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Trout Cove Branch and Tributary Stream Restoration NCEEP Project Number: 388 Monitoring Year 4 2008 Final Report
Submitted to North Carolina Ecosystem Enhancement Program North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources May 2009
1619 Mail Service Center Raleigh, NC 27699
Trout Cove Branch and Tributary Stream Restoration 2008 Monitoring Report (MY 4) Table of Contents 1.0
Executive Summary / Project Abstract
Page 1
2.0
Project Background 2.1 Project Objectives 2.2 Project Structure, Restoration Type, and Approach 2.3 Location and Setting 2.4 Project History and Background 2.5 Monitoring Plan View
Page 2 Page 2 Page 2 Page 3 Page 5 Page 7
3.0
Project Condition and Monitoring Results 3.1 Vegetation Assessment 3.1.1 Vegetation Problem Areas 3.1.2 Vegetation Problem Area Plan View 3.2 Stream Assessment 3.2.1 Morphometric Criteria 3.2.2 Hydrologic Criteria 3.2.3 Bank Stability Assessments 3.2.4 Current Condition Plan View 3.2.5 Stream Problem Areas 3.2.6 Numbered Issue Photos 3.2.7 Fixed Station Photos 3.2.8 Stream Stability Assessment 3.2.9 Quantitative Measures Summary 3.3 Wetland Assessment
Page 9 Page 9 Page 9 Page 10 Page 10 Page 10 Page 11 Page 11 Page 11 Page 11 Page 11 Page 11 Page 11 Page 12 Page 22
4.0
Methodology
Page 23
5.0
References
Page 24 Figures
Figure 1. Vicinity Map Figure 2. Monitoring Plan View
Page 4 Page 8
i
Tables Table 1a. Project Components Table 1b. Component Summations Table 2. Project Activity and Reporting History Table 3. Project Contacts Table 4. Project Background Table 5. Verification of Bankfull Events Table 6. Categorical Stream Feature Visual Stability Assessment Table 7. Baseline Morphology and Hydraulic Monitoring Summary Table 8. Morphology and Hydraulic Monitoring Summary Appendices Appendix A. Appendix B. Appendix C. Appendix D.
Vegetation Data Geomorphologic Data Wetland Data Integrated Current Condition Plan View
ii
Page 2 Page 3 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 - 15 Page 16 - 21
1.0 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY / PROJECT ABSTRACT The Trout Cove Branch and Tributary Stream Restoration Site are located in Clay County, North Carolina within the Hiwassee River Basin. The stream was designed and implemented under a North Carolina Clean Water Management Trust Fund (CWMTF) grant in June of 2002. Funds were transferred from the North Carolina Ecosystem Enhancement Program (NCEEP) to the CWMTF in 2004 and the project was first monitored by NCEEP in 2005 to service mitigation needs in the cataloging unit (CU). Based on available data, the actual restored length is approximately 3,120 linear feet for Trout Cove Branch and 888 linear feet for the unnamed tributary. As this was a CWMTF project of that time period, the designer did not resurvey the profile after construction and therefore a geomorphological as-built was not produced. The first geomorphological measurement point was generated in 2005 after transfer to NCEEP, with 2008 representing Monitoring Year 4 (MY 4). Geomorphology and vegetation data collected in 2008 were repeated for those monitoring locations established in 2005. Two additional longitudinal profile monitoring reaches were established in 2008. Additionally, based on 2008 visual observations and data some cross section classification types (riffles and pools) were reclassified in MY 4 as compared to nomenclature utilized in previous monitoring reports. Based on the available data, stream profiles have remained relatively stable between monitoring years. The two main issues on the project mainstem had to do with pool aggradation and structural piping. All other metrics indicated performance percentages averaging between 93 and 100%. The extent of pool aggradation is likely the result of historic low flows preventing pool scour and sediment transport. Approximately half the structures surveyed had some level of piping, but the visual observations and the profile indicate no significant or systemic loss of grade. While two aforementioned stability or structural parameters appear to have shifted substantially between MY 3 and MY 4, field observations and discussion with NCEEP made it apparent that these differences may have been more an artifact of data compilation discrepancies in prior submissions and differences in visual thresholds between performers as opposed to a sudden shift in project performance variables. The MY 4 vegetation monitoring indicates that the project meets the established criteria for planted stem density, which is a minimum survival of 320 stems per acre at the end of Year 3 of the monitoring period. Average stem density for planted stems in MY 4 is approximately 428 stems per acre. However, when planted and natural stems are combined, the average stem density is 775 stems per acre, which is well above the minimum established criteria. While there were differences in data collection methodologies between years, the MY 4 indicates a 31% increase in total stem density since MY 3. Vegetation problem areas consist of bare bench and floodplain areas as well as isolated invasive/exotic species throughout the easement area. While the stem densities and vigor are good, the site does exhibit a few, small isolated bare bench areas and also has approximately 10 currently isolated patches of high threat invasive plant species that span the project extent.
