20171584 Ver 1_Mitigation Plan Final_20190621

ID#* 20171584
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Mac Haupt
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Mitigation Project Submittal - 6/21/201, -
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Andrea Eckardt
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Project Type: r DMS r Mitigation Bank
Project Name: Dugger Creek Mitigation Site
County: Watauga
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FINAL MITIGATION PLAN 

June 21, 2019 
Yadkin Valley Umbrella Mitigation Bank 
Dugger Creek Mitigation Site 
Watauga and Wilkes Counties, NC 

Yadkin River Basin 
HUC 03040101 

USACE Action ID No. SAW‐2017‐01918 

USACE Project Manager:  Steve Kichefski 

FINAL MITIGATION PLAN 

Yadkin Valley Umbrella Mitigation Bank 
Dugger Creek Mitigation Site 
Watauga and Wilkes, NC 

Yadkin River Basin 
03040101  

USACE Action ID No. SAW‐2017‐01918 

PREPARED BY: 

Wildlands Engineering, Inc. 
1430 South Mint Street, Suite 104 
Charlotte, NC 28203 
Phone: [phone] 

June 21, 2019

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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 
The proposed Dugger Creek Mitigation Site (Site) will preserve a network of high‐quality, ecologically 
significant streams and rare natural communities within the Dugger Creek watershed and surrounding 
natural areas in Watauga and Wilkes Counties in North Carolina. The Site will be established under the 
Yadkin Valley Umbrella Mitigation Bank to provide mitigation to compensate for impacts to Waters of 
the United States and/or State Waters within Hydrologic Unit 03040101 of the Yadkin River Basin. 
The primary component of the Site is the preservation of 112,495 linear feet (21 miles) of pristine cold‐
water streams and riparian buffers in the headwaters of the Yadkin River Basin. Approximately 777 acres 
of riparian buffer will be protected under a conservation easement. The conservation easement width 
on the project streams ranges from a minimum of 50 feet to a maximum of 650 feet, unless restricted by 
property boundaries. On average the easement width is 300 feet, 10 times the minimum 30 feet 
required on mountain streams. Based on the proposed mitigation effort, the Site will result in 18,227 
cold stream mitigation credits, at a credit ratio of 1 credit per 6 linear feet of stream for preservation, 
except where two emergency service gravel/dirt roads are located within the easement area. Along 
those 7,829 feet of stream, a credit ratio of 10:1 is being requested. 
The project streams within the Site are in excellent condition and have been found to exhibit proper 
functioning bedform and instream habitat diversity, channel stability, and mature intact forested buffers 
with a mix of natural communities that contains a variety of trees, shrubs and herbaceous cover. 
Macroinvertebrate and fish sampling were performed on select streams. An “Excellent” bioclassification 
was found at all macroinvertebrate sampling locations, indicating high water quality. The presence of 
native brook trout in multiple age classes was observed in the majority of the samples, also an indicator 
of excellent water quality. 
Overall, the Dugger Creek Mitigation Bank Site is a unique site that will protect 21 miles of streams of 
exceptional quality and their adjacent ecologically important natural communities. The project is truly a 
watershed approach that will encompass 39% of the total watershed and will protect all the delineated 
streams on the site from the headwaters to Dugger Creek. In addition to the stream preservation 
component, the project will protect wetlands, seeps, and other aquatic habitats located within the 
proposed 777‐acre conservation easement. Protecting these high‐quality headwater systems is essential 
to preserving a healthy freshwater ecosystem and protecting the Yadkin River Basin water resources.  
This mitigation plan has been written in conformance with the Federal rule for compensatory mitigation 
project sites as described in the Federal Register Title 33 Navigation and Navigable Waters Volume 3 
Chapter 2 Section §332.8 paragraphs (c)(2) through (c) (14).  

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TABLE OF CONTENTS 
Executive Summary ............................................................................................................................. 1 
1.0 Introduction ......................................................................................................................... 4 
2.0 Project Site Location, Service Area, and Selection ................................................................. 5 
2.1    Directions to Project Site ............................................................................................................. 5 
2.2  Service Area .................................................................................................................................. 5 
2.3  Site Selection and Ecological Significance ..................................................................................... 5 
2.4  Justification for Preservation and Compliance with Regulatory Guidance .................................. 7 
3.0 Site Protection Instrument ................................................................................................... 8  
4.0 Baseline and Existing Conditions ........................................................................................... 9 
4.1  Watershed Land Use ..................................................................................................................... 9 
4.2  Physiography, Geology, and Soils ................................................................................................. 9 
4.3  Cultural Resources ...................................................................................................................... 10 
4.4  Threatened and Endangered Species ......................................................................................... 11 
5.0 Project Resources ............................................................................................................... 11 
5.1  Existing Stream Conditions ......................................................................................................... 12 
5.2  Existing Vegetation Condition ..................................................................................................... 14 
5.3  Rare Species and Natural Communities ...................................................................................... 15 
5.4  Fish Communities ........................................................................................................................ 16 
5.5  Macroinvertebrate Sampling ...................................................................................................... 17 
6.0 Project Site Mitigation Plan ................................................................................................ 19 
7.0 Determination of Credits .................................................................................................... 21 
7.1  Stream Mitigation Credits ........................................................................................................... 21 
7.2  Credit Release Schedule .............................................................................................................. 22 
8.0 Performance Standards and Monitoring Requirements ...................................................... 23 
9.0 Long‐Term Maintenance and Management Plan ................................................................. 23 
9.1  Ownership and Long‐Term Manager .......................................................................................... 23 
9.2  Long‐Term Management Activities ............................................................................................. 23 
9.3  Funding Mechanism .................................................................................................................... 24 
10.0 Adaptive Management Plan ............................................................................................... 25 
11.0 Financial Assurances ........................................................................................................... 25 
12.0 References ......................................................................................................................... 26 

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TABLES 
Table 1  Project Goals and Methods of Achievement 
Table 2  Project Information   
Table 3 NC IRT Primary Preservation Criteria 
Table 4 NC IRT Secondary Preservation Criteria 
Table 5  Site Parcel Ownership 
Table 6 Watershed Summary  
Table 7  Floodplain Soil Types and Descriptions  
Table 8  Project Stream Summary  
Table 9  Natural Communities Observed in Project Area 
Table 10  Summary of Benthic Invertebrate Taxa  
Table 11  Summary of Stream Crossings 
Table 12 Stream Mitigation Credits 
Table 13  Stream Mitigation Credit Release Schedule 
Table 14  Maintenance Plan 
Table 15 Management Funding 

FIGURES 
Figure 1 Vicinity Map 
Figure 2 Site Map 
Figure 3   Service Area Map 
Figure 4 NCDOT STIP 2018‐2027 
Figure 5  USGS Topographic and Watershed Map 
Figure 6  Soils Map 
Figure 7, 7a‐7d Existing Conditions Map 
Figure 8  Biodiversity / Wildlife Habitat Assessment Map 
Figure 9, 9a‐9d Concept Map 

APPENDICES 
Appendix A  Site Photographs 
Appendix B  Local Development and Golf Course Designs 
Appendix C  Historic Aerial Photographs 
Appendix D  Site Protection Instrument 
Appendix E  Agency Correspondence 
Appendix F  USACE Preliminary Jurisdictional Determination and NC SAM Forms 
Appendix G Benthic Macroinvertebrate  
Appendix H  Existing Culvert and Emergency Service Road Documentation  
Appendix I  Long Term Stewardship Documentation 

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1.0 Introduction 
The Dugger Creek Mitigation Site (Site) is one of four mitigation sites comprising the Yadkin Valley 
Umbrella Mitigation Bank (Figure 1). The Site described in this mitigation plan will preserve a network of 
high‐quality, ecologically significant streams and rare natural communities along Dugger Creek and the 
surrounding natural areas. The Site is located within the headwaters of the Yadkin River Basin in 
Hydrologic Unit 03040101010050 and the North Carolina Division of Water Resources (NCDWR) 
Subbasin 03‐07‐01. The project will provide numerous ecological benefits through the preservation of 
this large significant natural resource. While some benefits are limited to the project area, others, such 
as preserving high‐quality aquatic habitat and protecting water quality, have more far‐reaching effects. 
Expected improvements to water quality and ecological processes from the project are outlined below 
in Table 1 as project goals. 
Table 1: Project Goals and Methods of Achievement  
Preservation of high‐
quality aquatic habitat 
Streams and adjacent riparian habitats will be preserved through a conservation 
easement. Stream and buffer preservation will provide habitat, cover and food 
for aquatic and terrestrial species on a large scale across several headwater 
stream systems. The protection of the stream and forested buffer promotes both 
greater total area of aquatic habitat and broader diversity in habitats. 
Preservation of diverse 
natural communities and 
species 
Preservation areas include several diverse natural communities and species that 
will be protected in perpetuity.  
Protection of water quality 
A wide, mature forested buffer will protect the water quality in the streams both 
within the Site and downstream by reducing sediment and nutrient inputs to the 
stream and providing shade to maintain cool temperatures and dissolved oxygen 
levels. 
The project will accomplish these goals by preserving 112,495 linear feet (21 miles) of pristine cold‐
water streams and associated riparian buffers in the headwaters of the Yadkin River Basin (Figure 2). 
Approximately 777 acres of riparian buffer will be protected under a conservation easement. The 
conservation easement width on the project streams ranges from a minimum of 50 feet to a maximum 
of 650 feet. On average the easement width is 300 feet, or 10 times the minimum 30 feet required on 
mountain streams. While the Dugger Creek watershed has been historically used for forestry, a golf 
course and residential development were designed for the Dugger Creek Valley recently, but not 
constructed (Appendix B). Various residential developments have been constructed in the area in recent 
years and there are multiple residential homes on the adjacent parcels. The implementation of the Site 
will permanently preserve the network of high‐quality, ecologically significant streams and natural 
communities in the Dugger Creek Valley in perpetuity.  
Table 2: Project Information  
Project Name  Dugger Creek Mitigation Site 
County Watauga and Wilkes 
Project Area (acres) 777 
Project Coordinates (latitude and longitude) 36° 8' 4.41" N, 81° 30' 54.36" W 
The bank sponsor is Wildlands Holdings IV, LLC, a North Carolina limited liability company operated by 
member‐manager Wildlands Engineering, Inc. (Wildlands). Wildlands is a multidisciplinary professional 

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engineering firm that brings together the expertise necessary to create outstanding ecological 
restoration projects in a timely and cost‐effective manner.  
2.0 Project Site Location, Service Area, and Selection 
2.1   Directions to Project Site 
The Site (36° 8' 4.41" N, 81° 30' 54.36" W) is 
located in Watauga and Wilkes Counties, 
southeast of Boone, NC (Figure 1) in the forested 
headwaters of the Yadkin River Basin (HUC 
03040101).  
To get to the Dugger Creek Site from Charlotte, 
take I‐85 South to the exit 17 for US‐321 North. 
Continue on US‐321 North for 56.4 miles. Turn 
right onto NC‐268 East. Continue for 0.8 miles and 
turn right following NC‐268 East. Continue for 3.3 
miles, as NC‐268 E curves sharp to right, continue 
straight onto Buffalo Cove Road. Continue 6.2 
miles and turn right onto Elk Creek Darby Road. 
Continue for 3.4 miles and turn left onto Triplett 
Road. Continue for 0.5 miles and the entrance to 
Blue Ridge Mountain Club is on the left at 555 
Triplett Road, Ferguson, NC. The Site is a 3‐hour 
drive from Raleigh, and a 2‐hour drive from 
Asheville and Charlotte.  
2.2   Service Area 
The Yadkin Valley Umbrella Mitigation Bank (Bank) will be established to provide mitigation to 
compensate for impacts to Waters of the United States and/or State Waters within the proposed service 
area. This service area shall include the Yadkin 01 (Hydrologic Unit 03040101), including the Cities of 
King, Mount Airy, and Winston Salem, and the Towns of Bermuda Run, Bethania, Boonville, Dobson, East 
Bend, Elkin, Jonesville, Lewisville, Pilot Mountain, Rhonda, and Wilkesboro, and Yadkinville and portions 
of the Towns of Blowing Rock, Kernersville, Mocksville, Rural Hall, Walkertown, and Wallburg (Figure 3). 
The Bank will include four separate sites referred to as Critcher Brothers, Dugger Creek, Plantation 
Branch, and White Buffalo Mitigation Sites. Dugger Creek Mitigation Site is located in Watauga and 
Wilkes Counties, Critcher Brothers Mitigation Site is located in Wilkes County, and Plantation Branch and 
White Buffalo Mitigation Sites are in Surry County (Figure 3). Projected future impacts in and around the 
service area are depicted in Figure 4. 
Future mitigation sites may be added under the Yadkin Valley Umbrella Mitigation Banking Instrument 
(UMBI) within the Yadkin River Basin Hydrologic Unit 03040101. These sites will be detailed in separate 
Mitigation Plans.  
2.3   Site Selection and Ecological Significance 
The Site offers an important opportunity to preserve the network of high‐quality, ecologically significant 
streams and natural communities in the Dugger Creek Valley. The Site is located in the 03040101010050 
14‐digit Hydrologic Unit (HU). Although there is no Local Watershed Plan that covers this sub‐basin, the 
View down valley of unnamed tributary to Dugger Creek 
All photos in this document were taken on the 
Dugger Creek Site.  
A complete Photolog is included in Appendix A. 

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watershed is discussed in the 2009 Upper Yadkin Pee‐Dee River Basin Restoration Priorities (RBRP) plan. 
The RBRP indicates that the sub‐basin 03040101 (Yadkin River Headwaters) is affected by habitat 
degradation with primary stressors including land disturbing activities from agriculture/pasture, logging, 
and new home construction. In reference to the headwater systems in the HU, the report states “Even 
within the largely forested headwater systems within the CU, impacts are now apparent due to 
increasing development pressures in these areas (e.g. resort communities and second home 
construction)” (2009, NCDMS).  
The Site was selected because preservation of the streams on the Site will directly address the 
developmental stressors identified in the RBRP, by preserving the high‐quality headwaters of this basin 
in perpetuity. Historically, the Dugger Creek Valley has been used for forestry, but various residential 
developments have been constructed to the north and northeast of the Site in recent years. Recently, a 
golf course and residential development were designed for the property (Appendix B). A review of 
historical aerials from 1947, 1950, 1963, 1976, 1983, 1988, 1994, 1998, 2006, 2010, 2014 was conducted 
(Appendix C) and shows no significant change in land use of the Site, only the construction of adjacent 
residential developments. 
The Site drains into Elk Creek and is located within the Elk Creek Outstanding Resource Water 
Management Zone. Dugger Creek is also designated as trout waters by NCDWR. In addition to the high‐
quality, trout waters on the Site, a portion of the easement is located within the South Fork Laurel 
Creek/Dugger Mountain area, which is designated as a North Carolina Significant Natural Heritage Area 
(SNHA) (Figure 2). The property development northeast of the Site includes a North Carolina Clean 
Water Management Trust Fund Easement along the stream corridor owned by the North Carolina 
Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (NC DNCR) that is managed for biodiversity.  
Below is an excerpt from the Watauga County (Oakley, 2000) inventory regarding the South Fork Laurel 
Creek – Dugger Mountain SNHA:  
“The principle significance of the site is derived from its extensive examples of Chestnut Oak, Montane Oak‐
Hickory Forest, and Rich Cove Forest. Smaller but good quality examples of relatively uncommon Pine‐
Oak/Heath community, some of which support the Watch List species beargrass (Xerophyllum 
asphodeloides); are also present. Although these communities are in variable condition, forming a mosaic of 
young‐mature forest, they are a part of the largest block of continuously forested habitat in Watauga and 
adjacent Wilkes County. This large forest area, and others like it on the Blue Ridge Escarpment, provide many 
important habitat and movement corridors for large mammals, such as black bears.”  
Aerial View of Dugger Creek Watershed (2013) 

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2.4 Justification for Preservation and Compliance with Regulatory Guidance 
The NC Interagency Review Team (IRT) issued a guidance entitled “Use of Stream Preservation as 
Compensatory Mitigation in North Carolina” (IRT, 2012), which is based on similar guidance in the 2008 
Federal Mitigation Rule (USEPA, USACE, 2008). The North Carolina guidance states that a mitigation 
project should meet all of the primary criteria listed in Table 3 to qualify for preservation. How the Site 
meets all of these criteria for preservation is detailed in Table 3 below and also described further in 
Sections 4 and 5. 
Table 3: NC IRT Primary Preservation Criteria  
Primary Preservation Criteria How Dugger Creek Mitigation Bank Site Meets Criteria 
The resources to be preserved provide 
important physical, chemical, or biological 
functions for the watershed. 
The Site includes the entire stream system, from the 
headwater streams and seeps to the main channel of Dugger 
Creek. Specifically, the headwater streams are an integral part 
of the health of the overall stream system. One such benefit of 
these headwater streams is that they support biodiversity of 
macroinvertebrates and microorganisms specific to headwater 
streams. They also provide flow that help support aquatic life 
further downstream.  
The resources to be preserved contribute 
significantly to the ecological sustainability of 
the watershed. 
The Site takes a true watershed approach in that all 21 miles of 
streams, from the headwaters to the main channels will be 
included and protected; thereby supporting ecological 
sustainability throughout the watershed.  
Preservation is determined by the district 
engineer to be appropriate and practicable. 
The IRT has been supportive of this preservation‐based 
approach due to the unique ecological importance of the Site 
and the watershed approach of the project. Final decision to 
be made by the district engineer. 
The resources are under threat of destruction 
or adverse modifications. 
Portions of the Site were previously planned for a golf course 
and home development. In addition, areas surrounding the Site 
have been developed and are developing. 
The preserved site will be permanently 
protected through an appropriate legal 
instrument. 
The streams and riparian buffer will be permanently protected 
through a much larger than required conservation easement. 

The 2012 preservation guidance also lists recommended priority areas as secondary criteria for 
preservation. The Site meets many of these criteria, as shown in Table 4. 
Table 4: NC IRT Secondary Preservation Criteria  
Secondary Preservation Criteria How Dugger Creek Mitigation Bank Site Meets Criteria 
Streams in a watershed that contain a Significant 
Natural Heritage Area (SNHA) as identified by the 
NC Heritage Program 
A portion of the Site is located within the South Fork Laurel 
Creek/Dugger Mountain area, which is designated as a 
SNHA.  
Streams in a watershed that are known to provide 
habitat for state or federally listed endangered or 
threatened species 
There are multiple state and federally listed species 
expected to occur in the project area based on the habitat 
identified (Section 5.3). 
Streams in a watershed that have High‐quality 
Waters, Outstanding Resource Waters, Trout 
Waters or Water Supply Watersheds. 
The project streams are classified as Trout Waters and 
Outstanding Resource Waters. 

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The guidance further notes that wider buffers beyond the minimum requirement (30 feet in the 
mountains) are preferred. The Site includes buffers that are at a minimum 50 feet, a maximum of 650 
feet and on average are 10 times this minimum (unless restricted by property boundaries). Further, 
while it is preferable for preservation to be completed in conjunction with restoration and/or 
enhancement activities, this “requirement may be waived by the district engineer where preservation 
has been identified as a high priority using a watershed approach.”  
Finally, the guidance stresses four qualities that streams must have to qualify for preservation: 
1. Be ecologically important; 
2. In relatively stable, undisturbed condition; 
3. Have buffers consisting of mature forest with an appropriate stratified vegetative structure; and 
4. Preservation mechanism on both sides of the channel. 
Detailed descriptions of the stability and excellent condition of the Site streams and riparian buffers are 
included in Sections 4 and 5. The Site Protection Instrument is discussed in Section 3 and included in 
Appendix D. 

3.0 Site Protection Instrument 
The land required for stewardship of the Site includes portions of the parcels listed in Table 5 and shown 
on Figure 2. Conservation easements will be recorded on the parcels and include the project streams 
along with their corresponding riparian buffers. The deed book and page numbers listed in the table are 
for the options to purchase the conservation easements. All conservation easements require 60‐day 
advance notification to the USACE prior to any action to void, amend, or modify the document. No such 
action shall take place unless approved by the USACE and IRT. Copies of the conservation easements 
and plats will be submitted to the USACE immediately upon recordation in the Watauga and Wilkes 
County Register of Deeds. A copy of the Site Protection Instrument is in Appendix D. 
Table 5: Site Parcel Ownership  
Property Owner Parcel Identification 
Number County Deed Book and Page 
Number (Option) 
Easement Area
Dugger Valley 
Investment Group, 
LLC 
2858‐10‐9856 Watauga 1928 / 190 547.98
2857‐75‐7395 Wilkes 1250 / 112 131.43
BR Development 
Group, LLC 
2848‐55‐9038 Watauga 1999 / 105 16.81
2858‐14‐0482 Watauga 1999 / 105 65.88
2857‐94‐3566 Wilkes 1274 / 6777 15.09

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4.0 Baseline and Existing Conditions 
4.1   Watershed Land Use 
The Site consists of the 4.1 miles of Dugger Creek mainstem and the entirety of its tributaries (16.9 
miles). The Site’s 3 square mile watershed is located in rural, forested portions of southeastern Watauga 
and western Wilkes Counties (Figure 5 and Table 6). The conservation easement for the Site covers 39% 
of the Dugger Creek watershed. 
Table 6: Watershed Summary  
Physiographic Province Blue Ridge 
Ecoregion Southern Crystalline Ridges and Mountains 
River Basin Yadkin River 
USGS HUC (8 digit, 14 digit) 03040101, 03040101010050 
NCDWR Sub‐basin 03‐07‐01 
Project Drainage Area (acres) 1,982  
CGIA Land Use Classification 95% forested, 4% shrub, 0.7% developed, 0.3% grasses  
4.2   Physiography, Geology, and Soils 
The Site is located in the Southern Crystalline Ridges and 
Mountains of the Blue Ridge Physiographic Province. The 
Blue Ridge Province is characterized by deeply dissected 
mountainous areas of numerous steep mountain ridges, 
intermontane basins and trench valleys that intersect at 
all angles. The North Carolina Portion of the Blue Ridge is 
about 200 miles long and ranges from 15 to 55 miles 
wide, encompassing around 10 percent of the area of the 
State. The Site is located on the Western Blue Ridge 
Terrane. This mountainous region is composed of 
sedimentary rock that has been deposited over one 
billion‐year‐old gneisses. This geological formation is a 
mixture of igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rock 
that have been squeezed, fractured, faulted, and folded repeatedly over time. The Western Blue Ridge is 
known for materials such as feldspar, mica, quartz, iron, marble, talc, copper, olivine, and barite (NCGS, 
2015). The Southern Crystalline Ridges and Mountains consist of mostly gneiss and schist, covered with 
well‐drained, acidic, loamy soils, with elevations of this rough, dissected region generally ranging from 
1200‐4500 feet (Griffith et al., 2002). The region is mostly forested that is dominated by chestnut oak 
along the slopes and ridges. The area also contains few areas of pasture, apple orchards, Fraser fir 
Christmas tree farms, and/or minor cropland.  
Soils in the Site are mapped by the Watauga County Soil Survey and the Wilkes County Soil Survey 
(USDA, 2012). The predominant floodplain soils on the Site are described in Table 7 and depicted in 
Figure 6.  

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Table 7: Floodplain Soil Types and Descriptions 
Soil Name Percent in Easement Area Description 
Cullasaja very 
cobbly loam, 
CsD, CsE 
27.8 % 
Cullasaja very cobbly loam soils are generally found on low or 
intermediate mountains and intermountain hills. They are very 
deep and well drained soils. Permeability is moderately rapid and 
shrink‐swell potential is low.  
Ashe‐Chestnut 
Complex, AcF 24.7 % 
Ashe‐Chestnut complex soils are generally found on low or 
intermediate mountains and intermountain hills. They are 
moderately deep and well drained soils. Permeability is 
moderately rapid and shrink‐swell potential is low.  
Chestnut‐Ashe 
Complex, ChF 
or Ce F 
33.7% 
Chestnut‐Ashe complex soils are generally found on mountain 
slopes, side slopes and steep ridge tops. They are moderately deep 
and well drained soils. Permeability is moderately rapid and shrink‐
swell potential is low.  
Tate‐
Cullowhee 
complex, TcC 
5.5 % 
Tate‐Cullowhee complex soils are generally found in valleys and 
coves along the headwaters of streams flowing out of the 
mountains. They are very deep and well to poorly drained soils. 
Permeability is moderate to rapid and shrink‐swell potential is low. 
Chestnut‐
Edneyville 
complex, CkD, 
CkE, ChD, ChE 
5.2 % 
Chestnut‐Edneyville complex soils are generally found on low or 
intermediate mountains and intermountain hills. They are 
moderately deep to very deep and well drained soils. Permeability 
is moderately rapid and shrink‐swell potential is low.  
Cowee 
gravelly fine 
sandy loam, 
CoD, CoE, CoF 
2.3 % 
Cowee gravelly fine sandy loam soils are generally found on low or 
intermediate mountains and intermountain hills. They are 
moderately deep and well drained. Permeability is moderate and 
shrink‐swell potential is low. 
Evard‐Cowee 
complex, EsE 0.7 % 
Evard‐Cowee complex soils are generally found on steep side 
slopes in the mountains. They are moderately deep well drained 
soils. Permeability is moderate and shrink‐swell potential is low.  
Source: Soil Survey of Watauga and Wilkes County, USDA‐NRCS, 
https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/surveylist/soils/survey/state/?stateId=NC 
4.3 Cultural Resources 
An archaeological survey was performed on the Dugger Creek property by Archaeological Consultants of 
the Carolinas, Inc in 2006. Eleven prehistoric and historic resources were identified in the Dugger Creek 
tract and while the study did provide valuable insight into the settlement of the area by both Native 
Americans and European settlers, none of the sites met the eligibility criteria for Natural Register of 
Historic Places (NRHP). State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) concurred with these results May 2, 
2006.  
Wildlands requested additional comment from SHPO specific to the Dugger Creek Mitigation Site on 
February 8, 2018. SHPO responded on March 13, 2018 and had no concerns about the Site related to 
historic resources. A copy of all agency correspondence is included in Appendix E. 

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4.4 Threatened and Endangered Species 
Wildlands requested comment from the North Carolina Wildlife Resource Commission (NCWRC) and the 
United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) on February 8, 2018. NCWRC responded on March 14, 
2018 and were supportive of protecting the high‐quality resources on the site. USFWS responded on 
March 7, 2018 and had no records for any federally protected species or designated critical habitats in 
or around the Site. All correspondence with NCWRC and USFWS is included in Appendix E. 
Additional assessment of the Site related to the natural resources, including endangered or threatened 
species is included in Section 5. 
5.0 Project Resources 
Project streams include Dugger Creek (NCDWR 
Index No. 12‐24‐11) and 16.9 miles of unnamed 
tributaries. Dugger Creek has been classified by 
NCDWR as Class B, Trout Waters (Tr), and 
Outstanding Resource Waters (ORW) (NCDENR, 
2018).  
Project streams were previously delineated by E’nV 
Environmental Consulting Services, Inc in 2005 for 
a larger tract of land that included the entire Site 
(approximately 6,050 acres previously referred to 
as the Ginn LA Laurel Creek LTD LLP Property). In 
2018, Wildlands reviewed the jurisdictional extent 
of a representative selection of project streams 
and found little to no change from the 2005 data. 
During a site review performed by the USACE on 
October 24, 2018, a small selection of streams was 
deemed to be non‐jurisdictional and removed from 
the proposed linear footage. The remaining linear 
footage was deemed jurisdictional and submitted 
to the USACE for approval (Appendix F). 
Based on the 2005 delineation and subsequent 
October 2018 USACE review, there are 157 
jurisdictional stream reaches located within the 
proposed easement area, totaling 112,495 linear 
feet (21 miles) of stream (Figures 7a‐7d). Per USACE 
guidance, the 2005 delineation data, with the 
minor edits requested by USACE, has been used for 
both the Preliminary Jurisdictional Determination and the stream mitigation credit totals included in 
Section 7. The 2018 Preliminary Jurisdictional Determination has been submitted to the USACE and will 
be included in the final Mitigation Plan in Appendix F, once approved.  
Baseline conditions of the on‐site stream channels, vegetation condition, rare and natural communities, 
fish population, and macroinvertebrate population are described in further detail in Sections 5.1‐5.5.  

Dugger Creek Mainstem 
Dugger Creek Tributary 

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5.1 Existing Stream Conditions 
On‐site stream conditions were assessed by 
Wildlands personnel between mid‐January 2018 
and late June 2018. The on‐site streams which 
include the mainstem Dugger Creek and tributaries 
to Dugger Creek each originate onsite and flow 
through established forested buffers (Figures 7, 7a‐
7d). The headwaters start from groundwater seeps 
in narrow steep valleys of 15+ percent slope with 
limited floodplain development. These channels 
exhibit a variety of substrate types including silt, 
sand, gravel, cobble, boulder, and bedrock. Steep 
reaches (4‐10+ percent slope) were dominated by 
high gradient riffles of cobble and boulder and 
cascade step/pool bedform. Along some tributaries 
there also exists steep stretches of bedrock slide. 
Moderate sloped channels (2‐4 percent) exhibit 
more heterogeneous bed material including finer 
silt and sand particles as well as coarse material. 
Bedforms within these channels include low‐
gradient riffles, runs, and mid‐channel and 
edgewater pools.  
The mainstem of Dugger Creek comprises a variety 
of stream habitat types as it flows down the valley. 
The upper portion maintains a slope of 
approximately 10 percent with bedform dominated 
by step pools separated by short riffles or cascades 
and by boulder substrate. Further downstream, the 
wetted channel widens and gives way to longer 
riffles and larger pools formed by scour below 
bedrock slide waterfalls. These cascading systems 
provide aeration and habitat for aquatic species. 
Towards the lower portion of the project, Dugger 
Creek flows through a gorge, referred to as Dugger 
Falls, as the valley becomes very steep with bedrock 
walls and bedform. This short reach is a natural 
barrier between the different trout species that 
inhabit the creek upstream. Below the gorge, the 
slope declines to less than 4 percent and the valley 
widens where a small floodplain develops. This 
lower portion is dominated by long moderate gradient riffles and pools.  
Overall, on‐site channels exhibit excellent bedform and instream habitat diversity, channel stability, and 
expansive forested buffers. The North Carolina Stream Assessment Method (NC SAM) evaluation was 
performed on a representative number of tributaries and sections of Dugger Creek. All reaches have 
overall ratings of High, indicating near reference conditions for each specific stream type that was 
evaluated. NC SAM Field Assessment Forms and Rating Sheets are enclosed in Appendix F. Project 

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streams exhibit stable stream banks with a mix of trees, sapling, shrubs, and herbaceous cover, as 
described in more detail in Section 5.2. Aquatic biota, including macroinvertebrate, amphibians, and 
aquatic mollusks, were present throughout perennial project streams. Leaf packs, snags, logs and rocky 
substrate were the abundant providing aquatic habitat while undercut banks with root mats and aquatic 
vegetation also available. 
Protecting these high‐quality headwater systems is 
essential to preserving a healthy freshwater ecosystem 
and protecting the Yadkin River Basin water resources. 
Stream and buffer preservation will provide habitat and 
food for aquatic and terrestrial species on a large scale. A 
forested buffer will also protect water quality in both the 
on‐site streams and further downstream by preventing 
sediment and nutrients from entering the streams and 
providing shade to keep temperatures cool and maintain 
dissolved oxygen levels.  
Representative photographs of the stream conditions 
within the Bank are included in Appendix A. A summary of 
the stream length and condition by sub‐watershed is 
included in Table 8 below. The stream lengths are based on the Preliminary Jurisdictional Determination 
(PJD). The centerlines of the on‐site jurisdictional streams were located by E’nV Environmental 
Consulting Services, Inc during the 2005 delineation.  
Table 8: Project Stream Summary  
Watershed1 
Watershed 
Area 
(acres) 
Stream 
Length 
(LF) 
Diverse 
Bedform 
Stable 
Banks 
Supports 
Aquatic 
Biota 
Forested 
Buffers 
Excellent Benthic 
Macroinvertebrate 
Bioclassification 
A  108  6,094 ✔✔✔✔*✔
B  59  3,910 ✔✔✔✔** 
C  48  4,070 ✔✔✔✔**
D  48  2,905 ✔✔✔✔**
E  57  3,277 ✔✔✔✔**
F  122  6,990 ✔✔✔✔**
G  95  5,686 ✔✔✔✔**
H  100  5,273 ✔✔✔✔**
I  29  1,919 ✔✔✔✔**
J  96  6,970 ✔✔✔✔**
K  72  3,981 ✔✔✔✔**
L  42  3,278 ✔✔✔✔**
M  216  10,787 ✔✔✔✔**
N  51  2,502 ✔✔✔✔**
O  42  1,863 ✔✔✔✔**
P2 81  3,372 ✔✔✔✔**
Q  148  6,377 ✔✔✔✔**
Dugger Creek  1,981  18,276 ✔✔✔✔*✔

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Watershed1 
Watershed 
Area 
(acres) 
Stream 
Length 
(LF) 
Diverse 
Bedform 
Stable 
Banks 
Supports 
Aquatic 
Biota 
Forested 
Buffers 
Excellent Benthic 
Macroinvertebrate 
Bioclassification 
1st order 
tributaries to 
Dugger Creek 
‐  14,965 ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ 
 Total 112,495 
1Watersheds A through Q include 2nd order or greater tributaries to Dugger Creek as shown on Figure 5. 1st order 
tributaries to Dugger Creek were combined and not broken up into individual watersheds.  
2Watershed P stream length includes the upper headwaters of Dugger Creek.  
* Field notes indicate some reaches have emergency service road exists on one bank of the channel. 
**No data collected during macroinvertebrate sampling.

5.2 Existing Vegetation Condition 
The conservation easement area of Dugger Creek is 
predominantly forested, with a few exceptions of emergency 
service road clearings. Multiple natural communities were 
observed which were indicative of the changes in elevation, 
canopy coverage, and proximity of streams. For example, at the 
top portion of Dugger Creek along the main stem, a dense 
Hemlock (Tsuga sp.) population existed, whereas below Dugger 
Creek Falls, this species is less frequent. The Mountain Oak 
Forests are dominant vegetation types on the Site and are made 
up of Chestnut Oak and Montane Oak Hickory Forest natural 
community types. The forests across the Site are in a mid‐, 
mature‐, primary or old‐growth successional stage.  
The understory and herbaceous ground coverage also change as 
the elevation changes. Rhododendron species are found 
throughout a majority of the Site. Mountain laurel (Kalmia 
latifolia) is prominent in the understory canopy, along with 
common witch‐hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) and dogwood 
(Cornus sp.) species.  
Dense dog hobble (Leucothoe fontanesiana) populations exist along the Dugger Creek floodplains below 
the Falls, along with plants that represent ecological integrity throughout the Site such as foam flowers 
(Tiarella sp.), Canada mayflower (Maianthemum canadense), wild ginger (Asarum canadense), downy 
rattlesnake plantain orchids (Goodyera pubescens), pink turtle head (Chelone lyonia), Indian cucumber‐
root (Medeola virginiana), rock tripe (Umbilicaria sp.), black (Actaea racemose) and blue (Caulophyllum 
thalictroides) cohosh, rose‐twisted stalk (Streptopus lanceolatus), mountain meadow‐rue (Thalictrum 
clavatum), a variety of trillium (Trillium sp.), and many more species that create a lush scenery and 
indicate a healthy vegetation environment.  
Liverwort (Marchantiales sp.) 

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5.3 Rare Species and Natural Communities 
The Site contains an array of natural communities which are comprised of diverse and rare species; thus, 
making this area ecologically significant in the state. Due to the extensive development within the Blue 
Ridge Mountains, such areas are important to protect to prevent further loss of any species.  
Multiple natural communities within the project area are considered high‐quality natural resources 
required to maintain healthy and sustainable ecosystems, according to the NC Conservation Planning 
Tool. The conservation values range between 6 to 8, according to the NC Biodiversity and Wildlife 
Habitat Assessment. Most of the areas along the stream corridors have a value of 10, which is the 
maximum value. The following table provides an example of the various natural communities at the Site. 
Figure 8 provides an overview of the biodiversity and wildlife habitat conservation values across the Site.  
Table 9: Natural Communities Observed in Project Area  
Natural Communities 
Chestnut Oak Forest (Mesic Variant) 
Acidic Cove Forest (Typic Subtype) 
Montane Oak‐Hickory Forest (Acidic Subtype) 
Rich Cove Forest (Foothills Rich Subtype) 
Mesic Mixed Hardwood Forest (Piedmont Subtype) 
Canada Hemlock Forest (Typic Subtype) 
Montane Alluvial Forest (Small River Subtype) 
Montane Cliff (Mafic Subtype) 
Spray Cliff 
Rosebay Rhododendron 
(Rhododendron maximum) 
Fraser Magnolia 
(Magnolia fraseri) 
Fraser’s Sedge 
(Cymophyllus fraserianus) 

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Pedestrian surveys of the Site were conducted by Wildlands in 
February and June 2018. During the field surveys, no individuals 
of federally listed species were observed; however, the North 
Carolina Natural Heritage Program (NCNHP) has documented an 
element of occurrence of the Alleghany Woodrat (Neotoma 
magister, State/Federal Species of Concern) in the area. In 
addition, habitat for the Northern long‐eared bat (NLEB) (Myotis 
septentrionalis) was prominent. The NLEB have declined rapidly in 
North Carolina due to habitat loss and the White Nose Syndrome 
(WNS).  
The Site also contains substantial habitat for the salamander 
community. Globally, the southern Appalachian mountain region 
and North Carolina in particular, are classified as having the 
highest salamander diversity, with 50 species in Western North 
Carolina alone. Water quality and adequate habitat are key 
factors to sustain these populations. While Wildlands did not 
observe any listed species, such as the Eastern Hellbender 
(Cryptobranchus alleganiensis) or the Pygmy salamander 
(Desmognathus wright); multiple non‐listed salamanders were 
observed, which is a good indication the Site provides suitable 
habitat for the listed salamander species as well. 
 The stream corridors and natural drainages on the Site provide necessary habitat and are important 
components of the sustainable wildlife populations in this area. Essential habitat was also observed for 
other listed state/federal species, including, but not limited to, the Carolina Northern Flying Squirrel 
(Glaucomys sabrinus coloratus), the Appalachian Pocket Moss (Fissidens appalachensis), the freshwater 
bivalves, various liverworts and several vascular plants. The Fraser’s sedge (Cymophyllus fraserianus, 
State Rare Species), which is endemic to the southern Appalachian Mountain was also observed.  
5.4   Fish Communities 
Wildlands conducted a backpack electrofishing survey in 
February 2018 with an emphasis placed on documenting 
the presence of brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) on the 
Site, the only native salmonid in North Carolina. The 
presence of brook trout with multiple year classes is 
indicative of excellent water quality, as sedimentation from 
poor land use is the typical impairment that can cause year 
class failures in brook trout. This is also true with rainbow 
and brown trout, but these two species are not native to 
NC. Survey efforts included stream reaches both below and 
above Dugger Creek Falls (Figure 8).  
No trout species were documented below the Falls, which is likely the result of sublethal temperature 
regimes during the summer months. Fish species that were documented below the Falls included creek 
chub (Semotilus atromaculatus), central stoneroller (Campostoma anomalum), striped jumprock 
(Moxostoma rupiscartes), warpaint shiner (Luxilus coccogenis), and bluehead chub (Nocomis 
leptocephalus). 

Southern Two‐lined Salamander 
(Eurycea cirrigea)
Northern Dusky Salamander 
(Desmognathus fuscus) 
Dugger Falls 

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Sampling efforts above the Falls documented the presence 
of brook trout. No other species were documented above 
the falls which is to be expected upstream of a large fish 
passage barrier such as Dugger Creek Falls. Brook trout 
were documented in multiple stream reaches along the 
main stem from just upstream of the Falls to the origin of 
Dugger Creek. Habitat availability beyond the confluences 
became limiting due to water depth. 
Among the brook trout sampled, multiple age classes of 
brook trout were noted at the majority of sample reaches 
indicating successful annual recruitment. Annual 
recruitment and/or missing year classes can result in the 
loss of the native brook trout in areas with degraded water 
quality and/or competition from non‐native species such as 
rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) and brown trout 
(Salmo trutta). See Figure 8 for the brook trout collection 
locations.  
NCWRC had previously surveyed Dugger Creek in two sites above the Falls in September 2016 and 
concluded that while the Brook Trout populations in Dugger Creek were doing well, they are becoming 
increasingly rare in NC streams due to competition with non‐native species and habitat degradation. 
NCWRC concluded that trout populations such as the ones in Dugger Creek “are highly valuable and any 
efforts to preserve the fish and their habitat are worthwhile.”  Correspondence with NCWRC is included 
in Appendix E. 
5.5 Macroinvertebrate Sampling 
Benthic macroinvertebrates were sampled by Dave Penrose of Penrose Environmental in April 2018. 
Samples were collected at five locations across the proposed bank. Due to the relatively small 
watershed, a modification of the full‐scale collection protocol developed by the Division of Water 
Resources was used. This collection protocol is defined in the DWR Standard Operating Procedure (DWR 
2016) and termed a “Qual 4”. At each location a kick net sample was collected from a riffle habitat and a 
sweep net sample from a productive bank area. In addition, leaf pack samples were collected, and visual 
inspections of the Site were also conducted. All specimens were ‘picked’ and preserved in the field. 
Specimens were ‘picked’ roughly in proportion to their abundance, but no attempt was made to remove 
all organisms. The greater number of taxa, especially the EPT (Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera, Trichoptera) 
taxa, typically indicates better water quality conditions. In 
the laboratory, specimens were identified to the lowest 
possible taxonomic level and assigned relative abundance 
values of abundant (> 9 organisms), common (3‐9 
organisms) and rare (less than 3 organisms) for each 
location.  
Within each of the streams surveyed there are very small 
catchments; therefore, the classification protocol is 
essentially to use the biotic index values for mountain 
stream systems. Each organism was given a number from 0 
to 10 to define its relative pollution tolerance (0 being very 
intolerant). A biotic index value is therefore a summary of 
Mayfly 
(Ephemeroptera sp.) 
Brook Trout 
(Salvelinus fontinalis) 

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each tolerant value divided by the total number of organisms in the sample. Very low biotic index values 
are indicative of intolerant benthic communities.  
Data were also collected from two small tributaries of Dugger Creek as part of this investigation. 
Tributary A is a very small, high gradient feature and only a series of sweep net samples were collected. 
The number of taxa and abundance values were reduced from the mainstem site as habitat 
heterogeneity is much lower in very small streams. However, the Biotic Index value was also very low 
suggesting excellent biological conditions. This small stream was dominated by very intolerant taxa 
including; Ephemerella hispida, Tallaperla spp., Isoperla orata and Arctopsyche irrorata. Tributary B is 
also a very small, high gradient stream feature which flows along the service road. A Qual‐4 sample was 
collected at this location and results did note a decline in the number of taxa and EPT abundance 
compared to the mainstem locations. However, most organisms collected from this site were also very 
intolerant and the bioclassification was Excellent at the location as well.  
The fauna at each of the sampling locations was dominated by intolerant taxa with a biotic index of 2.7 
or less collected from all sites, indicating “Excellent” bioclassifications. A summary of the benthic insect 
collections is listed in Table 10 and a complete list of all taxa collected is included in Appendix G. See 
Figure 8 for the benthic sample collection locations.  
Table 10: Summary of Benthic Invertebrate Taxa  
Taxonomic Group Dugger #1 Dugger #2 Dugger #3 Tributary A* Tributary B 
Ephemeroptera 12 15 13 3 7 
Plecoptera 14 14 14 4 5 
Trichoptera 12 12 10 2 10 
Diptera; Misc. 6 64 0 6 
Diptera; Chironomidae 6 74 0 3 
Coleoptera 2 12 0 1 
Odonata  1 1 1 1  0
Oligochaeta 2 22 0 0 
Megaloptera 0 02 0 0 
Crustacea 1 10 1 0 
Mollusca 1 11 1 1 
Other taxa 0 00 0 0 

Total Taxa Richness 57 60 53 12 33 
EPT Taxa Richness 38 41 37 9 22 
EPT Abundance 194 182 158 19 68 
No. Taxa < 2.5 39 39 34 5 17 
Biotic Index 2.45 2.25 2.71 2.16 2.36 
Bioclassification Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent 
*very small, high gradient stream. Modified collection method.

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6.0 Project Site Mitigation Work Plan 
The Site will preserve 112,495 LF (21 miles) of 
pristine cold‐water stream reaches within the Dugger 
Creek Valley/Elk Creek Outstanding Waters 
Management Zone (Figures 9, 9a‐9d). In addition to 
the stream preservation, the project will protect all 
wetlands, seeps, and any other aquatic habitats 
located within the proposed 777‐acre conservation 
easement. The conservation easement width on the 
project streams ranges from a minimum of 50 feet to 
a maximum of 650 feet. On average the easement 
width is 300 feet or 10 times the minimum 30 feet 
required on mountain streams. Protecting these 
high‐quality headwater systems is essential to 
preserving a healthy freshwater ecosystem and 
protecting the water resources within the Yadkin River Basin.  
Care was taken in the creation of this project to minimize stream crossings to those that are necessary 
for the landowners to maintain access to areas of the property for safety. There are two emergency 
service gravel/dirt roads, each 15 feet wide, that will be maintained for a total of 1.75 miles within the 
easement area to allow for emergency access. There are fourteen 25‐foot wide internal crossings within 
the 777‐acre easement. The northern emergency service gravel road crosses tributaries to Dugger Creek 
in seven locations. The southern emergency service grave/dirt road also crosses another seven 
tributaries (Figures 9, 9a‐9d). Table 11 provides additional detail on the type, condition, and any 
proposed modifications for each proposed crossing. A photolog of each emergency service road crossing 
is included in Appendix H.  

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Table 11: Summary of Stream Crossings 
Crossing 
ID Type Notes Management 
1  Ford 
Road turns into trail and connects with Dugger 
Creek 
Crossing is stable. No active 
management needed at this time.  
2  Ford 
Just before confluence of tributary with Dugger 
creek. 70% gravel & cobble, few boulders. 
Crossing is stable. No active 
management needed at this time. 
3  Culvert  24” metal culvert. 9' visible on the DNS side.  Crossing is stable. No active 
management needed at this time. 
4  Culvert 
18” High‐density polyethylene (HDPE) culvert. 
Inflow at angle allowing flow on either side. 
Perched outflow. 
Culvert stable, but sedimentation 
was observed in stream above the 
culvert. Culvert stability will be 
monitored by the long‐term 
steward. USACE will be notified 
prior to any management efforts 
taking place. 
5  Culvert  18” HDPE culvert. Perched 24” drop.  
Crossing is stable. No management 
needed at this time. 
6  Culvert 
18” HDPE culvert. Intermittent flow stream. 
Culvert inflow at a diagonal. 
Crossing is stable. No active 
management needed at this time. 
7  Culvert 
18” HDPE culvert. Extended about 12' along 
hillslope. 
Crossing is stable. No active 
management needed at this time. 
8  Ford 
Mostly gravel (80%) with some boulder and 
cobbles. 1‐2' depth. 
Crossing is stable. No active 
management needed at this time. 
9  Ford  Mostly gravel with some larger substrate. 
Crossing is stable. No active 
management needed at this time. 
10  Ford  Mostly sand and gravel substrate. 
Crossing is stable. No active 
management needed at this time. 
11  Ford 
Mostly sand and gravel with some boulder in 
crossing substrate. 
Crossing is stable. No active 
management needed at this time. 
12  Ford  Intermittent stream crossing. 
Crossing is stable. No active
management needed at this time. 
13  Culvert 
24” HDPE culvert. At the bottom of the slope. 
One sediment basin on inboard side about 30' 
upslope of culvert. 
Crossing is stable. No active 
management needed at this time. 
14  Culvert 
Ponded water upstream of road. Outlet is 24” 
HDPE culvert to step pool BMPs. Outlet end of 
culvert is partially filled with riprap/ cobble.  
Debris that is blocking culvert will 
be removed by hand to allow for 
continuous flow.  USACE will be 
contacted prior to any work. 

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There is an open shelter pavilion located within the conservation 
easement area that will remain in use (Figure 9). The shelter is accessible 
by the southern emergency service road and connects to the Dugger 
Creek hiking trail. There are 4.5 miles of trails located within the 
easement area which will remain open to the property owner for hiking 
and other forms of passive recreation only. These trails include minimal 
signage as to not disrupt the natural condition of the Site, but also allow 
for safe entry and exit of the trails. All existing right‐of‐way and utility 
easements are located outside of the conservation easement area 
(Figures 9, 9a‐9d) 
7.0 Determination of Credits 
7.1 Stream Mitigation Credits 
Use of credits from the Bank to offset stream impacts authorized by federal permits or state water 
quality certifications must be in compliance with the Clean Water Act, Section 404(b)(1) guidelines and 
other applicable state and federal legislation, regulations, and policies. Prior to the release of credits, 
the following requirements will be met: IRT approval of the final Mitigation Plan and execution of the 
banking instrument, recordation of the conservation easement, and establishment of appropriate 
financial assurances. A summary of the proposed credits is included in Table 12. 
Table 12: Stream Mitigation Credits  
Stream Reach Mitigation 
Type 
Proposed 
Length (LF) 
Mitigation 
Factor 
Stream 
Mitigation 
Credits 
Temperature 
Regime 
Mainstem  P  18,985  6  3,164  Cold 
Mainstem – Service Rd Adjacent  P  2,729  10  273  Cold 
Tributaries  P  85,681  6  14,280  Cold 
Tributaries – Service Rd Adjacent  P  5,100  10  510  Cold 
Total 112,495 ‐ 18,227 Cold 

As outlined in Section 2.4, the IRT’s 2012 guidance states that to qualify for preservation, stream 
channels and riparian buffers must have the following characteristics: 
 Be ecologically important 
 In relatively stable, undisturbed condition 
 Have buffers consisting of mature forest with an appropriate stratified vegetative structure 
 Preservation mechanism must be placed on both sides of the channel 
 Wider buffers than the minimum (30 feet in the mountains) are preferred 
The Dugger Creek mitigation project meets all of these characteristics and is therefore appropriate for 
preservation. The streams and buffers are in excellent condition as discussed previously, demonstrated 
in the photographs in Appendix A and the field evaluations detailed in Section 5. The conservation 
easement will exceed the minimum standards by at least 20 feet at its most narrow and over 1000 feet 
at its widest point.  
This project also meets the primary and secondary criteria outlined in the 2012 guidance as shown in 
Tables 3 and 4. Most notably, Dugger Creek streams and riparian buffers provide important physical, 
chemical, or biological functions for the watershed and contribute significantly to its ecological 

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sustainability. The area has been slated for development in the past and there is a continued threat of 
development in the area surrounding the property. The property includes unique and high‐quality 
habitats that support diverse species and the designation of the project streams as Outstanding 
Resource Waters. 
The Site will result in 18,227 cold stream mitigation credits, at a credit ratio of 1 credit per 6 linear feet 
of stream for preservation, except where the emergency service roads are located within the easement 
area. Along those reaches, a credit ratio of 10:1 is being requested. The 2012 IRT guidance describes a 
range of 5:1 to 10:1 ratio allowable preservation ratio for mitigation banks.  
A 6:1 ratio is justified for this mitigation bank by the following:  
 Excellent condition of the project streams; 
 Expansive buffer widths; 
 Watershed approach (preserving headwaters, tributary and mainstem reaches); and 
 Scale and ecological significance of the site. 
7.2 Credit Release Schedule 
The credit release will be based on the total credits generated as reported by the approved Mitigation 
Plan for the preservation site. Under no circumstances shall any mitigation bank be debited until the 
necessary Department of Army (DA) authorization has been received or the District Engineer (DE) has 
otherwise provided written approval for the project in the case where no DA authorization is required 
for construction of the mitigation project. The release of project credits will be in compliance with the 
October 24, 2016 Wilmington District Stream and Wetland Compensatory Mitigation Update Guidance 
Document. The proposed credit release schedule is shown in Table 13. 
Table 13: Stream Mitigation Credits Release Schedule  
Credit Release Requirements 6:1
 (Stream Credits) 
10:1  
(Stream Credits) 
Total 
(Stream Credits) 
First Release of 
Credits 
Approved Mitigation Plan, 
UMBI, Recorded Easement 17,444  783  18,227 
The initial allocation can be released without prior written approval of the DE upon satisfactory 
completion of the following activities: 
a. Execution of the UMBI by the Sponsor and the USACE. 
b. Approval of the Final Mitigation Plan. 
c. The mitigation site must be secured. 
d. Recordation of the conservation easement, as well as delivery of a title opinion that is 
acceptable to the USACE.  
e. Delivery of the financial assurances described in the Mitigation Plan. 
f. 404 permit verification for construction of the site, if required. 
For mitigation sites that include preservation‐only credits, 100% of the preservation credits will be 
released once the six activities listed above are complete.    

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8.0 Performance Standards and Monitoring Requirements 
The performance standards for a preservation only mitigation project include USACE approval of the 
Final Mitigation Plan and recordation of the conservation easement. Long‐term inspection and 
maintenance to uphold the terms of the conservation easement will be conducted by the conservation 
easement Grantee in perpetuity. This work is described more fully in Sections 9 and 10. 
As described in the North Carolina IRT’s “Stream Mitigation Guidelines” (2003), because the action 
involving this Site is preservation, an active phase monitoring plan is not required for the project 
streams. 
9.0 Long‐Term Maintenance and Management Plan 
9.1 Ownership and Long‐Term Manager 
The Site will remain in private ownership, protected in its entirety, and managed under the terms 
detailed in the conservation easement. Unique Places to Save (UP2Save) will serve as the Grantee and 
long‐term manager and will be the party responsible for long‐term management. The conservation 
easement will be recorded prior to the initial credit release. 
UP2Save is a 501c3 non‐profit organization that is committed to land conservation through sustainable 
planning and management. UP2Save has the ability, both logistically and financially, to monitor and 
enforce the provisions of the conservation easement and long‐term management plan. The organization 
operates in a sustainable manner to facilitate operations well into the future. UP2Save has been 
approved to serve as the easement holder and long‐term manager on several mitigation banks in North 
Carolina, including the Hoosier Dam, Falling Creek and Box Creek projects. Additional qualifications and 
UP2Save’s annual report can be provided upon request. 
9.2 Long‐Term Management Activities 
The boundaries of the conservation easement will be marked in the field to ensure distinction between 
the conservation easement area and adjacent uplands. Boundaries may be marked by signs, gates, 
posts, tree‐blazing, or other means as allowed by site conditions and/or the conservation easement 
document. Given the large scale of the Site and associated easement area, markers will be focused on 
areas where the easement aligns with external/property boundaries. To maintain the natural integrity of 
the Site, markers will not be placed along all easement boundaries internal to the Site, but on select 
boundaries as needed to ensure the provisions of the easement are upheld.  
The Site shall be monitored on an as‐needed basis and physical inspection of the Site may be conducted 
periodically throughout the duration of the monitoring period. Routine maintenance may include the 
items listed in Table 14. 

Dugger Creek Mitigation Site     Mitigation Plan 
 Page 24  June 2019 

Table 14: Maintenance Plan  
Long‐Term Management Activity Long‐Term Manager Responsibility Landowner Responsibility 
Signage will be installed and 
maintained along the Site boundary 
to denote the area protected by the 
recorded conservation easement. 
The long‐term steward will be 
responsible for inspecting the Site 
boundary and for maintaining or 
replacing signage to ensure that the 
conservation easement area is clearly 
marked. 
The landowner(s) shall report 
damaged or missing signs to the long‐
term manager, as well as contact the 
long‐term manager if a boundary 
needs to be marked, or clarification is 
needed regarding a boundary 
location. 
The mitigation site will be protected 
in its entirety and managed under 
the terms outlined in the recorded 
conservation easement. 
The long‐term manager will be 
responsible for conducting annual 
inspections and for undertaking 
actions that are reasonably 
calculated to swiftly correct the 
conditions constituting a breach. The 
USACE, and their authorized agents, 
shall have the right to enter and 
inspect the Site and to take actions 
necessary to verify compliance with 
the conservation easement. 
The landowner(s) shall contact the 
long‐term manager if clarification is 
needed regarding the restrictions 
associated with the recorded 
conservation easement. 

9.3 Funding Mechanism 
Anticipated long‐term management activities and their associated annual cost are listed in the table 
below. Wildlands will fund a stewardship endowment that will be managed by UP2Save. UP2Save’s 
endowment is designated to provide on‐going revenue to support long‐term management activities. The 
stewardship endowment is invested to provide recurring revenue to cover the cost of anticipated annual 
activities, easement defense, and violation resolution. 
The total stewardship endowment was calculated based on the information listed in Table 15 below. 
The level of effort is listed in hours or as a lump sum, defined as LS. The cost per unit or labor rate and 
anticipated frequency are listed and were utilized to calculate the total and annual activity cost. For 
example, the steward anticipates four hours of staff time at a rate of $50 per hour to support adjacent 
landowner coordination, which may consist of coordinating with current and adjacent landowners to 
ensure access and maintain relationships and scheduling site visits. A conservative (lower than 
anticipated) rate of return (or capitalization rate) of 4.50% and the estimated annual costs of the 
identified management activities were utilized to determine the endowment funding requirement. 
In order to guarantee there are funds available for monitoring and long‐term defense of the bank and 
the conservation easement assets, the Bank Sponsor will set aside stewardship funds for the Bank in the 
amount of $66,000. Unique Places to Save, LLC (UP2Save) is committed to holding the conservation 
easement for the Site (Appendix I).  

