HomeMy WebLinkAbout20060385 Ver 1_Quantative Anaylsis_20060616
Wetland and Natural Resource
Consultants, Inc.
June 15, 2006
Mr. David Baker
US Army Corps of Engineers
151 Patton Avenue, Room 208
Asheville, North Carolina 28801
RE: Forge Cove
Transylvania County, North Carolina
Mr. Kevin Barnett
NC Division of Water Quality
2090 US Highway 70
Swannanoa, North Carolina 28778
JUN 1 6 2006
Mr. Baker and Mr. Barnett:
DENT. - WATER QWALITY
WRTWO AND STNRMWATER BRANCH
Please reference comments received by the North Carolina Division of Water Quality,
the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, the United States Environmental
Protection Agency, the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, the North Carolina
State Council of Trout Unlimited, and private citizens in response to the Public Notice
issued on March 28, 2006 for the development known as Forge Cove.
Development of the proposed lake and residential subdivision will impact streams,
brook trout habitat, and water quality. This project will also cause the conversion of
streams to open water habitat. However, through land planning, responsible
development, and mitigation these impacts can and will be minor.
Several alternative configurations for the lake were considered, as well as, the "no
build" alternative. Because of the location of the brook trout populations, constructing
three smaller lakes further up in the watershed was considered. Due to the
topography of the land, it was impractical to build smaller ponds on any of the
tributaries to Osborne Branch. Any ponds built on the property would need to be
constructed on the main stem of Osborne Branch. In order for this plan to be cost
effective, earthed ill dams would need to be used. Each of the dams, not including any
flooding, would require more impacts than the one rolled concrete (RCC) dam being
proposed; total earthenf ill dam impacts would exceed 400 linear feet. Although more
of the brook trout's range would be avoided, hard impacts for smaller impoundments
Canton Office Newton Office
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of the brook trout's range would be avoided, hard impacts for smaller impoundments
would be greater than the impacts currently proposed, without significantly decreasing
the amount of stream flooding. Furthermore, additional impoundments on Osborne
Branch would further fragment the brook trout population. The brook trout occur in a
range such that no reasonable reconfiguration could avoid their range. Decreasing the
size of the lake has been considered and is a reasonable alternative.
The design team has reduced the size of the lake to 15.67 acres. In doing so,
approximately 2000 linear feet of additional stream channel will be avoided including
715 additional linear feet of Osborne Branch. The structural engineer responsible for
designing the dam has indicated that a RCC dam for this project would cost nearly 4
times that of an earthenf ill dam. Utilizing an RCC dam will reduce the height of the
dam by 20 feet and reduce stream impacts associated with the dam to 125 linear feet
of permanent impacts and 75 linear feet of temporary impacts. As originally proposed,
the earthenf ill dam would require 430 linear feet of permanent impacts and 70 linear
feet of outlet protection impacts. Use of an RCC dam will dramatically reduce hard
impacts to Osborne Branch. In reducing the size of the lake, 3 lake-front lots at
$400,000 each and 7 lake-view lots at $295,000 each will be eliminated. This will
reduce revenue by approximately $3.3 million.
Several nearby residences have commented on the project. Their main concerns are
associated with dam safety and effects in the event of a dam failure. The dam has
been designed such that it can withstand large rain events with confidence. The RCC
dam will be capable of passing heavy stormwater flows without failing. The design
team is aware of the concerns expressed by the nearby residences and has designed
the dam to ensure safety and stability. Because of the size and location of the dam, it
will be required to pass annual safety inspections conducted by the State of North
Carolina.
The proposed lake will be the primary amenity for this development. The "no build"
alternative was considered but after economic evaluation, it was determined that the
development was not cost-effective without the lake. Water-front lots and lots with a
water body in their view-shed can provide double or triple the revenue, as compared to
a comparable lot without such an amenity. The following tables compare the proposed
project to the "no build" alternative in terms of total revenue.
