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Yadkin-Pee Dee River Hydroelectric Project FERC No. 2206 EFFECTS ON WETLANDS AND WATERFOWL HABITAT STUDY REPORT Terrestrial Resources Working Group Issue No. 4 - Operational Effects on Waterfowl Habitat and Wetlands PROGRESS ENERGY APRIL 2006 © 2006 Progress Energy TABLE OF CONTENTS Section Title Page No. ACRONYM LIST .................................................................................................... AL-1 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ..........................................................................................ES-1 SECTION 1 - INTRODUCTION .................................................................................... 1-1 SECTION 2 - STUDY OBJECTIVES ............................................................................. 2-1 SECTION 3 - SITE DESCRIPTION ............................................................................... 3-1 3.1 3.2 3.3 General Description....................................................................................................... 3-1 3.1.1 Tillery Development ....................................................................................... 3-1 3.1.2 Blewett Falls Development ............................................................................. 3-3 General Ecological Description..................................................................................... 3-3 3.2.1 Piedmont Ecoregion ........................................................................................ 3-5 3.2.2 Southeastern Plains ......................................................................................... 3-5 Wetland Vegetation and Communities.......................................................................... 3-6 SECTION 4 - METHODS ............................................................................................ 4-1 4.1 4.2 4.3 General Wetland Information........................................................................................ 4-1 Determination of Wetland Characteristics .................................................................... 4-2 Determination of Project Effects ................................................................................... 4-4 SECTION 5 - RESULTS AND DISCUSSION .................................................................. 5-1 5.1 5.2 Wetland Information Collected ..................................................................................... 5-1 5.1.1 General Wetland Information ......................................................................... 5-1 5.1.2 Wetland Study Site Descriptions .................................................................... 5-6 Effects of Current Project Operations on Wetlands, Waterfowl, and Other Aquatic Habitats........................................................................................................................ 5-14 5.2.1 Lake Tillery................................................................................................... 5-14 5.2.2 Blewett Falls Lake ........................................................................................ 5-22 SECTION 6 - SUMMARY ........................................................................................... 6-1 6.1 6.2 Lake Tillery ................................................................................................................... 6-1 Blewett Falls Lake......................................................................................................... 6-2 SECTION 7 - REFERENCES ........................................................................................ 7-1 i TABLE OF CONTENTS (Continued) Section Title Page No. APPENDICES APPENDIX A - WILDLIFE SPECIES GUILDS APPENDIX B - SELECTED WETLAND CROSS SECTIONS APPENDIX C - INFORMATION ON REPRESENTATIVE AND IMPORTANT WETLAND PLANT SPECIES ii LIST OF FIGURES Figure Figure 3-1 Figure 3-2 Figure 5-1 Figure 5-1 Figure 5-2 Figure 5-3 Figure 5-4 Figure 5-4 Figure 5-5 Figure 5-6 Figure 5-6 Title Page No. Project location map. ...............................................................................................2 Ecoregions associated with the Project area. ...........................................................4 Wetlands in the general area of the Project - Blewett Falls Lake (Sheet 1 of 2)..........................................................................................................................2 Wetlands in the general area of the Project - Blewett Falls Lake (Sheet 2 of 2)..........................................................................................................................3 Wetlands in the general area of the Project area - Lake Tillery. .............................4 Lake Tillery aquatic habitat and water level relationships. ...................................19 Lake Tillery aquatic habitat and water level relationships (shallow coves and water willow habitats) (Sheet 1 of 2).....................................................................20 Lake Tillery aquatic habitat and water level relationships (shallow coves and water willow habitats) (Sheet 2 of 2).....................................................................21 Blewett Falls Lake aquatic habitat and water level relationships..........................31 Blewett Falls Lake aquatic habitat and water level relationships (shallow coves and water willow) (Sheet 1 of 2). ................................................................32 Blewett Falls Lake aquatic habitat and water level relationships (shallow coves and water willow) (Sheet 2 of 2). ................................................................33 iii LIST OF TABLES Table Table 5-1 Table 5-2 Table 5-3 Table 5-4 Table 5-5 Table 5-6 Table 5-7 Table 5-8 Table 5-9 Table 5-10 Table 5-11 Table 5-12 Title Page No. Wetland areas characterized in detail within the Project Boundary. .......................5 Zonal classification of bottomland hardwood forest wetlands within the influence of Blewett Falls Lake. ............................................................................10 Normal Lake Tillery water levels during the winter waterfowl stop-over period. ....................................................................................................................14 Normal Lake Tillery water levels during the summer waterfowl broodrearing period. ........................................................................................................15 Normal Lake Tillery water levels during the fall waterfowl migration period. ....15 Inundation parameters associated with important ecological periods at Lake Tillery.....................................................................................................................16 Lake Tillery aquatic habitat water level relationships...........................................22 Normal Blewett Falls Lake water levels during the winter waterfowl stopover period. ............................................................................................................23 Normal Blewett Falls Lake water levels during the summer waterfowl broodrearing period. ........................................................................................................23 Normal Blewett Falls Lake water levels during the fall waterfowl migration period. ....................................................................................................................23 Inundation parameters associated with important ecological periods at Blewett Falls Lake. ................................................................................................24 Blewett Falls Lake aquatic habitat water level relationships.................................34 iv Acronym List Federal/State Agencies Advisory Council on Historic Preservation (ACHP) Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) National Park Service (NPS) National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) National Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) formerly known as Soil Conservation Service National Weather Service (NWS) North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources (NCDENR) North Carolina Environmental Management Commission (NCEMC) North Carolina Department of Natural and Economic Resources, Division of Environmental Management (NCDEM) North Carolina Division of Parks and Recreation (NCDPR) North Carolina Division of Water Resources (NCDWR) North Carolina Division of Water Quality (NCDWQ) North Carolina Natural Heritage Program (NCNHP) North Carolina State Historic Preservation Officer (NCSHPO) North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (SCDHEC) State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE) U.S. Department of Interior (DOI) U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) U.S. Forest Service (USFS) Other Entities Alcoa Power Generating, Inc., Yadkin Division (APGI) Progress Energy (Progress) University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNCCH) Facilities/Places Yadkin - Pee Dee River Project (entire two-development project including both powerhouses, dams and impoundments) Blewett Falls Development (when referring to dam, powerhouse and impoundment) Blewett Falls Dam (when referring to the structure) Blewett Falls Hydroelectric Plant (when referring to the powerhouse) AL-1 Acronym List Blewett Falls Lake (when referring to the impoundment) Tillery Development (when referring to dam, powerhouse and impoundment) Tillery Dam (when referring to the structure) Tillery Hydroelectric Plant (when referring to the powerhouse) Lake Tillery (when referring to the impoundment) Documents 401 Water Quality Certification (401 WQC) Draft Environmental Assessment (DEA) Environmental Assessment (EA) Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) Final Environmental Assessment (FEA) Initial Consultation Document (ICD) Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) National Wetland Inventory (NWI) Notice of Intent (NOI) Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NOPR) Preliminary Draft Environmental Assessment (PDEA) Programmatic Agreement (PA) Scoping Document (SD) Shoreline Management Plan (SMP) Laws/Regulations Clean Water Act (CWA) Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Electric Consumers Protection Act (ECPA) Endangered Species Act (ESA) Federal Power Act (FPA) Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act (FWCA) National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) Terminology Alternative Relicensing Process (ALP) Cubic feet per second (cfs) Degrees Celsius (C) Degrees Fahrenheit (F) Dissolved oxygen (DO) Feet (ft) Gallons per day (gpd) Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Gigawatt Hour (GWh) Global Positioning System (GPS) AL-2 Acronym List Grams (g) Horsepower (hp) Kilogram (kg) Kilowatts (kW) Kilowatt-hours (kWh) Mean Sea Level (msl) Megawatt (MW) Megawatt-hours (MWh) Micrograms per liter (µg/L) Milligrams per liter (mg/L) Millimeter (mm) Million gallons per day (mgd) National Geodetic Vertical Datum (NGVD) National Wetlands Inventory (NWI) Non-governmental Organizations (NGOs) Ounces (oz.) Outstanding Remarkable Value (ORV) Palustrine emergent wetland (PEM) Palustrine scrub-shrub wetland (PSS) Palustrine forested wetland (PFO) Palustrine unconsolidated bottom (PUB) Parts per billion (ppb) Parts per million (ppm) Pounds (lbs.) Power Factor (p.f.) Probable Maximum Flood (PMF) Project Inflow Design Flood (IDF) Protection, mitigation, and enhancement measures (PM&E) Rare, Threatened, and Endangered Species (RTE) Ready for Environmental Assessment (REA) Resource Work Groups (RWG) Revolutions per Minute (rpm) Rights-of-way (ROW) Stakeholders (federal and state resource agencies, NGOs, and other interested parties) Volts (V) AL-3 Executive Summary Progress Energy is currently relicensing the Blewett Falls and Tillery hydroelectric developments (i.e., Yadkin-Pee Dee River Hydroelectric Project No. 2206) with the Federal Regulatory Commission (FERC). As part of the relicensing process, Progress Energy established Resource Working Groups (RWGs) during May 2003 to identify environmental issues associated with Project operations and develop study plans, if necessary, specific to Project lands and associated lakes and tailwaters. The Terrestrial Resources Working Group was concerned that Project operations could have a negative effect on reservoir waterfowl and wetland habitat within and directly adjacent to the Project lands. It was suggested that water level fluctuation in the reservoirs, due to Project operations, could potentially impact waterfowl habitat and wetland communities including vernal pools with both the changes in water level and sediment transport around Blewett Falls Lake, Lake Tillery, and along the lower Pee Dee River and its tributaries. Progress Energy agreed to conduct wetland surveys, as well assess Project-related impacts, in 2004 as part of its relicensing process (i.e., Terrestrial RWG Issue No. 4, “Operational Effects on Waterfowl Habitat and Wetlands”). This study plan was developed based on input from the RWG and approved by the RWG. The objectives of this study are to: (1) identify and map the wetland areas and associated significant wildlife habitat areas within the zone of operational influence within the FERC Project boundaries; (2) classify and characterize wetland communities including plant species composition, structure, and wildlife importance; (3) qualify the relationship between existing wetland distribution and structure with the current operating regime and assess the effects of current operations and options for future Project operations (e.g., fluctuations and drawdowns) on the wetland areas and the associated wildlife communities; and 4) provide information to assist in developing any potential protection, mitigation, and enhancement (PM&E) measures. Wetland acreages have been calculated within both Lake Tillery and Blewett Falls Lake. These acreages include those within the Project Boundary. These calculations were derived from the original NWI maps and verified or modified based on the field assessments. These acreages are as follows for the Project: Lake Tillery Palustrine emergent wetland dominated classes (includes water willow beds): Palustrine scrub-shrub wetland dominated classes: Palustrine forested wetland dominated classes: Total Wetland Acreage Blewett Falls Lake Palustrine emergent wetland dominated classes (includes water willow beds): Palustrine scrub-shrub wetland dominated classes: Palustrine forested wetland dominated classes: Total Wetland Acreage ES-1 Total within Project Boundary 298 acres 8 acres 140 acres 446 acres 66 acres 26 acres 780 acres 872 acres Executive Summary Palustrine wetlands are relatively common within and adjacent to the Project area. The majority of the wetlands within the Project area are associated with the islands and shoreline floodplains of Blewett Falls Lake. The various wetland types associated with the Grassy Islands Complex include most of this wetland acreage, especially forested wetlands. The Grassy Islands also include large coves of emergent southern wild rice. On Blewett Falls Lake, these wetlands are located in the upper half of the lake. The lower portion of Blewett Falls Lake lacks wetlands because the substrates are not conducive for wetland development (stiff clay and lack of organics and fines), prevalent hardpan conditions, and relatively steep banks. Lake Tillery The existing wetlands, especially the water willow areas, are healthy and fully functioning due to a relatively stable water level. Wetlands are uncommon along Lake Tillery. The majority of the forested wetlands are associated with the upper part of the lake in the vicinity of the Uwharrie River. The emergent wetlands are associated with the large, fringing water willow beds along the lake shoreline (Progress Energy 2005). The scattered nature of most wetland types on Lake Tillery is due to steep banks and conditions not conducive to wetland development. The current Progress Energy license allows for drawdowns at Lake Tillery of up to 22 ft below full pond. However, over the past several years, Progress Energy has voluntarily made its best efforts to operate Lake Tillery within a 4-ft range under normal circumstances and much of the time operating within a 2-ft range except during maintenance (12-ft drawdown) (Progress Energy 2003). Generally, the existing wetland communities associated with Lake Tillery, though uncommon, were found to be vigorous in growth, healthy, and appear to be in a state of equilibrium with the current operational regime in association with the inundation duration, magnitude, frequency, and seasonal timing. There are several other shallow water habitats within Lake Tillery that are important to the integrity of the aquatic system. These habitats include coarse woody debris (e.g., brush piles, fallen trees) and shallow coves having a depth of less than or equal to 6 ft in depth. Woody debris provides physical habitat structure (e.g., cover and foraging substrate), beneficially alters water movement and flow, and provides organic matter from the terrestrial ecosystems (e.g., forested wetlands) into the surface waters and affects the transport of organic material within the aquatic environment. Shallow water or cove habitats (i.e., less than 6 ft in depth and off the main stem of the lakes) provide important functions in the aquatic environments. Several populations of fish and other organisms are dependent on these habitats for completion of their life cycles. In the Project area, these shallow water habitats provide breeding and spawning habitat for members of the sunfish family (Centrachidae) and minnows (Cyprinidae), foraging habitat for a variety of species and life stages (e.g., juvenile and adult largemouth bass), and cover habitat for a variety of species including macroinvertebrates. This habitat is also contiguous to several other important aquatic habitats including emergent wetlands and woody debris. Approximately 0.10 acres (10 percent) of the woody debris areas are found from normal maximum operating water levels to approximately 3.0 ft below the normal level. Thus, during water level fluctuations below the normal operation lake level, these areas would lack surface inundation and lose the attributed aquatic habitat functions. Also, approximately 403.0 acres of the shallow cove habitat is found from the normal maximum operating level to approximately 6.0 ft below the normal ES-2 Executive Summary level. During water level fluctuations below the normal operating level, these areas will also lack surface inundation and would lose the aquatic habitat functions. The most important waterfowl use periods in the Yadkin Pee-Dee Project area are June through July for brood rearing; September through November for fall migration foraging and stop-over; and December through February for winter foraging and stop-over. Lake Tillery has relatively stable water levels throughout these three important waterfowl periods. Mean daily, weekly and monthly water levels are within 1 ft of the normal maximum operating levels for all three of the important waterfowl periods and certainly throughout the growing season. Based on the field assessment, there were no obvious Project-related impacts observed for the Lake Tillery study area in relation to wetland resources. The range of water levels, (i.e., directly related to Project operations) in Lake Tillery is such that the necessary hydrology for the adjacent wetlands is not adversely affected. There is little lake level fluctuation during the growing season (i.e., May to October) and throughout the rest of the year. There are neither excessive nor insufficient lake levels to greatly impact the structure, composition or function of the wetland communities as a whole, including but not limited to the monotypic water willow beds which flourish under relatively stable water levels. Blewett Falls Lake The Blewett Falls Development is operated in coordination with the upstream Tillery Development. The normal operation of the Blewett Falls Lake results in a daily drawdown of approximately 2 to 3 ft below the normal maximum operating level. This drawdown provides