Dugger Creek Mitigation Site     Mitigation Plan 
 Page 25  June 2019 

Table 15: Management Funding – Dugger Creek Stream Mitigation Site 
Management Activity Level of 
Effort 
Cost 
per Unit Anticipated Frequency Activity 
Cost 
Annual 
Cost 
Annual Activities  
Annual Planning  2  $50   Annual  $100   $100  
Adjacent Landowner Coordination  2  $50   Annual  $100   $100  
Field Inspection, Inventory and 
Documentation 12  $50   Annual  $600   $600  
Annual Report to Board  2  $50   Annual  $100   $100  
Vehicle and supplies  2  $150   Annual  $300   $300  
Adaptive Management  
Trash Removal & Disposal  12  $50   Annual  $600   $600  
Sign Maintenance  12  $50   Every five (5) years  $600   $120  
Minor Violation  1  $4,500   Every ten (10) years  $4,500   $450  
Major Violation  1  $12,000  Every twenty (20) years  $12,000   $600  
Total Annual Cost $2,970 
Capitalization Rate 4.50% 
Funding Amount $66,000 

10.0 Adaptive Management Plan 
The Sponsor will institute a Long‐Term maintenance Plan responsible for assessing the condition of the 
mitigation site and implementing maintenance provisions to maintain performance of the Site. The 
proposed conservation easement will help to ensure that only IRT‐allowable activities take place. If, 
during the course of annual inspection it is determined the protection guaranteed by the conservation 
easement is at risk, the Grantee will notify the USACE of the need to develop a Plan of Corrective Action. 
Once the Corrective Action Plan is prepared and finalized the Grantee will: 
 Notify the USACE. 
 Revise monitoring requirements as necessary and/or required by the USACE. 
 Implement the Corrective Action Plan. 
 Provide the USACE documentation of Corrective Actions. This document shall depict the extent 
and nature of the work performed. 
To monitor the project’s continued success, all components of the Bank will be inspected annually or 
less frequently as needed to ensure that the Sites remain stable in perpetuity. Sources of instability or 
other deficiencies will be addressed. All reporting will be documented and kept on file for future 
reference. 
11.0 Financial Assurances 
As a preservation project, financial assurances are not required to ensure the success of the project. The 
project will be completed through recordation of the conservation easement before credits are 
released. 

Dugger Creek Mitigation Site     Mitigation Plan 
 Page 26  June 2019 

12.0 References 
Griffith, G.E., Omernik, J.M., Comstock, J.A., Schafale, M.P., McNab, W.H., Lenat, D.R., MacPherson, T.F., 
Glover, J.B., and Shelburne, V.B., 2002, Ecoregions of North Carolina and South Carolina, (color 
poster with map, descriptive text, summary tables, and photographs): Reston, Virginia, U.S. 
Geological Survey (map scale 1:1,500,000). 
North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (NCDEQ) Pee Dee River Basin Plan: Yadkin River 
Headwaters HUC 03040101 2008. 
https://files.nc.gov/ncdeq/Water%20Quality/Planning/BPU/BPU/Yadkin/Yadkin%20Plans/2010%20
Plan/2_03040101%20Yadkin%20River%20Headwaters‐2010.pdf 
North Carolina Division of Mitigation Services (NCDMS) 2009 Upper Yadkin Pee‐Dee River Basin 
Restoration Priorities 2009.
https://files.nc.gov/ncdeq/Mitigation%20Services/Watershed_Planning/Yadkin_River_Basin/2009%
20Upper%20Yadkin%20RBRP_Final%20Final%2C%2026feb%2709.pdf 
North Carolina Division of Water Quality (NCDWQ), 2012. Standard Operating Procedures for Benthic 
Macroinvertebrates. Biological Assessment Unit.  
North Carolina Geological Survey (NCGS), 2015. The Geology of North Carolina. 
https://ncdenr.maps.arcgis.com/apps/MapSeries/index.html?appid=0a7ccd9394734ff6aa2434d252
8ddf12 
North Carolina Interagency Review Team (IRT), 2012. Use of Preservation as Compensatory Mitigation in 
North Carolina. Raleigh, NC. 
North Carolina Geological Survey (NCGS), 2013. Mineral Resources. 
http://geology.enr.state.nc.us/Mineral%20resources/mineralresources.html 
North Carolina Natural Heritage Program (NCNHP). Natural and Cultural Resources.  
https://www.ncnhp.org/conservation/conservation‐planning‐tool 
Oakley, Shawn C. 2000. Inventory of the Significant Natural Areas of Watauga County, North Carolina. 
NC Natural Heritage Program, Raleigh, NC.  
United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), 2012. Natural Resources Conservation Service, Soil 
Survey  Geographic  (SSURGO)  database  for  Wilkes  and  Watauga  Counties,  North  Carolina. 
http://SoilDataMart.nrcs.usda.gov 
United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) and US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), 2008. 
33 CFR Parts 325 and 332 and 40 CFR Part 230, Compensatory Mitigation for Losses of Aquatic 
Resources; Final Rule. Washington, DC.  

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Project Parcels
Proposed Conservation Easement Boundary
Existing Utility Easement
Non-Project Streams
Project Perennial Stream
Project Intermittent Stream
Emergency Service Gravel Roads within the Easement to Remain
Emergency Service Gravel Roads outside the Easement to Remain
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Watauga and Wilkes Counties, NC
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Figure 7d Existing Conditions MapDugger Creek Mitigation SiteYadkin Valley Umbrella Mitigation BankYadkin River Basin (03040101)¹0 500 1,000 Feet
County Boundary
Non-Project Parcels
Project Parcels
Proposed Conservation Easement Boundary
Existing Utility Easement
Non-Project Streams
Project Perennial Stream
Project Intermittent Stream
Emergency Service Gravel Roads within the Easement to Remain
Emergency Service Gravel Roads outside the Easement to Remain
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")Existing Shelter to Remain
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2014 Aerial Photography
Watauga and Wilkes Counties, NC
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2014 Aerial Photography
Watauga and Wilkes Counties, NC
County Boundary
Project Parcels
Proposed Conservation Easement Boundary
Existing Utility Easement
Non-Project Streams
Stream Preservation (6:1 Credit Ratio)
Stream Preservation (10:1 Credit Ratio)
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2014 Aerial Photography
Watauga and Wilkes Counties, NC
County Boundary
Project Parcels
Proposed Conservation Easement Boundary
Existing Utility Easement
Non-Project Streams
Stream Preservation (6:1 Credit Ratio)
Stream Preservation (10:1 Credit Ratio)
Existing Emergency Service Gravel Road within the Easement to Remain
Existing Emergency Service Gravel Road outside the Easement to Remain
Existing Hiking Trails to Remain
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2014 Aerial Photography
Watauga and Wilkes Counties, NC
County Boundary
Project Parcels
Proposed Conservation Easement Boundary
Existing Utility Easement
Non-Project Streams
Stream Preservation (6:1 Credit Ratio)
Stream Preservation (10:1 Credit Ratio)
Existing Emergency Service Gravel Road within the Easement to Remain
Existing Emergency Service Gravel Road outside the Easement to Remain
Existing Hiking Trails to Remain
")Existing Shelter to Remain
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2014 Aerial Photography
Watauga and Wilkes Counties, NC
County Boundary
Project Parcels
Proposed Conservation Easement Boundary
Existing Utility Easement
Non-Project Streams
Stream Preservation (6:1 Credit Ratio)
Stream Preservation (10:1 Credit Ratio)
Existing Emergency Service Gravel Road within the Easement to Remain
Existing Emergency Service Gravel Road outside the Easement to Remain
Existing Hiking Trails to Remain
")Existing Shelter to Remain
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2014 Aerial Photography
Watauga and Wilkes Counties, NC
County Boundary
Project Parcels
Proposed Conservation Easement Boundary
Existing Utility Easement
Non-Project Streams
Stream Preservation (6:1 Credit Ratio)
Stream Preservation (10:1 Credit Ratio)
Existing Emergency Service Gravel Road within the Easement to Remain
Existing Emergency Service Gravel Road outside the Easement to Remain
Existing Hiking Trails to Remain
")Existing Shelter to Remain
^_Dugger Creek Falls
!(Proposed Internal Crossing
WWE/CES
Appendix A: Site Photographs 
Photo 1 – view upstream Dugger Creek (3/19/2018)Photo 2 –view upstream Dugger Creek (3/19/2018)
Photo 3 – view upstream Dugger Creek (3/19/2018)Photo 4 –view downstream Dugger Creek (3/19/2018)
Photo 5 – view downstream Dugger Creek (3/19/2018)Photo 6 –view upstream Dugger Creek (3/19/2018)

Photo 7 – view upstream Dugger Creek (3/19/2018)Photo 8 –view upstream Dugger Creek (3/19/2018)
Photo 9 – view upstream Dugger Creek (3/19/2018)Photo 10 –view downstream Dugger Creek (3/19/2018)
Photo 11 – view upstream Dugger Creek (3/19/2018)Photo 12 –view upstream Dugger Creek (3/19/2018)

Photo 13 – view upstream Dugger Creek (3/19/2018)Photo 14 –view downstream Dugger Creek (3/19/2018)
Photo 15 – view upstream Dugger Creek (3/19/2018)Photo 16 –view upstream Dugger Creek (3/19/2018)
Photo 17 – view downstream Dugger Creek (3/19/2018)Photo 18 –view upstream unnamed tributary (3/20/2018)

Photo 19 – view upstream unnamed tributary (3/20/2018)Photo 20 –view upstream unnamed tributary (3/20/2018)
Photo 21 – view down valley of unnamed tributary (3/20/2018)Photo 22 –view upstream unnamed tributary (3/20/2018)
Photo 23 – view downstream unnamed tributary (3/20/2018)Photo 24 –view upstream unnamed tributary (3/20/2018)

Photo 25 – view downstream unnamed tributary (3/21/2018)Photo 26 –view down valley of unnamed tributary (3/21/2018)
Photo 27 – view upstream unnamed tributary (3/21/2018)Photo 28 –view upstream unnamed tributary (3/21/2018)
Photo 29 – view downstream unnamed tributary (3/21/2018)Photo 30 –view downstream unnamed tributary (3/21/2018)

Photo 31 – view down valley of unnamed tributary (3/21/2018)Photo 32 –view upstream unnamed tributary (3/22/2018)
Photo 33 – view down valley of unnamed tributary (3/22/2018)Photo 34 –view up valley of unnamed tributary (3/22/2018)

Appendix B: Local Development and Golf Course Designs 

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Appendix C: Historical Aerial Photographs 

The EDR Aerial Photo Decade Package
Dugger Creek Please
Dugger Creek Please
Deep Gap, NC 28618
Inquiry Number:
November 17, 2017
5106161.5
6 Armstrong Road, 4th floor
Shelton, CT 06484
Toll Free: 800.352.0050
www.edrnet.com
Dugger Creek Please
November 17, 2017
Target Property:
Deep Gap, NC 28618
Date EDR Searched Historical Sources:
Aerial Photography
ScaleYear Details Source
1947 Aerial Photograph. Scale:1"=1000'Flight Year: 1947 USGS
1950 Aerial Photograph. Scale:1"=1000'Flight Year: 1950 USGS
1963 Aerial Photograph. Scale:1"=1000'Flight Year: 1963 USGS
1976 Aerial Photograph. Scale:1"=1000'Flight Year: 1976 USGS
1983 Aerial Photograph. Scale:1"=1000'Flight Year: 1983 USDA
1988 Aerial Photograph. Scale:1"=1000'Flight Year: 1988 USGS
1994 Aerial Photograph. Scale:1"=1000'Flight Year: 1994 DOQQ_USGS
1998 Aerial Photograph. Scale:1"=1000'Flight Year: 1998 DOQQ_USGS
2006 Aerial Photograph. Scale:1"=1000'Flight Year: 2006 NAIP_USGS
2010 Aerial Photograph. Scale:1"=1000'Flight Year: 2010 NAIP_USGS
2014 Aerial Photograph. Scale:1"=1000'Flight Year: 2014 NAIP_USGS
5106161.5
2
3
1
2
INQUIRY #: 5106161.5YEAR: INDEX
INQUIRY #: 5106161.5YEAR: 1947SCALE: 1"=1000'
INQUIRY #: 5106161.5YEAR: 1947SCALE: 1"=1000'
INQUIRY #: 5106161.5YEAR: 1947SCALE: 1"=1000'
INQUIRY #: 5106161.5YEAR: 1950SCALE: 1"=1000'
INQUIRY #: 5106161.5YEAR: 1950SCALE: 1"=1000'
INQUIRY #: 5106161.5YEAR: 1950SCALE: 1"=1000'
INQUIRY #: 5106161.5YEAR: 1963SCALE: 1"=1000'
INQUIRY #: 5106161.5YEAR: 1963SCALE: 1"=1000'
INQUIRY #: 5106161.5YEAR: 1963SCALE: 1"=1000'
INQUIRY #: 5106161.5YEAR: 1976SCALE: 1"=1000'
INQUIRY #: 5106161.5YEAR: 1976SCALE: 1"=1000'
INQUIRY #: 5106161.5YEAR: 1976SCALE: 1"=1000'
INQUIRY #: 5106161.5YEAR: 1983SCALE: 1"=1000'
INQUIRY #: 5106161.5YEAR: 1983SCALE: 1"=1000'
INQUIRY #: 5106161.5YEAR: 1983SCALE: 1"=1000'
INQUIRY #: 5106161.5YEAR: 1988SCALE: 1"=1000'
INQUIRY #: 5106161.5YEAR: 1988SCALE: 1"=1000'
INQUIRY #: 5106161.5YEAR: 1988SCALE: 1"=1000'
INQUIRY #: 5106161.5YEAR: 1994SCALE: 1"=1000'
INQUIRY #: 5106161.5YEAR: 1994SCALE: 1"=1000'
INQUIRY #: 5106161.5YEAR: 1994SCALE: 1"=1000'
INQUIRY #: 5106161.5YEAR: 1998SCALE: 1"=1000'
INQUIRY #: 5106161.5YEAR: 1998SCALE: 1"=1000'
INQUIRY #: 5106161.5YEAR: 1998SCALE: 1"=1000'
INQUIRY #: 5106161.5YEAR: 2006SCALE: 1"=1000'
INQUIRY #: 5106161.5YEAR: 2006SCALE: 1"=1000'
INQUIRY #: 5106161.5YEAR: 2006SCALE: 1"=1000'
INQUIRY #: 5106161.5YEAR: 2010SCALE: 1"=1000'
INQUIRY #: 5106161.5YEAR: 2010SCALE: 1"=1000'
INQUIRY #: 5106161.5YEAR: 2010SCALE: 1"=1000'
INQUIRY #: 5106161.5YEAR: 2014SCALE: 1"=1000'
INQUIRY #: 5106161.5YEAR: 2014SCALE: 1"=1000'
INQUIRY #: 5106161.5YEAR: 2014SCALE: 1"=1000'

Appendix D: Site Protection Instrument 

SPACE ABOVE THIS LINE FOR RECORDER’S USE 

PERMANENT CONSERVATION EASEMENT 

THIS CONSERVATION EASEMENT (“Conservation Easement”) made this 
   day of                                  , 2019 by and between ,  
(“Grantor”) and Unique Places to Save (“Grantee”). 

The designation Grantor and Grantee as used herein shall include said parties, 
their heirs, successors and assigns, and shall include singular, plural, masculine, feminine 
or neuter as required by context. 

RECITALS 

WHEREAS, Grantor owns in fee simple certain real property situated, lying and 
being in Watauga and Wilkes Counties, North Carolina, more particularly described in 
Exhibit A attached hereto and incorporated herein (the “Property”); 

WHEREAS, Grantee is a charitable, not‐for‐profit or educational corporation, 
association, or trust qualified under § 501 (c)(3) and § 170 (h) of the Internal Revenue 
Code, the purposes or powers of which include one or more of the purposes (a) – (d) 
RECORDING REQUESTED BY 
AND WHEN RECORDED MAIL TO: 

Wildlands Engineering, Inc. 
1430 South Mint Street, Suite 104 
Charlotte, NC 28203 
Prepared by Wildlands Engineering, Inc 
listed below; 

(a) retaining or protecting natural, scenic, or open‐space aspects of real 
property; 
(b) ensuring the availability of real property for recreational, educational,  or 
open‐space use; 
(c) protecting natural resources; 
(d) maintaining or enhancing air or water quality. 

WHEREAS, Grantor and Grantee recognize the conservation, scenic, natural, or 
aesthetic value of the property in its natural state, which includes the following natural 
communities: wetlands, streams and riparian  buffers. The purpose of this Conservation 
Easement is to maintain streams, wetlands  and riparian resources and other natural 
values of approximately  _____ acres, more or less, and being more particularly described 
in Exhibit B attached hereto and incorporated fully herein by reference (the 
“Conservation Easement Area”), and  prevent the use or development of the Conservation 
Easement Area for any purpose or in any manner that would conflict with the 
maintenance of its natural condition. 

WHEREAS, the preservation of the Conservation Easement Area is a condition of 
the approval of the Mitigation Banking Instrument (MBI) and Mitigation Plan for the 
Yadkin Valley Umbrella Mitigation Bank – Dugger Creek Mitigation Site, Department of 
the Army (DA) Action ID Number SAW 2017‐01918, entitled “Agreement to Establish the 
Yadkin Valley Umbrella Mitigation Bank in the Yadkin River Basin within the State of North 
Carolina”, entered into by and between Wildlands Holdings IV, LLC (Wildlands) acting as 
the Bank Sponsor and the Wilmington District Corps of Engineers (Corps), in consultation 
with the North  Carolina Interagency Review Team (IRT). The Dugger Creek Mitigation 
Site has been approved by the Corps for use as a mitigation bank to compensate for 
unavoidable stream and wetland impacts authorized by DA permits. 

WHEREAS, Grantor and Grantee agree that third‐party rights of enforcement  shall 
be held by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Wilmington District (“Third‐Party,” to 
include any successor agencies), and may be exercised through the appropriate 
enforcement agencies of the United States, and that these rights are in addition to, and 
do not limit, the rights of enforcement under the Department of the Army instrument 
number SAW‐2017‐01918 (“Mitigation Banking Instrument”), or any permit or 
certification issued by the Third‐Party. 

NOW, THEREFORE, for and in consideration of the covenants and  representations 
contained herein and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and legal 
sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, Grantor hereby  unconditionally and 
irrevocably grants and conveys unto Grantee, its heirs, successors and assigns, forever 
and in perpetuity a Conservation Easement of the nature and  character and to the extent 
hereinafter set forth, over the Conservation Easement Area  described on Exhibit B, 
together with the right to preserve and protect the conservation  values thereof, as 
follows: 
ARTICLE I. 
DURATIONOF EASEMENT 

This Conservation Easement shall be perpetual. This Conservation Easement is  an 
easement in gross, runs with the land and is enforceable by Grantee against Grantor, 
Grantor’s personal representatives, heirs, successors and assigns, lessees, agents and 
licensees. 

ARTICLE II. 
PROHIBITED AND RESTRICTED ACTIVITIES 

Any activity on, or use of, the Conservation Easement Area inconsistent with  the 
purpose of this Conservation Easement is prohibited. The Conservation  Easement Area 
shall be preserved in its natural condition and restricted from any development that 
would impair or interfere with the conservation values of the Conservation Easement 
Area. 

Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the following activities and  uses 
are expressly prohibited, restricted or reserved as indicated hereunder: 

A. Disturbance of Natural Features. Any change disturbance, alteration or 
impairment of the natural features of the Conservation Easement Area or any 
introduction of non‐native plants and/or animal species is prohibited. 

B. Construction. There shall be no constructing or placing of any building, mobile 
home, asphalt or concrete pavement, billboard or other advertising display, antenna, 
utility pole, tower, conduit, line, pier, landing, dock or any other temporary or permanent 
structure or facility on or above the Conservation  Easement Area. 

C. Industrial, Commercial and Residential Use. Industrial, residential and/or 
commercial activities, including any rights of passage for such purposes are prohibited. 

D. Agricultural, Grazing and Horticultural Use. Agricultural, grazing, animal 
husbandry, and horticultural use of the Conservation Easement Area are prohibited. 

E. Vegetation. There shall be no removal, burning, destruction, harming, cutting 
or mowing of trees, shrubs, or other vegetation in the Conservation Easement Area except 
as provided in the Mitigation Plan. Mowing of invasive and herbaceous  vegetation for 
purposes of enhancing planted or volunteer trees and shrubs approved  in the Mitigation 
Plan is allowable once a year for no more than five consecutive years from the date on 
page 1 of this Conservation Easement, except where mowing will negatively impact 
vegetation or disturb soils. Mowing activities shall only be performed  by Wildlands 
Holdings IV, LLC and shall not violate any part of Item L of Article II. 

F. Roads and Trails. There shall be no construction of roads, trails or walkways 
on the Conservation Easement Area; nor enlargement or modification to existing roads, 
trails or walkways. 

G. Signage. No signs shall be permitted on or over the Conservation Easement 
Area, except the posting of no trespassing signs, signs identifying the conservation  values 
of the Conservation Easement Area, signs giving directions or proscribing rules  and 
regulations for the use of the Conservation Easement Area and/or signs identifying  the 
Grantor as owner of the Conservation Easement Area. 

H. Dumping or Storage. Dumping or storage of soil, trash, ashes, garbage, waste, 
abandoned vehicles, appliances, machinery or hazardous substances, or toxic or 
hazardous waste, or any placement of underground or aboveground storage tanks or 
other materials on the Conservation Easement Area is prohibited. 

I. Excavation, Dredging or Mineral Use. There shall be no grading, filling, 
excavation, dredging, mining or drilling; no removal of topsoil, sand, gravel, rock, peat, 
minerals or other materials, and no change in the topography of the land in any  manner 
on the Conservation Easement Area, except to restore natural topography or drainage 
patterns.  For purposes of restoring and enhancing streams and wetlands  within the 
Conservation Easement Area, Wildlands is allowed to perform grading, filling, and 
excavation associated with stream and wetland restoration and  enhancement activities as 
described in the Mitigation Plan and authorized by  Department of the Army Nationwide 
Permit 27. 

J. Water Quality and Drainage Pattern. There shall be no diking, draining, 
dredging, channeling, filling, leveling, pumping, impounding or related activities, or 
altering or tampering with water control structures or devices, or disruption or alteration 
of the restored, enhanced, or created drainage patterns. In addition, diverting or causing 
or permitting the diversion of surface or underground water into, within or out of the 
easement area by any means, removal of wetlands, polluting or discharging into waters, 
springs, seeps, or wetlands, or use of pesticide or biocides is  prohibited. 

K. Development Rights. No development rights that have been encumbered or 
extinguished by this Conservation Easement shall be transferred pursuant to a 
transferable development rights scheme or cluster development arrangement or 
otherwise. 

L. Vehicles. The operation of mechanized vehicles, including, but not limited to, 
motorcycles, dirt bikes, all‐terrain vehicles, cars and trucks is prohibited other than for  
temporary or occasional access by the Wildlands, the Grantee, its employees and 
agents, successors, assigns, and the Corps for purposes of  constructing, maintaining 
and monitoring the restoration, enhancement and  preservation of streams, wetlands 
and riparian areas within the Conservation  Easement Area. 

M. Other Prohibitions. Any other use of, or activity on, the Conservation 
Easement Area which is or may become inconsistent with the purposes of this grant, the 
preservation of the Conservation Easement Area substantially in its natural condition, or 
the protection of its environmental systems, is prohibited. 

ARTICLE III 
GRANTOR’S RESEVERED RIGHTS 

The Grantor expressly reserves for himself, his personal representatives, heirs, 
successors or assigns, the right to continue the use of the Conservation Easement Area  for 
all purposes not inconsistent with this Conservation Easement, including, but not limited 
to, the right to quiet enjoyment of the Conservation Easement Area, the rights  of ingress 
and egress, the right to hunt, fish, and hike on the Conservation Easement Area, the right 
to sell, transfer, gift or otherwise convey the Conservation Easement Area, in whole or in 
part, provided such sale, transfer or gift conveyance is subject to  the terms of, and shall 
specifically reference, this Conservation Easement. 

Notwithstanding the foregoing Restrictions, Grantor reserves for Grantor, its 
successors and assigns, including Wildlands acting as the Bank Sponsor, the right to 
construct and perform activities related to the restoration, enhancement, and 
preservation of streams, wetlands and riparian areas within the Conservation  Easement 
Area in accordance with the approved Yadkin Valley Umbrella Mitigation Plan‐Dugger 
Creek Mitigation Site, and the Mitigation Banking Instrument described in the Recitals of 
this Conservation  Easement. 

Notwithstanding the foregoing Restrictions, Grantor reserves for Grantor, its 
successors and assigns, the following rights in the areas labeled as “Reserved Stream 
Crossing” in the approved Yadkin Valley Umbrella Mitigation Bank – Dugger Creek Site 
Mitigation Plan, Department of the Army (DA) Action ID Number SAW‐2017‐01918:  

Reserved Stream Crossing: vehicular access is allowed.   

ARTICLE IV. 
GRANTEE’S RIGHTS 

The Grantee or its authorized representatives, successors and assigns, and the 
Corps, shall have the right to enter the Property and Conservation Easement Area at all 
reasonable times for the purpose of inspecting the Conservation Easement Area to 
determine if the Grantor, or his personal representatives, heirs, successors, or assigns, is 
complying with the terms, conditions, restrictions, and purposes of this Conservation 
Easement.  The Grantee, Wildlands, and its authorized representatives, successors and 
assigns, and the Corps shall also have the right to enter and go upon the Conservation 
Easement Area for purposes of making scientific or educational observations and studies, 
and taking samples. The easement rights granted herein do  not include public access 
rights. 

ARTICLE V 
ENFORCEMENT AND REMEDIES 

A. To accomplish the purposes of this Easement, Grantee, and the Corps are 
allowed to prevent any activity on or use of the Conservation Easement Area that is 
inconsistent with the purposes of this Easement and to require the restoration of such 
areas or features of the Conservation Easement Area that may be damaged by such 
activity or use. Upon any breach of the terms of this Conservation Easement by Grantor 
that comes to the attention of the Grantee, the Grantee shall notify the Grantor in writing 
of such breach. The Grantor shall have 30 days after receipt of such notice to correct the 
conditions constituting such breach. If the breach remains  uncured after 30 days, the 
Grantee may enforce this Conservation Easement by appropriate legal proceedings 
including damages, injunctive and other relief.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, the 
Grantee reserves the immediate right, without  notice, to obtain a temporary restraining 
order, injunctive or other appropriate relief if  the breach of the terms of this Conservation 
Easement is or would irreversibly or otherwise materially impair the benefits to be derived 
from this Conservation  Easement. The Grantor and Grantee acknowledge that under such 
circumstances  damage to the Grantee would be irreparable and remedies at law will be 
inadequate.  The rights and remedies of the Grantee provided hereunder shall be in 
addition to,  and not in lieu of, all other rights and remedies available to Grantee in 
connection   with this Conservation Easement. The costs of a breach, correction or 
restoration, including the Grantee’s expenses, court costs, and attorneys’ fees, shall be 
paid by  Grantor, provided Grantor is determined to be responsible for the breach. The 
Corps  shall have the same rights and privileges as the said Grantee to enforce the terms 
and  conditions of this Conservation easement. 

B. No failure on the part of the Grantee to enforce any covenant or provision 
hereof shall discharge or invalidate such covenant or any other covenant, condition, or 
provision hereof or affect the right to Grantee to enforce the same in the event of  a 
subsequent breach or default. 

C. Nothing contained in this Conservation Easement shall be construed to 
entitle Grantee to bring any action against Grantor for any injury or change in the 
Conservation Easement Area resulting from causes beyond the Grantor’s control, 
including, without limitation, fire, flood, storm, war, acts of God or third parties, except 
Grantor’s lessees or invitees; or from any prudent action taken in good faith by Grantor 
under emergency conditions to prevent, abate, or mitigate significant injury to life, 
damage to property or harm to the Conservation Easement Area resulting from such 
causes. 
ARTICLE VI 
MISCELLANEOUS 

A. Warranty. Grantor warrants, covenants and represents that it owns the 
Property in fee simple, and that Grantor either owns all interests in the Property which 
may be impaired by the granting of this Conservation Easement or that there are no 
outstanding mortgages, tax liens, encumbrances, or other interests in the Property which 
have not been expressly subordinated to this Conservation Easement. Grantor further 
warrants that Grantee shall have the use of and enjoy all the benefits derived  from and 
arising out of this Conservation Easement, and that Grantor will warrant and  defend title 
to the Property against the claims of all persons. 

B. Subsequent Transfers. The Grantor agrees to incorporate the terms of this 
Conservation Easement in any deed or other legal instrument that transfers any  interest 
in all or a portion of the Conservation Easement Area. The Grantor agrees to  provide 
written notice of such transfer at least sixty (60) days prior to the date of the transfer. The 
Grantor and Grantee agree that the terms of this Conservation Easement shall survive any 
merger of the fee and easement interests in the Conservation Easement Area or any 
portion thereof and shall not be amended, modified or terminated without the prior 
written consent and approval of the Corps. 

C. Assignment. The parties recognize and agree that the benefits of this 
Conservation Easement are in gross and assignable provided, however that the Grantee 
hereby covenants and agrees, that in the event it transfers or assigns this  Conservation 
Easement, the organization receiving the interest will be a qualified  holder pursuant to 33 
CFR 332.7 (a)(1), N.C. Gen. Stat. § 121‐34 et seq. and § 501 (c)(3) and § 170 (h) of the 
Internal Revenue Code, and the Grantee further covenants and  agrees that the terms of 
the transfer or assignment will be such that the transferee or assignee will be required to 
continue in perpetuity the conservation purposes  described in this document. 

D. Entire Agreement and Severability. The Mitigation Banking Instrument:  MBI 
with corresponding Mitigation Plan, and this Conservation Easement sets forth the entire 
agreement of the parties with respect to the Conservation Easement and  supersedes all 
prior discussions, negotiations, understandings or agreements relating to  the 
Conservation Easement. If any provision is found to be void or unenforceable by a  court of 
competent jurisdiction, the remainder shall continue in full force and effect. 

E. Obligations of Ownership. Grantor is responsible for any real estate taxes, 
assessments, fees, or charges levied upon the Property. Grantor shall keep the Property 
free of any liens or other encumbrances for obligations incurred by Grantor, except those 
incurred after the date hereof, which are expressly subject and subordinate to the 
Conservation Easement. Grantee shall not be responsible for any costs or liability of any 
kind related to the ownership, operation, insurance, upkeep, or maintenance of the 
Property, except as expressly provided herein. Nothing herein shall relieve the Grantor of 
the obligation to comply with federal, state or local laws, regulations and permits that may 
apply to the exercise of the Reserved Rights. 

F. Long‐Term Management.  If livestock operations will be maintained on the 
property, Grantor is responsible for all long‐term management activities associated  with 
fencing to ensure livestock do not have access to the Protected Property.  These activities 
include the maintenance and/or replacement of fence structures, as deemed necessary by 
the Grantee, to ensure the aquatic resource functions within the boundaries of the 
Protected Property are sustained. 

G. Extinguishment. In the event that changed conditions render impossible the 
continued use of the Conservation Easement Area for the conservation purposes, this 
Conservation Easement may only be extinguished, in whole or in part, by judicial 
proceeding. 

H. Eminent Domain. Whenever all or part of the Conservation Easement Area 
is taken in the exercise of eminent domain so as to substantially abrogate the 
Restrictions imposed by this Conservation Easement, Grantor and Grantee shall join in 
appropriate actions at the time of such taking to recover the full value of the taking, 
and all incidental and direct damages due to the taking. 

I. Proceeds. This Conservation Easement constitutes a real property interest 
immediately vested in Grantee. In the event that all or a portion of the Conservation 
Easement Area is sold, exchanged, or involuntarily converted following an  extinguishment 
or the exercise of eminent domain, Grantee shall be entitled to the fair market value of 
this Conservation Easement as determined at the time of the extinguishment or 
condemnation. 

J. Notification. Any notice, request for approval, or other communication  required 
under this Conservation Easement shall be sent by registered or certified mail,  postage 
prepaid, to the following addresses (or such address as may be hereafter specified by 
notice pursuant to this paragraph): 

To Grantor: 
[Name, address and fax number] 

To Grantee: 
Unique Places to Save 
PO Box 1183 
Chapel Hill, NC 27514‐1183 
Attention: David Harper 

To Sponsor: 
Wildlands Holdings IV, LLC 
143 South Mint Street, Suite 104 
Charlotte, NC 28203 
Attention:  Shawn D. Wilkerson 
Fax: 704‐332‐3306 

To the Corps: 
US Army Corps of Engineers 
Wilmington District Regulatory Division 
69 Darlington Avenue 
Wilmington, NC 28403 

K. Failure of Grantee. If at any time Grantee is unable or fails to enforce this 
Conservation Easement, or if Grantee ceases to be a qualified grantee, and if within a 
reasonable period of time after the occurrence of one of these events Grantee fails to 
make an assignment pursuant to this Conservation Easement, then the Grantee’s  interest 
shall become vested in another qualified grantee in accordance with an  appropriate 
proceeding in a court of competent jurisdiction. 

L. Amendment. This Conservation Easement may be amended, but only in  a 
writing signed by all parties hereto, and provided such amendment does not affect the 
qualification of this Conservation Easement or the status of the Grantee under any 
applicable laws, and is consistent with the conservation purposes of this  grant. 

M. Present Condition of the Conservation Easement Area. The wetlands, scenic, 
resource, environmental, and other natural characteristics of the Conservation 
Easement Area, and its current use and state of improvement, are described in Section 
3 of the Mitigation Plan, prepared by Grantor and acknowledged by the Grantor and 
Grantee to be complete and accurate as of the date hereof. Both Grantor and  Grantee 
have copies of this report. It will be used by the parties to assure that any  future changes 
in the use of the Conservation Easement Area will be consistent with  the terms of this 
Conservation Easement. However, this report is not intended to preclude the use of other 
evidence to establish the present condition of the Conservation Easement Area if there is a 
controversy over its use. 

TO HAVE AND TO HOLD the said rights and easements perpetually unto Grantee for the 
aforesaid purposes. 

IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, the Grantor has hereunto set his hand and seal, the day and 
year first above written. 

By:  ________________________________   

Date:________________________________   

NORTH CAROLINA  
COUNTY OF _________________ 

I, _____________________________, a Notary Public in and for the County and State 
aforesaid,  do  hereby  certify  that  _________________________,  Grantor,  personally 
appeared before me this day and acknowledged the execution of the foregoing instrument.    

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and Notary Seal this the __________ 
day of ___________________, 20__. 

________________________________________ 
Notary Public 

My commission expires: 

______________________________ 

IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, the Grantee has hereunto set his hand and seal, the day 
and year first above written. 

Unique Places to Save 

By: ___________________________________ (SEAL) 
David Harper, Director 

NORTH CAROLINA  
COUNTY OF _________________ 

I, _____________________________, a Notary Public in and for the County and State 
aforesaid, do hereby certify that David Harper, Grantor, personally appeared before me this 
day  and  acknowledged  that  he  is  Director  of  Unique  Places  to  Save,  a  non‐profit 
corporation, and that he, as Director, being authorized to do so, executed the foregoing on 
behalf of the corporation.    

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and Notary Seal this the __________ 
day of ___________________, 20__. 

________________________________________ 
Notary Public 

My commission expires: 

______________________________ 

EXHIBIT A 

[Property Description ‐ Map] 

EXHIBIT B 

[Easement Legal Description] 

Appendix E: Agency Correspondence 

North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources
State Historic Preservation Office
Peter B. Sandbwk. Administrator
Michael F. Easley, Governor Office of Archives and History
Lisheth C. Evans, Secretary Division of Historical Resources
Jeffrey J. Crow, Deputy Secretary David Brook, Director
May 2, 2006
.John Vilas
Environmental Consulting Services
3764 Rominger Road
Banner Elk, NC 28604
Re: Dogger Creek Tract Expansion Area, Watauga County, ER 06-0721
Dear Mr. Vilas:
We have received the archaeological survey report by Mr. Bobby Southerlin for the above project. We apologize
for the delay in our response. The report meets our office's guidelines and those of the Secretary of the Interior.
During the course of the survey, eleven sites were located within the project area. Three cemeteries purported to
be within the project area were not located. Mr. Southerlin has recommended that no further archaeological
investigation be conducted in connection with this project. He further recommends that caution be used during
construction in the general areas of the cemetery locations. We concur with these recommendations.
The above comments are made pursuant to Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act and the
Advisory Council on Historic Preservation's Regulations for Compliance with Section 106 codified at 36 CFR Part
800.
Thank you for your cooperation and consideration. If you have questions concerning the above comment, please
contact Renee Gledhill -Earley, environmental review coordinator, at 919/733-4763. In all future communication
concerning this project,-please,cite,the above referenced tracking number.
Sincerely,
fc
er Sandbeck
Bobby Southerlin, Archaeological Consultants of the Carolinas, Inc.
ACOE
Location Mailing Add -1 TelephanelFax
ADMINISTRATION 507 N. Biount St -1, Relcigh NC 4617 Mail Service Center, RaleitJ) NC 27699-4617 (919)733-47631133-9653
RESTORATION 515 N. III— Street, Raleigh NC 4617 Mail Service Center, Raleigh NC 27699-4617 [phone]/715-4801
SURVEY F PLANNING 515 N. Bloanl S1-1, Raleigh, NC 4617 Mail Service Cerner, Raleigh NC 276994617 [phone]/715-4807
Z'd 9i•69LGaeae dso:so 90 9T Few

North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources
State Historic Preservation Office
Ramona M. Bartos, Administrator
Governor Roy Cooper Office of Archives and History
Secretary Susi H. Hamilton Deputy Secretary Kevin Cherry
Location: 109 East Jones Street, Raleigh NC 27601 Mailing Address: 4617 Mail Service Center, Raleigh NC 27699-4617 Telephone/Fax: [phone]-6599

March 13, 2018

Andrea Eckardt
Wildlands Engineering, Inc.
1430 S. Mint Street, Suite 104
Charlotte, NC 28203

Re: Dugger Creek Mitigation Site, Wilkes and Watauga Counties, ER 18-0396
Dear Ms. Eckardt:
Thank you for your letter of February 8, 2018, concerning the above project.
We have conducted a review of the project and are aware of no historic resources which would be affected by
the project. Therefore, we have no comment on the project as proposed.

The above comments are made pursuant to Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act and the
Advisory Council on Historic Preservation’s Regulations for Compliance with Section 106 codified at 36 CFR
Part 800.

Thank you for your cooperation and consideration. If you have questions concerning the above comment,
contact Renee Gledhill-Earley, environmental review coordinator, at 919-807-6579 or
[e-mail]. In all future communication concerning this project, please cite the above
referenced tracking number.
Sincerely,

Ramona M. Bartos

             Wildlands Engineering, Inc.    (P) 704.332.7754  •  1430 S. Mint Street, Suite 104  •  Charlotte, NC 28203 
February 8, 2018 

Renee Gledhill‐Earley 
State Historic Preservation Office 
4617 Mail Service Center 
Raleigh, NC 27699‐4617 

Subject:  Dugger Creek Mitigation Site in Wilkes and Watauga Counties, NC 

Dear Ms. Gledhill‐Earley, 

Wildlands Engineering, Inc. requests review and comment on any possible issues that might emerge 
with respect to archaeological or cultural resources associated with a potential stream preservation 
project on the Dugger Creek Mitigation Bank Site.  A Site Map and USGS Topographic Map with 
approximate areas of the conservation easement are enclosed.  SHPO provided comment on the 
property in 2006 as part of a proposed development project on the site (ER 06‐0721).  We wanted to 
confirm nothing had changed in their assessment. 
The Dugger Creek Mitigation Bank, as part of the Wildlands Yadkin Valley Umbrella Mitigation Bank, is 
being developed to provide in‐kind mitigation for unavoidable stream channel impacts. The Dugger 
Creek Mitigation Bank will preserve a network of high‐quality, ecologically significant streams and 
natural communities in the Dugger Creek Valley. The project will include preservation of stream 
channels and  riparian buffers through a conservation easement. The site has historically been used for 
foresty. No architectural structures or achaeological artifacts have been observed or noted during 
preliminary surveys of the site for restoration purposes.   
We ask that you review the site based on the attached information to determine the presence of any 
historic properties.  
We thank you in advance for your timely response and cooperation. Please feel free to contact us with 
any questions that you may have concerning the extent of site disturbance associated with this project.  
Sincerely, 

Andrea S. Eckardt, Project Manager 
[e-mail] 
704.332.7754 x 101 

             Wildlands Engineering, Inc.    (P) 704.332.7754  •  1430 S. Mint Street, Suite 104  •  Charlotte, NC 28203 
February 8, 2018 

Shannon Deaton 
North Carolina Wildlife Resource Commission 
Division of Inland Fisheries 
1721 Mail Service Center 
Raleigh, NC 27699 

Subject:  Dugger Creek Mitigation Site in Wilkes and Watauga Counties, NC 

Dear Ms. Deaton, 

The purpose of this letter is to request review and comment on any possible issues that might emerge 
with respect to fish and wildife issues associated with a potential stream preservation project on the 
Dugger Creek Mitigation Site. A Site Map and USGS Topographic Map showing the approximate project 
area are enclosed.   The topographic figure was prepared from the Deep Gap and Buffalo Cove USGS 7.5‐
minute topographic quadrangle. 
The Dugger Creek Mitigation Bank Site, as part of the Wildlands Yadkin Valley Umbrella Mitigation Bank, 
is being developed to provide in‐kind mitigation for unavoidable stream channel impacts. The Dugger 
Creek Mitigation Bank will preserve a network of high‐quality, ecologically significant streams and 
nuatural communities in the Dugger Creek Valley. The project will include preservation of stream 
channels and  riparian buffers through a conservation easement. The site has historically been used for 
foresty.  
We thank you in advance for your timely response and cooperation. Please feel free to contact us with 
any questions that you may have concerning the extent of site disturbance associated with this project.  
Sincerely, 

Andrea S. Eckardt, Project Manager 
[e-mail] 
704.332.7754 x 101 

North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission
Gordon Myers, Executive Director

Mailing Address: Habitat Conservation • 1721 Mail Service Center • Raleigh, NC 27699-1721
Telephone: [phone] • Fax: [phone]
March 14, 2018

Andrea Eckardt
Wildlands Engineering
1430 S. Mint Street, Suite 104
Charlotte, NC 28203

SUBJECT: Dugger Creek Mitigation Site

Dear Ms. Eckardt:

Biologists with the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) received your February 8,
2018 letter regarding plans for a stream preservation project on Elk Creek and unnamed tributaries in
Watauga and Wilkes County. You requested review and comment on any possible issues that might
emerge with respect to fish and wildlife associated with the project. Our comments on this project are
offered for your consideration under provisions of the Clean Water Act of 1977 (33 U.S.C. 466 et. seq.)
and Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act (48 Stat. 401, as amended; 16 U.S.C. 661-667d).

Details were not provided in the letter on design nor the size of the project. The project is proposed as a
mitigation project and will involve stream preservation on a large number of stream feet. NCWRC staff
did attend an agency site visit in the fall of 2017, and our comments on the site were incorporated in a
summary of this site visit.

This project should not impact wild trout resources. We are supportive of protecting this high quality
resource.

Thank you for the opportunity to review and comment on this project. Please contact me at (828) 803-
6054 if you have any questions about these comments.

Sincerely,

Andrea Leslie
Mountain Region Coordinator
Habitat Conservation Program

North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission
Gordon Myers, Executive Director

Mailing Address: N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission • 1701 Mail Service Center • Raleigh NC 27699-1701
Telephone: [phone]
15 March 2017
Dear Blue Ridge Mountain Club,
The purpose of this memo is to provide an overview of fisheries work completed by North Carolina
Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) staff on South Fork Laurel Creek, Laurel Creek, and Dugger
Creek.
Laurel Creek
On September 28th and October 5th, the South Fork and mainstem of Laurel Creek were surveyed by
NCWRC staff. The mainstem was surveyed near the Powder Horn Mountain Campground and the South
Fork was surveyed just upstream of the Blue Hole. At both sites, 450-600 feet of stream was surveyed
using a backpack electrofishing unit, which uses electricity to temporarily stun fish. The purpose of the
surveys was to gather general information about the trout population such as size range and body
condition of the fish.
At the mainstem site, we collected 31 Brown Trout ranging in length from 3 to 14 inches. One 6-inch
Brook Trout was also collected. The Brown Trout population appears to be doing well, as most fish were
plump and the variety of lengths observed suggests that several different age-classes were present. As
with our 2015 survey, several of the trout were over 10 inches in length, which is relatively uncommon
among wild trout in western North Carolina. In addition, six other non-game fish species were collected.
At the South Fork site, 58 Brook Trout were collected and ranged in length from 2 to 6 inches. Nearly
half of all the trout collected were < 4 inches long, indicating that the adults had successfully spawned
the previous fall. Overall, the Brook Trout population in South Laurel Creek appears to be doing well.
Dugger Creek
On September 28th, Dugger Creek was surveyed at two sites above Dugger Creek Falls. The lower site
was just upstream of the falls and the upper site was near the campsite between the falls and the
Middle Dugger Creek Connector trail.
At the lower site, we collected 12 Brook Trout ranging in length from 2 to 6 inches. Both the number
and size of fish were better at the upper site; 34 Brook Trout were collected and ranged in length from 3
to 8 inches, with many more intermediate-size fish.
Page 2

Overall, the Brook Trout populations in Dugger Creek and South Fork Laurel Creek appear to be doing
well, and represent unique Southern Appalachian resources, as they are the only salmonid native to the
region. However, they are becoming increasingly rare in many of our streams as a result of competition
with non-native trout species like Rainbow Trout, climate change, and habitat degradation. For these
and other reasons, the trout populations within Blue Ridge Mountain Club are highly valuable and any
efforts to preserve the fish and their habitat are worthwhile.
Finally, Whirling Disease has been documented in Brook Trout and Brown Trout from Laurel Creek.
Whirling Disease is “a malady of trout and salmon caused by a microscopic parasite that produces a
spore. The water-borne parasite (Myxobolus cerebralis) may not directly kill trout, but fish heavily
infested can become deformed or exhibit the erratic tail-chasing behavior from which the disease gets
its name.” The impacts of this disease on infected trout populations in North Carolina are not yet known
because it was not documented here until 2015. In states where Whirling Disease has been documented
for a long time, the effects of the disease have been mixed. For example, no major impacts have been
observed in infected waters in New York, whereas states like Colorado have documented substantial
population-level declines. We plan to monitor the effects of Whirling Disease on trout in Laurel Creek
and elsewhere, and will keep you informed of our findings. In the meantime, there are ways to help
prevent the spread of Whirling Disease from Laurel Creek to other streams. Anglers fishing Laurel Creek
should spray any mud or debris off of their waders and allow them to completely dry before visiting
another stream. If an angler plans to fish two (or more) streams in a short timeframe, they should either
thoroughly spray their waders and boots with 409 cleaner or soak their gear in 10% bleach for 10
minutes. Our agency website has a page specifically dedicated to Whirling Disease (see link below).

Please let me know if you have questions or if I can be of assistance,

Thank you,
Thomas

Thomas Johnson
NCWRC Fisheries Biologist I
Boone, NC 28607
828-386-6163
[e-mail]
Useful links
NCWRC Website: http://www.ncwildlife.org/
NCWRC Trout Fishing Page: http://www.ncwildlife.org/Learning/Species/Fish/Trout/TroutFishing.aspx
NCWRC Fishing Areas & Access Map: https://ncpaws.org/wrcmapbook/FishingAreas.aspx
NCWRC Whirling Disease Page: http://www.ncwildlife.org/Fishing/Whirling-Disease

             Wildlands Engineering, Inc.    (P) 704.332.7754  •  1430 S. Mint Street, Suite 104  •  Charlotte, NC 28203 
February 8, 2018 

Byron Hamstead 
USFWS Asheville Field Office 
160 Zillicoa Street 
Asheville, NC 28801 

Subject:  Dugger Creek Mitigation Site in Wilkes and Watauga Counties, NC 

Dear Mr. Hamstead, 
The Dugger Creek Mitigation Bank Site, as part of the Wildlands Yadkin Valley Umbrella Mitigation Bank, 
is being developed to provide in‐kind mitigation for unavoidable stream channel impacts. The Dugger 
Creek Mitigation Bank will preserve a network of high‐quality, ecologically significant streams and 
nuatural communities in the Dugger Creek Valley. The project will include preservation of stream 
channels and  riparian buffers through a conservation easement. The site has historically been used for 
foresty.  
We have already obtained an updated species list for Wilkes and Watauga Counties from your website 
(https://www.fws.gov/raleigh/species/cntylist/wilkes.html,https://www.fws.gov/raleigh/species/cntylis
t/watauga.html). The Carolina northern flying squirrel (Glaucomys sabrinus coloratus), Gray Bat (Myotis 
grisescens), Virginia big‐eared bat (Corynorhinus townsendii virginianus), Spruce‐fir moss spider 
(Microhexura montivaga), Roan mountain bluet (Hedyotis purpurea var. montana), and Spreading avens 
(Geum radiatum) are listed as endangered in Watauga County. The Rusty‐patched bumblebee (Bombis 
affinis) is endangered in both Wilkes and Watauga Counties. The Blue Ridge goldenrod (Solidago 
spithamaea) and Heller’s blazing star (Liatris helleri) are listed as threatened in Watauga County and the 
northern long‐eared bat is listed both in Watauga and Wilkes Counties. The bog turtle (Glyptemys 
muhlenbergii) is listed in Watuaga and Wilkes as threanted due to similarity of appearance. We are 
requesting that you provide any known information on these species within the county. The USFWS will 
be contacted if suitable habitat for any listed species is found or if we can determine that the project 
may affect one or more federally listed species or designated critical habitat. 
Please provide comments on any possible issues that might emerge with respect to endangered species, 
migratory birds or other trust resources from the construction of a stream and riparian buffer project on 
the subject property. A Site Map and USGS Topographic Map showing the approximate project area are 
enclosed.  
If we have not heard from you in 45 days we will assume that you do not have any comments regarding 
associated laws and that you do not have any information relavent to this project at the current time.  

             Wildlands Engineering, Inc.    (P) 704.332.7754  •  1430 S. Mint Street, Suite 104  •  Charlotte, NC 28203 
We thank you in advance for your timely response and cooperation. Please feel free to contact us with 
any questions that you may have concerning the extent of site disturbance associated with this project.  
Sincerely, 

Andrea S. Eckardt, Project Manager 
[e-mail] 
704.332.7754 x 101 
United States Department of the Interior
FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE
Asheville Field Office
160 Zillicoa Street
Asheville, North Carolina 28801

March 7, 2018

Ms. Andrea Eckardt
Wildlands Engineering
1430 South Mint Street, Suite 104
Charlotte, North Carolina 28203

Dear Ms. Eckardt:

Subject: Dugger Creek Mitigation Site; Wilkes and Watauga Counties, North Carolina
Log No. 4-2-18-155

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) has reviewed the information provided in your
correspondence received via email dated February 8, 2018. We submit the following comments
in accordance with the provisions of the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act, as amended
(16 U.S.C. 661-667e); the National Environmental Policy Act (42 U.S.C. §4321 et seq.); and
section 7 of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1531-1543) (Act).

Project Description
According to your correspondence, you are seeking our comments with regards to potential
impacts to federally protected species that may be associated with the proposed mitigation
project near Darby, North Carolina. According to the information provided, the proposed project
would entail preservation of Dugger Creek and several of its unnamed tributaries. Specifically,
the proposed project would maintain 300 acres under conservation easement with 100-foot
riparian buffers along Dugger Creek and 50-foot riparian buffers along its tributaries. The
proposed project would maintain several stream crossings to accommodate landowner access and
fish stocking.

Federally Listed Endangered and Threatened Species
Service records indicate the presence of a hibernaculum for the federally threatened northern
long-eared bat (Myotis septentrionalis) in the project vicinity, and high quality summer roosting
habitat is likely throughout the project area. The project may impact suitable summer roosting
habitat if tree clearing is required to accommodate proposed stream crossings. However, the
final 4(d) rule (effective as of February 16, 2016), exempts incidental take of northern long-eared
bat associated with activities that occur greater than 0.25 miles from a known hibernation site,
and greater than 150 feet from a known, occupied maternity roost during the pup season (June 1
– July 31). Based on the information provided, the project would occur at a location where any
incidental take that may result from associated activities is exempt under the 4(d) rule.

2

The Service does not have records for any other federally protected species or designated critical
habitats in the vicinity of the proposed project.

We offer the following comments in the interest of protecting fish and wildlife resources:

Stream Crossings
In the interest of preserving natural resources and specifically, aquatic habitats for the purposes
of conservation, bridges or spanning structures should be used for all permanent roadway
crossings of streams and associated wetlands. Structures should span the channel and the
floodplain in order to minimize impacts to aquatic resources, allow for the movement of aquatic
and terrestrial organisms, and eliminate the need to place fill in streams and floodplains.

Bridges should be designed and constructed so that no piers or bents are placed in the stream,
approaches and abutments do not constrict the stream channel, and the crossing is perpendicular
to the stream. Spanning some or all of the floodplain allows the stream to access its floodplain
and dissipate energy during high flows and also provides for terrestrial wildlife passage. When
bank stabilization is necessary, we recommend that the use of riprap be minimized and that a
riprap-free buffer zone be maintained under the bridge to allow for wildlife movement. If fill in
the floodplain is necessary, floodplain culverts should be added through the fill to allow the
stream access to the floodplain during high flows.

If bridges are not possible and culverts are the only option, we suggest using bottomless culverts.
Bottomless culverts preserve the natural stream substrate, create less disturbance during
construction and provide a more natural post-construction channel. Culverts should be
sufficiently sized to mimic natural stream functions and habitats located at the crossing site;
allow for water depth, volume (flow), and velocity levels that will permit aquatic organism
passage; and accommodate the movement of debris and bed material during bank-full events.
Widening the stream channel must be avoided.

Where traditional culverts are the only feasible alternative to accommodate necessary stream
crossings, we recommend the use of multiple barrels, in addition to the low-flow barrel, to
convey flood flows. Floodplain barrels should be placed on or near stream bank-full or
floodplain bench elevation and discharge onto floodplain benches. Where appropriate, install
sills on the upstream end of floodplain barrels to restrict or divert the base stream flow to a single
barrel. If the culvert is longer than 40 linear feet, alternating or notched baffles should be
installed in a manner that mimics the existing stream pattern. This will enhance the passage of
aquatic life by: (1) depositing and retaining sediment in the barrel, (2) maintaining channel
depth and flow regimes, and (3) providing resting places for fish and other aquatic organisms.

Erosion and Sediment Control
Measures to control sediment and erosion should be installed before any ground-disturbing
activities occur. Instream work should occur under dry conditions utilizing a temporary
diversion/pump-around system. Grading and backfilling should be minimized, and existing
native vegetation should be retained (if possible) to maintain riparian cover for fish and wildlife.
Disturbed areas should be revegetated with native grass and tree species as soon as the project is
completed. Ground disturbance should be limited to what will be stabilized quickly, preferably
3

by the end of the workday. Natural fiber matting (coir) should be used for erosion control as
synthetic netting can trap animals and persist in the environment beyond its intended purpose.

The Service appreciates the opportunity to provide these comments. Please contact Mr. Byron
Hamstead of our staff at 828/258-3939, Ext. 225, if you have any questions. In any future
correspondence concerning this project, please reference our Log Number 4-2-18-155.

Sincerely,

- - original signed - -

Janet Mizzi
Field Supervisor

Appendix F: USACE Preliminary Jurisdictional Determination and NCSAM 
Documentation 

U.S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS
WILMINGTON DISTRICT
Action ID:SAW-2017-01918 County: Watauga / Wilkes U.S.G.S. Quad: Deep Gap & Buffalo Cove
NOTIFICATION OF JURISDICTIONAL DETERMINATION
Property Owner: Dugger Valley Investment Group, LLC
and BR Development Group LLC
Attn: Jaime Reynolds
Address:3050 Peachtree Road NW
Suite 370
Atlanta , GA 30305
Telephone Number: 404-260-7720
Size (acres): 885 acres
Nearest Town: Blowing Rock
Nearest Waterway:Dugger Creek
Coordinates: 36.134558 -81.515100
River Basin/ HUC:Yadkin / 03040101
Location description: The site for the proposed Dugger Creek Mitigation Site of the Yadkin Valley Umbrella
Mitigation Bank is located on/near Reynolds Parkway, near Blowing Rock, NC and include the follwing PINs: 2857-
75-7395 and 2857-94-3566 (Wilkes County); 2858-10-9856-000, 2858-14-0482-000, and 2848-55-9114-000 (Watauga
County).
Indicate Which of the Following Apply:
A. Preliminary Determination
X There are waters, including wetlands, on the above described project area, that may be subject to Section 404 of the
Clean Water Act (CWA)(33 USC § 1344) and/or Section 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act (RHA) (33 USC § 403). The
waters, including wetlands, have been delineated, and the delineation has been verified by the Corps to be sufficiently
accurate and reliable. Therefore this preliminary jurisdiction determination may be used in the permit evaluation process,
including determining compensatory mitigation. For purposes of computation of impacts, compensatory mitigation
requirements, and other resource protection measures, a permit decision made on the basis of a preliminary JD will treat
all waters and wetlands that would be affected in any way by the permitted activity on the site as if they are jurisdictional
waters of the U.S. This preliminary determination is not an appealable action under the Regulatory Program
Administrative Appeal Process (Reference 33 CFR Part 331). However, you may request an approved JD, which is an
appealable action, by contacting the Corps district for further instruction.
There are wetlands on the above described property, that may be subject to Section 404 of the Clean Water Act
(CWA)(33 USC § 1344) and/or Section 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act (RHA) (33 USC § 403). However, since the
waters, including wetlands, have not been properly delineated, this preliminary jurisdiction determination may not be
used in the permit evaluation process. Without a verified wetland delineation, this preliminary determination is merely
an effective presumption of CWA/RHA jurisdiction over all of the waters, including wetlands, at the project area,
which is not sufficiently accurate and reliable to support an enforceable permit decision. We recommend that you have
the waters of the U.S. on your property delineated. As the Corps may not be able to accomplish this wetland
delineation in a timely manner, you may wish to obtain a consultant to conduct a delineation that can be verified by the
Corps.
B. Approved Determination
There are Navigable Waters of the United States within the above described property subject to the permit requirements
of Section 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act (RHA) (33 USC § 403)and 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.
There are waters of the U.S. including wetlandson the above described property 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.
We recommend you have the waters of the U.S. on your property delineated. As the Corps may not be able to
accomplish this wetland delineation in a timely manner, you may wish to obtain a consultant to conduct a delineation
that can be verified by the Corps.
The waters of the U.S. including wetlands on your project area have been delineated and the delineation has been
verified by the Corps. If you wish to have the delineation surveyed, the Corps can review and verify the survey upon
completion. Once verified, this survey will provide an accurate depiction of all areas subject to CWA and/or RHA
jurisdiction on your property which, provided there is no change in the law or our published regulations, may be relied
upon for a period not to exceed five years.
_ The waters of the U.S. including wetlandshave been delineated and surveyed and are accurately depicted on the plat
signed by the Corps Regulatory Official identified below on . 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 no waters of the U.S., to include wetlands, present on the above described project area which are subject to the
permit requirements of Section 404 of the Clean Water Act (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 property is located in one of the 20 Coastal Counties subject to regulation under the Coastal Area Management Act
(CAMA). You should contact the Division of Coastal Management to determine their requirements.
Placement of dredged or fill material within waters of the US and/or wetlands without a Department of the Army permit may
constitute a violation of Section 301 of the Clean Water Act (33 USC § 1311). Placement of dredged or fill material,
construction or placement of structures, or work within navigable waters of the United States without a Department of the
Army permit may constitute a violation of Sections 9 and/or 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act (33 USC § 401 and/or 403). If
you have any questions regarding this determination and/or the Corps regulatory program, please contact Amanda Jones at
828-271-7980, ext. 4225 or [e-mail].
C. Basis for Determination:
See attached preliminary jurisdictional determination form for a table listing of aquatic resources that correspond to
Figures 1-5 noted below. The site contains stream channels located on the property that exhibit indicators of
ordinary high water marks. These stream channels include Dugger Creek and its unnamed tributaries which
ultimately flows into the Yadkin River which is considered a navigable waterway.

