT BRIDGE/NAIF PIPE CROSSING STREAMS _ WETLANDS PROPOSED ROADS W� TEMPOf2ARY IMPACT IMPACT ##4 LIQ �,uNDS Ij V BLFFM Ir/j GREEN SPACE - PROPOSED LOT UNE IMPACT PROPOSED 35' IMPACT (ROADWAY CROSSNC) WILLIAM G. LAPSLEY & ASSOCIATES, P.A. SHEET 5 CONSULTING ENGINEERS & LAND PLANNERS LONESOME VALLEY PHASE 2 STREAM 1635 Asheville Highway JACKSON COUNTY AND WETLAND IMPACTS Post Office Box 546 CASHIERS 3t' Hendersonville, NC 28793 (828) 697-7334 NORTH CAROLINA SCALE: I"= 400' -- ~—� www.wgla.com Figure 4.5 • M N LL r_ Wv7 a w BRIDGE/HALF PIPE CROSSING STREAMS WETLANDS PROPOSED ROADS W/ TEMPORARY IMPACT LEGEN PERMANENT PRELIMIN01] 0 STREAM/WETLAND25' BUFFER GREEN SPACE PROPOSED LOT LINE NOT FOB CONSPBOCTION S MA IMPACT (ROADWAY CROSSING) WILLIAM G. LAPSLEY & ASSOCIATES, P.A. SHEET 6 CONSULTING ENGINEERS & LAND PLANNERS LONESOME VALLEY PHASE 2 STREAM 1635 Asheville Highway JACKSON COUNTY AND WETLAND IMPACTS Post Office Box 546 CASHIERS ;. Hendersonville, NC 28793 NORTH CAROLINA (828) 697-7334 SCALE: I"= 400' -- www.wgla.com Figure 4.6 4 NEW CULVERT. SHOULDER — — ---------- -------SHOULDER —_ — — — — R/`N 1 is -- is X X SILT FENCE --,""Z TYPICAL .PLAN VIEW N.T.S. JURISDICTIONAL WETLANDS/WATERS OF THE US VARIES 5' — 50' NEW \ CULVERT \ NEW ROAD GRADE TYPICAL _STREAM CROSSING N. T. S. 6' 10' — 12' 10' — 12' SHOULDER VARIES VARIES OLILD EI SLOPE 14" PER iX FOOT (TW.) 1X 3" ASPHALT 6ITMp•> -- SURFACE 1 NEW CULVERT — TO BE BURIED BELOW STREAMBED TO APPROPRIATE DEPTH (6-12 INCHES) TYPICAL ROAD SECTION N.T.S. WILLIAM G. LAPSLEY & ASSOCIATES, P.A. CONSULTING ENGINEERS & LAND PLANNERS 1635 Asheville Highway Post Office Box 546 Hendersonville, NC 28793 (828)697-7334 www.wgla.com LONESOME VALLEY JACKSON COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA DISCHARGE END OF PIPE NATURAL j GROUND Figure 5 SCALE: N.T.S. • CEDAR • • E �r ,hl Q ail N - U N tt NE X 9 '11 `n :efi s - H n, .y r� Is LUPTON R « NE A QR na WE ISLAND CA LAKE FAMFIF-LD 1, "✓"( ai+ t SPECIAL FLOOD HAZARD AREAS INUNDATED BY 100 -YEAR FLOOD ZONE Nobawfloodeloadonsdetenoloed. ZONE AT Ba-fleodelevadomdetermloed. ZONE AH Flood depths of 1 to 3 feet (uAWfY are' of pnndim,); ease flood elevations dewmined. ZONE All Flood deptlu of 1 w 3 feel (--JIY sheet flew on dopl j ferrein); a mu,e depths determined. Fat, -f a11ovW fan floes - Ing, velocities Ww determined. ZONE A99 To be prpected from IWear fiend by Federal floes protection system under eonurucdoe; no base ,dwanom daermined. ZONE V C ---W flood with awloeity hazard (wave acdon); ne . bem flood elevations deter- mined. ZONE VE Ceeetal fined w1m velocity hazard (wave action); baw flood 4- 1- determined. FLOODWAY AREAS IN ZONE AE OTHER FLOOD AREAS ZONE It Arau'of 500 -year flood; areas of 100 -year flood with average depths of less than 1 foot or with drainage areas less than I square mile; and areas protected by levees from too- Year flood. OTHER AREAS - ZONE % Areas detarmined to be outside 500-. year flood plain. ZONE D - Afeas In which flood hazards' are _ undetertrilued. Flood Boundary Floodway Boundary Zana D Boundary Boundary Dividing Special Flood Hazard Zones, and Boundary Dividing Are' of Different Coastal Base Flood Elevations within Special Flood Huard Zones. 513 Base Flood Elevation Line; Ele- vation In Feet' UPJ Cross Section Line (EL 987) Base Flood Elevation In Feet Where Uniform Within Zone' RM7x Elevation e M Referencark e Ml.5 River Mlle -Referenced to the National Geodetic Vertical Datum of 1979 ZONE X ZONE APPROXIMATE SCALE IN FEET 2000 0 2000 NATIONAL FLOOD INSURANCE PROGRAM FIRM FLOOD INSURANCE RATE MAP JACKSON COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA (-UNINCOR-PO --A :ED -Af�:AS) PANEL 175 OF 200 (SEE.MAP.INDEX FOR PANELS NOT PRINTED) PANEL LOCATION KLA )I COMMUNITY -PANEL NUMBER 370282 0175 C EFFECTIVE DATE: MAY 17, 1989 Federal Emergency Management Agency This is an official copy of a portion of the above referenced flood map. rz was extracted using F -MIT On-Une. This map does not reflect changes or amendments which may have been made subsequent to the date on the title block. For the latest product information about National Flood Insurance Program good the check the FEMA Flood Map Store at WWW. Msc.fema. 90V 0 PR • PR( • PROJECT SUMMARY GRAPHIC SCALE W � v rar 1 lee► — 4Wft PHASE 1 PHASE 2 TOTAL PROJECT AREA (AC) 175 613 788 STREAM (LF) 15.765 t 38,335 t 54,100 t PROPOSED STREAM IMPACT (LF) (ROADWAY CROSSING) IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIN STREAMS 25' BUFFER ROADS 148 444 592 FLOODING 0 0 0 STREAMS AVOIDED (LF) 15,617 37,891 53,508 WETLANDS (AC) 2.32 .6 2.92 PROPOSED WETLAND IMPACT (AC) ROADS 0 .013 .013 FILL 034 0 .034 WETLANDS AVOIDED (AC) 2.286 .587 2.873 NEW BRIDGES 2 9 11 UPLAND BUFFERS (AC) 18 t 57 f 75 t GREEN SPACE (AC) 66 t 190 t 256 t GRAPHIC SCALE W � v rar 1 lee► — 4Wft U -LOCO G CALL BEFORE YOU DI 1-800-M-4949 1 PERMITTED JULY 28. 2005 PRELIMINARY xor zoa ooxsrxQcimx USACE ACTION I.D. 200531949 Revisions date:6-23-08 WW" Q L -Off � i AaDOM Tl _ . job: 04145 drawn: SO wr �.rr am a zzd oao c 0 � � a Wz a� aw� �zz zaz mm z 0 U LEGEND • BRIDGE/HALF PIPE CROSSING W/ TEMPORARY IMPACT PERMANENT ■ STREAM/WETLANDS IMPACT (ROADWAY CROSSING) IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIN STREAMS 25' BUFFER Q WETLANDS ® GREEN SPACE PROPOSED ROADS PROPOSED LOT LINE OWNER: ;OME VALLEY COMPANY, INC. NOTEkNDS & STREAMS DELINEATED ;LEARWATER ENVIRONMENTAL U -LOCO G CALL BEFORE YOU DI 1-800-M-4949 1 PERMITTED JULY 28. 2005 PRELIMINARY xor zoa ooxsrxQcimx USACE ACTION I.D. 200531949 Revisions date:6-23-08 WW" Q L -Off � i AaDOM Tl _ . job: 04145 drawn: SO wr �.rr am a zzd oao c 0 � � a Wz a� aw� �zz zaz mm z 0 U ., o ti �� L '� t 'c�. t _ �r {Aa <-1 � Mfr :#S � 'CWS. ^`�4u��t %�:. � j� � 4 �' C" � ! � �/ },� }; _,�, � "+ii,,' f f ' :" fir? a �:.. `�. ./ s r✓' r k. �'�( � 1 .: r � f - -{ P � �7� 1 _ ! ft� 1 S {� yi: e: v � W a ,�' 'fit: ^�'�� — . �' � ti 4< ,� ., n ,, i tt jj ,� r t�. f fi . �. y � �. ,4- . f�::t C-1 Threatened and Endangered Species Assessment For Lonesome Valley Jackson County, North Carolina 1.0 INTRODUCTION December 19, 2006 The following report includes methods used and results for a threatened and endangered (T&E) species survey and habitat assessment for the 613 -acre Lonesome Valley site. The T&E species survey was conducted to determine the occurrence of or the potential for existence of federally listed threatened or endangered animal and plant species on the proposed site. Completion of this survey was directed by and complies with three current state and federal regulations: the Federal Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 USC 1531-1543), North Carolina Endangered Species Act (N.C.G.S. Sect. 113 article 25), and North Carolina Plant Protection and Conservation Act of 1979 is (N.C.G.S. Sect. l9b 106: 202.12-22). The referenced site is located adjacent to the northern side of U.S. Highway 64 west of the Sapphire area, Jackson County, North Carolina (Figure 1). Coordinates for the site are latitude: N35°07'51.5"; longitude: W83°3'46.2," with an elevation ranging from 3,200 feet to 4,400 feet MSL. 2.0 METHODOLOGY A preliminary protected species survey was conducted on May 18 and 24, 2005, on the Lonesome Valley project site by Clearwater Environmental Consultants, Inc., to determine the potential for occurrences of listed threatened and endangered animal and plant species by current Federal or State regulations. Recent correspondence solicited from the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS) dated April 22, 2005, provided existing data (Table 1) concerning the presence or potential occurrence of threatened or endangered species in Jackson County, North Carolina. The USFWS lists the following six federally threatened and endangered species as occurring or potentially occurring in Jackson County. The species listed below were included in the surveys and assessment. n �J • Table 1. Federally listed species for Jackson County, North Carolina Common Name Scientific Name Status Carolina northern flying squirrel Glaucomys sabrinus coloratus Endangered Indiana bat Myotis sodalis Endangered Appalachian elktoe Alasmidonata raveneliana Endangered Swamp pink Helonias bullata Threatened Small -whorled pogonia Isotria medeoloides Threatened Rock gnome lichen Gymnoderma lineare Endangered The protected species audit consisted of a pedestrian survey. During field surveys, seven general habitats were identified and compared with recognized habitats for each of the six species potentially occurring on the site. Potential flora and fauna were identified to the taxonomic unit level necessary to determine if the observed specimen was a protected species. 3.0 HABITAT CLASSIFICATION During our site visits, seven habitat types were identified on the property: high elevation granitic dome, montane alluvial forest, montane oak hickory forest, mixed pine/hardwood forest, maintained pasture, wetlands, and stream bed and bank (Figure 2). The following is a description of each of the seven habitat types identified on the referenced site and its likelihood to harbor or support listed species. A soils discussion is also provided. • 3.1 High Elevation Granitic Dome This habitat type consists of uniform granite cliffs with some zoned mats of vegetation occurring along cracks and crevices in the rock. Woody species may occur in older established mats, they may include Carolina Hemlock (Tsuga caroliniana), Mountain Laurel (Kalmia latifolia), and Mountain Rosebay (Rhododendron catawbiense). The majority of this habitat type is devoid of vascular plants. 3.2 Montane Alluvial Forest This habitat type occurs along stream and river floodplains at high to moderate elevations. Tree species here are dominated by Eastern Hemlock (Tsuga Canadensis) and Red Maple (Acer rubrum). The shrub layer consists of Rosebay (Rhododendron maximum) and Dog Hobble (Leucothoe fontanesiana). The dense shrub layer in this habitat type prevents the formation of any noticeable herbaceous layer. 3.3 Montane Oak Hickory Forest This habitat type occurs on dry-mesic slopes and ridgetops at high to moderate elevations. The tree species here are dominated by a mixture of oaks, hickories, and other hardwood species, including Red Oak (Quercus rubra), Chestnut Oak • (Quercus prinus), Pignut Hickory (Carya glabra), and Tulip poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera). Flowering dogwood (Cornus florida) and Red Maple (Acer rubrum) are commonly found in the understory. Shrub layer vegetation consists of Rosebay (Rhododendron maximum), Mountain Laurel (Kalmia latifolia), Bear Huckleberry (Gaylussacia ursina), and Blueberry (Vaccinium spp.). The herbaceous layer includes Indian Cucumber Root (Medeola • virginiana), blue eyed grass (Sisyrinchium sp.), bracken fern (Pteridium aquilinum), northern red oak (Quercus rubra), oxeye daisy (Chrysanthemum leucanthemum), buttercup (Ranunculus sp.), pink trillium (Trillium sp.), devils bit (Chamaelirium luteum), lily of the valley (Convallaria majalis), speckled wood lily (Clintonia umbellulata), squaw root (Conopholis americana), white baneberry (Actaea pachypoda), yellow flag (Iris pseudacorus), Bedstraw (Galium spp.), and Galax (Galax aphylla). 3.4 Mixed Pine/Hardwood Forest This habitat type occurs on dry-mesic slopes and ridgetops at high to moderate elevations. The tree species here are dominated by a mixture of pines, oaks, hickories, and other hardwood species, including Red Oak (Quercus rubra), Chestnut Oak (Quercus prinus), Pignut Hickory (Carya glabra), and Tulip poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera). The upper canopy level is composed of mature white pines (Pinus strobus). These mature pines overshadow approximately 20- 40% of the lower oak hickory forest. Flowering dogwood (Cornus Florida) and Red Maple (Acer rubrum) are commonly found in the lower understory. Shrub layer vegetation consists of Rosebay (Rhododendron maximum), Mountain Laurel (Kalmia latifolia), Bear Huckleberry (Gaylussacia ursina), and Blueberry (Vaccinium spp). The herbaceous layer includes Indian Cucumber Root • (Medeola virginica), Bedstraw (Galium spp.), and Galax (Galax aphylla). 3.5 Maintained Pasture This habitat consists of mowed agricultural pastures suitable for livestock grazing. 