Trout Cove Branch Final Project No. 388 Monitoring Year 4 of 5
1
Equinox Environmental Consultation and Design, Inc. May 2009
2.0 PROJECT BACKGROUND 2.1 Project Objectives
Project objectives were not explicitly stated in a mitigation plan since the original funding sources and monitoring requirements were not established by the NCEEP for the Trout Cove Branch and Tributary restoration project. NCEEP will attempt to acquire a plan document from the Natural Resource Conservation Services or CWMTF that delineates the project objectives. If documentation is acquired, project objectives will be included in next year’s report.
2.2 Project Structure, Restoration Type, and Approach
Prior to restoration, both Trout Cove Branch and the unnamed tributary had been impacted by past land uses including grazing, mowing, channelization, and other maintenance activities (HRWC). Stream reaches lacked riparian corridors and exhibited severe bank erosion with stream bank heights ranging from 1 to 6 feet. The streams were classified as unstable B5 stream types. Soil loss for Trout Cove Branch was estimated at 170 tons per year prior to restoration. Stream restoration methods were based on natural channel design methodologies as proposed by Rosgen (1996). The approach included channel realignment to restore pattern, dimension, and profile in keeping with a reference condition. It also included installation of rock vanes and root wads for the vertical and lateral stability in this B type step pool channel. The completed restoration included approximately 4,008 linear feet of stream restoration and associated riparian re-vegetation (Table 1a & 1b). Table 1a. Project Components Trout Cove Branch / Project No. 388 Project Footage Existing Restoration Buffer Approach or Stationing BMP Elements Component or Feet Level Acres Reach ID Acreage Reach I
-
R
-
3,120 lf
0+00 - 31+20
Reach II -Trib
-
R
-
888 lf
0+00 - 08+88
8.6
Comment Included riparian revegetation Included riparian revegetation
- Information unavailable.
Trout Cove Branch Final Project No. 388 Monitoring Year 4 of 5
2
Equinox Environmental Consultation and Design, Inc. May 2009
Restoration Level
Stream (lf)
Table 1b. Component Summations Trout Cove Branch / Project No. 388 NonRiparian Wetland Upland Ripar (Ac) (Ac) (Ac)
BMP
8.6
0
NonRiverine
Riverine Restoration Enhancement Enhancement I Enhancement II Creation Preservation
Buffer (Ac)
4,008
HQ Preservation 0 Totals Non-Applicable
4,008
0 0
0
0
2.3 Location and Setting
Trout Cove Branch and the unnamed tributary are located in Clay County, North Carolina within the Hiwassee River Basin. The project is located within Cataloging Unit (USGS 8-digit Hydrologic Unit) 06020002 and the NCDWQ sub-basin 04-05-01. The project site is located between the communities of Warne and Brasstown approximately 7 miles southeast of Murphy, North Carolina (Figure 1). The headwaters of Trout Cove Branch and the unnamed tributary originate primarily northwest of the project site. The drainage area for Trout Cove Branch is 0.45 square-miles and consists of a mix of pasture, forest, and low-density development. The unnamed tributary has a drainage area of 0.09 square-miles with current land use including pasture and forest.