D. Remarks:
The potential waters of the U.S. were verified on-site by the Corps on October 24, 2018 and are as approximately
depicted on the attached Figures 1-5 from Wildlands Engineering dated November 15, 2018. Please note that these
figures and this determination only applies to stream channels for the purposes of developing a stream preservation
umbrella mitigation site and there are wetlands also present within the site that are not depicted on these figures or the in
the attached jurisdictional determination form.
E. Attention USDA Program Participants
This delineation/determination has been conducted to identify the limits of Corps’ Clean Water Act jurisdiction for the
particular site identified in this request. The delineation/determination may not be valid for the wetland conservation
provisions of the Food Security Act of 1985. If you or your tenant are USDA Program participants, or anticipate
participation in USDA programs, you should request a certified wetland determination from the local office of the
Natural Resources Conservation Service, prior to starting work.
F. Appeals Information (This information applies only to approved jurisdictional determinations as indicated in
B. above)
This correspondence constitutes an approved jurisdictional determination for the above described site. If you object to
this determination, you may request an administrative appeal under Corps regulations at 33 CFR Part 331. Enclosed you
will find a Notification of Appeal Process (NAP) fact sheet and request for appeal (RFA) form. If you request to appeal
this determination you must submit a completed RFA form to the following address:
US Army Corps of Engineers
South Atlantic Division
Attn: Jason Steele, Review Officer
60 Forsyth Street SW, Room 10M15
Atlanta, Georgia 30303-8801
In order for an RFA to be accepted by the Corps, the Corps must determine that it is complete, that it meets the criteria
for appeal under 33 CFR part 331.5, and that it has been received by the Division Office within 60 days of the date of the
NAP. Should you decide to submit an RFA form, it must be received at the above address by N/A (Preliminary-JD).
**It is not necessary to submit an RFA form to the Division Office if you do not object to the determination in this
correspondence.**
Corps Regulatory Official: ___________________________________
Amanda Jones
Issue Date of JD: January 7, 2019 Expiration Date: N/A Preliminary JD
The Wilmington District is committed to providing the highest level of support to the public. To help us ensure
we continue to do so, please complete our Customer Satisfaction Survey, located online at
http://corpsmapu.usace.army.mil/cm_apex/f?p=136:4:0.
Copy furnished:
Wildlands Engineering, Attn: Ian Eckardt (via email)