3.6 Wetlands This habitat type is composed of a variety of seeps and bogs associated with the base of slopes, old stream channels, and low areas with poor drainage. Tree species include Red Maple, Eastern Hemlock, and tulip poplar. The shrub layer is dominated by Rosebay and Dog Hobble. The shrub layer also includes multiflora rose (Rosa multiflora), hazel alder (Alnus serrulata), southern pinxter flower (Rhododendron canescens), spicebush (Lindera benzoin), and elderberry (Sambucus canadensis). Herbaceous species include cinnamon fern (Osmunda cinnamomea), soft rush (Juncus effuses), bluet (Houstonia sp), buttercup (Ranunculus sp.), unknown sedges (Carex spp.), turtlehead (Chelone sp.), jack in the pulpit (Arisaema triphyllum), netted chainfern (Woodwardia areolata), shining club moss (Lycopodium lucidulum), jewelweed (Impatiens capensis), yellow root (Xanthorhiza simplicissima), violet (Viola spp.), and rattlesnake root (Prenanthes sp.). 3.7 Stream Bed and Bank This habitat type is composed of coldwater mountain streams capable of • supporting wild trout populations. 3.8 Soils Soils mapped by the Natural Resources Conservation Service (MRCS) Jackson County Soil Survey, Map #79 and 83 for the Lonesome Valley site include: Chestnut-Edneyville complex (8-50 percent slopes), Cleveland -Chestnut -Rock outcrop complex (50-95 percent slopes), Cullasaja fine sandy loam (30-50 percent slopes), Cullasaja-Tuckasegee complex (15-30 percent slopes), Edneyville— Chestnut complex (8-95 percent slopes), Nikwasi fine sandy loam (0-2 percent slopes), Plott fine sandy loam (30-50 percent slopes), Rock outcrop Cleveland Complex (30-95 percent slopes), Saunook gravelly loam (8-15 percent slopes), Statler loam (1-5 percent slopes), Tuckasegee-Whiteside complex (8-15 percent slopes), Tuckasegee-Whiteside complex (8-15 percent slopes), Whiteside- Tuckasegee Complex (2-8 percent slopes). M�I11.*=04_0�3 W_X*1 *Y:VTy 1140[I1+AIV"Rill! 91 I7: Ell 1.11 IFN The following is a brief description of each listed species included in the survey, its recognized habitat, and comments regarding survey results for that species: • 4.1 Carolina northern flying squirrel Federally listed as an endangered species, the northern flying squirrel is known from five isolated localities: three in the western mountains of North Carolina [Yancey County, Haywood County, and in the vicinity of Mt. Mitchell (exact county undetermined)], and two localities in the eastern "a mountains of Tennessee (Carter and Sevier Counties). The northern flying squirrel is typically found in more northern areas. No population estimates are available, but the northern flying squirrel seems to be extremely rare and also extremely difficult to collect and study. According to Professor Peter D. Weigl of Wake Forest University (1977), the northern flying squirrel occurs primarily in the ecotone, or vegetation transition zone, between the coniferous and northern hardwood forests. Both forest types are used in the search for food, while the hardwood areas are needed for nesting sites. Areas occupied by the northern flying squirrel are generally cool and wet, largely as a function of altitude. • 0 Because of the flying squirrel's small size, the climatic severity of its habitat, and the abundance of avian and mammalian predators, nesting sites represent critical resources. During the cooler months, squirrels commonly occupy tree cavities and woodpecker holes (Jackson 1961; Bakerl%3); but they may also construct and use leaf nests - especially in the summer (Weigl. and Osgood 1974). The interior of both types of nests is lined with lichens, moss, or finely chewed bark. Potential habitat for the northern flying squirrel is limited on this property due to a lack of coniferous/northern hardwood ecotone on the property. Therefore, impacts to this species are not anticipated for this project. 4.2 Indiana bat Federally listed as an endangered species, the Indiana bat is a medium-sized Myotis species, closely resembling the little brown bat (Myotic lucifugus) but differing in coloration. Its fur is a dull` grayish chestnut rather than bronze, with the basal portion of the hairs of the back dull lead colored. This bat's underparts are pinkish to cinnamon, and its feet are smaller and more delicate than in M. lucifugus. The calcar is strongly keeled. This species uses limestone caves for winter hibernation. The preferred caves have a temperature averaging 37 degrees to 43 degrees Fahrenheit in midwinter and a relative humidity averaging 87 percent. Summer records are rather scarce. A few individuals have been found under bridges and in old buildings, and several maternity colonies have been found under loose bark and in the hollows of trees. Summer foraging by females and juveniles is limited to riparian and floodplain areas. Creeks are apparently not used if riparian trees have been removed. Males forage over floodplain ridges and hillside forests and usually roost in caves. Foraging areas average 11.2 acres per animal in midsummer. This bat has a definite breeding period that usually occurs during the first 10 days of October. Mating takes place at night on the ceilings of large rooms near cave entrances. Limited mating may also occur in the spring before the hibernating colonies disperse. Riparian corridors adjacent to Logan Creek may provide suitable summer foraging habitat for the Indiana bat. .7 • 4.3 Appalachian elktoe Federally listed as endangered, this mussel has a thin but not fragile, kidney -shape shell, reaching up to about 3.2 inches in length, 1.4 inches in height, and 1.0 inch wide (Clarke 1981). Juveniles generally have a yellowish -brown periostracum (outer shell surface) while the periostracum of the adults is usually dark brown to greenish - black in color. Although rays are prominent on some shells, particularly in the posterior portion of the shell, many individuals have only obscure greenish rays. The shell nacre (inside shell surface) is shiny, often white to bluish -white, changing to a salmon, pinkish, or brownish color in the central and beak cavity portions of the shell; some specimens may be marked with irregular brownish blotches (adapted from Clarke 1981). Only two populations of the species are known to survive. The healthiest of these populations exists in the main stem of the Little Tennessee River between Emory Lake at Franklin, Macon County, North Carolina, and Fontana Reservoir in Swain County, North Carolina. The second population occurs in the Nolichucky River system. The Appalachian elktoe has been reported from relatively shallow, medium-sized creeks and rivers with cool, well - oxygenated, moderate- to fast -flowing water. It has been observed in gravelly substrates often mixed with cobble and boulders, in cracks in bedrock, and occasionally in relatively silt -free, coarse, sandy substrates (Department of the Interior 1994). The perennial streams on-site are much smaller than is typically associated with this species are generally not considered suitable habitat for this species. No impact to this species on-site is likely from this project. 4.4 Swamp pink Federally listed as threatened, this species is found in wetlands that are saturated but not flooded. This habitat includes southern Appalachian bogs and swamps. Swamp pink would also be found in Atlantic white cedar swamps and swampy forests bordering small streams, boggy meadows, and spring seepage areas. This species is commonly associated with some evergreens, including white cedar, pitch pine, • American larch, and black spruce. The basal rosette of light green, lance -shaped, and parallel -veined leaves with a hollow- stemmed flower stalk that can grow 8-35 inches during flowering and up to 5 feet during seed maturation distinguishes the swamp pink species. Flowering • occurs March through May, and flowers are clustered (30-50) at the tip of the stem in a bottlebrush shape. • Potentially suitable habitat for swamp pink exists within the larger wetland areas adjacent to Logan Creek. These wetlands were surveyed for swamp pink by Bob Thomas in May. No swamp pink plants were observed during this survey. The wetlands will not be impacted by filing activities. 4.5 Small -whorled pogonia This plant, federally listed as an endangered species, occurs on upland sites in mixed - deciduous or mixed-deciduous/coniferous forest that are generally in second or third growth successional stages. Characteristics common to most sites include sparse to moderate ground cover in the species' microhabitat, a relatively open understory canopy, and proximity to features that create long persisting breaks in the forest canopy. Soils at most sites are highly acidic and nutrient poor, with moderately high soil moisture values. Light availability could be a limiting factor for this species. The stem is smooth, hollow pale green and 3.7-9.8 inches tall with a single whorl of 5 to 6 light green elliptical leaves 3 inches long and 1.6 inches wide. A flower is borne at the top of the stem. It is distinguished from the similar I. verticillata by the latter's purplish stem and long, dark sepals. Potential habitat does exist on the property; however the pedestrian survey conducted during May (the peak flowering period for the small whorled pogonia) did not identify any specimens. 4.6 Rock gnome lichen Federally listed as an endangered species, rock gnome lichen occurs on rocks in areas of high humidity either at high elevations (usually vertical cliff faces) or on boulders and large rock outcrops in deep river gorges at lower elevations. Distinguishing characteristics include dense colonies of narrow (.04 inch) straps that are blue - grey on the upper surface and generally shiny - white on the lower surface. Near the base they grade to black (the similar species of Squamulose • cladonias are never blackened toward the base). Fruiting bodies are borne at the tips of the straps and are black (similar Cladonia species have brown or red fruiting bodies). Flowering occurs July through September. Suitable habitat for this species does exist within the project area. This habitat is composed of the extensive vertical cliff faces found on the property. It was not possible to survey these areas however no impacts are proposed to these cliff faces. Therefore, no impact to this species is likely. 5.0 CONCLUSION During completion of threatened and endangered species assessments for the Lonesome Valley site, potential habitats for listed species were observed for the Indiana bat, swamp pink, small whorled pagonia, and rock gnome lichen. It is unknown at this time if rock gnome lichen occurs on the vertical cliff faces found on the property. Preliminary project designs do not affect these cliffs. Indiana bat summer habitat does exist on the project site, however USFWS records indicate that Jackson County N.C. records of this species have all been winter records. No winter hibernation habitat was observed on the project site. The pedestrian survey for the small whorled pogonia did not identify any individuals, despite the presence of potential habitat. Pedestrian surveys for swamp pink did not identify any individuals. As such, the proposed residential community is not likely to cause an adverse impact to any federally listed threatened or endangered species. Although no federally listed threatened and endangered species were identified during these surveys, because of the transitory nature of some of the listed threatened and endangered species and the particular flower/fruiting periods of some plants, it is possible that endangered species populations and locations may change over time. Therefore, any potential findings at a later date should be fully investigated and coordinated with appropriate agencies to prevent potential adverse impacts. 0 El 1 all Ritlge i 1 1 j i Q. y—R,dge Aj Wrrrdy/aP SYawp GP,"' —J- -01 , r.,, r r r if Lbuble Hnob Gap Ghestrtut Ritlge 1"NN Rr 4fMachirse :- +l �� '\ Webb Lake Dam 1 \ /. � I ,` _ -- 4 Gtd.prsrt9 Ridge Ltyb— Gap 2aaharys GaA 8umt Cabin Gap ,\ Project Site pyldennair aus sone m Gip a11a nyort , -- ! 