Canton Office Newton Office
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Canton, NC 28716 Newton, NC 28658
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828-648-8802 Fax 2 828-465-3050 Fax
Forge Cove with Lake
Lot Description # of Lots Average Unit Price Sub-Total
Lake Front 31 -
$400,000 $12,400,000
Lake View 60 $295,000 $17,700,000
View 39 $280,000 $10,920,000
Creekside 21 $125,000 $2,625,000
Private 56 $110,000 $6,160,000
Lode Condos 12 $425,000 $5,100,000
Cottage Retreats 14 $550,000 $7,700,000
Total Revenue $60,242,500
Forge Cove without Lake (ark as central amenity)
Lot Description # of Lots Average Unit Price Sub-Total
Parkside 31 $255,000 $7,905,000
Park View 35 $205,000 $7,175,000
View 39 $270,000 $10,530,000
Creekside 21 $95,000 $1,995,000
Private 81 $80,000 $6,480,000
Lodge Condos 0 n/a n/a
Cottage Retreats 26 $465,000 $12,090,000
Total Revenue $46,175,000
These tables only indicate the differences in revenue for lot sales. Another important
factor is absorption rate. With a lake, the project could sell out in 3 years. Without
the lake, it would likely take 6 years for the project to sell out. An additional 3 years
of financing and marketing cost, without the lake, will substantially reduce the overall
profit to be earned by this development.
The real estate and marketing team has indicated that buyers are requesting more out
of developers. Where lots and views have sufficed in the past, new potential buyers
want multiple facilities within a planned community. In order to be competitive,
developers are meeting demands with communities based around a central amenity.
With the central amenity theme in mind, Fletcher Management Company has also
considered a plan utilizing a 9-hole golf course. The course would be in roughly the
same area as the proposed lake. Although hard impacts would be minimal, secondary
impacts to the streams in that area would increase as compared with the lake
alternative. Approximately 2900 linear feet of stream channel would be within the
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golf course greens. Construction of the golf course would require clearing and
installation of non-native turf grasses, along with the utilization of fertilizers.
Because Osborne Branch and its tributaries are not classified as Trout waters and a
trout buffer is not required, stream corridors within the golf course greens could be
cleared to the edge to provide unobstructed views and play of the holes. The streams
within the golf course footprint would be more susceptible to stormwater run-off,
erosion, and temperature increase due to lack of vegetation. Ecologically, this
alternative is less favorable and was abandoned.
The proposed dam will be a barrier that impedes brook trout passage; however,
anthropogenic barriers are not the only barriers that impede fish passage. It is known
that brook trout do not jump out of the water; therefore, all stream obstructions
which would require any degree of jumping ability for successful passage act as
complete barriers to upstream migrations. A large boulder or tree dislodged by a
high-flow event and then deposited into the stream can create the same effective
barrier.
Brook trout in Osborne Branch where found as a direct result of the Forge Cove
project proposal. Had the project not included impacts causing the issuance of a
public notice, it is possible that brook trout would have never been identified in
Osborne Branch given its DWQ classification.
The trout survey done at Forge Cove indicated that the brook trout range extended
approximately 500 linear feet beyond the footprint of the 27- acre lake. As in other
impoundments, such as Hurricane Lake, it would be possible for brook trout to live in
the lake and then migrate to the upper end of their range to spawn. With a reduction
in the size of the lake to 15.67 acres, there will be an additional 715 linear feet of
Osborne Branch avoided; totaling approximately 1215 linear feet of Osborne Branch
beyond the footprint of the lake that can be utilized by the trout for spawning.
Lakes have ecological and environmental value. A lake would help to moderate water
temperature and positively affect the microclimate of the surrounding area. By
storing water a lake would help to regulate stream flow, recharge groundwater, and
moderate droughts. Lakes provide habitat to aquatic and semi-aquatic flora and fauna,
which in turn provides a source of nutrition to many terrestrial species, adding
biological diversity to the landscape.