FUEMMELER.AMAND
A.JONES.1242835090
Digitally signed by
FUEMMELER.AMANDA.JONES.1242835090
DN: c=US, o=U.S. Government, ou=DoD, ou=PKI, ou=USA,
cn=FUEMMELER.AMANDA.JONES.1242835090
Date: 2019.01.07 08:28:17 -05'00'
NOTIFICATION OF ADMINISTRATIVE APPEAL OPTIONS AND PROCESS AND
REQUEST FOR APPEAL
Applicant: Dugger Valley Investment Group, LLC
and BR Development Group LLC /
Attn: Jaime Reynolds
File Number: SAW-SAW-2017-01918 Date: January 7, 2019
Attached is:See Section below
INITIAL PROFFERED PERMIT (Standard Permit or Letter of permission) A
PROFFERED PERMIT (Standard Permit or Letter of permission) B
PERMIT DENIAL C
APPROVED JURISDICTIONAL DETERMINATION D
PRELIMINARY JURISDICTIONAL DETERMINATION E
SECTION I - The following identifies your rights and options regarding an administrative appeal of the above decision.
Additional information may be found at http://www.usace.army.mil/Missions/CivilWorks/RegulatoryProgramandPermits.aspx or
Corps regulations at 33 CFR Part 331.
A: INITIAL PROFFERED PERMIT: You may accept or object to the permit.
x ACCEPT: If you received a Standard Permit, you may sign the permit document and return it to the district engineer for final
authorization. If you received a Letter of Permission (LOP), you may accept the LOP and your work is authorized. Your signature
on the Standard Permit or acceptance of the LOP means that you accept the permit in its entirety, and waive all rights to appeal the
permit, including its terms and conditions, and approved jurisdictional determinations associated with the permit.
x OBJECT: If you object to the permit (Standard or LOP) because of certain terms and conditions therein, you may request that the
permit be modified accordingly. You must complete Section II of this form and return the form to the district engineer. Your
objections must be received by the district engineer within 60 days of the date of this notice, or you will forfeit your right to appeal
the permit in the future. Upon receipt of your letter, the district engineer will evaluate your objections and may: (a) modify the
permit to address all of your concerns, (b) modify the permit to address some of your objections, or (c) not modify the permit
having determined that the permit should be issued as previously written. After evaluating your objections, the district engineer
will send you a proffered permit for your reconsideration, as indicated in Section B below.
B: PROFFERED PERMIT: You may accept or appeal the permit
x ACCEPT: If you received a Standard Permit, you may sign the permit document and return it to the district engineer for final
authorization. If you received a Letter of Permission (LOP), you may accept the LOP and your work is authorized. Your signature
on the Standard Permit or acceptance of the LOP means that you accept the permit in its entirety, and waive all rights to appeal the
permit, including its terms and conditions, and approved jurisdictional determinations associated with the permit.
x APPEAL: If you choose to decline the proffered permit (Standard or LOP) because of certain terms and conditions therein, you
may appeal the declined permit under the Corps of Engineers Administrative Appeal Process by completing Section II of this form
and sending the form to the division engineer. This form must be received by the division engineer within 60 days of the date of
this notice.
C: PERMIT DENIAL: You may appeal the denial of a permit under the Corps of Engineers Administrative Appeal Process by
completing Section II of this form and sending the form to the division engineer. This form must be received by the division engineer
within 60 days of the date of this notice.
D: APPROVED JURISDICTIONAL DETERMINATION: You may accept or appeal the approved JD or provide new information.
x ACCEPT: You do not need to notify the Corps to accept an approved JD. Failure to notify the Corps within 60 days of the date of
this notice, means that you accept the approved JD in its entirety, and waive all rights to appeal the approved JD.
x APPEAL: If you disagree with the approved JD, you may appeal the approved JD under the Corps of Engineers Administrative
Appeal Process by completing Section II of this form and sending the form to the district engineer. This form must be received by
the division engineer within 60 days of the date of this notice.
E: PRELIMINARY JURISDICTIONAL DETERMINATION: You do not need to respond to the Corps regarding the preliminary JD.
The Preliminary JD is not appealable. If you wish, you may request an approved JD (which may be appealed), by contacting the Corps
district for further instruction. Also you may provide new information for further consideration by the Corps to reevaluate the JD.
SECTION II - REQUEST FOR APPEAL or OBJECTIONS TO AN INITIAL PROFFERED PERMIT
REASONS FOR APPEAL OR OBJECTIONS: (Describe your reasons for appealing the decision or your objections to an initial
proffered permit in clear concise statements. You may attach additional information to this form to clarify where your reasons or
objections are addressed in the administrative record.)
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: The appeal is limited to a review of the administrative record, the Corps memorandum for the record
of the appeal conference or meeting, and any supplemental information that the review officer has determined is needed to clarify the
administrative record. Neither the appellant nor the Corps may add new information or analyses to the record. However, you may
provide additional information to clarify the location of information that is already in the administrative record.
POINT OF CONTACT FOR QUESTIONS OR INFORMATION:
If you have questions regarding this decision and/or the
appeal process you may contact:
District Engineer, Wilmington Regulatory Division,
Attn:Amanda Jones
151 Patton Avenue, Room 208
Asheville, North Carolina 28801-5006
828-271-7980, ext. 4232
If you only have questions regarding the appeal process you may
also contact:
Mr. Jason Steele, Administrative Appeal Review Officer
CESAD-PDO
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, South Atlantic Division
60 Forsyth Street, Room 10M15
Atlanta, Georgia 30303-8801
Phone: [phone]
RIGHT OF ENTRY: Your signature below grants the right of entry to Corps of Engineers personnel, and any government
consultants, to conduct investigations of the project site during the course of the appeal process. You will be provided a 15 day
notice of any site investigation, and will have the opportunity to participate in all site investigations.
________________________________________
Signature of appellant or agent.
Date: Telephone number:
For appeals on Initial Proffered Permits send this form to:
District Engineer, Wilmington Regulatory Division,Attn.:Amanda Jones, 69 Darlington Avenue, Wilmington,
North Carolina 28403
For Permit denials, Proffered Permits and approved Jurisdictional Determinations send this form to:
Division Engineer, Commander, U.S. Army Engineer Division, South Atlantic, Attn: Mr. Jason Steele,
Administrative Appeal Officer, CESAD-PDO, 60 Forsyth Street, Room 10M15, Atlanta, Georgia 30303-8801
Phone: [phone]
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Table 1.  Table of Aquatic Resources in Review Area Which “May Be” Subject to Regulatory Jurisdiction Feature Latitude Longitude Estimated Amount of Aquatic Resource in Review Area (LF/AC) Type of Aquatic Resource Geographic Authority to which the aquatic resources “may be” subject (i.e., Section 404, or Section 10/404) 1. CAD‐1  36.135439  ‐81.523398  307 Perennial Non‐Wetland Waters Section 404 2. CAD‐2  36.154762  ‐81.549010  99 Intermittent Non‐Wetland Waters Section 404 3. CAD‐5  36.134806  ‐81.523827  288 Intermittent Non‐Wetland Waters Section 404 4. CAD‐6  36.136049  ‐81.520981  97 Intermittent Non‐Wetland Waters Section 404 5. CAD‐7  36.135999  ‐81.523326  56 Intermittent Non‐Wetland Waters Section 404 6.  CAD‐8  36.135116  ‐81.523929  121 Intermittent Non‐Wetland Waters Section 404 7. CAD‐9  36.135017  ‐81.522296  219 Intermittent Non‐Wetland Waters Section 404 8. CAD‐9  36.135438  ‐81.522063  114 Perennial Non‐Wetland Waters Section 404 9. CAD‐10  36.138092  ‐81.524262  63 Intermittent Non‐Wetland Waters Section 404 10. DU‐18P  36.150502  ‐81.526749  2,378 Perennial Non‐Wetland Waters Section 404 11. DU‐19AJ  36.149176  ‐81.529005  202 Intermittent Non‐Wetland Waters Section 404 12. DU‐19AP  36.148206  ‐81.529079  642 Perennial Non‐Wetland Waters Section 404 
Feature Latitude Longitude Estimated Amount of Aquatic Resource in Review Area (LF/AC) Type of Aquatic Resource Geographic Authority to which the aquatic resources “may be” subject (i.e., Section 404, or Section 10/404) 13. DU‐19BJ  36.148621  ‐81.529397  93 Intermittent Non‐Wetland Waters Section 404 14. DU‐1AJ  36.151622  ‐81.524647  308 Intermittent Non‐Wetland Waters Section 404 15. DU‐1AP  36.151488  ‐81.525435  167 Perennial Non‐Wetland Waters Section 404 16. DU‐1BJ  36.153106  ‐81.525611  317 Intermittent Non‐Wetland Waters Section 404 17. DU‐1CJ  36.152940  ‐81.526414  355 Intermittent Non‐Wetland Waters Section 404 18. DU‐1DJ  36.149221  ‐81.524661  94 Intermittent Non‐Wetland Waters Section 404 19. DU‐1DP  36.149566  ‐81.525885  717 Perennial Non‐Wetland Waters Section 404 20. DU‐21AJ  36.149369  ‐81.531491  225 Intermittent Non‐Wetland Waters Section 404 21. DU‐21AP  36.149042  ‐81.531780  1,014 Perennial Non‐Wetland Waters Section 404 22. DU‐21BJ  36.149173  ‐81.532599  74 Intermittent Non‐Wetland Waters Section 404 23. DU‐21BJ1  36.149548  ‐81.532492  254 Intermittent Non‐Wetland Waters Section 404 24. DU‐21BP  36.149027  ‐81.532072  352 Perennial Non‐Wetland Waters Section 404 
Feature Latitude Longitude Estimated Amount of Aquatic Resource in Review Area (LF/AC) Type of Aquatic Resource Geographic Authority to which the aquatic resources “may be” subject (i.e., Section 404, or Section 10/404) 25. DU‐22AJ  36.153107  ‐81.531412  500 Intermittent Non‐Wetland Waters Section 404 26. DU‐22AP  36.139858  ‐81.522120  18,129 Perennial Non‐Wetland Waters Section 404 27. DU‐22BJ  36.155050  ‐81.533527  305 Intermittent Non‐Wetland Waters Section 404 28. DU‐22BP  36.151267  ‐81.533342  2,988 Perennial Non‐Wetland Waters Section 404 29. DU‐23AJ  36.155242  ‐81.536354  124 Intermittent Non‐Wetland Waters Section 404 30. DU‐23AP  36.155110  ‐81.537310  516 Perennial Non‐Wetland Waters Section 404 31. DU‐23BJ  36.155745  ‐81.537864  209 Intermittent Non‐Wetland Waters Section 404 32. DU‐23BP  36.153649  ‐81.538837  1,655 Perennial Non‐Wetland Waters Section 404 33. DU‐23CP  36.154904  ‐81.540171  239 Perennial Non‐Wetland Waters Section 404 34. DU‐23DJ  36.156446  ‐81.539743  437 Intermittent Non‐Wetland Waters Section 404 35. DU‐23DP  36.154387  ‐81.540137  1,187 Perennial Non‐Wetland Waters Section 404 36. DU‐24AJ  36.152919  ‐81.536537  515 Intermittent Non‐Wetland Waters Section 404 
Feature Latitude Longitude Estimated Amount of Aquatic Resource in Review Area (LF/AC) Type of Aquatic Resource Geographic Authority to which the aquatic resources “may be” subject (i.e., Section 404, or Section 10/404) 37. DU‐24AP  36.151933  ‐81.536479  280 Perennial Non‐Wetland Waters Section 404 38. DU‐24BJ  36.152325  ‐81.536861  144 Intermittent Non‐Wetland Waters Section 404 39. DU‐24CJ  36.153342  ‐81.534591  297 Intermittent Non‐Wetland Waters Section 404 40. DU‐24CP  36.152121  ‐81.535165  833 Perennial Non‐Wetland Waters Section 404 41. DU‐25AJ  36.145443  ‐81.541181  893 Intermittent Non‐Wetland Waters Section 404 42. DU‐25AP  36.145595  ‐81.537065  1,920 Perennial Non‐Wetland Waters Section 404 43. DU‐25BJ  36.144455  ‐81.538587  611 Intermittent Non‐Wetland Waters Section 404 44. DU‐25BP  36.143548  ‐81.536765  1,164 Perennial Non‐Wetland Waters Section 404 45. DU‐25CJ  36.143524  ‐81.539099  411 Intermittent Non‐Wetland Waters Section 404 46. DU‐25CP  36.144673  ‐81.537531  932 Perennial Non‐Wetland Waters Section 404 47. DU‐25DJ  36.142312  ‐81.537833  80 Intermittent Non‐Wetland Waters Section 404 48. DU‐25EJ  36.142053  ‐81.537655  205 Intermittent Non‐Wetland Waters Section 404 
Feature Latitude Longitude Estimated Amount of Aquatic Resource in Review Area (LF/AC) Type of Aquatic Resource Geographic Authority to which the aquatic resources “may be” subject (i.e., Section 404, or Section 10/404) 49. DU‐25FP  36.142652  ‐81.536948  256 Intermittent Non‐Wetland Waters Section 404 50. DU‐25GJ  36.145286  ‐81.535069  499 Intermittent Non‐Wetland Waters Section 404 51. DU‐25HJ  36.146958  ‐81.535432  363 Intermittent Non‐Wetland Waters Section 404 52. DU‐25IJ  36.148278  ‐81.538252  538 Intermittent Non‐Wetland Waters Section 404 53. DU‐25KJ  36.148903  ‐81.539249  396 Intermittent Non‐Wetland Waters Section 404 54. DU‐25LJ  36.145087  ‐81.533201  586 Intermittent Non‐Wetland Waters Section 404 55. DU‐25LP  36.146170  ‐81.533568  237 Perennial Non‐Wetland Waters Section 404 56. DU‐26AJ  36.146348  ‐81.529876  860 Intermittent Non‐Wetland Waters Section 404 57. DU‐27AJ  36.146504  ‐81.525418  289 Intermittent Non‐Wetland Waters Section 404 58. DU‐27AP  36.146176  ‐81.526141  214 Perennial Non‐Wetland Waters Section 404 59. DU‐28AJ  36.147812  ‐81.520384  228 Intermittent Non‐Wetland Waters Section 404 60. DU‐28AP  36.146649  ‐81.520201  687 Perennial Non‐Wetland Waters Section 404 
Feature Latitude Longitude Estimated Amount of Aquatic Resource in Review Area (LF/AC) Type of Aquatic Resource Geographic Authority to which the aquatic resources “may be” subject (i.e., Section 404, or Section 10/404) 61. DU‐28CJ  36.148235  ‐81.522495  225 Intermittent Non‐Wetland Waters Section 404 62. DU‐28CP  36.146509  ‐81.521904  1,215 Perennial Non‐Wetland Waters Section 404 63. DU‐29AJ  36.145284  ‐81.519876  410 Intermittent Non‐Wetland Waters Section 404 64. DU‐29BJ  36.145812  ‐81.519205  206 Intermittent Non‐Wetland Waters Section 404 65. DU‐29BP  36.144662  ‐81.521768  1,605 Perennial Non‐Wetland Waters Section 404 66. DU‐33AJ  36.136580  ‐81.515856  291 Intermittent Non‐Wetland Waters Section 404 67. DU‐33BJ  36.136106  ‐81.514538  483 Intermittent Non‐Wetland Waters Section 404 68. DU‐35CJ  36.141256  ‐81.517459  235 Intermittent Non‐Wetland Waters Section 404 69. DU‐33CJ  36.135710  ‐81.512994  277 Intermittent Non‐Wetland Waters Section 404 70. DU‐35CP  36.140449  ‐81.516839  496 Perennial Non‐Wetland Waters Section 404 71. DU‐33CP  36.135306  ‐81.514004  489 Perennial Non‐Wetland Waters Section 404 72. DU‐34AP  36.138470  ‐81.516272  770 Perennial Non‐Wetland Waters Section 404 
Feature Latitude Longitude Estimated Amount of Aquatic Resource in Review Area (LF/AC) Type of Aquatic Resource Geographic Authority to which the aquatic resources “may be” subject (i.e., Section 404, or Section 10/404) 73. DU‐35AJ  36.139919  ‐81.519776  358 Intermittent Non‐Wetland Waters Section 404 74. DU‐35AP  36.139141  ‐81.520538  467 Perennial Non‐Wetland Waters Section 404 75. DU‐ 35BP  36.139863  ‐81.516624  1,677 Perennial Non‐Wetland Waters Section 404 76. DU‐35DJ  36.140254  ‐81.518263  139 Intermittent Non‐Wetland Waters Section 404 77. DU‐35DP  36.139707  ‐81.517989  358 Perennial Non‐Wetland Waters Section 404 78. DU‐36AJ  36.144352  ‐81.521290  305 Intermittent Non‐Wetland Waters Section 404 79. DU‐36BJ  36.145067  ‐81.522571  645 Intermittent Non‐Wetland Waters Section 404 80. DU‐36BP  36.144103  ‐81.522858  162 Perennial Non‐Wetland Waters Section 404 81. DU‐36CJ  36.141582  ‐81.522983  113 Intermittent Non‐Wetland Waters Section 404 82. DU‐36CP  36.141218  ‐81.523452  266 Perennial Non‐Wetland Waters Section 404 83. DU‐36DP  36.141087  ‐81.524220  285 Perennial Non‐Wetland Waters Section 404 84. DU‐A1J  36.132890  ‐81.507063  101 Intermittent Non‐Wetland Waters Section 404 
Feature Latitude Longitude Estimated Amount of Aquatic Resource in Review Area (LF/AC) Type of Aquatic Resource Geographic Authority to which the aquatic resources “may be” subject (i.e., Section 404, or Section 10/404) 85. DU‐ABJ  36.13318  ‐81.50903  116 Intermittent Non‐Wetland Waters Section 404 86. DU‐ABP  36.132510  ‐81.508412  573 Perennial Non‐Wetland Waters Section 404 87. DU‐ACJ  36.131255  ‐81.508827  808 Intermittent Non‐Wetland Waters Section 404 88. DU‐AEJ  36.129379  ‐81.507084  429 Intermittent Non‐Wetland Waters Section 404 89. DU‐AFJ  36.127121  ‐81.506482  462 Intermittent Non‐Wetland Waters Section 404 90. DU‐AP  36.129809  ‐81.507669  3,605 Perennial Non‐Wetland Waters Section 404 91. DU‐XJ  36.153699  ‐81.544726  468 Intermittent Non‐Wetland Waters Section 404 92. DU‐XP  36.153830  ‐81.543183  423 Perennial Non‐Wetland Waters Section 404 93. DU‐YAJ  36.154709  ‐81.549447  250 Intermittent Non‐Wetland Waters Section 404 94. DU‐YAP  36.156540  ‐81.547793  2,068 Perennial Non‐Wetland Waters Section 404 95. DU‐YBJ  36.154683  ‐81.548835  123 Intermittent Non‐Wetland Waters Section 404 96. DU‐ZAJ  36.161653  ‐81.545993  374 Intermittent Non‐Wetland Waters Section 404 
Feature Latitude Longitude Estimated Amount of Aquatic Resource in Review Area (LF/AC) Type of Aquatic Resource Geographic Authority to which the aquatic resources “may be” subject (i.e., Section 404, or Section 10/404) 97. DU‐ZAP  36.160655  ‐81.545907  4,851 Perennial Non‐Wetland Waters Section 404 98.  DU‐ZBJ  36.160386  ‐81.546238  262 Intermittent Non‐Wetland Waters Section 404 99.  DU‐ZCJ  36.158680  ‐81.546845  1,036 Intermittent Non‐Wetland Waters Section 404 100.  DU‐ZD1J  36.158495  ‐81.548568  568 Intermittent Non‐Wetland Waters Section 404 101.  DU‐ZDP  36.157542  ‐81.550527  3,270 Perennial Non‐Wetland Waters Section 404 102.  PS‐AP  36.149699  ‐81.540249  266 Perennial Non‐Wetland Waters Section 404 103.  PS‐BP  36.147500  ‐81.542123  1,718 Perennial Non‐Wetland Waters Section 404 104.  PS‐CP  36.148117  ‐81.542418  278 Perennial Non‐Wetland Waters Section 404 105.  PS‐DAP  36.149524  ‐81.542887  889 Perennial Non‐Wetland Waters Section 404 106.  PS‐DP  36.149318  ‐81.542616  182 Intermittent Non‐Wetland Waters Section 404 107.  PS‐FP  36.151326  ‐81.542189  367 Perennial Non‐Wetland Waters Section 404 108.  PS‐GP  36.150806  ‐81.545425  413 Intermittent Non‐Wetland Waters Section 404 
Feature Latitude Longitude Estimated Amount of Aquatic Resource in Review Area (LF/AC) Type of Aquatic Resource Geographic Authority to which the aquatic resources “may be” subject (i.e., Section 404, or Section 10/404) 109.  PS‐HP  36.149867  ‐81.546564  3,103 Perennial Non‐Wetland Waters Section 404 110.  PS‐IJ  36.148517  ‐81.549066  362 Intermittent Non‐Wetland Waters Section 404 111.  PS‐IP  36.149337  ‐81.545597  3,209 Perennial Non‐Wetland Waters Section 404 112.  SD‐AJ  36.128496  ‐81.511012  264 Intermittent Non‐Wetland Waters Section 404 113.  SD‐BJ  36.129035  ‐81.514046  168 Intermittent Non‐Wetland Waters Section 404 114.  SD‐BP  36.129735  ‐81.513778  379 Perennial Non‐Wetland Waters Section 404 115.  SD‐CP  36.131072  ‐81.511719  69 Intermittent Non‐Wetland Waters Section 404 116.  SD‐DJ  36.131452  ‐81.511819  79 Intermittent Non‐Wetland Waters Section 404 117.  SD‐DP  36.130398  ‐81.512553  850 Perennial Non‐Wetland Waters Section 404 118.  SD‐EJ  36.130240  ‐81.517467  627 Intermittent Non‐Wetland Waters Section 404 119.  SD‐EP  36.130271  ‐81.515423  595 Perennial Non‐Wetland Waters Section 404 120.  SD‐FAJ  36.130855  ‐81.515921  256 Intermittent Non‐Wetland Waters Section 404 
Feature Latitude Longitude Estimated Amount of Aquatic Resource in Review Area (LF/AC) Type of Aquatic Resource Geographic Authority to which the aquatic resources “may be” subject (i.e., Section 404, or Section 10/404) 121.  SD‐FBP  36.131450  ‐81.520706  2,768 Perennial Non‐Wetland Waters Section 404 122.  SD‐FJ  36.132090  ‐81.518197  103 Intermittent Non‐Wetland Waters Section 404 123.  SD‐FP  36.131882  ‐81.517844  164 Perennial Non‐Wetland Waters Section 404 124.  SD‐GJ  36.132419  ‐81.518088  350 Intermittent Non‐Wetland Waters Section 404 125.  SD‐GP  36.131873  ‐81.516641  428 Perennial Non‐Wetland Waters Section 404 126.  SD‐HJ  36.132169  ‐81.514700  145 Intermittent Non‐Wetland Waters Section 404 127.  SD‐IAJ  36.132540  ‐81.515240  256 Intermittent Non‐Wetland Waters Section 404 128.  SD‐IJ  36.131245  ‐81.515269  171 Intermittent Non‐Wetland Waters Section 404 129.  SD‐JJ  36.134013  ‐81.515764  199 Intermittent Non‐Wetland Waters Section 404 130.  SD‐JP  36.133867  ‐81.515257  192 Perennial Non‐Wetland Waters Section 404 131.  SD‐KJ  36.125310  ‐81.506161  149 Intermittent Non‐Wetland Waters Section 404 132.  SD‐KP  36.124904  ‐81.507354  579 Perennial Non‐Wetland Waters Section 404 
Feature Latitude Longitude Estimated Amount of Aquatic Resource in Review Area (LF/AC) Type of Aquatic Resource Geographic Authority to which the aquatic resources “may be” subject (i.e., Section 404, or Section 10/404) 133.  SD‐LJ  36.136067  ‐81.517193  600 Intermittent Non‐Wetland Waters Section 404 134.  SD‐MP  36.135827  ‐81.521483  2,075 Perennial Non‐Wetland Waters Section 404 135.  SD‐NP  36.127210  ‐81.514032  127 Perennial Non‐Wetland Waters Section 404 136.  SD‐OP  36.127291  ‐81.514387  382 Perennial Non‐Wetland Waters Section 404 137.  SD‐QJ  36.126478  ‐81.516810  147 Intermittent Non‐Wetland Waters Section 404 138.  SD‐RJ  36.127005  ‐81.518114  136 Intermittent Non‐Wetland Waters Section 404 139.  SD‐SP  36.126437  ‐81.516007  3,134 Perennial Non‐Wetland Waters Section 404 140.  WD‐AP  36.140781  ‐81.533556  222 Perennial Non‐Wetland Waters Section 404 141.  WD‐BJ  36.140365  ‐81.533671  150 Intermittent Non‐Wetland Waters Section 404 142.  WD‐BP  36.140694  ‐81.531290  4,174 Perennial Non‐Wetland Waters Section 404 143.  WD‐GP  36.138711  ‐81.525745  110 Perennial Non‐Wetland Waters Section 404 144.  WD‐EJ  36.140994  ‐81.529598  291 Intermittent Non‐Wetland Waters Section 404 
Feature Latitude Longitude Estimated Amount of Aquatic Resource in Review Area (LF/AC) Type of Aquatic Resource Geographic Authority to which the aquatic resources “may be” subject (i.e., Section 404, or Section 10/404) 145.  WD‐FP  36.140172  ‐81.526755  297 Perennial Non‐Wetland Waters Section 404 146.  WD‐HP  36.138508  ‐81.524405  86 Perennial Non‐Wetland Waters Section 404 147.  WD‐IJ  36.137715  ‐81.524151  285 Intermittent Non‐Wetland Waters Section 404 148.  WD‐IP  36.138370  ‐81.524263  189 Perennial Non‐Wetland Waters Section 404 149.  WD‐JJ  36.138650  ‐81.527318  169 Intermittent Non‐Wetland Waters Section 404 150.  WD‐JP  36.139125  ‐81.527081  172 Perennial Non‐Wetland Waters Section 404 151.  WD‐KJ  36.139154  ‐81.527954  294 Intermittent Non‐Wetland Waters Section 404 152.  WD‐LJ  36.139656  ‐81.528147  110 Intermittent Non‐Wetland Waters Section 404 153.  WD‐LP  36.139481  ‐81.527797  380 Perennial Non‐Wetland Waters Section 404 154.  WD‐MJ  36.144195  ‐81.527009  157 Intermittent Non‐Wetland Waters Section 404 155.  WD‐MP  36.144083  ‐81.526493  126 Perennial Non‐Wetland Waters Section 404 156.  WD‐OJ  36.142743  ‐81.527446  72 Intermittent Non‐Wetland Waters Section 404 
Feature Latitude Longitude Estimated Amount of Aquatic Resource in Review Area (LF/AC) Type of Aquatic Resource Geographic Authority to which the aquatic resources “may be” subject (i.e., Section 404, or Section 10/404) 157.  WD‐PJ  36.142925  ‐81.527708  236 Intermittent Non‐Wetland Waters Section 404 158.  WD‐PP  36.143040  ‐81.526617  489 Perennial Non‐Wetland Waters Section 404 Total Stream Length (LF) 113,733   
USACE AID #:NCDWR #:
PROJECT / SITE INFORMATION:
1. Project name (if any):2. Date of evaluation:
3. Applicant/owner name:
5. County:6. Nearest named water body
7. River Basin: on USGS 7.5-minute quad:
8. Site coordinates (decimal degrees, at lower end of assessment reach):
STREAM INFORMATION: (depth and width can be approximations)
9. Site number (show on attached map):10. Length of assessment reach evaluated (feet):
11. Channel depth from bed (in riffle, if present) to top of bank (feet):Unable to assess channel depth.
12. Channel width at top of bank (feet):13. Is assessment reach a swamp stream?Yes No
14. Feature type:Perennial flow Intermittent flow Tidal Marsh Stream
STREAM RATING INFORMATION:
15. NC SAM Zone:Mountains (M)Piedmont (P)Inner Coastal Plain (I)Outer Coastal Plain (O)
16. Estimated geomorphic
valley shape (skip for a b
Tidal Marsh Stream):(more sinuous stream, flatter valley slope)(less sinuous stream, steeper valley slope)
17. Watershed size: (skip Size 1 (< 0.1 mi2)Size 2 (0.1 to < 0.5 mi2)Size 3 (0.5 to < 5 mi2)Size 4 (≥ 5 mi2)
for Tidal Marsh Stream)
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
18. Were regulatory considerations evaluated?Yes No If Yes, check all that appy to the assessment area.
Section 10 water Classified Trout Waters Water Supply Watershed (I II III IV V)
Essential Fish Habitat Primary Nursery Area High Quality Waters/Outstanding Resource Waters
Publicly owned property NCDWR riparian buffer rule in effect Nutrient Sensitive Waters
Anadromous fish 303(d) List CAMA Area of Environmental Concern (AEC)
Documented presence of a federal and/or state listed protected species within the assessment area.
List species:
Designated Critical Habitat (list species):
19. Are additional stream information/supplementary measurements included in "Notes/Sketch" section or attached?Yes No
1.Channel Water – assessment reach metric (skip for Size 1 streams and Tidal Marsh Streams)
A Water throughout assessment reach.
B No flow, water in pools only.
C No water in assessment reach.
2.Evidence of Flow Restriction – assessment reach metric
A At least 10% of assessment reach in-stream habitat or riffle-pool sequence is adversely affected by a flow restriction or fill to the
point of obstructing flow or a channel choked with aquatic macrophytes or ponded water or impounded on flood or ebb within
the assessment reach (examples: undersized or perched culverts, causeways that constrict the channel, tidal gates).
B Not A
3.Feature Pattern – assessment reach metric
A A majority of the assessment reach has altered pattern (examples: straightening, modification above or below culvert).
B Not A.
4.Feature Longitudinal Profile – assessment reach metric
A Majority of assessment reach has a substantially altered stream profile (examples: channel down-cutting, existing damming,
over widening, active aggradation, dredging, and excavation where appropriate channel profile has not reformed from any of
these disturbances).
B Not A
5.Signs of Active Instability – assessment reach metric
Consider only current instability, not past events from which the stream has currently recovered. Examples of instability include
active bank failure, active channel down-cutting (head-cut), active widening, and artificial hardening (such as concrete, gabion, rip-rap).
A < 10% of channel unstable
B 10 to 25% of channel unstable
C > 25% of channel unstable
6.Streamside Area Interaction – streamside area metric
Consider for the Left Bank (LB) and the Right Bank (RB).
LB RB
A A Little or no evidence of conditions that adversely affect reference interaction
B B Moderate evidence of conditions (examples: berms, levees, down-cutting, aggradation, dredging) that adversely affect
reference interaction (examples: limited streamside area access, disruption of flood flows through streamside area,
leaky or intermittent bulkheads, causeways with floodplain constriction, minor ditching [including mosquito ditching])
C C Extensive evidence of conditions that adversely affect reference interaction (little to no floodplain/intertidal zone access
[examples: causeways with floodplain and channel constriction, bulkheads, retaining walls, fill, stream incision,
disruption of flood flows through streamside area] or too much floodplain/intertidal zone access [examples:
impoundments, intensive mosquito ditching]) or floodplain/intertidal zone unnaturally absent or assessment reach is a
man-made feature on an interstream divide
7.Water Quality Stressors – assessment reach/intertidal zone metric
1-3
3-6
NC SAM FIELD ASSESSMENT FORM
Accompanies User Manual Version 2.1
INSTRUCTIONS:Attach a sketch of the assessment area and photographs.Attach a copy of the USGS 7.5-minute topographic
quadrangle,and circle the location of the stream reach under evaluation.If multiple stream reaches will be evaluated on the same
property,identify and number all reaches on the attached map,and include a separate form for each reach.See the NC SAM User
Manual for detailed descriptions and explanations of requested information. Record in the "Notes/Sketch" section if any supplementary
NOTE EVIDENCE OF STRESSORS AFFECTING THE ASSESSMENT AREA (do not need to be within the assessment area).
measurements were performed. See the NC SAM User Manual for examples of additional measurements that may be relevant.
Dugger Creek - Site #1 3/19/2018
36.15900, -81.54520
Dugger #1 600
Wildlands 4. Assessor name/organization:M. Caddell
Watauga
Yadkin Dugger Creek
Check all that apply.
A Discolored water in stream or intertidal zone (milky white, blue, unnatural water discoloration, oil sheen, stream foam)
B Excessive sedimentation (burying of stream features or intertidal zone)
C Noticeable evidence of pollutant discharges entering the assessment reach and causing a water quality problem
D Odor (not including natural sulfide odors)
E Current published or collected data indicating degraded water quality in the assessment reach. Cite source in the "Notes/Sketch"
section.
F Livestock with access to stream or intertidal zone
G Excessive algae in stream or intertidal zone
H Degraded marsh vegetation in the intertidal zone (removal, burning, regular mowing, destruction, etc.)
I Other:(explain in "Notes/Sketch" section)
J Little to no stressors
8.Recent Weather – watershed metric
For Size 1 or 2 streams, D1 drought or higher is considered a drought; for Size 3 or 4 streams, D2 drought or higher is considered a
drought.
A Drought conditions and no rainfall or rainfall not exceeding 1 inch within the last 48 hours
B Drought conditions and rainfall exceeding 1 inch within the last 48 hours
C No drought conditions
9 Large or Dangerous Stream – assessment reach metric
Yes No Is stream is too large or dangerous to assess? If Yes, skip to Metric 13 (Streamside Area Ground Surface Condition).
10.Natural In-stream Habitat Types – assessment reach metric
10a.Yes No Degraded in-stream habitat over majority of the assessment reach (examples of stressors include excessive
sedimentation, mining, excavation, in-stream hardening [for example, rip-rap], recent dredging, and snagging)
(evaluate for size 4 Coastal Plain streams only, then skip to Metric 12)
10b.Check all that occur (occurs if > 5% coverage of assessment reach) (skip for Size 4 Coastal Plain streams)
A Multiple aquatic macrophytes and aquatic mosses F 5% oysters or other natural hard bottoms
(include liverworts, lichens, and algal mats)G Submerged aquatic vegetation
B Multiple sticks and/or leaf packs and/or emergent H Low-tide refugia (pools)
vegetation I Sand bottom
C Multiple snags and logs (including lap trees)J 5% vertical bank along the marsh
D 5% undercut banks and/or root mats and/or roots K Little or no habitat
in banks extend to the normal wetted perimeter
E Little or no habitat
11.Bedform and Substrate – assessment reach metric (skip for Size 4 Coastal Plain streams and Tidal Marsh Streams)
11a.Yes No Is assessment reach in a natural sand-bed stream? (skip for Coastal Plain streams)
11b.Bedform evaluated. Check the appropriate box(es).
A Riffle-run section (evaluate 11c)
B Pool-glide section (evaluate 11d)
C Natural bedform absent (skip to Metric 12, Aquatic Life)
11c.In riffles sections, check all that occur below the normal wetted perimeter of the assessment reach – whether or not submerged.
Check at least one box in each row (skip for Size 4 Coastal Plain Streams and Tidal Marsh Streams). Not Present (NP) =
absent, Rare (R) = present but ≤ 10%, Common (C) = > 10-40%, Abundant (A) = > 40-70%, Predominant (P) = > 70%. Cumulative
percentages should not exceed 100% for each assessment reach.
NP R C A P
Bedrock/saprolite
Boulder (256 – 4096 mm)
Cobble (64 – 256 mm)
Gravel (2 – 64 mm)
Sand (.062 – 2 mm)
Silt/clay (< 0.062 mm)
Detritus
Artificial (rip-rap, concrete, etc.)
11d.Yes No Are pools filled with sediment? (skip for Size 4 Coastal Plain streams and Tidal Marsh Streams)
12.Aquatic Life – assessment reach metric (skip for Size 4 Coastal Plain streams and Tidal Marsh Streams)
12a.Yes No Was an in-stream aquatic life assessment performed as described in the User Manual?
If No, select one of the following reasons and skip to Metric 13. No Water Other:
12b.Yes No Are aquatic organisms present in the assessment reach (look in riffles, pools, then snags)? If Yes, check
all that apply. If No, skip to Metric 13.
1 >1 Numbers over columns refer to “individuals” for size 1 and 2 streams and “taxa” for size 3 and 4 streams.
Adult frogs
Aquatic reptiles
Aquatic macrophytes and aquatic mosses (include liverworts, lichens, and algal mats)
Beetles (including water pennies)
Caddisfly larvae (Trichoptera [T])
Asian clam (Corbicula )
Crustacean (isopod/amphipod/crayfish/shrimp)
Damselfly and dragonfly larvae
Dipterans (true flies)
Mayfly larvae (Ephemeroptera [E])
Megaloptera (alderfly, fishfly, dobsonfly larvae)
Midges/mosquito larvae
Mosquito fish (Gambusia ) or mud minnows (Umbra pygmaea)
Mussels/Clams (not Corbicula )
*********************************REMAINING QUESTIONS ARE NOT APPLICABLE FOR TIDAL MARSH STREAMS****************************Check for TidalMarsh Streamsonly
Other fish
Salamanders/tadpoles
Snails
Stonefly larvae (Plecoptera [P])
Tipulid larvae
Worms/leeches
13.Streamside Area Ground Surface Condition – streamside area metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams and B valley types)
Consider for the Left Bank (LB) and the Right Bank (RB). Consider storage capacity with regard to both overbank flow and
upland runoff.
LB RB
A A Little or no alteration to water storage capacity over a majority of the streamside area
B B Moderate alteration to water storage capacity over a majority of the streamside area
C C Severe alteration to water storage capacity over a majority of the streamside area (examples include: ditches, fill,
soil, compaction, livestock disturbance, buildings, man-made levees, drainage pipes)
14.Streamside Area Water Storage – streamside area metric (skip for Size 1 streams, Tidal Marsh Streams, and B valley types)
Consider for the Left Bank (LB) and the Right Bank (RB) of the streamside area.
LB RB
A A Majority of streamside area with depressions able to pond water ≥ 6 inches deep
B B Majority of streamside area with depressions able to pond water 3 to 6 inches deep
C C Majority of streamside area with depressions able to pond water < 3 inches deep
15.Wetland Presence – streamside area metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams)
Consider for the Left Bank (LB) and the Right Bank (RB). Do not consider wetlands outside of the streamside area or within the
normal wetted perimeter of assessment reach.
LB RB
Y Y Are wetlands present in the streamside area?
N N
16.Baseflow Contributors – assessment reach metric (skip for size 4 streams and Tidal Marsh Streams)
Check all contributors within the assessment reach or within view of and draining to the assessment reach.
A Streams and/or springs (jurisdictional discharges)
B Ponds (include wet detention basins; do not include sediment basins or dry detention basins)
C Obstruction that passes some flow during low-flow periods within assessment area (beaver dam, bottom-release dam)
D Evidence of bank seepage or sweating (iron oxidizing bacteria in water indicates seepage)
E Stream bed or bank soil reduced (dig through deposited sediment if present)
F None of the above
17.Baseflow Detractors – assessment area metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams)
Check all that apply.
A Evidence of substantial water withdrawals from the assessment reach (includes areas excavated for pump installation)
B Obstruction not passing flow during low flow periods affecting the assessment reach (ex: watertight dam, sediment deposit)
C Urban stream (≥ 24% impervious surface for watershed)
D Evidence that the stream-side area has been modified resulting in accelerated drainage into the assessment reach
E Assessment reach relocated to valley edge
F None of the above
18.Shading – assessment reach metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams)
Consider aspect. Consider “leaf-on” condition.
A Stream shading is appropriate for stream category (may include gaps associated with natural processes)
B Degraded (example: scattered trees)
C Stream shading is gone or largely absent
19.Buffer Width – streamside area metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams)
Consider “vegetated buffer” and “wooded buffer” separately for left bank (LB) and right bank (RB) starting at the top
of bank out to the first break.
Vegetated Wooded
LB RB LB RB
A A A A ≥ 100-feet wide or extends to the edge of the watershed
B B B B From 50 to < 100-feet wide
C C C C From 30 to < 50-feet wide
D D D D From 10 to < 30-feet wide
E E E E < 10-feet wide or no trees
20.Buffer Structure – streamside area metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams)
Consider for left bank (LB) and right bank (RB) for Metric 19 ("Vegetated" Buffer Width).
LB RB
A A Mature forest
B B Non-mature woody vegetation or modified vegetation structure
C C Herbaceous vegetation with or without a strip of trees < 10 feet wide
D D Maintained shrubs
E E Little or no vegetation
21.Buffer Stressors – streamside area metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams)
Check all appropriate boxes for left bank (LB) and right bank (RB). Indicate if listed stressor abuts stream (Abuts), does not abut but
is within 30 feet of stream (< 30 feet), or is between 30 to 50 feet of stream (30-50 feet).
If none of the following stressors occurs on either bank, check here and skip to Metric 22:
Abuts < 30 feet 30-50 feet
LB RB LB RB LB RB
A A A A A A Row crops
B B B B B B Maintained turf
C C C C C C Pasture (no livestock)/commercial horticulture
D D D D D D Pasture (active livestock use)
22.Stem Density – streamside area metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams)
Consider for left bank (LB) and right bank (RB) for Metric 19 ("Wooded" Buffer Width).
LB RB
A A Medium to high stem density
B B Low stem density
C C No wooded riparian buffer or predominantly herbaceous species or bare ground
23.Continuity of Vegetated Buffer – streamside area metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams)
Consider whether vegetated buffer is continuous along stream (parallel). Breaks are areas lacking vegetation > 10-feet wide.
LB RB
A A The total length of buffer breaks is < 25 percent.
B B The total length of buffer breaks is between 25 and 50 percent.
C C The total length of buffer breaks is > 50 percent.
24.Vegetative Composition – First 100 feet of streamside area metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams)
Evaluate the dominant vegetation within 100 feet of each bank or to the edge of the watershed (whichever comes first) as it contributes
to assessment reach habitat.
LB RB
A A Vegetation is close to undisturbed in species present and their proportions. Lower strata composed of native
species, with non-native invasive species absent or sparse.
B B Vegetation indicates disturbance in terms of species diversity or proportions, but is still largely composed of native
species. This may include communities of weedy native species that develop after clear-cutting or clearing or
communities with non-native invasive species present, but not dominant, over a large portion of the expected strata or
communities missing understory but retaining canopy trees.
C C Vegetation is severely disturbed in terms of species diversity or proportions. Mature canopy is absent or communities
with non-native invasive species dominant over a large portion of expected strata or communities composed of planted
stands of non-characteristic species or communities inappropriately composed of a single species or no vegetation.
25.Conductivity – assessment reach metric (skip for all Coastal Plain streams)
25a.Yes No Was a conductivity measurement recorded?
If No, select one of the following reasons. No Water Other:
25b.Check the box corresponding to the conductivity measurement (units of microsiemens per centimeter).
A <46 B 46 to < 67 C 67 to < 79 D 79 to < 230 E ≥ 230
Notes/Sketch:
Notes of Field Assessment Form (Y/N)
Presence of regulatory considerations (Y/N)
Additional stream information/supplementary measurements included (Y/N)
NC SAM feature type (perennial, intermittent, Tidal Marsh Stream)
(4) Floodplain Access
(4) Wooded Riparian Buffer
(4) Microtopography
(3) Stream Stability
(4) Channel Stability
(4) Sediment Transport
(4) Stream Geomorphology
(2) Stream/Intertidal Zone Interaction
(2) Longitudinal Tidal Flow
(2) Tidal Marsh Stream Stability
(3) Tidal Marsh Stream Geomorphology
(1) Water Quality
(2) Baseflow
(2) Streamside Area Vegetation
(3) Upland Pollutant Filtration
(3) Thermoregulation
(2) Indicators of Stressors
(2) Aquatic Life Tolerance
(2) Intertidal Zone Filtration
(1) Habitat
(2) In-stream Habitat
(3) Baseflow
(3) Substrate
(3) Stream Stability
(3) In-stream Habitat
(2) Stream-side Habitat
(3) Stream-side Habitat
(3) Thermoregulation
(2) Tidal Marsh In-stream Habitat
(3) Flow Restriction
(3) Tidal Marsh Stream Stability
(4) Tidal Marsh Stream Geomorphology
(3) Tidal Marsh In-stream Habitat
(2) Intertidal Zone Habitat
Overall
NC SAM Stream Rating Sheet
Accompanies User Manual Version 2.1
HIGH
HIGH
USACE/
All Streams
NCDWR
Intermittent
NA
NA
(2) Flood Flow
M. Caddell
3/19/2018
NO
NO
NO
Perennial
(2) Baseflow
Stream Category Assessor Name/Organization
HIGH
Mb1
Stream Site Name Dugger Creek - Site #1 Date of Evaluation
HIGH
(4) Tidal Marsh Channel Stability
HIGH
HIGH
NA
NA
MEDIUM
NA
HIGH
(3) Tidal Marsh Channel Stability
(3) Streamside Area Attenuation
Function Class Rating Summary
(1) Hydrology
NA
HIGH
HIGH
HIGH
HIGH
NA
NO
HIGH
NA
NA
NA
NA
HIGH
HIGH
HIGH
HIGH
HIGH
HIGH
HIGH
HIGH
HIGH
NA
NA
HIGH
NA
HIGH
HIGH
HIGH
USACE AID #:NCDWR #:
PROJECT / SITE INFORMATION:
1. Project name (if any):2. Date of evaluation:
3. Applicant/owner name:
5. County:6. Nearest named water body
7. River Basin: on USGS 7.5-minute quad:
8. Site coordinates (decimal degrees, at lower end of assessment reach):
STREAM INFORMATION: (depth and width can be approximations)
9. Site number (show on attached map):10. Length of assessment reach evaluated (feet):
11. Channel depth from bed (in riffle, if present) to top of bank (feet):Unable to assess channel depth.
12. Channel width at top of bank (feet):13. Is assessment reach a swamp stream?Yes No
14. Feature type:Perennial flow Intermittent flow Tidal Marsh Stream
STREAM RATING INFORMATION:
15. NC SAM Zone:Mountains (M)Piedmont (P)Inner Coastal Plain (I)Outer Coastal Plain (O)
16. Estimated geomorphic
valley shape (skip for a b
Tidal Marsh Stream):(more sinuous stream, flatter valley slope)(less sinuous stream, steeper valley slope)
17. Watershed size: (skip Size 1 (< 0.1 mi2)Size 2 (0.1 to < 0.5 mi2)Size 3 (0.5 to < 5 mi2)Size 4 (≥ 5 mi2)
for Tidal Marsh Stream)
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
18. Were regulatory considerations evaluated?Yes No If Yes, check all that appy to the assessment area.
Section 10 water Classified Trout Waters Water Supply Watershed (I II III IV V)
Essential Fish Habitat Primary Nursery Area High Quality Waters/Outstanding Resource Waters
Publicly owned property NCDWR riparian buffer rule in effect Nutrient Sensitive Waters
Anadromous fish 303(d) List CAMA Area of Environmental Concern (AEC)
Documented presence of a federal and/or state listed protected species within the assessment area.
List species:
Designated Critical Habitat (list species):
19. Are additional stream information/supplementary measurements included in "Notes/Sketch" section or attached?Yes No
1.Channel Water – assessment reach metric (skip for Size 1 streams and Tidal Marsh Streams)
A Water throughout assessment reach.
B No flow, water in pools only.
C No water in assessment reach.
2.Evidence of Flow Restriction – assessment reach metric
A At least 10% of assessment reach in-stream habitat or riffle-pool sequence is adversely affected by a flow restriction or fill to the
point of obstructing flow or a channel choked with aquatic macrophytes or ponded water or impounded on flood or ebb within
the assessment reach (examples: undersized or perched culverts, causeways that constrict the channel, tidal gates).
B Not A
3.Feature Pattern – assessment reach metric
A A majority of the assessment reach has altered pattern (examples: straightening, modification above or below culvert).
B Not A.
4.Feature Longitudinal Profile – assessment reach metric
A Majority of assessment reach has a substantially altered stream profile (examples: channel down-cutting, existing damming,
over widening, active aggradation, dredging, and excavation where appropriate channel profile has not reformed from any of
these disturbances).
B Not A
5.Signs of Active Instability – assessment reach metric
Consider only current instability, not past events from which the stream has currently recovered. Examples of instability include
active bank failure, active channel down-cutting (head-cut), active widening, and artificial hardening (such as concrete, gabion, rip-rap).
A < 10% of channel unstable
B 10 to 25% of channel unstable
C > 25% of channel unstable
6.Streamside Area Interaction – streamside area metric
Consider for the Left Bank (LB) and the Right Bank (RB).
LB RB
A A Little or no evidence of conditions that adversely affect reference interaction
B B Moderate evidence of conditions (examples: berms, levees, down-cutting, aggradation, dredging) that adversely affect
reference interaction (examples: limited streamside area access, disruption of flood flows through streamside area,
leaky or intermittent bulkheads, causeways with floodplain constriction, minor ditching [including mosquito ditching])
C C Extensive evidence of conditions that adversely affect reference interaction (little to no floodplain/intertidal zone access
[examples: causeways with floodplain and channel constriction, bulkheads, retaining walls, fill, stream incision,
disruption of flood flows through streamside area] or too much floodplain/intertidal zone access [examples:
impoundments, intensive mosquito ditching]) or floodplain/intertidal zone unnaturally absent or assessment reach is a
man-made feature on an interstream divide
7.Water Quality Stressors – assessment reach/intertidal zone metric
1-2
5-8
NC SAM FIELD ASSESSMENT FORM
Accompanies User Manual Version 2.1
INSTRUCTIONS:Attach a sketch of the assessment area and photographs.Attach a copy of the USGS 7.5-minute topographic
quadrangle,and circle the location of the stream reach under evaluation.If multiple stream reaches will be evaluated on the same
property,identify and number all reaches on the attached map,and include a separate form for each reach.See the NC SAM User
Manual for detailed descriptions and explanations of requested information. Record in the "Notes/Sketch" section if any supplementary
NOTE EVIDENCE OF STRESSORS AFFECTING THE ASSESSMENT AREA (do not need to be within the assessment area).
measurements were performed. See the NC SAM User Manual for examples of additional measurements that may be relevant.
Dugger Creek - Site #2 3/19/2018
36.15254, -81.54077
Dugger #2 1000
Wildlands 4. Assessor name/organization:M. Caddell
Watauga
Yadkin Dugger Creek
Check all that apply.
A Discolored water in stream or intertidal zone (milky white, blue, unnatural water discoloration, oil sheen, stream foam)
B Excessive sedimentation (burying of stream features or intertidal zone)
C Noticeable evidence of pollutant discharges entering the assessment reach and causing a water quality problem
D Odor (not including natural sulfide odors)
E Current published or collected data indicating degraded water quality in the assessment reach. Cite source in the "Notes/Sketch"
section.
F Livestock with access to stream or intertidal zone
G Excessive algae in stream or intertidal zone
H Degraded marsh vegetation in the intertidal zone (removal, burning, regular mowing, destruction, etc.)
I Other:(explain in "Notes/Sketch" section)
J Little to no stressors
8.Recent Weather – watershed metric
For Size 1 or 2 streams, D1 drought or higher is considered a drought; for Size 3 or 4 streams, D2 drought or higher is considered a
drought.
A Drought conditions and no rainfall or rainfall not exceeding 1 inch within the last 48 hours
B Drought conditions and rainfall exceeding 1 inch within the last 48 hours
C No drought conditions
9 Large or Dangerous Stream – assessment reach metric
Yes No Is stream is too large or dangerous to assess? If Yes, skip to Metric 13 (Streamside Area Ground Surface Condition).
10.Natural In-stream Habitat Types – assessment reach metric
10a.Yes No Degraded in-stream habitat over majority of the assessment reach (examples of stressors include excessive
sedimentation, mining, excavation, in-stream hardening [for example, rip-rap], recent dredging, and snagging)
(evaluate for size 4 Coastal Plain streams only, then skip to Metric 12)
10b.Check all that occur (occurs if > 5% coverage of assessment reach) (skip for Size 4 Coastal Plain streams)
A Multiple aquatic macrophytes and aquatic mosses F 5% oysters or other natural hard bottoms
(include liverworts, lichens, and algal mats)G Submerged aquatic vegetation
B Multiple sticks and/or leaf packs and/or emergent H Low-tide refugia (pools)
vegetation I Sand bottom
C Multiple snags and logs (including lap trees)J 5% vertical bank along the marsh
D 5% undercut banks and/or root mats and/or roots K Little or no habitat
in banks extend to the normal wetted perimeter
E Little or no habitat
11.Bedform and Substrate – assessment reach metric (skip for Size 4 Coastal Plain streams and Tidal Marsh Streams)
11a.Yes No Is assessment reach in a natural sand-bed stream? (skip for Coastal Plain streams)
11b.Bedform evaluated. Check the appropriate box(es).
A Riffle-run section (evaluate 11c)
B Pool-glide section (evaluate 11d)
C Natural bedform absent (skip to Metric 12, Aquatic Life)
11c.In riffles sections, check all that occur below the normal wetted perimeter of the assessment reach – whether or not submerged.
Check at least one box in each row (skip for Size 4 Coastal Plain Streams and Tidal Marsh Streams). Not Present (NP) =
absent, Rare (R) = present but ≤ 10%, Common (C) = > 10-40%, Abundant (A) = > 40-70%, Predominant (P) = > 70%. Cumulative
percentages should not exceed 100% for each assessment reach.
NP R C A P
Bedrock/saprolite
Boulder (256 – 4096 mm)
Cobble (64 – 256 mm)
Gravel (2 – 64 mm)
Sand (.062 – 2 mm)
Silt/clay (< 0.062 mm)
Detritus
Artificial (rip-rap, concrete, etc.)
11d.Yes No Are pools filled with sediment? (skip for Size 4 Coastal Plain streams and Tidal Marsh Streams)
12.Aquatic Life – assessment reach metric (skip for Size 4 Coastal Plain streams and Tidal Marsh Streams)
12a.Yes No Was an in-stream aquatic life assessment performed as described in the User Manual?
If No, select one of the following reasons and skip to Metric 13. No Water Other:
12b.Yes No Are aquatic organisms present in the assessment reach (look in riffles, pools, then snags)? If Yes, check
all that apply. If No, skip to Metric 13.
1 >1 Numbers over columns refer to “individuals” for size 1 and 2 streams and “taxa” for size 3 and 4 streams.
Adult frogs
Aquatic reptiles
Aquatic macrophytes and aquatic mosses (include liverworts, lichens, and algal mats)
Beetles (including water pennies)
Caddisfly larvae (Trichoptera [T])
Asian clam (Corbicula )
Crustacean (isopod/amphipod/crayfish/shrimp)
Damselfly and dragonfly larvae
Dipterans (true flies)
Mayfly larvae (Ephemeroptera [E])
Megaloptera (alderfly, fishfly, dobsonfly larvae)
Midges/mosquito larvae
Mosquito fish (Gambusia ) or mud minnows (Umbra pygmaea)
Mussels/Clams (not Corbicula )
*********************************REMAINING QUESTIONS ARE NOT APPLICABLE FOR TIDAL MARSH STREAMS****************************Check for TidalMarsh Streamsonly
Other fish
Salamanders/tadpoles
Snails
Stonefly larvae (Plecoptera [P])
Tipulid larvae
Worms/leeches
13.Streamside Area Ground Surface Condition – streamside area metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams and B valley types)
Consider for the Left Bank (LB) and the Right Bank (RB). Consider storage capacity with regard to both overbank flow and
upland runoff.
LB RB
A A Little or no alteration to water storage capacity over a majority of the streamside area
B B Moderate alteration to water storage capacity over a majority of the streamside area
C C Severe alteration to water storage capacity over a majority of the streamside area (examples include: ditches, fill,
soil, compaction, livestock disturbance, buildings, man-made levees, drainage pipes)
14.Streamside Area Water Storage – streamside area metric (skip for Size 1 streams, Tidal Marsh Streams, and B valley types)
Consider for the Left Bank (LB) and the Right Bank (RB) of the streamside area.
LB RB
A A Majority of streamside area with depressions able to pond water ≥ 6 inches deep
B B Majority of streamside area with depressions able to pond water 3 to 6 inches deep
C C Majority of streamside area with depressions able to pond water < 3 inches deep
15.Wetland Presence – streamside area metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams)
Consider for the Left Bank (LB) and the Right Bank (RB). Do not consider wetlands outside of the streamside area or within the
normal wetted perimeter of assessment reach.
LB RB
Y Y Are wetlands present in the streamside area?
N N
16.Baseflow Contributors – assessment reach metric (skip for size 4 streams and Tidal Marsh Streams)
Check all contributors within the assessment reach or within view of and draining to the assessment reach.
A Streams and/or springs (jurisdictional discharges)
B Ponds (include wet detention basins; do not include sediment basins or dry detention basins)
C Obstruction that passes some flow during low-flow periods within assessment area (beaver dam, bottom-release dam)
D Evidence of bank seepage or sweating (iron oxidizing bacteria in water indicates seepage)
E Stream bed or bank soil reduced (dig through deposited sediment if present)
F None of the above
17.Baseflow Detractors – assessment area metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams)
Check all that apply.
A Evidence of substantial water withdrawals from the assessment reach (includes areas excavated for pump installation)
B Obstruction not passing flow during low flow periods affecting the assessment reach (ex: watertight dam, sediment deposit)
C Urban stream (≥ 24% impervious surface for watershed)
D Evidence that the stream-side area has been modified resulting in accelerated drainage into the assessment reach
E Assessment reach relocated to valley edge
F None of the above
18.Shading – assessment reach metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams)
Consider aspect. Consider “leaf-on” condition.
A Stream shading is appropriate for stream category (may include gaps associated with natural processes)
B Degraded (example: scattered trees)
C Stream shading is gone or largely absent
19.Buffer Width – streamside area metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams)
Consider “vegetated buffer” and “wooded buffer” separately for left bank (LB) and right bank (RB) starting at the top
of bank out to the first break.
Vegetated Wooded
LB RB LB RB
A A A A ≥ 100-feet wide or extends to the edge of the watershed
B B B B From 50 to < 100-feet wide
C C C C From 30 to < 50-feet wide
D D D D From 10 to < 30-feet wide
E E E E < 10-feet wide or no trees
20.Buffer Structure – streamside area metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams)
Consider for left bank (LB) and right bank (RB) for Metric 19 ("Vegetated" Buffer Width).
LB RB
A A Mature forest
B B Non-mature woody vegetation or modified vegetation structure
C C Herbaceous vegetation with or without a strip of trees < 10 feet wide
D D Maintained shrubs
E E Little or no vegetation
21.Buffer Stressors – streamside area metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams)
Check all appropriate boxes for left bank (LB) and right bank (RB). Indicate if listed stressor abuts stream (Abuts), does not abut but
is within 30 feet of stream (< 30 feet), or is between 30 to 50 feet of stream (30-50 feet).
If none of the following stressors occurs on either bank, check here and skip to Metric 22:
Abuts < 30 feet 30-50 feet
LB RB LB RB LB RB
A A A A A A Row crops
B B B B B B Maintained turf
C C C C C C Pasture (no livestock)/commercial horticulture
D D D D D D Pasture (active livestock use)
22.Stem Density – streamside area metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams)
Consider for left bank (LB) and right bank (RB) for Metric 19 ("Wooded" Buffer Width).
LB RB
A A Medium to high stem density
B B Low stem density
C C No wooded riparian buffer or predominantly herbaceous species or bare ground
23.Continuity of Vegetated Buffer – streamside area metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams)
Consider whether vegetated buffer is continuous along stream (parallel). Breaks are areas lacking vegetation > 10-feet wide.
LB RB
A A The total length of buffer breaks is < 25 percent.
B B The total length of buffer breaks is between 25 and 50 percent.
C C The total length of buffer breaks is > 50 percent.
24.Vegetative Composition – First 100 feet of streamside area metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams)
Evaluate the dominant vegetation within 100 feet of each bank or to the edge of the watershed (whichever comes first) as it contributes
to assessment reach habitat.
LB RB
A A Vegetation is close to undisturbed in species present and their proportions. Lower strata composed of native
species, with non-native invasive species absent or sparse.
B B Vegetation indicates disturbance in terms of species diversity or proportions, but is still largely composed of native
species. This may include communities of weedy native species that develop after clear-cutting or clearing or
communities with non-native invasive species present, but not dominant, over a large portion of the expected strata or
communities missing understory but retaining canopy trees.
C C Vegetation is severely disturbed in terms of species diversity or proportions. Mature canopy is absent or communities
with non-native invasive species dominant over a large portion of expected strata or communities composed of planted
stands of non-characteristic species or communities inappropriately composed of a single species or no vegetation.
25.Conductivity – assessment reach metric (skip for all Coastal Plain streams)
25a.Yes No Was a conductivity measurement recorded?
If No, select one of the following reasons. No Water Other:
25b.Check the box corresponding to the conductivity measurement (units of microsiemens per centimeter).
A <46 B 46 to < 67 C 67 to < 79 D 79 to < 230 E ≥ 230
Notes/Sketch:
Notes of Field Assessment Form (Y/N)
Presence of regulatory considerations (Y/N)
Additional stream information/supplementary measurements included (Y/N)
NC SAM feature type (perennial, intermittent, Tidal Marsh Stream)
(4) Floodplain Access
(4) Wooded Riparian Buffer
(4) Microtopography
(3) Stream Stability
(4) Channel Stability
(4) Sediment Transport
(4) Stream Geomorphology
(2) Stream/Intertidal Zone Interaction
(2) Longitudinal Tidal Flow
(2) Tidal Marsh Stream Stability
(3) Tidal Marsh Stream Geomorphology
(1) Water Quality
(2) Baseflow
(2) Streamside Area Vegetation
(3) Upland Pollutant Filtration
(3) Thermoregulation
(2) Indicators of Stressors
(2) Aquatic Life Tolerance
(2) Intertidal Zone Filtration
(1) Habitat
(2) In-stream Habitat
(3) Baseflow
(3) Substrate
(3) Stream Stability
(3) In-stream Habitat
(2) Stream-side Habitat
(3) Stream-side Habitat
(3) Thermoregulation
(2) Tidal Marsh In-stream Habitat
(3) Flow Restriction
(3) Tidal Marsh Stream Stability
(4) Tidal Marsh Stream Geomorphology
(3) Tidal Marsh In-stream Habitat
(2) Intertidal Zone Habitat
Overall
NC SAM Stream Rating Sheet
Accompanies User Manual Version 2.1
HIGH
HIGH
USACE/
All Streams
NCDWR
Intermittent
NA
NA
(2) Flood Flow
M. Caddell
3/19/2018
NO
YES
NO
Perennial
(2) Baseflow
Stream Category Assessor Name/Organization
HIGH
Mb2
Stream Site Name Dugger Creek - Site #2 Date of Evaluation
HIGH
(4) Tidal Marsh Channel Stability
HIGH
HIGH
NA
NA
HIGH
NA
HIGH
(3) Tidal Marsh Channel Stability
(3) Streamside Area Attenuation
Function Class Rating Summary
(1) Hydrology
NA
HIGH
HIGH
HIGH
HIGH
NA
NO
HIGH
NA
NA
NA
NA
HIGH
HIGH
HIGH
HIGH
HIGH
HIGH
HIGH
HIGH
HIGH
NA
NA
HIGH
NA
HIGH
HIGH
HIGH
USACE AID #:NCDWR #:
PROJECT / SITE INFORMATION:
1. Project name (if any):2. Date of evaluation:
3. Applicant/owner name:
5. County:6. Nearest named water body
7. River Basin: on USGS 7.5-minute quad:
8. Site coordinates (decimal degrees, at lower end of assessment reach):
STREAM INFORMATION: (depth and width can be approximations)
9. Site number (show on attached map):10. Length of assessment reach evaluated (feet):
11. Channel depth from bed (in riffle, if present) to top of bank (feet):Unable to assess channel depth.
12. Channel width at top of bank (feet):13. Is assessment reach a swamp stream?Yes No
14. Feature type:Perennial flow Intermittent flow Tidal Marsh Stream
STREAM RATING INFORMATION:
15. NC SAM Zone:Mountains (M)Piedmont (P)Inner Coastal Plain (I)Outer Coastal Plain (O)
16. Estimated geomorphic
valley shape (skip for a b
Tidal Marsh Stream):(more sinuous stream, flatter valley slope)(less sinuous stream, steeper valley slope)
17. Watershed size: (skip Size 1 (< 0.1 mi2)Size 2 (0.1 to < 0.5 mi2)Size 3 (0.5 to < 5 mi2)Size 4 (≥ 5 mi2)
for Tidal Marsh Stream)
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
18. Were regulatory considerations evaluated?Yes No If Yes, check all that appy to the assessment area.
Section 10 water Classified Trout Waters Water Supply Watershed (I II III IV V)
Essential Fish Habitat Primary Nursery Area High Quality Waters/Outstanding Resource Waters
Publicly owned property NCDWR riparian buffer rule in effect Nutrient Sensitive Waters
Anadromous fish 303(d) List CAMA Area of Environmental Concern (AEC)
Documented presence of a federal and/or state listed protected species within the assessment area.
List species:
Designated Critical Habitat (list species):
19. Are additional stream information/supplementary measurements included in "Notes/Sketch" section or attached?Yes No
1.Channel Water – assessment reach metric (skip for Size 1 streams and Tidal Marsh Streams)
A Water throughout assessment reach.
B No flow, water in pools only.
C No water in assessment reach.
2.Evidence of Flow Restriction – assessment reach metric
A At least 10% of assessment reach in-stream habitat or riffle-pool sequence is adversely affected by a flow restriction or fill to the
point of obstructing flow or a channel choked with aquatic macrophytes or ponded water or impounded on flood or ebb within
the assessment reach (examples: undersized or perched culverts, causeways that constrict the channel, tidal gates).
B Not A
3.Feature Pattern – assessment reach metric
A A majority of the assessment reach has altered pattern (examples: straightening, modification above or below culvert).
B Not A.
4.Feature Longitudinal Profile – assessment reach metric
A Majority of assessment reach has a substantially altered stream profile (examples: channel down-cutting, existing damming,
over widening, active aggradation, dredging, and excavation where appropriate channel profile has not reformed from any of
these disturbances).
B Not A
5.Signs of Active Instability – assessment reach metric
Consider only current instability, not past events from which the stream has currently recovered. Examples of instability include
active bank failure, active channel down-cutting (head-cut), active widening, and artificial hardening (such as concrete, gabion, rip-rap).
A < 10% of channel unstable
B 10 to 25% of channel unstable
C > 25% of channel unstable
6.Streamside Area Interaction – streamside area metric
Consider for the Left Bank (LB) and the Right Bank (RB).
LB RB
A A Little or no evidence of conditions that adversely affect reference interaction
B B Moderate evidence of conditions (examples: berms, levees, down-cutting, aggradation, dredging) that adversely affect
reference interaction (examples: limited streamside area access, disruption of flood flows through streamside area,
leaky or intermittent bulkheads, causeways with floodplain constriction, minor ditching [including mosquito ditching])
C C Extensive evidence of conditions that adversely affect reference interaction (little to no floodplain/intertidal zone access
[examples: causeways with floodplain and channel constriction, bulkheads, retaining walls, fill, stream incision,
disruption of flood flows through streamside area] or too much floodplain/intertidal zone access [examples:
impoundments, intensive mosquito ditching]) or floodplain/intertidal zone unnaturally absent or assessment reach is a
man-made feature on an interstream divide
7.Water Quality Stressors – assessment reach/intertidal zone metric
Dugger Creek - Site #3 3/19/2018
36.13752, -81.51722
Dugger #3 1000
Wildlands 4. Assessor name/organization:M. Caddell
Watauga
Yadkin Dugger Creek
Manual for detailed descriptions and explanations of requested information. Record in the "Notes/Sketch" section if any supplementary
NOTE EVIDENCE OF STRESSORS AFFECTING THE ASSESSMENT AREA (do not need to be within the assessment area).
measurements were performed. See the NC SAM User Manual for examples of additional measurements that may be relevant.
NC SAM FIELD ASSESSMENT FORM
Accompanies User Manual Version 2.1
INSTRUCTIONS:Attach a sketch of the assessment area and photographs.Attach a copy of the USGS 7.5-minute topographic
quadrangle,and circle the location of the stream reach under evaluation.If multiple stream reaches will be evaluated on the same
property,identify and number all reaches on the attached map,and include a separate form for each reach.See the NC SAM User
3-6
20-30
Check all that apply.
A Discolored water in stream or intertidal zone (milky white, blue, unnatural water discoloration, oil sheen, stream foam)
B Excessive sedimentation (burying of stream features or intertidal zone)
C Noticeable evidence of pollutant discharges entering the assessment reach and causing a water quality problem
D Odor (not including natural sulfide odors)
E Current published or collected data indicating degraded water quality in the assessment reach. Cite source in the "Notes/Sketch"
section.
F Livestock with access to stream or intertidal zone
G Excessive algae in stream or intertidal zone
H Degraded marsh vegetation in the intertidal zone (removal, burning, regular mowing, destruction, etc.)
I Other:(explain in "Notes/Sketch" section)
J Little to no stressors
8.Recent Weather – watershed metric
For Size 1 or 2 streams, D1 drought or higher is considered a drought; for Size 3 or 4 streams, D2 drought or higher is considered a
drought.
A Drought conditions and no rainfall or rainfall not exceeding 1 inch within the last 48 hours
B Drought conditions and rainfall exceeding 1 inch within the last 48 hours
C No drought conditions
9 Large or Dangerous Stream – assessment reach metric
Yes No Is stream is too large or dangerous to assess? If Yes, skip to Metric 13 (Streamside Area Ground Surface Condition).
10.Natural In-stream Habitat Types – assessment reach metric
10a.Yes No Degraded in-stream habitat over majority of the assessment reach (examples of stressors include excessive
sedimentation, mining, excavation, in-stream hardening [for example, rip-rap], recent dredging, and snagging)
(evaluate for size 4 Coastal Plain streams only, then skip to Metric 12)
10b.Check all that occur (occurs if > 5% coverage of assessment reach) (skip for Size 4 Coastal Plain streams)
A Multiple aquatic macrophytes and aquatic mosses F 5% oysters or other natural hard bottoms
(include liverworts, lichens, and algal mats)G Submerged aquatic vegetation
B Multiple sticks and/or leaf packs and/or emergent H Low-tide refugia (pools)
vegetation I Sand bottom
C Multiple snags and logs (including lap trees)J 5% vertical bank along the marsh
D 5% undercut banks and/or root mats and/or roots K Little or no habitat
in banks extend to the normal wetted perimeter
E Little or no habitat
11.Bedform and Substrate – assessment reach metric (skip for Size 4 Coastal Plain streams and Tidal Marsh Streams)
11a.Yes No Is assessment reach in a natural sand-bed stream? (skip for Coastal Plain streams)
11b.Bedform evaluated. Check the appropriate box(es).
A Riffle-run section (evaluate 11c)
B Pool-glide section (evaluate 11d)
C Natural bedform absent (skip to Metric 12, Aquatic Life)
11c.In riffles sections, check all that occur below the normal wetted perimeter of the assessment reach – whether or not submerged.
Check at least one box in each row (skip for Size 4 Coastal Plain Streams and Tidal Marsh Streams). Not Present (NP) =
absent, Rare (R) = present but ≤ 10%, Common (C) = > 10-40%, Abundant (A) = > 40-70%, Predominant (P) = > 70%. Cumulative
percentages should not exceed 100% for each assessment reach.
NP R C A P
Bedrock/saprolite
Boulder (256 – 4096 mm)
Cobble (64 – 256 mm)
Gravel (2 – 64 mm)
Sand (.062 – 2 mm)
Silt/clay (< 0.062 mm)
Detritus
Artificial (rip-rap, concrete, etc.)
11d.Yes No Are pools filled with sediment? (skip for Size 4 Coastal Plain streams and Tidal Marsh Streams)
12.Aquatic Life – assessment reach metric (skip for Size 4 Coastal Plain streams and Tidal Marsh Streams)
12a.Yes No Was an in-stream aquatic life assessment performed as described in the User Manual?
If No, select one of the following reasons and skip to Metric 13. No Water Other:
12b.Yes No Are aquatic organisms present in the assessment reach (look in riffles, pools, then snags)? If Yes, check
all that apply. If No, skip to Metric 13.
1 >1 Numbers over columns refer to “individuals” for size 1 and 2 streams and “taxa” for size 3 and 4 streams.
Adult frogs
Aquatic reptiles
Aquatic macrophytes and aquatic mosses (include liverworts, lichens, and algal mats)
Beetles (including water pennies)
Caddisfly larvae (Trichoptera [T])
Asian clam (Corbicula )
Crustacean (isopod/amphipod/crayfish/shrimp)
Damselfly and dragonfly larvae
Dipterans (true flies)
Mayfly larvae (Ephemeroptera [E])
Megaloptera (alderfly, fishfly, dobsonfly larvae)
Midges/mosquito larvae
Mosquito fish (Gambusia ) or mud minnows (Umbra pygmaea)
Mussels/Clams (not Corbicula )
*********************************REMAINING QUESTIONS ARE NOT APPLICABLE FOR TIDAL MARSH STREAMS****************************Check for TidalMarsh Streamsonly
Other fish
Salamanders/tadpoles
Snails
Stonefly larvae (Plecoptera [P])
Tipulid larvae
Worms/leeches
13.Streamside Area Ground Surface Condition – streamside area metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams and B valley types)
Consider for the Left Bank (LB) and the Right Bank (RB). Consider storage capacity with regard to both overbank flow and
upland runoff.
LB RB
A A Little or no alteration to water storage capacity over a majority of the streamside area
B B Moderate alteration to water storage capacity over a majority of the streamside area
C C Severe alteration to water storage capacity over a majority of the streamside area (examples include: ditches, fill,
soil, compaction, livestock disturbance, buildings, man-made levees, drainage pipes)
14.Streamside Area Water Storage – streamside area metric (skip for Size 1 streams, Tidal Marsh Streams, and B valley types)
Consider for the Left Bank (LB) and the Right Bank (RB) of the streamside area.
LB RB
A A Majority of streamside area with depressions able to pond water ≥ 6 inches deep
B B Majority of streamside area with depressions able to pond water 3 to 6 inches deep
C C Majority of streamside area with depressions able to pond water < 3 inches deep
15.Wetland Presence – streamside area metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams)
Consider for the Left Bank (LB) and the Right Bank (RB). Do not consider wetlands outside of the streamside area or within the
normal wetted perimeter of assessment reach.
LB RB
Y Y Are wetlands present in the streamside area?
N N
16.Baseflow Contributors – assessment reach metric (skip for size 4 streams and Tidal Marsh Streams)
Check all contributors within the assessment reach or within view of and draining to the assessment reach.
A Streams and/or springs (jurisdictional discharges)
B Ponds (include wet detention basins; do not include sediment basins or dry detention basins)
C Obstruction that passes some flow during low-flow periods within assessment area (beaver dam, bottom-release dam)
D Evidence of bank seepage or sweating (iron oxidizing bacteria in water indicates seepage)
E Stream bed or bank soil reduced (dig through deposited sediment if present)
F None of the above
17.Baseflow Detractors – assessment area metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams)
Check all that apply.
A Evidence of substantial water withdrawals from the assessment reach (includes areas excavated for pump installation)
B Obstruction not passing flow during low flow periods affecting the assessment reach (ex: watertight dam, sediment deposit)
C Urban stream (≥ 24% impervious surface for watershed)
D Evidence that the stream-side area has been modified resulting in accelerated drainage into the assessment reach
E Assessment reach relocated to valley edge
F None of the above
18.Shading – assessment reach metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams)
Consider aspect. Consider “leaf-on” condition.
A Stream shading is appropriate for stream category (may include gaps associated with natural processes)
B Degraded (example: scattered trees)
C Stream shading is gone or largely absent
19.Buffer Width – streamside area metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams)
Consider “vegetated buffer” and “wooded buffer” separately for left bank (LB) and right bank (RB) starting at the top
of bank out to the first break.
Vegetated Wooded
LB RB LB RB
A A A A ≥ 100-feet wide or extends to the edge of the watershed
B B B B From 50 to < 100-feet wide
C C C C From 30 to < 50-feet wide
D D D D From 10 to < 30-feet wide
E E E E < 10-feet wide or no trees
20.Buffer Structure – streamside area metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams)
Consider for left bank (LB) and right bank (RB) for Metric 19 ("Vegetated" Buffer Width).
LB RB
A A Mature forest
B B Non-mature woody vegetation or modified vegetation structure
C C Herbaceous vegetation with or without a strip of trees < 10 feet wide
D D Maintained shrubs
E E Little or no vegetation
21.Buffer Stressors – streamside area metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams)
Check all appropriate boxes for left bank (LB) and right bank (RB). Indicate if listed stressor abuts stream (Abuts), does not abut but
is within 30 feet of stream (< 30 feet), or is between 30 to 50 feet of stream (30-50 feet).
If none of the following stressors occurs on either bank, check here and skip to Metric 22:
Abuts < 30 feet 30-50 feet
LB RB LB RB LB RB
A A A A A A Row crops
B B B B B B Maintained turf
C C C C C C Pasture (no livestock)/commercial horticulture
D D D D D D Pasture (active livestock use)
22.Stem Density – streamside area metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams)
Consider for left bank (LB) and right bank (RB) for Metric 19 ("Wooded" Buffer Width).
LB RB
A A Medium to high stem density
B B Low stem density
C C No wooded riparian buffer or predominantly herbaceous species or bare ground
23.Continuity of Vegetated Buffer – streamside area metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams)
Consider whether vegetated buffer is continuous along stream (parallel). Breaks are areas lacking vegetation > 10-feet wide.
LB RB
A A The total length of buffer breaks is < 25 percent.
B B The total length of buffer breaks is between 25 and 50 percent.
C C The total length of buffer breaks is > 50 percent.
24.Vegetative Composition – First 100 feet of streamside area metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams)
Evaluate the dominant vegetation within 100 feet of each bank or to the edge of the watershed (whichever comes first) as it contributes
to assessment reach habitat.
LB RB
A A Vegetation is close to undisturbed in species present and their proportions. Lower strata composed of native
species, with non-native invasive species absent or sparse.
B B Vegetation indicates disturbance in terms of species diversity or proportions, but is still largely composed of native
species. This may include communities of weedy native species that develop after clear-cutting or clearing or
communities with non-native invasive species present, but not dominant, over a large portion of the expected strata or
communities missing understory but retaining canopy trees.
C C Vegetation is severely disturbed in terms of species diversity or proportions. Mature canopy is absent or communities
with non-native invasive species dominant over a large portion of expected strata or communities composed of planted
stands of non-characteristic species or communities inappropriately composed of a single species or no vegetation.
25.Conductivity – assessment reach metric (skip for all Coastal Plain streams)
25a.Yes No Was a conductivity measurement recorded?
If No, select one of the following reasons. No Water Other:
25b.Check the box corresponding to the conductivity measurement (units of microsiemens per centimeter).
A <46 B 46 to < 67 C 67 to < 79 D 79 to < 230 E ≥ 230
Notes/Sketch:
Notes of Field Assessment Form (Y/N)
Presence of regulatory considerations (Y/N)
Additional stream information/supplementary measurements included (Y/N)
NC SAM feature type (perennial, intermittent, Tidal Marsh Stream)
(4) Floodplain Access
(4) Wooded Riparian Buffer
(4) Microtopography
(3) Stream Stability
(4) Channel Stability
(4) Sediment Transport
(4) Stream Geomorphology
(2) Stream/Intertidal Zone Interaction
(2) Longitudinal Tidal Flow
(2) Tidal Marsh Stream Stability
(3) Tidal Marsh Stream Geomorphology
(1) Water Quality
(2) Baseflow
(2) Streamside Area Vegetation
(3) Upland Pollutant Filtration
(3) Thermoregulation
(2) Indicators of Stressors
(2) Aquatic Life Tolerance
(2) Intertidal Zone Filtration
(1) Habitat
(2) In-stream Habitat
(3) Baseflow
(3) Substrate
(3) Stream Stability
(3) In-stream Habitat
(2) Stream-side Habitat
(3) Stream-side Habitat
(3) Thermoregulation
(2) Tidal Marsh In-stream Habitat
(3) Flow Restriction
(3) Tidal Marsh Stream Stability
(4) Tidal Marsh Stream Geomorphology
(3) Tidal Marsh In-stream Habitat
(2) Intertidal Zone Habitat
Overall HIGH
HIGH
HIGH
HIGH
HIGH
HIGH
HIGH
NA
NA
HIGH
NA
HIGH
HIGH
HIGH
NA
NA
NA
NA
HIGH
HIGH
(3) Tidal Marsh Channel Stability
(3) Streamside Area Attenuation
Function Class Rating Summary
(1) Hydrology
NA
HIGH
HIGH
HIGH
HIGH
NA
NO
HIGH
Stream Site Name Dugger Creek - Site #3 Date of Evaluation
HIGH
(4) Tidal Marsh Channel Stability
HIGH
HIGH
NA
NA
HIGH
NA
HIGH
NC SAM Stream Rating Sheet
Accompanies User Manual Version 2.1
HIGH
HIGH
USACE/
All Streams
NCDWR
Intermittent
NA
NA
(2) Flood Flow
M. Caddell
3/19/2018
NO
YES
NO
Perennial
(2) Baseflow
Stream Category Assessor Name/Organization
HIGH
Mb3
USACE AID #:NCDWR #:
PROJECT / SITE INFORMATION:
1. Project name (if any):2. Date of evaluation:
3. Applicant/owner name:
5. County:6. Nearest named water body
7. River Basin: on USGS 7.5-minute quad:
8. Site coordinates (decimal degrees, at lower end of assessment reach):
STREAM INFORMATION: (depth and width can be approximations)
9. Site number (show on attached map):10. Length of assessment reach evaluated (feet):
11. Channel depth from bed (in riffle, if present) to top of bank (feet):Unable to assess channel depth.
12. Channel width at top of bank (feet):13. Is assessment reach a swamp stream?Yes No
14. Feature type:Perennial flow Intermittent flow Tidal Marsh Stream
STREAM RATING INFORMATION:
15. NC SAM Zone:Mountains (M)Piedmont (P)Inner Coastal Plain (I)Outer Coastal Plain (O)
16. Estimated geomorphic
valley shape (skip for a b
Tidal Marsh Stream):(more sinuous stream, flatter valley slope)(less sinuous stream, steeper valley slope)
17. Watershed size: (skip Size 1 (< 0.1 mi2)Size 2 (0.1 to < 0.5 mi2)Size 3 (0.5 to < 5 mi2)Size 4 (≥ 5 mi2)
for Tidal Marsh Stream)
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
18. Were regulatory considerations evaluated?Yes No If Yes, check all that appy to the assessment area.
Section 10 water Classified Trout Waters Water Supply Watershed (I II III IV V)
Essential Fish Habitat Primary Nursery Area High Quality Waters/Outstanding Resource Waters
Publicly owned property NCDWR riparian buffer rule in effect Nutrient Sensitive Waters
Anadromous fish 303(d) List CAMA Area of Environmental Concern (AEC)
Documented presence of a federal and/or state listed protected species within the assessment area.
List species:
Designated Critical Habitat (list species):
19. Are additional stream information/supplementary measurements included in "Notes/Sketch" section or attached?Yes No
1.Channel Water – assessment reach metric (skip for Size 1 streams and Tidal Marsh Streams)
A Water throughout assessment reach.
B No flow, water in pools only.
C No water in assessment reach.
2.Evidence of Flow Restriction – assessment reach metric
A At least 10% of assessment reach in-stream habitat or riffle-pool sequence is adversely affected by a flow restriction or fill to the
point of obstructing flow or a channel choked with aquatic macrophytes or ponded water or impounded on flood or ebb within
the assessment reach (examples: undersized or perched culverts, causeways that constrict the channel, tidal gates).
B Not A
3.Feature Pattern – assessment reach metric
A A majority of the assessment reach has altered pattern (examples: straightening, modification above or below culvert).
B Not A.
4.Feature Longitudinal Profile – assessment reach metric
A Majority of assessment reach has a substantially altered stream profile (examples: channel down-cutting, existing damming,
over widening, active aggradation, dredging, and excavation where appropriate channel profile has not reformed from any of
these disturbances).
B Not A
5.Signs of Active Instability – assessment reach metric
Consider only current instability, not past events from which the stream has currently recovered. Examples of instability include
active bank failure, active channel down-cutting (head-cut), active widening, and artificial hardening (such as concrete, gabion, rip-rap).
A < 10% of channel unstable
B 10 to 25% of channel unstable
C > 25% of channel unstable
6.Streamside Area Interaction – streamside area metric
Consider for the Left Bank (LB) and the Right Bank (RB).
LB RB
A A Little or no evidence of conditions that adversely affect reference interaction
B B Moderate evidence of conditions (examples: berms, levees, down-cutting, aggradation, dredging) that adversely affect
reference interaction (examples: limited streamside area access, disruption of flood flows through streamside area,
leaky or intermittent bulkheads, causeways with floodplain constriction, minor ditching [including mosquito ditching])
C C Extensive evidence of conditions that adversely affect reference interaction (little to no floodplain/intertidal zone access
[examples: causeways with floodplain and channel constriction, bulkheads, retaining walls, fill, stream incision,
disruption of flood flows through streamside area] or too much floodplain/intertidal zone access [examples:
impoundments, intensive mosquito ditching]) or floodplain/intertidal zone unnaturally absent or assessment reach is a
man-made feature on an interstream divide
7.Water Quality Stressors – assessment reach/intertidal zone metric
Dugger Creek - Site #4 3/19/2018
36.13102, -81.51498
Dugger #4 1100
Wildlands 4. Assessor name/organization:M. Caddell
Watauga
Yadkin Dugger Creek
Manual for detailed descriptions and explanations of requested information. Record in the "Notes/Sketch" section if any supplementary
NOTE EVIDENCE OF STRESSORS AFFECTING THE ASSESSMENT AREA (do not need to be within the assessment area).
measurements were performed. See the NC SAM User Manual for examples of additional measurements that may be relevant.
NC SAM FIELD ASSESSMENT FORM
Accompanies User Manual Version 2.1
INSTRUCTIONS:Attach a sketch of the assessment area and photographs.Attach a copy of the USGS 7.5-minute topographic
quadrangle,and circle the location of the stream reach under evaluation.If multiple stream reaches will be evaluated on the same
property,identify and number all reaches on the attached map,and include a separate form for each reach.See the NC SAM User
1-6
15-25
Check all that apply.
A Discolored water in stream or intertidal zone (milky white, blue, unnatural water discoloration, oil sheen, stream foam)
B Excessive sedimentation (burying of stream features or intertidal zone)
C Noticeable evidence of pollutant discharges entering the assessment reach and causing a water quality problem
D Odor (not including natural sulfide odors)
E Current published or collected data indicating degraded water quality in the assessment reach. Cite source in the "Notes/Sketch"
section.
F Livestock with access to stream or intertidal zone
G Excessive algae in stream or intertidal zone
H Degraded marsh vegetation in the intertidal zone (removal, burning, regular mowing, destruction, etc.)
I Other:(explain in "Notes/Sketch" section)
J Little to no stressors
8.Recent Weather – watershed metric
For Size 1 or 2 streams, D1 drought or higher is considered a drought; for Size 3 or 4 streams, D2 drought or higher is considered a
drought.
A Drought conditions and no rainfall or rainfall not exceeding 1 inch within the last 48 hours
B Drought conditions and rainfall exceeding 1 inch within the last 48 hours
C No drought conditions
9 Large or Dangerous Stream – assessment reach metric
Yes No Is stream is too large or dangerous to assess? If Yes, skip to Metric 13 (Streamside Area Ground Surface Condition).
10.Natural In-stream Habitat Types – assessment reach metric
10a.Yes No Degraded in-stream habitat over majority of the assessment reach (examples of stressors include excessive
sedimentation, mining, excavation, in-stream hardening [for example, rip-rap], recent dredging, and snagging)
(evaluate for size 4 Coastal Plain streams only, then skip to Metric 12)
10b.Check all that occur (occurs if > 5% coverage of assessment reach) (skip for Size 4 Coastal Plain streams)
A Multiple aquatic macrophytes and aquatic mosses F 5% oysters or other natural hard bottoms
(include liverworts, lichens, and algal mats)G Submerged aquatic vegetation
B Multiple sticks and/or leaf packs and/or emergent H Low-tide refugia (pools)
vegetation I Sand bottom
C Multiple snags and logs (including lap trees)J 5% vertical bank along the marsh
D 5% undercut banks and/or root mats and/or roots K Little or no habitat
in banks extend to the normal wetted perimeter
E Little or no habitat
11.Bedform and Substrate – assessment reach metric (skip for Size 4 Coastal Plain streams and Tidal Marsh Streams)
11a.Yes No Is assessment reach in a natural sand-bed stream? (skip for Coastal Plain streams)
11b.Bedform evaluated. Check the appropriate box(es).
A Riffle-run section (evaluate 11c)
B Pool-glide section (evaluate 11d)
C Natural bedform absent (skip to Metric 12, Aquatic Life)
11c.In riffles sections, check all that occur below the normal wetted perimeter of the assessment reach – whether or not submerged.
Check at least one box in each row (skip for Size 4 Coastal Plain Streams and Tidal Marsh Streams). Not Present (NP) =
absent, Rare (R) = present but ≤ 10%, Common (C) = > 10-40%, Abundant (A) = > 40-70%, Predominant (P) = > 70%. Cumulative
percentages should not exceed 100% for each assessment reach.
NP R C A P
Bedrock/saprolite
Boulder (256 – 4096 mm)
Cobble (64 – 256 mm)
Gravel (2 – 64 mm)
Sand (.062 – 2 mm)
Silt/clay (< 0.062 mm)
Detritus
Artificial (rip-rap, concrete, etc.)
11d.Yes No Are pools filled with sediment? (skip for Size 4 Coastal Plain streams and Tidal Marsh Streams)
12.Aquatic Life – assessment reach metric (skip for Size 4 Coastal Plain streams and Tidal Marsh Streams)
12a.Yes No Was an in-stream aquatic life assessment performed as described in the User Manual?
If No, select one of the following reasons and skip to Metric 13. No Water Other:
12b.Yes No Are aquatic organisms present in the assessment reach (look in riffles, pools, then snags)? If Yes, check
all that apply. If No, skip to Metric 13.
1 >1 Numbers over columns refer to “individuals” for size 1 and 2 streams and “taxa” for size 3 and 4 streams.
Adult frogs
Aquatic reptiles
Aquatic macrophytes and aquatic mosses (include liverworts, lichens, and algal mats)
Beetles (including water pennies)
Caddisfly larvae (Trichoptera [T])
Asian clam (Corbicula )
Crustacean (isopod/amphipod/crayfish/shrimp)
Damselfly and dragonfly larvae
Dipterans (true flies)
Mayfly larvae (Ephemeroptera [E])
Megaloptera (alderfly, fishfly, dobsonfly larvae)
Midges/mosquito larvae
Mosquito fish (Gambusia ) or mud minnows (Umbra pygmaea)
Mussels/Clams (not Corbicula )
*********************************REMAINING QUESTIONS ARE NOT APPLICABLE FOR TIDAL MARSH STREAMS****************************Check for TidalMarsh Streamsonly
Other fish
Salamanders/tadpoles
Snails
Stonefly larvae (Plecoptera [P])
Tipulid larvae
Worms/leeches
13.Streamside Area Ground Surface Condition – streamside area metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams and B valley types)
Consider for the Left Bank (LB) and the Right Bank (RB). Consider storage capacity with regard to both overbank flow and
upland runoff.
LB RB
A A Little or no alteration to water storage capacity over a majority of the streamside area
B B Moderate alteration to water storage capacity over a majority of the streamside area
C C Severe alteration to water storage capacity over a majority of the streamside area (examples include: ditches, fill,
soil, compaction, livestock disturbance, buildings, man-made levees, drainage pipes)
14.Streamside Area Water Storage – streamside area metric (skip for Size 1 streams, Tidal Marsh Streams, and B valley types)
Consider for the Left Bank (LB) and the Right Bank (RB) of the streamside area.
LB RB
A A Majority of streamside area with depressions able to pond water ≥ 6 inches deep
B B Majority of streamside area with depressions able to pond water 3 to 6 inches deep
C C Majority of streamside area with depressions able to pond water < 3 inches deep
15.Wetland Presence – streamside area metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams)
Consider for the Left Bank (LB) and the Right Bank (RB). Do not consider wetlands outside of the streamside area or within the
normal wetted perimeter of assessment reach.
LB RB
Y Y Are wetlands present in the streamside area?
N N
16.Baseflow Contributors – assessment reach metric (skip for size 4 streams and Tidal Marsh Streams)
Check all contributors within the assessment reach or within view of and draining to the assessment reach.
A Streams and/or springs (jurisdictional discharges)
B Ponds (include wet detention basins; do not include sediment basins or dry detention basins)
C Obstruction that passes some flow during low-flow periods within assessment area (beaver dam, bottom-release dam)
D Evidence of bank seepage or sweating (iron oxidizing bacteria in water indicates seepage)
E Stream bed or bank soil reduced (dig through deposited sediment if present)
F None of the above
17.Baseflow Detractors – assessment area metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams)
Check all that apply.
A Evidence of substantial water withdrawals from the assessment reach (includes areas excavated for pump installation)
B Obstruction not passing flow during low flow periods affecting the assessment reach (ex: watertight dam, sediment deposit)
C Urban stream (≥ 24% impervious surface for watershed)
D Evidence that the stream-side area has been modified resulting in accelerated drainage into the assessment reach
E Assessment reach relocated to valley edge
F None of the above
18.Shading – assessment reach metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams)
Consider aspect. Consider “leaf-on” condition.
A Stream shading is appropriate for stream category (may include gaps associated with natural processes)
B Degraded (example: scattered trees)
C Stream shading is gone or largely absent
19.Buffer Width – streamside area metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams)
Consider “vegetated buffer” and “wooded buffer” separately for left bank (LB) and right bank (RB) starting at the top
of bank out to the first break.
Vegetated Wooded
LB RB LB RB
A A A A ≥ 100-feet wide or extends to the edge of the watershed
B B B B From 50 to < 100-feet wide
C C C C From 30 to < 50-feet wide
D D D D From 10 to < 30-feet wide
E E E E < 10-feet wide or no trees
20.Buffer Structure – streamside area metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams)
Consider for left bank (LB) and right bank (RB) for Metric 19 ("Vegetated" Buffer Width).
LB RB
A A Mature forest
B B Non-mature woody vegetation or modified vegetation structure
C C Herbaceous vegetation with or without a strip of trees < 10 feet wide
D D Maintained shrubs
E E Little or no vegetation
21.Buffer Stressors – streamside area metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams)
Check all appropriate boxes for left bank (LB) and right bank (RB). Indicate if listed stressor abuts stream (Abuts), does not abut but
is within 30 feet of stream (< 30 feet), or is between 30 to 50 feet of stream (30-50 feet).
If none of the following stressors occurs on either bank, check here and skip to Metric 22:
Abuts < 30 feet 30-50 feet
LB RB LB RB LB RB
A A A A A A Row crops
B B B B B B Maintained turf
C C C C C C Pasture (no livestock)/commercial horticulture
D D D D D D Pasture (active livestock use)
22.Stem Density – streamside area metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams)
Consider for left bank (LB) and right bank (RB) for Metric 19 ("Wooded" Buffer Width).
LB RB
A A Medium to high stem density
B B Low stem density
C C No wooded riparian buffer or predominantly herbaceous species or bare ground
23.Continuity of Vegetated Buffer – streamside area metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams)
Consider whether vegetated buffer is continuous along stream (parallel). Breaks are areas lacking vegetation > 10-feet wide.
LB RB
A A The total length of buffer breaks is < 25 percent.
B B The total length of buffer breaks is between 25 and 50 percent.
C C The total length of buffer breaks is > 50 percent.
24.Vegetative Composition – First 100 feet of streamside area metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams)
Evaluate the dominant vegetation within 100 feet of each bank or to the edge of the watershed (whichever comes first) as it contributes
to assessment reach habitat.
LB RB
A A Vegetation is close to undisturbed in species present and their proportions. Lower strata composed of native
species, with non-native invasive species absent or sparse.
B B Vegetation indicates disturbance in terms of species diversity or proportions, but is still largely composed of native
species. This may include communities of weedy native species that develop after clear-cutting or clearing or
communities with non-native invasive species present, but not dominant, over a large portion of the expected strata or
communities missing understory but retaining canopy trees.
C C Vegetation is severely disturbed in terms of species diversity or proportions. Mature canopy is absent or communities
with non-native invasive species dominant over a large portion of expected strata or communities composed of planted
stands of non-characteristic species or communities inappropriately composed of a single species or no vegetation.
25.Conductivity – assessment reach metric (skip for all Coastal Plain streams)
25a.Yes No Was a conductivity measurement recorded?
If No, select one of the following reasons. No Water Other:
25b.Check the box corresponding to the conductivity measurement (units of microsiemens per centimeter).
A <46 B 46 to < 67 C 67 to < 79 D 79 to < 230 E ≥ 230
Notes/Sketch:
Notes of Field Assessment Form (Y/N)
Presence of regulatory considerations (Y/N)
Additional stream information/supplementary measurements included (Y/N)
NC SAM feature type (perennial, intermittent, Tidal Marsh Stream)
(4) Floodplain Access
(4) Wooded Riparian Buffer
(4) Microtopography
(3) Stream Stability
(4) Channel Stability
(4) Sediment Transport
(4) Stream Geomorphology
(2) Stream/Intertidal Zone Interaction
(2) Longitudinal Tidal Flow
(2) Tidal Marsh Stream Stability
(3) Tidal Marsh Stream Geomorphology
(1) Water Quality
(2) Baseflow
(2) Streamside Area Vegetation
(3) Upland Pollutant Filtration
(3) Thermoregulation
(2) Indicators of Stressors
(2) Aquatic Life Tolerance
(2) Intertidal Zone Filtration
(1) Habitat
(2) In-stream Habitat
(3) Baseflow
(3) Substrate
(3) Stream Stability
(3) In-stream Habitat
(2) Stream-side Habitat
(3) Stream-side Habitat
(3) Thermoregulation
(2) Tidal Marsh In-stream Habitat
(3) Flow Restriction
(3) Tidal Marsh Stream Stability
(4) Tidal Marsh Stream Geomorphology
(3) Tidal Marsh In-stream Habitat
(2) Intertidal Zone Habitat
Overall HIGH
HIGH
HIGH
HIGH
HIGH
HIGH
HIGH
NA
NA
HIGH
NA
HIGH
HIGH
HIGH
NA
NA
NA
NA
HIGH
HIGH
(3) Tidal Marsh Channel Stability
(3) Streamside Area Attenuation
Function Class Rating Summary
(1) Hydrology
NA
HIGH
HIGH
HIGH
HIGH
NA
NO
HIGH
Stream Site Name Dugger Creek - Site #4 Date of Evaluation
HIGH
(4) Tidal Marsh Channel Stability
HIGH
HIGH
NA
NA
HIGH
NA
HIGH
NC SAM Stream Rating Sheet
Accompanies User Manual Version 2.1
HIGH
HIGH
USACE/
All Streams
NCDWR
Intermittent
NA
NA
(2) Flood Flow
M. Caddell
3/19/2018
NO
YES
NO
Perennial
(2) Baseflow
Stream Category Assessor Name/Organization
HIGH
Mb3
USACE AID #:NCDWR #:
PROJECT / SITE INFORMATION:
1. Project name (if any):2. Date of evaluation:
3. Applicant/owner name:
5. County:6. Nearest named water body
7. River Basin: on USGS 7.5-minute quad:
8. Site coordinates (decimal degrees, at lower end of assessment reach):
STREAM INFORMATION: (depth and width can be approximations)
9. Site number (show on attached map):10. Length of assessment reach evaluated (feet):
11. Channel depth from bed (in riffle, if present) to top of bank (feet):Unable to assess channel depth.
12. Channel width at top of bank (feet):13. Is assessment reach a swamp stream?Yes No
14. Feature type:Perennial flow Intermittent flow Tidal Marsh Stream
STREAM RATING INFORMATION:
15. NC SAM Zone:Mountains (M)Piedmont (P)Inner Coastal Plain (I)Outer Coastal Plain (O)
16. Estimated geomorphic
valley shape (skip for a b
Tidal Marsh Stream):(more sinuous stream, flatter valley slope)(less sinuous stream, steeper valley slope)
17. Watershed size: (skip Size 1 (< 0.1 mi2)Size 2 (0.1 to < 0.5 mi2)Size 3 (0.5 to < 5 mi2)Size 4 (≥ 5 mi2)
for Tidal Marsh Stream)
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
18. Were regulatory considerations evaluated?Yes No If Yes, check all that appy to the assessment area.
Section 10 water Classified Trout Waters Water Supply Watershed (I II III IV V)
Essential Fish Habitat Primary Nursery Area High Quality Waters/Outstanding Resource Waters
Publicly owned property NCDWR riparian buffer rule in effect Nutrient Sensitive Waters
Anadromous fish 303(d) List CAMA Area of Environmental Concern (AEC)
Documented presence of a federal and/or state listed protected species within the assessment area.
List species:
Designated Critical Habitat (list species):
19. Are additional stream information/supplementary measurements included in "Notes/Sketch" section or attached?Yes No
1.Channel Water – assessment reach metric (skip for Size 1 streams and Tidal Marsh Streams)
A Water throughout assessment reach.
B No flow, water in pools only.
C No water in assessment reach.
2.Evidence of Flow Restriction – assessment reach metric
A At least 10% of assessment reach in-stream habitat or riffle-pool sequence is adversely affected by a flow restriction or fill to the
point of obstructing flow or a channel choked with aquatic macrophytes or ponded water or impounded on flood or ebb within
the assessment reach (examples: undersized or perched culverts, causeways that constrict the channel, tidal gates).
B Not A
3.Feature Pattern – assessment reach metric
A A majority of the assessment reach has altered pattern (examples: straightening, modification above or below culvert).
B Not A.
4.Feature Longitudinal Profile – assessment reach metric
A Majority of assessment reach has a substantially altered stream profile (examples: channel down-cutting, existing damming,
over widening, active aggradation, dredging, and excavation where appropriate channel profile has not reformed from any of
these disturbances).
B Not A
5.Signs of Active Instability – assessment reach metric
Consider only current instability, not past events from which the stream has currently recovered. Examples of instability include
active bank failure, active channel down-cutting (head-cut), active widening, and artificial hardening (such as concrete, gabion, rip-rap).
A < 10% of channel unstable
B 10 to 25% of channel unstable
C > 25% of channel unstable
6.Streamside Area Interaction – streamside area metric
Consider for the Left Bank (LB) and the Right Bank (RB).
LB RB
A A Little or no evidence of conditions that adversely affect reference interaction
B B Moderate evidence of conditions (examples: berms, levees, down-cutting, aggradation, dredging) that adversely affect
reference interaction (examples: limited streamside area access, disruption of flood flows through streamside area,
leaky or intermittent bulkheads, causeways with floodplain constriction, minor ditching [including mosquito ditching])
C C Extensive evidence of conditions that adversely affect reference interaction (little to no floodplain/intertidal zone access
[examples: causeways with floodplain and channel constriction, bulkheads, retaining walls, fill, stream incision,
disruption of flood flows through streamside area] or too much floodplain/intertidal zone access [examples:
impoundments, intensive mosquito ditching]) or floodplain/intertidal zone unnaturally absent or assessment reach is a
man-made feature on an interstream divide
7.Water Quality Stressors – assessment reach/intertidal zone metric
3-5
20-30
NC SAM FIELD ASSESSMENT FORM
Accompanies User Manual Version 2.1
INSTRUCTIONS:Attach a sketch of the assessment area and photographs.Attach a copy of the USGS 7.5-minute topographic
quadrangle,and circle the location of the stream reach under evaluation.If multiple stream reaches will be evaluated on the same
property,identify and number all reaches on the attached map,and include a separate form for each reach.See the NC SAM User
Manual for detailed descriptions and explanations of requested information. Record in the "Notes/Sketch" section if any supplementary
NOTE EVIDENCE OF STRESSORS AFFECTING THE ASSESSMENT AREA (do not need to be within the assessment area).
measurements were performed. See the NC SAM User Manual for examples of additional measurements that may be relevant.
Dugger Creek - Site #5 3/19/2018
36.12701, -81.51080
Dugger #5 1000
Wildlands 4. Assessor name/organization:M. Caddell
Watauga
Yadkin Dugger Creek
Check all that apply.
A Discolored water in stream or intertidal zone (milky white, blue, unnatural water discoloration, oil sheen, stream foam)
B Excessive sedimentation (burying of stream features or intertidal zone)
C Noticeable evidence of pollutant discharges entering the assessment reach and causing a water quality problem
D Odor (not including natural sulfide odors)
E Current published or collected data indicating degraded water quality in the assessment reach. Cite source in the "Notes/Sketch"
section.
F Livestock with access to stream or intertidal zone
G Excessive algae in stream or intertidal zone
H Degraded marsh vegetation in the intertidal zone (removal, burning, regular mowing, destruction, etc.)
I Other:(explain in "Notes/Sketch" section)
J Little to no stressors
8.Recent Weather – watershed metric
For Size 1 or 2 streams, D1 drought or higher is considered a drought; for Size 3 or 4 streams, D2 drought or higher is considered a
drought.
A Drought conditions and no rainfall or rainfall not exceeding 1 inch within the last 48 hours
B Drought conditions and rainfall exceeding 1 inch within the last 48 hours
C No drought conditions
9 Large or Dangerous Stream – assessment reach metric
Yes No Is stream is too large or dangerous to assess? If Yes, skip to Metric 13 (Streamside Area Ground Surface Condition).
10.Natural In-stream Habitat Types – assessment reach metric
10a.Yes No Degraded in-stream habitat over majority of the assessment reach (examples of stressors include excessive
sedimentation, mining, excavation, in-stream hardening [for example, rip-rap], recent dredging, and snagging)
(evaluate for size 4 Coastal Plain streams only, then skip to Metric 12)
10b.Check all that occur (occurs if > 5% coverage of assessment reach) (skip for Size 4 Coastal Plain streams)
A Multiple aquatic macrophytes and aquatic mosses F 5% oysters or other natural hard bottoms
(include liverworts, lichens, and algal mats)G Submerged aquatic vegetation
B Multiple sticks and/or leaf packs and/or emergent H Low-tide refugia (pools)
vegetation I Sand bottom
C Multiple snags and logs (including lap trees)J 5% vertical bank along the marsh
D 5% undercut banks and/or root mats and/or roots K Little or no habitat
in banks extend to the normal wetted perimeter
E Little or no habitat
11.Bedform and Substrate – assessment reach metric (skip for Size 4 Coastal Plain streams and Tidal Marsh Streams)
11a.Yes No Is assessment reach in a natural sand-bed stream? (skip for Coastal Plain streams)
11b.Bedform evaluated. Check the appropriate box(es).
A Riffle-run section (evaluate 11c)
B Pool-glide section (evaluate 11d)
C Natural bedform absent (skip to Metric 12, Aquatic Life)
11c.In riffles sections, check all that occur below the normal wetted perimeter of the assessment reach – whether or not submerged.
Check at least one box in each row (skip for Size 4 Coastal Plain Streams and Tidal Marsh Streams). Not Present (NP) =
absent, Rare (R) = present but ≤ 10%, Common (C) = > 10-40%, Abundant (A) = > 40-70%, Predominant (P) = > 70%. Cumulative
percentages should not exceed 100% for each assessment reach.
NP R C A P
Bedrock/saprolite
Boulder (256 – 4096 mm)
Cobble (64 – 256 mm)
Gravel (2 – 64 mm)
Sand (.062 – 2 mm)
Silt/clay (< 0.062 mm)
Detritus
Artificial (rip-rap, concrete, etc.)
11d.Yes No Are pools filled with sediment? (skip for Size 4 Coastal Plain streams and Tidal Marsh Streams)
12.Aquatic Life – assessment reach metric (skip for Size 4 Coastal Plain streams and Tidal Marsh Streams)
12a.Yes No Was an in-stream aquatic life assessment performed as described in the User Manual?
If No, select one of the following reasons and skip to Metric 13. No Water Other:
12b.Yes No Are aquatic organisms present in the assessment reach (look in riffles, pools, then snags)? If Yes, check
all that apply. If No, skip to Metric 13.
1 >1 Numbers over columns refer to “individuals” for size 1 and 2 streams and “taxa” for size 3 and 4 streams.
Adult frogs
Aquatic reptiles
Aquatic macrophytes and aquatic mosses (include liverworts, lichens, and algal mats)
Beetles (including water pennies)
Caddisfly larvae (Trichoptera [T])
Asian clam (Corbicula )
Crustacean (isopod/amphipod/crayfish/shrimp)
Damselfly and dragonfly larvae
Dipterans (true flies)
Mayfly larvae (Ephemeroptera [E])
Megaloptera (alderfly, fishfly, dobsonfly larvae)
Midges/mosquito larvae
Mosquito fish (Gambusia ) or mud minnows (Umbra pygmaea)
Mussels/Clams (not Corbicula )
*********************************REMAINING QUESTIONS ARE NOT APPLICABLE FOR TIDAL MARSH STREAMS****************************Check for TidalMarsh Streamsonly
Other fish
Salamanders/tadpoles
Snails
Stonefly larvae (Plecoptera [P])
Tipulid larvae
Worms/leeches
13.Streamside Area Ground Surface Condition – streamside area metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams and B valley types)
Consider for the Left Bank (LB) and the Right Bank (RB). Consider storage capacity with regard to both overbank flow and
upland runoff.
LB RB
A A Little or no alteration to water storage capacity over a majority of the streamside area
B B Moderate alteration to water storage capacity over a majority of the streamside area
C C Severe alteration to water storage capacity over a majority of the streamside area (examples include: ditches, fill,
soil, compaction, livestock disturbance, buildings, man-made levees, drainage pipes)
14.Streamside Area Water Storage – streamside area metric (skip for Size 1 streams, Tidal Marsh Streams, and B valley types)
Consider for the Left Bank (LB) and the Right Bank (RB) of the streamside area.
LB RB
A A Majority of streamside area with depressions able to pond water ≥ 6 inches deep
B B Majority of streamside area with depressions able to pond water 3 to 6 inches deep
C C Majority of streamside area with depressions able to pond water < 3 inches deep
15.Wetland Presence – streamside area metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams)
Consider for the Left Bank (LB) and the Right Bank (RB). Do not consider wetlands outside of the streamside area or within the
normal wetted perimeter of assessment reach.
LB RB
Y Y Are wetlands present in the streamside area?
N N
16.Baseflow Contributors – assessment reach metric (skip for size 4 streams and Tidal Marsh Streams)
Check all contributors within the assessment reach or within view of and draining to the assessment reach.
A Streams and/or springs (jurisdictional discharges)
B Ponds (include wet detention basins; do not include sediment basins or dry detention basins)
C Obstruction that passes some flow during low-flow periods within assessment area (beaver dam, bottom-release dam)
D Evidence of bank seepage or sweating (iron oxidizing bacteria in water indicates seepage)
E Stream bed or bank soil reduced (dig through deposited sediment if present)
F None of the above
17.Baseflow Detractors – assessment area metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams)
Check all that apply.
A Evidence of substantial water withdrawals from the assessment reach (includes areas excavated for pump installation)
B Obstruction not passing flow during low flow periods affecting the assessment reach (ex: watertight dam, sediment deposit)
C Urban stream (≥ 24% impervious surface for watershed)
D Evidence that the stream-side area has been modified resulting in accelerated drainage into the assessment reach
E Assessment reach relocated to valley edge
F None of the above
18.Shading – assessment reach metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams)
Consider aspect. Consider “leaf-on” condition.
A Stream shading is appropriate for stream category (may include gaps associated with natural processes)
B Degraded (example: scattered trees)
C Stream shading is gone or largely absent
19.Buffer Width – streamside area metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams)
Consider “vegetated buffer” and “wooded buffer” separately for left bank (LB) and right bank (RB) starting at the top
of bank out to the first break.
Vegetated Wooded
LB RB LB RB
A A A A ≥ 100-feet wide or extends to the edge of the watershed
B B B B From 50 to < 100-feet wide
C C C C From 30 to < 50-feet wide
D D D D From 10 to < 30-feet wide
E E E E < 10-feet wide or no trees
20.Buffer Structure – streamside area metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams)
Consider for left bank (LB) and right bank (RB) for Metric 19 ("Vegetated" Buffer Width).
LB RB
A A Mature forest
B B Non-mature woody vegetation or modified vegetation structure
C C Herbaceous vegetation with or without a strip of trees < 10 feet wide
D D Maintained shrubs
E E Little or no vegetation
21.Buffer Stressors – streamside area metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams)
Check all appropriate boxes for left bank (LB) and right bank (RB). Indicate if listed stressor abuts stream (Abuts), does not abut but
is within 30 feet of stream (< 30 feet), or is between 30 to 50 feet of stream (30-50 feet).
If none of the following stressors occurs on either bank, check here and skip to Metric 22:
Abuts < 30 feet 30-50 feet
LB RB LB RB LB RB
A A A A A A Row crops
B B B B B B Maintained turf
C C C C C C Pasture (no livestock)/commercial horticulture
D D D D D D Pasture (active livestock use)
22.Stem Density – streamside area metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams)
Consider for left bank (LB) and right bank (RB) for Metric 19 ("Wooded" Buffer Width).
LB RB
A A Medium to high stem density
B B Low stem density
C C No wooded riparian buffer or predominantly herbaceous species or bare ground
23.Continuity of Vegetated Buffer – streamside area metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams)
Consider whether vegetated buffer is continuous along stream (parallel). Breaks are areas lacking vegetation > 10-feet wide.
LB RB
A A The total length of buffer breaks is < 25 percent.
B B The total length of buffer breaks is between 25 and 50 percent.
C C The total length of buffer breaks is > 50 percent.
24.Vegetative Composition – First 100 feet of streamside area metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams)
Evaluate the dominant vegetation within 100 feet of each bank or to the edge of the watershed (whichever comes first) as it contributes
to assessment reach habitat.
LB RB