7 Sheep GrH � airHeJd Fa!!r r 107 ( t Lupt .L'ake Dam Id g rtield Lake•D— / \ ack L, moi— \_Hogba cN Dam 6 r nL—W _ ph re LV Vake Lake Dam 1pam �I / _ Ceshier�.; C ashlers ; i '^aamrera uey - _ Hampton Lake Dam 1 / RmberR, 3i n CLEARWATER Lonesome Valley Environmental Consultants, Inc. Jackson County 718 Oakland Street Site Vicinity Map North Carolina Hendersonville, NC 28791 Figure 1 828-698-9800 .......... N ,,INA I ji- 0 Appendix A Species List Trees Acer rubrum (Red Maple) Betula lenta (Cherry) Carya glabra (Pignut Hickory) Cornus Florida (Flowering Dogwood) Hamamelis virginiana (Witch Hazel) Liriodendron tulipifera (Yellow Poplar) Nyssa sylvatica (Black Gum) Pinus strobus (White Pine) Quercus rubra (Red Oak) Quercus prinus (Chestnut Oak) Tsuga canadensis (Eastern Hemlock) Shrubs • Alnus serrulata (Hazel Alder) Clethra acuminate (Mountain Sweet Pepper Bush) Gaylussacia ursina (Bear Huckleberry) Ilex verticillata (Common Winterberry) Kalmia latifolia (Mountain Laurel) Leucothoe fontanesiana (Dog Hobble) Lindera benzoin (Spicebush) Rhododendron maximum (Rosebay) Rosa multiflora (Rose) Sambucus canadensis (Elderberry) Vaccinium spp. (Blueberry) Herhs Actaea pachypoda (White Baneberry) Arisaema triphyllum (Jack in the Pulpit) Aster puniceus (Swamp Aster) Carex erinata var. erinata (Fringed Sedge) Carex folliculate (Northern Long Sedge) Carex frankii (Frank's Sedge) Carex intumescens (Bladder Sedge) Carex leptalea (Bristly -Stalk Sedge) Carex lurida (Shallow Sedge) Carex spp. (Sedges) Cicuta maculate (Water Hemlock) 2 • Chamaelirium luteum (Devils Bit) Chrysanthemum leucanthemum (Oxeye Daisy) Clintonia umbellulata (Speckled Wood Lily) Chelone sp. (Turtlehead) Conopholis Americana (Squaw Root) Convallaria majalis (Lily of the Valley) Dulichium arundinaceium (Three Way Sedge) Galium sp. (Bedstraw) Galax aphylla (Galax) Glyceria melicaria (Melic Manna Grass) Hypericum mutilum (Slender St. John's -Wort) Houstonia sp. (Bluet) Impatiens capensis (Jewelweed) Iris pseudacorus (Yellow Flag) Juncus effuses (Soft Rush) Juncus diffussimus (Slim -Pod Rush) Lobelia spicata (Pale -Spike Lobelia) Lycopodium lucidulum (Shining Club Moss) Lysimachia lanceolata (Lance -Leaf Loosestrife) Medeola virginica (Indian Cucumber Root) Osmunda regalis (Royal Fern) Osmunda cinnamomea (Cinnamon Fern) Platanthera (Habenaria) clavellata (Small Green Woodland Orchid) Prenanthes sp. (Rattlesnake Root) Polystichum acrostichoides (Christmas Fern) Polygonum sp. (Tearthumb) Prunella vulgaris (Heal -All) Pteridium aquilinum (Bracken Fern) Ranunculus sp. (Buttercup) Rosa palustris (Swamp Rose) Scirpus cyperinus (Wool Grass) Scirpus polyphyllus (Leafy Bulrush) Sisyrinchium sp. (Blue Eyed Grass) Solidago patula (Rough Leaf Golden Rod) Sphagnum sp. (Moss) Trillium sp. (Pink Trillium) Woodwardia areolata (Netted Chainfern) Vernonia novaboracensis (New York Iron Weed) Viburnum cassinoides (With -Rod) Viola cucullata (Marsh Blue Violet) Viola spp. (Violets) Xanthorhiza simplicissima (Yellow Root) 3 • Appendix B USFWS and Natural Heritage Correspondence • • ENT OF;,, o�QP United States Department of the Interior : p y O A • FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE �ggCH 33 �Asheville Field Office 160 Zillicoa Street Asheville, North Carolina 28801 April 22, 2005 Mr. R. Clement Riddle, P.W.S. C1earWater Environmental Consultants, Inc. 224 South Grove Street, Suite F Hendersonville, North Carolina 28792 Dear Mr. Riddle: Subject: Site Assessment for Property Located North of Highway 64 in Cashiers, Jackson County, North Carolina In your letter of March 25, 2005, you requested our comments on the subject project. We have reviewed the information you presented and are providing the following comments in accordance with the provisions of the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act, as amended .(16 U.S.C. 661-667.e), and.section 7 of the Endangered Species.Act of 1973, as amended (16. U.S.C. 1531-1543) (Act). Your letter does not include a description of the project or any potential impacts. Based on the information available through Jackson County's GIS web site and our knowledge of the project area, the property is almost entirely wooded (though some development has taken place near Highway 64) and has multiple streams (Logan Creek and an unnamed tributary to Logan Creek) flowing north to south. Also, several areas of high -elevation granitic domes are located within the project area. Endangered Species. You do not present evidence of any surveys of the project area for federally listed species known from Jackson County. Unless an area has been specifically surveyed for listed species or no appropriate habitat exists, a survey should be conducted to ensure that these resources are not inadvertently lost. Adjacent to the project area we do have records of the federally endangered rock gnome lichen (Gymnoderma lineare) and several federal species of concern--Cuthbert's turtlehead (Chelone cuthbertii), Fraser's loosestrife L simachia raseri and green salamander Aneides aeneus as well as threespecies listed b • the North Carolina Natural Heritage Program (NCNHP) as significantly rarer --granitic dome bluet (Houstonia longifolia var. glabra), pink -shell azalea (Rhododendron vaseyi), and bog Jack • in -the -pulpit (Arisaema triphyllum ssp. Stewardsonh). We would like to see a detailed account of the botanical analysis for this project. Enclosed is a list of federally endangered and threatened species and federal species of concern for Jackson County. In accordance with the Act, it is the responsibility of the appropriate federal agency or its designated representative to review its activities or programs and to identify any such activities or programs that may affect endangered or threatened species or their habitats. If it is determined that the proposed activity may adversely affect any species federally listed as endangered or threatened, formal consultation with this office must be initiated. Please note that federal species of concern are not legally protected under the Act and are not subject to any of its provisions, including section 7, unless they are formally proposed or listed as endangered or threatened. We are including these species in our response to give you advance notification and to request your assistance in protecting them. We also recommend close coordination with Ms. Linda Pearsall (Director, NCNHP) before any actions are taken. Erosion Control and Wetland/Stream Protection. Given the proximity of the project to multiple streams (the project area should also be surveyed for wetlands), we want to emphasize that stringent measures to control sediment and erosion should be implemented prior to any ground disturbance and should be maintained throughout project construction. All wetland/stream crossings should be made perpendicular to the stream, and spanning structures should be used rather than culverts. Wetland/stream buffers (a minimum of 100 feet on perennial streams and 50 feet on intermittent streams) should be maintained throughout the project area. The treatment of storm water leaving the project area is also a concern. The expansion of urban/suburban areas creates more impervious surfaces (such as roofs, roads, and parking lots), which collect pathogens, metals, sediment, and chemical pollutants, and quickly transmit them to receiving waters. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, this nonpoint-source pollution is one of the major threats to water quality in the United States and is linked to chronic and acute illnesses from exposure through drinking water and contact recreation. Best management practices can reduce, but not eliminate, pollutant loadings of common storm -water pollutants. Designs that collect runoff and allow it to infiltrate the soil have the highest documented pollutant -removal efficiency, eliminating nearly all lead, zinc, .and solids and more than 50 percent of total phosphorous. Ponds and wetlands, which allow contaminants to settle out of the water column or be broken down by sunlight and biological activity, can remove more than 70 percent of bacteria. The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission has developed a "Guidance Memorandum to Address and Mitigate Secondary and Cumulative Significantly rare species are those that are very rare in North Carolina, generally with 1 to 100 populations in the State and with substantial reductions in numbers as a result of habitat destruction (and sometimes by direct exploitation or disease). 2 0 Impacts to Aquatic and Terrestrial Wildlife Resources and Water Quality" that we support and encourage you to use. It can be accessed via the Internet as follows: http://www.ncwildlife.orglpg07 wildlifespeciescon/pg76_impacts.pdf. We offer the following recommendations to help address the secondary and cumulative impacts that may be associated with this project and to help minimize impacts to fish and wildlife resources: 1. The construction of new roadways can produce short-term direct impacts as well as long-term cumulative effects. Studies have shown a serious decline in the health of receiving waters when 10 to 15 percent of a watershed is converted to impervious surfaces. Impervious surfaces should be limited to no .more than 7 percent, curb and gutter should be limited in new developments, and the direct discharge of storm water into streams should be prevented. We recommend the use of grassed swales in place of curb and gutter and on-site storm -water management (i.e., bioretention areas) that will result in no net change in the hydrology of the watershed. These designs often cost less to install and significantly reduce environmental impacts from residential development. 2. Efforts should be made to avoid the removal of large trees at the edges of construction corridors. Disturbed areas should be reseeded with seed mixtures that are beneficial to wildlife. Fescue -based mixtures should be avoided; fescue is invasive and provides little benefit to wildlife. Native annual small grains appropriate for the season are preferred and recommended. Where feasible, use woody debris and logs from project area clearing to establish brush piles and downed logs at the edges (just in the woods) of the cleared areas to improve habitat for wildlife. Additionally, herbicides should not be used in wetland areas or near streams. 3. We strongly suggest the use of bridges for all permanent roadway crossings of streams and associated wetlands to eliminate the need to fill and install culverts. All stream crossings should be made perpendicular to the stream. If culverts are the only option, the culvert must be buried at least'a foot below the natural streambed to allow for proper water depth and the movement of aquatic. organisms. Under no circumstances should stream channel widening for culverts occur nor should riprap be placed in the stream channel. 4. Equipment should not be operated in the stream unless absolutely necessary. Equipment should be operated from the banks in a fashion that minimizes disturbance to woody vegetation. Equipment should be inspected daily and should be maintained to prevent contamination of surface waters from leaking fuels, lubricants, hydraulic fluids, or other toxic materials. All fuels, lubricants, and other toxic materials should be stored outside the riparian 0 management area of the stream, in a location where the material can be contained. Equipment should be checked for .leaks of hydraulic fluids, cooling system liquids, and fuel and should be cleaned before fording any stream. Also, all fueling operations should be done outside the riparian management area. At this stage of project development and without more specifics about construction locations or techniques, it is difficult for us to assess potential environmental impacts (direct, indirect, and cumulative). We therefore recommend that any environmental document prepared for this project include the following (if applicable): 1. A complete analysis and comparison of the available alternatives (the build and no -build alternatives). 2. A description of the fishery and wildlife resources within existing and required additional rights-of-way and any areas, such as borrow areas, that may be affected directly or indirectly by the proposed project. 3. The acreage and a description of the wetlands that will be filled as a result of the proposed project. Wetlands affected by the proposed project should be mapped in accordance with the Federal Manual for Identifying and Delineating Jurisdictional Wetlands. We recommend contacting the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) to determine the need for a Section 404 Clean Water Act permit. Avoiding and minimizing wetland impacts is a part of the Corps' permitting process, and we will consider other ,potential alternatives in the review of any permits. 4. The extent (linear feet as well as discharge) of any water courses that will be impacted as a result of the proposed project. A description of any streams should include the classification (Rosgen 1995, 1996) and a description of the biotic resources. 