Canton Office Newton Office
PO Box 882 wnrinc.com PO Box 224
Canton, NC 28716 Newton, NC 28658
828-648-8801 828-465-3035
828-648-8802 Fax 4 828-465-3050 Fax
With the absence of the lake and common open areas, there is the potential to develop
many more homesites. For this project to be cost effective without these amenities
the number of lots would need to be increased and the lot sizes would need to be
decreased. This formula could yield as many as 600 lots on the parcel. The marketing
team indicated that the development would not sustain that many homesites. Forge
Cove needs fewer lots at a higher price as opposed to more lots at a lower price.
Having a development with fewer lots and a central amenity is the most economically
feasible.
A higher density development would exponentially increase stormwater run-off and
anthropogenic impact to the land. A higher density development would require more
road infrastructure and additional driveway crossings resulting in hard stream impacts
greater than those already proposed; more hard impacts would occur without any of
the benefits of additional aquatic habitat provided by the lake. Although the "no
build" alternative would avoid direct impacts to streams due to lake construction,
supplementary and indirect impacts would be equally or more substantially detrimental.
The land planning team has minimized impacts to the maximum extent practicable. The
original site plans included 58 acres of common open space, fifteen culverted road
crossings and two additional driveway crossings totaling over 660 linear feet. There
were also three homesites proposed that would have required stream relocation. A
revised plan increased common open space to 100 acres and has completely eliminated
all road crossings and the homesites requiring stream relocation. The only hard
impacts associated with the project are those required for the dam and spillway.
As with all developments, water quality could be temporarily impacted during
construction of the project. Stringent sediment and erosion control measures will be
used to contain as much sediment as possible during construction. These measures
were outlined in the original permit application. Water quality degradation during
construction cannot be attributed entirely to the construction of the dam, as some
degradation could occur regardless of the dam construction or location. Sediment
deposition and erosion on site will be comparable to sites similar in size and landscape
position. Sediment deposition, erosion, and water quality degradation are expected to
be negligible at this site.
A 30-foot vegetated buffer will be around the perimeter of the lake. This vegetated
buffer will add approximately 3 z acres to the common open area to be protected.
The Forge Cove Home Owners Association will retain ownership of the lake and lake
buffer. Approximately 3 miles of streams and their buffers will be placed into a
Canton Office Newton Office
PO Box 882 wnrinc.com PO Box 224
Canton, NC 28716 Newton, NC 28658
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? t .
conservation easement to be protected in perpetuity. Stream buffers range in size
from 25 linear feet to greater than 500 linear feet, with the average buffer on site
exceeding a width of 50 linear feet. Because of these buffers, long term stream
quality and riparian buffers will be protected. An additional 2448 linear feet of
stream channel will be restored through day-lighting, removal of rip-rap, and possible
payment into the North Carolina Ecosystem Enhancement Program.
Should you have any questions regarding the additional information provided in this
correspondence, please do not hesitate to contact me at 828-712-9205.
Best Regards,
Jennifer Robertson
CC: NC Division of Water Quality
Attn: Mrs. Cyndi Karoly
2321 Crabtree Blvd
Raleigh, North Carolina 27604
Enclosures:
Project Plan Maps (3)
Brook Trout Survey Maps (2)
Qualitative Analysis of Cumulative Impacts
Impact Table
Mitigation Table
EEP Acceptance Letter
Revised Restoration Plan
Fisher Realty Letter
Canton Office Newton Office
PO Box 882 wnrinc.com PO Box 224
Canton, NC 28716 Newton, NC 28658
828-648-8801 828-465-3035
828-648-8802 Fax 6 828-465-3050 Fax
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Qualitative Analysis of Cumulative Impacts
For
Forge Cove
Fletcher Management Company
Transylvania County, North Carolina
June 15, 2006
Prepared by:
Wetland and Natural Resource Consultants
e?