Trout Cove Branch Final Project No. 388 Monitoring Year 4 of 5
3
Equinox Environmental Consultation and Design, Inc. May 2009
C
d yR ra
M
c
Unnamed Tributary
Trout Cove Branch
d ve R Tr o u t C o
Old 64
N TE
EE SS E N
SWAIN COUNTY GRAHAM COUNTY
Trout Cove Branch Restoration Site CHEROKEE COUNTY
Figure 1 - Vicinity Map JACKSON COUNTY
MACON COUNTY
CLAY COUNTY
GEO RGIA
Directions: From I-40, take US-74 West. Turn left onto NC-141 South. Turn left onto US-64 and turn right onto Old US-64 West. Continue through the Town of Brasstown and turn left onto Trout Cove Rd. Turn right onto McCray Rd. The site is located on the right.
Trout Cove Branch & Tributary Restoration Site Project No. 388 0
Clay County, North Carolina May 2009
500 1,000
2,000
3,000 Feet
7.5 Minute Series Peachtree Quadrangle
2.4 Project History and Background
Trout Cove Branch was originally completed in 2002 as a CWMTF project. In 2004, NCEEP purchased the project to apply towards mitigation needs in the Hiwassee River Basin. Initial data collection efforts occurred in 2005 (MY 1) by the Biological and Agricultural Engineering Department at North Carolina State University with 2008 representing MY 4 of 5. The project activity and reporting history from 2001 to 2008 are presented in Table 2. Project personnel and contact information for the design and monitoring components are presented in Table 3. Table 4 presents background information for the project site and the reference sites utilized for design. Table 2. Project Activity and Reporting History Trout Cove Branch / Project No. 388 Data Collection Complete Activity or Report Restoration Plan Final Design - 90% Permitting N/A Construction N/A Temporary S&E Mix Applied to Project Area N/A Live Stakes and Bare Root Trees Planted N/A Project Completion N/A Baseline / Year 1 Monitoring 2005 Year 2 Monitoring Nov 2006 Year 3 Monitoring Nov 2007 Year 4 Monitoring Nov 2008 Year 5 Monitoring
Actual Completion or Delivery 2001 Jan 2002 May 2002 2006 Jan 2007 March 2008 May 2009
- Information unavailable. N/A - Item does not apply.
Trout Cove Branch Final Project No. 388 Monitoring Year 4 of 5
5
Equinox Environmental Consultation and Design, Inc. May 2009
Designer
Table 3. Project Contacts Trout Cove Branch / Project No. 388
Primary Project Design POC
Construction Contractor Primary Project Design POC
Planting Contractor Planting Contractor POC
ARCADIS G&M
Unknown C & H Services
Unknown Unknown
Seeding Contractor
Unknown Unknown
Seeding Contractor POC Seed Mix Sources
Unknown Unknown
Nursery Stock Suppliers
Unknown
Monitoring Performers (Y1) - 2005
North Carolina State University
Stream Monitoring POC Vegetation Monitoring POC
Unknown Unknown
Monitoring Performers (Y2) - 2006
Soil & Environmental Consultants, PA
Stream Monitoring POC Vegetation Monitoring POC
Monitoring Performers (Y3) - 2007
11010 Raven Ridge Road Raleigh, NC 26714 Jessica Regan (919) 846-5900 Jessica Regan (919) 846-5900 Soil & Environmental Consultants, PA
Monitoring Performers (Y4) - 2008
11010 Raven Ridge Road Raleigh, NC 26714 Jessica Regan (919) 846-5900 Jessica Regan (919) 846-5900 Equinox Environmental Consultation & Design, Inc.
Stream Monitoring POC Vegetation Monitoring POC
37 Haywood Street, Suite 100 Asheville, North Carolina 28801 Steve Melton (828) 253-6856 Sarah Marcinko (828) 253-6856
Stream Monitoring POC Vegetation Monitoring POC
Monitoring Performers (Y5) - 2009 Stream Monitoring POC Vegetation Monitoring POC Unknown - Information was unknown at time of report submittal.