5. The acreage of upland habitat, by cover type, that will be eliminated because of the proposed project. 6. A description of all expected secondary and cumulative environmental impacts associated with this proposed work. The assessment should specify the extent and type of development proposed for the project area once the work is complete and how future growth will be maintained and supported with regard to sewer lines, water lines, parking areas, and any proposed roadways. 7. A discussion about the extent to which the project will result in the loss, degradation, or fragmentation of wildlife habitat from direct construction impacts and from secondary development impacts. • 4 • 8. Mitigation measures that will be employed to avoid, eliminate, reduce, or compensate for habitat value losses (wetland, riverine, and upland) associated with any phase of the proposed project. We appreciate the opportunity to provide these comments. If we can be of any assistance or if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Mr. Bryan Tompkins of our staff at 828/258-3939, Ext. 240. In any future correspondence concerning this project, please reference our Log Number 4-2-05-170. Sincerely, Brian P. Cole Field Supervisor Enclosure 0 5 NCDENR North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources Michael F. Easley, Governor William G. Ross Jr., Secretary March 30, 2005 Mr. R. Clement Riddle C1earWater Environmental Consultants, Inc. 224 South Grove Street, Suite F Hendersonville, NC 28792 Subject: Lonesome Valley Project; Jackson County Dear Mr. Riddle: The Natural Heritage Program considers nearly all of the project area to lie within a State significant natural area identified in the Jackson County natural area inventory (1994) as the Dillard Canyon and Cliffs. I am enclosing the report for -that site, from the inventory, conducted by Dr. J. Dan Pittillo, of Western Carolina University. The enclosed map indicates the boundary of the natural area, as well as the two rare plant locations and the locations of several high quality natural communities. The two rare plants are found on the very steep cliffs on the west face of • Cowrock Mountain. Because of the importance of the natural area, we would like to see as much of the natural area placed into some type of protection status. If the project involves development of the area, we hope that construction would be limited to the floor of the canyon and not on the mid- and upper slopes, nor on the tops of the mountains at the edge of the cliffs. (You did not indicate in your letter what the scope or intent was for the Lonesome Valley property.) Let us know if our Program can be of assistance in protection efforts for the Dillard Canyon and Cliffs natural area. You may wish to check the Natural Heritage Program database website at <www.ncnhp.org_> for a listing of rare plants and animals and significant natural communities in the county and on -the topographic quad map. Please do not hesitate to contact me at 919-715-8697 if you have questions or need further information. Sincerely, Harry E. LeGrand, Jr., Zoologist Natural Heritage Program Enclosures • 1601 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-1601 Orlearoli/na Phone: 919-733.4984 •FAX: 919-715-3060 •Internet: www.enr.state.nc,us NbhffiC�latural[L� An Equal Opportunity • Affirmative Action Employer - 50 % Recycled 1 10 % Post Consumer Paper L U SITE SURVEY REPORT N.C. Natural Heritage Program P.O. Box 27687 / Raleigh NC 27611 Dillard Canyon and Cliffs 1 Date: May 1994 (April 1992) Quad Name: Big Ridge Jackson County Province: Blue Ridge Name of Site: Dillard Canyon and Cliffs (Cow Rock and Laurel Knob) Surveyors: J. Dan Pittillo and L. L. Gaddy Location & Directions: This site is located about two air miles from Cashiers. To reach Dillard Canyon, proceed east on U.S. 64 for about 2.7 miles. Turn left at paved road after Jennings Building Suppy. Park at the first left on this road and follow small logging road into canyon. Permission must first be obtained before visiting the site. Size: 1092 acres. Watershed: Logan Creek/ Horsepasture River Owners and address: Mr. Dick Jennings, Lonesome Valley Corporation, P. 0. Box 1459, Cashiers, NC 28717 (Phone 704/743-3684); Tom and Gorgene German, Route 3, Box 310, Savannah, GA 31406 (Phone 912/352-0980 or 704/743-5378). Status: Unprotected. Owner contacted & Attitude: Both owners were open to the survey and may be interested in the natural areas designation. General Landscape Description: Resembling the canyons of the west, the headwaters of Logan Creek valley make up what is called Dillard "Canyon." The trail into the canyon leads through even -aged White Pine forests, into cut -over Cove Forest dominated by tulip poplar (Liriodendro tulipifera), and on to Canada Hemlock and Pine-Oak/Heath forests occur under the sheer cliffs of Laurel Knob and Cow Rock. A large cleavage in Laurel Knob is supposedly passable, leading to the crest of the knob. Laurel Knob, which has a greater diversity of communities than Cow Rock, is gently sloping on the top. Physical Description: Aspect: All but mainly west, northeast, and east along the valley sides. Slope: Nearly flat in the valley floor to almost vertical on the lower cliff slopes. Topog. Position: Upper, mid, and lower slopes and .alluvial flats. Hydrology: Terrestrial. Moisture: Mesic to dry mesic. Elevation: 3200 - 4440 feet Geology: Quartz diorite to granodorite: Previously this formation was called Whiteside Granite (Pzw; Hadley and Nelson, 1971) or Cashiers Gneiss (McKniff, 1967). These igneous rocks are of Devonian age (390 million years) and are classed as Quartz diorite to granodiorite (NC Geological Survey, 1985). Biotite schist and gneiss (pCgc; locally called granite): Biotite-quartz-plagioclase gneiss and schist, commonly characterized by porophyroblasts of muscovite, microcline, garnet, or kyanite; locally contains sillimanite, graphite, or hornblende; commonly thin interlayered with micaceous quartz -feldspar gneiss(metasandstone); less commonly interlayered with amphibolite and hornblende schist (Hadley and Nelson, 1971). Soils: The following soil series are listed by the Soil Conservation Service (Sherrill, 1994): Cleveland -Chestnut -Rock outcrop complex (CpF) - Lithic to Typic Dystrochrepts Dillard Canyon and Cliffs 2 • Cullasaja (CsE) - Typic Haplumberpts Cullasaja-Tuckasegee complex (CuD) - Typic Haplumbepts CwA - Cullowhee...... Edneyville-Chestnut complex (EdC, EdE, EdF) - Typic Dystrochrepts Nikwasi (NkA) - Cumulic Humaquepts Plott (PwE) - Typic Haplumberpts Rock outcrop -Cleveland complex (RkF) - Typic Dystrochrepts Saunook (SaQ - Humic Hapludults Tuckasegee (TwQ - Typic Haplumberpts Udonthents (Ud) - Disturbed soil complex Whiteside-Tuckasegee complex (WtB) - Aquic Hapludults (W) and Typic Haplumbrepts (T) Comments on Physical Description: The area is quite complex based on the long list soil types present in the area. Biological Description: Atop Laurel Knob High Elevation Granite Dome, and Heath Bald communities are found on bare rock. The dwarfed Montane White Oak on the crest of Laurel Knob is dominated by trees less than fifty feet in height. Two ring counts on trees that had recently been cut (one was 12 inches in diameter; the other was 14 inches in diameter) revealed that the canopy here was 175-200 years old. Cow Rock is generally dominated by Montane Oak -Hickory with cliffs dominated by High Elevation Granite Dome, Heath Bald, and Pine-Oak/Heath communities. A small seepage bog is found on the top of Cow Rock. Pine-Oak/Heath: Around the base of the cliffs a mixture of pine and oaks occur. White pine (Pinus strobus) and eastern hemlock (Tsuga canadensis) dominates the conifers while tulip tree (Liriodendron tulipifera), and oaks (Quercus alba, montana, rubra) dominate the deciduous species in this community type. Understory heaths include mostly mountain laurel (Kalmia latifolia) and rosebay rhododendron (Rhododendron maximum). High Elevation Granite Dome: On the crest and south slopes of Laurel Knob and Cowrock is an extensive High Elevation Granite Dome community. Several pines are found here: shortleaf, table mountain, pitch, and white (Pinus echinata, pungens, rigida, strobus), Carolina hemlock (Tsuga carolinana), and red cedar (Juniperus virginiana) that give the area a dark green color year-round. Several deciduous species are also present: hickory (Carya sp.), sourwood (Oxydendrum arboreum), oaks (Quercus alba, montana, rubra, and velutina). In addition, several heaths add to the evergreenness: mountain laurel (Kalmia latifolia), rhododendrons (Rhododendron catawbiense, minus), and sand myrtle (Leiophyllum buxifolium). Herbs of the outcrops include mats of twisted haircap moss (Selaginella tortipila), switchgrass (Panicum virgatum), little bluestem (Schizachirium scoparium), mountain oat grass (Danthonia spp.), goldenrods (Solidago sp.), michaux's saxifrage (Saxifraga michauxii), aster (Aster surculosus), and granite dome bluer (Houstonia longifolia var. glabra). Special Status Species present: Plants: Carex bilnnoreana (Biltmore sedge) SR 3C S3 G3 Houstonia longifolia var. glabra (Granite dome bluet) SR S3 G573 Juncus gymnocarpus (Seep rush) Wl 3C S3 G3 Potential for other special Status Species: No animal species were reported and this area is potentially ripe for several species. Other noteworthy species or features present: • Dillard Canyon and Cliffs 3 • Site integrity: Good. Some timber removal has occurred in the past. Average DBH of canopy trees: 12-24 inches (30-60 cm) Maximum DBH of canopy trees: to 36 inches (90 cm) Fire regime: No evidence noted. Logged: Probably 1940-50's. Even -aged canopy: White pine plantations. Non-native or weedy spp.: Others: Adjacent land use: Second -home sites and fish farming. Significance of site: State (level 2). Discussion: 1) The cliffs of Cashiers gneiss that surround Dillard Canyon (the rock faces of Laurel Knob and Cow'Rock) drop 1000-1100 feet and are second only in height to those of Whiteside Mountain (1200-1300 feet) in the region and represent the highest contiuous cliffs in the region (those of Whiteside Mountain drop in two stages). 2) The dwarf Table Mountain pine (Pinus pungens) forest and the dwarfed montane white oak ( Quercus alba) forest on top of Laurel Knob are among the best of the region. 3) The rare Biltmore sedge (Carex Biltmoreana) (C, 3C, S2), naked -fruited needlerush (Juncus gymnocarpus) (C,S2), and the uncommon granite dome bluer (Houstonia longifolia var. glabra) (W2, S2) are found at the site. Protection Considerations and Management Needs: Much of site is protected by the Jennings Family. The lower canyon, the lower slopes of Cow Rock, and much • of Laurel Knob are currently being developed. Documentation: Gaddy, L. L. 1992. Report on Dillard Canyon and Cliffs. Report to the Natural Heritage Program, Department of Health, Environment and Natural Resources, Raleigh, NC. 14 P. Hadley, J. B. and A. E. Nelson. 1971. Geologic map of the Knoxville quadrangle, North Carolina, Tennessee,..and South Carolina. US Department of Interior, Geological Survey, Washington, DC. Sherrill; Michael L. 1994.- Personal communication, USDA Soil Conservation Service, Cullowhee, NC. Survey boundaries: This large boundary is mainly based on maps rather than field examenation. It may need adjustment, both for the protection of private land rights and for potential extension, especially to the north or east. Priority for further survey: This superficial survey needs a more thorough evaluation. Data on the various community types not described in detail is a primary need. Animal surveys also are high on the priority recommendations. Specimens collected: Plants (Pittillo) Repository: WCUH Photographs made of. Distant views and outcrops. Repository: Pittillo coll. Others knowledgeable about site: Topo map attached: Big Ridge quadrangle. 0 SNAGGY B/ "EI.FV. 3,30 BEAR CREEK F O R E S T i BELL CONEY 0MTK .sr,L El". 4,4oD i ,. BIG KNOB `.6 a, —1 R� DEVILS COURTHO kNDS COWEE GAP C !7 RICH MTK .I ELEV. 3,500 !u F: Crack N A T I i 1713 Jj171: ? 1 OokRldg NORNEYHEAD ;,,� IZii 9 'f., 7P MANAGEMENT Ln DOUBLE TOP !III MTK ]L BLACK O ELEV..6,273 • \ J73L 7B1 SoII Geek I IAB J TANASEE BALD 0 5.677 7jj 30 \+ ry~ 154 BEAR CREEK F O R E S T i BELL CONEY 0MTK .sr,L El". 4,4oD i ,. BIG KNOB `.6 a, —1 R� DEVILS COURTHO kNDS COWEE GAP C !7 CHIMNEY TOP MM ELEV. 44,673 ifif 73°13� A _ D PISGAH z ROCK Y r --TANASK GAP NATIONAL +` z ..OWENS GAP 5 TO RRflrARO_ D FOREST �c a• R IpGE ?