A A Vegetation is close to undisturbed in species present and their proportions. Lower strata composed of native
species, with non-native invasive species absent or sparse.
B B Vegetation indicates disturbance in terms of species diversity or proportions, but is still largely composed of native
species. This may include communities of weedy native species that develop after clear-cutting or clearing or
communities with non-native invasive species present, but not dominant, over a large portion of the expected strata or
communities missing understory but retaining canopy trees.
C C Vegetation is severely disturbed in terms of species diversity or proportions. Mature canopy is absent or communities
with non-native invasive species dominant over a large portion of expected strata or communities composed of planted
stands of non-characteristic species or communities inappropriately composed of a single species or no vegetation.
25.Conductivity – assessment reach metric (skip for all Coastal Plain streams)
25a.Yes No Was a conductivity measurement recorded?
If No, select one of the following reasons. No Water Other:
25b.Check the box corresponding to the conductivity measurement (units of microsiemens per centimeter).
A <46 B 46 to < 67 C 67 to < 79 D 79 to < 230 E ≥ 230
Notes/Sketch:
Notes of Field Assessment Form (Y/N)
Presence of regulatory considerations (Y/N)
Additional stream information/supplementary measurements included (Y/N)
NC SAM feature type (perennial, intermittent, Tidal Marsh Stream)
(4) Floodplain Access
(4) Wooded Riparian Buffer
(4) Microtopography
(3) Stream Stability
(4) Channel Stability
(4) Sediment Transport
(4) Stream Geomorphology
(2) Stream/Intertidal Zone Interaction
(2) Longitudinal Tidal Flow
(2) Tidal Marsh Stream Stability
(3) Tidal Marsh Stream Geomorphology
(1) Water Quality
(2) Baseflow
(2) Streamside Area Vegetation
(3) Upland Pollutant Filtration
(3) Thermoregulation
(2) Indicators of Stressors
(2) Aquatic Life Tolerance
(2) Intertidal Zone Filtration
(1) Habitat
(2) In-stream Habitat
(3) Baseflow
(3) Substrate
(3) Stream Stability
(3) In-stream Habitat
(2) Stream-side Habitat
(3) Stream-side Habitat
(3) Thermoregulation
(2) Tidal Marsh In-stream Habitat
(3) Flow Restriction
(3) Tidal Marsh Stream Stability
(4) Tidal Marsh Stream Geomorphology
(3) Tidal Marsh In-stream Habitat
(2) Intertidal Zone Habitat
Overall
NC SAM Stream Rating Sheet
Accompanies User Manual Version 2.1
HIGH
HIGH
USACE/
All Streams
NCDWR
Intermittent
NA
NA
(2) Flood Flow
M. Caddell
3/19/2018
NO
YES
NO
Perennial
(2) Baseflow
Stream Category Assessor Name/Organization
HIGH
Mb3
Stream Site Name Dugger Creek - Site #5 Date of Evaluation
HIGH
(4) Tidal Marsh Channel Stability
HIGH
HIGH
NA
NA
HIGH
NA
HIGH
(3) Tidal Marsh Channel Stability
(3) Streamside Area Attenuation
Function Class Rating Summary
(1) Hydrology
NA
HIGH
HIGH
LOW
HIGH
NA
NO
HIGH
NA
NA
NA
NA
HIGH
HIGH
HIGH
HIGH
MEDIUM
HIGH
HIGH
HIGH
HIGH
NA
NA
MEDIUM
NA
HIGH
HIGH
HIGH
USACE AID #:NCDWR #:
PROJECT / SITE INFORMATION:
1. Project name (if any):2. Date of evaluation:
3. Applicant/owner name:
5. County:6. Nearest named water body
7. River Basin: on USGS 7.5-minute quad:
8. Site coordinates (decimal degrees, at lower end of assessment reach):
STREAM INFORMATION: (depth and width can be approximations)
9. Site number (show on attached map):10. Length of assessment reach evaluated (feet):
11. Channel depth from bed (in riffle, if present) to top of bank (feet):Unable to assess channel depth.
12. Channel width at top of bank (feet):13. Is assessment reach a swamp stream?Yes No
14. Feature type:Perennial flow Intermittent flow Tidal Marsh Stream
STREAM RATING INFORMATION:
15. NC SAM Zone:Mountains (M)Piedmont (P)Inner Coastal Plain (I)Outer Coastal Plain (O)
16. Estimated geomorphic
valley shape (skip for a b
Tidal Marsh Stream):(more sinuous stream, flatter valley slope)(less sinuous stream, steeper valley slope)
17. Watershed size: (skip Size 1 (< 0.1 mi2)Size 2 (0.1 to < 0.5 mi2)Size 3 (0.5 to < 5 mi2)Size 4 (≥ 5 mi2)
for Tidal Marsh Stream)
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
18. Were regulatory considerations evaluated?Yes No If Yes, check all that appy to the assessment area.
Section 10 water Classified Trout Waters Water Supply Watershed (I II III IV V)
Essential Fish Habitat Primary Nursery Area High Quality Waters/Outstanding Resource Waters
Publicly owned property NCDWR riparian buffer rule in effect Nutrient Sensitive Waters
Anadromous fish 303(d) List CAMA Area of Environmental Concern (AEC)
Documented presence of a federal and/or state listed protected species within the assessment area.
List species:
Designated Critical Habitat (list species):
19. Are additional stream information/supplementary measurements included in "Notes/Sketch" section or attached?Yes No
1.Channel Water – assessment reach metric (skip for Size 1 streams and Tidal Marsh Streams)
A Water throughout assessment reach.
B No flow, water in pools only.
C No water in assessment reach.
2.Evidence of Flow Restriction – assessment reach metric
A At least 10% of assessment reach in-stream habitat or riffle-pool sequence is adversely affected by a flow restriction or fill to the
point of obstructing flow or a channel choked with aquatic macrophytes or ponded water or impounded on flood or ebb within
the assessment reach (examples: undersized or perched culverts, causeways that constrict the channel, tidal gates).
B Not A
3.Feature Pattern – assessment reach metric
A A majority of the assessment reach has altered pattern (examples: straightening, modification above or below culvert).
B Not A.
4.Feature Longitudinal Profile – assessment reach metric
A Majority of assessment reach has a substantially altered stream profile (examples: channel down-cutting, existing damming,
over widening, active aggradation, dredging, and excavation where appropriate channel profile has not reformed from any of
these disturbances).
B Not A
5.Signs of Active Instability – assessment reach metric
Consider only current instability, not past events from which the stream has currently recovered. Examples of instability include
active bank failure, active channel down-cutting (head-cut), active widening, and artificial hardening (such as concrete, gabion, rip-rap).
A < 10% of channel unstable
B 10 to 25% of channel unstable
C > 25% of channel unstable
6.Streamside Area Interaction – streamside area metric
Consider for the Left Bank (LB) and the Right Bank (RB).
LB RB
A A Little or no evidence of conditions that adversely affect reference interaction
B B Moderate evidence of conditions (examples: berms, levees, down-cutting, aggradation, dredging) that adversely affect
reference interaction (examples: limited streamside area access, disruption of flood flows through streamside area,
leaky or intermittent bulkheads, causeways with floodplain constriction, minor ditching [including mosquito ditching])
C C Extensive evidence of conditions that adversely affect reference interaction (little to no floodplain/intertidal zone access
[examples: causeways with floodplain and channel constriction, bulkheads, retaining walls, fill, stream incision,
disruption of flood flows through streamside area] or too much floodplain/intertidal zone access [examples:
impoundments, intensive mosquito ditching]) or floodplain/intertidal zone unnaturally absent or assessment reach is a
man-made feature on an interstream divide
7.Water Quality Stressors – assessment reach/intertidal zone metric
Dugger Creek Trib Site #1 3/20/2018
36.13076, -81.51485
Trib Site #1 600
Wildlands 4. Assessor name/organization:M. Caddell
Wilkes
Yadkin Dugger Creek
Manual for detailed descriptions and explanations of requested information. Record in the "Notes/Sketch" section if any supplementary
NOTE EVIDENCE OF STRESSORS AFFECTING THE ASSESSMENT AREA (do not need to be within the assessment area).
measurements were performed. See the NC SAM User Manual for examples of additional measurements that may be relevant.
NC SAM FIELD ASSESSMENT FORM
Accompanies User Manual Version 2.1
INSTRUCTIONS:Attach a sketch of the assessment area and photographs.Attach a copy of the USGS 7.5-minute topographic
quadrangle,and circle the location of the stream reach under evaluation.If multiple stream reaches will be evaluated on the same
property,identify and number all reaches on the attached map,and include a separate form for each reach.See the NC SAM User
1-2
5-7
Check all that apply.
A Discolored water in stream or intertidal zone (milky white, blue, unnatural water discoloration, oil sheen, stream foam)
B Excessive sedimentation (burying of stream features or intertidal zone)
C Noticeable evidence of pollutant discharges entering the assessment reach and causing a water quality problem
D Odor (not including natural sulfide odors)
E Current published or collected data indicating degraded water quality in the assessment reach. Cite source in the "Notes/Sketch"
section.
F Livestock with access to stream or intertidal zone
G Excessive algae in stream or intertidal zone
H Degraded marsh vegetation in the intertidal zone (removal, burning, regular mowing, destruction, etc.)
I Other:(explain in "Notes/Sketch" section)
J Little to no stressors
8.Recent Weather – watershed metric
For Size 1 or 2 streams, D1 drought or higher is considered a drought; for Size 3 or 4 streams, D2 drought or higher is considered a
drought.
A Drought conditions and no rainfall or rainfall not exceeding 1 inch within the last 48 hours
B Drought conditions and rainfall exceeding 1 inch within the last 48 hours
C No drought conditions
9 Large or Dangerous Stream – assessment reach metric
Yes No Is stream is too large or dangerous to assess? If Yes, skip to Metric 13 (Streamside Area Ground Surface Condition).
10.Natural In-stream Habitat Types – assessment reach metric
10a.Yes No Degraded in-stream habitat over majority of the assessment reach (examples of stressors include excessive
sedimentation, mining, excavation, in-stream hardening [for example, rip-rap], recent dredging, and snagging)
(evaluate for size 4 Coastal Plain streams only, then skip to Metric 12)
10b.Check all that occur (occurs if > 5% coverage of assessment reach) (skip for Size 4 Coastal Plain streams)
A Multiple aquatic macrophytes and aquatic mosses F 5% oysters or other natural hard bottoms
(include liverworts, lichens, and algal mats)G Submerged aquatic vegetation
B Multiple sticks and/or leaf packs and/or emergent H Low-tide refugia (pools)
vegetation I Sand bottom
C Multiple snags and logs (including lap trees)J 5% vertical bank along the marsh
D 5% undercut banks and/or root mats and/or roots K Little or no habitat
in banks extend to the normal wetted perimeter
E Little or no habitat
11.Bedform and Substrate – assessment reach metric (skip for Size 4 Coastal Plain streams and Tidal Marsh Streams)
11a.Yes No Is assessment reach in a natural sand-bed stream? (skip for Coastal Plain streams)
11b.Bedform evaluated. Check the appropriate box(es).
A Riffle-run section (evaluate 11c)
B Pool-glide section (evaluate 11d)
C Natural bedform absent (skip to Metric 12, Aquatic Life)
11c.In riffles sections, check all that occur below the normal wetted perimeter of the assessment reach – whether or not submerged.
Check at least one box in each row (skip for Size 4 Coastal Plain Streams and Tidal Marsh Streams). Not Present (NP) =
absent, Rare (R) = present but ≤ 10%, Common (C) = > 10-40%, Abundant (A) = > 40-70%, Predominant (P) = > 70%. Cumulative
percentages should not exceed 100% for each assessment reach.
NP R C A P
Bedrock/saprolite
Boulder (256 – 4096 mm)
Cobble (64 – 256 mm)
Gravel (2 – 64 mm)
Sand (.062 – 2 mm)
Silt/clay (< 0.062 mm)
Detritus
Artificial (rip-rap, concrete, etc.)
11d.Yes No Are pools filled with sediment? (skip for Size 4 Coastal Plain streams and Tidal Marsh Streams)
12.Aquatic Life – assessment reach metric (skip for Size 4 Coastal Plain streams and Tidal Marsh Streams)
12a.Yes No Was an in-stream aquatic life assessment performed as described in the User Manual?
If No, select one of the following reasons and skip to Metric 13. No Water Other:
12b.Yes No Are aquatic organisms present in the assessment reach (look in riffles, pools, then snags)? If Yes, check
all that apply. If No, skip to Metric 13.
1 >1 Numbers over columns refer to “individuals” for size 1 and 2 streams and “taxa” for size 3 and 4 streams.
Adult frogs
Aquatic reptiles
Aquatic macrophytes and aquatic mosses (include liverworts, lichens, and algal mats)
Beetles (including water pennies)
Caddisfly larvae (Trichoptera [T])
Asian clam (Corbicula )
Crustacean (isopod/amphipod/crayfish/shrimp)
Damselfly and dragonfly larvae
Dipterans (true flies)
Mayfly larvae (Ephemeroptera [E])
Megaloptera (alderfly, fishfly, dobsonfly larvae)
Midges/mosquito larvae
Mosquito fish (Gambusia ) or mud minnows (Umbra pygmaea)
Mussels/Clams (not Corbicula )
*********************************REMAINING QUESTIONS ARE NOT APPLICABLE FOR TIDAL MARSH STREAMS****************************Check for TidalMarsh Streamsonly
Other fish
Salamanders/tadpoles
Snails
Stonefly larvae (Plecoptera [P])
Tipulid larvae
Worms/leeches
13.Streamside Area Ground Surface Condition – streamside area metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams and B valley types)
Consider for the Left Bank (LB) and the Right Bank (RB). Consider storage capacity with regard to both overbank flow and
upland runoff.
LB RB
A A Little or no alteration to water storage capacity over a majority of the streamside area
B B Moderate alteration to water storage capacity over a majority of the streamside area
C C Severe alteration to water storage capacity over a majority of the streamside area (examples include: ditches, fill,
soil, compaction, livestock disturbance, buildings, man-made levees, drainage pipes)
14.Streamside Area Water Storage – streamside area metric (skip for Size 1 streams, Tidal Marsh Streams, and B valley types)
Consider for the Left Bank (LB) and the Right Bank (RB) of the streamside area.
LB RB
A A Majority of streamside area with depressions able to pond water ≥ 6 inches deep
B B Majority of streamside area with depressions able to pond water 3 to 6 inches deep
C C Majority of streamside area with depressions able to pond water < 3 inches deep
15.Wetland Presence – streamside area metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams)
Consider for the Left Bank (LB) and the Right Bank (RB). Do not consider wetlands outside of the streamside area or within the
normal wetted perimeter of assessment reach.
LB RB
Y Y Are wetlands present in the streamside area?
N N
16.Baseflow Contributors – assessment reach metric (skip for size 4 streams and Tidal Marsh Streams)
Check all contributors within the assessment reach or within view of and draining to the assessment reach.
A Streams and/or springs (jurisdictional discharges)
B Ponds (include wet detention basins; do not include sediment basins or dry detention basins)
C Obstruction that passes some flow during low-flow periods within assessment area (beaver dam, bottom-release dam)
D Evidence of bank seepage or sweating (iron oxidizing bacteria in water indicates seepage)
E Stream bed or bank soil reduced (dig through deposited sediment if present)
F None of the above
17.Baseflow Detractors – assessment area metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams)
Check all that apply.
A Evidence of substantial water withdrawals from the assessment reach (includes areas excavated for pump installation)
B Obstruction not passing flow during low flow periods affecting the assessment reach (ex: watertight dam, sediment deposit)
C Urban stream (≥ 24% impervious surface for watershed)
D Evidence that the stream-side area has been modified resulting in accelerated drainage into the assessment reach
E Assessment reach relocated to valley edge
F None of the above
18.Shading – assessment reach metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams)
Consider aspect. Consider “leaf-on” condition.
A Stream shading is appropriate for stream category (may include gaps associated with natural processes)
B Degraded (example: scattered trees)
C Stream shading is gone or largely absent
19.Buffer Width – streamside area metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams)
Consider “vegetated buffer” and “wooded buffer” separately for left bank (LB) and right bank (RB) starting at the top
of bank out to the first break.
Vegetated Wooded
LB RB LB RB
A A A A ≥ 100-feet wide or extends to the edge of the watershed
B B B B From 50 to < 100-feet wide
C C C C From 30 to < 50-feet wide
D D D D From 10 to < 30-feet wide
E E E E < 10-feet wide or no trees
20.Buffer Structure – streamside area metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams)
Consider for left bank (LB) and right bank (RB) for Metric 19 ("Vegetated" Buffer Width).
LB RB
A A Mature forest
B B Non-mature woody vegetation or modified vegetation structure
C C Herbaceous vegetation with or without a strip of trees < 10 feet wide
D D Maintained shrubs
E E Little or no vegetation
21.Buffer Stressors – streamside area metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams)
Check all appropriate boxes for left bank (LB) and right bank (RB). Indicate if listed stressor abuts stream (Abuts), does not abut but
is within 30 feet of stream (< 30 feet), or is between 30 to 50 feet of stream (30-50 feet).
If none of the following stressors occurs on either bank, check here and skip to Metric 22:
Abuts < 30 feet 30-50 feet
LB RB LB RB LB RB
A A A A A A Row crops
B B B B B B Maintained turf
C C C C C C Pasture (no livestock)/commercial horticulture
D D D D D D Pasture (active livestock use)
22.Stem Density – streamside area metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams)
Consider for left bank (LB) and right bank (RB) for Metric 19 ("Wooded" Buffer Width).
LB RB
A A Medium to high stem density
B B Low stem density
C C No wooded riparian buffer or predominantly herbaceous species or bare ground
23.Continuity of Vegetated Buffer – streamside area metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams)
Consider whether vegetated buffer is continuous along stream (parallel). Breaks are areas lacking vegetation > 10-feet wide.
LB RB
A A The total length of buffer breaks is < 25 percent.
B B The total length of buffer breaks is between 25 and 50 percent.
C C The total length of buffer breaks is > 50 percent.
24.Vegetative Composition – First 100 feet of streamside area metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams)
Evaluate the dominant vegetation within 100 feet of each bank or to the edge of the watershed (whichever comes first) as it contributes
to assessment reach habitat.
LB RB
A A Vegetation is close to undisturbed in species present and their proportions. Lower strata composed of native
species, with non-native invasive species absent or sparse.
B B Vegetation indicates disturbance in terms of species diversity or proportions, but is still largely composed of native
species. This may include communities of weedy native species that develop after clear-cutting or clearing or
communities with non-native invasive species present, but not dominant, over a large portion of the expected strata or
communities missing understory but retaining canopy trees.
C C Vegetation is severely disturbed in terms of species diversity or proportions. Mature canopy is absent or communities
with non-native invasive species dominant over a large portion of expected strata or communities composed of planted
stands of non-characteristic species or communities inappropriately composed of a single species or no vegetation.
25.Conductivity – assessment reach metric (skip for all Coastal Plain streams)
25a.Yes No Was a conductivity measurement recorded?
If No, select one of the following reasons. No Water Other:
25b.Check the box corresponding to the conductivity measurement (units of microsiemens per centimeter).
A <46 B 46 to < 67 C 67 to < 79 D 79 to < 230 E ≥ 230
Notes/Sketch:
Notes of Field Assessment Form (Y/N)
Presence of regulatory considerations (Y/N)
Additional stream information/supplementary measurements included (Y/N)
NC SAM feature type (perennial, intermittent, Tidal Marsh Stream)
(4) Floodplain Access
(4) Wooded Riparian Buffer
(4) Microtopography
(3) Stream Stability
(4) Channel Stability
(4) Sediment Transport
(4) Stream Geomorphology
(2) Stream/Intertidal Zone Interaction
(2) Longitudinal Tidal Flow
(2) Tidal Marsh Stream Stability
(3) Tidal Marsh Stream Geomorphology
(1) Water Quality
(2) Baseflow
(2) Streamside Area Vegetation
(3) Upland Pollutant Filtration
(3) Thermoregulation
(2) Indicators of Stressors
(2) Aquatic Life Tolerance
(2) Intertidal Zone Filtration
(1) Habitat
(2) In-stream Habitat
(3) Baseflow
(3) Substrate
(3) Stream Stability
(3) In-stream Habitat
(2) Stream-side Habitat
(3) Stream-side Habitat
(3) Thermoregulation
(2) Tidal Marsh In-stream Habitat
(3) Flow Restriction
(3) Tidal Marsh Stream Stability
(4) Tidal Marsh Stream Geomorphology
(3) Tidal Marsh In-stream Habitat
(2) Intertidal Zone Habitat
Overall HIGH
HIGH
HIGH
HIGH
HIGH
HIGH
HIGH
NA
NA
HIGH
NA
HIGH
HIGH
HIGH
NA
NA
NA
NA
HIGH
HIGH
(3) Tidal Marsh Channel Stability
(3) Streamside Area Attenuation
Function Class Rating Summary
(1) Hydrology
NA
HIGH
HIGH
HIGH
HIGH
NA
NO
HIGH
Stream Site Name Dugger Creek Trib Site #1 Date of Evaluation
HIGH
(4) Tidal Marsh Channel Stability
HIGH
HIGH
NA
NA
HIGH
NA
HIGH
NC SAM Stream Rating Sheet
Accompanies User Manual Version 2.1
HIGH
HIGH
USACE/
All Streams
NCDWR
Intermittent
NA
NA
(2) Flood Flow
M. Caddell
3/20/2018
NO
YES
NO
Perennial
(2) Baseflow
Stream Category Assessor Name/Organization
HIGH
Mb1
USACE AID #:NCDWR #:
PROJECT / SITE INFORMATION:
1. Project name (if any):2. Date of evaluation:
3. Applicant/owner name:
5. County:6. Nearest named water body
7. River Basin: on USGS 7.5-minute quad:
8. Site coordinates (decimal degrees, at lower end of assessment reach):
STREAM INFORMATION: (depth and width can be approximations)
9. Site number (show on attached map):10. Length of assessment reach evaluated (feet):
11. Channel depth from bed (in riffle, if present) to top of bank (feet):Unable to assess channel depth.
12. Channel width at top of bank (feet):13. Is assessment reach a swamp stream?Yes No
14. Feature type:Perennial flow Intermittent flow Tidal Marsh Stream
STREAM RATING INFORMATION:
15. NC SAM Zone:Mountains (M)Piedmont (P)Inner Coastal Plain (I)Outer Coastal Plain (O)
16. Estimated geomorphic
valley shape (skip for a b
Tidal Marsh Stream):(more sinuous stream, flatter valley slope)(less sinuous stream, steeper valley slope)
17. Watershed size: (skip Size 1 (< 0.1 mi2)Size 2 (0.1 to < 0.5 mi2)Size 3 (0.5 to < 5 mi2)Size 4 (≥ 5 mi2)
for Tidal Marsh Stream)
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
18. Were regulatory considerations evaluated?Yes No If Yes, check all that appy to the assessment area.
Section 10 water Classified Trout Waters Water Supply Watershed (I II III IV V)
Essential Fish Habitat Primary Nursery Area High Quality Waters/Outstanding Resource Waters
Publicly owned property NCDWR riparian buffer rule in effect Nutrient Sensitive Waters
Anadromous fish 303(d) List CAMA Area of Environmental Concern (AEC)
Documented presence of a federal and/or state listed protected species within the assessment area.
List species:
Designated Critical Habitat (list species):
19. Are additional stream information/supplementary measurements included in "Notes/Sketch" section or attached?Yes No
1.Channel Water – assessment reach metric (skip for Size 1 streams and Tidal Marsh Streams)
A Water throughout assessment reach.
B No flow, water in pools only.
C No water in assessment reach.
2.Evidence of Flow Restriction – assessment reach metric
A At least 10% of assessment reach in-stream habitat or riffle-pool sequence is adversely affected by a flow restriction or fill to the
point of obstructing flow or a channel choked with aquatic macrophytes or ponded water or impounded on flood or ebb within
the assessment reach (examples: undersized or perched culverts, causeways that constrict the channel, tidal gates).
B Not A
3.Feature Pattern – assessment reach metric
A A majority of the assessment reach has altered pattern (examples: straightening, modification above or below culvert).
B Not A.
4.Feature Longitudinal Profile – assessment reach metric
A Majority of assessment reach has a substantially altered stream profile (examples: channel down-cutting, existing damming,
over widening, active aggradation, dredging, and excavation where appropriate channel profile has not reformed from any of
these disturbances).
B Not A
5.Signs of Active Instability – assessment reach metric
Consider only current instability, not past events from which the stream has currently recovered. Examples of instability include
active bank failure, active channel down-cutting (head-cut), active widening, and artificial hardening (such as concrete, gabion, rip-rap).
A < 10% of channel unstable
B 10 to 25% of channel unstable
C > 25% of channel unstable
6.Streamside Area Interaction – streamside area metric
Consider for the Left Bank (LB) and the Right Bank (RB).
LB RB
A A Little or no evidence of conditions that adversely affect reference interaction
B B Moderate evidence of conditions (examples: berms, levees, down-cutting, aggradation, dredging) that adversely affect
reference interaction (examples: limited streamside area access, disruption of flood flows through streamside area,
leaky or intermittent bulkheads, causeways with floodplain constriction, minor ditching [including mosquito ditching])
C C Extensive evidence of conditions that adversely affect reference interaction (little to no floodplain/intertidal zone access
[examples: causeways with floodplain and channel constriction, bulkheads, retaining walls, fill, stream incision,
disruption of flood flows through streamside area] or too much floodplain/intertidal zone access [examples:
impoundments, intensive mosquito ditching]) or floodplain/intertidal zone unnaturally absent or assessment reach is a
man-made feature on an interstream divide
7.Water Quality Stressors – assessment reach/intertidal zone metric
1
2-4
NC SAM FIELD ASSESSMENT FORM
Accompanies User Manual Version 2.1
INSTRUCTIONS:Attach a sketch of the assessment area and photographs.Attach a copy of the USGS 7.5-minute topographic
quadrangle,and circle the location of the stream reach under evaluation.If multiple stream reaches will be evaluated on the same
property,identify and number all reaches on the attached map,and include a separate form for each reach.See the NC SAM User
Manual for detailed descriptions and explanations of requested information. Record in the "Notes/Sketch" section if any supplementary
NOTE EVIDENCE OF STRESSORS AFFECTING THE ASSESSMENT AREA (do not need to be within the assessment area).
measurements were performed. See the NC SAM User Manual for examples of additional measurements that may be relevant.
Dugger Creek Trib Site # 2 3/20/2018
36.12995, -81.51635
Trib Site # 2 600
Wildlands 4. Assessor name/organization:M. Caddell
Wilkes
Yadkin Dugger Creek
Check all that apply.
A Discolored water in stream or intertidal zone (milky white, blue, unnatural water discoloration, oil sheen, stream foam)
B Excessive sedimentation (burying of stream features or intertidal zone)
C Noticeable evidence of pollutant discharges entering the assessment reach and causing a water quality problem
D Odor (not including natural sulfide odors)
E Current published or collected data indicating degraded water quality in the assessment reach. Cite source in the "Notes/Sketch"
section.
F Livestock with access to stream or intertidal zone
G Excessive algae in stream or intertidal zone
H Degraded marsh vegetation in the intertidal zone (removal, burning, regular mowing, destruction, etc.)
I Other:(explain in "Notes/Sketch" section)
J Little to no stressors
8.Recent Weather – watershed metric
For Size 1 or 2 streams, D1 drought or higher is considered a drought; for Size 3 or 4 streams, D2 drought or higher is considered a
drought.
A Drought conditions and no rainfall or rainfall not exceeding 1 inch within the last 48 hours
B Drought conditions and rainfall exceeding 1 inch within the last 48 hours
C No drought conditions
9 Large or Dangerous Stream – assessment reach metric
Yes No Is stream is too large or dangerous to assess? If Yes, skip to Metric 13 (Streamside Area Ground Surface Condition).
10.Natural In-stream Habitat Types – assessment reach metric
10a.Yes No Degraded in-stream habitat over majority of the assessment reach (examples of stressors include excessive
sedimentation, mining, excavation, in-stream hardening [for example, rip-rap], recent dredging, and snagging)
(evaluate for size 4 Coastal Plain streams only, then skip to Metric 12)
10b.Check all that occur (occurs if > 5% coverage of assessment reach) (skip for Size 4 Coastal Plain streams)
A Multiple aquatic macrophytes and aquatic mosses F 5% oysters or other natural hard bottoms
(include liverworts, lichens, and algal mats)G Submerged aquatic vegetation
B Multiple sticks and/or leaf packs and/or emergent H Low-tide refugia (pools)
vegetation I Sand bottom
C Multiple snags and logs (including lap trees)J 5% vertical bank along the marsh
D 5% undercut banks and/or root mats and/or roots K Little or no habitat
in banks extend to the normal wetted perimeter
E Little or no habitat
11.Bedform and Substrate – assessment reach metric (skip for Size 4 Coastal Plain streams and Tidal Marsh Streams)
11a.Yes No Is assessment reach in a natural sand-bed stream? (skip for Coastal Plain streams)
11b.Bedform evaluated. Check the appropriate box(es).
A Riffle-run section (evaluate 11c)
B Pool-glide section (evaluate 11d)
C Natural bedform absent (skip to Metric 12, Aquatic Life)
11c.In riffles sections, check all that occur below the normal wetted perimeter of the assessment reach – whether or not submerged.
Check at least one box in each row (skip for Size 4 Coastal Plain Streams and Tidal Marsh Streams). Not Present (NP) =
absent, Rare (R) = present but ≤ 10%, Common (C) = > 10-40%, Abundant (A) = > 40-70%, Predominant (P) = > 70%. Cumulative
percentages should not exceed 100% for each assessment reach.
NP R C A P
Bedrock/saprolite
Boulder (256 – 4096 mm)
Cobble (64 – 256 mm)
Gravel (2 – 64 mm)
Sand (.062 – 2 mm)
Silt/clay (< 0.062 mm)
Detritus
Artificial (rip-rap, concrete, etc.)
11d.Yes No Are pools filled with sediment? (skip for Size 4 Coastal Plain streams and Tidal Marsh Streams)
12.Aquatic Life – assessment reach metric (skip for Size 4 Coastal Plain streams and Tidal Marsh Streams)
12a.Yes No Was an in-stream aquatic life assessment performed as described in the User Manual?
If No, select one of the following reasons and skip to Metric 13. No Water Other:
12b.Yes No Are aquatic organisms present in the assessment reach (look in riffles, pools, then snags)? If Yes, check
all that apply. If No, skip to Metric 13.
1 >1 Numbers over columns refer to “individuals” for size 1 and 2 streams and “taxa” for size 3 and 4 streams.
Adult frogs
Aquatic reptiles
Aquatic macrophytes and aquatic mosses (include liverworts, lichens, and algal mats)
Beetles (including water pennies)
Caddisfly larvae (Trichoptera [T])
Asian clam (Corbicula )
Crustacean (isopod/amphipod/crayfish/shrimp)
Damselfly and dragonfly larvae
Dipterans (true flies)
Mayfly larvae (Ephemeroptera [E])
Megaloptera (alderfly, fishfly, dobsonfly larvae)
Midges/mosquito larvae
Mosquito fish (Gambusia ) or mud minnows (Umbra pygmaea)
Mussels/Clams (not Corbicula )
*********************************REMAINING QUESTIONS ARE NOT APPLICABLE FOR TIDAL MARSH STREAMS****************************Check for TidalMarsh Streamsonly
Other fish
Salamanders/tadpoles
Snails
Stonefly larvae (Plecoptera [P])
Tipulid larvae
Worms/leeches
13.Streamside Area Ground Surface Condition – streamside area metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams and B valley types)
Consider for the Left Bank (LB) and the Right Bank (RB). Consider storage capacity with regard to both overbank flow and
upland runoff.
LB RB
A A Little or no alteration to water storage capacity over a majority of the streamside area
B B Moderate alteration to water storage capacity over a majority of the streamside area
C C Severe alteration to water storage capacity over a majority of the streamside area (examples include: ditches, fill,
soil, compaction, livestock disturbance, buildings, man-made levees, drainage pipes)
14.Streamside Area Water Storage – streamside area metric (skip for Size 1 streams, Tidal Marsh Streams, and B valley types)
Consider for the Left Bank (LB) and the Right Bank (RB) of the streamside area.
LB RB
A A Majority of streamside area with depressions able to pond water ≥ 6 inches deep
B B Majority of streamside area with depressions able to pond water 3 to 6 inches deep
C C Majority of streamside area with depressions able to pond water < 3 inches deep
15.Wetland Presence – streamside area metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams)
Consider for the Left Bank (LB) and the Right Bank (RB). Do not consider wetlands outside of the streamside area or within the
normal wetted perimeter of assessment reach.
LB RB
Y Y Are wetlands present in the streamside area?
N N
16.Baseflow Contributors – assessment reach metric (skip for size 4 streams and Tidal Marsh Streams)
Check all contributors within the assessment reach or within view of and draining to the assessment reach.
A Streams and/or springs (jurisdictional discharges)
B Ponds (include wet detention basins; do not include sediment basins or dry detention basins)
C Obstruction that passes some flow during low-flow periods within assessment area (beaver dam, bottom-release dam)
D Evidence of bank seepage or sweating (iron oxidizing bacteria in water indicates seepage)
E Stream bed or bank soil reduced (dig through deposited sediment if present)
F None of the above
17.Baseflow Detractors – assessment area metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams)
Check all that apply.
A Evidence of substantial water withdrawals from the assessment reach (includes areas excavated for pump installation)
B Obstruction not passing flow during low flow periods affecting the assessment reach (ex: watertight dam, sediment deposit)
C Urban stream (≥ 24% impervious surface for watershed)
D Evidence that the stream-side area has been modified resulting in accelerated drainage into the assessment reach
E Assessment reach relocated to valley edge
F None of the above
18.Shading – assessment reach metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams)
Consider aspect. Consider “leaf-on” condition.
A Stream shading is appropriate for stream category (may include gaps associated with natural processes)
B Degraded (example: scattered trees)
C Stream shading is gone or largely absent
19.Buffer Width – streamside area metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams)
Consider “vegetated buffer” and “wooded buffer” separately for left bank (LB) and right bank (RB) starting at the top
of bank out to the first break.
Vegetated Wooded
LB RB LB RB
A A A A ≥ 100-feet wide or extends to the edge of the watershed
B B B B From 50 to < 100-feet wide
C C C C From 30 to < 50-feet wide
D D D D From 10 to < 30-feet wide
E E E E < 10-feet wide or no trees
20.Buffer Structure – streamside area metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams)
Consider for left bank (LB) and right bank (RB) for Metric 19 ("Vegetated" Buffer Width).
LB RB
A A Mature forest
B B Non-mature woody vegetation or modified vegetation structure
C C Herbaceous vegetation with or without a strip of trees < 10 feet wide
D D Maintained shrubs
E E Little or no vegetation
21.Buffer Stressors – streamside area metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams)
Check all appropriate boxes for left bank (LB) and right bank (RB). Indicate if listed stressor abuts stream (Abuts), does not abut but
is within 30 feet of stream (< 30 feet), or is between 30 to 50 feet of stream (30-50 feet).
If none of the following stressors occurs on either bank, check here and skip to Metric 22:
Abuts < 30 feet 30-50 feet
LB RB LB RB LB RB
A A A A A A Row crops
B B B B B B Maintained turf
C C C C C C Pasture (no livestock)/commercial horticulture
D D D D D D Pasture (active livestock use)
22.Stem Density – streamside area metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams)
Consider for left bank (LB) and right bank (RB) for Metric 19 ("Wooded" Buffer Width).
LB RB
A A Medium to high stem density
B B Low stem density
C C No wooded riparian buffer or predominantly herbaceous species or bare ground
23.Continuity of Vegetated Buffer – streamside area metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams)
Consider whether vegetated buffer is continuous along stream (parallel). Breaks are areas lacking vegetation > 10-feet wide.
LB RB
A A The total length of buffer breaks is < 25 percent.
B B The total length of buffer breaks is between 25 and 50 percent.
C C The total length of buffer breaks is > 50 percent.
24.Vegetative Composition – First 100 feet of streamside area metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams)
Evaluate the dominant vegetation within 100 feet of each bank or to the edge of the watershed (whichever comes first) as it contributes
to assessment reach habitat.
LB RB
A A Vegetation is close to undisturbed in species present and their proportions. Lower strata composed of native
species, with non-native invasive species absent or sparse.
B B Vegetation indicates disturbance in terms of species diversity or proportions, but is still largely composed of native
species. This may include communities of weedy native species that develop after clear-cutting or clearing or
communities with non-native invasive species present, but not dominant, over a large portion of the expected strata or
communities missing understory but retaining canopy trees.
C C Vegetation is severely disturbed in terms of species diversity or proportions. Mature canopy is absent or communities
with non-native invasive species dominant over a large portion of expected strata or communities composed of planted
stands of non-characteristic species or communities inappropriately composed of a single species or no vegetation.
25.Conductivity – assessment reach metric (skip for all Coastal Plain streams)
25a.Yes No Was a conductivity measurement recorded?
If No, select one of the following reasons. No Water Other:
25b.Check the box corresponding to the conductivity measurement (units of microsiemens per centimeter).
A <46 B 46 to < 67 C 67 to < 79 D 79 to < 230 E ≥ 230
Notes/Sketch:
Notes of Field Assessment Form (Y/N)
Presence of regulatory considerations (Y/N)
Additional stream information/supplementary measurements included (Y/N)
NC SAM feature type (perennial, intermittent, Tidal Marsh Stream)
(4) Floodplain Access
(4) Wooded Riparian Buffer
(4) Microtopography
(3) Stream Stability
(4) Channel Stability
(4) Sediment Transport
(4) Stream Geomorphology
(2) Stream/Intertidal Zone Interaction
(2) Longitudinal Tidal Flow
(2) Tidal Marsh Stream Stability
(3) Tidal Marsh Stream Geomorphology
(1) Water Quality
(2) Baseflow
(2) Streamside Area Vegetation
(3) Upland Pollutant Filtration
(3) Thermoregulation
(2) Indicators of Stressors
(2) Aquatic Life Tolerance
(2) Intertidal Zone Filtration
(1) Habitat
(2) In-stream Habitat
(3) Baseflow
(3) Substrate
(3) Stream Stability
(3) In-stream Habitat
(2) Stream-side Habitat
(3) Stream-side Habitat
(3) Thermoregulation
(2) Tidal Marsh In-stream Habitat
(3) Flow Restriction
(3) Tidal Marsh Stream Stability
(4) Tidal Marsh Stream Geomorphology
(3) Tidal Marsh In-stream Habitat
(2) Intertidal Zone Habitat
Overall
NC SAM Stream Rating Sheet
Accompanies User Manual Version 2.1
HIGH
HIGH
USACE/
All Streams
NCDWR
Intermittent
NA
NA
(2) Flood Flow
M. Caddell
3/20/2018
NO
YES
NO
Intermittent
NA
HIGH
HIGH
HIGH
(2) Baseflow
Stream Category Assessor Name/Organization
HIGH
Mb1
Stream Site Name
HIGH
NA
Dugger Creek Trib Site # 2 Date of Evaluation
HIGH
(4) Tidal Marsh Channel Stability
NA
NA
HIGH
HIGH
HIGH
HIGH
MEDIUM
HIGH
NA
NA
LOW
NA
HIGH
HIGH
(3) Tidal Marsh Channel Stability
(3) Streamside Area Attenuation
Function Class Rating Summary
(1) Hydrology
HIGH
HIGH
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
MEDIUM
HIGH
HIGH
HIGH
HIGH
HIGH
HIGH
NA
NO
NA
NA
HIGH
NA
NA
NA
NA
HIGH
NO
NA
NA
HIGH
HIGH
NA
NA
NA
HIGH
HIGH
HIGH
HIGH
HIGH
HIGH
HIGH
HIGH
HIGH
HIGH
HIGH
HIGH
HIGH
HIGH
HIGH
HIGH
HIGH
NA
NA
HIGH
NA
HIGH
HIGH
HIGH
USACE AID #:NCDWR #:
PROJECT / SITE INFORMATION:
1. Project name (if any):2. Date of evaluation:
3. Applicant/owner name:
5. County:6. Nearest named water body
7. River Basin: on USGS 7.5-minute quad:
8. Site coordinates (decimal degrees, at lower end of assessment reach):
STREAM INFORMATION: (depth and width can be approximations)
9. Site number (show on attached map):10. Length of assessment reach evaluated (feet):
11. Channel depth from bed (in riffle, if present) to top of bank (feet):Unable to assess channel depth.
12. Channel width at top of bank (feet):13. Is assessment reach a swamp stream?Yes No
14. Feature type:Perennial flow Intermittent flow Tidal Marsh Stream
STREAM RATING INFORMATION:
15. NC SAM Zone:Mountains (M)Piedmont (P)Inner Coastal Plain (I)Outer Coastal Plain (O)
16. Estimated geomorphic
valley shape (skip for a b
Tidal Marsh Stream):(more sinuous stream, flatter valley slope)(less sinuous stream, steeper valley slope)
17. Watershed size: (skip Size 1 (< 0.1 mi2)Size 2 (0.1 to < 0.5 mi2)Size 3 (0.5 to < 5 mi2)Size 4 (≥ 5 mi2)
for Tidal Marsh Stream)
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
18. Were regulatory considerations evaluated?Yes No If Yes, check all that appy to the assessment area.
Section 10 water Classified Trout Waters Water Supply Watershed (I II III IV V)
Essential Fish Habitat Primary Nursery Area High Quality Waters/Outstanding Resource Waters
Publicly owned property NCDWR riparian buffer rule in effect Nutrient Sensitive Waters
Anadromous fish 303(d) List CAMA Area of Environmental Concern (AEC)
Documented presence of a federal and/or state listed protected species within the assessment area.
List species:
Designated Critical Habitat (list species):
19. Are additional stream information/supplementary measurements included in "Notes/Sketch" section or attached?Yes No
1.Channel Water – assessment reach metric (skip for Size 1 streams and Tidal Marsh Streams)
A Water throughout assessment reach.
B No flow, water in pools only.
C No water in assessment reach.
2.Evidence of Flow Restriction – assessment reach metric
A At least 10% of assessment reach in-stream habitat or riffle-pool sequence is adversely affected by a flow restriction or fill to the
point of obstructing flow or a channel choked with aquatic macrophytes or ponded water or impounded on flood or ebb within
the assessment reach (examples: undersized or perched culverts, causeways that constrict the channel, tidal gates).
B Not A
3.Feature Pattern – assessment reach metric
A A majority of the assessment reach has altered pattern (examples: straightening, modification above or below culvert).
B Not A.
4.Feature Longitudinal Profile – assessment reach metric
A Majority of assessment reach has a substantially altered stream profile (examples: channel down-cutting, existing damming,
over widening, active aggradation, dredging, and excavation where appropriate channel profile has not reformed from any of
these disturbances).
B Not A
5.Signs of Active Instability – assessment reach metric
Consider only current instability, not past events from which the stream has currently recovered. Examples of instability include
active bank failure, active channel down-cutting (head-cut), active widening, and artificial hardening (such as concrete, gabion, rip-rap).
A < 10% of channel unstable
B 10 to 25% of channel unstable
C > 25% of channel unstable
6.Streamside Area Interaction – streamside area metric
Consider for the Left Bank (LB) and the Right Bank (RB).
LB RB
A A Little or no evidence of conditions that adversely affect reference interaction
B B Moderate evidence of conditions (examples: berms, levees, down-cutting, aggradation, dredging) that adversely affect
reference interaction (examples: limited streamside area access, disruption of flood flows through streamside area,
leaky or intermittent bulkheads, causeways with floodplain constriction, minor ditching [including mosquito ditching])
C C Extensive evidence of conditions that adversely affect reference interaction (little to no floodplain/intertidal zone access
[examples: causeways with floodplain and channel constriction, bulkheads, retaining walls, fill, stream incision,
disruption of flood flows through streamside area] or too much floodplain/intertidal zone access [examples:
impoundments, intensive mosquito ditching]) or floodplain/intertidal zone unnaturally absent or assessment reach is a
man-made feature on an interstream divide
7.Water Quality Stressors – assessment reach/intertidal zone metric
Dugger Creek Trib Site #3 3/20/2018
36.12667, -81.51014
Trib Site #3 1400
Wildlands 4. Assessor name/organization:M. Caddell
Wilkes
Yadkin Dugger Creek
Manual for detailed descriptions and explanations of requested information. Record in the "Notes/Sketch" section if any supplementary
NOTE EVIDENCE OF STRESSORS AFFECTING THE ASSESSMENT AREA (do not need to be within the assessment area).
measurements were performed. See the NC SAM User Manual for examples of additional measurements that may be relevant.
NC SAM FIELD ASSESSMENT FORM
Accompanies User Manual Version 2.1
INSTRUCTIONS:Attach a sketch of the assessment area and photographs.Attach a copy of the USGS 7.5-minute topographic
quadrangle,and circle the location of the stream reach under evaluation.If multiple stream reaches will be evaluated on the same
property,identify and number all reaches on the attached map,and include a separate form for each reach.See the NC SAM User
1-4
4-6
Check all that apply.
A Discolored water in stream or intertidal zone (milky white, blue, unnatural water discoloration, oil sheen, stream foam)
B Excessive sedimentation (burying of stream features or intertidal zone)
C Noticeable evidence of pollutant discharges entering the assessment reach and causing a water quality problem
D Odor (not including natural sulfide odors)
E Current published or collected data indicating degraded water quality in the assessment reach. Cite source in the "Notes/Sketch"
section.
F Livestock with access to stream or intertidal zone
G Excessive algae in stream or intertidal zone
H Degraded marsh vegetation in the intertidal zone (removal, burning, regular mowing, destruction, etc.)
I Other:(explain in "Notes/Sketch" section)
J Little to no stressors
8.Recent Weather – watershed metric
For Size 1 or 2 streams, D1 drought or higher is considered a drought; for Size 3 or 4 streams, D2 drought or higher is considered a
drought.
A Drought conditions and no rainfall or rainfall not exceeding 1 inch within the last 48 hours
B Drought conditions and rainfall exceeding 1 inch within the last 48 hours
C No drought conditions
9 Large or Dangerous Stream – assessment reach metric
Yes No Is stream is too large or dangerous to assess? If Yes, skip to Metric 13 (Streamside Area Ground Surface Condition).
10.Natural In-stream Habitat Types – assessment reach metric
10a.Yes No Degraded in-stream habitat over majority of the assessment reach (examples of stressors include excessive
sedimentation, mining, excavation, in-stream hardening [for example, rip-rap], recent dredging, and snagging)
(evaluate for size 4 Coastal Plain streams only, then skip to Metric 12)
10b.Check all that occur (occurs if > 5% coverage of assessment reach) (skip for Size 4 Coastal Plain streams)
A Multiple aquatic macrophytes and aquatic mosses F 5% oysters or other natural hard bottoms
(include liverworts, lichens, and algal mats)G Submerged aquatic vegetation
B Multiple sticks and/or leaf packs and/or emergent H Low-tide refugia (pools)
vegetation I Sand bottom
C Multiple snags and logs (including lap trees)J 5% vertical bank along the marsh
D 5% undercut banks and/or root mats and/or roots K Little or no habitat
in banks extend to the normal wetted perimeter
E Little or no habitat
11.Bedform and Substrate – assessment reach metric (skip for Size 4 Coastal Plain streams and Tidal Marsh Streams)
11a.Yes No Is assessment reach in a natural sand-bed stream? (skip for Coastal Plain streams)
11b.Bedform evaluated. Check the appropriate box(es).
A Riffle-run section (evaluate 11c)
B Pool-glide section (evaluate 11d)
C Natural bedform absent (skip to Metric 12, Aquatic Life)
11c.In riffles sections, check all that occur below the normal wetted perimeter of the assessment reach – whether or not submerged.
Check at least one box in each row (skip for Size 4 Coastal Plain Streams and Tidal Marsh Streams). Not Present (NP) =
absent, Rare (R) = present but ≤ 10%, Common (C) = > 10-40%, Abundant (A) = > 40-70%, Predominant (P) = > 70%. Cumulative
percentages should not exceed 100% for each assessment reach.
NP R C A P
Bedrock/saprolite
Boulder (256 – 4096 mm)
Cobble (64 – 256 mm)
Gravel (2 – 64 mm)
Sand (.062 – 2 mm)
Silt/clay (< 0.062 mm)
Detritus
Artificial (rip-rap, concrete, etc.)
11d.Yes No Are pools filled with sediment? (skip for Size 4 Coastal Plain streams and Tidal Marsh Streams)
12.Aquatic Life – assessment reach metric (skip for Size 4 Coastal Plain streams and Tidal Marsh Streams)
12a.Yes No Was an in-stream aquatic life assessment performed as described in the User Manual?
If No, select one of the following reasons and skip to Metric 13. No Water Other:
12b.Yes No Are aquatic organisms present in the assessment reach (look in riffles, pools, then snags)? If Yes, check
all that apply. If No, skip to Metric 13.
1 >1 Numbers over columns refer to “individuals” for size 1 and 2 streams and “taxa” for size 3 and 4 streams.
Adult frogs
Aquatic reptiles
Aquatic macrophytes and aquatic mosses (include liverworts, lichens, and algal mats)
Beetles (including water pennies)
Caddisfly larvae (Trichoptera [T])
Asian clam (Corbicula )
Crustacean (isopod/amphipod/crayfish/shrimp)
Damselfly and dragonfly larvae
Dipterans (true flies)
Mayfly larvae (Ephemeroptera [E])
Megaloptera (alderfly, fishfly, dobsonfly larvae)
Midges/mosquito larvae
Mosquito fish (Gambusia ) or mud minnows (Umbra pygmaea)
Mussels/Clams (not Corbicula )
*********************************REMAINING QUESTIONS ARE NOT APPLICABLE FOR TIDAL MARSH STREAMS****************************Check for TidalMarsh Streamsonly
Other fish
Salamanders/tadpoles
Snails
Stonefly larvae (Plecoptera [P])
Tipulid larvae
Worms/leeches
13.Streamside Area Ground Surface Condition – streamside area metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams and B valley types)
Consider for the Left Bank (LB) and the Right Bank (RB). Consider storage capacity with regard to both overbank flow and
upland runoff.
LB RB
A A Little or no alteration to water storage capacity over a majority of the streamside area
B B Moderate alteration to water storage capacity over a majority of the streamside area
C C Severe alteration to water storage capacity over a majority of the streamside area (examples include: ditches, fill,
soil, compaction, livestock disturbance, buildings, man-made levees, drainage pipes)
14.Streamside Area Water Storage – streamside area metric (skip for Size 1 streams, Tidal Marsh Streams, and B valley types)
Consider for the Left Bank (LB) and the Right Bank (RB) of the streamside area.
LB RB
A A Majority of streamside area with depressions able to pond water ≥ 6 inches deep
B B Majority of streamside area with depressions able to pond water 3 to 6 inches deep
C C Majority of streamside area with depressions able to pond water < 3 inches deep
15.Wetland Presence – streamside area metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams)
Consider for the Left Bank (LB) and the Right Bank (RB). Do not consider wetlands outside of the streamside area or within the
normal wetted perimeter of assessment reach.
LB RB
Y Y Are wetlands present in the streamside area?
N N
16.Baseflow Contributors – assessment reach metric (skip for size 4 streams and Tidal Marsh Streams)
Check all contributors within the assessment reach or within view of and draining to the assessment reach.
A Streams and/or springs (jurisdictional discharges)
B Ponds (include wet detention basins; do not include sediment basins or dry detention basins)
C Obstruction that passes some flow during low-flow periods within assessment area (beaver dam, bottom-release dam)
D Evidence of bank seepage or sweating (iron oxidizing bacteria in water indicates seepage)
E Stream bed or bank soil reduced (dig through deposited sediment if present)
F None of the above
17.Baseflow Detractors – assessment area metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams)
Check all that apply.
A Evidence of substantial water withdrawals from the assessment reach (includes areas excavated for pump installation)
B Obstruction not passing flow during low flow periods affecting the assessment reach (ex: watertight dam, sediment deposit)
C Urban stream (≥ 24% impervious surface for watershed)
D Evidence that the stream-side area has been modified resulting in accelerated drainage into the assessment reach
E Assessment reach relocated to valley edge
F None of the above
18.Shading – assessment reach metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams)
Consider aspect. Consider “leaf-on” condition.
A Stream shading is appropriate for stream category (may include gaps associated with natural processes)
B Degraded (example: scattered trees)
C Stream shading is gone or largely absent
19.Buffer Width – streamside area metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams)
Consider “vegetated buffer” and “wooded buffer” separately for left bank (LB) and right bank (RB) starting at the top
of bank out to the first break.
Vegetated Wooded
LB RB LB RB
A A A A ≥ 100-feet wide or extends to the edge of the watershed
B B B B From 50 to < 100-feet wide
C C C C From 30 to < 50-feet wide
D D D D From 10 to < 30-feet wide
E E E E < 10-feet wide or no trees
20.Buffer Structure – streamside area metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams)
Consider for left bank (LB) and right bank (RB) for Metric 19 ("Vegetated" Buffer Width).
LB RB
A A Mature forest
B B Non-mature woody vegetation or modified vegetation structure
C C Herbaceous vegetation with or without a strip of trees < 10 feet wide
D D Maintained shrubs
E E Little or no vegetation
21.Buffer Stressors – streamside area metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams)
Check all appropriate boxes for left bank (LB) and right bank (RB). Indicate if listed stressor abuts stream (Abuts), does not abut but
is within 30 feet of stream (< 30 feet), or is between 30 to 50 feet of stream (30-50 feet).
If none of the following stressors occurs on either bank, check here and skip to Metric 22:
Abuts < 30 feet 30-50 feet
LB RB LB RB LB RB
A A A A A A Row crops
B B B B B B Maintained turf
C C C C C C Pasture (no livestock)/commercial horticulture
D D D D D D Pasture (active livestock use)
22.Stem Density – streamside area metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams)
Consider for left bank (LB) and right bank (RB) for Metric 19 ("Wooded" Buffer Width).
LB RB
A A Medium to high stem density
B B Low stem density
C C No wooded riparian buffer or predominantly herbaceous species or bare ground
23.Continuity of Vegetated Buffer – streamside area metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams)
Consider whether vegetated buffer is continuous along stream (parallel). Breaks are areas lacking vegetation > 10-feet wide.
LB RB
A A The total length of buffer breaks is < 25 percent.
B B The total length of buffer breaks is between 25 and 50 percent.
C C The total length of buffer breaks is > 50 percent.
24.Vegetative Composition – First 100 feet of streamside area metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams)
Evaluate the dominant vegetation within 100 feet of each bank or to the edge of the watershed (whichever comes first) as it contributes
to assessment reach habitat.
LB RB
A A Vegetation is close to undisturbed in species present and their proportions. Lower strata composed of native
species, with non-native invasive species absent or sparse.
B B Vegetation indicates disturbance in terms of species diversity or proportions, but is still largely composed of native
species. This may include communities of weedy native species that develop after clear-cutting or clearing or
communities with non-native invasive species present, but not dominant, over a large portion of the expected strata or
communities missing understory but retaining canopy trees.
C C Vegetation is severely disturbed in terms of species diversity or proportions. Mature canopy is absent or communities
with non-native invasive species dominant over a large portion of expected strata or communities composed of planted
stands of non-characteristic species or communities inappropriately composed of a single species or no vegetation.
25.Conductivity – assessment reach metric (skip for all Coastal Plain streams)
25a.Yes No Was a conductivity measurement recorded?
If No, select one of the following reasons. No Water Other:
25b.Check the box corresponding to the conductivity measurement (units of microsiemens per centimeter).
A <46 B 46 to < 67 C 67 to < 79 D 79 to < 230 E ≥ 230
Notes/Sketch:
Notes of Field Assessment Form (Y/N)
Presence of regulatory considerations (Y/N)
Additional stream information/supplementary measurements included (Y/N)
NC SAM feature type (perennial, intermittent, Tidal Marsh Stream)
(4) Floodplain Access
(4) Wooded Riparian Buffer
(4) Microtopography
(3) Stream Stability
(4) Channel Stability
(4) Sediment Transport
(4) Stream Geomorphology
(2) Stream/Intertidal Zone Interaction
(2) Longitudinal Tidal Flow
(2) Tidal Marsh Stream Stability
(3) Tidal Marsh Stream Geomorphology
(1) Water Quality
(2) Baseflow
(2) Streamside Area Vegetation
(3) Upland Pollutant Filtration
(3) Thermoregulation
(2) Indicators of Stressors
(2) Aquatic Life Tolerance
(2) Intertidal Zone Filtration
(1) Habitat
(2) In-stream Habitat
(3) Baseflow
(3) Substrate
(3) Stream Stability
(3) In-stream Habitat
(2) Stream-side Habitat
(3) Stream-side Habitat
(3) Thermoregulation
(2) Tidal Marsh In-stream Habitat
(3) Flow Restriction
(3) Tidal Marsh Stream Stability
(4) Tidal Marsh Stream Geomorphology
(3) Tidal Marsh In-stream Habitat
(2) Intertidal Zone Habitat
Overall HIGH
HIGH
HIGH
HIGH
HIGH
HIGH
HIGH
NA
NA
HIGH
NA
HIGH
HIGH
HIGH
NA
NA
NA
NA
HIGH
HIGH
(3) Tidal Marsh Channel Stability
(3) Streamside Area Attenuation
Function Class Rating Summary
(1) Hydrology
NA
HIGH
HIGH
HIGH
HIGH
NA
NO
HIGH
Stream Site Name Dugger Creek Trib Site #3 Date of Evaluation
HIGH
(4) Tidal Marsh Channel Stability
HIGH
HIGH
NA
NA
HIGH
NA
HIGH
NC SAM Stream Rating Sheet
Accompanies User Manual Version 2.1
HIGH
HIGH
USACE/
All Streams
NCDWR
Intermittent
NA
NA
(2) Flood Flow
M. Caddell
3/20/2018
NO
YES
Perennial
(2) Baseflow
Stream Category Assessor Name/Organization
HIGH
Mb1
USACE AID #:NCDWR #:
PROJECT / SITE INFORMATION:
1. Project name (if any):2. Date of evaluation:
3. Applicant/owner name:
5. County:6. Nearest named water body
7. River Basin: on USGS 7.5-minute quad:
8. Site coordinates (decimal degrees, at lower end of assessment reach):
STREAM INFORMATION: (depth and width can be approximations)
9. Site number (show on attached map):10. Length of assessment reach evaluated (feet):
11. Channel depth from bed (in riffle, if present) to top of bank (feet):Unable to assess channel depth.
12. Channel width at top of bank (feet):13. Is assessment reach a swamp stream?Yes No
14. Feature type:Perennial flow Intermittent flow Tidal Marsh Stream
STREAM RATING INFORMATION:
15. NC SAM Zone:Mountains (M)Piedmont (P)Inner Coastal Plain (I)Outer Coastal Plain (O)
16. Estimated geomorphic
valley shape (skip for a b
Tidal Marsh Stream):(more sinuous stream, flatter valley slope)(less sinuous stream, steeper valley slope)
17. Watershed size: (skip Size 1 (< 0.1 mi2)Size 2 (0.1 to < 0.5 mi2)Size 3 (0.5 to < 5 mi2)Size 4 (≥ 5 mi2)
for Tidal Marsh Stream)
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
18. Were regulatory considerations evaluated?Yes No If Yes, check all that appy to the assessment area.
Section 10 water Classified Trout Waters Water Supply Watershed (I II III IV V)
Essential Fish Habitat Primary Nursery Area High Quality Waters/Outstanding Resource Waters
Publicly owned property NCDWR riparian buffer rule in effect Nutrient Sensitive Waters
Anadromous fish 303(d) List CAMA Area of Environmental Concern (AEC)
Documented presence of a federal and/or state listed protected species within the assessment area.
List species:
Designated Critical Habitat (list species):
19. Are additional stream information/supplementary measurements included in "Notes/Sketch" section or attached?Yes No
1.Channel Water – assessment reach metric (skip for Size 1 streams and Tidal Marsh Streams)
A Water throughout assessment reach.
B No flow, water in pools only.
C No water in assessment reach.
2.Evidence of Flow Restriction – assessment reach metric
A At least 10% of assessment reach in-stream habitat or riffle-pool sequence is adversely affected by a flow restriction or fill to the
point of obstructing flow or a channel choked with aquatic macrophytes or ponded water or impounded on flood or ebb within
the assessment reach (examples: undersized or perched culverts, causeways that constrict the channel, tidal gates).
B Not A
3.Feature Pattern – assessment reach metric
A A majority of the assessment reach has altered pattern (examples: straightening, modification above or below culvert).
B Not A.
4.Feature Longitudinal Profile – assessment reach metric
A Majority of assessment reach has a substantially altered stream profile (examples: channel down-cutting, existing damming,
over widening, active aggradation, dredging, and excavation where appropriate channel profile has not reformed from any of
these disturbances).
B Not A
5.Signs of Active Instability – assessment reach metric
Consider only current instability, not past events from which the stream has currently recovered. Examples of instability include
active bank failure, active channel down-cutting (head-cut), active widening, and artificial hardening (such as concrete, gabion, rip-rap).
A < 10% of channel unstable
B 10 to 25% of channel unstable
C > 25% of channel unstable
6.Streamside Area Interaction – streamside area metric
Consider for the Left Bank (LB) and the Right Bank (RB).
LB RB
A A Little or no evidence of conditions that adversely affect reference interaction
B B Moderate evidence of conditions (examples: berms, levees, down-cutting, aggradation, dredging) that adversely affect
reference interaction (examples: limited streamside area access, disruption of flood flows through streamside area,
leaky or intermittent bulkheads, causeways with floodplain constriction, minor ditching [including mosquito ditching])
C C Extensive evidence of conditions that adversely affect reference interaction (little to no floodplain/intertidal zone access
[examples: causeways with floodplain and channel constriction, bulkheads, retaining walls, fill, stream incision,
disruption of flood flows through streamside area] or too much floodplain/intertidal zone access [examples:
impoundments, intensive mosquito ditching]) or floodplain/intertidal zone unnaturally absent or assessment reach is a
man-made feature on an interstream divide
7.Water Quality Stressors – assessment reach/intertidal zone metric
1-3
2-5
NC SAM FIELD ASSESSMENT FORM
Accompanies User Manual Version 2.1
INSTRUCTIONS:Attach a sketch of the assessment area and photographs.Attach a copy of the USGS 7.5-minute topographic
quadrangle,and circle the location of the stream reach under evaluation.If multiple stream reaches will be evaluated on the same
property,identify and number all reaches on the attached map,and include a separate form for each reach.See the NC SAM User
Manual for detailed descriptions and explanations of requested information. Record in the "Notes/Sketch" section if any supplementary
NOTE EVIDENCE OF STRESSORS AFFECTING THE ASSESSMENT AREA (do not need to be within the assessment area).
measurements were performed. See the NC SAM User Manual for examples of additional measurements that may be relevant.
Dugger Creek Trib Site #4 3/20/2018
36.12680, -81.51394
Trib Site #4 375
Wildlands 4. Assessor name/organization:M. Caddell
Wilkes
Yadkin Dugger Creek
Check all that apply.
A Discolored water in stream or intertidal zone (milky white, blue, unnatural water discoloration, oil sheen, stream foam)
B Excessive sedimentation (burying of stream features or intertidal zone)
C Noticeable evidence of pollutant discharges entering the assessment reach and causing a water quality problem
D Odor (not including natural sulfide odors)
E Current published or collected data indicating degraded water quality in the assessment reach. Cite source in the "Notes/Sketch"
section.
F Livestock with access to stream or intertidal zone
G Excessive algae in stream or intertidal zone
H Degraded marsh vegetation in the intertidal zone (removal, burning, regular mowing, destruction, etc.)
I Other:(explain in "Notes/Sketch" section)
J Little to no stressors
8.Recent Weather – watershed metric
For Size 1 or 2 streams, D1 drought or higher is considered a drought; for Size 3 or 4 streams, D2 drought or higher is considered a
drought.
A Drought conditions and no rainfall or rainfall not exceeding 1 inch within the last 48 hours
B Drought conditions and rainfall exceeding 1 inch within the last 48 hours
C No drought conditions
9 Large or Dangerous Stream – assessment reach metric
Yes No Is stream is too large or dangerous to assess? If Yes, skip to Metric 13 (Streamside Area Ground Surface Condition).
10.Natural In-stream Habitat Types – assessment reach metric
10a.Yes No Degraded in-stream habitat over majority of the assessment reach (examples of stressors include excessive
sedimentation, mining, excavation, in-stream hardening [for example, rip-rap], recent dredging, and snagging)
(evaluate for size 4 Coastal Plain streams only, then skip to Metric 12)
10b.Check all that occur (occurs if > 5% coverage of assessment reach) (skip for Size 4 Coastal Plain streams)
A Multiple aquatic macrophytes and aquatic mosses F 5% oysters or other natural hard bottoms
(include liverworts, lichens, and algal mats)G Submerged aquatic vegetation
B Multiple sticks and/or leaf packs and/or emergent H Low-tide refugia (pools)
vegetation I Sand bottom
C Multiple snags and logs (including lap trees)J 5% vertical bank along the marsh
D 5% undercut banks and/or root mats and/or roots K Little or no habitat
in banks extend to the normal wetted perimeter
E Little or no habitat
11.Bedform and Substrate – assessment reach metric (skip for Size 4 Coastal Plain streams and Tidal Marsh Streams)
11a.Yes No Is assessment reach in a natural sand-bed stream? (skip for Coastal Plain streams)
11b.Bedform evaluated. Check the appropriate box(es).
A Riffle-run section (evaluate 11c)
B Pool-glide section (evaluate 11d)
C Natural bedform absent (skip to Metric 12, Aquatic Life)
11c.In riffles sections, check all that occur below the normal wetted perimeter of the assessment reach – whether or not submerged.
Check at least one box in each row (skip for Size 4 Coastal Plain Streams and Tidal Marsh Streams). Not Present (NP) =
absent, Rare (R) = present but ≤ 10%, Common (C) = > 10-40%, Abundant (A) = > 40-70%, Predominant (P) = > 70%. Cumulative
percentages should not exceed 100% for each assessment reach.
NP R C A P
Bedrock/saprolite
Boulder (256 – 4096 mm)
Cobble (64 – 256 mm)
Gravel (2 – 64 mm)
Sand (.062 – 2 mm)
Silt/clay (< 0.062 mm)
Detritus
Artificial (rip-rap, concrete, etc.)
11d.Yes No Are pools filled with sediment? (skip for Size 4 Coastal Plain streams and Tidal Marsh Streams)
12.Aquatic Life – assessment reach metric (skip for Size 4 Coastal Plain streams and Tidal Marsh Streams)
12a.Yes No Was an in-stream aquatic life assessment performed as described in the User Manual?
If No, select one of the following reasons and skip to Metric 13. No Water Other:
12b.Yes No Are aquatic organisms present in the assessment reach (look in riffles, pools, then snags)? If Yes, check
all that apply. If No, skip to Metric 13.
1 >1 Numbers over columns refer to “individuals” for size 1 and 2 streams and “taxa” for size 3 and 4 streams.
Adult frogs
Aquatic reptiles
Aquatic macrophytes and aquatic mosses (include liverworts, lichens, and algal mats)
Beetles (including water pennies)
Caddisfly larvae (Trichoptera [T])
Asian clam (Corbicula )
Crustacean (isopod/amphipod/crayfish/shrimp)
Damselfly and dragonfly larvae
Dipterans (true flies)
Mayfly larvae (Ephemeroptera [E])
Megaloptera (alderfly, fishfly, dobsonfly larvae)
Midges/mosquito larvae
Mosquito fish (Gambusia ) or mud minnows (Umbra pygmaea)
Mussels/Clams (not Corbicula )
*********************************REMAINING QUESTIONS ARE NOT APPLICABLE FOR TIDAL MARSH STREAMS****************************Check for TidalMarsh Streamsonly
Other fish
Salamanders/tadpoles
Snails
Stonefly larvae (Plecoptera [P])
Tipulid larvae
Worms/leeches
13.Streamside Area Ground Surface Condition – streamside area metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams and B valley types)
Consider for the Left Bank (LB) and the Right Bank (RB). Consider storage capacity with regard to both overbank flow and
upland runoff.
LB RB
A A Little or no alteration to water storage capacity over a majority of the streamside area
B B Moderate alteration to water storage capacity over a majority of the streamside area
C C Severe alteration to water storage capacity over a majority of the streamside area (examples include: ditches, fill,
soil, compaction, livestock disturbance, buildings, man-made levees, drainage pipes)
14.Streamside Area Water Storage – streamside area metric (skip for Size 1 streams, Tidal Marsh Streams, and B valley types)
Consider for the Left Bank (LB) and the Right Bank (RB) of the streamside area.
LB RB
A A Majority of streamside area with depressions able to pond water ≥ 6 inches deep
B B Majority of streamside area with depressions able to pond water 3 to 6 inches deep
C C Majority of streamside area with depressions able to pond water < 3 inches deep
15.Wetland Presence – streamside area metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams)
Consider for the Left Bank (LB) and the Right Bank (RB). Do not consider wetlands outside of the streamside area or within the
normal wetted perimeter of assessment reach.
LB RB
Y Y Are wetlands present in the streamside area?
N N
16.Baseflow Contributors – assessment reach metric (skip for size 4 streams and Tidal Marsh Streams)
Check all contributors within the assessment reach or within view of and draining to the assessment reach.
A Streams and/or springs (jurisdictional discharges)
B Ponds (include wet detention basins; do not include sediment basins or dry detention basins)
C Obstruction that passes some flow during low-flow periods within assessment area (beaver dam, bottom-release dam)
D Evidence of bank seepage or sweating (iron oxidizing bacteria in water indicates seepage)
E Stream bed or bank soil reduced (dig through deposited sediment if present)
F None of the above
17.Baseflow Detractors – assessment area metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams)
Check all that apply.
A Evidence of substantial water withdrawals from the assessment reach (includes areas excavated for pump installation)
B Obstruction not passing flow during low flow periods affecting the assessment reach (ex: watertight dam, sediment deposit)
C Urban stream (≥ 24% impervious surface for watershed)
D Evidence that the stream-side area has been modified resulting in accelerated drainage into the assessment reach
E Assessment reach relocated to valley edge
F None of the above
18.Shading – assessment reach metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams)
Consider aspect. Consider “leaf-on” condition.
A Stream shading is appropriate for stream category (may include gaps associated with natural processes)
B Degraded (example: scattered trees)
C Stream shading is gone or largely absent
19.Buffer Width – streamside area metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams)
Consider “vegetated buffer” and “wooded buffer” separately for left bank (LB) and right bank (RB) starting at the top
of bank out to the first break.
Vegetated Wooded
LB RB LB RB
A A A A ≥ 100-feet wide or extends to the edge of the watershed
B B B B From 50 to < 100-feet wide
C C C C From 30 to < 50-feet wide
D D D D From 10 to < 30-feet wide
E E E E < 10-feet wide or no trees
20.Buffer Structure – streamside area metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams)
Consider for left bank (LB) and right bank (RB) for Metric 19 ("Vegetated" Buffer Width).
LB RB
A A Mature forest
B B Non-mature woody vegetation or modified vegetation structure
C C Herbaceous vegetation with or without a strip of trees < 10 feet wide
D D Maintained shrubs
E E Little or no vegetation
21.Buffer Stressors – streamside area metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams)
Check all appropriate boxes for left bank (LB) and right bank (RB). Indicate if listed stressor abuts stream (Abuts), does not abut but
is within 30 feet of stream (< 30 feet), or is between 30 to 50 feet of stream (30-50 feet).
If none of the following stressors occurs on either bank, check here and skip to Metric 22:
Abuts < 30 feet 30-50 feet
LB RB LB RB LB RB
A A A A A A Row crops
B B B B B B Maintained turf
C C C C C C Pasture (no livestock)/commercial horticulture
D D D D D D Pasture (active livestock use)
22.Stem Density – streamside area metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams)
Consider for left bank (LB) and right bank (RB) for Metric 19 ("Wooded" Buffer Width).
LB RB
A A Medium to high stem density
B B Low stem density
C C No wooded riparian buffer or predominantly herbaceous species or bare ground
23.Continuity of Vegetated Buffer – streamside area metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams)
Consider whether vegetated buffer is continuous along stream (parallel). Breaks are areas lacking vegetation > 10-feet wide.
LB RB
A A The total length of buffer breaks is < 25 percent.
B B The total length of buffer breaks is between 25 and 50 percent.
C C The total length of buffer breaks is > 50 percent.
24.Vegetative Composition – First 100 feet of streamside area metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams)
Evaluate the dominant vegetation within 100 feet of each bank or to the edge of the watershed (whichever comes first) as it contributes
to assessment reach habitat.
LB RB
A A Vegetation is close to undisturbed in species present and their proportions. Lower strata composed of native
species, with non-native invasive species absent or sparse.
B B Vegetation indicates disturbance in terms of species diversity or proportions, but is still largely composed of native
species. This may include communities of weedy native species that develop after clear-cutting or clearing or
communities with non-native invasive species present, but not dominant, over a large portion of the expected strata or
communities missing understory but retaining canopy trees.
C C Vegetation is severely disturbed in terms of species diversity or proportions. Mature canopy is absent or communities
with non-native invasive species dominant over a large portion of expected strata or communities composed of planted
stands of non-characteristic species or communities inappropriately composed of a single species or no vegetation.
25.Conductivity – assessment reach metric (skip for all Coastal Plain streams)
25a.Yes No Was a conductivity measurement recorded?
If No, select one of the following reasons. No Water Other:
25b.Check the box corresponding to the conductivity measurement (units of microsiemens per centimeter).
A <46 B 46 to < 67 C 67 to < 79 D 79 to < 230 E ≥ 230
Notes/Sketch:
Notes of Field Assessment Form (Y/N)
Presence of regulatory considerations (Y/N)
Additional stream information/supplementary measurements included (Y/N)
NC SAM feature type (perennial, intermittent, Tidal Marsh Stream)
(4) Floodplain Access
(4) Wooded Riparian Buffer
(4) Microtopography
(3) Stream Stability
(4) Channel Stability
(4) Sediment Transport
(4) Stream Geomorphology
(2) Stream/Intertidal Zone Interaction
(2) Longitudinal Tidal Flow
(2) Tidal Marsh Stream Stability
(3) Tidal Marsh Stream Geomorphology
(1) Water Quality
(2) Baseflow
(2) Streamside Area Vegetation
(3) Upland Pollutant Filtration
(3) Thermoregulation
(2) Indicators of Stressors
(2) Aquatic Life Tolerance
(2) Intertidal Zone Filtration
(1) Habitat
(2) In-stream Habitat
(3) Baseflow
(3) Substrate
(3) Stream Stability
(3) In-stream Habitat
(2) Stream-side Habitat
(3) Stream-side Habitat
(3) Thermoregulation
(2) Tidal Marsh In-stream Habitat
(3) Flow Restriction
(3) Tidal Marsh Stream Stability
(4) Tidal Marsh Stream Geomorphology
(3) Tidal Marsh In-stream Habitat
(2) Intertidal Zone Habitat
Overall
NC SAM Stream Rating Sheet
Accompanies User Manual Version 2.1
HIGH
HIGH
USACE/
All Streams
NCDWR
Intermittent
NA
NA
(2) Flood Flow
M. Caddell
3/20/2018
NO
YES
NO
Perennial
(2) Baseflow
Stream Category Assessor Name/Organization
HIGH
Mb1
Stream Site Name Dugger Creek Trib Site #4 Date of Evaluation
HIGH
(4) Tidal Marsh Channel Stability
HIGH
HIGH
NA
NA
MEDIUM
NA
HIGH
(3) Tidal Marsh Channel Stability
(3) Streamside Area Attenuation
Function Class Rating Summary
(1) Hydrology
NA
HIGH
HIGH
HIGH
HIGH
NA
NO
HIGH
NA
NA
NA
NA
HIGH
HIGH
HIGH
HIGH
HIGH
HIGH
HIGH
HIGH
HIGH
NA
NA
HIGH
NA
HIGH
HIGH
HIGH
USACE AID #:NCDWR #:
PROJECT / SITE INFORMATION:
1. Project name (if any):2. Date of evaluation:
3. Applicant/owner name:
5. County:6. Nearest named water body
7. River Basin: on USGS 7.5-minute quad:
8. Site coordinates (decimal degrees, at lower end of assessment reach):
STREAM INFORMATION: (depth and width can be approximations)
9. Site number (show on attached map):10. Length of assessment reach evaluated (feet):
11. Channel depth from bed (in riffle, if present) to top of bank (feet):Unable to assess channel depth.
12. Channel width at top of bank (feet):13. Is assessment reach a swamp stream?Yes No
14. Feature type:Perennial flow Intermittent flow Tidal Marsh Stream
STREAM RATING INFORMATION:
15. NC SAM Zone:Mountains (M)Piedmont (P)Inner Coastal Plain (I)Outer Coastal Plain (O)
16. Estimated geomorphic
valley shape (skip for a b
Tidal Marsh Stream):(more sinuous stream, flatter valley slope)(less sinuous stream, steeper valley slope)
17. Watershed size: (skip Size 1 (< 0.1 mi2)Size 2 (0.1 to < 0.5 mi2)Size 3 (0.5 to < 5 mi2)Size 4 (≥ 5 mi2)
for Tidal Marsh Stream)
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
18. Were regulatory considerations evaluated?Yes No If Yes, check all that appy to the assessment area.
Section 10 water Classified Trout Waters Water Supply Watershed (I II III IV V)
Essential Fish Habitat Primary Nursery Area High Quality Waters/Outstanding Resource Waters
Publicly owned property NCDWR riparian buffer rule in effect Nutrient Sensitive Waters
Anadromous fish 303(d) List CAMA Area of Environmental Concern (AEC)
Documented presence of a federal and/or state listed protected species within the assessment area.
List species:
Designated Critical Habitat (list species):
19. Are additional stream information/supplementary measurements included in "Notes/Sketch" section or attached?Yes No
1.Channel Water – assessment reach metric (skip for Size 1 streams and Tidal Marsh Streams)
A Water throughout assessment reach.
B No flow, water in pools only.
C No water in assessment reach.
2.Evidence of Flow Restriction – assessment reach metric
A At least 10% of assessment reach in-stream habitat or riffle-pool sequence is adversely affected by a flow restriction or fill to the
point of obstructing flow or a channel choked with aquatic macrophytes or ponded water or impounded on flood or ebb within
the assessment reach (examples: undersized or perched culverts, causeways that constrict the channel, tidal gates).
B Not A
3.Feature Pattern – assessment reach metric
A A majority of the assessment reach has altered pattern (examples: straightening, modification above or below culvert).
B Not A.
4.Feature Longitudinal Profile – assessment reach metric
A Majority of assessment reach has a substantially altered stream profile (examples: channel down-cutting, existing damming,
over widening, active aggradation, dredging, and excavation where appropriate channel profile has not reformed from any of
these disturbances).
B Not A
5.Signs of Active Instability – assessment reach metric
Consider only current instability, not past events from which the stream has currently recovered. Examples of instability include
active bank failure, active channel down-cutting (head-cut), active widening, and artificial hardening (such as concrete, gabion, rip-rap).
A < 10% of channel unstable
B 10 to 25% of channel unstable
C > 25% of channel unstable
6.Streamside Area Interaction – streamside area metric
Consider for the Left Bank (LB) and the Right Bank (RB).
LB RB
A A Little or no evidence of conditions that adversely affect reference interaction
B B Moderate evidence of conditions (examples: berms, levees, down-cutting, aggradation, dredging) that adversely affect
reference interaction (examples: limited streamside area access, disruption of flood flows through streamside area,
leaky or intermittent bulkheads, causeways with floodplain constriction, minor ditching [including mosquito ditching])
C C Extensive evidence of conditions that adversely affect reference interaction (little to no floodplain/intertidal zone access
[examples: causeways with floodplain and channel constriction, bulkheads, retaining walls, fill, stream incision,
disruption of flood flows through streamside area] or too much floodplain/intertidal zone access [examples:
impoundments, intensive mosquito ditching]) or floodplain/intertidal zone unnaturally absent or assessment reach is a
man-made feature on an interstream divide
7.Water Quality Stressors – assessment reach/intertidal zone metric
Dugger Creek Trib Site #5 3/21/2018
36.1004, -81.54974
Trib Site #5 600
Wildlands 4. Assessor name/organization:M. Caddell
Watauga
Yadkin Dugger Creek
Manual for detailed descriptions and explanations of requested information. Record in the "Notes/Sketch" section if any supplementary
NOTE EVIDENCE OF STRESSORS AFFECTING THE ASSESSMENT AREA (do not need to be within the assessment area).
measurements were performed. See the NC SAM User Manual for examples of additional measurements that may be relevant.
NC SAM FIELD ASSESSMENT FORM
Accompanies User Manual Version 2.1
INSTRUCTIONS:Attach a sketch of the assessment area and photographs.Attach a copy of the USGS 7.5-minute topographic
quadrangle,and circle the location of the stream reach under evaluation.If multiple stream reaches will be evaluated on the same
property,identify and number all reaches on the attached map,and include a separate form for each reach.See the NC SAM User
0.5 - 2
4-6
Check all that apply.
A Discolored water in stream or intertidal zone (milky white, blue, unnatural water discoloration, oil sheen, stream foam)
B Excessive sedimentation (burying of stream features or intertidal zone)
C Noticeable evidence of pollutant discharges entering the assessment reach and causing a water quality problem
D Odor (not including natural sulfide odors)
E Current published or collected data indicating degraded water quality in the assessment reach. Cite source in the "Notes/Sketch"
section.
F Livestock with access to stream or intertidal zone
G Excessive algae in stream or intertidal zone
H Degraded marsh vegetation in the intertidal zone (removal, burning, regular mowing, destruction, etc.)
I Other:(explain in "Notes/Sketch" section)
J Little to no stressors
8.Recent Weather – watershed metric
For Size 1 or 2 streams, D1 drought or higher is considered a drought; for Size 3 or 4 streams, D2 drought or higher is considered a
drought.
A Drought conditions and no rainfall or rainfall not exceeding 1 inch within the last 48 hours
B Drought conditions and rainfall exceeding 1 inch within the last 48 hours
C No drought conditions
9 Large or Dangerous Stream – assessment reach metric
Yes No Is stream is too large or dangerous to assess? If Yes, skip to Metric 13 (Streamside Area Ground Surface Condition).
10.Natural In-stream Habitat Types – assessment reach metric
10a.Yes No Degraded in-stream habitat over majority of the assessment reach (examples of stressors include excessive
sedimentation, mining, excavation, in-stream hardening [for example, rip-rap], recent dredging, and snagging)
(evaluate for size 4 Coastal Plain streams only, then skip to Metric 12)
10b.Check all that occur (occurs if > 5% coverage of assessment reach) (skip for Size 4 Coastal Plain streams)
A Multiple aquatic macrophytes and aquatic mosses F 5% oysters or other natural hard bottoms
(include liverworts, lichens, and algal mats)G Submerged aquatic vegetation
B Multiple sticks and/or leaf packs and/or emergent H Low-tide refugia (pools)
vegetation I Sand bottom
C Multiple snags and logs (including lap trees)J 5% vertical bank along the marsh
D 5% undercut banks and/or root mats and/or roots K Little or no habitat
in banks extend to the normal wetted perimeter
E Little or no habitat
11.Bedform and Substrate – assessment reach metric (skip for Size 4 Coastal Plain streams and Tidal Marsh Streams)
11a.Yes No Is assessment reach in a natural sand-bed stream? (skip for Coastal Plain streams)
11b.Bedform evaluated. Check the appropriate box(es).
A Riffle-run section (evaluate 11c)
B Pool-glide section (evaluate 11d)
C Natural bedform absent (skip to Metric 12, Aquatic Life)
11c.In riffles sections, check all that occur below the normal wetted perimeter of the assessment reach – whether or not submerged.
Check at least one box in each row (skip for Size 4 Coastal Plain Streams and Tidal Marsh Streams). Not Present (NP) =
absent, Rare (R) = present but ≤ 10%, Common (C) = > 10-40%, Abundant (A) = > 40-70%, Predominant (P) = > 70%. Cumulative
percentages should not exceed 100% for each assessment reach.
NP R C A P
Bedrock/saprolite
Boulder (256 – 4096 mm)
Cobble (64 – 256 mm)
Gravel (2 – 64 mm)
Sand (.062 – 2 mm)
Silt/clay (< 0.062 mm)
Detritus
Artificial (rip-rap, concrete, etc.)
11d.Yes No Are pools filled with sediment? (skip for Size 4 Coastal Plain streams and Tidal Marsh Streams)
12.Aquatic Life – assessment reach metric (skip for Size 4 Coastal Plain streams and Tidal Marsh Streams)
12a.Yes No Was an in-stream aquatic life assessment performed as described in the User Manual?
If No, select one of the following reasons and skip to Metric 13. No Water Other:
12b.Yes No Are aquatic organisms present in the assessment reach (look in riffles, pools, then snags)? If Yes, check
all that apply. If No, skip to Metric 13.
1 >1 Numbers over columns refer to “individuals” for size 1 and 2 streams and “taxa” for size 3 and 4 streams.
Adult frogs
Aquatic reptiles
Aquatic macrophytes and aquatic mosses (include liverworts, lichens, and algal mats)
Beetles (including water pennies)
Caddisfly larvae (Trichoptera [T])
Asian clam (Corbicula )
Crustacean (isopod/amphipod/crayfish/shrimp)
Damselfly and dragonfly larvae
Dipterans (true flies)
Mayfly larvae (Ephemeroptera [E])
Megaloptera (alderfly, fishfly, dobsonfly larvae)
Midges/mosquito larvae
Mosquito fish (Gambusia ) or mud minnows (Umbra pygmaea)
Mussels/Clams (not Corbicula )
*********************************REMAINING QUESTIONS ARE NOT APPLICABLE FOR TIDAL MARSH STREAMS****************************Check for TidalMarsh Streamsonly
Other fish
Salamanders/tadpoles
Snails
Stonefly larvae (Plecoptera [P])
Tipulid larvae
Worms/leeches
13.Streamside Area Ground Surface Condition – streamside area metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams and B valley types)
Consider for the Left Bank (LB) and the Right Bank (RB). Consider storage capacity with regard to both overbank flow and
upland runoff.
LB RB
A A Little or no alteration to water storage capacity over a majority of the streamside area
B B Moderate alteration to water storage capacity over a majority of the streamside area
C C Severe alteration to water storage capacity over a majority of the streamside area (examples include: ditches, fill,
soil, compaction, livestock disturbance, buildings, man-made levees, drainage pipes)
14.Streamside Area Water Storage – streamside area metric (skip for Size 1 streams, Tidal Marsh Streams, and B valley types)
Consider for the Left Bank (LB) and the Right Bank (RB) of the streamside area.
LB RB
A A Majority of streamside area with depressions able to pond water ≥ 6 inches deep
B B Majority of streamside area with depressions able to pond water 3 to 6 inches deep
C C Majority of streamside area with depressions able to pond water < 3 inches deep
15.Wetland Presence – streamside area metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams)
Consider for the Left Bank (LB) and the Right Bank (RB). Do not consider wetlands outside of the streamside area or within the
normal wetted perimeter of assessment reach.
LB RB
Y Y Are wetlands present in the streamside area?
N N
16.Baseflow Contributors – assessment reach metric (skip for size 4 streams and Tidal Marsh Streams)
Check all contributors within the assessment reach or within view of and draining to the assessment reach.
A Streams and/or springs (jurisdictional discharges)
B Ponds (include wet detention basins; do not include sediment basins or dry detention basins)
C Obstruction that passes some flow during low-flow periods within assessment area (beaver dam, bottom-release dam)
D Evidence of bank seepage or sweating (iron oxidizing bacteria in water indicates seepage)
E Stream bed or bank soil reduced (dig through deposited sediment if present)
F None of the above
17.Baseflow Detractors – assessment area metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams)
Check all that apply.
A Evidence of substantial water withdrawals from the assessment reach (includes areas excavated for pump installation)
B Obstruction not passing flow during low flow periods affecting the assessment reach (ex: watertight dam, sediment deposit)
C Urban stream (≥ 24% impervious surface for watershed)
D Evidence that the stream-side area has been modified resulting in accelerated drainage into the assessment reach
E Assessment reach relocated to valley edge
F None of the above
18.Shading – assessment reach metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams)
Consider aspect. Consider “leaf-on” condition.
A Stream shading is appropriate for stream category (may include gaps associated with natural processes)
B Degraded (example: scattered trees)
C Stream shading is gone or largely absent
19.Buffer Width – streamside area metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams)
Consider “vegetated buffer” and “wooded buffer” separately for left bank (LB) and right bank (RB) starting at the top
of bank out to the first break.
Vegetated Wooded
LB RB LB RB
A A A A ≥ 100-feet wide or extends to the edge of the watershed
B B B B From 50 to < 100-feet wide
C C C C From 30 to < 50-feet wide
D D D D From 10 to < 30-feet wide
E E E E < 10-feet wide or no trees
20.Buffer Structure – streamside area metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams)
Consider for left bank (LB) and right bank (RB) for Metric 19 ("Vegetated" Buffer Width).
LB RB
A A Mature forest
B B Non-mature woody vegetation or modified vegetation structure
C C Herbaceous vegetation with or without a strip of trees < 10 feet wide
D D Maintained shrubs
E E Little or no vegetation
21.Buffer Stressors – streamside area metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams)
Check all appropriate boxes for left bank (LB) and right bank (RB). Indicate if listed stressor abuts stream (Abuts), does not abut but
is within 30 feet of stream (< 30 feet), or is between 30 to 50 feet of stream (30-50 feet).
If none of the following stressors occurs on either bank, check here and skip to Metric 22:
Abuts < 30 feet 30-50 feet
LB RB LB RB LB RB
A A A A A A Row crops
B B B B B B Maintained turf
C C C C C C Pasture (no livestock)/commercial horticulture
D D D D D D Pasture (active livestock use)
22.Stem Density – streamside area metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams)
Consider for left bank (LB) and right bank (RB) for Metric 19 ("Wooded" Buffer Width).
LB RB
A A Medium to high stem density
B B Low stem density
C C No wooded riparian buffer or predominantly herbaceous species or bare ground
23.Continuity of Vegetated Buffer – streamside area metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams)
Consider whether vegetated buffer is continuous along stream (parallel). Breaks are areas lacking vegetation > 10-feet wide.
LB RB
A A The total length of buffer breaks is < 25 percent.
B B The total length of buffer breaks is between 25 and 50 percent.
C C The total length of buffer breaks is > 50 percent.
24.Vegetative Composition – First 100 feet of streamside area metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams)
Evaluate the dominant vegetation within 100 feet of each bank or to the edge of the watershed (whichever comes first) as it contributes
to assessment reach habitat.
LB RB
A A Vegetation is close to undisturbed in species present and their proportions. Lower strata composed of native
species, with non-native invasive species absent or sparse.
B B Vegetation indicates disturbance in terms of species diversity or proportions, but is still largely composed of native
species. This may include communities of weedy native species that develop after clear-cutting or clearing or
communities with non-native invasive species present, but not dominant, over a large portion of the expected strata or
communities missing understory but retaining canopy trees.
C C Vegetation is severely disturbed in terms of species diversity or proportions. Mature canopy is absent or communities
with non-native invasive species dominant over a large portion of expected strata or communities composed of planted
stands of non-characteristic species or communities inappropriately composed of a single species or no vegetation.
25.Conductivity – assessment reach metric (skip for all Coastal Plain streams)
25a.Yes No Was a conductivity measurement recorded?
If No, select one of the following reasons. No Water Other:
25b.Check the box corresponding to the conductivity measurement (units of microsiemens per centimeter).
A <46 B 46 to < 67 C 67 to < 79 D 79 to < 230 E ≥ 230
Notes/Sketch:
Notes of Field Assessment Form (Y/N)
Presence of regulatory considerations (Y/N)
Additional stream information/supplementary measurements included (Y/N)
NC SAM feature type (perennial, intermittent, Tidal Marsh Stream)
(4) Floodplain Access
(4) Wooded Riparian Buffer
(4) Microtopography
(3) Stream Stability
(4) Channel Stability
(4) Sediment Transport
(4) Stream Geomorphology
(2) Stream/Intertidal Zone Interaction
(2) Longitudinal Tidal Flow
(2) Tidal Marsh Stream Stability
(3) Tidal Marsh Stream Geomorphology
(1) Water Quality
(2) Baseflow
(2) Streamside Area Vegetation
(3) Upland Pollutant Filtration
(3) Thermoregulation
(2) Indicators of Stressors
(2) Aquatic Life Tolerance
(2) Intertidal Zone Filtration
(1) Habitat
(2) In-stream Habitat
(3) Baseflow
(3) Substrate
(3) Stream Stability
(3) In-stream Habitat
(2) Stream-side Habitat
(3) Stream-side Habitat
(3) Thermoregulation
(2) Tidal Marsh In-stream Habitat
(3) Flow Restriction
(3) Tidal Marsh Stream Stability
(4) Tidal Marsh Stream Geomorphology
(3) Tidal Marsh In-stream Habitat
(2) Intertidal Zone Habitat
Overall HIGH
HIGH
HIGH
HIGH
HIGH
HIGH
HIGH
HIGH
HIGH
HIGH
HIGH
HIGH
HIGH
HIGH
HIGH
HIGH
HIGH
NA
NA
HIGH
NA
HIGH
HIGH
HIGH
NA
NA
NA
NA
HIGH
NO
NA
NA
HIGH
HIGH
NA
NA
NA
HIGH
(3) Tidal Marsh Channel Stability
(3) Streamside Area Attenuation
Function Class Rating Summary
(1) Hydrology
HIGH
HIGH
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
HIGH
HIGH
HIGH
HIGH
HIGH
HIGH
HIGH
NA
NO
NA
NA
HIGH
Stream Site Name
HIGH
NA
Dugger Creek Trib Site #5 Date of Evaluation
HIGH
(4) Tidal Marsh Channel Stability
NA
NA
HIGH
HIGH
HIGH
HIGH
HIGH
HIGH
NA
NA
HIGH
NA
HIGH
NC SAM Stream Rating Sheet
Accompanies User Manual Version 2.1
HIGH
HIGH
USACE/
All Streams
NCDWR
Intermittent
NA
NA
(2) Flood Flow
M. Caddell
3/21/2018
NO
YES
NO
Intermittent
NA
HIGH
HIGH
HIGH
(2) Baseflow
Stream Category Assessor Name/Organization
HIGH
Mb1
USACE AID #:NCDWR #:
PROJECT / SITE INFORMATION:
1. Project name (if any):2. Date of evaluation:
3. Applicant/owner name:
5. County:6. Nearest named water body
7. River Basin: on USGS 7.5-minute quad:
8. Site coordinates (decimal degrees, at lower end of assessment reach):
STREAM INFORMATION: (depth and width can be approximations)
9. Site number (show on attached map):10. Length of assessment reach evaluated (feet):
11. Channel depth from bed (in riffle, if present) to top of bank (feet):Unable to assess channel depth.
12. Channel width at top of bank (feet):13. Is assessment reach a swamp stream?Yes No
14. Feature type:Perennial flow Intermittent flow Tidal Marsh Stream
STREAM RATING INFORMATION:
15. NC SAM Zone:Mountains (M)Piedmont (P)Inner Coastal Plain (I)Outer Coastal Plain (O)
16. Estimated geomorphic
valley shape (skip for a b
Tidal Marsh Stream):(more sinuous stream, flatter valley slope)(less sinuous stream, steeper valley slope)
17. Watershed size: (skip Size 1 (< 0.1 mi2)Size 2 (0.1 to < 0.5 mi2)Size 3 (0.5 to < 5 mi2)Size 4 (≥ 5 mi2)
for Tidal Marsh Stream)
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
18. Were regulatory considerations evaluated?Yes No If Yes, check all that appy to the assessment area.
Section 10 water Classified Trout Waters Water Supply Watershed (I II III IV V)
Essential Fish Habitat Primary Nursery Area High Quality Waters/Outstanding Resource Waters
Publicly owned property NCDWR riparian buffer rule in effect Nutrient Sensitive Waters
Anadromous fish 303(d) List CAMA Area of Environmental Concern (AEC)
Documented presence of a federal and/or state listed protected species within the assessment area.
List species:
Designated Critical Habitat (list species):
19. Are additional stream information/supplementary measurements included in "Notes/Sketch" section or attached?Yes No
1.Channel Water – assessment reach metric (skip for Size 1 streams and Tidal Marsh Streams)
A Water throughout assessment reach.
B No flow, water in pools only.
C No water in assessment reach.
2.Evidence of Flow Restriction – assessment reach metric
A At least 10% of assessment reach in-stream habitat or riffle-pool sequence is adversely affected by a flow restriction or fill to the
point of obstructing flow or a channel choked with aquatic macrophytes or ponded water or impounded on flood or ebb within
the assessment reach (examples: undersized or perched culverts, causeways that constrict the channel, tidal gates).
B Not A
3.Feature Pattern – assessment reach metric
A A majority of the assessment reach has altered pattern (examples: straightening, modification above or below culvert).
B Not A.
4.Feature Longitudinal Profile – assessment reach metric
A Majority of assessment reach has a substantially altered stream profile (examples: channel down-cutting, existing damming,
over widening, active aggradation, dredging, and excavation where appropriate channel profile has not reformed from any of
these disturbances).
B Not A
5.Signs of Active Instability – assessment reach metric
Consider only current instability, not past events from which the stream has currently recovered. Examples of instability include
active bank failure, active channel down-cutting (head-cut), active widening, and artificial hardening (such as concrete, gabion, rip-rap).
A < 10% of channel unstable
B 10 to 25% of channel unstable
C > 25% of channel unstable
6.Streamside Area Interaction – streamside area metric
Consider for the Left Bank (LB) and the Right Bank (RB).
LB RB
A A Little or no evidence of conditions that adversely affect reference interaction
B B Moderate evidence of conditions (examples: berms, levees, down-cutting, aggradation, dredging) that adversely affect
reference interaction (examples: limited streamside area access, disruption of flood flows through streamside area,
leaky or intermittent bulkheads, causeways with floodplain constriction, minor ditching [including mosquito ditching])
C C Extensive evidence of conditions that adversely affect reference interaction (little to no floodplain/intertidal zone access
[examples: causeways with floodplain and channel constriction, bulkheads, retaining walls, fill, stream incision,
disruption of flood flows through streamside area] or too much floodplain/intertidal zone access [examples:
impoundments, intensive mosquito ditching]) or floodplain/intertidal zone unnaturally absent or assessment reach is a
man-made feature on an interstream divide
7.Water Quality Stressors – assessment reach/intertidal zone metric
1-4
5-7
NC SAM FIELD ASSESSMENT FORM
Accompanies User Manual Version 2.1
INSTRUCTIONS:Attach a sketch of the assessment area and photographs.Attach a copy of the USGS 7.5-minute topographic
quadrangle,and circle the location of the stream reach under evaluation.If multiple stream reaches will be evaluated on the same
property,identify and number all reaches on the attached map,and include a separate form for each reach.See the NC SAM User
Manual for detailed descriptions and explanations of requested information. Record in the "Notes/Sketch" section if any supplementary
NOTE EVIDENCE OF STRESSORS AFFECTING THE ASSESSMENT AREA (do not need to be within the assessment area).
measurements were performed. See the NC SAM User Manual for examples of additional measurements that may be relevant.
Dugger Creek Trib Site #6 3/21/2018
36.15093, -81.54232
Trib Site #6 2000
Wildlands 4. Assessor name/organization:M. Caddell
Watauga
Yadkin Dugger Creek
Check all that apply.
A Discolored water in stream or intertidal zone (milky white, blue, unnatural water discoloration, oil sheen, stream foam)
B Excessive sedimentation (burying of stream features or intertidal zone)
C Noticeable evidence of pollutant discharges entering the assessment reach and causing a water quality problem
D Odor (not including natural sulfide odors)
E Current published or collected data indicating degraded water quality in the assessment reach. Cite source in the "Notes/Sketch"
section.
F Livestock with access to stream or intertidal zone
G Excessive algae in stream or intertidal zone
H Degraded marsh vegetation in the intertidal zone (removal, burning, regular mowing, destruction, etc.)
I Other:(explain in "Notes/Sketch" section)
J Little to no stressors
8.Recent Weather – watershed metric
For Size 1 or 2 streams, D1 drought or higher is considered a drought; for Size 3 or 4 streams, D2 drought or higher is considered a
drought.
A Drought conditions and no rainfall or rainfall not exceeding 1 inch within the last 48 hours
B Drought conditions and rainfall exceeding 1 inch within the last 48 hours
C No drought conditions
9 Large or Dangerous Stream – assessment reach metric
Yes No Is stream is too large or dangerous to assess? If Yes, skip to Metric 13 (Streamside Area Ground Surface Condition).
10.Natural In-stream Habitat Types – assessment reach metric
10a.Yes No Degraded in-stream habitat over majority of the assessment reach (examples of stressors include excessive
sedimentation, mining, excavation, in-stream hardening [for example, rip-rap], recent dredging, and snagging)
(evaluate for size 4 Coastal Plain streams only, then skip to Metric 12)
10b.Check all that occur (occurs if > 5% coverage of assessment reach) (skip for Size 4 Coastal Plain streams)
A Multiple aquatic macrophytes and aquatic mosses F 5% oysters or other natural hard bottoms
(include liverworts, lichens, and algal mats)G Submerged aquatic vegetation
B Multiple sticks and/or leaf packs and/or emergent H Low-tide refugia (pools)
vegetation I Sand bottom
C Multiple snags and logs (including lap trees)J 5% vertical bank along the marsh
D 5% undercut banks and/or root mats and/or roots K Little or no habitat
in banks extend to the normal wetted perimeter
E Little or no habitat
11.Bedform and Substrate – assessment reach metric (skip for Size 4 Coastal Plain streams and Tidal Marsh Streams)
11a.Yes No Is assessment reach in a natural sand-bed stream? (skip for Coastal Plain streams)
11b.Bedform evaluated. Check the appropriate box(es).
A Riffle-run section (evaluate 11c)
B Pool-glide section (evaluate 11d)
C Natural bedform absent (skip to Metric 12, Aquatic Life)
11c.In riffles sections, check all that occur below the normal wetted perimeter of the assessment reach – whether or not submerged.
Check at least one box in each row (skip for Size 4 Coastal Plain Streams and Tidal Marsh Streams). Not Present (NP) =
absent, Rare (R) = present but ≤ 10%, Common (C) = > 10-40%, Abundant (A) = > 40-70%, Predominant (P) = > 70%. Cumulative
percentages should not exceed 100% for each assessment reach.
NP R C A P
Bedrock/saprolite
Boulder (256 – 4096 mm)
Cobble (64 – 256 mm)
Gravel (2 – 64 mm)
Sand (.062 – 2 mm)
Silt/clay (< 0.062 mm)
Detritus
Artificial (rip-rap, concrete, etc.)
11d.Yes No Are pools filled with sediment? (skip for Size 4 Coastal Plain streams and Tidal Marsh Streams)
12.Aquatic Life – assessment reach metric (skip for Size 4 Coastal Plain streams and Tidal Marsh Streams)
12a.Yes No Was an in-stream aquatic life assessment performed as described in the User Manual?
If No, select one of the following reasons and skip to Metric 13. No Water Other:
12b.Yes No Are aquatic organisms present in the assessment reach (look in riffles, pools, then snags)? If Yes, check
all that apply. If No, skip to Metric 13.
1 >1 Numbers over columns refer to “individuals” for size 1 and 2 streams and “taxa” for size 3 and 4 streams.
Adult frogs
Aquatic reptiles
Aquatic macrophytes and aquatic mosses (include liverworts, lichens, and algal mats)
Beetles (including water pennies)
Caddisfly larvae (Trichoptera [T])
Asian clam (Corbicula )
Crustacean (isopod/amphipod/crayfish/shrimp)
Damselfly and dragonfly larvae
Dipterans (true flies)
Mayfly larvae (Ephemeroptera [E])
Megaloptera (alderfly, fishfly, dobsonfly larvae)
Midges/mosquito larvae
Mosquito fish (Gambusia ) or mud minnows (Umbra pygmaea)
Mussels/Clams (not Corbicula )
*********************************REMAINING QUESTIONS ARE NOT APPLICABLE FOR TIDAL MARSH STREAMS****************************Check for TidalMarsh Streamsonly
Other fish
Salamanders/tadpoles
Snails
Stonefly larvae (Plecoptera [P])
Tipulid larvae
Worms/leeches
13.Streamside Area Ground Surface Condition – streamside area metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams and B valley types)
Consider for the Left Bank (LB) and the Right Bank (RB). Consider storage capacity with regard to both overbank flow and
upland runoff.
LB RB
A A Little or no alteration to water storage capacity over a majority of the streamside area
B B Moderate alteration to water storage capacity over a majority of the streamside area
C C Severe alteration to water storage capacity over a majority of the streamside area (examples include: ditches, fill,
soil, compaction, livestock disturbance, buildings, man-made levees, drainage pipes)
14.Streamside Area Water Storage – streamside area metric (skip for Size 1 streams, Tidal Marsh Streams, and B valley types)
Consider for the Left Bank (LB) and the Right Bank (RB) of the streamside area.
LB RB
A A Majority of streamside area with depressions able to pond water ≥ 6 inches deep
B B Majority of streamside area with depressions able to pond water 3 to 6 inches deep
C C Majority of streamside area with depressions able to pond water < 3 inches deep
15.Wetland Presence – streamside area metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams)
Consider for the Left Bank (LB) and the Right Bank (RB). Do not consider wetlands outside of the streamside area or within the
normal wetted perimeter of assessment reach.
LB RB
Y Y Are wetlands present in the streamside area?
N N
16.Baseflow Contributors – assessment reach metric (skip for size 4 streams and Tidal Marsh Streams)
Check all contributors within the assessment reach or within view of and draining to the assessment reach.
A Streams and/or springs (jurisdictional discharges)
B Ponds (include wet detention basins; do not include sediment basins or dry detention basins)
C Obstruction that passes some flow during low-flow periods within assessment area (beaver dam, bottom-release dam)
D Evidence of bank seepage or sweating (iron oxidizing bacteria in water indicates seepage)
E Stream bed or bank soil reduced (dig through deposited sediment if present)
F None of the above
17.Baseflow Detractors – assessment area metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams)
Check all that apply.
A Evidence of substantial water withdrawals from the assessment reach (includes areas excavated for pump installation)
B Obstruction not passing flow during low flow periods affecting the assessment reach (ex: watertight dam, sediment deposit)
C Urban stream (≥ 24% impervious surface for watershed)
D Evidence that the stream-side area has been modified resulting in accelerated drainage into the assessment reach
E Assessment reach relocated to valley edge
F None of the above
18.Shading – assessment reach metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams)
Consider aspect. Consider “leaf-on” condition.
A Stream shading is appropriate for stream category (may include gaps associated with natural processes)
B Degraded (example: scattered trees)
C Stream shading is gone or largely absent
19.Buffer Width – streamside area metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams)
Consider “vegetated buffer” and “wooded buffer” separately for left bank (LB) and right bank (RB) starting at the top
of bank out to the first break.
Vegetated Wooded
LB RB LB RB
A A A A ≥ 100-feet wide or extends to the edge of the watershed
B B B B From 50 to < 100-feet wide
C C C C From 30 to < 50-feet wide
D D D D From 10 to < 30-feet wide
E E E E < 10-feet wide or no trees
20.Buffer Structure – streamside area metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams)
Consider for left bank (LB) and right bank (RB) for Metric 19 ("Vegetated" Buffer Width).
LB RB
A A Mature forest
B B Non-mature woody vegetation or modified vegetation structure
C C Herbaceous vegetation with or without a strip of trees < 10 feet wide
D D Maintained shrubs
E E Little or no vegetation
21.Buffer Stressors – streamside area metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams)
Check all appropriate boxes for left bank (LB) and right bank (RB). Indicate if listed stressor abuts stream (Abuts), does not abut but
is within 30 feet of stream (< 30 feet), or is between 30 to 50 feet of stream (30-50 feet).
If none of the following stressors occurs on either bank, check here and skip to Metric 22:
Abuts < 30 feet 30-50 feet
LB RB LB RB LB RB
A A A A A A Row crops
B B B B B B Maintained turf
C C C C C C Pasture (no livestock)/commercial horticulture
D D D D D D Pasture (active livestock use)
22.Stem Density – streamside area metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams)
Consider for left bank (LB) and right bank (RB) for Metric 19 ("Wooded" Buffer Width).
LB RB
A A Medium to high stem density
B B Low stem density
C C No wooded riparian buffer or predominantly herbaceous species or bare ground
23.Continuity of Vegetated Buffer – streamside area metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams)
Consider whether vegetated buffer is continuous along stream (parallel). Breaks are areas lacking vegetation > 10-feet wide.
LB RB
A A The total length of buffer breaks is < 25 percent.
B B The total length of buffer breaks is between 25 and 50 percent.
C C The total length of buffer breaks is > 50 percent.
24.Vegetative Composition – First 100 feet of streamside area metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams)
Evaluate the dominant vegetation within 100 feet of each bank or to the edge of the watershed (whichever comes first) as it contributes
to assessment reach habitat.
LB RB
A A Vegetation is close to undisturbed in species present and their proportions. Lower strata composed of native
species, with non-native invasive species absent or sparse.
B B Vegetation indicates disturbance in terms of species diversity or proportions, but is still largely composed of native
species. This may include communities of weedy native species that develop after clear-cutting or clearing or
communities with non-native invasive species present, but not dominant, over a large portion of the expected strata or
communities missing understory but retaining canopy trees.
C C Vegetation is severely disturbed in terms of species diversity or proportions. Mature canopy is absent or communities
with non-native invasive species dominant over a large portion of expected strata or communities composed of planted
stands of non-characteristic species or communities inappropriately composed of a single species or no vegetation.
25.Conductivity – assessment reach metric (skip for all Coastal Plain streams)
25a.Yes No Was a conductivity measurement recorded?
If No, select one of the following reasons. No Water Other:
25b.Check the box corresponding to the conductivity measurement (units of microsiemens per centimeter).
A <46 B 46 to < 67 C 67 to < 79 D 79 to < 230 E ≥ 230
Notes/Sketch:
Notes of Field Assessment Form (Y/N)
Presence of regulatory considerations (Y/N)