Introduction
Current regulations applicable to the issuance of 401 Water Quality Certifications require
that the Division of Water Quality confirm that the project it is evaluating "does not result
in cumulative impacts, based upon past or reasonably anticipated future impacts, which
cause or will cause a violation of downstream water quality standards".
DWQ currently utilizes the following documentation to implement its regulatory obligation
to evaluate cumulative impacts: "Draft Internal Policy, Cumulative Impacts and the 401
Water Quality Certification and Isolated Wetland Program. NC Division of Water Quality,
October 3, 2002, Version 1.6". DWQ's policy provides for three levels of cumulative impact
analysis. Most small scale projects where little impervious surface is added and where the
project is situated in an already developed locale will only require a "Generic Description" of
the project's possible cumulative impacts. A "Qualitative Analysis" is required for projects
of somewhat more impact that are located near existing roads and development. A
"Quantitative Analysis" is required where a project is significantly and is likely to have a
growth stimulating effect.
DWQ's policy provides that it is applicable to private development projects, although it
recognizes that "many private development projects are unlikely to cause cumulative
impacts". DWQ recognizes that private development projects most commonly have
cumulative impacts when they are 1) relatively large, 2) involve commercial development,
and 3) occur in otherwise relatively undeveloped landscapes with an impact on regional
growth patterns".
For the Forge Cove, DWQ staff has determined that a qualitative analysis of the potential
cumulative impacts of the project in terms of its effects on downstream water quality
would be appropriate.
To determine potential cumulative impacts, this project was reviewed for any growth
stimulating effects and their downstream impacts on water quality. As described in greater
detail below, the applicant does not believe that the project will result in cumulative impacts
that cause or will cause a violation of downstream water quality standards because it is not
likely to be growth simulative due to its size, its nature, and the fact that it will be
constructed in an otherwise relatively developed local landscape.
Project Description, Location, and Existing Site Conditions
The Fletcher Management Company is proposing the construction of an approximately 15-
acre lake to provide the central amenity to a 425-acre tract known as Forge Cove. The site
plan consists of a residential development with 207 single-family lots ranging in size from
1/2 to 7 acres and greater than 100 acres of common open space. Forge Cove is located off
Sutton Creek Road, northeast of Brevard in Transylvania County, North Carolina. In
general, the site is bordered to the north by the South Fork Mills River, to the east by the
Transylvania/Henderson County Line, to the south by Boylston Highway, and to the west by
Sutton Mountain. The site also shares its northern and part of its eastern boundary with
the Pisgah National Forest; and its southeastern boundary with a neighboring subdivision.
The site is primarily forested with mixed mesic hardwood stands of differing age classes.
There is one residence on the property and several outbuildings associated with this
residence. A small pond exists in the front yard of the residence as well as a large lawn
area. There are some old logging roads within the property boundary.
Elevations on the property range from approximately 2380 feet at the lowest point in the
Long Branch valley to approximately 3260 feet at the highest points on Sharpy Mountain.
Project Area Description
The project is located approximately three miles from Brevard, North Carolina. Brevard is
the largest municipality in Transylvania County. Due to its proximity to waterfalls and
designated forest areas, Brevard is a seasonal destinations for outdoor enthusiasts and
prospective "second home" buyers. Brevard has approximately 6700 permanent residents.
This population along with the growing seasonal population has instigated commercial and
residential development in the area. The main commercial development in Brevard is along
the NC Highway 64 corridor. The Town of Brevard is a self-sufficient municipality that
contains all the necessary amenities to live, work, and play.
Watershed Description
This project is located in the French Broad River Basin. Osborne Branch and its tributaries
are the primary hydrologic systems on site. There are three ponds on the downstream
section of Osborne Branch below the project site ranging in size from approximately 2 acre
to 3 acres. In addition to Osborne Branch, the site contains smaller portions of the Long
Branch and Sutton Creek watersheds. All streams and unnamed tributaries on the site are
classified as "C" waters. Class "C" waters are defined as "freshwaters protected for
secondary recreation, fishing, aquatic life including propagation and survival, and wildlife."