`l LITTLE HOGBACK MTK / TOXAWAYI/ IRFIELD / 1,140 'Is d. FAP TO BREVARO 19 O' J O I / O SAPPHIRE C LAKE/ELF/. 3,104 j Z 33°p3� � T Map 1 DILLARD CANYON AND CLIFF Jackson County North Carolina N. C. Dept. of Transportation, 199( SHERWOOD i ti WILDLIFE LU - 9 'f., 7P MANAGEMENT • �{:: Jit . . u'.:"? : `';{ ..;°:F•;.7: AREA ROUGH BUR BALtt• _ ' tij4:iutiF4'` •4�1))�,. y BLACK O ELEV..6,273 • \ TANASEE BALD 0 5.677 PI AH rs°` WILDLIFE 'lr•::: ROCKY";,`; 715 MANAGEMENT ^4 +`Zr c N e 1 � ti �: AREA CHIMNEY TOP MM ELEV. 44,673 ifif 73°13� A _ D PISGAH z ROCK Y r --TANASK GAP NATIONAL +` z ..OWENS GAP 5 TO RRflrARO_ D FOREST �c a• R IpGE ?`l LITTLE HOGBACK MTK / TOXAWAYI/ IRFIELD / 1,140 'Is d. FAP TO BREVARO 19 O' J O I / O SAPPHIRE C LAKE/ELF/. 3,104 j Z 33°p3� � T Map 1 DILLARD CANYON AND CLIFF Jackson County North Carolina N. C. Dept. of Transportation, 199( '•i` _ _ `" \v;''°t`. J;�"—�)� }Jif"!� \il'���•., `�.'\ `��—,`��`'--' �r '�"-� 1 / � ��.� � `� ; ' � i'^� ('. � � o' Y �\ � ° i w ,/rte_ , ,� �_• �, .�.: j t`•I: ' i �i<�' ,�r��'r �"�� 1 i r `�:.. I �•�•li'ti—��ll �( 1'� ` \`frf-\!/ '^'1 ('•. �.:"I i (`�: fes,-, �;�� r r�Ji /lri �� ,'' ,� \ ! f i"`•::J 1 �,�'��') (� ��"r�����_� ) :;`f/.�t.\ ,. _I ,: i ;`:;•� - �; ij� �// � '�+\j \(�,`�`.�//� Jjl�/�..,\�i / ��"�\�/�r� /i--� \� J �•..; jam..,, •�: K 'I ���^ j `✓OO�I /;i" l\\ail \ i:/ 1\`•,1 / / AnD��/ i� �, i^'.� - W. ;.I ;•, v ; ,; �`. I / / �, ',:� '\•.�� i. ` �'•. 1 '•\ a` '=iii •�i>. � ��'t � . V/ L f '\•' � ���� % � ✓;?/ �"' �'--- �;•� z \' U. QK IN �l\ /tai ,�,,��� aur / ( i +✓ l-�"�:�: \. �•' � // -3600 / .. � / 1,:, // � I•'�•- _ � • J �.. �� / � ;~*°° �1� � .Illi !�/ �>� /�.�° � �� n L!� rr �� ��' %i 90� �l/.:.�. � . .:if; .`.;_.;.. 9pQO��"' - \ - _ \ _ \ •� \`40.\1 _�, . � _ Vt`� �• o� _ ° ; % . Map DILLARD CANYON AND CLIFFS Bi g Ridge g Quadrangle North Carolina Nantahala National Forest, 1987 1' 780,000 FEET :� CASHIERS ST. 107 1.6 Mi, • f ��" `�`I��(/• � �,'� ' v''� r`• HIGHLANDS 12 MI. (Cashie s 176 -SE) JUNCTION ST. 28 , 9.7 Ml. 2'30' SCALE 1:24 000 ROSMAN FED. 178, 19 MI. 0 I MILE 1000 0 1000 ---- 3000 4000 5000 6000 71w0 FEET 1 .5 0 —^� r— I KILOMETER • C� Dillard Canyon, Cow Rock, Laurel Knob Page 6 Species Presence and Abundance: Gaddy and Pittillo note TREES Acer rubrum LK/U Amelanchier arborea 17266 Betula lenta ILK Carya glabra 7279 Carya sp. CR/LK Hamamelis virginiana 7281 Juniperus virginiana 7256, LK/CR/A Nyssa sylvatica 7269 Oxydendrum arboreum 7277, CR/LK Pinus echinata CR/LK Pinus pungens 7258, LK/A Pinus rigida 7259, LK/CR Pinus strobus CR Quercus alba CR/LK Quercus montana 7280, CR/LK Quercus rubra CR/LK Quercus velutina CR Sassafras albidum 7270 Tsuga canadensis 7257 Tsuga caroliniana LK/C SHRUBS Aronia arbutifolia 7264 Aronia prunifolia 7265 Chionanthus virginicus 7267 Gaultheria procumbens LK/A Gaylussacia frondosa 7257 Gaylussacia ursina CR Hypericum buckleyi 7283 Kalmia latifolia 7274, CR/LK Leiophyllum buxifolium var. prostratum 7272, LK/A Rhododendron catawbiense 7278, CR/LK. Rhododendron minus 7273, CR/LK Robinia hispida 7282 Vaccinium stamineum 7276 HERBS Agrostis elliottiana 7253 Andropogon virginianum LK Aster surculosus 7291, LK Calamagrostis cinnoides 7251 Carex biltmoreana CR/R Carex umbellata CR/LK/R Coreopsis major var. stellata 7289 Crotonopsis elliptica 7284 Cypripedium acaule 7260 s Dillard Canyon, Cow Rock, Laurel Knob Page 7 Species I Presence and Abundance: Gaddy and Pittillo note Danthonia sericea 17254 Danthonia sp. CR/LK/R Dennstaedtia punctilobula 7247, Houstonia longifolia var. glabra 17288, CR Krigia montana 17290 Lilium michauxii 7263 Lobella amoena 7282 Lycopodium dendroideum 7246 Maianthemum canadense 17261 Melampyrum lirieare 17286 Panicum virgatum LK/A Polygala sanguinea 7285 rtermum aquunum 11248 Rhynchspora globularis 17250 Saxifraga michauxii CR Schizachyrium scoparium 17252, LK/CR Scleria triglomerata 17249 Selaginella tortipila 7245, CR/LK Solidago roanensis 17292 Solidago sp. CR/LK NONVASCULAR Cladonia spp. CR/LK Parmelia conspersa LK A = Abundant C = Common U = Uncommon R = Rare ------ - LC = Locally Common CR = Cow Rock LK = Laurel Knob Numbers: Pittillo coils. at WCUH from Laurel Knob racnNuil �.Vut1Ly Dt1Ud11geICU JpeCWS, Inreatenea opecies,reaerai 6pecies or Loncern, an... rage 1 of -i I Endangered Species, Threatened Species,Federal Species of Concern, and Candidate Species, Jackson County, North Carolina Updated: 04-27-2006 Critical Habitat Designations: Appalachian elktoe - Alasmidonta raveneliana - The main stem of the Tuckasegee River (Little Tennessee River system), from the N.C. State Route 1002 Bridge in Cullowhee, Jackson County, North Carolina, downstream to the N.C. Highway 19 Bridge, north of Bryson City, Swain County, North Carolina. Within these areas, the primary constituent elements include: (i) Permanent, flowing, cool, clean water; (ii)Geomorphically stable stream channels and banks; (iii)Pool, riffle, and run sequences within the channel; (iv)Stable sand, gravel, cobble, boulder, and bedrock substrates with no more than low amounts of fine sediment; (v)Moderate to high stream gradient; (vi)Periodic natural flooding; and (vii)Fish hosts, with adequate living, foraging, and spawning areas for them. Federal Register Reference: September 27, 2002, Federal Register, 67:61016-61040. Common Name Vertebrate: Appalachian Bewick's wren Bog turtle Scientific name Thryomanes bewickii altus Clemmys muhlenbergii Carolina northern flying squirrel Glaucomys sabrinus coloratus Eastern small -footed bat Myotis leibii Green salamander Hellbender Indiana bat Northern pine snake Northern saw -whet owl Aneides aeneus Cryptobranchus alleganiensis Myotis sodalis Pituophis melanoleucus melanoleucus Aegolius acadicus pop. I Federal Record Status Status FSC Historic T (S/A) Probable/potential E Current FSC Current FSC Current FSC Current E Historic FSC Current FSC Current http://www.fws.gov/nc-es/es/cntylist/J*ackson.httnl 11/15/2006 • • • jat,navu %-,vU11Ly LAWC 1gc1cU 3PUU1Gs, 1111CULU11CU Jpuwes,reuefal 3pckaes U1 k-oncern, an... rage G 01J (Southern Appalachian population) Olive darter Pygmy salamander Red crossbill (Southern Appalachian) Sicklefin redhorse Smoky dace Southern Appalachian black - capped chickadee Southern Appalachian eastern woodrat Southern rock vole Yellow -bellied sapsucker (Southern Appalachian population) wounded darter Invertebrate: Appalachian elktoe Diana fritillary (butterfly) French Broad crayfish Southern Tawny Crescent butterfly Whitewater crayfish ostracod a harvestman Vascular Plant: Blue Ridge Ragwort Butternut Cuthbert turtlehead Darlington's spurge Fraser fir Fraser's loosestrife Gorge filmy fern Granite dome goldenrod Gray's saxifrage Lobed Barren -strawberry Mountain Thaspium Mountain bitter cress Mountain catchfly Radford's sedge Small whorled pogonia Southern Oconee -bells Percina squamata FSC Desmognathus wrighti FSC Loxia curvirostra . FSC Moxostoma sp. I C Clinostomus funduloides ssp. FSC Poecile atricapillus practicus FSC Neotoma floridana haematoreia FSC Microtus chrotorrhinus FSC carolinensis Sphyrapicus varius FSC appalachiensis Etheostoma vulneratum FSC Alasmidonta raveneliana E Speyeria diana FSC Cambarus reburrus FSC Phyciodes batesii maconensis FSC Dactylocythere prinsi FSC Fumontana deprehendor FSC Packera millefolium Juglans cinerea Chelone cuthbertii Euphorbia purpurea Abies fraseri Lysimachia fraseri Hymenophyllum tayloriae Solidago simulans Saxifraga caroliniana Waldsteinia lobata Thaspium pinnatifidum Cardamine clematitis Silene ovata Carex radfordii Isotria medeoloides Shortia galacifolia var. http://www.fws.gov/nc-es/es/cntylist/J*ackson.html FSC FSC FSC FSC FSC FSC FSC FSC FSC FSC FSC FSC FSC FSC T FSC Current Current Current Current Current Current Current Historic Current Current Current Current Current Current Obscure Current Current Current Current Current Current Current Current Current Historic Historic Historic Current Current Current Current Historic 11/15/2006 • • Mcxsun t,uunLy r,naangerea opecies, inreaienea apecies,reaerai species or Concern, an... rage s of s Definitions of Federal Status Codes: E = endangered. A taxon "in danger of extinction throughout all or a significant portion of its range." T = threatened. A taxon "likely to become endangered within the foreseeable future throughout all or a significant portion of its range." P = proposed. A taxon proposed for official listing as endangered or threatened. C = candidate. A taxon under consideration for official listing for which there is sufficient information to support listing. (Formerly "C1" candidate species.) FSC = federal species of concern. A species under consideration for listing, for which there is insufficient information to support listing at this time. These species may or may not be listed in the future, and many of these species were formerly recognized as "C2" candidate species. T(S/A) = threatened due to similarity of appearance. A species that is threatened due to similarity of appearance with other rare species and is listed for its protection. These species are not biologically endangered or threatened and are not subject to Section 7 consultation. EXP = experimental population. A taxon listed as experimental (either essential or nonessential). Experimental, nonessential populations of endangered species (e.g., red wolf) are treated as threatened species on public land, for consultation purposes, and as species proposed for listing on private land. Defmitions of "Record Status" qualifiers: Current - the species has been observed in the county within the last 50 years. Historic - the species was last observed in the county more than 50 years ago. Obscure - the date and/or location of observation is uncertain. Incidental/migrant - the species was observed outside of its normal range or habitat. Probable/potential - the species is considered likely to occur in this county based on the proximity of known records (in adjacent counties), the presence of potentially suitable habitat, or both. http://www.fws.gov/nc-es/es/cntylist/jackson.html 11/15/2006 galacifolia Swamp pink Helonias bullata T Current Sweet pinesap Monotropsis odorata FSC Current Tall larkspur Delphinium exaltatum FSC Current Torrey's Mountain -mint Pyenanthemum torrei FSC Historic Nonvascular plant: Gorge moss Bryocrumia vivicolor FSC Historic a liverwort Plagiochila sharpii FSC Historic a liverwort Plagiochila sullivantii var. FSC Historic spinigera a liverwort Plagiochila sullivantii var. FSC Historic sullivantii a liverwort Plagiochila virginica var. FSC Historic caroliniana a liverwort Sphenolobopsis pearsonii FSC Historic Definitions of Federal Status Codes: E = endangered. A taxon "in danger of extinction throughout all or a significant portion of its range." T = threatened. A taxon "likely to become endangered within the foreseeable future throughout all or a significant portion of its range." P = proposed. A taxon proposed for official listing as endangered or threatened. C = candidate. A taxon under consideration for official listing for which there is sufficient information to support listing. (Formerly "C1" candidate species.) FSC = federal species of concern. A species under consideration for listing, for which there is insufficient information to support listing at this time. These species may or may not be listed in the future, and many of these species were formerly recognized as "C2" candidate species. T(S/A) = threatened due to similarity of appearance. A species that is threatened due to similarity of appearance with other rare species and is listed for its protection. These species are not biologically endangered or threatened and are not subject to Section 7 consultation. EXP = experimental population. A taxon listed as experimental (either essential or nonessential). Experimental, nonessential populations of endangered species (e.g., red wolf) are treated as threatened species on public land, for consultation purposes, and as species proposed for listing on private land. Defmitions of "Record Status" qualifiers: Current - the species has been observed in the county within the last 50 years. Historic - the species was last observed in the county more than 50 years ago. Obscure - the date and/or location of observation is uncertain. Incidental/migrant - the species was observed outside of its normal range or habitat. Probable/potential - the species is considered likely to occur in this county based on the proximity of known records (in