Robeson Creek TMDL and Watershed Assessment-319 Final Report
Restoration of Mountain Wetlands and Upper Yadkin Training Center
EPA 319 FINAL REPORT
Submitted by: NCSU Water Quality Group
January 31, 2005
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1.
INTRODUCTION..............................................................................................................................................1
2.
OBJECTIVES ....................................................................................................................................................2
3.
DELIVERABLES ..............................................................................................................................................2
4.
RESULTS ...........................................................................................................................................................3 4.1 MOUNTAIN WETLAND RESTORATION .........................................................................................................3 4.1.1 Monitoring .............................................................................................................................................3 4.1.2 Valle Crucis Wetland .............................................................................................................................4 4.1.3 Newland Wetland...................................................................................................................................5 4.1.4 Workshops .............................................................................................................................................7 4.2 UPPER YADKIN TRAINING CENTER .............................................................................................................7
APPENDIX I: WETLAND PHOTOS......................................................................................................................10 APPENDIX II: PRELIMINARY SCOPE FOR NEWLAND WETLAND ..........................................................15 APPENDIX III: PHOTOS FROM WORKSHOPS...............................................................................................17 APPENDIX IV: “ON THE MITCHELL” NEWSLETTERS...............................................................................22
i
Restoration of Mountain Wetlands and Upper Yadkin Training Center FINAL REPORT Submitted By: NCSU Water Quality Group Submitted to: NC Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Division of Water Quality under Contract EW02027
Funding: EPA 319(h) – 2001 Base Agency: North Carolina State University Funding: Federal: $200,000 Nonfederal: $133,335 Total: $333,335 Contract: EW02027 1 March 2002 to 31 January 2005 FAS No.: 5-21252 Project Contacts: Karen R. Hall, Dani Wise-Frederick, Jon Calabria, Laura A. Lombardo, Jean Spooner, Garry Grabow, Robert Evans, Brenda Rose NCSU Water Quality Group, Campus Box 7637, Raleigh, NC 27695-7637 (919)515-8242
1.
INTRODUCTION
Wetlands of the Southern Appalachians are significant ecological communities providing important habitat for a number of uncommon and threatened wetland plants and animals. Due primarily to their small size, degradation and alteration of mountain wetland ecosystems often goes overlooked. Under current state and federal laws, many of these wetlands do not meet minimum size requirements for regulation and may be drained and/or altered without a permit and without mitigation. Research has shown, however that these small wetlands can support viable populations of rare plant and animal species. Although the importance of these systems is documented from an ecological standpoint, restoration is often difficult since very little is known about the hydrology and water quality of mountain wetlands. This project was designed to restore two degraded small mountain wetlands in an effort to restore some of the functions of these systems, including enhanced habitat and improved water quality. These restoration sites also serve as educational sites to demonstrate the importance of these natural ecosystems. The Upper Yadkin Training Center was created to provide comprehensive non-point source educational programming to landowners, concerned citizens, natural resource managers, and public officials in Surry, Watauga, Wilkes, Iredell, Davie, Davidson, Rowan and Yadkin Counties. The Center’s goal was to provide hands-on training for interested parties through a series of workshops. Best Management Practices were demonstrated through the workshops. They included vegetated riparian buffers, streambank stabilization, natural channel design, livestock exclusion, watering systems, pasture management, agricultural and urban stormwater runoff management, erosion control, and habitat improvement.
1
2.
OBJECTIVES
The objectives of the mountain wetland restoration project were: 1) documenting the hydrologic functions and water quality of mountain wetlands; 2) developing methods to restore hydrologic, ecological, and water quality functions to degraded mountain wetlands; 3) developing methods to create riparian wetlands which can compensate for the loss of some wetland habitats; and 4) educating landowners about the importance of small mountain wetlands. The objectives of the Upper Yadkin Training Center were to host tours and workshops of effective BMP implementation practices of ecosystem enhancement and restoration sites throughout the Upper Yadkin Watershed for landowners, federal, state, and local government resource agencies, and environmental professionals.
3.
DELIVERABLES
Mountain Wetland • 1 demonstration restoration of a degraded natural wetland. • 1 demonstration creation of a riparian wetland system. • 2 educational workshops/tours for landowners focusing on the benefits of wetland systems in the agricultural landscape. • 3 years of hydrologic, ecological, and water quality monitoring data from supporting and degraded wetland sites. Upper Yadkin Training Center • Provide training for up to 40 individuals per workshop on select BMP practices chosen from the following list: Vegetated Riparian Buffers Streambank Stabilization Natural Channel Design Livestock Exclusion And Watering Systems Pasture Management Agricultural And Urban Stormwater Runoff Management Erosion Control •
Hold six one-day workshops for professional natural resource managers, landowners, and public officials
•
Hold one workshop for local public officials to assist in implementing effective watershed management strategies
•
Hold three tours of effective BMP implementation sites
2
4.