All wetlands are associated with on-site channels. The larger wetland complexes occur in
the flood plain of Osborne Branch. Hydrology is groundwater and surface water from
intermittent channels slowed down by the low slope gradient along Osbourne Branch. There
is no dominant over-story within the wetland. The dominant mid-story, scrub-shrub stratum
consists of tag alder (A/nusserru/ata), and dog hobble (Leucothoe racemosa) with an
herbaceous layer of sedges (Carexspp.) and ferns (Osmunda cinnamomea, etc.). These
wetlands drain to Osbourne Branch (Class C) in the French Broad River Basin. Other on-site
wetlands are seeps located at the tops of channels; they are groundwater seeps that may or
may not support vegetation, primarily sphagnum moss (Sphagnum spp.) and sedges (Corex
spp.). These seeps flow into unnamed tributaries on site.
Project Induced Growth
The project is not likely to induce adjacent development primarily because there are no
services, utilities, or roads being constructed by the Fletcher Management Company that
will be available to adjacent landowners or the general public. Because Forge Cove is
bordered by Pisgah National Forest and an adjacent subdivision, there is no potential for
growth in those areas. There is no commercial development directly associated with site
development and any induced commercial growth will be accommodated by Brevard.
The members of this new community are likely to shop and dine at the local restaurants and
retail stores in the Brevard area. However, because these residents are likely to be
seasonal, it is not likely to create a demand for additional retail or commercial ventures.
The majority of the residents at Forge Cove will be baby-boomers who do not have school
aged children. Therefore, no schools or other related supporting development will occur due
to the development of Forge Cove.
Summary
Fletcher Management Company proposes to develop this project in accordance with likely
conditions in the 401 Water Quality Certification and the 404 Permit authorizations. The
purpose of implementing these guidelines is to protect the downstream water quality in the
area of the project. Other development that occurs in the same watershed will likely be
restricted to similar conditions providing protection to surface waters. Because of the
projects close proximity to Brevard and the NC Highway 64 corridor, the applicant does not
believe that any potential effects on growth will occur due to the development of Forge
Cove.
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June 8, 2006 hon ,a2a) 883 ?r S (823) 877-31182
Mr. Robert Johnson
Fletcher Management Company
1548 The Greens Way, Suite 4
Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250
Dear Robert:
Our office has been working in the Transylvania County real estate industry for almost 30
years. During this time we have learned a great deal about what does and does not sell in
the region.
For many years we have seen developers cut in a road and sell lots as they are platted.
The real estate market in the Brevard area is coming of age, and the potential buyer is
becoming more sophisticated. The new market needs more than lots and views; the new
market wants amenities, the new market desires community. That is why we are so
excited about the Forge Cove development. Forge Cove's lake amenity and associated
parks and greenways create a great community that will be well positioned in the Brevard
are marketplace.
Without the lake, the financial success of the project would be in jeopardy. In the
following summary you can see the potential lot revenue differences:
Forge Cove with Lake
Lot description 9 of lots Average Unit Price Sub-total
Parkside lots 31 $400,000 $12,400,000
Park View lots 60 $295,000 $17,700,000
View lots 39 $280,000 $10,920,000
Creekside lots 21 $125,000 $2,625,000
Private lots 56 $.110,000 $6,160,000
Lodge condos* 12 $425,000 $5,100,000
Cottage rentals 14 $550,000 $7,700,000
Total Revenue $60,242,500
? d Y
Forge Cove without Lake
Central Park as Amenity
Lot description # of lots
Parkside lots 31
Park View lots 35
View lots 39
Creekside lots 21
Private lots 81
Lodge condos * 0
Cottage retreats 26
Total Revenue
* Note
Without a lake the Condo lodge would not be a reality
$46,175,000
These numbers only show the revenue differences. Another factor is absorption rate.
With the lake, the project could sell out in 3 years; without the lake, sell out will likely
take 6 years. The extra 3 years of financing and marketing cost without the lake will
substantially reduce the overall profit of the development.
