Download 4.5.8 French Broad River Basin - North Carolina Wildlife Resources

4.5.8 French Broad River Basin
4.5.8.1 River Basin Description
The French Broad River Basin in North Carolina encompasses 2,830 square miles, including
4,136 stream miles, and is entirely within the Mountain ecoregion. The headwaters are entirely
within North Carolina. The basin drains from the north and western slopes of the Black
Mountains, the highest range in the eastern United States. The upper mainstem French Broad
River system drains from the high mountains of the Blue Ridge and flows through the broad,
flat valley of the Asheville Basin.
The French Broad River Basin in North Carolina is composed of three major subbasins, each of
which individually flow northwest into Tennessee: French Broad River, Pigeon River, and
Nolichucky River.

Within the Asheville Basin, the French Broad and tributaries are relatively low gradient
and share many habitat characteristics with streams in more lowland areas.
Consequently, a number of aquatic species more typical of the Valley and Ridge,
Piedmont, and even Coastal Plain are known to live in this part of the French Broad and
nowhere else in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Near the city of Asheville, the French Broad
flows out of the Asheville Basin and descends a relatively steep, narrow gorge before
entering Tennessee. There are no major dams and reservoirs on the mainstem French
Broad in North Carolina; however, there are three run-of-river impoundments with
small detention pools (Craggy, Capitola, and Redmon). There are multiple small dams
and impoundments on larger tributaries (e.g., Lake Julian, Beetree Reservoir, Enka Lake)
and many more on smaller streams, especially in the upper portion of the watershed in
Henderson and Transylvania counties.

The topography of the Pigeon River watershed is similar, with high-gradient headwaters,
a relatively flat midsection, and a steep gorge near the Tennessee border. Dams and
impoundments in the Pigeon River subbasin include Walters Dam/Waterville Lake (with
a 12-mile bypassed reach downstream), Lake Junaluska, Allen Creek Reservoir, and Lake
Logan.