storage capacity needed to regulate flows from Tillery Development. The Blewett Falls generating units normally begin operation at the same time that the Tillery Plant begins generation (Progress Energy 2003). Normal lake levels at Blewett Falls Lake, from the years 1997 through 2004, were reviewed for the periods most important for wetland resources and the associated waterfowl use. The most important waterfowl use periods in the Yadkin-Pee Dee River Project area again are June through July for brood rearing, September through November for fall migration foraging and stop-over, and December through February for winter foraging and stop-over. Blewett Falls Lake water levels vary from one to 3 ft below the normal maximum operating level of 177.2 ft throughout the three important waterfowl periods. Generally, the existing and extensive wetland communities associated with Blewett Falls Lake (e.g., southern wild rice and bottomland hardwood forest) were found to be vigorous in growth, healthy, and appear to be in a state of equilibrium with the current operational regime in association with the inundation duration, magnitude, frequency and seasonal timing. Based on field assessment, there were no obvious and significant Project-related impacts observed for the Blewett Falls Lake study area in relation to the wetland resources. The range of water levels, (i.e., directly related to Project operations) in Blewett Falls Lake is such that the hydrology for the adjacent wetlands is not affected for more than a few hours on a daily basis. The daily water level fluctuation during the growing season (i.e., May to October) and throughout the rest of the year is within a range of less than 1 ft to a maximum of 3 ft. The Grassy Islands are located at approximately five miles upstream from Blewett Falls Dam. The extent of change in surface water elevations at the Grassy Islands are less ES-3 Executive Summary than that expected at the dam. Based on field observations, there are neither excessive nor insufficient lake levels to greatly impact the structure, composition or function of the wetland communities as a whole. When the water level drops below 1.5 ft of normal maximum operation level, Blewett Falls’ wetlands are temporarily exposed and the associated principal functions and values are diminished until the hydrology is restored in several hours. However, this temporary loss of hydrology does not affect the general health of the plants. Approximately 0.27 acres (96 percent) of the woody debris areas are found from normal maximum operating water levels to approximately 6.0 ft below the normal level. Thus, during water level fluctuations below the normal maximum operation lake level, these areas would lack surface inundation and lose the attributed aquatic habitat functions. Also, approximately 200.95 acres (100 percent) of the shallow cove habitat is found from the normal maximum operating level to approximately 6.0 ft below the normal level. During water level fluctuations below the normal operating level, these areas will also lack surface inundation and would lose the aquatic habitat functions. In the emergent wetlands (i.e., southern rice beds), water levels falling more than 1.5 ft below the normal maximum operating level for more than four hours during the waterfowl brood rearing period of June and July, the fall migratory period of September through November, and the wintering period of December through February can adversely affect waterfowl by reducing the foraging availability of macroinvertebrates and seeds (e.g., smartweeds), reducing important cover habitat, and exposing these birds to increased predation and hunting pressure. Based on the review of Blewett Falls’ hourly headpond data from 1983 through 2000, approximately 60 percent of the hourly lake levels at Blewett Falls Dam are at levels greater in depth than 175.7 ft (i.e., 1.5 ft below the normal operating pool level). However, these low-water levels and associated impacts, usually only occur during the periods when the Blewett Falls Dam flashboards are out for a period of time. ES-4 Section 1 - Introduction Progress Energy is currently relicensing the Blewett Falls and Tillery hydroelectric developments (i.e., Yadkin-Pee Dee River Hydroelectric Project No. 2206) with FERC. As part of the relicensing process, Progress Energy established RWGs during May 2003 to identify environmental issues associated with Project operations and develop study plans, if necessary, specific to Project lands and associated lakes and tailwaters. The Terrestrial RWG was concerned that Project operations could have a negative effect on reservoir waterfowl and wetland habitat within and directly adjacent to the Project lands. It was suggested that water level fluctuation in the reservoirs, due to Project operations, could potentially impact waterfowl habitat and wetland communities including vernal pools with both the changes in water level and sediment transport around Blewett Falls Lake, Lake Tillery, and along the lower Pee Dee River and its tributaries. Progress Energy agreed to conduct wetland surveys, as well assess Project-related impacts, in 2004 as part of its relicensing process (i.e., Terrestrial RWG Issue No. 4, “Operational Effects on Waterfowl Habitat and Wetlands”). The waterfowl/wetlands study plan was developed within and approved by the RWG. 1-1 Section 2 - Study Objectives The objectives of this study are to: (1) identify and map the wetland areas and associated significant waterfowl habitat areas within the zone of operational influence and within the FERC Project boundaries; (2) classify and characterize wetland communities including plant species composition, structure, and wildlife importance; (3) qualify the relationship between existing wetland distribution and structure with the current operating regime and assess the effects of current operations and options for future Project operations (e.g., fluctuations and drawdowns) on the wetland areas and the associated wildlife communities; and (4) provide information to assist in developing any potential protection, mitigation, and enhancement (PM&E) measures. 2-1 Section 3 - Site Description 3.1 General Description The Project is located on the Yadkin-Pee Dee River in south central North Carolina (Figure 3-1). The Yadkin-Pee Dee River basin is the second largest in North Carolina covering 7,213 square miles as measured at the North Carolina-South Carolina state line (NCDWQ 1998). The Yadkin-Pee Dee River originates near the town of Blowing Rock and flows northeasterly for approximately 100 miles from the Blue Ridge Mountains into the Piedmont physiographical region. As the river turns southeast, it enters an area in Central North Carolina that has experienced considerable urban growth. This growing urban area extends from Charlotte to Raleigh/Durham and is known as the Piedmont Crescent (ASU 1999). Just to the south of the Piedmont Crescent, the region enters an area known as the Uwharrie Lakes Region. This region is named for the chain of six reservoirs located along this reach of the Yadkin-Pee Dee River, two of which are Lake Tillery and Blewett Falls Lake. It is in this region that the Uwharrie River joins the Yadkin River at the upper end of Lake Tillery to form the Pee Dee River. The flow of the Yadkin-Pee Dee River is regulated by a federal flood control development and six hydroelectric developments on the main stem of the river (Figure 3-1). The first development, traveling downstream from the headwaters, is the W. Scott Kerr Dam, a federal flood control project. The next four developments make up the Yadkin Project. These four hydroelectric developments, High Rock, Tuckertown, Narrows, and Falls, are owned and operated by APGI and are located along a 38-mile stretch of the river (river miles [RM] 272 to 234). High Rock Reservoir is operated as a storage reservoir and serves as the principal storage and water regulation facility for the lower Yadkin-Pee Dee River (APGI 2002). The next two hydroelectric developments on the river, located at RM 218 and 188 are the Tillery and Blewett Falls Developments, which constitute Progress Energy’s Yadkin-Pee Dee River Project. The primary purpose of the Project is to provide peaking and load-following generation. Its ability to provide such benefits and meet other flow-related needs is largely dependent on the schedule of flows being released from upstream reservoirs. Currently, an agreement between APGI and Progress Energy governs the release of waters from Alcoa Power Generating, Inc., Yadkin Division (APGI) developments to the Progress Energy developments. Additional Project-related information is discussed in the Initial Consultation Document for the Project (Progress Energy 2003). 3.1.1 Tillery Development The Project began construction in 1926 and was completed in 1928. The Tillery impoundment (i.e., Lake Tillery) extends approximately 15 miles upstream to the tailrace of the Falls Project powerhouse. At the normal maximum operating elevation of 277.3 ft, Lake Tillery is approximately 72 ft deep at the dam and has a reservoir surface area of approximately 5,697 acres. The lake has a shoreline length of approximately 118 miles with 55 percent of the shoreline in residential or commercial development (Progress Energy 2003). Besides the fringing water willow beds throughout the lake, wetland areas within the reservoir are relatively uncommon. 3-1 Section 3 Figure 3-1 Site Description Project location map. 3-2 Section 3 Site Description The inflows into the Tillery Development consist primarily of the outflow from the APGI’s Falls Development coupled with inflow from the Uwharrie River. The current Progress Energy license allows for drawdowns at Lake Tillery of up to 22 ft below full pond. However, over the past several years, Progress Energy has voluntarily made its best efforts to operate Lake Tillery within a 4-ft range under normal circumstances and much of the time operating within a 2-ft range except during maintenance (12-ft drawdown) (Progress Energy 2003). Outflows from the Tillery Development flow into Blewett Falls Lake after passing through a 17-mile reach of the Pee Dee River. Under normal circumstances, it takes approximately eight hours for releases from the Tillery Development to be observed at the Blewett Falls powerhouse (Progress Energy 2003). 3.1.2 Blewett Falls Development The Blewett Falls’ dam and powerhouse are located 17 miles upstream of the North Carolina/South Carolina state border. The construction of this facility was begun in 1905 and finally brought into service in 1912. The normal maximum pool elevation is 177.2 ft, and the reservoir extends approximately 11 miles upstream. The surface area of the lake at normal operating level is approximately 2,866 acres. The Blewett Falls shoreline is relatively undeveloped (Progress Energy 2003). Wetlands are common in the upper 50 percent of the impoundment. The Blewett Falls Development is operated in coordination with the upstream Tillery Development. The hydraulic capacity of Blewett Falls Lake is significantly less than Lake Tillery; therefore, Blewett Falls Lake must anticipate flows from Lake Tillery generation and begin generating in advance of flows reaching the lake. The normal operation of the Blewett Falls Lake results in a daily drawdown of approximately 2 to 3 ft below the normal maximum operating level (Progress Energy 2003). This drawdown provides storage capacity needed to regulate flows from the Tillery Development. The Blewett Falls generating units normally begin operation at the same time that the Tillery Plant begins generation. Generation at Blewett Falls is usually stopped by midnight to allow the reservoir to refill. This operation is consistent year round and varies only with seasonal availability of water (Progress Energy 2003). Periodic maintenance can require the lowering of the reservoir levels at both developments. At Tillery drawdowns are typically associated with the maintenance of the steel spillway gates, repairs to the trashrack system, or repairs to the upstream slope of the earthen embankment. Drawdowns required at Blewett Falls are similar to Tillery except that the most frequent maintenance requirement is to service the 4-ft-high, wooden flashboards atop the spillway. During periods of high flow, such as those encountered in September of 2004, damage or loss of these flashboards may occur and repairs require the lake to be drawn down about 4 to 5 ft over a period of time (Progress Energy 2003). 3.2 General Ecological Description Most of the study area is located within the “Piedmont” Level III ecoregion (Figure 3-2) (Griffith et al. 2002). The Piedmont ecoregion includes Lake Tillery downstream to the Blewett Falls Dam. 3-3 Section 3 Figure 3-2 Site Description Ecoregions associated with the Project area. 3-4 Section 3 Site Description The remaining area downstream of Blewett Falls is located within the Southeastern Plains ecoregion. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) defines ecoregions as areas of relative homogeneity in ecological systems and their components. The EPA portrays areas within which there is similarity in the mosaic of all biotic and abiotic components of both terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. Factors associated with spatial differences in the quality and quantity of ecosystem components, including soils, vegetation, climate, geology, and physiography, are relatively homogeneous within an ecoregion. These regions separate different patterns in human stresses on the environment and different patterns in the existing and attainable quality of environmental resources. Ecoregion classifications are effective for inventorying and assessing national and regional environmental resources and for developing biological criteria and water quality standards (Griffith et al. 2002). A description of the Level III ecoregions and the associated Level IV ecoregions (Figure 3-2) are described below. 3.2.1 Piedmont Ecoregion The northeast-southwest trending Piedmont ecoregion comprises a transitional area between the mostly mountainous ecological regions of the Appalachians to the northwest and the relatively flat coastal plain to the southeast. It is an erosional terrain of moderately dissected irregular plains with some hills, with a complex mosaic of Precambrian and Paleozoic metamorphic and igneous rocks. Most rocks of the Piedmont are covered by a thick mantle of saprolite, except along some major stream valley bluffs and on a few scattered granitic domes and flatrocks. Rare plants and animals can be found on the rock outcrops. Stream drainage in the Piedmont tends to be perpendicular to the structural trend of the rocks across which they flow (Griffith et al. 2002). The soils are generally finer-textured than those found in coastal plain regions with less amounts of sand and a higher percentage of clay. Several major land cover transformations have occurred in the Piedmont over the past 200 years, from forest to farm, back to forest, and now in many areas, spreading urban and suburbanization. The historic oak-hickory-pine forest is now in planted pine or has reverted to successional pine and hardwood woodlands, with some pasture in the landcover mosaic (Griffith et al. 2002). Within the Piedmont ecoregion, the Project area from Lake Tillery downstream to approximately the Rocky Creek confluence is located within the Carolina Slate Belt “sub” ecoregion. This region extends from southern Virginia through the Carolinas and includes mineral rich metavolcanic and metasedimentary rocks with slatey cleavage. Streams tend to dry up and water yields to wells are low in this region due to low water-bearing rock formations (Griffith et al. 2002). The Project area from Rock Creek downstream to the Little River confluence is located with the Triassic Basin “sub” region. This area is characterized by an unusual geology consisting of unmetamorphosed shales, sandstones, mudstones, siltstones and conglomerates. 3.2.2 Southeastern Plains The Southeastern Plains ecoregion is located between the Piedmont and Middle Atlantic Coastal Plain ecoregions. The physiography consists of dissected irregular plains with moderate to steep 3-5 Section 3 Site Description sides and low to moderate sandy bottomed streams (Griffith et al. 2002). The soils typically consist of medium to coarse Cretaceous or Tertiary-age sand, loamy sand, and sandy loam. Seepage and groundwater support steady streamflows and saturated wetlands (Griffith et al. 2002). Red maple and evergreen shrubs are common in the wetland areas. Within the Southeastern Plain ecoregion, from Blewett Falls Lake Dam downstream through part of South Carolina is located within the Sand Hills “sub” ecoregion (Griffith et al. 2002). 3.3 Wetland Vegetation and Communities Wildlife habitat, which includes wetlands, is frequently described as an area supporting a particular type of vegetation for food and cover, in combination with other resources such as water and environmental conditions including climate, predators and competition (Morrison et al. 1992). According to Morrison et al. (1992), high quality wildlife habitat can be defined as those areas that afford conditions necessary for relatively successful survival and reproduction over relatively long periods when compared with other similar environments. In general, the majority of terrestrial natural communities along the Yadkin-Pee Dee River shoreline consists of hardwood and pine woodland. These deciduous areas can range from dry to mesic hardwood forest to rather extensive piedmont bottomland forest (Schafale and Weakley 1990). Planted and managed pine stands are also scattered throughout and adjacent to the shoreline areas. According to Schafale and Weakley (1990), a natural community is a distinct and reoccurring assemblage of populations of plants, animals, bacteria, and fungi naturally associated with each other and their physical environment. A natural community is characterized by vegetation composition and physiognomy, animal assemblages, topography, soils, hydrology, and other abiotic factors (Schafale and Weakley 1990). Terrestrial natural communities, which include the wetland types described below, are classified by the North Carolina Natural Heritage Program and found within the study area. Palustrine (i.e., freshwater) wetlands are relatively common within and adjacent to the waterbodies associated with the Yadkin-Pee Dee study area. The majority of the wetlands within the study area are associated with islands and the surrounding shoreline floodplains of Blewett Falls Lake. The area known as the Grassy Islands is representative of these wetland areas. These islands are found in the upper reaches of the impoundment and are approximately five miles upstream of the dam. Emergent and scrub-shrub wetlands are also associated with several of the larger protected coves distributed in the upper portion of Blewett Falls Lake and Lake Tillery (CP&L 2001a). Based on observations, the wetland areas associated with Lake Tillery and Blewett Falls Lake are healthy and adapted to the current operational conditions. Wetland natural communities that are classified by the North Carolina Natural Heritage Program and found within the Project area include the following types. ■ Piedmont Bottomland Forest - The bottomland forests consist of floodplain ridges and second and third terraces adjacent to the river channel or at least open water of the reservoirs. The hydrology in this system is typically seasonally flooded (i.e., surface water present for extended periods at certain times of the year) to temporarily flooded. Although depending on 3-6 Section 3 Site Description the terrace location, semi-permanently, and intermittently flooded areas are also found within this community. The bottomland hardwood community in the Project area consists of a high quality wetland and mature forest community. This community is diverse in vegetative structure and species richness and is relatively undisturbed in most areas. Most of the bottomland forest areas are associated with the Grassy Islands and surrounding floodplains of Blewett Falls Lake. These islands and floodplains are found in the upper reaches of the impoundment and support some of the best