RESULTS
4.1
Mountain Wetland Restoration
Two sites were chosen for restoration: 1) floodplain/riparian wetlands adjacent to Dutch Creek in Valle Crucis, NC and 2) degraded mountain wetland in an urban setting in Newland, NC. Monitoring data from reference sites or sites that were fully supporting their hydrologic, ecological, and water quality functions as well as data from the potential restoration sites were used as a guide in restoring these wetlands. Reference sites included a small wetland adjacent to Basin Creek in Wilkes County, NC and small wetlands associated with the East Prong Roaring River, also in Wilkes County. Workshops were held at the sites to demonstrate the importance of restoring these ecosystems. Monitoring
4.1.1
Monitoring of both potential restoration sites as well as reference sites was an important component of this project. The Valle Crucis wetland site prior to construction had a long history of agricultural production, with the most recent being hay production. Locals stated that most of the area, located within the floodplain of Dutch Creek, stayed wet year round. Soil probing indicated hydric soils varying in depth throughout the entire project site. It was necessary to monitor ground water hydrology for a period of a year to determine if the site could feasibly be restored to a functioning wetland. In March 2002, 14 PVC manual groundwater monitoring wells were installed throughout the site to a depth of approximately 5 feet. Students from Appalachian State University collected ground water data on a weekly basis for a period of approximately one year (Figure 1). Rainfall data was also collected during this time period. Dutch Creek farm groundwater monitoring
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Figure 1. Groundwater monitoring results at Valle Crucis wetland site.
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Unlike the Valle Crucis wetland, ground water monitoring was deemed not necessary for the Newland wetland site. The majority of this small wetland was determined to be jurisdictional wetlands by the US Army Corps of Engineers and the NC Division of Water Quality during a site visit. Reference sites were chosen on location, accessibility, and permission to monitor. Basin Creek, located in Wilkes County, is located on Blue Ridge Parkway National Park lands. A small groundwater and seep-fed wetland approximately ½ acres in size was selected as a reference wetland. Two automatic groundwater monitoring devices were installed within the wetland in June 2003 and data was downloaded quarterly. Soil profiles were recorded and a plant survey was performed. Two wetlands located within the floodplain of the East Prong Roaring River in Wilkes County were selected for monitoring. As with the Basin Creek wetlands, automatic groundwater monitoring devices were also installed. These wetlands were associated with the restoration of the river and were being monitored as part of those restoration efforts. Soil profiles and plant communities were recorded for reference purposes. 4.1.2
Valle Crucis Wetland
During May 2001, NCSU, in conjunction with the Blue Ridge Resource Conservation and Development Council (RC&D) and funds from the Clean Water Management Trust Fund (CWMTF), performed a natural channel design restoration of Dutch Creek in Valle Crucis, Watauga County NC. Within the floodplain of the creek, much of the current land use included agricultural practices such as cattle production, organic farming, and hay production. The Valle Crucis Conference Center owns and leases several parcels of this land. A biological assessment of the Conference Center was completed in August 2001. The assessment consisted of a botanical, zoological, and natural community inventory for the property. It recommended management strategies for restoring and preserving natural areas as well as restoring historical wetland areas impacted by agricultural activities. One parcel in particular was noted for its numerous “wet pockets” and wetland vegetation (Figure 2). Locals stated that the entire area stayed wet year round. Further reconnaissance revealed varying microtopography altered by years of agricultural practices. The land prior to restoration was either mowed or hayed in higher areas. It was determined that this area was a potential candidate for a riparian wetland restoration. After installing groundwater monitoring wells and monitoring the site for approximately one year, the monitoring data collected from this site as well as the reference sites was used to reconstruct the wetland. A topographic survey of the entire area was completed and used for restoration. Again, through a collaboration of Blue Ridge RC&D and using funds from CWMTF and this EPA Section 319 grant, the Valle Crucis wetland was graded and reshaped in October 2003 (see photos Appendix I). Approximately 5,000 wetland plants and shrubs were installed in April 2004. An informational kiosk was installed on the site in January 2005 to provide information about the project and the importance of small mountain wetland systems.
4
Wetland Site
Figure 2. Valle Crucis wetland site.
4.1.3
Newland Wetland
In conjunction with Blue Ridge RC&D, a small riparian wetland, adjacent to Kentucky Creek, located in Newland, Avery County NC was identified for enhancement and restoration (Figure 3). A preliminary scope was completed in April 2004 (Appendix II). This wetland, approximately 1 ½ acres in size, is located in central Newland. It is border by Kentucky Creek to the west, a service road to the north, a small recreational field to the south, and a paved parking lot to the east. Though some wetland functions were occurring, this wetland had been degraded through the years by ditching portions of it and adding spoil to other areas. The entire wetland was predominately an alder shrub thicket and served in a flood storage capacity for Kentucky Creek. According to locals, the adjacent small field was historically a wetland similar to this one, however, was filled in and is currently being used as a recreational area for the Town of Newland. Soil probing confirmed the existence of hydric soils as well as appropriate hydrology to make this a jurisdictional wetland. A site visit in the summer of 2004 was made by personnel from the US Army Corps of Engineers and NC Division of Water Quality. The wetland was deemed jurisdictional and appropriate permits were obtained. It was agreed among NCSU staff and the regulatory personnel that the best course of action would be to enhance the southwestern
5
portion of the wetland by filling ditches, removing spoil, and planting native vegetation. The remaining portions of the wetland were to remain unaltered.