In summary, it is obvious that the lake is a necessary feature to create a project that is up
to Fletcher Management's proven quality. If you need any further information please do
not hesitate to call.
Sincerely yours,
Average Unit Price Sub-total
$255,000 $7,905,000
$205,000 $7,175,000
$270,000 $10,530,000
$ 95,000 $1,995,000
$ 80,000 $6,480,000
N/A N/A
$465,000 $12,090,000
Arthur G. Fisher
Fisher Realty
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4o$ Y s
PROGRAM
May 23, 2006
Jennifer Robertson
Water and Natural Resources Consultants
POB 882
Canton, NC 28806
Project: Forge Cove
County: Transylvania
The purpose of this letter is to notify you that the North Carolina Ecosystem Enhancement Program (NC EEP) is willing to
accept payment for impacts associated with the above referenced project. Please note that this decision does not assure that
the payment will be approved by the permit issuing agencies as mitigation for project impacts. It is the responsibility of the
applicant to contact these agencies to determine if payment to the NC EEP will be approved.
This acceptance is valid for six months from the date of this letter. If we have not received a copy of the issued 404
Permit/401 Certification within this time frame, this acceptance will expire. It is the applicant's. responsibility to send
copies of the 404/401/CAMA permits to NC EEP. Once NC EEP receives a copy of the 404 Permit and/or the 401
Certification an invoice will be issued and payment must be made.
Based on the information supplied by you the impacts that may require compensatory mitigation are summarized in the
following table.
River Basin Wetlands Stream Buffer Buffer
Cataloging (Acres) (Linear Feet) Zone 1 Zone 2
Unit (Sq. Ft.) (Sq. Ft.)
Riparian Non-Riparian Coastal Marsh Cold Cool Warm
French Broad 0 0 0 0 929 0 0 0
06010105
Upon receipt of payment, EEP will take responsibility for providing the compensatory mitigation for the permitted impacts
up to a 2:1 ratio, (buffers, Zone 1 at a 3:1 ratio and Zone 2 at a 1.5:1 ratio). The type and amount of the compensatory
mitigation will be as specified in the Section 404 Permit and/or 401 Water Quality Certification, and/or CAMA Permit. The
mitigation will be performed in accordance with the Memorandum of Understanding between the N. C. Department of
Environment and Natural Resources and the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers dated November 4, 1998.
If you have any questions or need additional information, please contact Chris Mankoff at (919) 716-1921.
Sincerely, qq
illiam D. Gilmore, PE
Director
cc: Cyndi Karoly, Wetlands/401 Unit
Rebekah Newton, USACE - Asheville
Kevin Barnett, DWQ Regional Office - Asheville
File YXWA
R.estOrGK?4... f ... PV'OtEGt' our state, lCDENR
North Carolina Ecosystem Enhancement Program, 1652 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-1652 / 91 9-71 5-0476 / www.nceep.net
Forge Cove
Stream Restoration Plan
Transylvania County, North Carolina
June 15, 2006
Prepared by:
WMI
Executive Summary
The Developer of Forge Cove, Paul Fletcher, proposes this restoration plan as
an outline to remove existing pipe on-site and to restore the stream channel
and adjacent riparian buffer areas. All work will take place on site using
natural channel design techniques. Proposed activities will occur at one
location on site. The plan, as outlined within this document, serves as
guidance for the proposed restoration and will serve as partial mitigation for
dam construction on site.
Restoration will be:
• removal of 345' of pipe from Long Branch stream channel
o removal of rip-rap from both ends of pipe
• restoration of 700' of same stream channel accounting for road
crossings of current pipe and current structures on property altering
natural stream flow
• allow natural unabated stream flow through channel
• creation of aquatic habitat using rock and large woody debris
• stabilization of stream bank with fine grading, if necessary
o addition of topsoil as necessary
• re-vegetation of stream banks as riparian buffers
o temporary and permanent seeding schedule as shown below
o plant list shown below
The restoration of the area will have oversight by WNR staff to ensure
proper techniques and success, and to propose alterations during the
restoration process if necessary. Restoration success will be measured in
terms of stream aquatic life and stream buffer plant survival.