remaining bottomland forests in the piedmont of North Carolina (Sorrie 2001). There are several areas where swamp chestnut oaks, willow oaks, and loblolly pines are estimated to be at least 150 to 200+ years old and have a diameter at breast height (dbh) from 3 to 4 ft. This area is an excellent representative of relatively undisturbed Piedmont bottomland community, which has been classified as Rare (S3) in North Carolina (Schafale and Weakley 1990). Smaller areas of bottomland forest can be found on Lake Tillery in the vicinity of the Uwharrie River confluence. The vegetation associated with the bottomlands forests consist of a mature canopy of various trees such as sycamore, green ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica), American elm (Ulmus americana), red maple, lowland hackberry (Celtis laevigata), swamp chestnut oak, water oak, willow oak, loblolly pine, and cottonwood (Populus deltoides). These mature canopy trees are at least 80 to 100 years in age. In most of the bottomlands, the shrub and vine layer consisted of muscadine (Vitis rotundifolia), poison ivy, greenbrier, cross vine (Bignonia capreolata), black willow (Salix nigra), Chinese privet, and pawpaw. This shrub and vine layer varied in density depending on the local hydrologic conditions. The typical herb layer consisted of false nettle (Boehmeria cylindrica), Indian wild oats (Chasmanthium latifolium), fleabane species (Erigeron spp.), violet species (Viola spp.), sedge species (Carex spp.), giant cane (Arundinaria gigantea), Pennsylvania smartweed (Polygonum pensylvanicum), and marsh pepper smartweed (P. hydropiper). The herb layer can be nonexistent to quite dense depending on the duration of standing water and the extent of canopy closure. In several areas, including some channel fringe and cove areas, dense, monotypic stands of southern wild rice or giant cutgrass (Zizaniaopsis miliacea) are evident. Black willow and crimson-eyed mallow (Hibiscus moscheutos) are also found in the higher portions of these coves. These large, permanently to semi-permanently flooded areas are found in the vicinity of Mountain Creek confluence, fringing the Grassy Islands, and along the west shoreline in within several large coves. ■ Piedmont Levee Forest - This natural community is associated with natural levee and point bar deposits on large floodplains, especially within Blewett Falls Lake (Schafale and Weakley 1990). The community is typically bordered by the river channel and grades into and is closely associated with the bottomland hardwood community. The canopy is dominated by a mixture of large trees including sycamore, river birch, lowland hackberry, boxelder, sweetgum, American elm, and cottonwood. These mature canopy trees are typically at least 80 to 100 years in age. The shrub and vine layer consisted of muscadine, poison ivy, greenbriar, cross vine, black willow, spicebush, and pawpaw. This shrub and vine layer varies in density depending on the local hydrologic conditions. The typical herb layer consists of false nettle, Indian wild oats, fleabane species, violet species, sedge species, giant cane, and smartweed species (Polygonum spp). The Grassy Islands associated with Blewett Falls Lake 3-7 Section 3 Site Description exhibit some of the best remaining levee communities in the piedmont of North Carolina (Sorrie 2001). ■ Oxbow Lake - This natural community, locally known as Smith Lake, is associated with relic river channel meanders with permanent to semi-permanent hydrology (Schafale and Weakley 1990). Within Blewett Falls Lake, this community is associated with an old oxbow/slough(s) of the Little River just upstream of the Grassy Islands. These oxbows and sloughs are old historical channels believed to have formed as the Little River migrated north to its present location. A unique water tupelo (Nyssa aquatica) swamp community is located approximately 2,000 ft upstream of the confluence of the Pee Dee River and Smith Lake. Sorrie (2001) believes that this specific Oxbow Lake community occurs nowhere else in the Piedmont region of North Carolina and is of Statewide Significance. This community, including several of the representative and rare plant species, is usually found only in the Coastal Plain physiographic region. ■ Piedmont Alluvial Forest - This seasonally or intermittently flooded forested wetland community is located along river and stream floodplains within the Project area. In the Project area, the typical canopy species include the sycamore, red maple, river birch, and willow oak. The understory species include red maple, spicebush, box elder (Acer negundo), ironwood, and American holly. Shrubs and vines include brook-side alder, swamp rose, common elderberry, southern arrowwood (Viburnum dentatum), poison ivy, and Virginia creeper. Representative herbs include cane, southern lady fern, rattlesnake fern, fringed sedge (Carex crinita), shallow sedge (C. lurida), Virginia dayflower (Commelina virginica), spotted jewelweed (Impatiens capensis), fowl manna grass (Glyceria striata), Japanese grass (Microstegium vimeneum), early meadowrue (Thalictrum dioicum), green dragon (Arisaema triphyllum), and perfoliate bellwort (Bates 2002; Schafale and Weakley 1990). The invasive Chinese privet and Japanese honeysuckle can be prevalent in several areas along the YadkinPee Dee River. Associated with this community, as well as the other bottomlands, are scattered ephemeral or vernal pool depressional areas. These pools are subject to periodic overbank flooding and natural seasonal fluctuation and provide important breeding areas for several amphibian species such as mole salamanders. Emergent hydrophytes such as lizard’s-tail (Saururus cernuus), sedges (Carex spp.), rare Coastal Plain species such as water purslane (Didiplis diandra), and peripheral stands of large water tupelo are associated with the vernal pools in the upper reaches of Blewett Falls Lake. ■ Other Wetland Communities - Several other wetland communities are found throughout the Project area. One of the more common emergent wetlands on Lake Tillery includes shoreline fringing areas consisting of water willow (Justicia americana). The water willow beds are located in water depths from 0.5 inches to approximately 4 ft in depth. The water willow beds found on Lake Tillery are the most frequently mapped habitat types on the lake (CP&L 2001a). These semi-permanently flooded areas can be found at the mouth of the Uwharrie River, the Richmond Creek confluence, and a fringe along the majority of the southern Lake Tillery shoreline. Blewett Falls Lake has only small scattered areas of water willow, primarily in the middle and lower lake areas. 3-8 Section 3 Site Description Submergent and aquatic bed wetlands can also be found throughout study area, especially in protected coves within Lake Tillery. Due to the turbid conditions within Blewett Falls Lake, aquatic bed wetlands are uncommon. These permanently to semi-permanently flooded wetlands include aquatic species such as pondweed (Potomogeton spp.), muskgrass (Chara spp.), coontail (Ceratophyllum sp.), and brittle naiad (Najas minor). 3-9 Section 4 - Methods The following section describes the methodologies associated with the wetland surveys conducted within the Blewett Falls Lake and Lake Tillery Project area. The methods associated with the wetland surveys were agreed upon during the various terrestrial RWG meetings in 2003 and 2004. These methods follow conventional wetland survey techniques. 4.1 General Wetland Information Existing conditions associated with the wildlife and wetland communities are well documented in the Project area through several recent Progress Energy studies. Initial determination of wetland areas were conducted through the use of existing information such as existing Progress Energy information or site knowledge, National Wetland Inventory (NWI) maps, FEMA floodplain maps, USGS 7.5-minute quadrangles, soil surveys associated with the pertinent counties, and through the use of recent Progress Energy aerial photography. This information was transferred and digitized into the Geographic Information System (GIS) and preliminary wetland maps were prepared. Wetland types mapped in this study include aquatic beds, emergent and scrub-shrub wetlands, vernal/ephemeral pools, and forested wetlands. The wetlands mapped were classified using the U.S. Fish and Wildlife’s (USFWS) wetland classification system (e.g., PEM/FO1C) (Cowardin et al. 1979). The general wetland types described by Cowardin et al. (1979) include the following: ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ Palustrine (freshwater) forested (PFO) Palustrine scrub-shrub (PSS) Palustrine emergent (PEM) Palustrine pond/unknown bottom (PUB) Palustrine aquatic bed (PAB) Wetland functions are defined as those physical, chemical, and biological processes that are vital to the integrity of the wetland system (e.g., nutrient removal, wildlife diversity). Wetland values are those attributes that are not necessarily important to the integrity of the wetland system, but are perceived as important to society (e.g., floodflow attenuation, uniqueness/heritage). Principal wetland functions and values (e.g., wildlife diversity, sediment retention, uniqueness/heritage), were determined using professional judgment and based on rationale associated with the North Carolina wetland value rating system (NCDENR 1995), Wetland Evaluation Technique (WET 2.0) (Adamus et al. 1991) and the Hydrogeomorphic Classification method (Brinson 1993). Other information such as wildlife observations and hydric conditions were also recorded at the time of the survey. ■ ■ Floodflow Attenuation and Storage - This value refers to the storage, velocity attenuation, and conveyance of floodwaters. A wetland area, for example bottomland hardwood, provides high value because of the opportunity for overbank flood; physical evidence of overbank flooding such as silt stained leaves, rafted debris, and scouring; the presence of microtopographic relief such as depressional storage areas; the frictional resistance provided by the woody vegetation; and the large size and storage potential associated with this community (Adamus et al. 1991; NCDENR 1995). Sediment Retention - This function is the process in which suspended solids are retained before they are released in the deeper water habitats (Adamus et al. 1991). Wetland vegetation can help retain and trap suspended sediment by anchoring the shoreline, reducing 4-1 Section 4 ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ 4.2 Methods resuspension, increasing the flow path length, contributing organic matter, and slow down water velocities (Adamus et al. 1991). Shoreline Stabilization - This function consists of both shoreline anchoring and dissipation of erosive forces. Shoreline anchoring is the stabilization of soil at the water’s edge by plant roots and stems (Adamus et al. 1991). The dissipation of erosive forces is the lessening of wave and flow energy, in addition to water level fluctuations. This function includes any wetland induced anchoring or energy dissipation. Primary Productivity and Export - This function refers to the carbon fixation production and eventual flushing of a relatively large amount of organic material from the wetland to downstream or adjacent deeper waters (Taylor et al. 1990). A wetland provides high value because of the opportunity of overbank flooding and flushing; the large volume and evidence of organic material produced by the community; and the evidence of organic export downstream (e.g., large amounts of rafted leaf material along the banks). Wildlife Diversity and Habitat - This function defines the support of on-site diversity and/or abundance of wetland dependent wildlife species or at least species that use wetlands during some period (Adamus et al. 1991; NCDENR 1995). The highest value of wetlands for wildlife will have vegetation that provided wildlife food and cover which includes attributes such as well developed wetland strata, the presence of snags and cavities, hardwood mast trees, and trees with fleshy fruits (NCDENR 1995). Aquatic Diversity and Habitat - This function is the support of aquatic diversity and/or abundance of fish, amphibians, aquatic reptiles and invertebrates that are confined to water or saturated conditions. Wetland vegetation such as water willow beds increase the attractiveness of wetlands to fish and amphibian species by supplying cover and forage habitat (Adamus et al. 1991; NCDENR 1995). Wetlands with the capacity to hold water at a depth of approximately 2 ft of water over at least 10 percent of their area provide the best habitat for aquatic species (NCDENR 1995). Bottomland forests that flood during the spring provide essential spawning, and foraging areas for fish (NCDENR 1995). Uniqueness/Heritage - This value includes wetlands that are used or potential used for aesthetic enjoyment, nature study, scientific research, open space or preservation of rare or significant resources (Adamus et al. 1991). Determination of Wetland Characteristics Additional information regarding the characterization of the significant and existing wetland communities was necessary in certain wetland areas (e.g., vernal pools, and emergent wetlands) important to wildlife and specifically waterfowl species. The methods associated with this task are as follows: Using the preliminary wetland maps, field assessments were conducted to classify and characterize a sub-set of the wetland communities. These wetlands were representative in location, type, and function. The NWI mapped wetland locations, types, and boundaries, within the Project area, were verified and revised as necessary. Besides a few minor areas (such as expansion of southern wild rice beds), the NWI maps were accurate throughout the Project area and consistent with the field verification. 4-2 Section 4 Methods The assessment included percent cover estimates for herb, shrub and tree layers, identification of dominant species, documentation of hydric soils and hydrologic indicators. Information collected followed the 1987 U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE) wetland delineation method (Environmental Laboratory 1987). The “routine on-site” method was selected as the most appropriate determination technique. Wetlands were considered present when observations of hydrophytic vegetation, hydrology, and hydric soils indicated that the three-parameter criteria for wetland identification were met. While this methodology was employed in characterizing the wetlands, this information is not suitable for permitting. The field assessments were conducted, at Blewett Falls Lake, in the summer (July) and early fall 2004 at both low (5 ft below normal operating level of 172.2 ft) and the normal full pool level of 177.2 ft, respectively. Both of the Lake Tillery field efforts were conducted at the normal pool full pool level of 277.3 ft. To accomplish this task, vegetation transects and sample plots were established in representative areas associated with the selected wetland areas. The representative transects were located in the significant wetland areas for wildlife and waterfowl that are both floristically and structurally diverse in an effort to gather the critical information and to provide an evaluation of cover types, elevations, and relationships to hydrologic factors such as inundation magnitude, timing, duration and frequency. ■ ■ ■ ■ Magnitude: A measure of the availability or suitability of aquatic habitat. It defines such habitat attributes such as wetted area, water depth, or areal extent of inundation in relation to the wetland area (Richter et al. 1996; Washington State 2003). Timing: The timing of occurrence of a particular water condition. This factor can determine if certain life cycle requirements are met (e.g., waterfowl brood rearing). It can also influence the degree of stress associated with a certain water event such as flooding or water level fluctuations (Richter et al. 1996; Washington State 2003). Duration: The length of time over which a specific hydrologic condition exists (Richter et al. 1996; Washington State 2003). In broad terms, a wetland community may be seasonally flooded with surface water present for extended periods in the growing season (Cowardin et al. 1979). Specifically, this factor can describe the length of time (or percentage of time) a certain water level occurs during a daily operational cycle. Frequency: This factor refers to the frequency of occurrence of specific hydrologic conditions such as inundation or water level fluctuations (Richter et al. 1996; Washington State 2003). Specifically, this factor can describe the frequency a certain water level occurs during a daily, weekly or monthly operational cycle. The vegetation transects were located perpendicular to the river flow and/or shoreline (normal pool elevation) and started at the lowest elevation habitat (i.e., aquatic bed or shoreline) and extended upslope the full extent of the wetland within the Project Boundary and/or zone of lateral influence. Due to the extent of some monotypic wetland areas (e.g., southern rice beds), the transect was terminated in the center of a large expansive area where wetland conditions and elevations were similar over a long distance. The number of transects within each representative wetland area were determined based on site conditions and were adequate to determine the variation in wetland type, species composition and strata within each site. An Abney™ level and surveyor’s stadia rod and/or GPS were used to measure the range in elevation and overall slope of the wetlands, as well as the location, along each transect. Two different sample plots were used as follows: 4-3 Section 4 1) 2) 4.3 Methods To collect information on tree and shrub species, canopy and sub-strata cover, and tree size (dbh), a 200-square-meter rectangular plot was established along the transect. The information collected, through use of a standard field form, included percent cover by strata, dominant species, height of canopy and/or strata, elevation above shoreline, distance from edge of bank, amount of seedling reproduction/recruitment, amount of downed woody debris, and amount of leaf litter; and A nested plot (1 meter by 4 meters), centered lengthwise to the transect was used to sample the herbaceous vegetation. Determination of Project Effects The objective of this task was to evaluate and provide an understanding of the effects of the current and any reasonable future operating regimes due to Project operations on the wetland areas and the associated wildlife habitats within Project reservoirs. This task was accomplished through the review of existing information, and the review of water level fluctuation and drawdown information (e.g., hydrographs). Hydrologic parameters, as determined for the CHEOPS™ model, were developed for wet year (2003), median year (1997), and dry year (2001) periods using a year period (1997 to 2003). However, upon review of these years, it was determined that for the primary waterfowl use periods of June through July (brood rearing), fall migration (September through November), and winter stop-over (December through February), the data from these years did not represent the median, and worst case years for these specific periods or specific maintenance activities were being conducted during these periods. Thus, all the data from 1997 to 2004 was reviewed for the periods mentioned above. The effects of current and any alternative Project operations on the distribution, composition and general health of wetland resources and wildlife communities was then evaluated based on the water level information and through use of spatial analysis using GIS overlay maps, contours, and other relevant information. This GIS wetland overlay was incorporated into an overall habitat or cover type map detailing all the habitat areas found in the Project area or influenced by the Project. This overall habitat map incorporates wildlife information gathered from the resource studies including attribute list data on representative and indicator wildlife species for each habitat type, habitat preference, and related wildlife guild (groups of species using the same habitats). An impact analysis includes a summary of existing literature, a matrix of each habitat/wildlife guild (e.g., emergent wetland wildlife guild), and a discussion on the potential seasonal effects of the Project on each guild. Based on additional 2005 discussions with the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC), several other key aquatic habitats types within the Project area were quantitatively evaluated. These aquatic habitats include: ■ ■ ■ Significant water willow beds (i.e., minimum bed size of greater than 4 ft2). Submerged timber and downed woody debris shoreline habitat areas. These habitat areas were previously defined in the Tillery Shoreline Management Plan and the Blewett Falls Shoreline Aquatic Habitat Mapping Study Plan. Shallow coves as defined by having a depth of less that or equal to 6 ft in depth. 