Wetland Site
Figure 3. Newland wetland site. In June 2004, a topographic survey was performed on the wetland site. A design was formulated and construction took place in January 2005 (see photos in Appendix I). The southwestern portion was graded to fill ditches and create small swales. All shrubs that were in the construction zone were carefully excavated and later reinstalled within the newly graded areas. A shrub border was also planted along the southern boundary where the recreational area was to prevent encroachment into the wetland. Because a portion of the wetland was bordered by a road and a parking lot, slight grading was made alongside these areas to allow uniform flow of surface water from the impervious areas into the wetland in order to treat stormwater runoff. An additional small strip alongside the eastern portion of the entire wetland had been maintained by the Town of Newland via mowing. The Town allowed NCSU to recover this small strip, thereby adding effective area to the wetland to treat stormwater. This area was planted and a shrub hedge of alders was installed along the perimeter to prevent encroachment. Planting consisted of approximately 400 wetland plants and shrubs which were installed immediately following construction. An additional effort to allow groundwater infiltration into the wetland and prevent overland flow was made during the wetland construction activities. In the recreational area, a large concrete
6
slab was to be created within approximately 15 feet of the wetland boundary. NCSU assisted the Town with the purchase and installation of impervious concrete for this pad. An informational kiosk was installed at the wetland site describing the importance of these wetland ecosystems as well as the management practices that had taken place to improve water quality in this particular wetland. 4.1.4
Workshops
In March 2003, a workshop entitled “Restoration of Small Mountain Riparian Wetlands” was held in Dobson, NC. The workshop was designed for environmental professionals who work in the restoration arena, as well as those who are interested in knowing more about wetland and habitat restoration such as landowners and educators. The objectives of the workshop were for the audience to gain an understanding of the importance of habitat in thee mountain wetland systems, learn the species that utilized them, discuss monitoring techniques, and learn about evolving case studies. In attendance were 20 individuals representing local, county, state, and federal governmental agencies, private firms, land conservancies, environmental organizations, and landowners. Alvin Braswell, Curator of Herpetology at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, presented information on floodplain pools and associated habitats in North Carolina. Dave Penrose of the NC Division of Water Quality led a presentation and discussion on regulatory perspectives of vernal pools and small wetlands. The classroom presentations were following by field trips to sites in Surry and Wilkes Counties. Photos of the workshop can be seen in Appendix III. In October 2003, a BMP tour for middle school students was held in Avery County. The group visited the Valle Crucis wetland restoration site and discussed wetland restoration techniques as well as explored the diverse wetland habitat onsite. Approximately 45 students participated in the tour.
4.2
Upper Yadkin Training Center
Tours and workshops of Best Management Practices (BMPs) of the Upper Yadkin were held during the 2002 to 2004 period. They included vegetated riparian buffers, streambank stabilization, natural channel design, livestock exclusion, watering systems, pasture management, agricultural and urban stormwater runoff management, erosion control, and habitat improvement. Pictures of these events are located in Appendix III. Further technological transfer of these practices was disseminated during the same time period through a series of newsletter entitled “On the Mitchell” (Appendix IV). These newsletters were made available to landowners, federal, state, and local government officials, and other interested parties. They contain valuable information regarding BMPs and restoration techniques. The following paragraphs are descriptions of the tours and workshops held during the aforementioned time period.
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Alternative Water Tour In July 2002, a tour was held in Surry County to demonstrate alternative watering systems for livestock farms. The tour showcased 4 different watering system facilities throughout the county, including a solar powered pump system. Attendees included 25 landowners. Riparian Buffer Tour In August 2002, a tour for landowners, federal, state, and local officials, and environmental professionals was held in Surry County. There were 40 participants included on the tour. The tour featured stream restoration sites focusing on revegetation techniques that enhance the buffer and protect water quality. Stream Restoration Tour A tour of Surry and Wilkes County streams restored through natural channel design was held in June 2004. Fifty participants toured 5 restored sites. Water quality improvements through stream restoration techniques were discussed. Benefits of revegetating riparian buffers were also an important topic. Stream Restoration and Riparian Buffer Workshop This workshop was held in May 2002 in Watauga County. The targeted audience was landowners in the County who were interested in preserving natural resources on their land. Wendy Patoprsty of the NCSU Water Quality Group led this one day workshop and field visit. Stream restoration techniques and conservation easements were the main topics of discussion. There were 20 attendees. Riparian Buffer Workshop: Understanding, Restoring, and Managing Riparian Vegetation In August 2002, a workshop designed for federal, state, and local environmental professionals as well as private industry and landowners desiring to learn more about the importance of riparian vegetation was held in Jonesville, NC. The goal of the workshop was to relay to the audience how riparian vegetation plays many different important roles within the stream and upland boundary known as the riparian buffer. The objectives were to teach the participants the need for vegetation in these buffers, determine what vegetation is needed to restore degraded buffers, and manage the vegetated buffers appropriately. Approximately 50 persons participated in the workshop. Robert Glennon, a natural resource planner for the US Fish and Wildlife Service, discussed streambank and shoreline stabilization techniques. Richard Bir, an extension specialist for the NC Cooperative Extension Service presented the topic of woody vegetation selection for riparian areas. Dr. Douglas Frederick, a professor in the Forestry Department at NC State University talked to the audience about forested riparian buffers and their functions, protection, and management. The workshop was followed by restoration site visits around Wilkes and Surry Counties.