Construction Plan and Specifications
The restoration process will begin with the removal of the pipe, rip rap, and
any other stream implements. Any structures that stand in the way of the
natural stream channel will be removed at this time as well. All attempts will
be made to recreate the channel and stream bank slopes and angles as they
were on the site prior to disturbance.
At this point we will begin to harvest on site materials to be used in the
restoration process. Materials such as topsoil, vegetation, and rock will be
harvested on site during other construction activities from areas of similar
slope and aspect.
On site, natural rock will be used in the restoration of natural aquatic habitat
in the stream channel. Large woody debris also harvested on site will be used
as an amendment to the stream channel to create natural aquatic habitat.
Once the stream is restored focus will move on to the stream banks. Topsoil
harvested on site will be added to the stream banks at a minimum depth of six
inches. No soil amendments (fertilizer) will be added in order to keep the
system as natural as possible and to prevent any excess nutrient runoff into
the stream. Fine grading will be used when necessary to recreate side slopes
and micro-topography will be used for soil stabilization and to minimize
runoff.
Planting Plan and Specifications
The slopes will be planted with the appropriate species once the construction
is complete in order to recreate the natural riparian buffers that were once
there. Rosebay Rhododendron will be planted densely along the stream
channel to provide shade, woody debris, and to mimic the natural system
present on site. Rosebay Rhododendron and Dog-Hobble will be planted at a
dense ratio toward the outer edge of the stream buffer to minimize re-
colonization by invasive exotic species and mimic natural conditions on the
site. (A listing of species is found below; additional species may be selected
as needed, due to availability and site need.)
In the rest of the area, trees and shrubs will be mixed and the planting
arrangement will be on 10 X 10 foot spacing, which will result in 436 stems per
acre. Tree shelters may be used to accelerate growth and increase
survivability.
All permanent vegetation will be harvested on site to ensure they are suitable
native species. During other construction, vegetation from similar slope and
aspect will be harvested. This vegetation will be properly excavated and
prepared for transport in order to minimize damage and ensure survivability.
These plants will then be planted in the riparian buffer zone. The objective
will be to mimic most of the natural buffer that is on site, which is mainly
composed of shrubs and trees. However, winter rye will be used initially as a
temporary planting to aid with soil stabilization.
Planting Specifications
All areas between shrubs/trees will receive 3" of mulch. The contractor will
assure percolation of all planting beds/pits prior to installation. Large trees
will be anchored into the ground with a'Duckbill' Model No. 88-DTS-O earth
anchors or approved equal. Evergreen trees will be anchored with three
2"x2"x8' evenly spaced stakes and tied with recycled tire tree ties as
manufactured by Grostrait or approved equal to promote a straight growth
pattern and prevent wind impacts.
Woody Vegetation
Rhododendron maximum
Leucothoe fontanesiona
Tsuga canadensis
Liriodendron tulipifera
Fagusgrandifolia
Quercus rubra
Rosebay Rhododendron
Dog-Hobble
Eastern Hemlock
Tuliptree
American Beech
Red Oak
Herbaceous Vegetation
M Y ACME
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#'?Al'? - Mimi fl i5 At<L 15 1'S
of soft tests or apply 24ee ground agrlc amol
tb.larre 10-IO-10 fertilizer.
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or 15 iblacre 5udanToss. Prior to May 1 or
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Aug. 15 - 'crept. 1= JvN 25 - Wit. 15
Mar. I - Apr. 1 Her. I - " to
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A "me and fertIlIze?r occorc" to soil test or
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dared areas immedlotely.
Plant Material Specifications
Bare Root or Container (Herbaceous):
The plants will either be ordered as bare root or in 1-quart containers.