4-4 Section 4 Methods Additional field data was obtained on these aquatic habitats and overlaid on the previously obtained lake bathymetric data (i.e., similar to the analysis associated with the wetland resources). This analysis was used to evaluate lake level effects on the relative exposure of these habitat types. GISderived maps were produced, and the area or habitat percentage decreases were provided. Cross sections were also prepared for each of the transects depicting the normal pool elevation, maximum/minimum drawdown levels, distance along the transect, vegetation relation were used as a predictive model that relates water level, duration, seasonality (timing) to the specific wetland types. For instance, the emergent wetlands are more likely to be affected by operational fluctuations and subsequent exposure. Slopes and elevation data were also be used to calculate any lake-wide habitat losses (acreage) associated with incremental decreases in lake elevation (i.e., how much wetland is exposed and at what lake elevation) which was then presented in both graphic and tabular form. 4-5 Section 5 - Results and Discussion 5.1 Wetland Information Collected Surveys for wetland resources were conducted in North Carolina from downstream of Blewett Falls Lake north through to the headwaters of Lake Tillery just upstream of the Uwharrie River confluence (Figures 5-1 and 5-2). Through field studies, there were seven wetland areas specifically characterized within the Project area. To accomplish this task, vegetation transects and sample plots were established in representative areas associated with the NWI mapped wetland areas. The representative transects were located in the significant wetland areas and known waterfowl use areas that are both floristically and structurally diverse (Table 5-1). These stations are located in habitats within the Project Boundary. The assessment included percent cover estimates for tree layers, identification of dominant species, documentation of hydric soils and hydrologic indicators as well as wetland transect profile information and lake level information. A description of the general Project-related wetland information and the specific wetland study sites are as follows: 5.1.1 General Wetland Information Palustrine wetlands are relatively common within and adjacent to the Project area. The majority of the wetlands within the Project Boundary are associated with the islands and shoreline floodplains of Blewett Falls Lake. The various wetland types associated with the Grassy Islands complex include most of this wetland acreage, especially forested wetlands. The Grassy Islands also include large coves of emergent southern wild rice. These wetland areas are well adapted to the current hydrologic conditions and most likely created by Project operations. On Blewett Falls Lake, these wetlands are located in the upper half of the lake. The lower portion of Blewett Falls Lake lacks wetlands because the substrates are not conducive for wetland development (stiff clay and lack of organics and fines), prevalent hardpan conditions, and relatively steep banks. Wetlands are uncommon at Lake Tillery. The existing wetlands, especially the water willow areas, are healthy and fully functioning systems due to a relatively stable water level. The majority of the forested wetlands are associated with the upper part of the lake in the vicinity of the Uwharrie River. The emergent wetlands are associated with the large, fringing water willow beds along the lake shoreline (Progress Energy 2005). Several large, protected coves such as the Jacobs Creek arm also have large localized areas of emergent wetlands. The scattered nature of most wetland types on Lake Tillery is due to a relatively developed shoreline and steep banks. Wetland acreages have been calculated within both Lake Tillery and Blewett Falls Lake. These acreages include those within the Project Boundary. These calculations were derived from the original NWI maps and verified or modified based on the field assessments. These acreages are as follows for the Project: 5-1 Section 5 Figure 5-1 Results and Discussions Wetlands in the general area of the Project - Blewett Falls Lake (Sheet 1 of 2). 5-2 Section 5 Figure 5-1 Results and Discussions Wetlands in the general area of the Project - Blewett Falls Lake (Sheet 2 of 2). 5-3 Section 5 Figure 5-2 Results and Discussions Wetlands in the general area of the Project area - Lake Tillery. 5-4 Section 5 Table 5-1 Wetland Study Site No. Results and Discussions Wetland areas characterized in detail within the Project Boundary. Location Wetland Type 01 Smith Lake/Water Tupelo Swamp PFO1F-forested, semipermanently flooded 02 Lower Little River PFO/EM1Aforested/emergent, temporarily flooded 03 Grassy Islands (East Bank) PFO1C/A-forested, seasonally flooded/temporarily flooded 04 Grassy Islands/S. Rice Beds (East Bank) PFO/EM1C/Fforested/emergent, seasonally flooded/semipermanently flooded 05 Grassy Islands/S. Rice Beds (West Bank) PFO/EM1C/Fforested/emergent, seasonally flooded/ semipermanently flooded 06 Grassy Islands/S. Rice Beds (West Shore Islands) PFO/EM1A/Fforested/emergent, temporarily flooded/ semipermanently flooded 07 Lake Tillery /Lower Uwharrie River PEM/SS1F-emergent/scrubshrub, semi-permanently flooded 5-5 Principle Functions and Values 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 1. 2. 3. 4. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Wildlife Diversity Floodflow Attenuation Sediment Retention Uniqueness/Heritage Productivity Aquatic Diversity Wildlife Diversity Floodflow Attenuation Sediment Retention Uniqueness/Heritage Wildlife Diversity Floodflow Attenuation Sediment Retention Productivity Uniqueness/Heritage Wildlife Diversity Floodflow Attenuation Sediment Retention Shoreline Stabilization Productivity Uniqueness/Heritage Aquatic Diversity Wildlife Diversity Floodflow Attenuation Sediment Retention Shoreline Stabilization Productivity Uniqueness/Heritage Aquatic Diversity Wildlife Diversity Floodflow Attenuation Sediment Retention Shoreline Stabilization Productivity Uniqueness/Heritage Aquatic Diversity Wildlife Diversity Sediment Retention Nutrient Removal Uniqueness/Heritage Aquatic Diversity Section 5 Results and Discussions Lake Tillery PEM dominated classes (includes water willow beds): PSS dominated classes: PFO dominated classes: Total Acreage Total within Project Boundary 298 acres 8 acres 140 acres 446 acres Blewett Falls Lake PEM dominated classes (includes water willow beds): PSS dominated classes: PFO dominated classes: Total Acreage 66 acres 26 acres 780 acres 872 acres The total amount of wetland area within a 2-mile-wide corridor from Blewett Falls Dam upstream to the Uwharrie River confluence is as follows. This acreage includes areas outside of the Project Boundary. Pee Dee River Corridor PEM dominated classes (includes water willow beds): PSS dominated classes: PFO dominated classes: Total Acreage 539 acres 567 acres 4,836 acres 5,942 acres 5.1.2 Wetland Study Site Descriptions Using the field-verified NWI wetland maps as baseline information, field assessments were conducted to classify and characterize a sub-set of the wetland communities. There are seven specific wetland study areas within the Blewett Falls Lake and Lake Tillery Project area representing several wetland types, elevational locations, and site characteristics (Figures 5-1 and 5-2). 5.1.2.1 Grassy Islands/Smith Lake/Water Tupelo Swamp Area The area known as the Grassy Islands Complex occurs in the upper half of Blewett Falls Lake approximately five miles upstream of the Blewett Falls Dam. This area supports a wide variety of communities on the numerous islands, sloughs, rocky slopes, vernal pools, and expansive bottomland floodplains that have formed naturally by river flows and sedimentation. These wetland areas are large in extent, robust, healthy, and adapted to the current operational conditions. The area has a mixture of managed loblolly pine plantation forests, slope forests, levee forests, emergent wetlands, and bottomland hardwood forests along the Pee Dee River shoreline. The complex is notable for its mixture of coastal plain and piedmont/mountain species co-existing side by side (Sorrie 2001). The Grassy Islands Complex is a natural area of Statewide Ecological Significance as designated by the North Carolina Natural Heritage Program. The North Carolina Natural Heritage Program states that very few intact bottomlands of any significant size remain in the Piedmont region. Thus, the Program has classified this system as rare (S3) in the Piedmont. Project lands incorporate all Grassy Islands with greater acreage on the Richmond County side (east shoreline) and only a narrow flowage easement along the west shore on the Anson County side. The majority of this area is also incorporated within the NCWRC’s Gameland Program. The Grassy Islands 5-6 Section 5 Results and Discussions Complex provides breeding and migratory habitat for several waterfowl, waterbird, and passerine species. The area also provides important winter refuge and foraging habitat for species including wood ducks, mallards, black ducks, buffleheads, and scaup. The vegetated islands of varying sizes (the largest is over one mile long) occur in the transitional area between the upstream, free-flowing Pee Dee River and Blewett Falls Lake. These islands formed as the river meandered, changed channels, and accompanying sediment loads were deposited. Within these original bottomlands were geomorphic features known as point bar/swale and natural levee deposits (Wharton et al. 1982). Most sediment deposition, characteristically high in Piedmont rivers, occurs along the main channel waterways during the periodical overbank flooding. Materials (e.g., alluvial sands and silts) are eroded along the concave sides of the channel meanders and redeposited on the convex bends to form the point bars. During overbank flooding, small ridges of bed load deposition form a natural levee on the convex side of the meanders. Currently, the majority of the islands are the higher elevation areas of these original point bars and to some extent the natural levee formations. The swale formations (in most cases the open water channels between most of the islands) and the majority of the original point bars have been inundated and subsequently changed by the existing impoundment. The wetlands associated with the Grassy Islands and the associated floodplains along the mainland shoreline (including tributary floodplains of streams such as Mountain Creek and Coleman Creek) are generally classified as Piedmont Bottomland Forest and Levee Forest by the North Carolina Natural Heritage Program (Sorrie 2001; Schafale and Weakley 1990). Although other specific communities such as Piedmont Swamp Forest, emergent marsh, and Floodplain Pool appear to be inclusions within this broader community type. Bottomland forests are floodplain ridges and terraces adjacent to the river channel. The hydrology or water regime in this system is typically seasonally flooded (i.e., surface water present for extended periods at certain times of the year). Although, semi-permanently, intermittently, and temporarily flooded areas are found within these bottomland areas. This area includes a series of ephemeral or vernal pools that occur within the slight depressions of the bottomland terrace. These vernal pools are typically fringed by large water tupelo and water hickory. The vegetation associated with the bottomlands forests consist of a mature canopy of various trees such as sycamore, green ash, American elm, red maple, lowland hackberry, and cottonwood. These mature canopy trees were at least 80 to 100 years in age. No mature oaks were found on these bottomlands. The stations at this site typically have approximately 75 percent forest canopy coverage with an estimated average height of 65 to 70 ft. From 6 to 12 snags with large cavity openings were observed in this specific study area. In most of the bottomlands, the shrub and vine layer consisted of muscadine, poison ivy, greenbriar, cross vine, black willow, and pawpaw. This shrub and vine layer varied in density depending on the local hydrologic conditions. The typical herb layer consisted false nettle, Indian river oats, fleabane species, Virginia dayflower, pennywort, violet species, sedge species, giant cane, Pennsylvania smartweed, and marsh pepper smartweed. The herb layer can be nonexistent to quite dense depending on the duration of standing water and the extent of canopy closure. 5-7 Section 5 Results and Discussions Large monotypic areas of southern wild rice can be found among the islands in several protected coves and backwaters. This is a unique plant community to the Piedmont of North Carolina (Sorrie 2001). Wetland shrubs such as crimson-eyed mallow, buttonbush, and black willow are found along the fringes of these emergent areas. At the normal maximum operating level of 177.2 ft at Blewett Falls Dam, these emergent wetlands typically have from 6 to 18 inches of inundation. Although several beds such in the Mountain Creek area, may have as much as 24 inches of inundation. The southern wild rice wetlands were most likely created under the current operational conditions, are large in extent, and healthy under the current conditions. The daily fluctuations, without prolonged drawdowns, keep the wetland substrate saturated. Southern wild rice beds located within the Grassy Islands complex. Connected to the Pee Dee River by a narrow canal, Smith Lake is thought to be an old historical channel of the Little River which is presently located over 1.5 miles to the north. A mature water tupelo stand at the northern end of Smith Lake, primarily along the west side of the oxbow, is a unique habitat in the North Carolina Piedmont (Sorrie 2001). The changing river course has left several channels or sloughs that are inundated and drained by the dynamic water level of the Pee Dee River in conjunction with power plant operations and inflow from natural precipitation events within the basin. An estimated 300 water tupelos, with ages ranging from about 10 to 250+ years, populate the portion of the area owned by Progress Energy and within the Project Boundary. In addition to the water tupelo in and along the edges of the sloughs, red maple and water hickory on the slightly higher 5-8 Section 5 Results and Discussions elevations characterize this wetland community. Although the shrub and herb layer is sparse within the sloughs due to frequent water inundation (i.e., semi-permanent), several common herb species (e.g., lizard-tail, clearweed, inflated sedge, and pennywort) were identified in this area. On either side of Smith Lake is a broad flat terrace above the 5- to 10-ft bank that supports the adjacent bottomland hardwood forest. The community appears healthy with no dead trees and several areas of sapling regeneration (both stump growth and new propagation). In 2004, there was a large quantity of drupes (fruits) produced by these tupelos. The USDA (1965) estimates that the average 90-year stand of water tupelo produces over 833,000 seeds/acre. These fruits are classified as an important wildlife and waterfowl food. Seedfall typically begins in early September and runs through early December. The seeds normally overwinter and germinate the following spring on exposed but saturated soils. Germination does not take place under water, but the seeds do germinate once the water subsides (USDA 1965). This area, based on the floodplain zonation, is classified as a Type II community (i.e., intermittently exposed with nearly permanent inundation and saturation) by the National Wetland Technical Council (Wharton et al., 1982). These areas are the lowest in elevation of any of the wooded floodplain communities and are only characterized by water tupelo and/or bald cypress. In general, the zonation system ranges from Type I (open water) to Type V (intermittently saturated). This ecological zonation classification and how it relates to the Project area is explained in Table 5-2 (Taylor et al. 1990): The water tupelo swamp associated with the Smith Lake Oxbow. 5-9 Section 5 Table 5-2 Ecological Zone Type I Type II Type III Type IV Type V Type VI Results and Discussions Zonal classification of bottomland hardwood forest wetlands within the influence of Blewett Falls Lake. Hydrology Open Water: Continuously Flooded Swamp: Intermittently Exposed Lower Hardwood Wetlands: Semiperm. Flooded Medium Hardwood Wetlands: Seasonally Flooded Higher Hardwood Wetlands: Temporarily Flooded Upland Transition: Intermittently Flooded Flooding Duration (% of growing season) 100 None Yes, Oxbow slough (Smith Lake) 90-100 Water Tupelo Yes, water tupelo swamp >25 Black Willow, Water Hickory, Cottonwood, and Red Maple Yes, lower bottomland flats, Grassy Islands 12.5-25 Laurel Oak, Swamp Chestnut Oak, Sweetgum, Willow Oak, American Elm, Sycamore Willow Oak, Swamp Chestnut Oak, Water Oak, Black Walnut, most Hickories, Loblolly Pine White Oak, Shagbark Hickory, White Ash Yes, majority of bottomlands in the upper Project area of Blewett Falls Lake 2-12.5 <2 Representative Vegetation Occurrence within Project Area Wetlands Yes, upper bottomland terrace within Grassy Islands Yes, forested lands bordering bottomlands In general, the soils associated with these Piedmont bottomland wetlands are typically of the Chewacla and Congaree soil series (USDA 1999). Chewacla soils are classified as hydric and Congaree as floodplain soils (USDA 1999). These soils are formed from recent alluvium. The hydrologic indicators associated with the bottomland areas include standing water and saturated soils, silt stained leaves, obvious drainage patterns, scouring, buttressed trunks (e.g., green ash, hackberry), watermarks on the trees, and crayfish chimneys. These indicators are evident in all the areas except of the highest levee areas on the largest islands. It was estimated that seasonal overbank floodflow reaches at least 4 ft above the normal water level at the bottomland wetland. Most of the bottomland areas are inundated at approximately 2 ft above the normal operating pool. The majority of the bottomlands are seasonally flooded with high flows occurring primarily from October through March which is typical of Piedmont rivers. However, there are several areas such as those found on the largest island that have a semi-permanent water regime. These sloughs and floodplain pools typically run north and south and are probably associated with the original swale geomorphology. 5-10 Section 5 Results and Discussions The functions and values associated with the wetlands within this complex are provided in Table 5-1. The Grassy Islands Complex is within the Project Boundary (includes flood easement) and zone of operational influence (Figure 5-1 and Table 5-1). 