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Riparian Buffers for Sustainable Agriculture Farmers A sustainable agriculture workshop was held in November 2002 in Watauga County in conjunction with the Carolina Farm Stewardship Association. The workshop was designed to target farmers interested in sustainable practices on their lands. Wendy Patoprsty of the NCSU Water Quality Group gave a presentation on the importance of riparian buffers along streams in agricultural areas. There were approximately 40 workshop participants. Protecting Mountain Resources: Stream Restoration, Stormwater Wetlands, and Erosion Control A two day workshop was held in Banner Elk, NC in April 2003. The workshop was designed for federal, state, and local environmental professionals as well as private industry and landowners interested in learning more about stream restoration, stormwater wetland, and erosion control techniques for mountain ecosystems. There were 50 participants included in both classroom and field sessions. Dr. William Hunt from the Biological and Agricultural Engineering (BAE) Department at NCSU gave a presentation on stormwater wetlands and their role in water quality in the mountain region. Dr. Richard McLaughlin of the Soil Science Department at NCSU talked about erosion control methods alongside streams and embankments. Dr. Greg Jennings from the BAE Department at NCSU discussed stream restoration techniques as applied in the mountains. Dani Wise of the NCSU Water Quality Group presented case studies of mountain wetland restorations throughout the area. The workshop was followed by restoration site visits around Watauga and Avery Counties. BMP Workshop In April 2004, a workshop and tour of BMP implementation sites was held in Watauga County. The audience consisted of Appalachian State University students and professors. The workshop was led by the NC Cooperative Extension Service. Classroom sessions presented information on BMP techniques. Following the presentations, site visits were held to BMP sites throughout the county. There were 38 participants. An Introduction to the Taxonomy and Ecology of EPT In November, 2004, a three-day workshop on the identification and habitat requirements of benthic macroinvertebrates of streams was held in Dobson, NC. Benthic macroinvertebrate larvae (aquatic insects) play key roles in many regulatory water quality programs in North Carolina. Not only are these insects used to detect water pollution problems, but are also used to determine if streams are perennial features, and are proposed for use in stream restoration projects as success criteria. Despite the value of this group of organisms in North Carolina’s regulatory programs, very little is known about these bugs. This workshop introduced to the participants the basic ecology, taxonomy, and habitat of aquatic insects in natural, degraded, and restored natural systems. Dave Penrose of the NCSU Water Quality Group led the workshop. Classroom presentations and hands on identification in the field were the primary components of the workshop. Site visits were held in Surry County.
A workshop for public officials was planned, but due to lack of interest and commitment by the officials the workshop was cancelled.
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APPENDIX I: Wetland Photos
10
Figure 1. Valle Crucis wetland pre-construction-2003.
Figure 2. Valle Crucis wetland after wells were installed.
11
Figure 3. Valle Crucis wetland during construction.
Figure 4. Valle Crucis wetland planting.
12
Figure 5. Valle Crucis wetland during growing season following planting.
Figure 6. Valle Crucis wetland post-construction-2004.
13
Figure 7. Newland wetland during construction-January 2004.
Figure 8. Newland wetland planting-January 2004.
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APPENDIX II: Preliminary Scope for Newland Wetland
15
North Toe River
Green area is the existing wetland where some transplanting will be done and native vegetation planted.
Kentucky Creek Stage
Education al Kiosk
Berms will be brought down in red area to allow sheet flow of stormwater through vegetation.
Ditch will be planted with native vegetation to increase habitat.
N Wetland Enhancement Project Newland, North Carolina
APPENDIX III: Photos from Workshops
17
Figure 1. Alternative water sources tour – July 2002.
Figure 2. Participants viewing solar pump – July 2002.
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Figure 3. Riparian buffer workshop participants- August 2002.
Figure 4. Riparian wetland workshop participants- March 2003.
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Figure 5. Riparian workshop demonstrations – March 2003.
Figure 6. BMP workshop for ASU students – April 2004.
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Figure 7. Stream restoration tour – June 2004.
