Biological assessment
Riparian Habitat Protection
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Riparian Habitat ProtectionThe role forested riparian buffers play in protecting aquatic habitats is well documented (NCWRC 2002 and references therein). Riparian buffers provide many functions including pollutant reduction and filtration, a primary source of carbon for aquatic food web, stream channel stability, and maintenance of water and air temperatures. Numerous studies have recommended a range of buffer widths needed to maintain these functions. These recommended widths vary greatly depending on the parameter or function that was evaluated. Wide contiguous buffers of 100-300 feet (30-91 meters) are recommended to adequately perform all functions (NCWRC 2002 and references therein). The NCWRC recommends a 200 foot (61 meter) native, forested buffer on perennial streams and a 100 foot (30 meter) forested buffer on intermittent streams in watersheds that support federally endangered and threatened aquatic species (NCWRC 2002). The Recovery Plan for the Appalachian elktoe (USFWS 1996) identifies the establishment of stream buffer zones as a major Recovery Task (Task 1.4). NCDOT completed a watershed-wide search within the Cane River Watershed for properties with potential riparian buffer restoration/enhancement and preservation opportunities in August 2005. The search produced eight potential sites with willing landowners. These sites totaled approximately 34,400 linear feet and 81 acres of riparian buffer restoration/enhancement and preservation. NCDOT performed initial negotiations with these landowners in February 2006. Since that time, two of the sites are no longer feasible due to site constraints. Two other sites dropped out due to a change in landowner status during the informal consultation process. The remaining four sites, shown in Figure 3, total approximately 10,470 linear feet and 25 acres and all landowners are still interested at this time. Acquisition of these sites cannot be completed until NCDOT receives written approval for these sites as appropriate conservation measures from USFWS. NCDOT also completed a similar search in the Toe River watershed in August 2005. This search was initiated to help offset anticipated impacts to the Appalachian elktoe from two proposed bridge replacement projects (B-1443 and B-2848) over the North Toe River in Yancey/Mitchell Counties on NC 197 and SR 1304 respectively. NCDOT is currently pursuing two sites to meet the requirements of the Biological Opinion issued July 06, 2006. These sites are collectively known as the McCarty-Prisco Site. These properties are adjacent and share Lily Branch as a property boundary. Therefore, NCDOT is planning to put 4,576 ft of continuous stream footage on the North Toe into a conservation easement. The landowners have agreed to a price per acre, however NCDOT has not yet acquired the easements. The McCarty site is 24.4 acres, with 3,075 ft of riparian buffer on the North Toe River and 1684 ft on Lily and Perrywinkle Branch. The Prisco site involves 8.2 acres with 1,501 ft on the North Toe River and 900 ft on Lily Branch. Collectively this site will provide for 8,535 linear feet and 32.6 acres of riparian buffer preservation.
On-Site Stream MitigationNCDOT plans to use on-site stream mitigation to offset unavoidable impacts to existing streams within the project alignment. This mitigation will reduce the likelihood of downstream impacts to the Appalachian elktoe and it’s Designated Critical Habitat. Mitigation components include restoration, enhancement, preservation, and stream relocation. The goal of these efforts is to ensure a properly functioning stream reach. Final Mitigation Plans for on-site stream mitigation have been developed for the R-2518A and R-2518B sections of the proposed action. A portion of these mitigation sites benefit the Appalachian elktoe as they occur upstream of the designated Critical Habitat Area. On-site mitigation information is depicted in Table 18. These sites will offset unavoidable stream impacts created by the road-widening project. The sites total 29,783 linear feet. They are being purchased as right-of-way and will be permanently protected from future development. By permanently protecting and improving the streams along the road corridor and planting riparian buffers, water quality within this stream system will potentially improve the downstream habitat of the Appalachian elktoe. On-site mitigation in these sections will also help to offset potential project-related impacts to the Appalachian elktoe and may even provide beneficial impacts to the species by correcting existing problems in the watershed. These mitigation plans will be developed in coordination with the COE, DWQ, and USFWS. Figure 3. Riparian Buffer Protection Areas Table 188. On-site Stream Mitigation* for R-2518A, R-2518B, R-2519A and R-2519B.
*Mitigation sites are subject to change, particularly for R-2519A and R-2519B, as NCDOT continues to acquire right of way **NA indicates information not available at this time Directory: resources -> Environmental resources -> North Carolina Inclusion Initiative Mapping Where Children with ieps are Being Served Purpose resources -> Practice learning resources -> The Rise of Video Games Section “Word” Matt Spencer resources -> Request for proposal contract form for the transit industry resources -> Request for Proposal [insert date] resources -> The University of York 13th 16th April 2004 resources -> Biological and Biomedical Sciences Program Community Education Initiative resources -> Region III standing regional response team (rrt) meeting williamsburg, Virginia Thursday, January 12, 2012 resources -> Efca eastern District and TouchGlobal, the crisis response ministry of efca Environmental -> Preparing Natural Resource Technical Reports Download 0.94 Mb. Share with your friends:
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