5.1.2.2 Lower Little River Area The Lower Little River is listed by the North Carolina Natural Heritage Program as regionally significant primarily due to its large remaining natural tract of high quality bottomland with a high canopy diversity of hardwoods mixed with loblolly pines in this river terrace community (Sorrie 2001). The Little River enters the Pee Dee River just upstream of Blewett Falls Lake. A seasonally flooded Piedmont Levee Forest community with river birch, sycamore, hackberry, and box elder along the shoreline gives way to a Piedmont Bottomland Forest inland and on the flat terraces about 8 to 15 ft above the river (Sorrie 2001). The bottomland forest consists of a canopy of red maple, river birch, sycamore, hackberry, green ash, and sweet gum. Flowering dogwood, pawpaw, ironwood (Carpinus caroliniana), American holly, giant cane, Japanese honeysuckle, muscadine, poison ivy, and Chinese privet make up the subcanopy and understory. The station has approximately 70 percent forest canopy coverage with an estimated average height of 65 ft. At least nine snags with large cavity openings were observed in this specific area. In general, the soils associated with these wetlands are typically of the Chewacla and Congaree soil series (USDA 1999). Chewacla soils are classified as hydric and Congaree as floodplain soils (USDA 1999). These soils are formed from recent alluvium. The hydrologic indicators associated with the bottomland areas include standing water and saturated soils, silt stained leaves, obvious drainage patterns, scouring, buttressed trunks, watermarks on the trees, and crayfish chimneys. It was estimated that seasonal overbank floodflow reaches at least 4 ft above the first terrace. The functions and values associated with the wetlands within this complex are provided in Table 5-1. The one study site within this wetland area is located adjacent to the Levee Forest community (Figure 5-2 and Table 5-1). The Lower Little River is within Lake Tillery’s discharge zone of influence (slight backwater affect). The lower Little River (and adjacent riparian corridor) provides breeding and migratory habitat for several waterfowl, waterbird, and passerine species. The area also provides important winter refuge and foraging habitat for species including wood ducks, mallards, and black ducks. 5-11 Section 5 Results and Discussions Photograph of the Lower Little River and the adjacent Levee Forest community. 5.1.2.3 Lake Tillery/Lower Uwharrie River Area The part of the Uwharrie River corridor identified as State Significant by the North Carolina Natural Heritage Program is upstream of the flowage easement or property of Progress Energy. Along the lower Uwharrie River, just before the confluence with the Yadkin/Pee Dee River, residences line the western shoreline. The eastern shoreline, which is within the zone of Project influence (slight backwater), is primarily a narrow Piedmont Alluvial Forest with mature red maple, river birch, willow oak, water oak, sweet gum, and sycamore. The understory layer is dominated with tag alder, flowering dogwood, American holly, muscadine grape, poison ivy, crossvine, river oats, and Christmas fern. The station has 75 percent forest canopy coverage with an estimated average height of 60 ft with four observed snags. Several large ephemeral or vernal pools within the floodplain and two backwater coves (locally known as Hidden Lakes) are located to the south of the Uwharrie River. Dense layers of vegetation lined the shores of these Hidden Lakes, from the dominant trees in this Piedmont Alluvial Forest community of red maple, sugarberry, and tulip tree to the silky dogwood, buttonbush, green ash, and tag alder understory. The herbaceous emergent layer is diverse and includes numerous sedge species, broadleaf arrowhead, seedbox, lizard’s-tail, and pickerel weed. Dense submerged aquatic vegetation consisting of muskgrass, fringes the emergent vegetation at this site. 5-12 Section 5 Results and Discussions In general, the soils associated with these wetlands are typically of the Chewacla soil series (USDA 1999). Chewacla soils are classified as hydric or wetland soils (USDA 1999). These soils are formed from recent alluvium. The hydrologic indicators associated with area includes plant species with aerenchymatous tissue (sponge-like), standing water and saturated soils, silt stained leaves, buttressed trunks (e.g., green ash, hackberry), watermarks on the trees, and crayfish chimneys. The hydrology of this wetland complex is permanently flooded and is relatively stable year-round, thus, accounting for the high diversity of species and the wetland community structure (i.e., strata of aquatic bed, emergent, scrubshrub, and forested species). The functions and values associated with the wetlands within this complex are provided in Table 5-1. There is one specific wetland study site within this area. The study site is located on the Hidden Lakes which is within the Project Boundary (Figure 5-2 and Table 5-1). The Lake Tillery/Uwharrie area provides breeding and migratory habitat for several waterfowl species including Canada geese, wood ducks and mallards. The area also provides important winter refuge and foraging habitat for species including wood ducks, mallards, and black ducks. Photograph of the Hidden Lakes emergent, scrub-shrub, and forested wetland. 5-13 Section 5 5.2 Results and Discussions Effects of Current Project Operations on Wetlands, Waterfowl, and Other Aquatic Habitats The effects of current Project operations on the wetland resources and associated waterfowl use including distribution, composition and general health of wetland resources was evaluated based on literature review, water level information (i.e., fluctuation and drawdown), field studies, and GIS analysis. 5.2.1 Lake Tillery 5.2.1.1 Lake Tillery Hydrology As mentioned previously, the current Progress Energy license allows for drawdowns at Lake Tillery of up to 22 ft below full pond. However, over the past several years, Progress Energy has voluntarily made its best efforts to operate Lake Tillery within a 4-ft range under normal circumstances and much of the time operating within a 1- to 1.5-ft range except during regularly-scheduled FERC inspection maintenance of spillway gates every five years (12-ft drawdown) (Progress Energy 2003). Lake levels at Lake Tillery, from the years 1997 through 2004, were reviewed for the periods most important for wetland resources and the associated waterfowl use. The most important waterfowl use periods in the Yadkin-Pee Dee Project area are from June through July for brood rearing, from September through November for fall migration foraging and stop-over, and from December through February for winter foraging and stop-over. The following tables were derived using hourly water level for the daily, weekly and monthly periods from 2001 and 2004 (Tables 5-3 through 5-5). In review of tables below, Lake Tillery has relatively stable water levels throughout the three important waterfowl periods. Mean daily, weekly and monthly water levels are within 1 ft of the normal maximum operating levels for all three of the important waterfowl periods and certainly through the growing season. This fact was evident throughout the 2004 and 2005 field surveys. Even during drought years such 2001, water levels at Lake Tillery were within 1 ft of the normal maximum operating level except during periods of maintenance. The following lake level time periods were selected for analysis because they reflect Project operations not during periods of maintenance or relicensing study lake level changes (IFIM). Table 5-3 Normal Lake Tillery water levels during the winter waterfowl stop-over period. Time Period 1/29/01 1/29/01-2/4/01 1/1/01-1/31/01 Normal Maximum Operating Level 277.3 ft 277.3 ft 277.3 ft Maximum Water Level 278.0 ft 277.4 ft 278.1 ft 5-14 Minimum Water Level 277.5 ft 277.4 ft 277.4 ft Mean Water Level 277.5 ft 277.9 ft 277.9 ft Notes Daily Weekly Monthly Section 5 Results and Discussions Table 5-4 Normal Lake Tillery water levels during the summer waterfowl broodrearing period. Time Period 6/25/01 6/25/01-7/2/01 6/25/01-7/25/01 Table 5-5 Maximum Water Level 279.9 ft 278.1 ft 278.2 ft Minimum Water Level 277.8 ft 277.4 ft 277.3 ft Mean Water Level 277.9 ft 277.8 ft 277.9 ft Notes Daily Weekly Monthly Normal Lake Tillery water levels during the fall waterfowl migration period. Time Period 10/15/04 10/15/04-10/22/04 1/15/04-11/15/04 5.2.1.2 Normal Maximum Operating Level 277.3 ft 277.3 ft 277.3 ft Normal Maximum Operating Level 277.3 ft 277.3 ft 277.3 ft Maximum Water Level 277.9 ft 278.2 ft 278.2 ft Minimum Water Level 277.4 ft 277.2 ft 275.4 ft Mean Water Level 277.7 ft 277.8 ft 277.5 ft Notes Daily Weekly Monthly Effects on Wetland Resources The wetland locations investigated in the Lake Tillery study area were found to be consistent with the NWI identified wetlands, except for the 289 acres of water willow beds that fringe the lake shoreline (Progress Energy 2005) (Figure 5-1). The NWI maps do not depict these fringing emergent wetlands. Generally, the existing wetland communities associated with Lake Tillery were found to be vigorous in growth, healthy, and appear to be in a state of equilibrium with the current operational regime in association with the inundation duration, magnitude, frequency and seasonal timing. The species richness and diversity of all wetland types in Lake Tillery reflected natural community expectations for this area and in a southeastern reservoir environment. Based on field observations and analysis, there were no apparent Project-related impacts to wetland resources observed for the Lake Tillery study area. The range of water levels, (i.e., directly related to Project operations) in Lake Tillery is such that the hydrology for the adjacent wetlands is not adversely affected (refer to Tables 5-3 through 5-6). There is little lake level fluctuation during the growing season (i.e., May to October) and throughout the rest of the year. There are neither excessive nor insufficient lake levels to greatly impact the structure, composition or function of the wetland communities as a whole, including but not limited to the monotypic water willow beds which flourish under the relatively stable water levels encountered under the current power plant operational scheme. 5-15 Section 5 Table 5-6 Results and Discussions Inundation parameters associated with important ecological periods at Lake Tillery. Important Ecologic Period Time Period Typical Inundation Magnitude Wetland Growing Season May-October 1 foot below normal maximum operating level of 277.3 ft Waterfowl Winter Stop-Over (DecemberFebruary) DecemberFebruary 1 foot below normal maximum operating level of 277.3 ft Waterfowl Brood Rearing (JuneJuly) June-July 1 foot below normal maximum operating level of 277.3 ft Waterfowl Fall Migration (SeptemberNovember) SeptemberNovember 1 foot below normal maximum operating level of 277.3 ft Typical Inundation Duration Complete wetland inundation for 24 hours with water levels <1.5 ft below normal pool Complete wetland inundation for 24 hours with water levels <1.5 ft below normal pool Complete wetland inundation for 24 hours with water levels <1.5 ft below normal pool Complete wetland inundation for 24 hours with water levels <1.5 ft below normal pool Typical Inundation Frequency Stable Water Levels Stable Water Levels Stable Water Levels Stable Water Levels Forested Wetlands Based on field observations, in the forested wetlands in the upper portion of the lake, tree crowns in the canopy did not show any unusually extensive dead wood or stressed trees. As mentioned in Section of 5.1 of this report, the structure of the forested wetlands was typical of “Bottomland Hardwoods” natural communities as described by Schafale and Weakley (1990). The principal functions of these forested wetlands, based on observations and professional judgment, were found to be wildlife diversity, floodflow attenuation, sediment retention, productivity, and aquatic diversity (see Table 5-1). These functions were neither found to be impaired nor inhibited by current Project operations in either the short term or long term due to the relatively stable water levels. Scrub-shrub Wetlands The scrub-shrub wetlands such as buttonbush and black willow, though uncommon, typically demonstrated good densities of species, with full branching and leafing. The principal functions of these scrub-shrub wetlands, based on observations and professional judgment, were found to be sediment retention, shoreline stabilization, wildlife diversity, and aquatic diversity (see Table 5-1). These functions were neither found to be significantly impaired nor inhibited by Project operations. These scrub-shrub wetlands, the majority of the time, are in a permanent state of early succession due to the stable reservoir levels and are not significantly modified by Project operations. Emergent Wetlands The emergent wetlands located along Lake Tillery, excluding water willow beds which were typically found along the main lake shoreline, were generally located in backwater cove areas (e.g., Hidden Lake) as well as several of the larger tributaries. The Hidden Lakes area, adjacent to the 5-16 Section 5 Results and Discussions Uwharrie River, is characterized by the most diverse and rich emergent/scrub-shrub wetlands of the Lake Tillery Project area. The hydrology of this wetland complex is permanently flooded and is relatively stable year round due to its location at the upper end of the lake and its physical setting, thus accounting for the high diversity of species and the wetland community structure (i.e., strata of aquatic bed, emergent, scrub-shrub, and forested species). The monotypic, water willow beds located along the shoreline are the most extensive wetland resource found along Lake Tillery. Water willow grows best in 6 to 20 inches of water and on coarse substrates of sand and fine gravel. However, the species will grow on finer textured sediments and at depths up to about 4 ft (ACOE-Environmental Laboratory 2004). The water willow beds in Lake Tillery extend out to depths of 3 to 5 ft of water. The species obviously thrives on Lake Tillery and is well adapted to the current water levels. Little competition from other emergent plants (e.g., pickerelweed) was observed within the water willow beds although both substrate and water levels are conducive for other obligate species. It is possible that the water willow out-competes most other emergent species. Water willow beds can be affected through changes in existing water levels. Water levels lower than 3.0 ft below the normal maximum operating level for more than a week during the growing season (May through October) could impact this resource by causing desiccation. This would eliminate important functions and values such as aquatic diversity and shoreline stabilization. Current Project operations do not result in periods of drawdown of more than a couple of days, and are less than 3 ft over 99 percent of the time. Future Project operations will be very similar to current operations, except for winter periods, and even winter water level fluctuations will continue to be of short duration (hours, not days). The principal functions of these emergent wetlands, were found to be wildlife diversity, sediment retention, nutrient retention, aquatic diversity, and uniqueness/heritage. These functions were neither found to be impaired nor inhibited by current Project operations. In association with periodic Project maintenance activities, drawdowns of more than 2 ft below the normal maximum operating levels of 277.3 ft for more than one day in the growing season can cause a temporary loss of wetland functions and values. With this decrease in hydrology, approximately 298 acres of emergent wetland (including most of the water willow beds) and 8.0 acres of primarily black willow, scrub-shrub wetland will be temporarily exposed. With a temporary loss of the flooding regime, these wetland areas temporarily reduce their ability to effectively perform the principal functions such as aquatic diversity, shoreline stabilization, wildlife diversity, and sediment retention. This temporary reduction of wetland functions ceases once water levels are restored. Under current and future operations, water levels during the growing season will normally fluctuate on a daily basis; thereby minimizing any permanent affect on these resources. 5.2.1.3 Effects to Waterfowl Resources Based on field observations, flooding (i.e., 2.0 ft or more above adjacent emergent wetlands or normal maximum operating level) during the nesting periods for waterfowl species such as Canada geese and mallards, can potentially have a negative affect (although not significant affect) on the ground nesting species. The primary nesting period for these waterfowl species is from May 5-17 Section 5 Results and Discussions through June, which is the time when the species finding locations for nesting and construction of the nest. Any excessive rise in reservoir levels could potentially destroy any nest that had been constructed at the reservoirs edge (i.e., emergent wetlands). However, the waterfowl using the lake are adapted to the normal operating water level cycle. Based on field observations and analysis, water levels falling more than 1.5 ft below the normal maximum operating level (for more than four hours) during the waterfowl brood rearing period of June and July, the fall migratory period of September through November, and the wintering period of December through February can potentially affect waterfowl by reducing the foraging availability for macroinvertebrates and seeds (e.g., smartweed seeds), and by also reducing cover habitat and exposing these birds to increased predation (Fredrickson 1982; Kadlec 1962; Smith et al. 1989; Sousa and Farmer 1983; Sousa 1985) (Table 5-6). However, impacts to this resource during the normal daily operations are not significant due to the relatively stable water levels. At 1.5 ft below the normal maximum operating level, emergent wetlands (including approximately 50 percent of the water willow beds) such as those at Hidden Lake are dewatered and fully exposed. Based on the review of Lake Tillery hourly headpond data from 1983 through 2000, approximately 91 percent of the hourly lake levels at the dam are at levels greater in depth than 275.8 ft (i.e., 1.5 ft below the normal operating pool level). However, these low water levels, and the associated impacts, only occur during the periods when the Tillery Development is undergoing periodic or emergency maintenance. 5.2.1.4 Effects to Other Aquatic Resources There are several other shallow water habitats within Lake Tillery that are important to the integrity of the aquatic system. These habitats include coarse woody debris (e.g., brush piles, fallen trees) and shallow coves having a depth of less than or equal to 6 ft in depth. Woody debris provides physical habitat structure (e.g., fish and macroinvertebrate cover and foraging substrate), beneficially alters water movement and flow, and provides organic matter from the terrestrial ecosystems (e.g., forested wetlands) into the surface waters and affects the transport of organic material within the aquatic environment. Shallow water or cove habitats (i.e., less than 6 ft in depth and off the main stem of the lakes) provide important functions in the aquatic environments. Populations of fish and other organisms are dependent on these habitats for completion of their life cycles. In the Project area, these shallow water habitats provide breeding and spawning habitat for members of the sunfish family (Centrachidae) and minnows (Cyprinidae), foraging habitat for a variety of species and life stages (e.g., juvenile and adult largemouth bass), and cover habitat for a variety of species including macroinvertebrates. This habitat is also contiguous to several other important aquatic habitats including emergent wetlands and woody debris. An ArcInfo-GIS elevation model was developed from bathymetric data and upland topography and shows the relationship between the areal extent of aquatic habitat on Lake Tillery and the various water depths at 1-ft increments (Figures 5-3 and 5-4). Table 5-7 depicts the existing aquatic habitat in relationship to the lake level elevations at Lake Tillery. As depicted in Table 5-7, approximately 5-18 Section 5 Figure 5-3 Results and Discussions Lake Tillery aquatic habitat and water level relationships. 5-19 Section 5 Figure 5-4 Results and Discussions Lake Tillery aquatic habitat and water level relationships (shallow coves and water willow habitats) (Sheet 1 of 2). 5-20 Section 5 Figure 5-4 Results and Discussions Lake Tillery aquatic habitat and water level relationships (shallow coves and water willow habitats) (Sheet 2 of 2). 