Trout Cove Branch Final Project No. 388 Monitoring Year 4 of 5
6
Equinox Environmental Consultation and Design, Inc. May 2009
Table 4. Project Background Trout Cove Branch / Project No. 388 Project County Clay Trout Cove Branch - 0.453 square miles Drainage Area Unnamed Tributary - 0.094 square miles Trout Cove Branch
Submitted to North Carolina Ecosystem Enhancement Program North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources May 2009
1619 Mail Service Center Raleigh, NC 27699
Trout Cove Branch and Tributary Stream Restoration 2008 Monitoring Report (MY 4) Table of Contents 1.0
Executive Summary / Project Abstract
Page 1
2.0
Project Background 2.1 Project Objectives 2.2 Project Structure, Restoration Type, and Approach 2.3 Location and Setting 2.4 Project History and Background 2.5 Monitoring Plan View
Page 2 Page 2 Page 2 Page 3 Page 5 Page 7
3.0
Project Condition and Monitoring Results 3.1 Vegetation Assessment 3.1.1 Vegetation Problem Areas 3.1.2 Vegetation Problem Area Plan View 3.2 Stream Assessment 3.2.1 Morphometric Criteria 3.2.2 Hydrologic Criteria 3.2.3 Bank Stability Assessments 3.2.4 Current Condition Plan View 3.2.5 Stream Problem Areas 3.2.6 Numbered Issue Photos 3.2.7 Fixed Station Photos 3.2.8 Stream Stability Assessment 3.2.9 Quantitative Measures Summary 3.3 Wetland Assessment
Page 9 Page 9 Page 9 Page 10 Page 10 Page 10 Page 11 Page 11 Page 11 Page 11 Page 11 Page 11 Page 11 Page 12 Page 22
4.0
Methodology
Page 23
5.0
References
Page 24 Figures
Figure 1. Vicinity Map Figure 2. Monitoring Plan View
Page 4 Page 8
i
Tables Table 1a. Project Components Table 1b. Component Summations Table 2. Project Activity and Reporting History Table 3. Project Contacts Table 4. Project Background Table 5. Verification of Bankfull Events Table 6. Categorical Stream Feature Visual Stability Assessment Table 7. Baseline Morphology and Hydraulic Monitoring Summary Table 8. Morphology and Hydraulic Monitoring Summary Appendices Appendix A. Appendix B. Appendix C. Appendix D.
Vegetation Data Geomorphologic Data Wetland Data Integrated Current Condition Plan View
ii
Page 2 Page 3 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 - 15 Page 16 - 21
1.0 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY / PROJECT ABSTRACT The Trout Cove Branch and Tributary Stream Restoration Site are located in Clay County, North Carolina within the Hiwassee River Basin. The stream was designed and implemented under a North Carolina Clean Water Management Trust Fund (CWMTF) grant in June of 2002. Funds were transferred from the North Carolina Ecosystem Enhancement Program (NCEEP) to the CWMTF in 2004 and the project was first monitored by NCEEP in 2005 to service mitigation needs in the cataloging unit (CU). Based on available data, the actual restored length is approximately 3,120 linear feet for Trout Cove Branch and 888 linear feet for the unnamed tributary. As this was a CWMTF project of that time period, the designer did not resurvey the profile after construction and therefore a geomorphological as-built was not produced. The first geomorphological measurement point was generated in 2005 after transfer to NCEEP, with 2008 representing Monitoring Year 4 (MY 4). Geomorphology and vegetation data collected in 2008 were repeated for those monitoring locations established in 2005. Two additional longitudinal profile monitoring reaches were established in 2008. Additionally, based on 2008 visual observations and data some cross section classification types (riffles and pools) were reclassified in MY 4 as compared to nomenclature utilized in previous monitoring reports. Based on the available data, stream profiles have remained relatively stable between monitoring years. The two main issues on the project mainstem had to do with pool aggradation and structural piping. All other metrics indicated performance percentages averaging between 93 and 100%. The extent of pool aggradation is likely the result of historic low flows preventing pool scour and sediment transport. Approximately half the structures surveyed had some level of piping, but the visual observations and the profile indicate no significant or systemic loss of grade. While two aforementioned stability or structural parameters appear to have shifted substantially between MY 3 and MY 4, field observations and discussion with NCEEP made it apparent that these differences may have been more an artifact of data compilation discrepancies in prior submissions and differences in visual thresholds between performers as opposed to a sudden shift in project performance variables. The MY 4 vegetation monitoring indicates that the project meets the established criteria for planted stem density, which is a minimum survival of 320 stems per acre at the end of Year 3 of the monitoring period. Average stem density for planted stems in MY 4 is approximately 428 stems per acre. However, when planted and natural stems are combined, the average stem density is 775 stems per acre, which is well above the minimum established criteria. While there were differences in data collection methodologies between years, the MY 4 indicates a 31% increase in total stem density since MY 3. Vegetation problem areas consist of bare bench and floodplain areas as well as isolated invasive/exotic species throughout the easement area. While the stem densities and vigor are good, the site does exhibit a few, small isolated bare bench areas and also has approximately 10 currently isolated patches of high threat invasive plant species that span the project extent.