Additional stream information/supplementary measurements included (Y/N)
NC SAM feature type (perennial, intermittent, Tidal Marsh Stream)
(4) Floodplain Access
(4) Wooded Riparian Buffer
(4) Microtopography
(3) Stream Stability
(4) Channel Stability
(4) Sediment Transport
(4) Stream Geomorphology
(2) Stream/Intertidal Zone Interaction
(2) Longitudinal Tidal Flow
(2) Tidal Marsh Stream Stability
(3) Tidal Marsh Stream Geomorphology
(1) Water Quality
(2) Baseflow
(2) Streamside Area Vegetation
(3) Upland Pollutant Filtration
(3) Thermoregulation
(2) Indicators of Stressors
(2) Aquatic Life Tolerance
(2) Intertidal Zone Filtration
(1) Habitat
(2) In-stream Habitat
(3) Baseflow
(3) Substrate
(3) Stream Stability
(3) In-stream Habitat
(2) Stream-side Habitat
(3) Stream-side Habitat
(3) Thermoregulation
(2) Tidal Marsh In-stream Habitat
(3) Flow Restriction
(3) Tidal Marsh Stream Stability
(4) Tidal Marsh Stream Geomorphology
(3) Tidal Marsh In-stream Habitat
(2) Intertidal Zone Habitat
Overall
NC SAM Stream Rating Sheet
Accompanies User Manual Version 2.1
HIGH
HIGH
USACE/
All Streams
NCDWR
Intermittent
NA
NA
(2) Flood Flow
M. Caddell
3/21/2018
NO
YES
NO
Perennial
(2) Baseflow
Stream Category Assessor Name/Organization
HIGH
Mb1
Stream Site Name Dugger Creek Trib Site #6 Date of Evaluation
HIGH
(4) Tidal Marsh Channel Stability
HIGH
HIGH
NA
NA
HIGH
NA
HIGH
(3) Tidal Marsh Channel Stability
(3) Streamside Area Attenuation
Function Class Rating Summary
(1) Hydrology
NA
HIGH
HIGH
HIGH
HIGH
NA
NO
HIGH
NA
NA
NA
NA
HIGH
HIGH
HIGH
HIGH
HIGH
HIGH
HIGH
HIGH
HIGH
NA
NA
HIGH
NA
HIGH
HIGH
HIGH
USACE AID #:NCDWR #:
PROJECT / SITE INFORMATION:
1. Project name (if any):2. Date of evaluation:
3. Applicant/owner name:
5. County:6. Nearest named water body
7. River Basin: on USGS 7.5-minute quad:
8. Site coordinates (decimal degrees, at lower end of assessment reach):
STREAM INFORMATION: (depth and width can be approximations)
9. Site number (show on attached map):10. Length of assessment reach evaluated (feet):
11. Channel depth from bed (in riffle, if present) to top of bank (feet):Unable to assess channel depth.
12. Channel width at top of bank (feet):13. Is assessment reach a swamp stream?Yes No
14. Feature type:Perennial flow Intermittent flow Tidal Marsh Stream
STREAM RATING INFORMATION:
15. NC SAM Zone:Mountains (M)Piedmont (P)Inner Coastal Plain (I)Outer Coastal Plain (O)
16. Estimated geomorphic
valley shape (skip for a b
Tidal Marsh Stream):(more sinuous stream, flatter valley slope)(less sinuous stream, steeper valley slope)
17. Watershed size: (skip Size 1 (< 0.1 mi2)Size 2 (0.1 to < 0.5 mi2)Size 3 (0.5 to < 5 mi2)Size 4 (≥ 5 mi2)
for Tidal Marsh Stream)
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
18. Were regulatory considerations evaluated?Yes No If Yes, check all that appy to the assessment area.
Section 10 water Classified Trout Waters Water Supply Watershed (I II III IV V)
Essential Fish Habitat Primary Nursery Area High Quality Waters/Outstanding Resource Waters
Publicly owned property NCDWR riparian buffer rule in effect Nutrient Sensitive Waters
Anadromous fish 303(d) List CAMA Area of Environmental Concern (AEC)
Documented presence of a federal and/or state listed protected species within the assessment area.
List species:
Designated Critical Habitat (list species):
19. Are additional stream information/supplementary measurements included in "Notes/Sketch" section or attached?Yes No
1.Channel Water – assessment reach metric (skip for Size 1 streams and Tidal Marsh Streams)
A Water throughout assessment reach.
B No flow, water in pools only.
C No water in assessment reach.
2.Evidence of Flow Restriction – assessment reach metric
A At least 10% of assessment reach in-stream habitat or riffle-pool sequence is adversely affected by a flow restriction or fill to the
point of obstructing flow or a channel choked with aquatic macrophytes or ponded water or impounded on flood or ebb within
the assessment reach (examples: undersized or perched culverts, causeways that constrict the channel, tidal gates).
B Not A
3.Feature Pattern – assessment reach metric
A A majority of the assessment reach has altered pattern (examples: straightening, modification above or below culvert).
B Not A.
4.Feature Longitudinal Profile – assessment reach metric
A Majority of assessment reach has a substantially altered stream profile (examples: channel down-cutting, existing damming,
over widening, active aggradation, dredging, and excavation where appropriate channel profile has not reformed from any of
these disturbances).
B Not A
5.Signs of Active Instability – assessment reach metric
Consider only current instability, not past events from which the stream has currently recovered. Examples of instability include
active bank failure, active channel down-cutting (head-cut), active widening, and artificial hardening (such as concrete, gabion, rip-rap).
A < 10% of channel unstable
B 10 to 25% of channel unstable
C > 25% of channel unstable
6.Streamside Area Interaction – streamside area metric
Consider for the Left Bank (LB) and the Right Bank (RB).
LB RB
A A Little or no evidence of conditions that adversely affect reference interaction
B B Moderate evidence of conditions (examples: berms, levees, down-cutting, aggradation, dredging) that adversely affect
reference interaction (examples: limited streamside area access, disruption of flood flows through streamside area,
leaky or intermittent bulkheads, causeways with floodplain constriction, minor ditching [including mosquito ditching])
C C Extensive evidence of conditions that adversely affect reference interaction (little to no floodplain/intertidal zone access
[examples: causeways with floodplain and channel constriction, bulkheads, retaining walls, fill, stream incision,
disruption of flood flows through streamside area] or too much floodplain/intertidal zone access [examples:
impoundments, intensive mosquito ditching]) or floodplain/intertidal zone unnaturally absent or assessment reach is a
man-made feature on an interstream divide
7.Water Quality Stressors – assessment reach/intertidal zone metric
1-4
5-7
NC SAM FIELD ASSESSMENT FORM
Accompanies User Manual Version 2.1
INSTRUCTIONS:Attach a sketch of the assessment area and photographs.Attach a copy of the USGS 7.5-minute topographic
quadrangle,and circle the location of the stream reach under evaluation.If multiple stream reaches will be evaluated on the same
property,identify and number all reaches on the attached map,and include a separate form for each reach.See the NC SAM User
Manual for detailed descriptions and explanations of requested information. Record in the "Notes/Sketch" section if any supplementary
NOTE EVIDENCE OF STRESSORS AFFECTING THE ASSESSMENT AREA (do not need to be within the assessment area).
measurements were performed. See the NC SAM User Manual for examples of additional measurements that may be relevant.
Dugger Creek - Trib Site # 7 3/21/2018
36.15016, -81.54021
Trib Site # 7 750
Wildlands 4. Assessor name/organization:M. Caddell
Watauga
Yadkin Dugger Creek
Check all that apply.
A Discolored water in stream or intertidal zone (milky white, blue, unnatural water discoloration, oil sheen, stream foam)
B Excessive sedimentation (burying of stream features or intertidal zone)
C Noticeable evidence of pollutant discharges entering the assessment reach and causing a water quality problem
D Odor (not including natural sulfide odors)
E Current published or collected data indicating degraded water quality in the assessment reach. Cite source in the "Notes/Sketch"
section.
F Livestock with access to stream or intertidal zone
G Excessive algae in stream or intertidal zone
H Degraded marsh vegetation in the intertidal zone (removal, burning, regular mowing, destruction, etc.)
I Other:(explain in "Notes/Sketch" section)
J Little to no stressors
8.Recent Weather – watershed metric
For Size 1 or 2 streams, D1 drought or higher is considered a drought; for Size 3 or 4 streams, D2 drought or higher is considered a
drought.
A Drought conditions and no rainfall or rainfall not exceeding 1 inch within the last 48 hours
B Drought conditions and rainfall exceeding 1 inch within the last 48 hours
C No drought conditions
9 Large or Dangerous Stream – assessment reach metric
Yes No Is stream is too large or dangerous to assess? If Yes, skip to Metric 13 (Streamside Area Ground Surface Condition).
10.Natural In-stream Habitat Types – assessment reach metric
10a.Yes No Degraded in-stream habitat over majority of the assessment reach (examples of stressors include excessive
sedimentation, mining, excavation, in-stream hardening [for example, rip-rap], recent dredging, and snagging)
(evaluate for size 4 Coastal Plain streams only, then skip to Metric 12)
10b.Check all that occur (occurs if > 5% coverage of assessment reach) (skip for Size 4 Coastal Plain streams)
A Multiple aquatic macrophytes and aquatic mosses F 5% oysters or other natural hard bottoms
(include liverworts, lichens, and algal mats)G Submerged aquatic vegetation
B Multiple sticks and/or leaf packs and/or emergent H Low-tide refugia (pools)
vegetation I Sand bottom
C Multiple snags and logs (including lap trees)J 5% vertical bank along the marsh
D 5% undercut banks and/or root mats and/or roots K Little or no habitat
in banks extend to the normal wetted perimeter
E Little or no habitat
11.Bedform and Substrate – assessment reach metric (skip for Size 4 Coastal Plain streams and Tidal Marsh Streams)
11a.Yes No Is assessment reach in a natural sand-bed stream? (skip for Coastal Plain streams)
11b.Bedform evaluated. Check the appropriate box(es).
A Riffle-run section (evaluate 11c)
B Pool-glide section (evaluate 11d)
C Natural bedform absent (skip to Metric 12, Aquatic Life)
11c.In riffles sections, check all that occur below the normal wetted perimeter of the assessment reach – whether or not submerged.
Check at least one box in each row (skip for Size 4 Coastal Plain Streams and Tidal Marsh Streams). Not Present (NP) =
absent, Rare (R) = present but ≤ 10%, Common (C) = > 10-40%, Abundant (A) = > 40-70%, Predominant (P) = > 70%. Cumulative
percentages should not exceed 100% for each assessment reach.
NP R C A P
Bedrock/saprolite
Boulder (256 – 4096 mm)
Cobble (64 – 256 mm)
Gravel (2 – 64 mm)
Sand (.062 – 2 mm)
Silt/clay (< 0.062 mm)
Detritus
Artificial (rip-rap, concrete, etc.)
11d.Yes No Are pools filled with sediment? (skip for Size 4 Coastal Plain streams and Tidal Marsh Streams)
12.Aquatic Life – assessment reach metric (skip for Size 4 Coastal Plain streams and Tidal Marsh Streams)
12a.Yes No Was an in-stream aquatic life assessment performed as described in the User Manual?
If No, select one of the following reasons and skip to Metric 13. No Water Other:
12b.Yes No Are aquatic organisms present in the assessment reach (look in riffles, pools, then snags)? If Yes, check
all that apply. If No, skip to Metric 13.
1 >1 Numbers over columns refer to “individuals” for size 1 and 2 streams and “taxa” for size 3 and 4 streams.
Adult frogs
Aquatic reptiles
Aquatic macrophytes and aquatic mosses (include liverworts, lichens, and algal mats)
Beetles (including water pennies)
Caddisfly larvae (Trichoptera [T])
Asian clam (Corbicula )
Crustacean (isopod/amphipod/crayfish/shrimp)
Damselfly and dragonfly larvae
Dipterans (true flies)
Mayfly larvae (Ephemeroptera [E])
Megaloptera (alderfly, fishfly, dobsonfly larvae)
Midges/mosquito larvae
Mosquito fish (Gambusia ) or mud minnows (Umbra pygmaea)
Mussels/Clams (not Corbicula )
*********************************REMAINING QUESTIONS ARE NOT APPLICABLE FOR TIDAL MARSH STREAMS****************************Check for TidalMarsh Streamsonly
Other fish
Salamanders/tadpoles
Snails
Stonefly larvae (Plecoptera [P])
Tipulid larvae
Worms/leeches
13.Streamside Area Ground Surface Condition – streamside area metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams and B valley types)
Consider for the Left Bank (LB) and the Right Bank (RB). Consider storage capacity with regard to both overbank flow and
upland runoff.
LB RB
A A Little or no alteration to water storage capacity over a majority of the streamside area
B B Moderate alteration to water storage capacity over a majority of the streamside area
C C Severe alteration to water storage capacity over a majority of the streamside area (examples include: ditches, fill,
soil, compaction, livestock disturbance, buildings, man-made levees, drainage pipes)
14.Streamside Area Water Storage – streamside area metric (skip for Size 1 streams, Tidal Marsh Streams, and B valley types)
Consider for the Left Bank (LB) and the Right Bank (RB) of the streamside area.
LB RB
A A Majority of streamside area with depressions able to pond water ≥ 6 inches deep
B B Majority of streamside area with depressions able to pond water 3 to 6 inches deep
C C Majority of streamside area with depressions able to pond water < 3 inches deep
15.Wetland Presence – streamside area metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams)
Consider for the Left Bank (LB) and the Right Bank (RB). Do not consider wetlands outside of the streamside area or within the
normal wetted perimeter of assessment reach.
LB RB
Y Y Are wetlands present in the streamside area?
N N
16.Baseflow Contributors – assessment reach metric (skip for size 4 streams and Tidal Marsh Streams)
Check all contributors within the assessment reach or within view of and draining to the assessment reach.
A Streams and/or springs (jurisdictional discharges)
B Ponds (include wet detention basins; do not include sediment basins or dry detention basins)
C Obstruction that passes some flow during low-flow periods within assessment area (beaver dam, bottom-release dam)
D Evidence of bank seepage or sweating (iron oxidizing bacteria in water indicates seepage)
E Stream bed or bank soil reduced (dig through deposited sediment if present)
F None of the above
17.Baseflow Detractors – assessment area metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams)
Check all that apply.
A Evidence of substantial water withdrawals from the assessment reach (includes areas excavated for pump installation)
B Obstruction not passing flow during low flow periods affecting the assessment reach (ex: watertight dam, sediment deposit)
C Urban stream (≥ 24% impervious surface for watershed)
D Evidence that the stream-side area has been modified resulting in accelerated drainage into the assessment reach
E Assessment reach relocated to valley edge
F None of the above
18.Shading – assessment reach metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams)
Consider aspect. Consider “leaf-on” condition.
A Stream shading is appropriate for stream category (may include gaps associated with natural processes)
B Degraded (example: scattered trees)
C Stream shading is gone or largely absent
19.Buffer Width – streamside area metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams)
Consider “vegetated buffer” and “wooded buffer” separately for left bank (LB) and right bank (RB) starting at the top
of bank out to the first break.
Vegetated Wooded
LB RB LB RB
A A A A ≥ 100-feet wide or extends to the edge of the watershed
B B B B From 50 to < 100-feet wide
C C C C From 30 to < 50-feet wide
D D D D From 10 to < 30-feet wide
E E E E < 10-feet wide or no trees
20.Buffer Structure – streamside area metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams)
Consider for left bank (LB) and right bank (RB) for Metric 19 ("Vegetated" Buffer Width).
LB RB
A A Mature forest
B B Non-mature woody vegetation or modified vegetation structure
C C Herbaceous vegetation with or without a strip of trees < 10 feet wide
D D Maintained shrubs
E E Little or no vegetation
21.Buffer Stressors – streamside area metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams)
Check all appropriate boxes for left bank (LB) and right bank (RB). Indicate if listed stressor abuts stream (Abuts), does not abut but
is within 30 feet of stream (< 30 feet), or is between 30 to 50 feet of stream (30-50 feet).
If none of the following stressors occurs on either bank, check here and skip to Metric 22:
Abuts < 30 feet 30-50 feet
LB RB LB RB LB RB
A A A A A A Row crops
B B B B B B Maintained turf
C C C C C C Pasture (no livestock)/commercial horticulture
D D D D D D Pasture (active livestock use)
22.Stem Density – streamside area metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams)
Consider for left bank (LB) and right bank (RB) for Metric 19 ("Wooded" Buffer Width).
LB RB
A A Medium to high stem density
B B Low stem density
C C No wooded riparian buffer or predominantly herbaceous species or bare ground
23.Continuity of Vegetated Buffer – streamside area metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams)
Consider whether vegetated buffer is continuous along stream (parallel). Breaks are areas lacking vegetation > 10-feet wide.
LB RB
A A The total length of buffer breaks is < 25 percent.
B B The total length of buffer breaks is between 25 and 50 percent.
C C The total length of buffer breaks is > 50 percent.
24.Vegetative Composition – First 100 feet of streamside area metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams)
Evaluate the dominant vegetation within 100 feet of each bank or to the edge of the watershed (whichever comes first) as it contributes
to assessment reach habitat.
LB RB
A A Vegetation is close to undisturbed in species present and their proportions. Lower strata composed of native
species, with non-native invasive species absent or sparse.
B B Vegetation indicates disturbance in terms of species diversity or proportions, but is still largely composed of native
species. This may include communities of weedy native species that develop after clear-cutting or clearing or
communities with non-native invasive species present, but not dominant, over a large portion of the expected strata or
communities missing understory but retaining canopy trees.
C C Vegetation is severely disturbed in terms of species diversity or proportions. Mature canopy is absent or communities
with non-native invasive species dominant over a large portion of expected strata or communities composed of planted
stands of non-characteristic species or communities inappropriately composed of a single species or no vegetation.
25.Conductivity – assessment reach metric (skip for all Coastal Plain streams)
25a.Yes No Was a conductivity measurement recorded?
If No, select one of the following reasons. No Water Other:
25b.Check the box corresponding to the conductivity measurement (units of microsiemens per centimeter).
A <46 B 46 to < 67 C 67 to < 79 D 79 to < 230 E ≥ 230
Notes/Sketch:
Notes of Field Assessment Form (Y/N)
Presence of regulatory considerations (Y/N)
Additional stream information/supplementary measurements included (Y/N)
NC SAM feature type (perennial, intermittent, Tidal Marsh Stream)
(4) Floodplain Access
(4) Wooded Riparian Buffer
(4) Microtopography
(3) Stream Stability
(4) Channel Stability
(4) Sediment Transport
(4) Stream Geomorphology
(2) Stream/Intertidal Zone Interaction
(2) Longitudinal Tidal Flow
(2) Tidal Marsh Stream Stability
(3) Tidal Marsh Stream Geomorphology
(1) Water Quality
(2) Baseflow
(2) Streamside Area Vegetation
(3) Upland Pollutant Filtration
(3) Thermoregulation
(2) Indicators of Stressors
(2) Aquatic Life Tolerance
(2) Intertidal Zone Filtration
(1) Habitat
(2) In-stream Habitat
(3) Baseflow
(3) Substrate
(3) Stream Stability
(3) In-stream Habitat
(2) Stream-side Habitat
(3) Stream-side Habitat
(3) Thermoregulation
(2) Tidal Marsh In-stream Habitat
(3) Flow Restriction
(3) Tidal Marsh Stream Stability
(4) Tidal Marsh Stream Geomorphology
(3) Tidal Marsh In-stream Habitat
(2) Intertidal Zone Habitat
Overall
NC SAM Stream Rating Sheet
Accompanies User Manual Version 2.1
HIGH
HIGH
USACE/
All Streams
NCDWR
Intermittent
NA
NA
(2) Flood Flow
M. Caddell
3/21/2018
NO
YES
NO
Perennial
(2) Baseflow
Stream Category Assessor Name/Organization
HIGH
Mb2
Stream Site Name Dugger Creek - Trib Site # 7 Date of Evaluation
HIGH
(4) Tidal Marsh Channel Stability
HIGH
HIGH
NA
NA
HIGH
NA
HIGH
(3) Tidal Marsh Channel Stability
(3) Streamside Area Attenuation
Function Class Rating Summary
(1) Hydrology
NA
HIGH
HIGH
HIGH
HIGH
NA
NO
HIGH
NA
NA
NA
NA
HIGH
HIGH
HIGH
HIGH
HIGH
HIGH
HIGH
HIGH
HIGH
NA
NA
HIGH
NA
HIGH
HIGH
HIGH
USACE AID #:NCDWR #:
PROJECT / SITE INFORMATION:
1. Project name (if any):2. Date of evaluation:
3. Applicant/owner name:
5. County:6. Nearest named water body
7. River Basin: on USGS 7.5-minute quad:
8. Site coordinates (decimal degrees, at lower end of assessment reach):
STREAM INFORMATION: (depth and width can be approximations)
9. Site number (show on attached map):10. Length of assessment reach evaluated (feet):
11. Channel depth from bed (in riffle, if present) to top of bank (feet):Unable to assess channel depth.
12. Channel width at top of bank (feet):13. Is assessment reach a swamp stream?Yes No
14. Feature type:Perennial flow Intermittent flow Tidal Marsh Stream
STREAM RATING INFORMATION:
15. NC SAM Zone:Mountains (M)Piedmont (P)Inner Coastal Plain (I)Outer Coastal Plain (O)
16. Estimated geomorphic
valley shape (skip for a b
Tidal Marsh Stream):(more sinuous stream, flatter valley slope)(less sinuous stream, steeper valley slope)
17. Watershed size: (skip Size 1 (< 0.1 mi2)Size 2 (0.1 to < 0.5 mi2)Size 3 (0.5 to < 5 mi2)Size 4 (≥ 5 mi2)
for Tidal Marsh Stream)
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
18. Were regulatory considerations evaluated?Yes No If Yes, check all that appy to the assessment area.
Section 10 water Classified Trout Waters Water Supply Watershed (I II III IV V)
Essential Fish Habitat Primary Nursery Area High Quality Waters/Outstanding Resource Waters
Publicly owned property NCDWR riparian buffer rule in effect Nutrient Sensitive Waters
Anadromous fish 303(d) List CAMA Area of Environmental Concern (AEC)
Documented presence of a federal and/or state listed protected species within the assessment area.
List species:
Designated Critical Habitat (list species):
19. Are additional stream information/supplementary measurements included in "Notes/Sketch" section or attached?Yes No
1.Channel Water – assessment reach metric (skip for Size 1 streams and Tidal Marsh Streams)
A Water throughout assessment reach.
B No flow, water in pools only.
C No water in assessment reach.
2.Evidence of Flow Restriction – assessment reach metric
A At least 10% of assessment reach in-stream habitat or riffle-pool sequence is adversely affected by a flow restriction or fill to the
point of obstructing flow or a channel choked with aquatic macrophytes or ponded water or impounded on flood or ebb within
the assessment reach (examples: undersized or perched culverts, causeways that constrict the channel, tidal gates).
B Not A
3.Feature Pattern – assessment reach metric
A A majority of the assessment reach has altered pattern (examples: straightening, modification above or below culvert).
B Not A.
4.Feature Longitudinal Profile – assessment reach metric
A Majority of assessment reach has a substantially altered stream profile (examples: channel down-cutting, existing damming,
over widening, active aggradation, dredging, and excavation where appropriate channel profile has not reformed from any of
these disturbances).
B Not A
5.Signs of Active Instability – assessment reach metric
Consider only current instability, not past events from which the stream has currently recovered. Examples of instability include
active bank failure, active channel down-cutting (head-cut), active widening, and artificial hardening (such as concrete, gabion, rip-rap).
A < 10% of channel unstable
B 10 to 25% of channel unstable
C > 25% of channel unstable
6.Streamside Area Interaction – streamside area metric
Consider for the Left Bank (LB) and the Right Bank (RB).
LB RB
A A Little or no evidence of conditions that adversely affect reference interaction
B B Moderate evidence of conditions (examples: berms, levees, down-cutting, aggradation, dredging) that adversely affect
reference interaction (examples: limited streamside area access, disruption of flood flows through streamside area,
leaky or intermittent bulkheads, causeways with floodplain constriction, minor ditching [including mosquito ditching])
C C Extensive evidence of conditions that adversely affect reference interaction (little to no floodplain/intertidal zone access
[examples: causeways with floodplain and channel constriction, bulkheads, retaining walls, fill, stream incision,
disruption of flood flows through streamside area] or too much floodplain/intertidal zone access [examples:
impoundments, intensive mosquito ditching]) or floodplain/intertidal zone unnaturally absent or assessment reach is a
man-made feature on an interstream divide
7.Water Quality Stressors – assessment reach/intertidal zone metric
4-6
5-7
NC SAM FIELD ASSESSMENT FORM
Accompanies User Manual Version 2.1
INSTRUCTIONS:Attach a sketch of the assessment area and photographs.Attach a copy of the USGS 7.5-minute topographic
quadrangle,and circle the location of the stream reach under evaluation.If multiple stream reaches will be evaluated on the same
property,identify and number all reaches on the attached map,and include a separate form for each reach.See the NC SAM User
Manual for detailed descriptions and explanations of requested information. Record in the "Notes/Sketch" section if any supplementary
NOTE EVIDENCE OF STRESSORS AFFECTING THE ASSESSMENT AREA (do not need to be within the assessment area).
measurements were performed. See the NC SAM User Manual for examples of additional measurements that may be relevant.
Dugger Creek - Trib Site #8 3/22/2018
36.13894, -81.52154
Trib Site #8 1000
Wildlands 4. Assessor name/organization:M. Caddell
Watauga
Yadkin Dugger Creek
Check all that apply.
A Discolored water in stream or intertidal zone (milky white, blue, unnatural water discoloration, oil sheen, stream foam)
B Excessive sedimentation (burying of stream features or intertidal zone)
C Noticeable evidence of pollutant discharges entering the assessment reach and causing a water quality problem
D Odor (not including natural sulfide odors)
E Current published or collected data indicating degraded water quality in the assessment reach. Cite source in the "Notes/Sketch"
section.
F Livestock with access to stream or intertidal zone
G Excessive algae in stream or intertidal zone
H Degraded marsh vegetation in the intertidal zone (removal, burning, regular mowing, destruction, etc.)
I Other:(explain in "Notes/Sketch" section)
J Little to no stressors
8.Recent Weather – watershed metric
For Size 1 or 2 streams, D1 drought or higher is considered a drought; for Size 3 or 4 streams, D2 drought or higher is considered a
drought.
A Drought conditions and no rainfall or rainfall not exceeding 1 inch within the last 48 hours
B Drought conditions and rainfall exceeding 1 inch within the last 48 hours
C No drought conditions
9 Large or Dangerous Stream – assessment reach metric
Yes No Is stream is too large or dangerous to assess? If Yes, skip to Metric 13 (Streamside Area Ground Surface Condition).
10.Natural In-stream Habitat Types – assessment reach metric
10a.Yes No Degraded in-stream habitat over majority of the assessment reach (examples of stressors include excessive
sedimentation, mining, excavation, in-stream hardening [for example, rip-rap], recent dredging, and snagging)
(evaluate for size 4 Coastal Plain streams only, then skip to Metric 12)
10b.Check all that occur (occurs if > 5% coverage of assessment reach) (skip for Size 4 Coastal Plain streams)
A Multiple aquatic macrophytes and aquatic mosses F 5% oysters or other natural hard bottoms
(include liverworts, lichens, and algal mats)G Submerged aquatic vegetation
B Multiple sticks and/or leaf packs and/or emergent H Low-tide refugia (pools)
vegetation I Sand bottom
C Multiple snags and logs (including lap trees)J 5% vertical bank along the marsh
D 5% undercut banks and/or root mats and/or roots K Little or no habitat
in banks extend to the normal wetted perimeter
E Little or no habitat
11.Bedform and Substrate – assessment reach metric (skip for Size 4 Coastal Plain streams and Tidal Marsh Streams)
11a.Yes No Is assessment reach in a natural sand-bed stream? (skip for Coastal Plain streams)
11b.Bedform evaluated. Check the appropriate box(es).
A Riffle-run section (evaluate 11c)
B Pool-glide section (evaluate 11d)
C Natural bedform absent (skip to Metric 12, Aquatic Life)
11c.In riffles sections, check all that occur below the normal wetted perimeter of the assessment reach – whether or not submerged.
Check at least one box in each row (skip for Size 4 Coastal Plain Streams and Tidal Marsh Streams). Not Present (NP) =
absent, Rare (R) = present but ≤ 10%, Common (C) = > 10-40%, Abundant (A) = > 40-70%, Predominant (P) = > 70%. Cumulative
percentages should not exceed 100% for each assessment reach.
NP R C A P
Bedrock/saprolite
Boulder (256 – 4096 mm)
Cobble (64 – 256 mm)
Gravel (2 – 64 mm)
Sand (.062 – 2 mm)
Silt/clay (< 0.062 mm)
Detritus
Artificial (rip-rap, concrete, etc.)
11d.Yes No Are pools filled with sediment? (skip for Size 4 Coastal Plain streams and Tidal Marsh Streams)
12.Aquatic Life – assessment reach metric (skip for Size 4 Coastal Plain streams and Tidal Marsh Streams)
12a.Yes No Was an in-stream aquatic life assessment performed as described in the User Manual?
If No, select one of the following reasons and skip to Metric 13. No Water Other:
12b.Yes No Are aquatic organisms present in the assessment reach (look in riffles, pools, then snags)? If Yes, check
all that apply. If No, skip to Metric 13.
1 >1 Numbers over columns refer to “individuals” for size 1 and 2 streams and “taxa” for size 3 and 4 streams.
Adult frogs
Aquatic reptiles
Aquatic macrophytes and aquatic mosses (include liverworts, lichens, and algal mats)
Beetles (including water pennies)
Caddisfly larvae (Trichoptera [T])
Asian clam (Corbicula )
Crustacean (isopod/amphipod/crayfish/shrimp)
Damselfly and dragonfly larvae
Dipterans (true flies)
Mayfly larvae (Ephemeroptera [E])
Megaloptera (alderfly, fishfly, dobsonfly larvae)
Midges/mosquito larvae
Mosquito fish (Gambusia ) or mud minnows (Umbra pygmaea)
Mussels/Clams (not Corbicula )
*********************************REMAINING QUESTIONS ARE NOT APPLICABLE FOR TIDAL MARSH STREAMS****************************Check for TidalMarsh Streamsonly
Other fish
Salamanders/tadpoles
Snails
Stonefly larvae (Plecoptera [P])
Tipulid larvae
Worms/leeches
13.Streamside Area Ground Surface Condition – streamside area metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams and B valley types)
Consider for the Left Bank (LB) and the Right Bank (RB). Consider storage capacity with regard to both overbank flow and
upland runoff.
LB RB
A A Little or no alteration to water storage capacity over a majority of the streamside area
B B Moderate alteration to water storage capacity over a majority of the streamside area
C C Severe alteration to water storage capacity over a majority of the streamside area (examples include: ditches, fill,
soil, compaction, livestock disturbance, buildings, man-made levees, drainage pipes)
14.Streamside Area Water Storage – streamside area metric (skip for Size 1 streams, Tidal Marsh Streams, and B valley types)
Consider for the Left Bank (LB) and the Right Bank (RB) of the streamside area.
LB RB
A A Majority of streamside area with depressions able to pond water ≥ 6 inches deep
B B Majority of streamside area with depressions able to pond water 3 to 6 inches deep
C C Majority of streamside area with depressions able to pond water < 3 inches deep
15.Wetland Presence – streamside area metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams)
Consider for the Left Bank (LB) and the Right Bank (RB). Do not consider wetlands outside of the streamside area or within the
normal wetted perimeter of assessment reach.
LB RB
Y Y Are wetlands present in the streamside area?
N N
16.Baseflow Contributors – assessment reach metric (skip for size 4 streams and Tidal Marsh Streams)
Check all contributors within the assessment reach or within view of and draining to the assessment reach.
A Streams and/or springs (jurisdictional discharges)
B Ponds (include wet detention basins; do not include sediment basins or dry detention basins)
C Obstruction that passes some flow during low-flow periods within assessment area (beaver dam, bottom-release dam)
D Evidence of bank seepage or sweating (iron oxidizing bacteria in water indicates seepage)
E Stream bed or bank soil reduced (dig through deposited sediment if present)
F None of the above
17.Baseflow Detractors – assessment area metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams)
Check all that apply.
A Evidence of substantial water withdrawals from the assessment reach (includes areas excavated for pump installation)
B Obstruction not passing flow during low flow periods affecting the assessment reach (ex: watertight dam, sediment deposit)
C Urban stream (≥ 24% impervious surface for watershed)
D Evidence that the stream-side area has been modified resulting in accelerated drainage into the assessment reach
E Assessment reach relocated to valley edge
F None of the above
18.Shading – assessment reach metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams)
Consider aspect. Consider “leaf-on” condition.
A Stream shading is appropriate for stream category (may include gaps associated with natural processes)
B Degraded (example: scattered trees)
C Stream shading is gone or largely absent
19.Buffer Width – streamside area metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams)
Consider “vegetated buffer” and “wooded buffer” separately for left bank (LB) and right bank (RB) starting at the top
of bank out to the first break.
Vegetated Wooded
LB RB LB RB
A A A A ≥ 100-feet wide or extends to the edge of the watershed
B B B B From 50 to < 100-feet wide
C C C C From 30 to < 50-feet wide
D D D D From 10 to < 30-feet wide
E E E E < 10-feet wide or no trees
20.Buffer Structure – streamside area metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams)
Consider for left bank (LB) and right bank (RB) for Metric 19 ("Vegetated" Buffer Width).
LB RB
A A Mature forest
B B Non-mature woody vegetation or modified vegetation structure
C C Herbaceous vegetation with or without a strip of trees < 10 feet wide
D D Maintained shrubs
E E Little or no vegetation
21.Buffer Stressors – streamside area metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams)
Check all appropriate boxes for left bank (LB) and right bank (RB). Indicate if listed stressor abuts stream (Abuts), does not abut but
is within 30 feet of stream (< 30 feet), or is between 30 to 50 feet of stream (30-50 feet).
If none of the following stressors occurs on either bank, check here and skip to Metric 22:
Abuts < 30 feet 30-50 feet
LB RB LB RB LB RB
A A A A A A Row crops
B B B B B B Maintained turf
C C C C C C Pasture (no livestock)/commercial horticulture
D D D D D D Pasture (active livestock use)
22.Stem Density – streamside area metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams)
Consider for left bank (LB) and right bank (RB) for Metric 19 ("Wooded" Buffer Width).
LB RB
A A Medium to high stem density
B B Low stem density
C C No wooded riparian buffer or predominantly herbaceous species or bare ground
23.Continuity of Vegetated Buffer – streamside area metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams)
Consider whether vegetated buffer is continuous along stream (parallel). Breaks are areas lacking vegetation > 10-feet wide.
LB RB
A A The total length of buffer breaks is < 25 percent.
B B The total length of buffer breaks is between 25 and 50 percent.
C C The total length of buffer breaks is > 50 percent.
24.Vegetative Composition – First 100 feet of streamside area metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams)
Evaluate the dominant vegetation within 100 feet of each bank or to the edge of the watershed (whichever comes first) as it contributes
to assessment reach habitat.
LB RB
A A Vegetation is close to undisturbed in species present and their proportions. Lower strata composed of native
species, with non-native invasive species absent or sparse.
B B Vegetation indicates disturbance in terms of species diversity or proportions, but is still largely composed of native
species. This may include communities of weedy native species that develop after clear-cutting or clearing or
communities with non-native invasive species present, but not dominant, over a large portion of the expected strata or
communities missing understory but retaining canopy trees.
C C Vegetation is severely disturbed in terms of species diversity or proportions. Mature canopy is absent or communities
with non-native invasive species dominant over a large portion of expected strata or communities composed of planted
stands of non-characteristic species or communities inappropriately composed of a single species or no vegetation.
25.Conductivity – assessment reach metric (skip for all Coastal Plain streams)
25a.Yes No Was a conductivity measurement recorded?
If No, select one of the following reasons. No Water Other:
25b.Check the box corresponding to the conductivity measurement (units of microsiemens per centimeter).
A <46 B 46 to < 67 C 67 to < 79 D 79 to < 230 E ≥ 230
Notes/Sketch:
Notes of Field Assessment Form (Y/N)
Presence of regulatory considerations (Y/N)
Additional stream information/supplementary measurements included (Y/N)
NC SAM feature type (perennial, intermittent, Tidal Marsh Stream)
(4) Floodplain Access
(4) Wooded Riparian Buffer
(4) Microtopography
(3) Stream Stability
(4) Channel Stability
(4) Sediment Transport
(4) Stream Geomorphology
(2) Stream/Intertidal Zone Interaction
(2) Longitudinal Tidal Flow
(2) Tidal Marsh Stream Stability
(3) Tidal Marsh Stream Geomorphology
(1) Water Quality
(2) Baseflow
(2) Streamside Area Vegetation
(3) Upland Pollutant Filtration
(3) Thermoregulation
(2) Indicators of Stressors
(2) Aquatic Life Tolerance
(2) Intertidal Zone Filtration
(1) Habitat
(2) In-stream Habitat
(3) Baseflow
(3) Substrate
(3) Stream Stability
(3) In-stream Habitat
(2) Stream-side Habitat
(3) Stream-side Habitat
(3) Thermoregulation
(2) Tidal Marsh In-stream Habitat
(3) Flow Restriction
(3) Tidal Marsh Stream Stability
(4) Tidal Marsh Stream Geomorphology
(3) Tidal Marsh In-stream Habitat
(2) Intertidal Zone Habitat
Overall
NC SAM Stream Rating Sheet
Accompanies User Manual Version 2.1
HIGH
HIGH
USACE/
All Streams
NCDWR
Intermittent
NA
NA
(2) Flood Flow
M. Caddell
3/22/2018
NO
YES
NO
Perennial
(2) Baseflow
Stream Category Assessor Name/Organization
HIGH
Mb2
Stream Site Name Dugger Creek - Trib Site #8 Date of Evaluation
HIGH
(4) Tidal Marsh Channel Stability
HIGH
HIGH
NA
NA
MEDIUM
NA
HIGH
(3) Tidal Marsh Channel Stability
(3) Streamside Area Attenuation
Function Class Rating Summary
(1) Hydrology
NA
HIGH
HIGH
HIGH
HIGH
NA
NO
HIGH
NA
NA
NA
NA
HIGH
HIGH
HIGH
HIGH
HIGH
HIGH
HIGH
HIGH
HIGH
NA
NA
HIGH
NA
HIGH
HIGH
HIGH
USACE AID #:NCDWR #:
PROJECT / SITE INFORMATION:
1. Project name (if any):2. Date of evaluation:
3. Applicant/owner name:
5. County:6. Nearest named water body
7. River Basin: on USGS 7.5-minute quad:
8. Site coordinates (decimal degrees, at lower end of assessment reach):
STREAM INFORMATION: (depth and width can be approximations)
9. Site number (show on attached map):10. Length of assessment reach evaluated (feet):
11. Channel depth from bed (in riffle, if present) to top of bank (feet):Unable to assess channel depth.
12. Channel width at top of bank (feet):13. Is assessment reach a swamp stream?Yes No
14. Feature type:Perennial flow Intermittent flow Tidal Marsh Stream
STREAM RATING INFORMATION:
15. NC SAM Zone:Mountains (M)Piedmont (P)Inner Coastal Plain (I)Outer Coastal Plain (O)
16. Estimated geomorphic
valley shape (skip for a b
Tidal Marsh Stream):(more sinuous stream, flatter valley slope)(less sinuous stream, steeper valley slope)
17. Watershed size: (skip Size 1 (< 0.1 mi2)Size 2 (0.1 to < 0.5 mi2)Size 3 (0.5 to < 5 mi2)Size 4 (≥ 5 mi2)
for Tidal Marsh Stream)
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
18. Were regulatory considerations evaluated?Yes No If Yes, check all that appy to the assessment area.
Section 10 water Classified Trout Waters Water Supply Watershed (I II III IV V)
Essential Fish Habitat Primary Nursery Area High Quality Waters/Outstanding Resource Waters
Publicly owned property NCDWR riparian buffer rule in effect Nutrient Sensitive Waters
Anadromous fish 303(d) List CAMA Area of Environmental Concern (AEC)
Documented presence of a federal and/or state listed protected species within the assessment area.
List species:
Designated Critical Habitat (list species):
19. Are additional stream information/supplementary measurements included in "Notes/Sketch" section or attached?Yes No
1.Channel Water – assessment reach metric (skip for Size 1 streams and Tidal Marsh Streams)
A Water throughout assessment reach.
B No flow, water in pools only.
C No water in assessment reach.
2.Evidence of Flow Restriction – assessment reach metric
A At least 10% of assessment reach in-stream habitat or riffle-pool sequence is adversely affected by a flow restriction or fill to the
point of obstructing flow or a channel choked with aquatic macrophytes or ponded water or impounded on flood or ebb within
the assessment reach (examples: undersized or perched culverts, causeways that constrict the channel, tidal gates).
B Not A
3.Feature Pattern – assessment reach metric
A A majority of the assessment reach has altered pattern (examples: straightening, modification above or below culvert).
B Not A.
4.Feature Longitudinal Profile – assessment reach metric
A Majority of assessment reach has a substantially altered stream profile (examples: channel down-cutting, existing damming,
over widening, active aggradation, dredging, and excavation where appropriate channel profile has not reformed from any of
these disturbances).
B Not A
5.Signs of Active Instability – assessment reach metric
Consider only current instability, not past events from which the stream has currently recovered. Examples of instability include
active bank failure, active channel down-cutting (head-cut), active widening, and artificial hardening (such as concrete, gabion, rip-rap).
A < 10% of channel unstable
B 10 to 25% of channel unstable
C > 25% of channel unstable
6.Streamside Area Interaction – streamside area metric
Consider for the Left Bank (LB) and the Right Bank (RB).
LB RB
A A Little or no evidence of conditions that adversely affect reference interaction
B B Moderate evidence of conditions (examples: berms, levees, down-cutting, aggradation, dredging) that adversely affect
reference interaction (examples: limited streamside area access, disruption of flood flows through streamside area,
leaky or intermittent bulkheads, causeways with floodplain constriction, minor ditching [including mosquito ditching])
C C Extensive evidence of conditions that adversely affect reference interaction (little to no floodplain/intertidal zone access
[examples: causeways with floodplain and channel constriction, bulkheads, retaining walls, fill, stream incision,
disruption of flood flows through streamside area] or too much floodplain/intertidal zone access [examples:
impoundments, intensive mosquito ditching]) or floodplain/intertidal zone unnaturally absent or assessment reach is a
man-made feature on an interstream divide
7.Water Quality Stressors – assessment reach/intertidal zone metric
0.5-2
4
NC SAM FIELD ASSESSMENT FORM
Accompanies User Manual Version 2.1
INSTRUCTIONS:Attach a sketch of the assessment area and photographs.Attach a copy of the USGS 7.5-minute topographic
quadrangle,and circle the location of the stream reach under evaluation.If multiple stream reaches will be evaluated on the same
property,identify and number all reaches on the attached map,and include a separate form for each reach.See the NC SAM User
Manual for detailed descriptions and explanations of requested information. Record in the "Notes/Sketch" section if any supplementary
NOTE EVIDENCE OF STRESSORS AFFECTING THE ASSESSMENT AREA (do not need to be within the assessment area).
measurements were performed. See the NC SAM User Manual for examples of additional measurements that may be relevant.
Dugger Creek - Trib Site #9 3/22/2018
36.13592, -81.52337
Trib Site #9 500
Wildlands 4. Assessor name/organization:M. Caddell
Watauga
Yadkin Dugger Creek
Check all that apply.
A Discolored water in stream or intertidal zone (milky white, blue, unnatural water discoloration, oil sheen, stream foam)
B Excessive sedimentation (burying of stream features or intertidal zone)
C Noticeable evidence of pollutant discharges entering the assessment reach and causing a water quality problem
D Odor (not including natural sulfide odors)
E Current published or collected data indicating degraded water quality in the assessment reach. Cite source in the "Notes/Sketch"
section.
F Livestock with access to stream or intertidal zone
G Excessive algae in stream or intertidal zone
H Degraded marsh vegetation in the intertidal zone (removal, burning, regular mowing, destruction, etc.)
I Other:(explain in "Notes/Sketch" section)
J Little to no stressors
8.Recent Weather – watershed metric
For Size 1 or 2 streams, D1 drought or higher is considered a drought; for Size 3 or 4 streams, D2 drought or higher is considered a
drought.
A Drought conditions and no rainfall or rainfall not exceeding 1 inch within the last 48 hours
B Drought conditions and rainfall exceeding 1 inch within the last 48 hours
C No drought conditions
9 Large or Dangerous Stream – assessment reach metric
Yes No Is stream is too large or dangerous to assess? If Yes, skip to Metric 13 (Streamside Area Ground Surface Condition).
10.Natural In-stream Habitat Types – assessment reach metric
10a.Yes No Degraded in-stream habitat over majority of the assessment reach (examples of stressors include excessive
sedimentation, mining, excavation, in-stream hardening [for example, rip-rap], recent dredging, and snagging)
(evaluate for size 4 Coastal Plain streams only, then skip to Metric 12)
10b.Check all that occur (occurs if > 5% coverage of assessment reach) (skip for Size 4 Coastal Plain streams)
A Multiple aquatic macrophytes and aquatic mosses F 5% oysters or other natural hard bottoms
(include liverworts, lichens, and algal mats)G Submerged aquatic vegetation
B Multiple sticks and/or leaf packs and/or emergent H Low-tide refugia (pools)
vegetation I Sand bottom
C Multiple snags and logs (including lap trees)J 5% vertical bank along the marsh
D 5% undercut banks and/or root mats and/or roots K Little or no habitat
in banks extend to the normal wetted perimeter
E Little or no habitat
11.Bedform and Substrate – assessment reach metric (skip for Size 4 Coastal Plain streams and Tidal Marsh Streams)
11a.Yes No Is assessment reach in a natural sand-bed stream? (skip for Coastal Plain streams)
11b.Bedform evaluated. Check the appropriate box(es).
A Riffle-run section (evaluate 11c)
B Pool-glide section (evaluate 11d)
C Natural bedform absent (skip to Metric 12, Aquatic Life)
11c.In riffles sections, check all that occur below the normal wetted perimeter of the assessment reach – whether or not submerged.
Check at least one box in each row (skip for Size 4 Coastal Plain Streams and Tidal Marsh Streams). Not Present (NP) =
absent, Rare (R) = present but ≤ 10%, Common (C) = > 10-40%, Abundant (A) = > 40-70%, Predominant (P) = > 70%. Cumulative
percentages should not exceed 100% for each assessment reach.
NP R C A P
Bedrock/saprolite
Boulder (256 – 4096 mm)
Cobble (64 – 256 mm)
Gravel (2 – 64 mm)
Sand (.062 – 2 mm)
Silt/clay (< 0.062 mm)
Detritus
Artificial (rip-rap, concrete, etc.)
11d.Yes No Are pools filled with sediment? (skip for Size 4 Coastal Plain streams and Tidal Marsh Streams)
12.Aquatic Life – assessment reach metric (skip for Size 4 Coastal Plain streams and Tidal Marsh Streams)
12a.Yes No Was an in-stream aquatic life assessment performed as described in the User Manual?
If No, select one of the following reasons and skip to Metric 13. No Water Other:
12b.Yes No Are aquatic organisms present in the assessment reach (look in riffles, pools, then snags)? If Yes, check
all that apply. If No, skip to Metric 13.
1 >1 Numbers over columns refer to “individuals” for size 1 and 2 streams and “taxa” for size 3 and 4 streams.
Adult frogs
Aquatic reptiles
Aquatic macrophytes and aquatic mosses (include liverworts, lichens, and algal mats)
Beetles (including water pennies)
Caddisfly larvae (Trichoptera [T])
Asian clam (Corbicula )
Crustacean (isopod/amphipod/crayfish/shrimp)
Damselfly and dragonfly larvae
Dipterans (true flies)
Mayfly larvae (Ephemeroptera [E])
Megaloptera (alderfly, fishfly, dobsonfly larvae)
Midges/mosquito larvae
Mosquito fish (Gambusia ) or mud minnows (Umbra pygmaea)
Mussels/Clams (not Corbicula )
*********************************REMAINING QUESTIONS ARE NOT APPLICABLE FOR TIDAL MARSH STREAMS****************************Check for TidalMarsh Streamsonly
Other fish
Salamanders/tadpoles
Snails
Stonefly larvae (Plecoptera [P])
Tipulid larvae
Worms/leeches
13.Streamside Area Ground Surface Condition – streamside area metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams and B valley types)
Consider for the Left Bank (LB) and the Right Bank (RB). Consider storage capacity with regard to both overbank flow and
upland runoff.
LB RB
A A Little or no alteration to water storage capacity over a majority of the streamside area
B B Moderate alteration to water storage capacity over a majority of the streamside area
C C Severe alteration to water storage capacity over a majority of the streamside area (examples include: ditches, fill,
soil, compaction, livestock disturbance, buildings, man-made levees, drainage pipes)
14.Streamside Area Water Storage – streamside area metric (skip for Size 1 streams, Tidal Marsh Streams, and B valley types)
Consider for the Left Bank (LB) and the Right Bank (RB) of the streamside area.
LB RB
A A Majority of streamside area with depressions able to pond water ≥ 6 inches deep
B B Majority of streamside area with depressions able to pond water 3 to 6 inches deep
C C Majority of streamside area with depressions able to pond water < 3 inches deep
15.Wetland Presence – streamside area metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams)
Consider for the Left Bank (LB) and the Right Bank (RB). Do not consider wetlands outside of the streamside area or within the
normal wetted perimeter of assessment reach.
LB RB
Y Y Are wetlands present in the streamside area?
N N
16.Baseflow Contributors – assessment reach metric (skip for size 4 streams and Tidal Marsh Streams)
Check all contributors within the assessment reach or within view of and draining to the assessment reach.
A Streams and/or springs (jurisdictional discharges)
B Ponds (include wet detention basins; do not include sediment basins or dry detention basins)
C Obstruction that passes some flow during low-flow periods within assessment area (beaver dam, bottom-release dam)
D Evidence of bank seepage or sweating (iron oxidizing bacteria in water indicates seepage)
E Stream bed or bank soil reduced (dig through deposited sediment if present)
F None of the above
17.Baseflow Detractors – assessment area metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams)
Check all that apply.
A Evidence of substantial water withdrawals from the assessment reach (includes areas excavated for pump installation)
B Obstruction not passing flow during low flow periods affecting the assessment reach (ex: watertight dam, sediment deposit)
C Urban stream (≥ 24% impervious surface for watershed)
D Evidence that the stream-side area has been modified resulting in accelerated drainage into the assessment reach
E Assessment reach relocated to valley edge
F None of the above
18.Shading – assessment reach metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams)
Consider aspect. Consider “leaf-on” condition.
A Stream shading is appropriate for stream category (may include gaps associated with natural processes)
B Degraded (example: scattered trees)
C Stream shading is gone or largely absent
19.Buffer Width – streamside area metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams)
Consider “vegetated buffer” and “wooded buffer” separately for left bank (LB) and right bank (RB) starting at the top
of bank out to the first break.
Vegetated Wooded
LB RB LB RB
A A A A ≥ 100-feet wide or extends to the edge of the watershed
B B B B From 50 to < 100-feet wide
C C C C From 30 to < 50-feet wide
D D D D From 10 to < 30-feet wide
E E E E < 10-feet wide or no trees
20.Buffer Structure – streamside area metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams)
Consider for left bank (LB) and right bank (RB) for Metric 19 ("Vegetated" Buffer Width).
LB RB
A A Mature forest
B B Non-mature woody vegetation or modified vegetation structure
C C Herbaceous vegetation with or without a strip of trees < 10 feet wide
D D Maintained shrubs
E E Little or no vegetation
21.Buffer Stressors – streamside area metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams)
Check all appropriate boxes for left bank (LB) and right bank (RB). Indicate if listed stressor abuts stream (Abuts), does not abut but
is within 30 feet of stream (< 30 feet), or is between 30 to 50 feet of stream (30-50 feet).
If none of the following stressors occurs on either bank, check here and skip to Metric 22:
Abuts < 30 feet 30-50 feet
LB RB LB RB LB RB
A A A A A A Row crops
B B B B B B Maintained turf
C C C C C C Pasture (no livestock)/commercial horticulture
D D D D D D Pasture (active livestock use)
22.Stem Density – streamside area metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams)
Consider for left bank (LB) and right bank (RB) for Metric 19 ("Wooded" Buffer Width).
LB RB
A A Medium to high stem density
B B Low stem density
C C No wooded riparian buffer or predominantly herbaceous species or bare ground
23.Continuity of Vegetated Buffer – streamside area metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams)
Consider whether vegetated buffer is continuous along stream (parallel). Breaks are areas lacking vegetation > 10-feet wide.
LB RB
A A The total length of buffer breaks is < 25 percent.
B B The total length of buffer breaks is between 25 and 50 percent.
C C The total length of buffer breaks is > 50 percent.
24.Vegetative Composition – First 100 feet of streamside area metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams)
Evaluate the dominant vegetation within 100 feet of each bank or to the edge of the watershed (whichever comes first) as it contributes
to assessment reach habitat.
LB RB
A A Vegetation is close to undisturbed in species present and their proportions. Lower strata composed of native
species, with non-native invasive species absent or sparse.
B B Vegetation indicates disturbance in terms of species diversity or proportions, but is still largely composed of native
species. This may include communities of weedy native species that develop after clear-cutting or clearing or
communities with non-native invasive species present, but not dominant, over a large portion of the expected strata or
communities missing understory but retaining canopy trees.
C C Vegetation is severely disturbed in terms of species diversity or proportions. Mature canopy is absent or communities
with non-native invasive species dominant over a large portion of expected strata or communities composed of planted
stands of non-characteristic species or communities inappropriately composed of a single species or no vegetation.
25.Conductivity – assessment reach metric (skip for all Coastal Plain streams)
25a.Yes No Was a conductivity measurement recorded?
If No, select one of the following reasons. No Water Other:
25b.Check the box corresponding to the conductivity measurement (units of microsiemens per centimeter).
A <46 B 46 to < 67 C 67 to < 79 D 79 to < 230 E ≥ 230
Notes/Sketch:
Notes of Field Assessment Form (Y/N)
Presence of regulatory considerations (Y/N)
Additional stream information/supplementary measurements included (Y/N)
NC SAM feature type (perennial, intermittent, Tidal Marsh Stream)
(4) Floodplain Access
(4) Wooded Riparian Buffer
(4) Microtopography
(3) Stream Stability
(4) Channel Stability
(4) Sediment Transport
(4) Stream Geomorphology
(2) Stream/Intertidal Zone Interaction
(2) Longitudinal Tidal Flow
(2) Tidal Marsh Stream Stability
(3) Tidal Marsh Stream Geomorphology
(1) Water Quality
(2) Baseflow
(2) Streamside Area Vegetation
(3) Upland Pollutant Filtration
(3) Thermoregulation
(2) Indicators of Stressors
(2) Aquatic Life Tolerance
(2) Intertidal Zone Filtration
(1) Habitat
(2) In-stream Habitat
(3) Baseflow
(3) Substrate
(3) Stream Stability
(3) In-stream Habitat
(2) Stream-side Habitat
(3) Stream-side Habitat
(3) Thermoregulation
(2) Tidal Marsh In-stream Habitat
(3) Flow Restriction
(3) Tidal Marsh Stream Stability
(4) Tidal Marsh Stream Geomorphology
(3) Tidal Marsh In-stream Habitat
(2) Intertidal Zone Habitat
Overall
NC SAM Stream Rating Sheet
Accompanies User Manual Version 2.1
MEDIUM
HIGH
USACE/
All Streams
NCDWR
Intermittent
NA
NA
(2) Flood Flow
M. Caddell
3/22/2018
NO
YES
NO
Perennial
(2) Baseflow
Stream Category Assessor Name/Organization
HIGH
Mb1
Stream Site Name Dugger Creek - Trib Site #9 Date of Evaluation
HIGH
(4) Tidal Marsh Channel Stability
HIGH
HIGH
NA
NA
MEDIUM
NA
HIGH
(3) Tidal Marsh Channel Stability
(3) Streamside Area Attenuation
Function Class Rating Summary
(1) Hydrology
NA
HIGH
HIGH
HIGH
HIGH
NA
NO
HIGH
NA
NA
NA
NA
HIGH
HIGH
HIGH
HIGH
HIGH
MEDIUM
HIGH
HIGH
HIGH
NA
NA
HIGH
NA
HIGH
HIGH
HIGH
USACE AID #:NCDWR #:
PROJECT / SITE INFORMATION:
1. Project name (if any):2. Date of evaluation:
3. Applicant/owner name:
5. County:6. Nearest named water body
7. River Basin: on USGS 7.5-minute quad:
8. Site coordinates (decimal degrees, at lower end of assessment reach):
STREAM INFORMATION: (depth and width can be approximations)
9. Site number (show on attached map):10. Length of assessment reach evaluated (feet):
11. Channel depth from bed (in riffle, if present) to top of bank (feet):Unable to assess channel depth.
12. Channel width at top of bank (feet):13. Is assessment reach a swamp stream?Yes No
14. Feature type:Perennial flow Intermittent flow Tidal Marsh Stream
STREAM RATING INFORMATION:
15. NC SAM Zone:Mountains (M)Piedmont (P)Inner Coastal Plain (I)Outer Coastal Plain (O)
16. Estimated geomorphic
valley shape (skip for a b
Tidal Marsh Stream):(more sinuous stream, flatter valley slope)(less sinuous stream, steeper valley slope)
17. Watershed size: (skip Size 1 (< 0.1 mi2)Size 2 (0.1 to < 0.5 mi2)Size 3 (0.5 to < 5 mi2)Size 4 (≥ 5 mi2)
for Tidal Marsh Stream)
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
18. Were regulatory considerations evaluated?Yes No If Yes, check all that appy to the assessment area.
Section 10 water Classified Trout Waters Water Supply Watershed (I II III IV V)
Essential Fish Habitat Primary Nursery Area High Quality Waters/Outstanding Resource Waters
Publicly owned property NCDWR riparian buffer rule in effect Nutrient Sensitive Waters
Anadromous fish 303(d) List CAMA Area of Environmental Concern (AEC)
Documented presence of a federal and/or state listed protected species within the assessment area.
List species:
Designated Critical Habitat (list species):
19. Are additional stream information/supplementary measurements included in "Notes/Sketch" section or attached?Yes No
1.Channel Water – assessment reach metric (skip for Size 1 streams and Tidal Marsh Streams)
A Water throughout assessment reach.
B No flow, water in pools only.
C No water in assessment reach.
2.Evidence of Flow Restriction – assessment reach metric
A At least 10% of assessment reach in-stream habitat or riffle-pool sequence is adversely affected by a flow restriction or fill to the
point of obstructing flow or a channel choked with aquatic macrophytes or ponded water or impounded on flood or ebb within
the assessment reach (examples: undersized or perched culverts, causeways that constrict the channel, tidal gates).
B Not A
3.Feature Pattern – assessment reach metric
A A majority of the assessment reach has altered pattern (examples: straightening, modification above or below culvert).
B Not A.
4.Feature Longitudinal Profile – assessment reach metric
A Majority of assessment reach has a substantially altered stream profile (examples: channel down-cutting, existing damming,
over widening, active aggradation, dredging, and excavation where appropriate channel profile has not reformed from any of
these disturbances).
B Not A
5.Signs of Active Instability – assessment reach metric
Consider only current instability, not past events from which the stream has currently recovered. Examples of instability include
active bank failure, active channel down-cutting (head-cut), active widening, and artificial hardening (such as concrete, gabion, rip-rap).
A < 10% of channel unstable
B 10 to 25% of channel unstable
C > 25% of channel unstable
6.Streamside Area Interaction – streamside area metric
Consider for the Left Bank (LB) and the Right Bank (RB).
LB RB
A A Little or no evidence of conditions that adversely affect reference interaction
B B Moderate evidence of conditions (examples: berms, levees, down-cutting, aggradation, dredging) that adversely affect
reference interaction (examples: limited streamside area access, disruption of flood flows through streamside area,
leaky or intermittent bulkheads, causeways with floodplain constriction, minor ditching [including mosquito ditching])
C C Extensive evidence of conditions that adversely affect reference interaction (little to no floodplain/intertidal zone access
[examples: causeways with floodplain and channel constriction, bulkheads, retaining walls, fill, stream incision,
disruption of flood flows through streamside area] or too much floodplain/intertidal zone access [examples:
impoundments, intensive mosquito ditching]) or floodplain/intertidal zone unnaturally absent or assessment reach is a
man-made feature on an interstream divide
7.Water Quality Stressors – assessment reach/intertidal zone metric
Dugger Creek - Trib Site # 10 3/19/2018
36.14889, -81.53753
Trib Site #10 1200
Wildlands 4. Assessor name/organization:M. Caddell
Watauga
Yadkin Dugger Creek
Manual for detailed descriptions and explanations of requested information. Record in the "Notes/Sketch" section if any supplementary
NOTE EVIDENCE OF STRESSORS AFFECTING THE ASSESSMENT AREA (do not need to be within the assessment area).
measurements were performed. See the NC SAM User Manual for examples of additional measurements that may be relevant.
NC SAM FIELD ASSESSMENT FORM
Accompanies User Manual Version 2.1
INSTRUCTIONS:Attach a sketch of the assessment area and photographs.Attach a copy of the USGS 7.5-minute topographic
quadrangle,and circle the location of the stream reach under evaluation.If multiple stream reaches will be evaluated on the same
property,identify and number all reaches on the attached map,and include a separate form for each reach.See the NC SAM User
2-4
6-8
Check all that apply.
A Discolored water in stream or intertidal zone (milky white, blue, unnatural water discoloration, oil sheen, stream foam)
B Excessive sedimentation (burying of stream features or intertidal zone)
C Noticeable evidence of pollutant discharges entering the assessment reach and causing a water quality problem
D Odor (not including natural sulfide odors)
E Current published or collected data indicating degraded water quality in the assessment reach. Cite source in the "Notes/Sketch"
section.
F Livestock with access to stream or intertidal zone
G Excessive algae in stream or intertidal zone
H Degraded marsh vegetation in the intertidal zone (removal, burning, regular mowing, destruction, etc.)
I Other:(explain in "Notes/Sketch" section)
J Little to no stressors
8.Recent Weather – watershed metric
For Size 1 or 2 streams, D1 drought or higher is considered a drought; for Size 3 or 4 streams, D2 drought or higher is considered a
drought.
A Drought conditions and no rainfall or rainfall not exceeding 1 inch within the last 48 hours
B Drought conditions and rainfall exceeding 1 inch within the last 48 hours
C No drought conditions
9 Large or Dangerous Stream – assessment reach metric
Yes No Is stream is too large or dangerous to assess? If Yes, skip to Metric 13 (Streamside Area Ground Surface Condition).
10.Natural In-stream Habitat Types – assessment reach metric
10a.Yes No Degraded in-stream habitat over majority of the assessment reach (examples of stressors include excessive
sedimentation, mining, excavation, in-stream hardening [for example, rip-rap], recent dredging, and snagging)
(evaluate for size 4 Coastal Plain streams only, then skip to Metric 12)
10b.Check all that occur (occurs if > 5% coverage of assessment reach) (skip for Size 4 Coastal Plain streams)
A Multiple aquatic macrophytes and aquatic mosses F 5% oysters or other natural hard bottoms
(include liverworts, lichens, and algal mats)G Submerged aquatic vegetation
B Multiple sticks and/or leaf packs and/or emergent H Low-tide refugia (pools)
vegetation I Sand bottom
C Multiple snags and logs (including lap trees)J 5% vertical bank along the marsh
D 5% undercut banks and/or root mats and/or roots K Little or no habitat
in banks extend to the normal wetted perimeter
E Little or no habitat
11.Bedform and Substrate – assessment reach metric (skip for Size 4 Coastal Plain streams and Tidal Marsh Streams)
11a.Yes No Is assessment reach in a natural sand-bed stream? (skip for Coastal Plain streams)
11b.Bedform evaluated. Check the appropriate box(es).
A Riffle-run section (evaluate 11c)
B Pool-glide section (evaluate 11d)
C Natural bedform absent (skip to Metric 12, Aquatic Life)
11c.In riffles sections, check all that occur below the normal wetted perimeter of the assessment reach – whether or not submerged.
Check at least one box in each row (skip for Size 4 Coastal Plain Streams and Tidal Marsh Streams). Not Present (NP) =
absent, Rare (R) = present but ≤ 10%, Common (C) = > 10-40%, Abundant (A) = > 40-70%, Predominant (P) = > 70%. Cumulative
percentages should not exceed 100% for each assessment reach.
NP R C A P
Bedrock/saprolite
Boulder (256 – 4096 mm)
Cobble (64 – 256 mm)
Gravel (2 – 64 mm)
Sand (.062 – 2 mm)
Silt/clay (< 0.062 mm)
Detritus
Artificial (rip-rap, concrete, etc.)
11d.Yes No Are pools filled with sediment? (skip for Size 4 Coastal Plain streams and Tidal Marsh Streams)
12.Aquatic Life – assessment reach metric (skip for Size 4 Coastal Plain streams and Tidal Marsh Streams)
12a.Yes No Was an in-stream aquatic life assessment performed as described in the User Manual?
If No, select one of the following reasons and skip to Metric 13. No Water Other:
12b.Yes No Are aquatic organisms present in the assessment reach (look in riffles, pools, then snags)? If Yes, check
all that apply. If No, skip to Metric 13.
1 >1 Numbers over columns refer to “individuals” for size 1 and 2 streams and “taxa” for size 3 and 4 streams.
Adult frogs
Aquatic reptiles
Aquatic macrophytes and aquatic mosses (include liverworts, lichens, and algal mats)
Beetles (including water pennies)
Caddisfly larvae (Trichoptera [T])
Asian clam (Corbicula )
Crustacean (isopod/amphipod/crayfish/shrimp)
Damselfly and dragonfly larvae
Dipterans (true flies)
Mayfly larvae (Ephemeroptera [E])
Megaloptera (alderfly, fishfly, dobsonfly larvae)
Midges/mosquito larvae
Mosquito fish (Gambusia ) or mud minnows (Umbra pygmaea)
Mussels/Clams (not Corbicula )
*********************************REMAINING QUESTIONS ARE NOT APPLICABLE FOR TIDAL MARSH STREAMS****************************Check for TidalMarsh Streamsonly
Other fish
Salamanders/tadpoles
Snails
Stonefly larvae (Plecoptera [P])
Tipulid larvae
Worms/leeches
13.Streamside Area Ground Surface Condition – streamside area metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams and B valley types)
Consider for the Left Bank (LB) and the Right Bank (RB). Consider storage capacity with regard to both overbank flow and
upland runoff.
LB RB
A A Little or no alteration to water storage capacity over a majority of the streamside area
B B Moderate alteration to water storage capacity over a majority of the streamside area
C C Severe alteration to water storage capacity over a majority of the streamside area (examples include: ditches, fill,
soil, compaction, livestock disturbance, buildings, man-made levees, drainage pipes)
14.Streamside Area Water Storage – streamside area metric (skip for Size 1 streams, Tidal Marsh Streams, and B valley types)
Consider for the Left Bank (LB) and the Right Bank (RB) of the streamside area.
LB RB
A A Majority of streamside area with depressions able to pond water ≥ 6 inches deep
B B Majority of streamside area with depressions able to pond water 3 to 6 inches deep
C C Majority of streamside area with depressions able to pond water < 3 inches deep
15.Wetland Presence – streamside area metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams)
Consider for the Left Bank (LB) and the Right Bank (RB). Do not consider wetlands outside of the streamside area or within the
normal wetted perimeter of assessment reach.
LB RB
Y Y Are wetlands present in the streamside area?
N N
16.Baseflow Contributors – assessment reach metric (skip for size 4 streams and Tidal Marsh Streams)
Check all contributors within the assessment reach or within view of and draining to the assessment reach.
A Streams and/or springs (jurisdictional discharges)
B Ponds (include wet detention basins; do not include sediment basins or dry detention basins)
C Obstruction that passes some flow during low-flow periods within assessment area (beaver dam, bottom-release dam)
D Evidence of bank seepage or sweating (iron oxidizing bacteria in water indicates seepage)
E Stream bed or bank soil reduced (dig through deposited sediment if present)
F None of the above
17.Baseflow Detractors – assessment area metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams)
Check all that apply.
A Evidence of substantial water withdrawals from the assessment reach (includes areas excavated for pump installation)
B Obstruction not passing flow during low flow periods affecting the assessment reach (ex: watertight dam, sediment deposit)
C Urban stream (≥ 24% impervious surface for watershed)
D Evidence that the stream-side area has been modified resulting in accelerated drainage into the assessment reach
E Assessment reach relocated to valley edge
F None of the above
18.Shading – assessment reach metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams)
Consider aspect. Consider “leaf-on” condition.
A Stream shading is appropriate for stream category (may include gaps associated with natural processes)
B Degraded (example: scattered trees)
C Stream shading is gone or largely absent
19.Buffer Width – streamside area metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams)
Consider “vegetated buffer” and “wooded buffer” separately for left bank (LB) and right bank (RB) starting at the top
of bank out to the first break.
Vegetated Wooded
LB RB LB RB
A A A A ≥ 100-feet wide or extends to the edge of the watershed
B B B B From 50 to < 100-feet wide
C C C C From 30 to < 50-feet wide
D D D D From 10 to < 30-feet wide
E E E E < 10-feet wide or no trees
20.Buffer Structure – streamside area metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams)
Consider for left bank (LB) and right bank (RB) for Metric 19 ("Vegetated" Buffer Width).
LB RB
A A Mature forest
B B Non-mature woody vegetation or modified vegetation structure
C C Herbaceous vegetation with or without a strip of trees < 10 feet wide
D D Maintained shrubs
E E Little or no vegetation
21.Buffer Stressors – streamside area metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams)
Check all appropriate boxes for left bank (LB) and right bank (RB). Indicate if listed stressor abuts stream (Abuts), does not abut but
is within 30 feet of stream (< 30 feet), or is between 30 to 50 feet of stream (30-50 feet).
If none of the following stressors occurs on either bank, check here and skip to Metric 22:
Abuts < 30 feet 30-50 feet
LB RB LB RB LB RB
A A A A A A Row crops
B B B B B B Maintained turf
C C C C C C Pasture (no livestock)/commercial horticulture
D D D D D D Pasture (active livestock use)
22.Stem Density – streamside area metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams)
Consider for left bank (LB) and right bank (RB) for Metric 19 ("Wooded" Buffer Width).
LB RB
A A Medium to high stem density
B B Low stem density
C C No wooded riparian buffer or predominantly herbaceous species or bare ground
23.Continuity of Vegetated Buffer – streamside area metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams)
Consider whether vegetated buffer is continuous along stream (parallel). Breaks are areas lacking vegetation > 10-feet wide.
LB RB
A A The total length of buffer breaks is < 25 percent.
B B The total length of buffer breaks is between 25 and 50 percent.
C C The total length of buffer breaks is > 50 percent.
24.Vegetative Composition – First 100 feet of streamside area metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams)
Evaluate the dominant vegetation within 100 feet of each bank or to the edge of the watershed (whichever comes first) as it contributes
to assessment reach habitat.
LB RB
A A Vegetation is close to undisturbed in species present and their proportions. Lower strata composed of native
species, with non-native invasive species absent or sparse.
B B Vegetation indicates disturbance in terms of species diversity or proportions, but is still largely composed of native
species. This may include communities of weedy native species that develop after clear-cutting or clearing or
communities with non-native invasive species present, but not dominant, over a large portion of the expected strata or
communities missing understory but retaining canopy trees.
C C Vegetation is severely disturbed in terms of species diversity or proportions. Mature canopy is absent or communities
with non-native invasive species dominant over a large portion of expected strata or communities composed of planted
stands of non-characteristic species or communities inappropriately composed of a single species or no vegetation.
25.Conductivity – assessment reach metric (skip for all Coastal Plain streams)
25a.Yes No Was a conductivity measurement recorded?
If No, select one of the following reasons. No Water Other:
25b.Check the box corresponding to the conductivity measurement (units of microsiemens per centimeter).
A <46 B 46 to < 67 C 67 to < 79 D 79 to < 230 E ≥ 230
Notes/Sketch:
Notes of Field Assessment Form (Y/N)
Presence of regulatory considerations (Y/N)
Additional stream information/supplementary measurements included (Y/N)
NC SAM feature type (perennial, intermittent, Tidal Marsh Stream)
(4) Floodplain Access
(4) Wooded Riparian Buffer
(4) Microtopography
(3) Stream Stability
(4) Channel Stability
(4) Sediment Transport
(4) Stream Geomorphology
(2) Stream/Intertidal Zone Interaction
(2) Longitudinal Tidal Flow
(2) Tidal Marsh Stream Stability
(3) Tidal Marsh Stream Geomorphology
(1) Water Quality
(2) Baseflow
(2) Streamside Area Vegetation
(3) Upland Pollutant Filtration
(3) Thermoregulation
(2) Indicators of Stressors
(2) Aquatic Life Tolerance
(2) Intertidal Zone Filtration
(1) Habitat
(2) In-stream Habitat
(3) Baseflow
(3) Substrate
(3) Stream Stability
(3) In-stream Habitat
(2) Stream-side Habitat
(3) Stream-side Habitat
(3) Thermoregulation
(2) Tidal Marsh In-stream Habitat
(3) Flow Restriction
(3) Tidal Marsh Stream Stability
(4) Tidal Marsh Stream Geomorphology
(3) Tidal Marsh In-stream Habitat
(2) Intertidal Zone Habitat
Overall HIGH
HIGH
HIGH
HIGH
HIGH
HIGH
HIGH
NA
NA
HIGH
NA
HIGH
HIGH
HIGH
NA
NA
NA
NA
HIGH
HIGH
(3) Tidal Marsh Channel Stability
(3) Streamside Area Attenuation
Function Class Rating Summary
(1) Hydrology
NA
MEDIUM
HIGH
HIGH
HIGH
NA
NO
HIGH
Stream Site Name Dugger Creek - Trib Site # 10 Date of Evaluation
HIGH
(4) Tidal Marsh Channel Stability
HIGH
HIGH
NA
NA
LOW
NA
HIGH
NC SAM Stream Rating Sheet
Accompanies User Manual Version 2.1
HIGH
HIGH
USACE/
All Streams
NCDWR
Intermittent
NA
NA
(2) Flood Flow
M. Caddell
3/19/2018
NO
YES
NO
Perennial
(2) Baseflow
Stream Category Assessor Name/Organization
HIGH
Mb1
USACE AID #:NCDWR #:
PROJECT / SITE INFORMATION:
1. Project name (if any):2. Date of evaluation:
3. Applicant/owner name:
5. County:6. Nearest named water body
7. River Basin: on USGS 7.5-minute quad:
8. Site coordinates (decimal degrees, at lower end of assessment reach):
STREAM INFORMATION: (depth and width can be approximations)
9. Site number (show on attached map):10. Length of assessment reach evaluated (feet):
11. Channel depth from bed (in riffle, if present) to top of bank (feet):Unable to assess channel depth.
12. Channel width at top of bank (feet):13. Is assessment reach a swamp stream?Yes No
14. Feature type:Perennial flow Intermittent flow Tidal Marsh Stream
STREAM RATING INFORMATION:
15. NC SAM Zone:Mountains (M)Piedmont (P)Inner Coastal Plain (I)Outer Coastal Plain (O)
16. Estimated geomorphic
valley shape (skip for a b
Tidal Marsh Stream):(more sinuous stream, flatter valley slope)(less sinuous stream, steeper valley slope)
17. Watershed size: (skip Size 1 (< 0.1 mi2)Size 2 (0.1 to < 0.5 mi2)Size 3 (0.5 to < 5 mi2)Size 4 (≥ 5 mi2)
for Tidal Marsh Stream)
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
18. Were regulatory considerations evaluated?Yes No If Yes, check all that appy to the assessment area.
Section 10 water Classified Trout Waters Water Supply Watershed (I II III IV V)
Essential Fish Habitat Primary Nursery Area High Quality Waters/Outstanding Resource Waters
Publicly owned property NCDWR riparian buffer rule in effect Nutrient Sensitive Waters
Anadromous fish 303(d) List CAMA Area of Environmental Concern (AEC)
Documented presence of a federal and/or state listed protected species within the assessment area.
List species:
Designated Critical Habitat (list species):
19. Are additional stream information/supplementary measurements included in "Notes/Sketch" section or attached?Yes No
1.Channel Water – assessment reach metric (skip for Size 1 streams and Tidal Marsh Streams)
A Water throughout assessment reach.
B No flow, water in pools only.
C No water in assessment reach.
2.Evidence of Flow Restriction – assessment reach metric
A At least 10% of assessment reach in-stream habitat or riffle-pool sequence is adversely affected by a flow restriction or fill to the
point of obstructing flow or a channel choked with aquatic macrophytes or ponded water or impounded on flood or ebb within
the assessment reach (examples: undersized or perched culverts, causeways that constrict the channel, tidal gates).
B Not A
3.Feature Pattern – assessment reach metric
A A majority of the assessment reach has altered pattern (examples: straightening, modification above or below culvert).
B Not A.
4.Feature Longitudinal Profile – assessment reach metric
A Majority of assessment reach has a substantially altered stream profile (examples: channel down-cutting, existing damming,
over widening, active aggradation, dredging, and excavation where appropriate channel profile has not reformed from any of
these disturbances).
B Not A
5.Signs of Active Instability – assessment reach metric
Consider only current instability, not past events from which the stream has currently recovered. Examples of instability include
active bank failure, active channel down-cutting (head-cut), active widening, and artificial hardening (such as concrete, gabion, rip-rap).
A < 10% of channel unstable
B 10 to 25% of channel unstable
C > 25% of channel unstable
6.Streamside Area Interaction – streamside area metric
Consider for the Left Bank (LB) and the Right Bank (RB).
LB RB
A A Little or no evidence of conditions that adversely affect reference interaction
B B Moderate evidence of conditions (examples: berms, levees, down-cutting, aggradation, dredging) that adversely affect
reference interaction (examples: limited streamside area access, disruption of flood flows through streamside area,
leaky or intermittent bulkheads, causeways with floodplain constriction, minor ditching [including mosquito ditching])
C C Extensive evidence of conditions that adversely affect reference interaction (little to no floodplain/intertidal zone access
[examples: causeways with floodplain and channel constriction, bulkheads, retaining walls, fill, stream incision,
disruption of flood flows through streamside area] or too much floodplain/intertidal zone access [examples:
impoundments, intensive mosquito ditching]) or floodplain/intertidal zone unnaturally absent or assessment reach is a
man-made feature on an interstream divide
7.Water Quality Stressors – assessment reach/intertidal zone metric
2-5
6-14
NC SAM FIELD ASSESSMENT FORM
Accompanies User Manual Version 2.1
INSTRUCTIONS:Attach a sketch of the assessment area and photographs.Attach a copy of the USGS 7.5-minute topographic
quadrangle,and circle the location of the stream reach under evaluation.If multiple stream reaches will be evaluated on the same
property,identify and number all reaches on the attached map,and include a separate form for each reach.See the NC SAM User
Manual for detailed descriptions and explanations of requested information. Record in the "Notes/Sketch" section if any supplementary
NOTE EVIDENCE OF STRESSORS AFFECTING THE ASSESSMENT AREA (do not need to be within the assessment area).
measurements were performed. See the NC SAM User Manual for examples of additional measurements that may be relevant.
Dugger Creek - Trib Site #11 3/20/2018
36.12621, -81.50829
Trib Site #11 1100
Wildlands 4. Assessor name/organization:M. Caddell
Wilkes
Yadkin Dugger creek
Check all that apply.
A Discolored water in stream or intertidal zone (milky white, blue, unnatural water discoloration, oil sheen, stream foam)
B Excessive sedimentation (burying of stream features or intertidal zone)
C Noticeable evidence of pollutant discharges entering the assessment reach and causing a water quality problem
D Odor (not including natural sulfide odors)
E Current published or collected data indicating degraded water quality in the assessment reach. Cite source in the "Notes/Sketch"
section.
F Livestock with access to stream or intertidal zone
G Excessive algae in stream or intertidal zone
H Degraded marsh vegetation in the intertidal zone (removal, burning, regular mowing, destruction, etc.)
I Other:(explain in "Notes/Sketch" section)
J Little to no stressors
8.Recent Weather – watershed metric
For Size 1 or 2 streams, D1 drought or higher is considered a drought; for Size 3 or 4 streams, D2 drought or higher is considered a
drought.
A Drought conditions and no rainfall or rainfall not exceeding 1 inch within the last 48 hours
B Drought conditions and rainfall exceeding 1 inch within the last 48 hours
C No drought conditions
9 Large or Dangerous Stream – assessment reach metric
Yes No Is stream is too large or dangerous to assess? If Yes, skip to Metric 13 (Streamside Area Ground Surface Condition).
10.Natural In-stream Habitat Types – assessment reach metric
10a.Yes No Degraded in-stream habitat over majority of the assessment reach (examples of stressors include excessive
sedimentation, mining, excavation, in-stream hardening [for example, rip-rap], recent dredging, and snagging)
(evaluate for size 4 Coastal Plain streams only, then skip to Metric 12)
10b.Check all that occur (occurs if > 5% coverage of assessment reach) (skip for Size 4 Coastal Plain streams)
A Multiple aquatic macrophytes and aquatic mosses F 5% oysters or other natural hard bottoms
(include liverworts, lichens, and algal mats)G Submerged aquatic vegetation
B Multiple sticks and/or leaf packs and/or emergent H Low-tide refugia (pools)
vegetation I Sand bottom
C Multiple snags and logs (including lap trees)J 5% vertical bank along the marsh
D 5% undercut banks and/or root mats and/or roots K Little or no habitat
in banks extend to the normal wetted perimeter
E Little or no habitat
11.Bedform and Substrate – assessment reach metric (skip for Size 4 Coastal Plain streams and Tidal Marsh Streams)
11a.Yes No Is assessment reach in a natural sand-bed stream? (skip for Coastal Plain streams)
11b.Bedform evaluated. Check the appropriate box(es).
A Riffle-run section (evaluate 11c)
B Pool-glide section (evaluate 11d)
C Natural bedform absent (skip to Metric 12, Aquatic Life)
11c.In riffles sections, check all that occur below the normal wetted perimeter of the assessment reach – whether or not submerged.
Check at least one box in each row (skip for Size 4 Coastal Plain Streams and Tidal Marsh Streams). Not Present (NP) =
absent, Rare (R) = present but ≤ 10%, Common (C) = > 10-40%, Abundant (A) = > 40-70%, Predominant (P) = > 70%. Cumulative
percentages should not exceed 100% for each assessment reach.
NP R C A P
Bedrock/saprolite
Boulder (256 – 4096 mm)
Cobble (64 – 256 mm)
Gravel (2 – 64 mm)
Sand (.062 – 2 mm)
Silt/clay (< 0.062 mm)
Detritus
Artificial (rip-rap, concrete, etc.)
11d.Yes No Are pools filled with sediment? (skip for Size 4 Coastal Plain streams and Tidal Marsh Streams)
12.Aquatic Life – assessment reach metric (skip for Size 4 Coastal Plain streams and Tidal Marsh Streams)
12a.Yes No Was an in-stream aquatic life assessment performed as described in the User Manual?
If No, select one of the following reasons and skip to Metric 13. No Water Other:
12b.Yes No Are aquatic organisms present in the assessment reach (look in riffles, pools, then snags)? If Yes, check
all that apply. If No, skip to Metric 13.
1 >1 Numbers over columns refer to “individuals” for size 1 and 2 streams and “taxa” for size 3 and 4 streams.
Adult frogs
Aquatic reptiles
Aquatic macrophytes and aquatic mosses (include liverworts, lichens, and algal mats)
Beetles (including water pennies)
Caddisfly larvae (Trichoptera [T])
Asian clam (Corbicula )
Crustacean (isopod/amphipod/crayfish/shrimp)
Damselfly and dragonfly larvae
Dipterans (true flies)
Mayfly larvae (Ephemeroptera [E])
Megaloptera (alderfly, fishfly, dobsonfly larvae)
Midges/mosquito larvae
Mosquito fish (Gambusia ) or mud minnows (Umbra pygmaea)
Mussels/Clams (not Corbicula )
*********************************REMAINING QUESTIONS ARE NOT APPLICABLE FOR TIDAL MARSH STREAMS****************************Check for TidalMarsh Streamsonly
Other fish
Salamanders/tadpoles
Snails
Stonefly larvae (Plecoptera [P])
Tipulid larvae
Worms/leeches
13.Streamside Area Ground Surface Condition – streamside area metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams and B valley types)
Consider for the Left Bank (LB) and the Right Bank (RB). Consider storage capacity with regard to both overbank flow and
upland runoff.
LB RB
A A Little or no alteration to water storage capacity over a majority of the streamside area
B B Moderate alteration to water storage capacity over a majority of the streamside area
C C Severe alteration to water storage capacity over a majority of the streamside area (examples include: ditches, fill,
soil, compaction, livestock disturbance, buildings, man-made levees, drainage pipes)
14.Streamside Area Water Storage – streamside area metric (skip for Size 1 streams, Tidal Marsh Streams, and B valley types)
Consider for the Left Bank (LB) and the Right Bank (RB) of the streamside area.
LB RB
A A Majority of streamside area with depressions able to pond water ≥ 6 inches deep
B B Majority of streamside area with depressions able to pond water 3 to 6 inches deep
C C Majority of streamside area with depressions able to pond water < 3 inches deep
15.Wetland Presence – streamside area metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams)
Consider for the Left Bank (LB) and the Right Bank (RB). Do not consider wetlands outside of the streamside area or within the
normal wetted perimeter of assessment reach.
LB RB
Y Y Are wetlands present in the streamside area?
N N
16.Baseflow Contributors – assessment reach metric (skip for size 4 streams and Tidal Marsh Streams)
Check all contributors within the assessment reach or within view of and draining to the assessment reach.
A Streams and/or springs (jurisdictional discharges)
B Ponds (include wet detention basins; do not include sediment basins or dry detention basins)
C Obstruction that passes some flow during low-flow periods within assessment area (beaver dam, bottom-release dam)
D Evidence of bank seepage or sweating (iron oxidizing bacteria in water indicates seepage)
E Stream bed or bank soil reduced (dig through deposited sediment if present)
F None of the above
17.Baseflow Detractors – assessment area metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams)
Check all that apply.
A Evidence of substantial water withdrawals from the assessment reach (includes areas excavated for pump installation)
B Obstruction not passing flow during low flow periods affecting the assessment reach (ex: watertight dam, sediment deposit)
C Urban stream (≥ 24% impervious surface for watershed)
D Evidence that the stream-side area has been modified resulting in accelerated drainage into the assessment reach
E Assessment reach relocated to valley edge
F None of the above
18.Shading – assessment reach metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams)
Consider aspect. Consider “leaf-on” condition.
A Stream shading is appropriate for stream category (may include gaps associated with natural processes)
B Degraded (example: scattered trees)
C Stream shading is gone or largely absent
19.Buffer Width – streamside area metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams)
Consider “vegetated buffer” and “wooded buffer” separately for left bank (LB) and right bank (RB) starting at the top
of bank out to the first break.
Vegetated Wooded
LB RB LB RB
A A A A ≥ 100-feet wide or extends to the edge of the watershed
B B B B From 50 to < 100-feet wide
C C C C From 30 to < 50-feet wide
D D D D From 10 to < 30-feet wide
E E E E < 10-feet wide or no trees
20.Buffer Structure – streamside area metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams)
Consider for left bank (LB) and right bank (RB) for Metric 19 ("Vegetated" Buffer Width).
LB RB
A A Mature forest
B B Non-mature woody vegetation or modified vegetation structure
C C Herbaceous vegetation with or without a strip of trees < 10 feet wide
D D Maintained shrubs
E E Little or no vegetation
21.Buffer Stressors – streamside area metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams)
Check all appropriate boxes for left bank (LB) and right bank (RB). Indicate if listed stressor abuts stream (Abuts), does not abut but
is within 30 feet of stream (< 30 feet), or is between 30 to 50 feet of stream (30-50 feet).
If none of the following stressors occurs on either bank, check here and skip to Metric 22:
Abuts < 30 feet 30-50 feet
LB RB LB RB LB RB
A A A A A A Row crops
B B B B B B Maintained turf
C C C C C C Pasture (no livestock)/commercial horticulture
D D D D D D Pasture (active livestock use)
22.Stem Density – streamside area metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams)
Consider for left bank (LB) and right bank (RB) for Metric 19 ("Wooded" Buffer Width).
LB RB
A A Medium to high stem density
B B Low stem density
C C No wooded riparian buffer or predominantly herbaceous species or bare ground
23.Continuity of Vegetated Buffer – streamside area metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams)
Consider whether vegetated buffer is continuous along stream (parallel). Breaks are areas lacking vegetation > 10-feet wide.
LB RB
A A The total length of buffer breaks is < 25 percent.
B B The total length of buffer breaks is between 25 and 50 percent.
C C The total length of buffer breaks is > 50 percent.
24.Vegetative Composition – First 100 feet of streamside area metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams)
Evaluate the dominant vegetation within 100 feet of each bank or to the edge of the watershed (whichever comes first) as it contributes
to assessment reach habitat.
LB RB
A A Vegetation is close to undisturbed in species present and their proportions. Lower strata composed of native
species, with non-native invasive species absent or sparse.
B B Vegetation indicates disturbance in terms of species diversity or proportions, but is still largely composed of native
species. This may include communities of weedy native species that develop after clear-cutting or clearing or
communities with non-native invasive species present, but not dominant, over a large portion of the expected strata or
communities missing understory but retaining canopy trees.
C C Vegetation is severely disturbed in terms of species diversity or proportions. Mature canopy is absent or communities
with non-native invasive species dominant over a large portion of expected strata or communities composed of planted
stands of non-characteristic species or communities inappropriately composed of a single species or no vegetation.
25.Conductivity – assessment reach metric (skip for all Coastal Plain streams)
25a.Yes No Was a conductivity measurement recorded?
If No, select one of the following reasons. No Water Other:
25b.Check the box corresponding to the conductivity measurement (units of microsiemens per centimeter).
A <46 B 46 to < 67 C 67 to < 79 D 79 to < 230 E ≥ 230
Notes/Sketch:
Notes of Field Assessment Form (Y/N)
Presence of regulatory considerations (Y/N)
Additional stream information/supplementary measurements included (Y/N)
NC SAM feature type (perennial, intermittent, Tidal Marsh Stream)
(4) Floodplain Access
(4) Wooded Riparian Buffer
(4) Microtopography
(3) Stream Stability
(4) Channel Stability
(4) Sediment Transport
(4) Stream Geomorphology
(2) Stream/Intertidal Zone Interaction
(2) Longitudinal Tidal Flow
(2) Tidal Marsh Stream Stability
(3) Tidal Marsh Stream Geomorphology
(1) Water Quality
(2) Baseflow
(2) Streamside Area Vegetation
(3) Upland Pollutant Filtration
(3) Thermoregulation
(2) Indicators of Stressors
(2) Aquatic Life Tolerance
(2) Intertidal Zone Filtration
(1) Habitat
(2) In-stream Habitat
(3) Baseflow
(3) Substrate
(3) Stream Stability
(3) In-stream Habitat
(2) Stream-side Habitat
(3) Stream-side Habitat
(3) Thermoregulation
(2) Tidal Marsh In-stream Habitat
(3) Flow Restriction
(3) Tidal Marsh Stream Stability
(4) Tidal Marsh Stream Geomorphology
(3) Tidal Marsh In-stream Habitat
(2) Intertidal Zone Habitat
Overall
NC SAM Stream Rating Sheet
Accompanies User Manual Version 2.1
HIGH
HIGH
USACE/
All Streams
NCDWR
Intermittent
NA
NA
(2) Flood Flow
M. Caddell
3/20/2018
NO
YES
NO
Perennial
(2) Baseflow
Stream Category Assessor Name/Organization
HIGH
Mb2
Stream Site Name Dugger Creek - Trib Site #11 Date of Evaluation
HIGH
(4) Tidal Marsh Channel Stability
HIGH
HIGH
NA
NA
MEDIUM
NA
HIGH
(3) Tidal Marsh Channel Stability
(3) Streamside Area Attenuation
Function Class Rating Summary
(1) Hydrology
NA
MEDIUM
HIGH
LOW
HIGH
NA
NO
HIGH
NA
NA
NA
NA
HIGH
HIGH
HIGH
HIGH
MEDIUM
HIGH
HIGH
HIGH
HIGH
NA
NA
MEDIUM
NA
HIGH
HIGH
HIGH
USACE AID #:NCDWR #:
PROJECT / SITE INFORMATION:
1. Project name (if any):2. Date of evaluation:
3. Applicant/owner name:
5. County:6. Nearest named water body
7. River Basin: on USGS 7.5-minute quad:
8. Site coordinates (decimal degrees, at lower end of assessment reach):
STREAM INFORMATION: (depth and width can be approximations)
9. Site number (show on attached map):10. Length of assessment reach evaluated (feet):
11. Channel depth from bed (in riffle, if present) to top of bank (feet):Unable to assess channel depth.
12. Channel width at top of bank (feet):13. Is assessment reach a swamp stream?Yes No
14. Feature type:Perennial flow Intermittent flow Tidal Marsh Stream
STREAM RATING INFORMATION:
15. NC SAM Zone:Mountains (M)Piedmont (P)Inner Coastal Plain (I)Outer Coastal Plain (O)
16. Estimated geomorphic
valley shape (skip for a b
Tidal Marsh Stream):(more sinuous stream, flatter valley slope)(less sinuous stream, steeper valley slope)
17. Watershed size: (skip Size 1 (< 0.1 mi2)Size 2 (0.1 to < 0.5 mi2)Size 3 (0.5 to < 5 mi2)Size 4 (≥ 5 mi2)
for Tidal Marsh Stream)
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
18. Were regulatory considerations evaluated?Yes No If Yes, check all that appy to the assessment area.
Section 10 water Classified Trout Waters Water Supply Watershed (I II III IV V)
Essential Fish Habitat Primary Nursery Area High Quality Waters/Outstanding Resource Waters
Publicly owned property NCDWR riparian buffer rule in effect Nutrient Sensitive Waters
Anadromous fish 303(d) List CAMA Area of Environmental Concern (AEC)
Documented presence of a federal and/or state listed protected species within the assessment area.
List species:
Designated Critical Habitat (list species):
19. Are additional stream information/supplementary measurements included in "Notes/Sketch" section or attached?Yes No
1.Channel Water – assessment reach metric (skip for Size 1 streams and Tidal Marsh Streams)
A Water throughout assessment reach.
B No flow, water in pools only.
C No water in assessment reach.
2.Evidence of Flow Restriction – assessment reach metric
A At least 10% of assessment reach in-stream habitat or riffle-pool sequence is adversely affected by a flow restriction or fill to the
point of obstructing flow or a channel choked with aquatic macrophytes or ponded water or impounded on flood or ebb within
the assessment reach (examples: undersized or perched culverts, causeways that constrict the channel, tidal gates).
B Not A
3.Feature Pattern – assessment reach metric
A A majority of the assessment reach has altered pattern (examples: straightening, modification above or below culvert).
B Not A.
4.Feature Longitudinal Profile – assessment reach metric
A Majority of assessment reach has a substantially altered stream profile (examples: channel down-cutting, existing damming,
over widening, active aggradation, dredging, and excavation where appropriate channel profile has not reformed from any of
these disturbances).
B Not A
5.Signs of Active Instability – assessment reach metric
Consider only current instability, not past events from which the stream has currently recovered. Examples of instability include
active bank failure, active channel down-cutting (head-cut), active widening, and artificial hardening (such as concrete, gabion, rip-rap).
A < 10% of channel unstable
B 10 to 25% of channel unstable
C > 25% of channel unstable
6.Streamside Area Interaction – streamside area metric
Consider for the Left Bank (LB) and the Right Bank (RB).
LB RB
A A Little or no evidence of conditions that adversely affect reference interaction
B B Moderate evidence of conditions (examples: berms, levees, down-cutting, aggradation, dredging) that adversely affect
reference interaction (examples: limited streamside area access, disruption of flood flows through streamside area,
leaky or intermittent bulkheads, causeways with floodplain constriction, minor ditching [including mosquito ditching])
C C Extensive evidence of conditions that adversely affect reference interaction (little to no floodplain/intertidal zone access
[examples: causeways with floodplain and channel constriction, bulkheads, retaining walls, fill, stream incision,
disruption of flood flows through streamside area] or too much floodplain/intertidal zone access [examples:
impoundments, intensive mosquito ditching]) or floodplain/intertidal zone unnaturally absent or assessment reach is a
man-made feature on an interstream divide
7.Water Quality Stressors – assessment reach/intertidal zone metric
3-6
10-15
NC SAM FIELD ASSESSMENT FORM
Accompanies User Manual Version 2.1
INSTRUCTIONS:Attach a sketch of the assessment area and photographs.Attach a copy of the USGS 7.5-minute topographic
quadrangle,and circle the location of the stream reach under evaluation.If multiple stream reaches will be evaluated on the same
property,identify and number all reaches on the attached map,and include a separate form for each reach.See the NC SAM User
Manual for detailed descriptions and explanations of requested information. Record in the "Notes/Sketch" section if any supplementary
NOTE EVIDENCE OF STRESSORS AFFECTING THE ASSESSMENT AREA (do not need to be within the assessment area).
measurements were performed. See the NC SAM User Manual for examples of additional measurements that may be relevant.
Dugger Creek - Site #12 3/22/2018
36.14777, -81.52842
Site #12 1000
Wildlands 4. Assessor name/organization:M. Caddell
Watauga
Yadkin Dugger Creek
Check all that apply.
A Discolored water in stream or intertidal zone (milky white, blue, unnatural water discoloration, oil sheen, stream foam)
B Excessive sedimentation (burying of stream features or intertidal zone)
C Noticeable evidence of pollutant discharges entering the assessment reach and causing a water quality problem
D Odor (not including natural sulfide odors)
E Current published or collected data indicating degraded water quality in the assessment reach. Cite source in the "Notes/Sketch"
section.
F Livestock with access to stream or intertidal zone
G Excessive algae in stream or intertidal zone
H Degraded marsh vegetation in the intertidal zone (removal, burning, regular mowing, destruction, etc.)
I Other:(explain in "Notes/Sketch" section)
J Little to no stressors
8.Recent Weather – watershed metric
For Size 1 or 2 streams, D1 drought or higher is considered a drought; for Size 3 or 4 streams, D2 drought or higher is considered a
drought.
A Drought conditions and no rainfall or rainfall not exceeding 1 inch within the last 48 hours
B Drought conditions and rainfall exceeding 1 inch within the last 48 hours
C No drought conditions
9 Large or Dangerous Stream – assessment reach metric
Yes No Is stream is too large or dangerous to assess? If Yes, skip to Metric 13 (Streamside Area Ground Surface Condition).
10.Natural In-stream Habitat Types – assessment reach metric
10a.Yes No Degraded in-stream habitat over majority of the assessment reach (examples of stressors include excessive
sedimentation, mining, excavation, in-stream hardening [for example, rip-rap], recent dredging, and snagging)
(evaluate for size 4 Coastal Plain streams only, then skip to Metric 12)
10b.Check all that occur (occurs if > 5% coverage of assessment reach) (skip for Size 4 Coastal Plain streams)
A Multiple aquatic macrophytes and aquatic mosses F 5% oysters or other natural hard bottoms
(include liverworts, lichens, and algal mats)G Submerged aquatic vegetation
B Multiple sticks and/or leaf packs and/or emergent H Low-tide refugia (pools)
vegetation I Sand bottom
C Multiple snags and logs (including lap trees)J 5% vertical bank along the marsh
D 5% undercut banks and/or root mats and/or roots K Little or no habitat
in banks extend to the normal wetted perimeter
E Little or no habitat
11.Bedform and Substrate – assessment reach metric (skip for Size 4 Coastal Plain streams and Tidal Marsh Streams)
11a.Yes No Is assessment reach in a natural sand-bed stream? (skip for Coastal Plain streams)
11b.Bedform evaluated. Check the appropriate box(es).
A Riffle-run section (evaluate 11c)
B Pool-glide section (evaluate 11d)
C Natural bedform absent (skip to Metric 12, Aquatic Life)
11c.In riffles sections, check all that occur below the normal wetted perimeter of the assessment reach – whether or not submerged.
Check at least one box in each row (skip for Size 4 Coastal Plain Streams and Tidal Marsh Streams). Not Present (NP) =
absent, Rare (R) = present but ≤ 10%, Common (C) = > 10-40%, Abundant (A) = > 40-70%, Predominant (P) = > 70%. Cumulative
percentages should not exceed 100% for each assessment reach.
NP R C A P
Bedrock/saprolite
Boulder (256 – 4096 mm)
Cobble (64 – 256 mm)
Gravel (2 – 64 mm)
Sand (.062 – 2 mm)
Silt/clay (< 0.062 mm)
Detritus
Artificial (rip-rap, concrete, etc.)
11d.Yes No Are pools filled with sediment? (skip for Size 4 Coastal Plain streams and Tidal Marsh Streams)
12.Aquatic Life – assessment reach metric (skip for Size 4 Coastal Plain streams and Tidal Marsh Streams)
12a.Yes No Was an in-stream aquatic life assessment performed as described in the User Manual?
If No, select one of the following reasons and skip to Metric 13. No Water Other:
12b.Yes No Are aquatic organisms present in the assessment reach (look in riffles, pools, then snags)? If Yes, check
all that apply. If No, skip to Metric 13.
1 >1 Numbers over columns refer to “individuals” for size 1 and 2 streams and “taxa” for size 3 and 4 streams.
Adult frogs
Aquatic reptiles
Aquatic macrophytes and aquatic mosses (include liverworts, lichens, and algal mats)
Beetles (including water pennies)
Caddisfly larvae (Trichoptera [T])
Asian clam (Corbicula )
Crustacean (isopod/amphipod/crayfish/shrimp)
Damselfly and dragonfly larvae
Dipterans (true flies)
Mayfly larvae (Ephemeroptera [E])
Megaloptera (alderfly, fishfly, dobsonfly larvae)
Midges/mosquito larvae
Mosquito fish (Gambusia ) or mud minnows (Umbra pygmaea)
Mussels/Clams (not Corbicula )
*********************************REMAINING QUESTIONS ARE NOT APPLICABLE FOR TIDAL MARSH STREAMS****************************Check for TidalMarsh Streamsonly
Other fish
Salamanders/tadpoles
Snails
Stonefly larvae (Plecoptera [P])
Tipulid larvae
Worms/leeches
13.Streamside Area Ground Surface Condition – streamside area metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams and B valley types)
Consider for the Left Bank (LB) and the Right Bank (RB). Consider storage capacity with regard to both overbank flow and
upland runoff.
LB RB
A A Little or no alteration to water storage capacity over a majority of the streamside area
B B Moderate alteration to water storage capacity over a majority of the streamside area
C C Severe alteration to water storage capacity over a majority of the streamside area (examples include: ditches, fill,
soil, compaction, livestock disturbance, buildings, man-made levees, drainage pipes)
14.Streamside Area Water Storage – streamside area metric (skip for Size 1 streams, Tidal Marsh Streams, and B valley types)
Consider for the Left Bank (LB) and the Right Bank (RB) of the streamside area.
LB RB
A A Majority of streamside area with depressions able to pond water ≥ 6 inches deep
B B Majority of streamside area with depressions able to pond water 3 to 6 inches deep
C C Majority of streamside area with depressions able to pond water < 3 inches deep
15.Wetland Presence – streamside area metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams)
Consider for the Left Bank (LB) and the Right Bank (RB). Do not consider wetlands outside of the streamside area or within the
normal wetted perimeter of assessment reach.
LB RB
Y Y Are wetlands present in the streamside area?
N N
16.Baseflow Contributors – assessment reach metric (skip for size 4 streams and Tidal Marsh Streams)
Check all contributors within the assessment reach or within view of and draining to the assessment reach.
A Streams and/or springs (jurisdictional discharges)
B Ponds (include wet detention basins; do not include sediment basins or dry detention basins)
C Obstruction that passes some flow during low-flow periods within assessment area (beaver dam, bottom-release dam)
D Evidence of bank seepage or sweating (iron oxidizing bacteria in water indicates seepage)
E Stream bed or bank soil reduced (dig through deposited sediment if present)
F None of the above
17.Baseflow Detractors – assessment area metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams)
Check all that apply.
A Evidence of substantial water withdrawals from the assessment reach (includes areas excavated for pump installation)
B Obstruction not passing flow during low flow periods affecting the assessment reach (ex: watertight dam, sediment deposit)
C Urban stream (≥ 24% impervious surface for watershed)
D Evidence that the stream-side area has been modified resulting in accelerated drainage into the assessment reach
E Assessment reach relocated to valley edge
F None of the above
18.Shading – assessment reach metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams)
Consider aspect. Consider “leaf-on” condition.
A Stream shading is appropriate for stream category (may include gaps associated with natural processes)
B Degraded (example: scattered trees)
C Stream shading is gone or largely absent
19.Buffer Width – streamside area metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams)
Consider “vegetated buffer” and “wooded buffer” separately for left bank (LB) and right bank (RB) starting at the top
of bank out to the first break.
Vegetated Wooded
LB RB LB RB
A A A A ≥ 100-feet wide or extends to the edge of the watershed
B B B B From 50 to < 100-feet wide
C C C C From 30 to < 50-feet wide
D D D D From 10 to < 30-feet wide
E E E E < 10-feet wide or no trees
20.Buffer Structure – streamside area metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams)
Consider for left bank (LB) and right bank (RB) for Metric 19 ("Vegetated" Buffer Width).
LB RB
A A Mature forest
B B Non-mature woody vegetation or modified vegetation structure
C C Herbaceous vegetation with or without a strip of trees < 10 feet wide
D D Maintained shrubs
E E Little or no vegetation
21.Buffer Stressors – streamside area metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams)
Check all appropriate boxes for left bank (LB) and right bank (RB). Indicate if listed stressor abuts stream (Abuts), does not abut but
is within 30 feet of stream (< 30 feet), or is between 30 to 50 feet of stream (30-50 feet).
If none of the following stressors occurs on either bank, check here and skip to Metric 22:
Abuts < 30 feet 30-50 feet
LB RB LB RB LB RB
A A A A A A Row crops
B B B B B B Maintained turf
C C C C C C Pasture (no livestock)/commercial horticulture
D D D D D D Pasture (active livestock use)
22.Stem Density – streamside area metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams)
Consider for left bank (LB) and right bank (RB) for Metric 19 ("Wooded" Buffer Width).
LB RB
A A Medium to high stem density
B B Low stem density
C C No wooded riparian buffer or predominantly herbaceous species or bare ground
23.Continuity of Vegetated Buffer – streamside area metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams)
Consider whether vegetated buffer is continuous along stream (parallel). Breaks are areas lacking vegetation > 10-feet wide.
LB RB
A A The total length of buffer breaks is < 25 percent.
B B The total length of buffer breaks is between 25 and 50 percent.
C C The total length of buffer breaks is > 50 percent.
24.Vegetative Composition – First 100 feet of streamside area metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams)
Evaluate the dominant vegetation within 100 feet of each bank or to the edge of the watershed (whichever comes first) as it contributes
to assessment reach habitat.
LB RB
A A Vegetation is close to undisturbed in species present and their proportions. Lower strata composed of native
species, with non-native invasive species absent or sparse.
B B Vegetation indicates disturbance in terms of species diversity or proportions, but is still largely composed of native
species. This may include communities of weedy native species that develop after clear-cutting or clearing or
communities with non-native invasive species present, but not dominant, over a large portion of the expected strata or
communities missing understory but retaining canopy trees.
C C Vegetation is severely disturbed in terms of species diversity or proportions. Mature canopy is absent or communities
with non-native invasive species dominant over a large portion of expected strata or communities composed of planted
stands of non-characteristic species or communities inappropriately composed of a single species or no vegetation.
25.Conductivity – assessment reach metric (skip for all Coastal Plain streams)
25a.Yes No Was a conductivity measurement recorded?
If No, select one of the following reasons. No Water Other:
25b.Check the box corresponding to the conductivity measurement (units of microsiemens per centimeter).
A <46 B 46 to < 67 C 67 to < 79 D 79 to < 230 E ≥ 230
Notes/Sketch:
Notes of Field Assessment Form (Y/N)
Presence of regulatory considerations (Y/N)
Additional stream information/supplementary measurements included (Y/N)
NC SAM feature type (perennial, intermittent, Tidal Marsh Stream)
(4) Floodplain Access
(4) Wooded Riparian Buffer
(4) Microtopography
(3) Stream Stability
(4) Channel Stability
(4) Sediment Transport
(4) Stream Geomorphology
(2) Stream/Intertidal Zone Interaction
(2) Longitudinal Tidal Flow
(2) Tidal Marsh Stream Stability
(3) Tidal Marsh Stream Geomorphology
(1) Water Quality
(2) Baseflow
(2) Streamside Area Vegetation
(3) Upland Pollutant Filtration
(3) Thermoregulation
(2) Indicators of Stressors
(2) Aquatic Life Tolerance
(2) Intertidal Zone Filtration
(1) Habitat
(2) In-stream Habitat
(3) Baseflow
(3) Substrate
(3) Stream Stability
(3) In-stream Habitat
(2) Stream-side Habitat
(3) Stream-side Habitat
(3) Thermoregulation
(2) Tidal Marsh In-stream Habitat
(3) Flow Restriction
(3) Tidal Marsh Stream Stability
(4) Tidal Marsh Stream Geomorphology
(3) Tidal Marsh In-stream Habitat
(2) Intertidal Zone Habitat
Overall
NC SAM Stream Rating Sheet
Accompanies User Manual Version 2.1
HIGH
HIGH
USACE/
All Streams
NCDWR
Intermittent
NA
NA
(2) Flood Flow
M. Caddell
3/22/2018
NO
YES
NO
Perennial
(2) Baseflow
Stream Category Assessor Name/Organization
HIGH
Mb2
Stream Site Name Dugger Creek - Site #12 Date of Evaluation
HIGH
(4) Tidal Marsh Channel Stability
HIGH
HIGH
NA
NA
HIGH
NA
HIGH
(3) Tidal Marsh Channel Stability
(3) Streamside Area Attenuation
Function Class Rating Summary
(1) Hydrology
NA
HIGH
HIGH
HIGH
HIGH
NA
NO
HIGH
NA
NA
NA
NA
HIGH
HIGH
HIGH
HIGH
HIGH
HIGH
HIGH
HIGH
HIGH
NA
NA
HIGH
NA
HIGH
HIGH
HIGH
Appendix G: Benthic Macroinvertebrate Summary 
Dugger Creek Benthic Collection. April 10, 2018 