5-21 Section 5 Results and Discussions 0.10 acres (100 percent) of the woody debris areas are found from normal maximum operating water levels to approximately 3.0 ft below the normal level. Thus, during water level fluctuations below the normal operation lake level, these areas would lack surface inundation and lose the attributed aquatic habitat functions (Table 5-7). Any woody debris located above the normal maximum operating level was deemed not accessible to fish due to the fact that Lake Tillery water levels do not exceed this level. Also, approximately 403.0 acres of the shallow cove habitat is found from the normal maximum operating level to approximately 6.0 ft below the normal level. During water level fluctuations below the normal operating level, these areas will also lack surface inundation and would lose the aquatic habitat functions. Table 5-7 Lake Tillery aquatic habitat water level relationships. Water Level Elevation (NAVD 88) 271.1 ft – 272.1 ft 272.1 ft – 271.1 ft 273.1 ft – 271.1 ft 274.1 ft-275.1 ft 275.1ft – 276.1 ft 276.1 ft – 277.1 ft 277.1 ft - 278.1 ft Greater than 278.1 ft TOTAL Aquatic Habitat Area (acres) Woody Debris Shallow Coves N/A N/A N/A 44.19 (11.0%) N/A 51.05 (12.6%) N/A 54.78 (13.6%) 0.06 (30%) 68.19 (17.0%) 0.03 (30%) 78.84 (19.6%) 0.01 (10%) 106.14 (26.3%) N/A N/A 0.1 403.19 5.2.2 Blewett Falls Lake 5.2.2.1 Blewett Falls Hydrology The Blewett Falls Development is operated in coordination with the upstream Tillery Development. The normal operation of the Blewett Falls Lake results in a daily drawdown of approximately 2 to 3 ft below the normal maximum operating level. This drawdown provides storage capacity needed to accept flows discharged from Tillery Development. The Blewett Falls generating units normally begin operation at the same time that the Tillery Plant begins generation (Progress Energy 2003). Normal lake levels at Blewett Falls Lake, from the years 1997 through 2004, were reviewed for the periods most important for wetland resources and the associated waterfowl use. The most important waterfowl use periods in the Yadkin-Pee Dee Project area again are June through July for brood rearing, September through November for fall migration foraging and stop-over, and December through February for winter foraging and stop-over. The following tables were derived using typical hourly water level for the daily, weekly, and monthly periods from 1999 and 2001 (Tables 5-8 through 5-10). In review of tables below, Blewett Falls Lake water levels vary from 1 to 3 ft below the normal maximum operating level of 177.2 ft at the dam throughout the three important waterfowl periods. For example, on June 26, 2001 the change in water levels over a 24-hour period was approximately 1.0 ft. The lowest point in the water level elevation occurs every 12 hours with refill up to near normal maximum operation level the next 12 hours. This fact was evident throughout the 2004 and 2005 field surveys. The following lake level time periods were selected for analysis because they reflect Project operations not including periods of maintenance, relicensing study lake level changes (IFIM). 5-22 Section 5 Results and Discussions Table 5-8 Normal Blewett Falls Lake water levels during the winter waterfowl stopover period. Time Period 1/29/01 1/29/01-2/4/01 1/1/01-1/31/01 Table 5-9 Maximum Water Level 177.8 ft 178.0 ft 178.1 ft Minimum Water Level 176.9 ft 176.2 ft 176.2 ft Mean Water Level 177.3 ft 177.4 ft 177.5 ft Notes Daily Weekly Monthly Normal Blewett Falls Lake water levels during the summer waterfowl broodrearing period. Time Period 6/25/01 6/25/01-7/2/01 6/25/01-7/25/01 Table 5-10 Normal Maximum Operating Level 177.2 ft 177.2 ft 177.2 ft Maximum Water Level 177.8 ft 178.0 ft 178.3 ft Minimum Water Level 176.9 ft 176.5 ft 176.1 ft Mean Water Level 177.3 ft 177.5 ft 177.5 ft Notes Daily Weekly Monthly Normal Blewett Falls Lake water levels during the fall waterfowl migration period. Time Period 10/15/99 10/15/99-10/22/99 10/15/99-11/15/99 5.2.2.2 Normal Maximum Operating Level 177.2 ft 177.2 ft 177.2 ft Normal Maximum Operating Level 177.2 ft 177.2 ft 177.2 ft Maximum Water Level 178.0 ft 178.0 ft 179.0 ft Minimum Water Level 176.3 ft 172.0 ft 172.0 ft Mean Water Level 177.3 ft 174.0 ft 176.0 ft Notes Daily Weekly Monthly Effects on Wetland Resources The wetland locations investigated in the Blewett Falls Lake study area were found to be consistent with the NWI identified wetlands, except for the 65 acres of emergent wetland that are located in several of the protected cove areas (Figure 5-1). The NWI maps depict these important wetlands, such as the southern rice beds in the Mountain Creek area, as open water areas. The original NWI maps were revised to reflect these relatively recent changes. Based on field observations, generally the existing wetland communities associated with Blewett Falls Lake were found to be vigorous in growth, healthy, and appear to be in a state of equilibrium with the current operational regime in association with the inundation duration, magnitude, frequency and seasonal timing. The range of water levels, (i.e., directly related to Project operations) in Blewett Falls Lake is such that the hydrology for the adjacent wetlands is not affected for more than a few hours on a daily basis (refer to Tables 5-8 through 5-10). The daily water level fluctuation during the growing season (i.e., May to October) and throughout the rest of the year is within a range of less than 1 ft to a maximum of 3 ft unless flashboards are out or operations and maintenance is needed that requires a lower surface water elevation. There are neither excessive nor insufficient lake levels to greatly impact the structure, composition or function of the wetland communities as a whole. Table 5-11 depicts the inundation parameters as related to important ecological periods on Blewett Falls Lake. 5-23 Section 5 Table 5-11 Important Ecologic Period Wetland Growing Season Results and Discussions Inundation parameters associated with important ecological periods at Blewett Falls Lake. Time Period Typical Inundation Magnitude MayOctober 1 to 3 ft below normal maximum operating level of 177.2 ft Waterfowl Winter StopOver (DecemberFebruary) DecemberFebruary 1 to 3 ft below normal maximum operating level of 177.2 ft Waterfowl Brood Rearing (June-July) June-July 1 to 3 ft below normal maximum operating level of 177.2 ft Waterfowl Fall Migration (SeptemberNovember) SeptemberNovember 1 to 3 ft below normal maximum operating level of 177.2 ft Typical Inundation Duration Complete wetland inundation from 12 to 5 hours with water levels <1.5 ft below normal pool for every water level cycle (approx. 12 hour cycle) Complete wetland inundation from 12 to 5 hours with water levels <1.5 ft below normal pool for every water level cycle (approx. 12 hour cycle) Complete wetland inundation from 12 to 5 hours with water levels <1.5 ft below normal pool for every water level cycle (approx. 12 hour cycle) Complete wetland inundation from 12 to 5 hours with water levels <1.5 ft below normal pool for every water level cycle (approx. 12 hour cycle) Typical Inundation Frequency Notes Lowest water level occurs one time every 12 hours Based on hourly data - 1/1/1983 to 12/31/2003, the daily fluctuation of 1.5 ft occurs less than 1% of the time Lowest water level occurs one time every 12 hours Based on hourly data - 1/1/1983 to 12/31/2003, the daily fluctuation of 1.5 ft occurs less than 1% of the time Lowest water level occurs one time every 12 hours Based on hourly data - 1/1/1983 to 12/31/2003, the daily fluctuation of 1.5 ft occurs less than 1% of the time Lowest water level occurs one time every 12 hours Based on hourly data - 1/1/1983 to 12/31/2003, the daily fluctuation of 1.5 ft occurs less than 1% of the time. Forested Wetlands As mentioned in Section of 5.1 of this report, the structure of the forested wetlands was typical of “Bottomland Hardwoods” natural communities as described by Schafale and Weakley (1990). In the forested wetlands associated with the Grassy Islands area, tree crowns in the canopy did not show any unusually extensive dead wood or stressed trees and natural recruitment and propagation was normal. The hydrology in this system is typically seasonally flooded (i.e., surface water present for extended periods at certain times of the year) to temporarily flooded. Although depending on the terrace location, semi-permanently, and intermittently flooded areas are also found within this community. These wetlands benefit from overbank flooding. It is estimated (based on field observations) that that the overbank floodflow, either seasonally or periodically depending on the terrace elevation, typically inundates this community with at least 0.5 ft to 2.0 ft of water. The majority of the bottomlands are seasonally flooded with high flows occurring primarily from October through April but also may occur with the large rain events following tropical storms (e.g., September 2004). 5-24 Section 5 Results and Discussions In association with the water tupelo swamp within Smith Lake, the community appears healthy, selfsustaining, and well adapted to the present conditions with no dead trees and several areas of sapling regeneration (both stump growth and new propagation). Numerous drupes (fruits) were found during the various wetland surveys in this area. This system is well adapted to water fluctuation and even requires variable water levels to retain community health, vigor, and vegetation propagation. The existing system also appears to have survived and functioned over the life of the Project. Based on field observations and analysis, inundation frequency in the water tupelo area is influenced by natural flooding from high rainfall events and daily/weekly operation of the Blewett and Tillery hydroelectric plants. The hydrology associated with this community is typically intermittently exposed to higher flows with semi-permanent inundation and permanent soil saturation (see Appendix B - Wetland 1). This wetland system appears to have a fluctuating regime based on hydrology from the hydropower operations and natural flooding events. Generation discharge from Lake Tillery and natural high water events from the Rocky River and Little River appear to cause a noticeable gradual rise in water level up through the entire oxbow lake similar to that of a freshwater tidal event. During the majority of the year, approximately 1 to 2 ft of water is present in this wetland area. Most of the lateral meander sloughs include a similar hydrologic regime. The remainder of the lateral sloughs are hydrologically isolated from the majority of the surface flows due to the presence of silt plugs and appear to be affected primarily by groundwater discharge. In association with the various wetland indicators such as watermarks on trees, extent of the trunk buttress swell, presence of specific bryophytes (i.e., mosses and liverworts), and surface scouring, these wetlands regularly can experience temporary flooding from 5 to 10 ft above the ground surface. At the confluence of Smith Lake and the Pee Dee River, there is a silt sill or bar that is approximately 10 to 20 inches below the water surface. However, during low flows, this sill probably acts in maintaining and holding water within Smith Lake; although the high-water events of September 2004 have reduced its effectiveness. Based on the current geomorphic knowledge on the formation of oxbow lakes, this sill will eventually form the cut-off plug seen on several of the lateral sloughs unless it is altered by an anthropogenic or some natural event (Sharitz and Mitch 1993). Based on observations and professional judgment, the principal functions of the forested wetlands, based on observations and professional judgment, were found to be wildlife diversity, floodflow attenuation, sediment retention, productivity, uniqueness/heritage and aquatic diversity (see Table 5-1). These functions were neither found to be impaired nor inhibited by current Project operations in either the short term or long term. Scrub-shrub Wetlands The scrub-shrub wetlands such as buttonbush and black willow, though uncommon (26.0 acres), typically demonstrated good densities of species, with full branching and leafing and healthy vigor. These scrub-shrub wetlands, the majority of the time, are in a permanent state of early succession due to the reservoir levels and are not significantly modified by Project operations. 5-25 Section 5 Results and Discussions The principal functions of these scrub-shrub wetlands, based on observations and professional judgment, were found to be sediment retention, shoreline stabilization, wildlife diversity and aquatic diversity (see Table 5-1). These functions were neither found to be impaired nor inhibited by Project operations during normal daily operations. Although when the water level drops below 1.5 ft of normal maximum operation level due to operations, these wetlands are temporarily exposed and the associated functions are diminished until the hydrology is restored in several hours (Washington State 2005). Based on the review of Blewett Falls’ hourly headpond data from 1983 through 2000, approximately 60 percent of the hourly lake levels are at elevation 175.7 ft at the dam or higher (i.e., 1.5 ft below the normal operating pool level). Periods of lower water levels (i.e., greater than 4 ft below normal maximum operating level) usually only occur during the periods when the Blewett Falls Dam flashboards are out for a period of time. These do not appear to have affected the character or longer term functioning of these wetlands. Emergent Wetlands The emergent wetlands, with the exception of the infrequently occurring shoreline fringing water willow beds, were primarily associated with the persistent and monotypic southern rice beds in the Grassy Islands area. The Grassy Islands’ rice beds are semi-permanently flooded and provide important waterfowl foraging and cover habitat. Southern wild rice is an early and rapid colonizer of mud bars and flats and often grows in dense and almost impenetrable colonies in shallow water areas along south shorelines (Fox and Haller 2000). The species dominance can impede further successional development of other emergent species, but it can also provide the substrate for establishment of trees and shrubs (ACOE - Environmental Laboratory 2004). It is likely that this species has essentially colonized the majority of the useable emergent wetland habitat along Blewett Falls Lake leaving little habitat for other species. Southern wild rice is a persistent and robust emergent that is adapted to fluctuating water conditions (Fox and Haller 2000). The current operations, at Blewett Falls Lake, have little effect on the physical health or structure of this rhizomatous and graminoid (i.e., grass) species. Although it was observed in September of 2004, that the extend loss of flashboards and subsequent drawdown to 173.0 ft may have caused the seasonal loss of seed-heads on the species. Smaller areas of emergent wetlands consisting of lizard-tail, arrow-arum (Peltandra virginica), and arrowhead form inclusions within the forested bottomland areas (e.g., sloughs and depressions). These semi-permanently to seasonally flooded areas have at least saturated conditions throughout the year and are not affected by Project operations. For the most part, the species richness and diversity of all wetland types in Blewett Falls Lake reflected natural community expectations for this area. Selected cross-sections have been prepared (see Appendix B - Wetlands 1 to 6) for the wetland types characterized at Blewett Falls Lake, to depict the relationship of various water levels and the associated wetland topography. 5-26 Section 5 Results and Discussions Typical water levels within the southern wild rice beds (fall 2004). The principal functions of these emergent wetlands, based on observations and professional judgment, were found to be wildlife diversity, sediment retention, shoreline stabilization, nutrient retention, aquatic diversity, and uniqueness/heritage (see Table 5-1). These functions were found to be neither impaired nor inhibited by Project operations during normal daily operations. Although when the water level drops below 1.5 ft of normal maximum operation level at Grassy Islands, these wetlands are temporarily exposed and the associated functions are diminished until the hydrology is restored in several hours (Washington State 2005). The Grassy Islands are located at approximately five miles upstream from the Blewett Falls Dam. The extent of changes in surface water elevations at the Grassy Islands are less than that experienced at the dam. With this decrease in hydrology, approximately 66.0 acres of emergent wetland (including the small areas of water willow beds) and 26.0 acres of primarily black willow, scrub-shrub wetland will be temporarily exposed and the principal functions affected. During periods of flashboard loss and the subsequent drawdown of 4 to 6 ft below the normal maximum operating level of 177.2 ft, the loss of these functions can extend until the boards are restored. These temporary losses of hydrology has not resulted in an effect on the general physical health of the plants. Submergent Wetlands There is a noticeable lack of submerged aquatic bed species such as native pondweeds and brittle naiad. Water clarity is probably the most important factor affecting the abundance of submerged macrophytes in lentic or lake situations (Kahl 1993). Blewett Falls Lake typically has turbid conditions throughout the year which limits the abundance and species richness of this wetland type. Furthermore, aerenchymatous (i.e., spongy tissued) and large rhizome, obligate wetland species such as pickerelweed, arrowhead, and cattail are generally lacking along Blewett Falls Lake. 5-27 Section 5 5.2.2.3 Results and Discussions Effects to Waterfowl Resources Blewett Falls Lake and adjacent the wetlands attracts a wide variety of waterfowl throughout the migratory, breeding, and wintering periods. Waterfowl species commonly observed in this area include the wood duck (Aix sponsa), green-winged teal (Anas crecca), black duck (A rubripes), mallard (A. platyrhynchos), and Canada goose (Branta canadensis). These species are especially attracted to the flooded bottomlands and the southern wild rice beds within the larger coves and island fringes. The Pee Dee River, including the Project area and the adjacent Pee Dee NWR, is listed by the North American Waterfowl Management Plan (Atlantic Coast Joint Venture) as a North Carolina Focus Area especially for the large numbers of wintering waterfowl (NAWMP undated). The bottomland hardwood forests and adjoining upland buffers is listed as high value and critical habitats for black duck, mallard and wood duck. Grassy Islands/Smith Lake also provides winter refuge for numerous waterfowl species including wood ducks, mallards, buffleheads, and scaup. During the waterfowl breeding season on Blewett Falls Lake, flooding (i.e., 2.0 ft or more above adjacent emergent wetlands or normal maximum operating level) during the nesting periods for waterfowl species such as Canada geese and mallard (i.e., dabblers), can have a negative affect (although not significant affect) on the ground nesting species. The primary nesting period for these waterfowl species is from April through June, which is the time when the species are finding locations for nesting, construction of the nest sites, and egg laying. Based on field observations, any excessive rise in reservoir levels during this period could potentially destroy any nest that had been constructed at the reservoirs edge and typically above the normal maximum operating level of 177.2 ft (i.e., emergent wetlands). It should be noted, that the Blewett Falls Development, has little control over large flooding flows (exceeding 9,000 cfs) on this section of the Pee Dee River. In the emergent wetlands (i.e., southern wild rice beds), water levels falling more than 1.5 ft below the normal maximum operating level for more than four hours during the waterfowl brood rearing period of June and July, the fall migratory period of September through November, and the wintering period of December through February can adversely affect waterfowl by reducing the foraging availability of macroinvertebrates and seeds (e.g., smartweeds), reducing important cover habitat, and exposing these birds to increased predation and hunting pressure (Fredrickson 1982; Kadlec 1962; Smith et al. 1989; Sousa and Farmer 1983; Sousa 1985). During these three periods, several factors including water permanence (semi-permanently flooded is optimal), vegetative cover (persistent emergent and/or scrub-shrub), water depth (<10 inches optimal), and potential food resources are important brood habitat components (Fredrickson 1991; Sousa 1985). During the fall and winter field surveys, it was observed that the waterfowl species such as mallards and black ducks (primarily dabblers) only use the emergent wetlands during periods of wetland inundation (i.e., 6-18 inches of water). Diving ducks such as buffleheads, goldeneyes, and scaup are primarily in the deeper water areas of the reservoir throughout this period. Even during drought years such as 2001, water levels at Blewett Falls Lake were within 1 to 3 ft of the normal full pool operating level except during infrequent periods of flashboard loss where the water levels drop 4 to 6 ft below the normal operating pool. The flashboard loss is associated with random, high-flow flood events which Progress Energy has no control except for re-installing the flashboards. All areas of emergent wetland and the adjacent mud flats and bars are dewatered, exposed and desiccated during this period. During the migratory and wintering periods, the 5-28 Section 5 Results and Discussions waterfowl during the low lake level periods will move to and utilize other areas such as the upstream river segments and Pee Dee NWR and Smith Lake. No waterfowl use in these areas was documented during these low water periods with the majority of adult birds utilizing the sheltered Smith Lake area and the Pee River area between Blewett Falls Lake and Lake Tillery as cover habitat. Duck and geese broods, which use these wetlands for important cover and foraging, are especially vulnerable at this time (Sousa and Farmer 1983; Sousa 1985). Because of the relatively concentrated nature of the emergent wetlands, the loss of hydrology in these areas leaves broods with little quality habitat and exposures them to increased predation and stress (Sousa 1985). A total lack of wetland inundation provides no brood habitat suitability although this impact is not significant. Southern wild rice beds during 4- to 6-ft drawdown associated with fall flashboard loss related to the storm flood events (October 2004). 