The midsection of the Nolichucky River watershed lacks substantial flat areas and
remains more high gradient and gorge-like throughout its length in North Carolina.
While there are a few small impoundments on minor tributaries, there are no dams on
the Nolichucky River and its major tributaries.
Approximately 77% of the basin is forested, 11% is agriculture, 11% is considered developed,
1% is grassland, and less than 1% is wetlands (MRLC 2011; Jin et al. 2013). Much of the forested land is
at the higher elevations and lies within the boundaries of Pisgah National Forest and Blue Ridge
DRAFT, 4-46
Parkway, with a portion in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Most agricultural and
developed lands are concentrated within the river valleys, though residential development is
occurring on increasingly steeper slopes.
The basin contains all or portions of eight counties (Avery, Buncombe, Haywood, Henderson,
Madison, Mitchell, Transylvania, and Yancey), and all or portions of 27 municipalities, including
Asheville, Brevard, Hot Springs, and Waynesville. Figure 4.5.8.1 depicts the geographic location
of the basin.
Figure 4.5.8.1 Location of the French Broad River Basin.
4.5.8.2 Aquatic Resource Conditions
Water quality is generally good for areas where data are available; however, there are
problems (described below) in parts of the basin, and the lack of data for nearly half the basin
provides an unclear assessment of overall water quality. It is important to note that all waters
in the state are rated as impaired based on a state-wide fish consumption advisory for mercury
contamination. There are more than 4,700 miles of freshwater streams in the basin that have
DRAFT, 4-47
been classified by NCDWR for best uses (NCDWR 2015d). Table 4.5.8.1 provides information on
water quality classifications and use-support ratings in the basin.
Table 4.5.8.1 Water quality classifications and use ratings in the French Broad River Basin.
Percent
Classifications
Freshwater Miles
Percent
(Basin
Waters)
Freshwater Acres
(Basin
Waters)
Total Basin Waters
8,390
-
1,946
-
Classified Waters
4,715
56
1,262
65
HQW
698
8
377
19
ORW
657
8
0
0
Percent
Use Ratings
Total Monitored
Freshwater Miles
Percent
(Monitored
Waters)
Freshwater Acres
(Monitored
Waters)
3,995
-
2,032
-
Supporting
776
20
12
<1
Impaired
309
8
200
10
Not Rated
58
1
295
15
2852
71
1,525
75
No Data
North Carolina Division of Water Resources’ trout water designation (Tr) is a supplemental
classification that protects freshwaters for natural propagation of trout and survival of stocked
trout on a year-round basis. There are about 2,545 miles of streams in the French Broad River
Basin designated as trout waters. This is not the same as the Commission’s designated public
Mountain Trout Waters, which is used to designate waters that support trout and are open to
public fishing.
There are a total of 50,117 acres of HQW Special Management Strategy Areas (SMSAs) in the
basin: the East Fork and West Fork of the French Broad River; Crab, Williamson, Laurel, and
Catheys creeks; and Rocky, Rockbrook Camp, and Keystone Camp branches (NCDWR 2015c). There
are 231,580 acres of ORW SMSAs for Big Laurel and Spring creeks, South Toe River and
Tributaries Area, Cataloochee Creek Area, South Fork Mills River, and Rough Creek Area. There
are also 163,614 acres of HQW SMSAs that span the Little Tennessee and French Broad River
DRAFT, 4-48
Basins. The SMSAs require site-specific provisions to protect resource values (e.g., no new
discharges or expansion of existing discharges) (NCAC).
4.5.8.3 Aquatic Species
There are 26 SCGN in the basin: two amphibian species, one crayfish species, 19 freshwater fish
species, and four freshwater mussel species. Appendix G provides a list of SGCN and other
priority species for which there are knowledge gaps or management concerns. Appendix H
identifies SGCN associated with aquatic communities found in this river basin. Table 4.5.8.2
identifies the SGCN found in the French Broad River Basin.
Table 4.5.8.2 SGCN in the French Broad River Basin.
Federal/State
Taxa Group
AMPHIBIAN
CRAYFISH
FISH
Scientific Name
Common Name
Listing Status*
Cryptobranchus alleganiensis
Eastern Hellbender
allaganiensis
- /SC
Eurycea junaluska
Junaluska Salamander
- /T
Cambarus reburrus
French Broad River Crayfish
Ameiurus brunneus
Snail Bullhead
Ameiurus platycephalus
Flat Bullhead
- /SC
Aplodinotus grunniens
Freshwater Drum
- /SC
Carpiodes carpio
River Carpsucker
- /T
Carpiodes cyprinus
Quillback
Cottus carolinae
Banded Sculpin
- /SC
Erimystax insignis eristigma
Southern Blotched Chub
- /SC
Etheostoma acuticeps
Sharphead Darter
Etheostoma simoterum
Tennessee Snubnose Darter
Hiodon tergisus
Mooneye
- /SC
Lampetra appendix
American Brook Lamprey
- /E
DRAFT, 4-49
Federal/State
Taxa Group
Scientific Name
Common Name
Listing Status*
Moxostoma breviceps
Smallmouth Redhorse
- /E
Moxostoma carinatum
River Redhorse
- /T
Noturus eleutherus
Mountain Madtom
- /SC
Noturus flavus
Stonecat
Percina burtoni
Blotchside Logperch
Percina caprodes
Logperch
- /T
Percina squamata
Olive Darter
- /T
Salvelinus fontinalis
Brook Trout (Native)
Alasmidonta raveneliana
Appalachian Elktoe
Alasmidonta viridis
Slippershell Mussel
Fusconaia subrotunda
Longsolid
- /E
Pleurobema oviforme
Tennessee Clubshell
- /E
- /E
MUSSEL
See Section 4.5.3.
4.5.8.4 Threats Affecting Aquatic Species
Habitat degradation resulting from nonpoint source pollution is the most widespread problem
throughout the basin. Nutrient enrichment was identified as a greater problem in the French
Broad River Basin than in any other interior basin drainage in the region (Hampson et al. 2000).
Highway construction and its associated indirect and secondary impacts are also significant
concerns in many parts of the basin.
Development, urbanization, and agriculture are significant sources of nonpoint source pollution
and sedimentation. Poorly managed development on steep slopes and within riparian areas
along tributaries apparently contributes much of the sedimentation from development
activities. Threats from hydrologic modifications resulting from increased urbanization (i.e.,
increased impervious surfaces, flood plain development and filling, stream channel alterations)
seem to be increasing throughout the basin, with some areas experiencing greater impacts than
others.
DRAFT, 4-50
Habitat degradation from point sources of pollution, though not as widespread as nonpoint
sources, is still a significant problem in portions of the basin. Compared to other basins in the