Trout Cove Branch Final Project No. 388 Monitoring Year 4 of 5
1
Equinox Environmental Consultation and Design, Inc. May 2009
2.0 PROJECT BACKGROUND 2.1 Project Objectives
Project objectives were not explicitly stated in a mitigation plan since the original funding sources and monitoring requirements were not established by the NCEEP for the Trout Cove Branch and Tributary restoration project. NCEEP will attempt to acquire a plan document from the Natural Resource Conservation Services or CWMTF that delineates the project objectives. If documentation is acquired, project objectives will be included in next year’s report.
2.2 Project Structure, Restoration Type, and Approach
Prior to restoration, both Trout Cove Branch and the unnamed tributary had been impacted by past land uses including grazing, mowing, channelization, and other maintenance activities (HRWC). Stream reaches lacked riparian corridors and exhibited severe bank erosion with stream bank heights ranging from 1 to 6 feet. The streams were classified as unstable B5 stream types. Soil loss for Trout Cove Branch was estimated at 170 tons per year prior to restoration. Stream restoration methods were based on natural channel design methodologies as proposed by Rosgen (1996). The approach included channel realignment to restore pattern, dimension, and profile in keeping with a reference condition. It also included installation of rock vanes and root wads for the vertical and lateral stability in this B type step pool channel. The completed restoration included approximately 4,008 linear feet of stream restoration and associated riparian re-vegetation (Table 1a & 1b). Table 1a. Project Components Trout Cove Branch / Project No. 388 Project Footage Existing Restoration Buffer Approach or Stationing BMP Elements Component or Feet Level Acres Reach ID Acreage Reach I
-
R
-
3,120 lf
0+00 - 31+20
Reach II -Trib
-
R
-
888 lf
0+00 - 08+88
8.6
Comment Included riparian revegetation Included riparian revegetation
- Information unavailable.
Trout Cove Branch Final Project No. 388 Monitoring Year 4 of 5
2
Equinox Environmental Consultation and Design, Inc. May 2009
Restoration Level
Stream (lf)
Table 1b. Component Summations Trout Cove Branch / Project No. 388 NonRiparian Wetland Upland Ripar (Ac) (Ac) (Ac)
BMP
8.6
0
NonRiverine
Riverine Restoration Enhancement Enhancement I Enhancement II Creation Preservation
Buffer (Ac)
4,008
HQ Preservation 0 Totals Non-Applicable
4,008
0 0
0
0
2.3 Location and Setting
Trout Cove Branch and the unnamed tributary are located in Clay County, North Carolina within the Hiwassee River Basin. The project is located within Cataloging Unit (USGS 8-digit Hydrologic Unit) 06020002 and the NCDWQ sub-basin 04-05-01. The project site is located between the communities of Warne and Brasstown approximately 7 miles southeast of Murphy, North Carolina (Figure 1). The headwaters of Trout Cove Branch and the unnamed tributary originate primarily northwest of the project site. The drainage area for Trout Cove Branch is 0.45 square-miles and consists of a mix of pasture, forest, and low-density development. The unnamed tributary has a drainage area of 0.09 square-miles with current land use including pasture and forest.