5.2.2.4 Effects to Other Aquatic Resources There are several other shallow water habitats within Blewett Falls Lake that are important to the integrity of the aquatic system. These habitats include coarse woody debris (e.g., brush piles, fallen trees) and shallow coves having a depth of less than or equal to 6 ft in depth. An ArcInfo-GIS elevation model was developed from bathymetric data and upland topography and shows the relationship between the areal extent of aquatic habitat on Blewett Falls Lake and the various water depths at 1-ft increments (Figures 5-5 and 5-6). Table 5-7 depicts the existing aquatic habitat in relationship to the lake level elevations at Blewett Falls Lake. As depicted in Table 5-12, 5-29 Section 5 Results and Discussions approximately 0.27 acres (96 percent) of the woody debris areas are found from normal maximum operating water levels to approximately 6.0 ft below the normal level. Thus, during water level fluctuations below the normal maximum operation lake level, these areas would lack surface inundation and lose the attributed aquatic habitat functions (Table 5-12). Also, approximately 200.95 acres (100 percent) of the shallow cove habitat is found from the normal maximum operating level to approximately 6.0 ft below the normal level. During water level fluctuations below the normal operating level, these areas will also lack surface inundation and would lose the aquatic habitat functions. 5-30 Section 5 Figure 5-5 Results and Discussions Blewett Falls Lake aquatic habitat and water level relationships. 5-31 Section 5 Figure 5-6 Results and Discussions Blewett Falls Lake aquatic habitat and water level relationships (shallow coves and water willow) (Sheet 1 of 2). 5-32 Section 5 Figure 5-6 Results and Discussions Blewett Falls Lake aquatic habitat and water level relationships (shallow coves and water willow) (Sheet 2 of 2). 5-33 Section 5 Table 5-12 Results and Discussions Blewett Falls Lake aquatic habitat water level relationships. Water Level Elevation (NAVD 88) Less than 171.1ft 171.1 – 172.1 ft 172.1- 173.1 ft 173.1-174.1 ft 174.1-175.1 ft 175.1-176.1 ft 176.1-177.1 ft 177.1-178.1 ft greater than178.1 ft TOTAL Woody Debris 0.02 (7.1%) 0.02 (7.1%) 0.04 (14.2%) 0.11 (39.2% 0.06 (21.4%) 0.01 (3.6%) 0.01 (3.6%) 0.01 (3.6%) 0.01 (3.6%) 0.28 Aquatic Habitat Area (acres) Shallow Coves N/A 24.12 (12.0%) 31.07 (15.5%) 65.38 (32.5%) 57.97 (28.8%) 7.26 (3.6%) 6.44 (3.2%) 8.70 (4.3%) N/A 200.95 5-34 Section 6 - Summary Palustrine wetlands are relatively common within and adjacent to the Project area. The majority of the wetlands within the Project area are associated with the islands and shoreline floodplains of Blewett Falls Lake. The various wetland types associated with the Grassy Islands complex include most of this wetland acreage, especially forested wetlands. The Grassy Islands also include large coves of emergent southern wild rice. On Blewett Falls Lake, these wetlands are located in the upper half of the lake. The lower portion of Blewett Falls Lake lacks wetlands because the substrates are not conducive for wetland development (stiff clay and lack of organics and fines), prevalent hardpan conditions, and relatively steep banks. 6.1 Lake Tillery Generally, the existing wetland communities associated with Lake Tillery, though uncommon, were found to be vigorous in growth, healthy, and appear to be in a state of equilibrium with the current operational regime in association with the inundation duration, magnitude, frequency, and seasonal timing. Wetlands are uncommon along Lake Tillery. The majority of the forested wetlands are associated with the upper part of the lake in the vicinity of the Uwharrie River. The emergent wetlands are associated with the large, fringing water willow beds along the lake shoreline (Progress Energy 2005). The scattered nature of most wetland types on Lake Tillery is due to steep banks and conditions not conducive to wetland development. The current Progress Energy license allows for drawdowns at Lake Tillery of up to 22 ft below full pond. However, over the past several years, Progress Energy has voluntarily made its best efforts to operate Lake Tillery within a 4-ft range under normal circumstances and much of the time operating within a 2-ft range except during scheduled FERC required maintenance (12-ft drawdown) (Progress Energy 2003). The most important waterfowl use periods in the Yadkin Pee-Dee Project area are June through July for brood rearing, September through November for fall migration foraging and stop-over, and December through February for winter foraging and stop-over. Lake Tillery has relatively stable water levels throughout these three important waterfowl periods. Mean daily, weekly, and monthly water levels are within 1 ft of the normal maximum operating levels for all three of the important waterfowl periods and certainly throughout the growing season. Based on field observations, there were no apparent Project-related impacts to wetland resources observed for the Lake Tillery study area. The range of water levels, (i.e., directly related to Project operations) in Lake Tillery is such that the necessary hydrology for the adjacent wetlands is not adversely affected. There is little lake level fluctuation during the growing season (i.e., May to October) and throughout the rest of the year. There are neither excessive nor insufficient lake levels to greatly impact the structure, composition or function of the wetland communities as a whole, including but not limited to the monotypic water willow beds which flourish under relatively stable water levels. 6-1 Section 6 Summary Approximately 0.10 acres (10 percent) of the woody debris areas are found from normal maximum operating water levels to approximately 3.0 ft below the normal level. Thus, during water level fluctuations below the normal operation lake level, these areas would lack surface inundation and lose the attributed aquatic habitat functions. Also, approximately 403.0 acres of the shallow cove habitat is found from the normal maximum operating level to approximately 6.0 ft below the normal level. During water level fluctuations below the normal operating level, these areas will also lack surface inundation and would lose the aquatic habitat functions. Based on field observations, water levels falling more than 1.5 ft below the normal maximum operating level (for more than four hours) during the waterfowl brood rearing period of June and July, the fall migratory period of September through November, and the wintering period of December through February can adversely affect waterfowl by reducing the foraging availability for macroinvertebrates and seeds (e.g., smartweed seeds), and by also reducing cover habitat and exposing these birds to increased predation. Based on the review of Lake Tillery hourly headpond data from 1983 through 2000, approximately 91 percent of the hourly lake levels are at levels greater in depth than 275.8 ft at the dam (i.e., 1.5 ft below the normal operating pool level). This occurrence is expected to be even less upstream where most wetlands are located. At 2 to 3 ft below the normal maximum operating level, emergent wetlands are dewatered and fully exposed. However, these low-water levels, and the associated impacts, only occur during the periods when the Tillery Development is undergoing periodic or emergency maintenance. Impacts to this resource during the normal daily operations are not significant due to the relatively stable water levels. 6.2 Blewett Falls Lake The Blewett Falls Development is operated in coordination with the upstream Tillery Development. The normal operation of the Blewett Falls Lake results in a daily drawdown of approximately 2 to 3 ft below the normal maximum operating level. This drawdown provides storage capacity needed to regulate flows from Tillery Development. The Blewett Falls generating units normally begin operation at the same time that the Tillery Plant begins generation (Progress Energy 2003). Normal lake levels at Blewett Falls Lake, from the years 1997 through 2004, were reviewed for the periods most important for wetland resources and the associated waterfowl use. The most important waterfowl use periods in the Yadkin Pee-Dee Project area again are from June through July for brood rearing, from September through November for fall migration foraging and stop-over, and from December through February for winter foraging and stop-over. Blewett Falls Lake water levels vary from 1 to 3 ft below the normal maximum operating level of 177.2 ft throughout the three important waterfowl periods. Generally, the existing wetland communities associated with Blewett Falls Lake were found to be vigorous in growth, healthy, and appear to be in a state of equilibrium with the current operational regime in association with the inundation duration, magnitude, frequency and seasonal timing. Based on field assessment, there were no obvious and significant Project-related impacts observed for the Blewett Falls Lake study area in relation to the wetland resources. The range of water levels, (i.e., directly related to Project operations) in Blewett Falls Lake is such that the hydrology for the adjacent wetlands is not affected for more than a few hours (i.e., up to eight to 10 hours) on a daily basis. The daily water level fluctuation during the growing season (i.e., May to October) and 6-2 Section 6 Summary throughout the rest of the year is within a range of less than 1 ft to a maximum of 3 ft. There are neither excessive nor insufficient lake levels to greatly impact the structure, composition or function of the wetland communities as a whole. When the water level drops below 1.5 ft of normal maximum operation level, Blewett Falls’ wetlands are temporarily exposed and the associated principal functions and values are diminished until the hydrology is restored in several hours. Based on the review of Blewett Falls hourly headpond data from 1983 through 2000, approximately 60 percent of the hourly lake levels at the dam are at levels greater in depth than 175.7 ft at the dam (i.e., 1.5 ft below the normal operating pool level). This occurrence is expected to be even less upstream at the Grassy Islands area where most wetlands are located. However, these low-water levels, and associated impacts, usually only occur during the periods when the Blewett Falls Dam flashboards are out for a period of time or operations and maintenance requiring a lower surface water elevation. In the emergent wetlands (i.e., southern rice beds), water levels falling more than 1.5 ft below the normal maximum operating level in the wetlands for more than four hours during the waterfowl brood rearing period of June and July, the fall migratory period of September through November, and the wintering period of December through February can adversely affect waterfowl by reducing the foraging availability of macroinvertebrates and seeds (e.g., smartweeds), reducing important cover habitat, and exposing these birds to increased predation and hunting pressure. Although based on observations, this effect is not significant. Approximately 0.27 acres (96 percent) of the woody debris areas are found from normal maximum operating water levels to approximately 6.0 ft below the normal level the extent of the woody debris. Thus, during water level fluctuations below the normal maximum operation lake level, these areas would lack surface inundation and lose the attributed aquatic habitat functions. Also, approximately 200.95 acres (100 percent) of the shallow cove habitat is found from the normal maximum operating level to approximately 6.0 ft below the normal level. During water level fluctuations below the normal operating level, these areas will also lack surface inundation and would lose the aquatic habitat functions. It is at the period of infrequent flashboard loss when the impacts to brood-rearing, migratory, and wintering waterfowl are most evident and most significant. All areas of emergent wetland and the adjacent mud flats and bars are dewatered, exposed and desiccated during this period. During the migratory and wintering periods, the waterfowl (during the low water level periods) move to and utilize other habitat such as Smith Lake, the upstream river segment, and the Pee Dee NWR. 6-3 Section 7 - References Adamus, P.L., E.J. Clairain, Jr., R.D. Smith, and R.E. Young. 1987. Wetland Evaluation Technique (WET): Volume II Methodology. U.S. Army Engineer Waterways Experiment Station, Vicksburg, MS. Alcoa Power Generating, Inc., Yadkin Division. 2002. Yadkin Hydroelectric Project FERC No. 2197 NC Project Relicensing, ICD, September, 2002. ALCOA Power Generating Inc., Yadkin Division, Badin, NC. Appalachian State University. 1999. North Carolina’s Central Park: assessing tourism and outdoor recreation in the Uwharrie Lakes region. Appalachian State University, September 1999. Bates, M. 2001. Montgomery County Natural Heritage Inventory. In association with: The Land Trust for Central North Carolina, Salisbury, NC. The North Carolina Natural Heritage Program, Division of Parks and Recreation, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Raleigh, NC. Brinson, M.M., F.R. Hauer., L.C. Lee, W.L. Nutter,. R.D. Rheinhardt, R.D. Smith, and D. Whigham. 1995. A Guidebook for Application of Hydrogeomorphic Assessments to Riverine Wetlands. Technical Report WRP-DE-11, U.S. Army Engineer Waterways Experiment Station, Vicksburg, MS. Carolina Power & Light. 2001a. Terrestrial resource report associated with the Smith Lake Oxbow and adjacent bottomlands. Yadkin-Pee Dee Hydroelectric Project (FERC No. 2206). New Hill, NC. Cooperrider, A.Y., R.J. Boyd, and H.R. Stuart (eds.). 1986. Inventory and Monitoring of Wildlife Habitat. U.S. Dept. Inter., Bur. Land Manage. Denver, CO. pp. 858. Cowardin, L.M., V. Carter, F.C. Golet, and E.T. LaRoe. 1979. Classification of Wetlands and Deepwater Habitats of the United States. U.S. Dept. of Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service. FWS/OBS-79/31. pp. 131. EA Engineering, Science, and Technology. 2000. Botanical and terrestrial wildlife resources study: Blewett Falls Hydroelectric Plant. Prepared for Carolina Power & Light Company. EA Engineering, Science, and Technology, Baltimore Branch. Sparks, Maryland. Environmental Laboratory. 1987. Corps of Engineers Wetlands Delineation Manual. Technical Report Y-87-1, U.S. Army Engineer Waterways Experiment Station, Vicksburg, MS. Fox, A.M. and W.T. Haller. 2000. Production and Survivorship of the Functional Stolons of Giant Cutgrass, Zizaniopsis miliacea. A. Journal of Bot. 87:811-818. Framatome ANP, Inc. 2002. Terrestrial resources report associated with the survey of Smith Lake oxbow swamp and adjacent bottomland wetlands. Yadkin-Pee Dee Hydroelectric Project 7-1 Section 7 References (FERC Project No. 2206). Prepared for CP&L—A Progress Energy Company. Framatome ANP DE&S. Charlotte, NC. Fredrickson, L.H. 1991. Strategies for Water Level Manipulations in Moist-Soil Systems. Fish and Wildlife Leaflet 13.4.6 in Waterfowl Management Handbook. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Washington D.C. ——. 1982. Management of Seasonally Flooded Impoundments for Wildlife. Publication 148. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Washington D.C. Resource Griffith, G.E., J.M. Omernik, J.A. Comstock, M.P. Schafale, W.H. McNab, D.R. Lenat, T.F. MacPherson, J.B. Glover, and V.B. Shleburne. 2002. Ecoregions of North Carolina and South Carolina (color poster). Reston, Virginia, U.S., Geological Survey (map scale 1:1,500,000). LeGrand, H.E., S.E. McRae, S.P. Hall, and J.T. Finnegan. 2004. 2004 Natural Heritage Program list of rare animal species in North Carolina. North Carolina Natural Heritage Program. Kahl, R. 1993. Aquatic macrophyte ecology in the Upper Winnebago Pool Lakes, Wisconsin. Technical Report Bulletin No. 182. Wisconsin Dept. of Nat. Res. pp. 60. Kadlec, J.A. 1962. Effects of a drawdown on a waterfowl impoundment. Ecology, Vol. 43. No. 2. Martin, W.H., S.G. Boyce, and A.C. Echternacht (eds.). 1993. Biodiversity of the Southeastern United States: Lowland Terrestrial Communities. John Wiley and Sons. New York, New York. 502 pp. Morrison, M.L., B.G. Marcot, and R.W. Mannan. 1992. Wildlife-Habitat Relationships: Concepts and Applications. The University of Wisconsin Press. pp. 342. North American Waterfowl Management Plan. Undated. Atlantic Coast Joint Venture Plan. pp. 106. North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources. 1995. Guidance for Rating the Values of Wetlands in North Carolina: Fourth Addition. Division of Environmental Management, Water Quality Section. Platts, W.S., W.F. Megahan, and G.W. Minshall. 1983. Methods for evaluating stream, riparian, and biotic conditions. USDA- Intermountain For. and Range Exp. Station. General Technical Report INT-138. Ogden UT. 70 pp. Progress Energy. 2005. Lake Tillery Shoreline Management Plan: Water Willow Bed Assessment Study. March 2005. ——. 2003. Initial Consultation Document. Section 4.6, Wildlife Resources, Rare, Threatened, and Endangered Species. Submitted by Progress Energy, Raleigh, NC. February 2003. 7-2 Section 7 References Schafale, M.P. and A.S. Weakley. 1990. Classification of the natural communities of North Carolina. North Carolina Natural Heritage Program. Raleigh, NC Sharitz, R.R. and W.J. Mitsch. 1993. Southern Floodplain Forests. Pages 311-372 in W.H. Martin, S.G. Boyce, and A.C. Echternacht (eds.) Biodiversity of the Southeastern United States: Lowland Terrestrial Communities. John Wiley and Sons. New York, NY. Sorrie, B.A. 2001. Natural Areas Inventory for Richmond County. Sponsored by: The Land Trust for Central North Carolina, Salisbury, NC, and Sandhills Area Land Trust. The North Carolina Natural Heritage Program, Division of Parks and Recreation, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Raleigh, NC. Smith, L.A., R.L. Pederson, and R.M. Kaminski. 