Figure 8. Stream habitat workshop participants- November 2004.
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EPA 319 FINAL REPORT
Submitted by: NCSU Water Quality Group
January 31, 2005
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1.
INTRODUCTION..............................................................................................................................................1
2.
OBJECTIVES ....................................................................................................................................................2
3.
DELIVERABLES ..............................................................................................................................................2
4.
RESULTS ...........................................................................................................................................................3 4.1 MOUNTAIN WETLAND RESTORATION .........................................................................................................3 4.1.1 Monitoring .............................................................................................................................................3 4.1.2 Valle Crucis Wetland .............................................................................................................................4 4.1.3 Newland Wetland...................................................................................................................................5 4.1.4 Workshops .............................................................................................................................................7 4.2 UPPER YADKIN TRAINING CENTER .............................................................................................................7
APPENDIX I: WETLAND PHOTOS......................................................................................................................10 APPENDIX II: PRELIMINARY SCOPE FOR NEWLAND WETLAND ..........................................................15 APPENDIX III: PHOTOS FROM WORKSHOPS...............................................................................................17 APPENDIX IV: “ON THE MITCHELL” NEWSLETTERS...............................................................................22
i
Restoration of Mountain Wetlands and Upper Yadkin Training Center FINAL REPORT Submitted By: NCSU Water Quality Group Submitted to: NC Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Division of Water Quality under Contract EW02027
Funding: EPA 319(h) – 2001 Base Agency: North Carolina State University Funding: Federal: $200,000 Nonfederal: $133,335 Total: $333,335 Contract: EW02027 1 March 2002 to 31 January 2005 FAS No.: 5-21252 Project Contacts: Karen R. Hall, Dani Wise-Frederick, Jon Calabria, Laura A. Lombardo, Jean Spooner, Garry Grabow, Robert Evans, Brenda Rose NCSU Water Quality Group, Campus Box 7637, Raleigh, NC 27695-7637 (919)515-8242
1.
INTRODUCTION
Wetlands of the Southern Appalachians are significant ecological communities providing important habitat for a number of uncommon and threatened wetland plants and animals. Due primarily to their small size, degradation and alteration of mountain wetland ecosystems often goes overlooked. Under current state and federal laws, many of these wetlands do not meet minimum size requirements for regulation and may be drained and/or altered without a permit and without mitigation. Research has shown, however that these small wetlands can support viable populations of rare plant and animal species. Although the importance of these systems is documented from an ecological standpoint, restoration is often difficult since very little is known about the hydrology and water quality of mountain wetlands. This project was designed to restore two degraded small mountain wetlands in an effort to restore some of the functions of these systems, including enhanced habitat and improved water quality. These restoration sites also serve as educational sites to demonstrate the importance of these natural ecosystems. The Upper Yadkin Training Center was created to provide comprehensive non-point source educational programming to landowners, concerned citizens, natural resource managers, and public officials in Surry, Watauga, Wilkes, Iredell, Davie, Davidson, Rowan and Yadkin Counties. The Center’s goal was to provide hands-on training for interested parties through a series of workshops. Best Management Practices were demonstrated through the workshops. They included vegetated riparian buffers, streambank stabilization, natural channel design, livestock exclusion, watering systems, pasture management, agricultural and urban stormwater runoff management, erosion control, and habitat improvement.
1
2.
OBJECTIVES
The objectives of the mountain wetland restoration project were: 1) documenting the hydrologic functions and water quality of mountain wetlands; 2) developing methods to restore hydrologic, ecological, and water quality functions to degraded mountain wetlands; 3) developing methods to create riparian wetlands which can compensate for the loss of some wetland habitats; and 4) educating landowners about the importance of small mountain wetlands. The objectives of the Upper Yadkin Training Center were to host tours and workshops of effective BMP implementation practices of ecosystem enhancement and restoration sites throughout the Upper Yadkin Watershed for landowners, federal, state, and local government resource agencies, and environmental professionals.
3.
DELIVERABLES
Mountain Wetland • 1 demonstration restoration of a degraded natural wetland. • 1 demonstration creation of a riparian wetland system. • 2 educational workshops/tours for landowners focusing on the benefits of wetland systems in the agricultural landscape. • 3 years of hydrologic, ecological, and water quality monitoring data from supporting and degraded wetland sites. Upper Yadkin Training Center • Provide training for up to 40 individuals per workshop on select BMP practices chosen from the following list: Vegetated Riparian Buffers Streambank Stabilization Natural Channel Design Livestock Exclusion And Watering Systems Pasture Management Agricultural And Urban Stormwater Runoff Management Erosion Control •
Hold six one-day workshops for professional natural resource managers, landowners, and public officials
•
Hold one workshop for local public officials to assist in implementing effective watershed management strategies
•
Hold three tours of effective BMP implementation sites
2
4.