Duggers 1  Duggers 2  Duggers 3  Tributary A*  Tributary B 
Collection Location  Above 
Falls 
Boyscout 
Camp 
Bottom of 
property 
Near Dugger 1  Along access rd 
Taxa / Biotic Index Value                
EPHEMEROPTERA                
Family Ameletidae                
  Ameletus lineatus (2.4)  C  C  C     C 
Family Baetidae                
  Acentrella spp (2.5)     C  A       
  Baetis tricaudatus (1.5)  A  A  C  R  C 
Family Ephmeridae                
  Ephemera spp (2.0)              C 
Family Ephemerellidae                
  Drunella cornutella (0.0)  C  C  R       
  Ephemerella dorothea (3.3)  A  A  A  C  C 
  Ephemerella hispida (0.1)  C  A     C    
  Ephemerella invaria (2.6)              R 
  Eurylophella verisimilis (3.9)        R     R 
  Telogonopsis deficiens (1.7)  R             
Family Heptageniidae                
  Cinygmula subaequalis (0.0)  C  C  R       
  Epeorus dispar (1.0)  A  A  A       
  Epeorus pleuralis (1.0)  A  A  R       
  Heptagenia flavescens (2.2)  A  A  A       
  Leucrocuta spp (2.0)     C          
  Maccaffertium ithaca (3.0)  R  C  R       
  Maccaffertium meririvulanum (0.5)     R          
  Rhithrogena spp (0.0)     R          
Family Leptophlebiidae                
  Habrophlebia vibrans (0.3)        R       
  Paraleptophlebia spp (1.2)  A  C  R     C 
PLECOPTERA              
 Family Chloroperlidae                
  Suwallia margtinata (2.6)  C           C 
  Sweltsa spp (0.2)  A  R  R     C 
Family Leuctridae                
  Leuctra spp (1.5)  R             
Family Nemouridae                
  Amphinemura spp (3.8) ‐ seasonal  C  C  R  R  A 
Family Peltoperlidae                
  Tallaperla spp (1.3)  A  A  C  C  A 
Family Perlidae                
  Acroneuria abnormis (2.1)  C  C  C       
  Acroneuria carolinensis (1.2)  R  R  R       
  Eccoptura xanthnes (4.7)  C  R     R    
  Paragnetina immarginata (1.1)        R       
Family Perlodidae                
  Helopicus subvarians (1.2)        C       
  Isoperla kirchneri (namata) (2.5) ‐ 
seasonal 
A  A  A       
  Isoperla davisi (holochlora) (1.2) ‐ 
seasonal 
A  A  A       
  Isoperla orata (0)     R     C    
  Isoperla similis (0.8) ‐ seasonal              C 
  Isoperla slossonae (1.8) ‐ seasonal  A  A  A       
  Isoperla nr. transmarina (5.2) ‐ 
seasonal 
   R  C       
  Malirekus hastatus (1.0)  A  C  C       
  Remenus spp (0.9) ‐ seasonal  C  R  C       
Family Pteronarcyidae                
  Pteronarcys spp (1.8)  A  C  A       
TRICHOPTERA              
Family Glossosomatidae                
  Agapetus spp (0.0)              R 
  Glossosoma spp (1.4)  C             
Family Goeridae                
  Goera spp (0.7)     R  C       
Family Hydropsychidae                
  Arctopsyche irrorata (0.0)           C  C 
  Cheumatopsyche spp (6.6)     R  A       
  Diplectrona modesta (2.3)  A  A  A     C 
  Hydropsyche betteni (7.9)                
  Hydropsyche (C) sparna (2.5)  R  R  C       
  Hydropsyche (C) slossonae (0.0)  R             
Family Lepidostomatidae                
  Lepidostoma spp (1.0)  C           R 
Family Limnephilidae                
  Pycnopsyche gentilis (1.8)  R           R 
  Pycnopsyche guttifer (2.2)     R  R     R 
  Pycnopsyche lepida (3.9)              C 
Family Odontoceridae                
  Psilotreta spp (0.5)     R        C 
Family Philopotamidae                
  Wormaldia spp (2.4)  C  C          
Family Rhyacophilidae                
  Rhyacophila appalachia/nigrita (0.0)        R       
  Rhyacophila carolina (0.4)  C  R  R     C 
  Rhyacophila fuscula (1.6)  C  A  A       
  Rhyacophila torva (1.5)     R          
Family Uenoidae                
  Neophylax consimilis (0.3)  R             
  Neophylax mitchelli (0.0)     C  C  R  C 
  Neophylax oligius (2.4)  C  R  C       
  Neophylax ornatus (1.3)  R             
MISC DIPTERA              
Family Ceratopogonidae                
  Palpomyia complex (5.7)  R             
Family Dixidae                
  Dixa spp (2.5)  R  R        R 
Family Muscidae                
  Limnophora spp (8.4)     R          
Family Simuliidae                
  Simulium spp (4.9)  A  C  R     R 
Family Tipulidae              
  Antocha spp (4.4)     R  R     R 
  Dicranota spp (0.0)  C  R          
  Hexatoma  spp (3.5)  R     R     R 
  Pseudolimnophila spp (6.2)              R 
  Tipula spp (7.5)  A  C  A     C 
DIPTERA; CHIRONOMIDAE                
  Brillia spp (5.7)     R          
  Conchapelopia group (8.4)  R  R          
  Cladotanytarsus spp (4.0)        R       
  Cryptochironomus fulvus (6.7)  R             
  Diamesa spp (6.6)        R       
  Eukiefferiella brevicalcar group (2.9)     R          
  Orthocladius (Euorthocladius) sp 51 
(3.4) 
C  C  C       
  Micropsectra spp (2.4)  R             
  Polypedilum aviceps (3.6)  C  R  R       
  Potthastia longimana (8.4)     R          
  Psectrocladius spp (3.6)              R 
  Tanytarsus spp (6.6)     R          
  Thienemannimyia group (8.4)              R 
  Tvetenia bavarica gp (E sp. 1) (3.6)  R           C 
COLEOPTERA              
Family Elmidae                
  Optioservus spp (2.1)        R       
  Promoresia elegans (2.1)  R             
Family Psephenidae                
  Ectopria nervousa (4.3)              C 
  Psephenus herricki (2.3)  C  C  C       
ODONATA                
Family Gomphidae                
  Lanthus spp (1.6)  R  R  R  R    
MEGALOPTERA                
Family Corydalidae                
  Corydalus cornutus (5.2)        C       
  Nigronia serricornis (4.6)        R       
OLIGOCHAETA                
Family Lumbriculidae (7.0)  R  C  R       
Family Naididae                
  Nais spp (8.7)  C  C  R       
CRUSTACEA                
Family Cambaridae                
  immature crayfish (7.5)  A  C     C    
MOLLUSCA              
Family Pleuroceridae                
  Elimia spp (2.7)  A  C  A  C  C  