adjacent counties), the presence of potentially suitable habitat, or both. http://www.fws.gov/nc-es/es/cntylist/jackson.html 11/15/2006 ivk, ivnr t-ounry r,iement ,earcn Yage 1 of 3 http://207.4.179.38/nhp/find.php 11/15/2006 NC NHP County Element Search Results New Search Returned Elements: 72 using: JACKSON LISTED [Invertebrate Animal 12] [Nonvascular Plant 12] [Vascular Plant 24] [Vertebrate Animal 24] Major Group Scientific Name Common Name State Federal State Global County - Map - status Status Rank Rank Status Habitat Invertebrate Alasmidonta raveneliana Appalachian Elktoe E E S1 G1 Jackson- Link Animal Current Invertebrate Cambarus chaugaensis Oconee Stream Crayfish SC None S2 G2 Jackson - Link Animal Current Invertebrate Cambarus georgiae Little Tennessee River SC None S2S3 G1 Jackson - Link Animal Crayfish Current Invertebrate Cambarus reburrus French Broad River SR FSC S2S3 G3G4 Jackson - Link Animal Crayfish Current Invertebrate Dactylocythere prinsi Whitewater Crayfish W3 FSC S1 GNR Jackson - Link Animal Ostracod Historical — Invertebrate Fumonelix orestes Engraved Covert T None S1 G1 Jackson- Link Animal Current Invertebrate Inflectarius ferrissi Smoky Mountain Covert T None S2 G2 Jackson- Link Animal Obscure Invertebrate Lampsilis fasciola Wavy -rayed Lampmussel SC None S1 G5 Jackson- Link Animal Current Invertebrate Pallifera hemphilli Black Mantleslug Sc None S2 G4 Jackson- Link Animal Obscure Invertebrate Patera clarki clarki Dwarf Proud Globe SC None S2 G3T3 Jackson- Link Animal Obscure — Invertebrate Phyciodes batesii maconensis Tawny Crescent SR FSC S2 G4T2T3 Jackson- Link Animal Current Invertebrate Villosa iris Animal Rainbow SC None S1 G5 Jackson- Current Link Nonvascular Bryocrumia vivicolor Gorge Moss E FSC SH G1G2 Jackson- Link Plant Historical Nonvascular Bryoerythrophyllum A Red Foot Moss W7 None S2? G5 Jackson - Link Plant recurvirostrum Current Nonvascular Cheilolejeunea Jackson- evansii Plant A Liverwort E None S1 G1 Current Link Nonvascular Chilosc hus a Yp ppalachianus A Liverwort SR -T FSC S1 G1G20 Jackson- Link Plant Current Nonvascular Gymnoderma lineare Rock Gnome Lichen T E S2 G2 Jackson- Link Plant Current Nonvascular Plagiochila sharpii A Liverwort SR -L FSC S2 G2G4 Jackson- Link Plant Current — Nonvascular Plagiochila sullivantii var. Jackson- Plant spinigera A Liverwort SR -L FSC S1 G2T1 Historical Link Nonvascular Plagiochila sullivantii var. Jackson - Plant sullivantii A Liverwort SR -T FSC S2 G2T2 Historical Link -- Nonvascular Plagiochila virginica var. Jackson - Plant caroliniana A Liverwort SR -T FSC S1 G3T2 Historical Link Nonvascular Schlotheimia lancifolia Highlands Moss T None S1 G2 Jackson- Link Plant Current Nonvascular Sphenolobopsis pearsonii A Liverwort E FSC S2 G2? Jackson- Link Plant Historical --- Nonvascular Tortula ammonsiana Ammons's Tortula E None S1 G1 Jackson- ackson - Link Plant Plant Current Vascular Cardamine clematitis Mountain Bittercress SR -T FSC S2 G2G3 Jackson - Link Plant Current Vascular Carex radfordii Plant Radford's Sedge E FSC S1 G2 Jackson - Link Current Vascular Chelone cuthbertii Cuthbert's Turtlehead SR -L FSC S3? G3 Jackson- Link http://207.4.179.38/nhp/find.php 11/15/2006 ivy, tvrtr i,ounty memem 6earcn rage 2, of s http://207.4.179.38/nhp/find.php 11/15/2006 Plant Current Vascular Danthonia epilis Bog Oatgrass SR -T FSC S2? G3G4 Jackson - Link Plant Current — Vascular Delphinium exaltatum Tall Larkspur E -SC FSC S2 G3 ackson - Jackson- Link • Plant Plant Current Vascular Euphorbia purpurea Glade Spurge SR -T FSC S2 G3 Jackson- Link Plant Current Vascular Helonias bullata Swamp Pink T -SC T S2 G3 Jackson- Link Plant Current — Vascular Hydrastis canadensis Goldenseal E -SC None S2 G4 Jackson- Link Plant Current — Vascular Hymenophyllum tayloriae Gorge Filmy Fern E FSC S1 S2 G2 Jackson- Link Plant Current -- Vascular Isotria medeoloides Small Whorled Pogonia E T S2 G2 Jackson- Link Plant Current Vascular Lysimachia frased Fraser's Loosestrife E FSC S2 G2 Jackson- Link Plant Current — Vascular Monotropsis odorata Sweet Pinesap SR -T FSC S3 G3 Jackson- Link Plant Current Vascular Packera millefolium Divided -leaf Ragwort T FSC S2 G2 Jackson- Link Plant Current Vascular pycnanthemum torrei Torrey's Mountain -mint SR -T FSC S1 G2 Jackson- Link Plant Historical Vascular Saxifraga caroliniana Carolina Saxifrage SR -T FSC S3 G2 Jackson- Link Plant Historical - — Vascular Shortia galacifolia var. Southern Oconee Bells E -SC FSC S2 G2T2 Jackson- Link Plant galacifolia Historical Vascular Silene ovata Mountain Catchfly SR -T FSC S3 G3 Jackson- Link Plant Current — Vascular Solidago simulans Granite Dome Goldenrod SR -L FSC S1 G1 Jackson- Link Plant Current - -- • Vascular Plant Sporobolus heterolepis Prairie Dropseed E None S1 G5 Jackson- Current Link Vascular Thaspium pinnatifidum Mountain Thaspium SR -T FSC S1 G2G3 Jackson- Link Plant Historical Vascular Trichomanes boschianum Appalachian Filmy -fern T None S1 G4 Jackson- Link Plant Current --- Vascular Trichomanes petersii Dwarf Filmy -fern T None S2 G4G5 Jackson- Link Plant Current Vascular Trillium discolor Mottled Trillium T None S1 G2 Jackson- Link Plant Current Vascular Waldsteinia lobata Lobed Barren -strawberry SR -T FSC S1 G2 Jackson- Link Plant Historical -- Vertebrate Aegolius acadicus pop. 1 Southern Appalachian T FSC S26,S2N GSTNR Jackson- Link Animal Northern Saw -whet Owl Current Vertebrate Aneides aeneus Green Salamander E FSC S2 G3G4 Jackson- Link Animal Current Vertebrate Certhia americana Brown Creeper SC None S3B,S5N G5 Jackson- Link Animal Current Vertebrate Clinostomus funduloides ssp. 1 Little Tennessee River SC FSC S2 G5T3Q Jackson- Link Animal Rosyside Dace Current Vertebrate Crotalus horridus Timber Rattlesnake SC None S3 G4 Jackson- Link Animal Current Vertebrate Cryptobranchus alleganiensis Hellbender Sc FSC S3 G3G4 Jackson- Link Animal Current Vertebrate Desmognathus wrighti Pigmy Salamander SR FSC S3 G3G4 Jackson- Link Animal Current Vertebrate Etheostoma inscriptum Turquoise Darter Sc None S1 G4 Jackson- ackson - Link Animal Animal (PT) Current Vertebrate Etheostoma vulneratum Wounded Darter SC FSC S1 G3 Link Animal Current Vertebrate Falco peregrinus Peregrine Falcon E None S1 B,S2N G4 Jackson - Link http://207.4.179.38/nhp/find.php 11/15/2006 ivk, 1Nr1r wunry r,iemeni ,-jearcn rage .i of 3 Animal Current Vertebrate Glaucomys sabrinus coloratus Carolina Northern Flying E E S2 G5T1 Jackson - Link Animal Squirrel Current Vertebrate Loxia curvirostra pop. 1 Southern Appalachian Red SC FSC S36,S3N G5TNR Jackson - Link Animal Crossbill Current Vertebrate Microtus chrotorrhinus Southern Rock Vole SC FSC S3 G4T3 Jackson - Link Animalcarolinensis Historical -- Vertebrate Animal Moxostoma sp. 2 Sicklefin Redhorse SR C S1 G2Q Jackson - Link (PT) Obscure Vertebrate Myotis leibii Eastern Small -footed SC FSC S3 G3 Jackson - Link Animal Myotis Current — Vertebrate Myotis septentrionalis Northern Long-eared SC None S3 G4 Jackson - Link Link Animal Myotis Current Vertebrate Animal Myotis sodalis Indiana Myotis E E Si? G2 Jackson - Link Historical — Vertebrate Eastern Woodrat - Jackson- ackson-Animal Animal Neotoma floridana haematoreia Southern Appalachian SC FSC S3 G5T4Q Link Population Current — Vertebrate Animal Notropis lutipinnis Yellowfin Shiner SC None S2 G4Q Jackson - Link Current Vertebrate Animal Percina squamate Olive Darter SC FSC S2 G3 Jackson - Link Current VertebrateSouthern Poecile atricapillus practice Appalachian SC FSC S3 G5TNR Jackson - Link Animal Black -capped Chickadee Current Vertebrate Sorex palustris punctulatus Southern Water Shrew SC FSC S2 G5T3 Jackson - Link Animal Current Vertebrate Sphyrapicus varius Appalachian Yellow -bellied Jackson - Animal appalachiensis Sapsucker SC FSC S36,S5N. G5TNR Current Link — Vertebrate Thryomanes bewickii altus Appalachian Bewick's E FSC SHB G5T2Q Jackson - Link Animal Wren Historical NC NHP database updated on Friday, August 11th, 2006. • Search performed on Wednesday, 15 November 2006 @ 14:48:48 EST Explanation of Codes is http://207.4.179.3 8/nhp/find.php 11/15/2006 Office Use Only: USACE Action ID No. No. Form Version March 05 (If any particular item is not applicable to this project, please enter "Not Applicable" or "N/A".) I. Processing 1. Check all of the approval(s) requested for this project: ® Section 404 Permit ❑ Riparian or Watershed Buffer Rules ❑ Section 10 Permit ❑ Isolated Wetland Permit from DWQ ❑ 401 Water Quality Certification ❑ Express 401 Water Quality Certification 2. Nationwide, Regional or General Permit Number(s) Requested: Nationwide 12. 13 and 39 3. If this notification is solely a courtesy copy because written approval for the 401 Certification is not required, check here: ❑ 4. If payment into the North Carolina Ecosystem Enhancement Program (NCEEP) is proposed for mitigation of impacts, attach the acceptance letter from NCEEP, complete section VIII, and check here: ❑ 5. If your project is located in any of North Carolina's twenty coastal counties (listed on page 4), and the project is within a North Carolina Division of Coastal Management Area of Environmental Concern (see the top of page 2 for further details), check here: ❑ • II. Applicant Information • 1. Owner/Applicant Information Name: Mr. Thomas Bates Mailing Address: Lonesome Valley P.O. Box 3269 Cashiers N.C. 28717 Telephone Number: (828) 421-2636 Fax Number: (828) 884-3964 E-mail Address: 2. Agent/Consultant Information (A signed and dated copy of the Agent Authorization letter must be attached if the Agent has signatory authority for the owner/applicant.) Name: R. Clement Riddle Company Affiliation: ClearWater Environmental Consultants, Inc. Mailing Address: 224 South Grove Street Suite F Hendersonville N.C. 28792 Telephone Number: (828) 698-9800 Fax Number: (828) 698-9003 E-mail Address: criddle(@cweriv.com Page 5 of 13 III. Project Information Attach a vicinity map clearly showing the location of the property with respect to local landmarks such as towns, rivers, and roads. Also provide a detailed site plan showing property boundaries and development plans in relation to surrounding properties. Both the vicinity map and site plan must include a scale and north arrow. The specific footprints of all buildings, impervious surfaces, or other facilities must be included. If possible, the maps and plans should include the appropriate USGS Topographic Quad Map and NRCS Soil Survey with the property boundaries outlined. Plan drawings, or other maps may be included at the applicant's discretion, so long as the property is clearly defined. For administrative and distribution purposes, the USACE requires information to be submitted on sheets no larger than 11 by 17 -inch format; however, DWQ may accept paperwork of any size. DWQ prefers full-size construction drawings rather than a sequential sheet version of the full-size plans. If full-size plans are reduced to a small scale such that the final version is illegible, the applicant will be informed that the project has been placed on hold until decipherable maps are provided. 1. Name of project: Lonesome Valley -Phase I 2. T.I.P. Project Number or State Project Number (NCDOT Only): N / A 3. Property Identification Number (Tax PIN): 7583-50-8670 4. Location County: Jackson County N.C. Nearest Town: Cashiers N.C. • Subdivision name (include phase/lot number): Not in subdivision Directions to site (include road numbers/names, landmarks, etc.): From U.S. Highway 64 in Brevard travel west toward Cashiers N.C. After crossing the Lake Toxawav Falls on Hi way 64 travel approximately 9 miles west The site is located on the northern side Highway 64 The entrance is marked with two stone pillars on either side of the entrance road. • 5. Site coordinates (For linear projects, such as a road or utility line, attach a sheet that separately lists the coordinates for each crossing of a distinct waterbody.) Decimal Degrees (6 digits minimum): 35' 7' 51.5" ON 83° 3'46.2" °W 6. Property size (acres): Approximately 770 acres - Phase I is 140 acres 7. Name of nearest receiving body of water: Logan Creek and then the Horsepasture River 8. River Basin: Savannah (Note — this must be one of North Carolina's seventeen designated major river basins. The River Basin map is available at htW://h2o.enr.state.ne.us/admin/maps/.) 