region (e.g., Hiwassee, Little Tennessee, and Catawba), impacts from impoundments are
relatively minor in the French Broad River Basin; however, these impacts are an issue for
portions of the basin.
Complications associated with nonnative and invasive species are unclear at present; however,
the native Long-Ear Sunfish has apparently been displaced entirely throughout the basin by the
nonnative Redbreast Sunfish. The White River Crayfish, White Catfish, Flat Bullhead and Snail
Bullhead (all native to the Atlantic Slope) are established in the basin. The Red Swamp Crawfish,
a native of the lower Mississippi and Gulf Coast drainages, has apparently become established
recently in the upper French Broad River subbasin, and could threaten the endemic French
Broad Crayfish. The Asian Clam is known to exist in the French Broad River subbasin, but its
extent throughout the basin is not fully documented. The invasive Japanese Knotweed is
widespread and expanding in riparian areas throughout the basin.
Habitat for priority aquatic species in the French Broad River subbasin is affected by impact
related to development and urbanization, agriculture, and point sources. Sedimentation and
turbidity are more or less chronic problems in most of the larger streams in the lower
elevations of the Asheville watershed and surrounding area, including the mainstem French
Broad River. Point source pollution, including both present problems and residual effects from
the much more severe pollution of the past, contributes significantly to habitat degradation and
the extirpation of priority species. However, aquatic habitats overall have improved
substantially over the past 40 years.
Very few high-quality habitats for cool- and warmwater priority species in medium to large
streams have remained intact through the twentieth century. The mainstem French Broad River
and tributaries from the confluence of the Davidson River downstream to the Tennessee border
have lost a substantial portion of their aquatic species. Habitat continues to remain unsuitable
for many of these species; however, recovery of some species may be possible. The Upper
French Broad River, Little River, Mills River, and Ivy River have been the primary refuges for
most of the priority species that are still extant in this subbasin. However, increased
development and chance events are ever-present threats in such fragmented refugia.
High-quality habitat for priority mussels in the Little River is limited to a short reach between
Cascade Lake and the confluence of Crab Creek, where sedimentation from agriculture and
development in the watershed degrades habitat. Runoff from large-scale agriculture and
development, and riparian degradation and bank erosion threaten the lower Mills River.
Dams on the mainstem French Broad River are run-of-river and appear to have fewer negative
impacts than peaking operation and reservoir impoundment. Barrier effects and population
fragmentation (or at least the isolation of upstream populations) impact extant riverine fishes
DRAFT, 4-51
(especially potamadromous species) and the potential for restoration of extirpated species
(e.g., Lake Sturgeon, Sauger).
The Pigeon River has experienced significant degradation from point source pollution and
impoundment, as well as nonpoint sources. A paper mill at Canton (Blue Ridge Paper Products,
formerly Champion Paper) discharged toxic wastes directly into the Pigeon River for much of
the twentieth century. Many priority species were eliminated from the mainstem Pigeon River
by this pollution. Improvements in wastewater treatment that began in the early 1990s have
improved habitat conditions and prospects for recovery of many native species are good.
Improvements in the paper mill’s impacts to the reservoir must meet certain thresholds defined
by chemical and biological criteria before water can be released.
The most significant impacts from impoundment in the French Broad River Basin are at the
Walters Dam (Progress Energy) and bypass reach on the Pigeon River. Approximately 5 miles of
the river is impounded in Walters Reservoir, and the river 12 miles downstream from Walters
Dam is dewatered (except for some leakage at the dam and tributary inflow) by bypassing
water from the reservoir through a penstock to a powerhouse near the Tennessee state line.
Restoration of minimum flows to the bypassed reach is tied to improvements in upstream
water quality (per FERC, Article 414).
The Pigeon River and short reaches of the east and west forks of the Pigeon, upstream from
Canton, have remained a relatively high-quality cool- and warmwater habitat that has provided
refuge for most of the priority species that are still extant in the subbasin. Increasing
development could potentially degrade this important habitat. Other tributaries, such as
Jonathans Creek, Richland Creek, Fines Creek, and Crabtree Creek are variously degraded by
nonpoint source pollution that comes primarily from poorly managed agriculture and increasing
development.
Historically, sedimentation and pollution from several mining operations throughout the
Nolichucky River subbasin (primarily in the North Toe watershed) significantly degraded cooland warmwater habitats. Encouragingly, improvements that began in the 1970s have helped
reduce these impacts. Habitat in the North Toe River between Spruce Pine and the South Toe
River confluence continues to be degraded, apparently from discharges and runoff from mining
operations and the town of Spruce Pine. Floodplain gravel mining in the Cane River watershed
poses a potential threat to long-term channel stability and habitat quality.
The failure of the Burnsville wastewater treatment plant in 2008 had serious impacts on the
Cane River, with most of the Appalachian Elktoe population eliminated; however, major
renovations and improvements at the treatment plant have restored water quality conditions.
Development is increasing throughout much of this subbasin, and erosion and sedimentation
may also be on the rise.
DRAFT, 4-52
4.5.8.5 Recommendations
Conservation priorities that apply statewide to all river basins are presented in Section 4.5.3.3.
Priorities identified in the French Broad River Basin are shown in Figure 4.5.8.2 and are included
in Appendix J.
Figure 4.5.8.2 Location of priority watersheds in the French Broad River Basin.
Basin Specific Recommendations
Surveys. Primary distributional surveys for most priority species have been completed;
however, more detailed data are needed for some species.