Plants will be planted immediately upon delivery. Plants will be stored in
shade and kept moist otherwise. Once planted, the specimens shall
appear healthy with no leaf spots, leaf damage, leaf discoloration,
chlorosis, leaf wilting or curling, or evidence of insects on leaves or
stems.
Balled and Bagged (Woody Plants):
The size of the earthen ball shall at least meet the minimum
requirements in the American Standard for Nursery Stock (1980).
Where plants are to be planted in saturated soils, the bagged root ball
shall have a surface diameter that is at least z of the diameter of the
un-pruned drip-line and a depth that is at least 8" per 5' of tree/shrub
height. The hole for the tree/shrub will be the rootball diameter plus
12" around the outer edge. The crown of the rootball will be placed 1"
above finish grade.
Plants will be planted immediately upon delivery. If this does not occur,
plants shall be stored in shade and root balls kept moist through
periodic watering until the time of planting. Once growing, the plants
shall appear healthy with no leaf spots, leaf damage, leaf discoloration,
chlorosis, leaf wilting or curling, or evidence of insects on leaves.
Container (Woody Plants):
The soil within the root ball shall be field capacity (1/3 atmosphere) or
wetter upon delivery to the job site. Any wilted, dry and/or
lightweight plants shall be rejected. Plants shall be planted
immediately upon delivery. If not then they must be stored in shade
and root balls kept moist through periodic watering until time of
planting.
The shrub species will be either 2' to Tor T to 4' in height. The tree
species will be 8' to 10' for the Red Maples and T minimum for the
Willow and Sycamores. Soil and root masses must at least meet the
minimum required container size. If soil/root masses are substantially
smaller, soil around the root mass is loose, indicating the plant has not
been in the container long enough to root itself, it shall be rejected.
If growing, plants shall appear healthy with no leaf spots, leaf damage,
leaf discoloration, chlorosis, leaf wilting or curling, or evidence of
insects on leaves.
For trees and shrubs, where spiraling woody roots exist on the outside
f the soil/root mass upon the removal of plants from the containers,
the landscape contractor shall separate (cutting where necessary) and
spread them out prior to planting.
Fertilization
Woody Vegetation:
Fall/Winter plantings-Use Osmocote 18-5-11, twelve to fourteen month
release fertilizer, to be placed in hole or in soil fill/amendment mix at
planting. Use grams (1 ounce) per 1-quart container, 90 grams (3 ounce)
per 1-gallon container (30 grams per each additional gallon). Use 15
grams (1 ounce) per un-rooted cutting for willow whips (if used).
Soil Amendments:
Soil amendments are required around tree and shrub plantings. The
amendments used should be leaf or pine bark compost at rates of one
part compost to one part soil (from planting hole). Fertilizer should be
mixed in with soil amendment mix. No surface mulch is required where
plants are planted at or near original grade, unless tree shelters are
used to promote growth and survival percentage. A 6" soil berm will be
constructed 12" from the outer edge of the rootball to hold water.
r
Potential Sources For Plant Material
Herbaceous Material:
Niche Gardens (919) 231-6161
1111 Dawson Road
Chapel Hill, NC 27516
We-Du Nurseries (828) 738-8300
Rt. 5, Box 724
Marion, NC 28752
Shrub Material:
Campbell's Nursery (919) 851-1162
2816 Campbell Road
Raleigh, NC 27606
Cure Nursery (919) 542-6186
880 Buteo Road
Pittsboro, NC 27312
Fern Valley Farms (910) 463-2412
1624 Fern Valley Farm Road
Yadkinville, NC 27055
Tree Material:
NC Division of Forest Resources (828) 438-6270
Edwards Nursery
701 Sanford Drive
Morganton, NC 28655
Tree Shelters:
Treessentials Company (800) 248-8239
2371 Waters Drive
Mendota Heights, MN 55120-1163
Tire Tree Ties:
Grostrait (707) 745-4330