Trout Cove Branch Final Project No. 388 Monitoring Year 4 of 5
3
Equinox Environmental Consultation and Design, Inc. May 2009
C
d yR ra
M
c
Unnamed Tributary
Trout Cove Branch
d ve R Tr o u t C o
Old 64
N TE
EE SS E N
SWAIN COUNTY GRAHAM COUNTY
Trout Cove Branch Restoration Site CHEROKEE COUNTY
Figure 1 - Vicinity Map JACKSON COUNTY
MACON COUNTY
CLAY COUNTY
GEO RGIA
Directions: From I-40, take US-74 West. Turn left onto NC-141 South. Turn left onto US-64 and turn right onto Old US-64 West. Continue through the Town of Brasstown and turn left onto Trout Cove Rd. Turn right onto McCray Rd. The site is located on the right.
Trout Cove Branch & Tributary Restoration Site Project No. 388 0
Clay County, North Carolina May 2009
500 1,000
2,000
3,000 Feet
7.5 Minute Series Peachtree Quadrangle
2.4 Project History and Background
Trout Cove Branch was originally completed in 2002 as a CWMTF project. In 2004, NCEEP purchased the project to apply towards mitigation needs in the Hiwassee River Basin. Initial data collection efforts occurred in 2005 (MY 1) by the Biological and Agricultural Engineering Department at North Carolina State University with 2008 representing MY 4 of 5. The project activity and reporting history from 2001 to 2008 are presented in Table 2. Project personnel and contact information for the design and monitoring components are presented in Table 3. Table 4 presents background information for the project site and the reference sites utilized for design. Table 2. Project Activity and Reporting History Trout Cove Branch / Project No. 388 Data Collection Complete Activity or Report Restoration Plan Final Design - 90% Permitting N/A Construction N/A Temporary S&E Mix Applied to Project Area N/A Live Stakes and Bare Root Trees Planted N/A Project Completion N/A Baseline / Year 1 Monitoring 2005 Year 2 Monitoring Nov 2006 Year 3 Monitoring Nov 2007 Year 4 Monitoring Nov 2008 Year 5 Monitoring
Actual Completion or Delivery 2001 Jan 2002 May 2002 2006 Jan 2007 March 2008 May 2009
- Information unavailable. N/A - Item does not apply.
Trout Cove Branch Final Project No. 388 Monitoring Year 4 of 5
5
Equinox Environmental Consultation and Design, Inc. May 2009
Designer
Table 3. Project Contacts Trout Cove Branch / Project No. 388
Primary Project Design POC
Construction Contractor Primary Project Design POC
Planting Contractor Planting Contractor POC
ARCADIS G&M
Unknown C & H Services
Unknown Unknown
Seeding Contractor
Unknown Unknown
Seeding Contractor POC Seed Mix Sources
Unknown Unknown
Nursery Stock Suppliers
Unknown
Monitoring Performers (Y1) - 2005
North Carolina State University
Stream Monitoring POC Vegetation Monitoring POC
Unknown Unknown
Monitoring Performers (Y2) - 2006
Soil & Environmental Consultants, PA
Stream Monitoring POC Vegetation Monitoring POC
Monitoring Performers (Y3) - 2007
11010 Raven Ridge Road Raleigh, NC 26714 Jessica Regan (919) 846-5900 Jessica Regan (919) 846-5900 Soil & Environmental Consultants, PA
Monitoring Performers (Y4) - 2008
11010 Raven Ridge Road Raleigh, NC 26714 Jessica Regan (919) 846-5900 Jessica Regan (919) 846-5900 Equinox Environmental Consultation & Design, Inc.
Stream Monitoring POC Vegetation Monitoring POC
37 Haywood Street, Suite 100 Asheville, North Carolina 28801 Steve Melton (828) 253-6856 Sarah Marcinko (828) 253-6856
Stream Monitoring POC Vegetation Monitoring POC
Monitoring Performers (Y5) - 2009 Stream Monitoring POC Vegetation Monitoring POC Unknown - Information was unknown at time of report submittal.
Trout Cove Branch Final Project No. 388 Monitoring Year 4 of 5
6
Equinox Environmental Consultation and Design, Inc. May 2009
Table 4. Project Background Trout Cove Branch / Project No. 388 Project County Clay Trout Cove Branch - 0.453 square miles Drainage Area Unnamed Tributary - 0.094 square miles Trout Cove Branch