Snails – inventory primary distribution; determine potential habitats and distribution
surveys for hydrobiids.
Crayfishes – complete primary inventories and determine status of endemic species.
Survey seasonal occurrence of potamodromous, or migratory riverine fishes in the lower
reaches of French Broad, Pigeon, and Nolichucky rivers.
DRAFT, 4-53
Monitoring. Long-term monitoring is critical to assessing species and ecosystem health over
time and gauging the resilience of organisms to continued impacts to state waters. Studies
should include identification of population trends, as well as assessment of impacts from
conservation and development activities and invasive species. These efforts will inform species
and habitat management decisions. Long-term monitoring sites have been established and
baseline data gathered in most areas of the basin for fishes, crayfishes, and mussels, and
monitoring strategies have been developed for many priority species, including Appalachian
Elktoe. Periodic sampling of species and habitat condition should continue and be guided by
potential for change. More frequent monitoring may be required for specific project
assessment.


Conduct special purpose monitoring to assess performance of specific conservation
actions, such as Pigeon River species restoration and Appalachian Elktoe restoration in
Cane River.
Monitor distribution and status of nonnative species (e.g., nonnative catfishes and
crayfishes).
Research. Research topics that facilitate appropriate conservation actions include habitat use
and preferences, reproductive behavior, fecundity, population dynamics and genetics, feeding,
competition, and food web dynamics. Increased understanding of life histories and status helps
determine the vulnerability of priority species to further imperilment, in addition to identifying
possibilities for improved management and conservation. All studies should provide
recommendations for mitigation and restoration. Long-term habitat improvement trends in the
basin may present more opportunities for reintroduction of native species. Formal descriptions
for known or putative undescribed species and investigations aimed at resolving taxonomic
status are needed.