RESULTS
4.1
Mountain Wetland Restoration
Two sites were chosen for restoration: 1) floodplain/riparian wetlands adjacent to Dutch Creek in Valle Crucis, NC and 2) degraded mountain wetland in an urban setting in Newland, NC. Monitoring data from reference sites or sites that were fully supporting their hydrologic, ecological, and water quality functions as well as data from the potential restoration sites were used as a guide in restoring these wetlands. Reference sites included a small wetland adjacent to Basin Creek in Wilkes County, NC and small wetlands associated with the East Prong Roaring River, also in Wilkes County. Workshops were held at the sites to demonstrate the importance of restoring these ecosystems. Monitoring
4.1.1
Monitoring of both potential restoration sites as well as reference sites was an important component of this project. The Valle Crucis wetland site prior to construction had a long history of agricultural production, with the most recent being hay production. Locals stated that most of the area, located within the floodplain of Dutch Creek, stayed wet year round. Soil probing indicated hydric soils varying in depth throughout the entire project site. It was necessary to monitor ground water hydrology for a period of a year to determine if the site could feasibly be restored to a functioning wetland. In March 2002, 14 PVC manual groundwater monitoring wells were installed throughout the site to a depth of approximately 5 feet. Students from Appalachian State University collected ground water data on a weekly basis for a period of approximately one year (Figure 1). Rainfall data was also collected during this time period. Dutch Creek farm groundwater monitoring
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Figure 1. Groundwater monitoring results at Valle Crucis wetland site.
3
Unlike the Valle Crucis wetland, ground water monitoring was deemed not necessary for the Newland wetland site. The majority of this small wetland was determined to be jurisdictional wetlands by the US Army Corps of Engineers and the NC Division of Water Quality during a site visit. Reference sites were chosen on location, accessibility, and permission to monitor. Basin Creek, located in Wilkes County, is located on Blue Ridge Parkway National Park lands. A small groundwater and seep-fed wetland approximately ½ acres in size was selected as a reference wetland. Two automatic groundwater monitoring devices were installed within the wetland in June 2003 and data was downloaded quarterly. Soil profiles were recorded and a plant survey was performed. Two wetlands located within the floodplain of the East Prong Roaring River in Wilkes County were selected for monitoring. As with the Basin Creek wetlands, automatic groundwater monitoring devices were also installed. These wetlands were associated with the restoration of the river and were being monitored as part of those restoration efforts. Soil profiles and plant communities were recorded for reference purposes. 4.1.2
Valle Crucis Wetland
During May 2001, NCSU, in conjunction with the Blue Ridge Resource Conservation and Development Council (RC&D) and funds from the Clean Water Management Trust Fund (CWMTF), performed a natural channel design restoration of Dutch Creek in Valle Crucis, Watauga County NC. Within the floodplain of the creek, much of the current land use included agricultural practices such as cattle production, organic farming, and hay production. The Valle Crucis Conference Center owns and leases several parcels of this land. A biological assessment of the Conference Center was completed in August 2001. The assessment consisted of a botanical, zoological, and natural community inventory for the property. It recommended management strategies for restoring and preserving natural areas as well as restoring historical wetland areas impacted by agricultural activities. One parcel in particular was noted for its numerous “wet pockets” and wetland vegetation (Figure 2). Locals stated that the entire area stayed wet year round. Further reconnaissance revealed varying microtopography altered by years of agricultural practices. The land prior to restoration was either mowed or hayed in higher areas. It was determined that this area was a potential candidate for a riparian wetland restoration. After installing groundwater monitoring wells and monitoring the site for approximately one year, the monitoring data collected from this site as well as the reference sites was used to reconstruct the wetland. A topographic survey of the entire area was completed and used for restoration. Again, through a collaboration of Blue Ridge RC&D and using funds from CWMTF and this EPA Section 319 grant, the Valle Crucis wetland was graded and reshaped in October 2003 (see photos Appendix I). Approximately 5,000 wetland plants and shrubs were installed in April 2004. An informational kiosk was installed on the site in January 2005 to provide information about the project and the importance of small mountain wetland systems.
4
Wetland Site
Figure 2. Valle Crucis wetland site.
4.1.3
Newland Wetland
In conjunction with Blue Ridge RC&D, a small riparian wetland, adjacent to Kentucky Creek, located in Newland, Avery County NC was identified for enhancement and restoration (Figure 3). A preliminary scope was completed in April 2004 (Appendix II). This wetland, approximately 1 ½ acres in size, is located in central Newland. It is border by Kentucky Creek to the west, a service road to the north, a small recreational field to the south, and a paved parking lot to the east. Though some wetland functions were occurring, this wetland had been degraded through the years by ditching portions of it and adding spoil to other areas. The entire wetland was predominately an alder shrub thicket and served in a flood storage capacity for Kentucky Creek. According to locals, the adjacent small field was historically a wetland similar to this one, however, was filled in and is currently being used as a recreational area for the Town of Newland. Soil probing confirmed the existence of hydric soils as well as appropriate hydrology to make this a jurisdictional wetland. A site visit in the summer of 2004 was made by personnel from the US Army Corps of Engineers and NC Division of Water Quality. The wetland was deemed jurisdictional and appropriate permits were obtained. It was agreed among NCSU staff and the regulatory personnel that the best course of action would be to enhance the southwestern
5
portion of the wetland by filling ditches, removing spoil, and planting native vegetation. The remaining portions of the wetland were to remain unaltered.
