20091014 Ver 1_WRC Comments_20091006

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OCT ?9&90%qgl
6 2009
DENR . WATER QUALITY
'TIANDS AND STORMWATER BRANCH
0 North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission P
Gordon Myers, Executive Director
MEMORANDUM
TO: Montie Matthews, USACOE
Raleigh Regulatory Field Office
FROM: Ron Linville, Regional Coordinator
Habitat Conservation Program
DATE: September 23, 2009
SUBJECT: Lowe/Nichols Stream Restoration Project, Little Fisher River (C-Trout, Hatchery Supported) and
Unnamed Tributary thereof, Surry County
The applicant proposes to restore natural channel conditions to a segment of the Little River. Biologists with the
North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) are familiar with habitat values in the area. These
comments are provided in accordance with the provisions of the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act (48 Stat. 401,
as amended; 16 U.S.C. 661-667d) and the North Carolina Environmental Policy Act (G.S. 113A-1 through 113A-
10; NCAC 25).
The project includes reduction of erosion and sedimentation, improved stream pattern and profile, increased aquatic
habitats plus the provision of vegetated buffers to benefit stability, pollutant removal and riparian zone habitats.
Approximately 1400 linear feet of stream will be restored. Wild trout and listed species are not indicated.
Based on our review of the project area, we will not object to the project providing the following recommendations
are followed:
Sediment and erosion control measures should adhere to the design standards for sensitive watersheds
(15A NCAC 4B .0124) due to the NC Division of Water Quality stream classification.
To the extent possible, heavy equipment should be operated from the bank rather than in the stream
channel in order to minimize sedimentation and reduce petroleum pollutant issues.
Only autochthonous (native) plant species should be used for the project. Annual agricultural plants
such as oats, wheat, or barley can be used for temporary stabilization. Restored streams and
streambanks should be planted with autochthonous (native) plants like silky dogwood, paw paw, red
maple, silky willow, tag alder, black willow, sycamore, river. birch, or other native woody species.
Natural fiber matting is recommended over plastic matting that can impinge and entrap small animals.
Maximum available undisturbed forested buffers should be provided and permanently protected. We
routinely recommend 50' intermittent and 100' perennial stream buffers for maximum habitat benefits
where no listed aquatic species are indicated. These widths double where listed species are indicated.
Thank you for the opportunity to review and comment on this project during the early planning stages. If you have
any questions regarding these comments, please contact me at 336-769-9453.
E-copy: Sue Homewood, DWQ-WSRO
Mailing Address: Division of Inland Fisheries - 1721 Mail Service Center - Kaleigh, NU 11099-1 111
Telephone: [phone] - Fax: [phone]