Support research projects on improving the success and efficiency of Pigeon River
species restoration projects and other species restoration projects in the basin.
Investigate impacts from development, habitat fragmentation, point and nonpoint
source pollution, and invasive species in the basin. Vulnerable species include French
Broad Crayfish, Appalachian Elktoe, and native catfish.
Explore further opportunities for species restoration, especially extirpated priority
species. Determine measurable habitat requirements and assess basin conditions for
potential reintroduction opportunities (e.g., Lake Sturgeon, priority mollusks).
In addition to the SGCN species found in the basin (see Table 4.5.8.2) a list of knowledge-gap
priority species is provided in Table 4.5.8.3.
DRAFT, 4-54
Table 4.5.8.3 Knowledge-gap priority species in the French Broad River Basin.
Federal/State
Taxa Group
FISH
Scientific Name
Common Name
Cyprinella spiloptera
Spotfin Shiner
Etheostoma chlorobranchium
Greenfin Darter
Etheostoma gutselli
Tuckasegee Darter
Etheostoma rufilineatum
Redline Darter
Etheostoma swannanoa
Swannanoa Darter
Hybopsis amblops
Bigeye Chub
Ichthyomyzon bdellium
Ohio Lamprey
Ichthyomyzon greeleyi
Mountain Brook Lamprey
Ictiobus niger
Black Buffalo
Lepisosteus osseus
Longnose Gar
Luxilus chrysocephalus
Striped Shiner
Notropis micropteryx
Highland Shiner
Notropis photogenis
Silver Shiner
Notropis rubricroceus
Saffron Shiner
Notropis telescopus
Telescope Shiner
Notropis volucellus
Mimic Shiner
Percina aurantiaca
Tangerine Darter
Percina evides
Gilt Darter
Phenacobius crassilabrum
Fatlips Minnow
Pimephales notatus
Bluntnose Minnow
Sander canadensis
Sauger
Listing Status*
- /SC
DRAFT, 4-55
Federal/State
Taxa Group
MUSSEL
Scientific Name
Common Name
Corbicula fluminea
Asian Clam
Strophitus undulatus
Creeper
Utterbackia imbecillis
Paper Pondshell
Listing Status*
- /T
*See Section 4.5.3.
Management Practices. Management practices that reduce impacts and work synergistically
with other conservation actions are needed to enhance the resilience of natural resources.
Particular needs include preserving biodiversity, protecting native populations and their
habitats, and improving degraded habitats. In addition, education about, and regulation and
prevention of the introduction and spread of exotic or invasive species are vital. Specific issues
in this basin include high rates of development and associated erosion and sedimentation,
secondary and cumulative impacts upon water quality, riparian vegetation restoration and
conservation, point sources of pollution, water supply watershed protection, and headwaters
protection.





Support conservation and restoration of streams and riparian zones in priority areas.
Incorporate management goals for aquatic community conservation and enhancement
planning for Sandymush and Cold Mountain Game Lands.
Continue current species restoration efforts in the Pigeon River and reintroduce
extirpated species in restored or improved habitats as opportunity allows.
Continue restoration and augmentation of Appalachian Elktoe in the Cane River.
Prioritize education and other measures to prevent the introduction or spread of
invasive nonnative species, especially crayfishes.
Conservation Programs and Partnerships. Conservation programs, incentives, and partnerships
should be utilized to the fullest extent in order to preserve high-quality resources and protect
important natural communities. Protective measures that utilize existing regulatory frameworks
to protect habitats and species should be incorporated where applicable. Land conservation or
preservation can serve numerous purposes in the face of anticipated climate change, but above
all, it promotes ecosystem resilience. Many overlapping priorities and common objectives,
readily available support, and many willing partners provide abundant opportunities in the
French Broad River Basin. See NCDWR Basin Plan, chapters 9 and 10, for more information:
http://portal.ncdenr.org/web/wq/ps/bpu/basin/frenchbroad/2011

Support NCDMS’s Watershed Restoration Plan (WRP) and River Basin Restoration
Priorities (RBRP) for the French Broad River Basin, and several Local Watershed Plans
DRAFT, 4-56




(LWP) and Project Atlases, including Mud Creek, Bald Creek, South Hominy Creek
subbasins (NCWRP 2001b; NCEEP 2003, 2005, 2006). Available online:
http://www.nceep.net/services/).
Work with multiple agency and non-governmental partners and potential partners to
share common goals and objectives, and take advantage of the many opportunities for
cooperation throughout the basin. These partners include: USFWS, NCDWR, Haywood
Waterways Association, North Toe Partnership and Toe River Watch, RiverLink, French
Broad Riverkeeper, The Pigeon River Fund, and many others.
Partner with Soil and Water Conservation District and NRCS programs, such as the
Agriculture Cost Share Program, as they are also effective partners for conservation in
priority areas.
Continue successful restoration partnerships in the Pigeon River and Richland Creek to
restore habitats and species.
Continue work with Duke Energy, FERC, French Broad EMC, resource agencies, and
other cooperators to fulfill relicense settlement agreements and other mitigation for
hydropower impacts from Little Tennessee River Basin projects.
DRAFT, 4-57