Wetland Site
Figure 3. Newland wetland site. In June 2004, a topographic survey was performed on the wetland site. A design was formulated and construction took place in January 2005 (see photos in Appendix I). The southwestern portion was graded to fill ditches and create small swales. All shrubs that were in the construction zone were carefully excavated and later reinstalled within the newly graded areas. A shrub border was also planted along the southern boundary where the recreational area was to prevent encroachment into the wetland. Because a portion of the wetland was bordered by a road and a parking lot, slight grading was made alongside these areas to allow uniform flow of surface water from the impervious areas into the wetland in order to treat stormwater runoff. An additional small strip alongside the eastern portion of the entire wetland had been maintained by the Town of Newland via mowing. The Town allowed NCSU to recover this small strip, thereby adding effective area to the wetland to treat stormwater. This area was planted and a shrub hedge of alders was installed along the perimeter to prevent encroachment. Planting consisted of approximately 400 wetland plants and shrubs which were installed immediately following construction. An additional effort to allow groundwater infiltration into the wetland and prevent overland flow was made during the wetland construction activities. In the recreational area, a large concrete
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slab was to be created within approximately 15 feet of the wetland boundary. NCSU assisted the Town with the purchase and installation of impervious concrete for this pad. An informational kiosk was installed at the wetland site describing the importance of these wetland ecosystems as well as the management practices that had taken place to improve water quality in this particular wetland. 4.1.4
Workshops
In March 2003, a workshop entitled “Restoration of Small Mountain Riparian Wetlands” was held in Dobson, NC. The workshop was designed for environmental professionals who work in the restoration arena, as well as those who are interested in knowing more about wetland and habitat restoration such as landowners and educators. The objectives of the workshop were for the audience to gain an understanding of the importance of habitat in thee mountain wetland systems, learn the species that utilized them, discuss monitoring techniques, and learn about evolving case studies. In attendance were 20 individuals representing local, county, state, and federal governmental agencies, private firms, land conservancies, environmental organizations, and landowners. Alvin Braswell, Curator of Herpetology at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, presented information on floodplain pools and associated habitats in North Carolina. Dave Penrose of the NC Division of Water Quality led a presentation and discussion on regulatory perspectives of vernal pools and small wetlands. The classroom presentations were following by field trips to sites in Surry and Wilkes Counties. Photos of the workshop can be seen in Appendix III. In October 2003, a BMP tour for middle school students was held in Avery County. The group visited the Valle Crucis wetland restoration site and discussed wetland restoration techniques as well as explored the diverse wetland habitat onsite. Approximately 45 students participated in the tour.
4.2
Upper Yadkin Training Center
Tours and workshops of Best Management Practices (BMPs) of the Upper Yadkin were held during the 2002 to 2004 period. They included vegetated riparian buffers, streambank stabilization, natural channel design, livestock exclusion, watering systems, pasture management, agricultural and urban stormwater runoff management, erosion control, and habitat improvement. Pictures of these events are located in Appendix III. Further technological transfer of these practices was disseminated during the same time period through a series of newsletter entitled “On the Mitchell” (Appendix IV). These newsletters were made available to landowners, federal, state, and local government officials, and other interested parties. They contain valuable information regarding BMPs and restoration techniques. The following paragraphs are descriptions of the tours and workshops held during the aforementioned time period.
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Alternative Water Tour In July 2002, a tour was held in Surry County to demonstrate alternative watering systems for livestock farms. The tour showcased 4 different watering system facilities throughout the county, including a solar powered pump system. Attendees included 25 landowners. Riparian Buffer Tour In August 2002, a tour for landowners, federal, state, and local officials, and environmental professionals was held in Surry County. There were 40 participants included on the tour. The tour featured stream restoration sites focusing on revegetation techniques that enhance the buffer and protect water quality. Stream Restoration Tour A tour of Surry and Wilkes County streams restored through natural channel design was held in June 2004. Fifty participants toured 5 restored sites. Water quality improvements through stream restoration techniques were discussed. Benefits of revegetating riparian buffers were also an important topic. Stream Restoration and Riparian Buffer Workshop This workshop was held in May 2002 in Watauga County. The targeted audience was landowners in the County who were interested in preserving natural resources on their land. Wendy Patoprsty of the NCSU Water Quality Group led this one day workshop and field visit. Stream restoration techniques and conservation easements were the main topics of discussion. There were 20 attendees. Riparian Buffer Workshop: Understanding, Restoring, and Managing Riparian Vegetation In August 2002, a workshop designed for federal, state, and local environmental professionals as well as private industry and landowners desiring to learn more about the importance of riparian vegetation was held in Jonesville, NC. The goal of the workshop was to relay to the audience how riparian vegetation plays many different important roles within the stream and upland boundary known as the riparian buffer. The objectives were to teach the participants the need for vegetation in these buffers, determine what vegetation is needed to restore degraded buffers, and manage the vegetated buffers appropriately. Approximately 50 persons participated in the workshop. Robert Glennon, a natural resource planner for the US Fish and Wildlife Service, discussed streambank and shoreline stabilization techniques. Richard Bir, an extension specialist for the NC Cooperative Extension Service presented the topic of woody vegetation selection for riparian areas. Dr. Douglas Frederick, a professor in the Forestry Department at NC State University talked to the audience about forested riparian buffers and their functions, protection, and management. The workshop was followed by restoration site visits around Wilkes and Surry Counties.