9. Describe the existing conditions on the site and general land use in the vicinity of the project at the time of this application: The majority of the land (70%) is mature forest. The Page 6 of 13 • remaining land is in pasture land or woods roads and rocky cliff faces. Areas around the site are primarily low density residential and forest lands 10. Describe the overall project in detail, including the type of equipment to be used: The project involves the construction of a residential community and associated amenities. The type of equipment used will be similar to that of other construction projects and will include bulldozers back -hoes graders and dump trucks 11. Explain the purpose of the proposed work: The purpose of the work is to construct roads and ponds for a low density residential community. IV. Prior Project History If jurisdictional determinations and/or permits have been requested and/or obtained for this project (including all prior phases of the same subdivision) in the past, please explain. Include the USACE Action ID Number, DWQ Project Number, application date, and date permits and certifications were issued or withdrawn. Provide photocopies of previously issued permits, certifications or other useful information. Describe previously approved wetland, stream and buffer impacts, along with associated mitigation (where applicable). If this is a NCDOT project, list and describe permits issued for prior segments of the same T.I.P. project, along with • construction schedules. N / A V. Future Project Plans Are any future permit requests anticipated for this project? If so, describe the anticipated work, and provide justification for the exclusion of this work from the current application. This application is for phase I of the project and involves approximately 140 -acres. Future phase(s) may be built at a later date and may require additional stream crossings. All efforts will be made to avoid future stream impacts by utilizingbridgesand half pipes wherever possible. At this time it is unknown when Phase II may begin the types of stream crossing the locations or the number. The applicant realizes that all stream and wetland impacts through all phases of the development will be viewed as cumulative impacts VI. Proposed Impacts to Waters of the United States/Waters of the State It is the applicant's (or agent's) responsibility to determine, delineate and map all impacts to wetlands, open water, and stream channels associated with the project. Each impact must be listed separately in the tables below (e.g., culvert installation should be listed separately from riprap dissipater pads). Be sure to indicate if an impact is temporary. All proposed impacts, permanent and temporary, must be listed, and must be labeled and clearly identifiable on an accompanying site plan. All wetlands and waters, and all streams (intermittent and perennial) • Page 7 of 13 • should be shown on a delineation map, whether or not impacts are proposed to these systems. Wetland and stream evaluation and delineation forms should be included as appropriate. Photographs may be included at the applicant's discretion. If this proposed impact is strictly for wetland or stream mitigation, list and describe the impact in Section VIII below. If additional space is needed for listing or description, please attach a separate sheet. 1. Provide a written description of the proposed impacts: The proposed impacts include the installation of six culverts the flooding of 0.015 -acre of wetland and the filling of 0.005 - acre of wetland Four of the culverts will be replacin existing culverts of insufficient length. 2. Individually list wetland impacts. Types of impacts include, but are not limited to mechanized clearing, grading, fill, excavation, flooding, ditching/drainage, etc. For dams, se ar elv list im acts due to both structure and floodin . Wetland Impact Stream Name Type of Wetland Located within 100 -year Distance to Nearest Area of Impact Site Number Type of Impact (e.g., forested, marsh, Floodplain Stream (acres) (indicate on map) 0.004 herbaceous, bog, etc.) es/no linear feet Perennial Wetland Impact I Flooding Wetland Ditch No 200 feet 0.015 Wetland Impact H Fill Wetland Ditch No 150 feet 0.005 1 Total Wetland Impact (acres) 0.02 3. List the total acreage (estimated) of all existing wetlands on the property: Phase I - 2.32 -acres • 4. Individually list all intermittent and perennial stream impacts. Be sure to identify temporary impacts. Stream impacts include, but are not limited to placement of fill or culverts, dam construction, flooding, relocation, stabilization activities (e.g., cement walls, rip -rap, crib walls, gabions, etc.), excavation, ditching/straightening, etc. If stream relocation is proposed, plans and profiles showing the linear footprint for both the original and relocated streams ,,,,,qt hp. inchide-d- Tn calculate acreaize. multiply length X width, then divide by 43,560. Stream Impact Number indicate on ma Stream Name Type of Impact Perennial or Intermittent? Average Stream Width Before Impact Impact Length linear feet Area of Impact acres Impact A UT- Logan Creek Culvert Perennial 5 35 0.004 Impact B UT- Logan Creek Culvert Perennial 8 13 0.002 Impact D UT- Logan Creek Culvert Perennial 3 36 0.002 Impact E UT- Logan Creek Culvert Perennial 3 18 0.001 Impact F UT- Logan Creek Culvert Perennial 3 26 0.001 Impact G UT- Logan Creek Culvert Perennial 3 18 0.001 Impact I Logan Creek utilities Temporary 8 20 0.003 Impact 2 Logan Creek utilities Temporary 8 20 0.003 Impact 3 Logan Creek utilities Temporary 8 20 0.003 Impact 4 Logan Creek utilities Temporary 8 20 0.003 Bank Stabilization Logan Creek Bank Stabilization Perennial <75 Total Stream Impact (by length and acreage) 146 0.023 Page 8 of 13 • 5. Individually list all open water impacts (including lakes, ponds, estuaries, sounds, Atlantic Ocean and any other water of the U.S.). Open water impacts include, but are not limited to 4;11 avr`axrnt;nn Ar,-Acr;no flnnrlino Arninnae hiilkheatic_ etc_ W/ A Open Water Impact Site Number indicate on ma Name of Waterbody (if applicable) Type of Impact Type of Waterbody (lake, pond, estuary, sound, bay, ocean, etc.) Area of Impact (acres Impact C Pond flooding pond 0.10 Total Open Water Impact (acres) 0.10 6. List the cumulative im act to all Waters of the U.S. resulting from theproject: Stream Impact (acres): 146 feet Wetland Impact (acres): 0.02 acre Open Water Impact (acres): 0.10 acre Total Impact to Waters of the U.S. (acres) 0.12 acre Total Stream Impact (linear feet): 1461f 7. Isolated Waters Do any isolated waters exist on the property? ❑ Yes ® No Describe all impacts to isolated waters, and include the type of water (wetland or stream) and the size of the proposed impact (acres or linear feet). Please note that this section only applies to waters that have specifically been determined to be isolated by the USACE. • 8. Pond Creation If construction of a pond is proposed, associated wetland and stream impacts should be included above in the wetland and stream impact sections. Also, the proposed pond should be described here and illustrated on any maps included with this application. Pond to be created in (check all that apply): ® uplands ❑ stream ❑ wetlands Describe the method of construction (e.g., dam/embankment, excavation, installation of draw -down valve or spillway, etc.): excavation (Pond 1) excavation (Pond 2) Proposed use or purpose of pond (e.g., livestock watering, irrigation, aesthetic, trout pond, local stormwater requirement, etc.): trout pond/recreational Current land use in the vicinity of the pond: pasture abandoned trout farm basins Size of watershed draining to pond: 10 -acres Expected pond surface area: 1.92 -acres and approximately 1.5 acres VII. Impact Justification (Avoidance and Minimization) Specifically describe measures taken to avoid the proposed impacts. It may be useful to provide information related to site constraints such as topography, building ordinances, accessibility, and financial viability of the project. The applicant may attach drawings of alternative, lower -impact site layouts, and explain why these design options were not feasible. Also discuss how impacts were minimized once the desired site plan was developed. If applicable, discuss construction • techniques to be followed during construction to reduce impacts. The applicant has designed Page 9 of 13 project roads to follow existing logging roads on the property. This minimizes stream crossing . impacts by utilizing four existing crossings Expansion of these crossings is necessary in order to facilitate two way traffic and largegency vehicles More than 98% of the stream areas within Dhase I will be avoided More than 99% of the wetlands within phase 1 will be avoided. The applicant is also avoiding impacts by constructing two bridges over Logan Creek. The bank stabilization is being conducted on Logan Creek This stabilization (less than 75 Leet) is not for mitigation credit The applicant will use natural materials to construct 2-3 cross veins. Planting of the stream banks will involve native species from the water line to top of bank. No hard engineering,_(rip rap or gabions) will be used at this location VIII. Mitigation DWQ - In accordance with 15A NCAC 2H .0500, mitigation may be required by the NC Division of Water Quality for projects involving greater than or equal to one acre of impacts to freshwater wetlands or greater than or equal to 150 linear feet of total impacts to perennial streams. USACE — In accordance with the Final Notice of Issuance and Modification of Nationwide Permits, published in the Federal Register on January 15, 2002, mitigation will be required when necessary to ensure that adverse effects to the aquatic environment are minimal. Factors • including size and type of proposed impact and function and relative value of the impacted aquatic resource will be considered in determining acceptability of appropriate and practicable mitigation as proposed. Examples of mitigation that may be appropriate and practicable include, but are not limited to: reducing the size of the project; establishing and maintaining wetland and/or upland vegetated buffers to protect open waters such as streams; and replacing losses of aquatic resource functions and values by creating, restoring, enhancing, or preserving similar functions and values, preferable in the same watershed. If mitigation is required for this project, a copy of the mitigation plan must be attached in order for USACE or DWQ to consider the application complete for processing. Any application lacking a required mitigation plan or NCEEP concurrence shall be placed on hold as incomplete. An applicant may also choose to review the current guidelines for stream restoration in DWQ's Draft Technical Guide for Stream Work in North Carolina, available at htt,o://h2o.enr.state.nc.us/ncwetiands/strrn.vide.html. 1. Provide a brief description of the proposed mitigation plan. The description should provide as much information as possible, including, but not limited to: site location (attach directions and/or map, if offsite), affected stream and river basin, type and amount (acreage/linear feet) of mitigation proposed (restoration, enhancement, creation, or preservation), a plan view, preservation mechanism (e.g., deed restrictions, conservation easement, etc.), and a description of the current site conditions and proposed method of construction. Please attach a separate sheet if more space is needed. No mitigation is proposed Impacts to the aquatic environment are minimal. Page 10 of 13 • 2. Mitigation may also be made by payment into the North Carolina Ecosystem Enhancement Program (NCEEP). Please note it is the applicant's responsibility to contact the NCEEP at (919) 715-0476 to determine availability, and written approval from the NCEEP indicating that they are will to accept payment for the mitigation must be attached to this form. For additional information regarding the application process for the NCEEP, check the NCEEP website at http://h2o.enr.state.nc.us/wlp/index.htm. If use of the NCEEP is proposed, please check the appropriate box on page five and provide the following information: N/A Amount of stream mitigation requested (linear feet): Amount of buffer mitigation requested (square feet): Amount of Riparian wetland mitigation requested (acres): Amount of Non -riparian wetland mitigation requested (acres): Amount of Coastal wetland mitigation requested (acres): IX. Environmental Documentation (required by DWQ) 1. Does the project involve an expenditure of public (federal/state/local) funds or the use of public (federal/state) land? Yes ❑ No 2. If yes, does the project require preparation of an environmental document pursuant to the • requirements of the National or North Carolina Environmental Policy Act (NEPA/SEPA)? Note: If you are not sure whether a NEPA/SEPA document is required, call the SEPA coordinator at (919) 733-5083 to review current thresholds for environmental documentation. Yes ❑ No 3. If yes, has the document review been finalized by the State Clearinghouse? If so, please attach a copy of the NEPA or SEPA final approval letter. Yes ❑ No ❑ X. Proposed Impacts on Riparian and Watershed Buffers (required by DWQ) • It is the applicant's (or agent's) responsibility to determine, delineate and map all impacts to required state and local buffers associated with the project. The applicant must also provide justification for these impacts in Section VII above. All proposed impacts must be listed herein, and must be clearly identifiable on the accompanying site plan. All buffers must be shown on a map, whether or not impacts are proposed to the buffers. Correspondence from the DWQ Regional Office may be included as appropriate. Photographs may also be included at the applicant's discretion. 