Total Taxa Richness  57  60  53  12  33 
EPT Taxa Richness  38  41  37  9  21 
Seasonal Correction  33  37  33  8  19 
EPT Abundance  184  182  158  17  68 
Biotic Index  2.45  2.25  2.71  2.16  2.46 
# Taxa ≤ 2.5  39  39  34  5  17 
Bioclassification (based on small 
stream criteria) 
Excellent  Excellent  Excellent  Excellent  Excellent 
* very small, modified collection method 
A – abundant; C – Common; R ‐ Rare 

Appendix H: Stream Crossing Photographs 

Crossing 1 – view downstream from right bank (3/21/2018) Crossing 2 – view from right bank (3/21/2018) 

Crossing 3 – view of culvert inlet (3/21/2018) Crossing 3 – view of culvert outlet (3/21/2018) 

Crossing 4 – view of culvert inlet (3/21/2018) Crossing 4 – view of culvert outlet (3/21/2018) 
Crossing 5 – view of culvert inlet (3/21/2018) Crossing 5 – view of culvert outlet (3/21/2018) 

Crossing 6 – view of culvert inlet (3/21/2018) Crossing 6 – view from road of culvert outlet (3/21/2018) 

Crossing 7 – view looking upslope of culvert inlet (3/21/2018) Crossing 7 – view looking upslope of culvert outlet (3/21/2018) 

Crossing 8 – view from right bank (3/20/2018) Crossing 9 – view from left bank (3/20/2018) 

Crossing 10 – view from left bank (3/20/2018) Crossing 11 – view from left bank (3/20/2018) 

Crossing 12 – view from left approach (3/20/2018) Crossing 13 – view of culvert inlet (3/20/2018) 
Crossing 14 – view of inlet structure (3/20/2018) Crossing 14 – view of culvert outlet (3/20/2018) 

Appendix I: Long Term Stewardship Documentation 

Unique Places
To save
October 22, 2018
Andrea Eckardt
Wildlands Engineering Inc,
1430 S. Mint St, Suite 104
Charlotte, NC
Dear Ms. Eckardt,
This letter is to confirm that Unique Places To Save, a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization located in North
Carolina is willing to act as the responsible party to accept funds from either performance/monitoring bonds
or casualty insurance and successfully complete the Yadkin Valley Umbrella Mitigation Bank - Dugger Creek
Mitigation Site ("Mitigation Project") in the event that Wildlands Engineering fails to perform or no longer
exists.
As the long-term easement holder and manager of the perpetual conservation easement associated with
the Mitigation Project, we are a logical consideration for this role.
We also understand that Unique Places To Save has the right and opportunity to review the bond/insurance
amount and level of responsibility and work to be completed on the Mitigation Project prior to accepting
the funds or completing any work on the Mitigation Project. After this review, Unique Places To Save has the
right to acceptor deny the funds and subsequent mitigation responsibilities.
This role in no way affects our ability to monitor, steward and legally defend the perpetual conservation
easement associated with the Mitigation Project.
Sincerely,
M
David Harper
Executive Director
Signed ( C
Date a a a v
PO Box 1183 • Chapel Hill, NC 27587-1183 • 585-472-9498 • [e-mail]