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Riparian Buffers for Sustainable Agriculture Farmers A sustainable agriculture workshop was held in November 2002 in Watauga County in conjunction with the Carolina Farm Stewardship Association. The workshop was designed to target farmers interested in sustainable practices on their lands. Wendy Patoprsty of the NCSU Water Quality Group gave a presentation on the importance of riparian buffers along streams in agricultural areas. There were approximately 40 workshop participants. Protecting Mountain Resources: Stream Restoration, Stormwater Wetlands, and Erosion Control A two day workshop was held in Banner Elk, NC in April 2003. The workshop was designed for federal, state, and local environmental professionals as well as private industry and landowners interested in learning more about stream restoration, stormwater wetland, and erosion control techniques for mountain ecosystems. There were 50 participants included in both classroom and field sessions. Dr. William Hunt from the Biological and Agricultural Engineering (BAE) Department at NCSU gave a presentation on stormwater wetlands and their role in water quality in the mountain region. Dr. Richard McLaughlin of the Soil Science Department at NCSU talked about erosion control methods alongside streams and embankments. Dr. Greg Jennings from the BAE Department at NCSU discussed stream restoration techniques as applied in the mountains. Dani Wise of the NCSU Water Quality Group presented case studies of mountain wetland restorations throughout the area. The workshop was followed by restoration site visits around Watauga and Avery Counties. BMP Workshop In April 2004, a workshop and tour of BMP implementation sites was held in Watauga County. The audience consisted of Appalachian State University students and professors. The workshop was led by the NC Cooperative Extension Service. Classroom sessions presented information on BMP techniques. Following the presentations, site visits were held to BMP sites throughout the county. There were 38 participants. An Introduction to the Taxonomy and Ecology of EPT In November, 2004, a three-day workshop on the identification and habitat requirements of benthic macroinvertebrates of streams was held in Dobson, NC. Benthic macroinvertebrate larvae (aquatic insects) play key roles in many regulatory water quality programs in North Carolina. Not only are these insects used to detect water pollution problems, but are also used to determine if streams are perennial features, and are proposed for use in stream restoration projects as success criteria. Despite the value of this group of organisms in North Carolina’s regulatory programs, very little is known about these bugs. This workshop introduced to the participants the basic ecology, taxonomy, and habitat of aquatic insects in natural, degraded, and restored natural systems. Dave Penrose of the NCSU Water Quality Group led the workshop. Classroom presentations and hands on identification in the field were the primary components of the workshop. Site visits were held in Surry County.
A workshop for public officials was planned, but due to lack of interest and commitment by the officials the workshop was cancelled.
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APPENDIX I: Wetland Photos
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Figure 1. Valle Crucis wetland pre-construction-2003.
Figure 2. Valle Crucis wetland after wells were installed.
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Figure 3. Valle Crucis wetland during construction.
Figure 4. Valle Crucis wetland planting.
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Figure 5. Valle Crucis wetland during growing season following planting.
Figure 6. Valle Crucis wetland post-construction-2004.
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Figure 7. Newland wetland during construction-January 2004.
Figure 8. Newland wetland planting-January 2004.
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APPENDIX II: Preliminary Scope for Newland Wetland
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North Toe River
Green area is the existing wetland where some transplanting will be done and native vegetation planted.
Kentucky Creek Stage
Education al Kiosk
Berms will be brought down in red area to allow sheet flow of stormwater through vegetation.
Ditch will be planted with native vegetation to increase habitat.
N Wetland Enhancement Project Newland, North Carolina
APPENDIX III: Photos from Workshops
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Figure 1. Alternative water sources tour – July 2002.
Figure 2. Participants viewing solar pump – July 2002.
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Figure 3. Riparian buffer workshop participants- August 2002.
Figure 4. Riparian wetland workshop participants- March 2003.
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Figure 5. Riparian workshop demonstrations – March 2003.
Figure 6. BMP workshop for ASU students – April 2004.
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Figure 7. Stream restoration tour – June 2004.
Figure 8. Stream habitat workshop participants- November 2004.
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