1. Will the project impact protected riparian buffers identified within 15A NCAC 2B .0233 (Neuse), 15A NCAC 2B .0259 (Tar -Pamlico), 15A NCAC 02B .0243 (Catawba) 15A NCAC 2B .0250 (Randleman Rules and Water Supply Buffer Requirements), or other (please identify )? Yes ❑ No Page 11 of 13 If "yes", identify the square feet and acreage of impact to each zone of the riparian buffers. If buffer mitigation is required calculate the required amount of mitigation by applying the buffer multipliers. Zone* Impact (square feet Multiplier Required Mitigation 1 3 (2 for Catawba) 2 1.5 Total * Zone 1 extends out 30 feet perpendicular from the top of the near bank of channel; Zone 2 extends an additional 20 feet from the edge of Zone 1. If buffer mitigation is required, please discuss what type of mitigation is proposed (i.e., Donation of Property, Riparian Buffer Restoration / Enhancement, or Payment into the Riparian Buffer Restoration Fund). Please attach all appropriate information as identified within 15A NCAC 2B .0242 or .0244, or .0260. Not applicable XI. Stormwater (required by DWQ) Describe impervious acreage (existing and proposed) versus total acreage on the site. Discuss stormwater controls proposed in order to protect surface waters and wetlands downstream from the property. If percent impervious surface exceeds 20%, please provide calculations • demonstrating total proposed impervious level. N / A • XII. Sewage Disposal (required by DWQ) Clearly detail the ultimate treatment methods and disposition (non -discharge or discharge) of wastewater generated from the proposed project, or available capacity of the subject facility. N/A XIII. Violations (required by DWQ) Is this site in violation of DWQ Wetland Rules (15A NCAC 2H.0500) or any Buffer Rules? Yes ❑ No Is this an after -the -fact permit application? Yes ❑ No XIV. Cumulative Impacts (required by DWQ) Will this project (based on past and reasonably anticipated future impacts) result in additional development, which could impact nearby downstream water quality? Yes ❑ No If yes, please submit a qualitative or quantitative cumulative impact analysis in accordance with the most recent North Carolina Division of Water Quality policy posted on our website at htti)://li2o.enr.state.nc.us/ncwettands. If no, please provide a short narrative description: Page 12 of 13 XV. Other Circumstances (Optional): • It is the applicant's responsibility to submit the application sufficiently in advance of desired construction dates to allow processing time for these permits. However, an applicant may choose to list constraints associated with construction or sequencing that may impose limits on work schedules (e.g., draw -down schedules for lakes, dates associated with Endangered and Threatened Species, accessibility problems, or other issues outside of the applicant's control). • • Applicant/Agent's Signature Date (Agent's signature is valid only if an authorization letter from the applicant is provided.) Page 13 of 13 0 P w, .dc P View / pw� e 2., Scale: 1-24,000 Source: USDA, Natural Resources Conservation Services, Jackson County, North Carolina CLEARWATER Lonesome Valley Environmental Consultants, Inc. USDA Soil Survey Map Jackson County 224 South Grove Street, Suite F Figure 3 North Carolina Hendersonville, NC 28792 828-698-9800 0 • • NEW CULVERT SHOULDER— — — — — - -----50tR Leer — __— _ — — — — — — — — — ��9AD'gA'�f ------------— — — — — — — SHOULDER X X X �. SILT FENCE TYPICAL PLAN VIEW N. T. S. JURISDICTIONAL WETLANDS/WATERS VARIES OF THE US —� 5' — 50' NEW \ CULVERT \ / / NEW ROAD GRADE TYPICAL STREAM CROSSING N.T.S. 6' 6' 10' — 12' +10' — 12' SHOULDER VARIES VARIES HOULDE SLOPE 1/a" PER DISCHARGE END FOOT TYP.) OF PIPE tY. 19. 3" ASPHALT 2 (TYP.) — — SURFACE NEW CULVERT —� TO BE BURIED BELOW STREAMBED TO APPROPRIATE DEPTH (6-12 INCHES) TYPICAL ROAD SECTION NATURAL GROUND N.T.S. WILLIAM G. LAPSLEY & ASSOCIATES, P.A. CONSULTING ENGINEERS & LAND PLANNERS FIGURE y Ag1635 Asheville Highway LONESOME VALLEY Post Office Box 546 JACKSON COUNTY, Hendersonville, NC 28793 NORTH CAROLINA (828) 697-7334 SCALE: N.T.S. www.wgia.com O O r io N Ltd O O N fD W u- ��l w a aw N11- �anuy (� DAM SECTION WILLIAM G LAPsLEY & ASSOCIATES P.A. CONSULTING ENGINEERS & LAND PLANNERS LONESOME VALLEY Asheville HighwayJACKSON COUNTY, Postost46Office Box 548 Hendersonville, NC 2e793 NORTH CAROLINA 828 897-7934 Phone b26� 697-7333 Fax (REAM OF THE US WETLAND FIGURE _j SCALE: N.T.S. U.S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS WILMINGTON DISTRICT Action ID. 200531949 County: Jackson USGS Quad: Big Ridge GENERAL PERMIT (REGIONAL AND NATIONWIDE) VERIFICATION Property Owner / Authorized Agent: Mr.. Thomas Bates Address: Lonesome Valley Development, LLC 94 Lonesome Valley Road PO Bog 3269 Cashiers, NC 28717 Telephone No.: 828-421-2636 Size and location of property (water body, road name/number, town, etc.): Logan Creek, unnamed tributaries, and adiacent wetlands located within an approximate 140 acre tract located on the north side of Highway 64 near Cashiers, NC. Description of projects area and activity: This permit verification authorizes the discharge of fill material into Logan Creek. unnamed tributaries. and adiacent wetlands in conjunction with the development of Phase I of the Lonesome Valley Development. Permanent impacts include the culverting of 146 linear feet of streams for road access, the fill of 0.02 acre of wetlands for pond construction/expansions, the retention of 330 linear feet of existing culvert in an unnamed unimportant intermittent tributary, and the stabilization of 75 linear feet of eroding bank on Logan Creek. Temporary imacts will be associated with four utility crossings of Logan Creek Applicable Law: ® Section 404 (Clean Water Act, 33 USC 1344) ❑ Section 10 (Rivers and Harbors Act, 33 USC 403) Authorization: Regional General Permit Number: Nationwide Permit Numbers: 39 and 13 Your work is authorized by the above referenced permit provided it is accomplished in strict accordance with the attached Nationwide and Special conditions, the conditions outlined in the attached June 28, 2005 North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission letter, and your submitted plans. Any violation of the attached conditions or deviation from your submitted plans may subject the permittee to a stop work order, a restoration order and/or appropriate legal action. SPECIAL CONDITION: The permittee shall, within 60 days of the date of this verification, execute and cause to be recorded restrictive covenants to preserve remaining on-site jurisdictional streams, wetlands, and upland riparian buffers. The restrictive covenant, the form of which is to be agreed upon by the Corps prior to recordation, is to preserve the remaining 11,729 linear feet of stream channels and riparian buffers, and 2.3 acres of wetlands. The permittee shall furnish the Corps with a copy of the recorded restrictive covenants within 30 days of the recordation. This verification will remain valid until the expiration date identified below unless the nationwide authorization is modified, suspended or revoked. If, prior to the expiration date identified below, the nationwide permit authorization is reissued and/or modified, this verification will remain valid until the expiration date identified below, provided it complies with all requirements of the modified nationwide permit. If the nationwide permit authorization expires or is suspended, revoked, or is modified, such that the activity would no longer comply with the terms and conditions of the nationwide permit, activities which have commenced (i.e., are under construction) or are under contract to commence in reliance upon the nationwide permit, will remain authorized provided the activity is completed within twelve months of the date of the nationwide permit's expiration, modification or revocation, unless discretionary authority has been exercised on a case-by-case basis to modify, suspend or revoke the • authorization. Activities subject to Section 404 (as indicated above) may also require an individual Section 401 Water Quality Certification. You should contact the NC Division of Water Quality (telephone (919) 733-1786) to determine Section 401 requirements. For activities occurring within the twenty coastal counties subject to regulation under the Coastal Area Management Act (CAMA), prior to beginning work you must contact the N.C. Division of Coastal Management. This Department of the Army verification does not relieve the permittee of the responsibility to obtain any other required Federal, State or local approvals/permits. If there are any questions regarding this verification, any of the conditions of the Permit, or the Corps of Engineers regulatory program, please contact David Baker at 828-271-7980. Corps Regulatory Official David Baker Date: July 28, 2005 :Expiration Date of Verification: March 18, 2007 -2- Determination of Jurisdiction: ❑ Based on preliminary information, there appear to be waters of the US including wetlands within the above described project area. This preliminary determination is not an appealable action under the Regulatory Program Administrative Appeal Process ( Reference 33 CFR Part 331). • ❑ There are Navigable Waters of the United States within the above described project area subject to the permit requirements of Section 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act and Section 404 of the Clean Water Act. Unless there is a change in the law or our published regulations, this determination may be relied upon for a period not to exceed five years from the date of this notification. ® There are waters of the US and/or wetlands within the above described project area subject to the permit requirements of Section 404 of the Clean Water Act (CWA)(33 USC § 1344). Unless there is a change in the law or our published regulations, this determination may be relied upon for a period not to exceed five years from the date of this notification. ❑ The jurisdictional areas within the above described project area have been identified under a previous action. Please reference jurisdictional determination issued _. Action ID Basis of Jurisdictional Determination: adjacent to Logan Creek. Logan Creek>Horsepasture River>Savannah River which becomes Section 10 navigable -in -fact waters. Corps Regulatory Official: David Baker Date July 28, 2005 SURVEY PLATS, FIELD SKETCH, WETLAND DELINEATION FORMS, PROJECT PLANS, ETC., MUST BE ATTACHED TO THE FILE COPY OF THIS FORM, IF REQUIRED OR AVAILABLE. Copy Furnished: R. Clement Riddle, C1earWater Environmental Consultants, Inc., 224 South Grove Street, Suite F, Hendersonville, NC 28792 • nay e5 u5 11:44a Lonesome Vley May 25, 2005 Mr. Clement Riddle Clearwater Environmental Consultants, Inc. 224 South Grove Street Hendersonville, North Carolina 28792 Dear Mr. Riddle You are hereby authorized on my behalf to act as the agent for Lonesome Valley Development, LLC, located in Jackson County, North Carolina pertaining to all wetlands permitting matters on the above referenced project. Thank you for your assistance in this matter. Si cerely, • Thomas Bates Development Coordinator Lonesome Valley Development, LLC. TB/sfs p.I • 4 Lonesome Valley Road a N.O. 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