1989. Habitat Management for Migrating and Wintering Waterfowl in North America. Texas Tech University Press. pp. 560. Sousa, P.J. 1985. Habitat suitability index models: USFWS.FWS/OBS-82/10.114. pp. 34. blue-winged teal (breeding). Sousa, P.J., and A.H. Farmer. 1983. Habitat suitability index models: wood duck. USFWS. FWS/OBS-82/10.43. pp. 27. Taylor J.R., M.A. Cardamone, and W.J. Mitch. 1990. Bottomland Hardwood Forests: Their Functions and Values. Pages 13-86 in J.G. Gosselink, L.C. Lee, and T.A. Muir (eds.) Ecological Processes and Cumulative Impacts: Illustrated by Bottomland hardwood Wetland Ecosystems. Lewis Publishers. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Environmental Laboratory. 1987. Corps of Engineers wetland delineation manual. Waterways Experimental Station. Vicksburg, MS. Technical Report Y-87-1. pp. 100. U.S. Department of Agriculture (Natural Resources Conservation Service). 1999. Soil Survey of Richmond County, North Carolina. In cooperation with the NCDENR, NC Agricultural Research Service, NC Cooperative Extension Service, Richmond Soil and Water Conservation District. ——. 2004. The PLANTS Database, Version 3.5. National Plant Data Center, Baton Rouge, LA 70874-4490 USA. Available: ■ (Juncus effusus) http://plants.usda.gov/cgi_bin/plant_attribute.cgi?symbol=JUEF ■ (Panicum virgatum) http://plants.usda.gov/cgi_bin/plant_attribute.cgi?symbol=PAVI2 ■ (Peltandra virginica) http://plants.usda.gov/cgi_bin/topics.cgi?earl=plant_profile.cgi&symbol=PEVI ■ (Saururus cernuus) http://plants.usda.gov/cgi_bin/topics.cgi?earl=fact_sheet.cgi ■ (Zizaniopsis miliacea) http://plants.usda.gov/cgi_bin/topics.cgi?earl=plant_profile.cgi&symbol=ZIMI 7-3 Section 7 References U.S. Department of Agriculture. 1965. Silvics of Forest Trees of the United States. Division of Timber Management Research, U.S. Forest Service. Washington D.C. Agriculture Handbook No. 271. Washington Department of Ecology and Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. 2003. Wetlands in Washington State. Volume 1, Chapter 4- A synthesis of the science. Wharton, C.H., W.M. Kitchens, and T.W. Sipe. 1982. The Ecology of Bottomland Hardwood Swamps of the Southeast: A Community Profile. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Biological Services Program, Washington, D.C. FWS/OBS-81/37. pp. 133. Wilcox, D.A. and J.E. Meeker. 1991. Disturbance effects on aquatic vegetation in regulated and unregulated lakes in northern Minnesota. Can. J. Bot. 69:1542-1551. 7-4 APPENDICES APPENDIX A WILDLIFE SPECIES GUILDS YADKIN-PEE-DEE TERRESTRIAL WILDLIFE SPECIES GUILDS WITH SEASONALITY OF HABITAT USE x x x Seasonal use of Habitat x Relative Abundance Known from study area? (x) BOTTOMLAND HARDWOOD FLOODPLAIN WETLANDS (PIEDMONT) c Sp Su F W c Sp Su F W c Sp Su F W c Sp Su F W Scientific Name Odocoileus virginianus Procyon lotor Castor canadensis Sciurus carolinensis Common Name White-tailed Deer Habit Requirements / Notes Potential Project Impacts White-tailed deer are at home in many of the natural communities of the region. Prime habitat is broken areas of re-generating forest with cropland interspersed throughout. Associated with wetland habitats and stream corridors. High water events have the potential to push individuals from bottomlands to more upland areas on a temporary basis. Raccoon Beaver Gray Squirrel Typically found along small wooded streams which it dams to form small impoundments called beaver ponds. Also found in large rivers and lakes where it often forms bank dens as opposed to open water lodges when it forms an impoundment of its own. The preferred habitat of gray squirrels is extensive tracts of mature forests of oaks, hickories, and beeches mixed with other hardwoods and various species of conifers. Appendix A - 1 High water events have the potential to reduce the available suitable habitat for this species impacting food and den site availability. Low water levels can temporarily reduce potential aquatic prey species. The daily changes in water levels have no affect on the species. Extremely low water events (2.0 ft below normal maximum operating level) have the potential to dewater bank den sites. This could expose this species to additional predation lowering population levels. The daily changes in water levels have no affect on the species. High water events during the winter months could potentially inundate stored food sources causing increased mortality rates and lowered reproductive success. x x x Seasonal use of Habitat Relative Abundance Known from study area? (x) x c Sp Su F u Sp Su F W c c Sp Su F W Sp Su F W Scientific Name Eptesicus fuscus Sorex longirostris Anas platyrhynchos Common Name Big Brown Bat Southeastern Shrew Mallard Habit Requirements / Notes Potential Project Impacts This species is normally a forest dweller, but it does not hesitate to utilize attics and crevices in buildings, caves, and crevices in rocks for daytime retreats. Favorite roosts are under the loose bark of dead trees and in cavities of trees. These bats emerge rather early in the evening and feed among the trees, often following a regular route from one treetop to another and back again. The Southeastern Shrew prefers floodplain forests and the borders of swamps. It has also been found in dry upland locations, including fields and pastures. Typically found in marshes, rivers, lakes, wooded swamps and bays with shallow water where it is able to dabble Extremely dry years could lower water levels within the Project area causing lower production of preferred food sources forcing this species to abandon roost sites within the Project area and relocate to areas with better food sources. The daily changes in water levels have no affect on the species. This species is typically found in wooded swamps, rivers and ponds. Aix sponsa Wood Duck Appendix A - 2 High water events have the potential to inundate the tunnel system used by this species forcing relocation to higher ground outside the Project Boundary. High water events can inundate food sources necessary for this dabbling duck also inundate nest sites; Low water (de-watering) events can cause food sources to be unavailable for both broods and adults. Low water levels also expose the broods to increased predation due to lack of wetland cover. The daily changes in water levels have no affect on the species. Water levels below normal maximum operating pool for extended periods of time can cause a reduction in foraging and cover habitat. This can also concentrate birds on the remaining suitable habitat exposing larger concentrations of birds to predators. The daily changes in water levels have no affect on the species. Relative Abundance Seasonal use of Habitat Known from study area? (x) x c Sp Su F W c Sp Su F W c Sp Su F x c Sp Su F x u x x x c Sp Su Sp Su F W Scientific Name Meleagris gallopavo Common Name Wild Turkey Habit Requirements / Notes Potential Project Impacts This is a species of woods, especially hardwood forests, and wooded swamps. High water events in bottomlands can have a potential negative impact on this species by inundating favored food sources such as seeds, nuts, acorns, buds, and berries; especially during the fall. The daily changes in water levels have no affect on the species. This raptor can be negatively impacted by the Project in an indirect way; by high water levels affecting its prey including small mammals, the largest of these being rabbits and squirrels as well as reptiles, such as snakes, amphibians, including toads, frogs and lizards, small birds and large insects. The daily changes in water levels have no affect on the species. This species is typically found in woodlands, wooded rivers, and timbered swamps. Buteo lineatus Protonotaria citrea Red-shouldered Hawk Prothonotary Warbler Typically found in wooded swamps and river riparian areas with shallow water inundation during breeding season. Cavity nester Typically found in large, forested hardwood tracts and bottomlands Seiurus aurocapillus Ovenbird Empidonax virescens Acadian Flycatcher This species can be found in deciduous forests, bottomlands, ravines, swampy woods, and beech groves. Northern Water Snake This species of snake is at home in almost any aquatic habitat including swamps, marshes, bogs, streams, ponds, lakes and their adjacent habitats. Nerodia sipedon sipedon Appendix A - 3 Water levels below normal operating pool, for extended periods of time during breeding season, can expose nest cavities to increased predation. The daily changes in water levels have no affect on the species. High water levels due to flooding in the breeding/nesting season can inundate bottomland ground nest sites. The daily changes in water levels have no affect on the species. No impacts to the species are expected. The daily changes in water levels have no affect on the species. Water levels below normal operating pool for extended periods of time can cause a reduction in foraging and aquatic habitat. The daily changes in water levels have no affect on the species. x Relative Abundance Seasonal use of Habitat Known from study area? (x) x c Sp Su F W c Sp Su F W Scientific Name Ambystoma maculatum Rana palustris Common Name Spotted Salamander Pickerel Frog Habit Requirements / Notes Potential Project Impacts Usually found in forested swamps, wet ditches, and vernal pools in forested floodplains throughout the Piedmont High water levels due to flooding in the spring can inundate and scour away egg masses and larvalstages within the bottomland vernal pools. The daily changes in water levels have no affect on the perched vernal pools within the Project. High water levels due to flooding in the spring can inundate and scour away egg masses and larvalstages within the bottomland vernal pools and wetland areas. The daily changes in water levels have no affect on the perched vernal pools and wetlands within the Project. Pickerel frogs commonly inhabit cool, wooded streams, seeps and springs although they are also found in many other habitats. In the South, it can also be found in the relatively warm, turbid waters of floodplain swamps. These frogs tend to wander far into grassy fields or into weed-covered areas in the summer. Appendix A - 4 x x x x Seasonal use of Habitat x Relative Abundance Known from study area? (x) EMERGENT WETLANDS c Sp Su F W c Sp Su F W c Sp Su F W r Sp Su F W c c W Sp Su F W Scientific Name Mustela vison Common Name Mink Habit Requirements / Notes Potential Project Impacts Never far from water (Semi-aquatic); has associated with most types of wetlands. High water events have the potential to reduce the available suitable habitat for this species impacting food and den site availability. Low water levels can temporarily reduce potential aquatic prey species. The daily changes in water levels have no affect on the species. High water events have the potential to reduce the available suitable habitat for this species impacting food and den site availability. Low water levels can temporarily reduce potential aquatic prey species. The daily changes in water levels have no affect on the species. Extremely low water events (2.0 ft below normal maximum operating level) have the potential to dewater bank den sites. This could expose this species to additional predation lowering population levels. The daily changes in water levels have no affect on the species. High water events have the potential to reduce the available suitable habitat for this species impacting food and nest site availability. The daily changes in water levels have no affect on the species. Low water (de-watering) events can cause food sources and winter cover to be unavailable. The daily changes in water levels have no affect on the species. High water events can inundate food sources necessary for this dabbling duck also inundate nest sites; Low water (de-watering) events can cause food sources to be unavailable for both broods and adults. Low water levels also expose the broods to increased predation due to lack of wetland cover. The daily changes in water levels have no affect on the species. Associated with wetland habitats and stream corridors. Procyon lotor Ondatra zibethicus Sylvilagus palustris Anas crecca Anas platyrhynchos Raccoon Muskrat Marsh Rabbit Green-winged Teal Mallard Emergent wetlands dominated by rushes and cattails as well as open water areas. Typically found in marshes and swamps as well as wooded floodplains. Typically found in marshes, rivers and bays with shallow water where it is able to dabble. Typically found in marshes, rivers, lakes, wooded swamps and bays with shallow water where it is able to dabble. Appendix A - 5 Relative Abundance Seasonal use of Habitat Known from study area? (x) x c Sp Su F W Scientific Name Ardea herodias Common Name Great Blue Heron Habit Requirements / Notes Potential Project Impacts Associated with marshes, swamps, shores as well as bottomland hardwood forests and pine stands for nesting. Low water levels in the Project have the potential to de-water the normally shallow water areas needed by this species for feeding causing negative impacts. The daily changes in water levels have no affect on the species. High water events or flooding can negatively affect this species indirectly by causing lower population levels in some prey species especially in small mammals; causing this species to relocate to areas with better hunting opportunities. The daily changes in water levels have no affect on the species. Prolonged low water events have the potential to reduce the available habitat within the Project area; causing this species to relocate to other areas with high quality preferred habitat available. High water levels due to flooding during the nesting season can inundate nests within the wetland. The daily changes in water levels have no affect on the species. Prolonged low water events have the potential to reduce the available habitat within the Project area; causing this species to relocate to other areas with high quality preferred habitat available. The daily changes in water levels have no affect on the species. Low water levels can reduce available foraging and cover habitat. Also exposure and subsequent freezing and desiccation of substrates during the winter can cause freezing of individuals. The daily changes in water levels have no affect on the species. Marshes, fields and other open areas suitable for hunting techniques. x u SP F W Circus cyaneus Northern Harrier Prefers swamps, marshes and wet thickets. x x x c Sp Su F W c Sp Su F W c Sp Su F W Geothlypis trichas Agelaius phoeniceus Chrysemys scripta Common Yellowthroat Red-winged Blackbird Yellow-belly Slider Breeds in marshes, brushy swamps, hayfields; forages also in cultivated land, along edges of water. Prefers quiet water with a muddy bottom and a profusion of vegetation. Often basks on logs and masses of vegetation. Appendix A - 6 x Seasonal use of Habitat x Relative Abundance Known from study area? (x) x u Sp Su F W c Sp Su F W c Sp Su F W Scientific Name Nerodia sipedon Notophthalmus viridescens viridescens Rana catesbeiana Common Name Northern Water Snake Red-spotted Newt Bullfrog Habit Requirements / Notes Potential Project Impacts Found in all types of freshwater habitats, including streams, ponds, lakes and marshes Low water levels can reduce available foraging and cover habitat and could potentially reduce its prey species; lowering reproductive success or forcing individuals to find alternative living locations. The daily changes in water levels have no affect on the species. Extreme water events, both high and low, have the potential to affect this species. Low water events could dry out breeding and/or resting areas, and high water events could scour away egg masses lowering reproductive success. . The daily changes in water levels have no affect on the species. Water levels 2-3 ft below the normal maximum operation level for more than one day can adversely affect the species by limiting habitat and increasing predation. The daily changes in water levels have no affect on the species. Often found in ponds, small lakes, marshes or other permanent or semipermanent bodies of unpolluted water. Aquatic and preferring larger bodies of water than most other frogs. A resident of lakes, ponds, bogs, sluggish portions of streams; usually seen at waters edge or amidst vegetation or snags among which it can hide from predators. Appendix A - 7 x x x x x Seasonal use of Habitat x Relative Abundance Known from study area? (x) SCRUB-SHRUB WETLANDS c Sp Su F W c Sp Su F W r Sp Su F W c Sp Su F W c Sp Su F W c Sp Su F W Scientific Name Odocoileus virginianus Felis rufus Mustela vison Sylvilagus floridanus Cardinalis cardinalis Agelaius phoeniceus Common Name White-tailed Deer Bobcat Mink Eastern Cottontail Habit Requirements / Notes Potential Project Impacts White-tailed deer are at home in many of the natural communities of the region. Prime habitat is broken areas of re-generating forest with cropland interspersed throughout. Typically prefers forests where there are areas of dense thickets associated with forest re-generation. High water events have the potential to push individuals from bottomlands to more upland areas on a temporary basis. Never far from water (Semi-aquatic); has associated with most types of wetlands. Typically found in areas of disturbed habitat preferring old fields, brushy edges and other habitats characterized by mixtures of herbaceous and shrubby plants. Typically found in thickets, suburban gardens and woodland edges. Northern Cardinal Red-winged Blackbird Breeds in marshes, brushy swamps, hayfields; forages also in cultivated land, along edges of water. Appendix A - 8 High water events have the potential to push individuals from bottomlands to more upland areas on a temporary basis. The daily changes in water levels have no affect on the species. The dewatering of wetland habitats would reduce the total available usable habitat in the Project area; thereby reducing the total number of individuals. The daily changes in water levels have no affect on the species. High water events have the potential to reduce the available suitable habitat for this species impacting food and nest site availability. The daily changes in water levels have no affect on the species. Prolonged periods of high water could adversely affect this species by limiting production of preferred foods (seeds/insects) and/or inundation of nest sites. The daily changes in water levels have no affect on the species. Prolonged low water events have the potential to reduce the available habitat within the Project area; causing this species to relocate to other areas with high quality preferred habitat available. The daily changes in water levels have no affect on the species. x x x x Seasonal use of Habitat Relative Abundance Known from study area? (x) x c Sp Su F W c Sp Su F W c Sp Su F W c Sp Su F W c Sp Su F W Scientific Name Geothlypis trichas Thamnophis sirtalis sirtalis Desmognathus fuscus fuscus Eurycea cirrigera Bufo americanus Common Name Habit Requirements / Notes Potential Project Impacts Prefers swamps, marshes and wet thickets. Prolonged low water events have the potential to reduce the available habitat within the Project area; causing this species to relocate to other areas with high quality preferred habitat available. High water levels due to flooding during the nesting season can inundate nests within the wetland. The daily changes in water levels have no affect on the species. High water levels due to flooding in the spring and summer can inundate and wash away individuals and prey within the bottomland vernal pools and wetland areas. The daily changes in water levels have no affect on the perched vernal pools and wetlands within the Project. High water events can have a potential negative impact on this species by inundating its preferred habitat forcing it to find other suitable locations that are not inundated. Common Yellowthroat This snake occupies a wide variety of habitats including meadows, marshes, woodlands, hillsides, along streams and brushy areas while in search of prey. Eastern Garter Snake Northern Dusky Salamander Southern Salamander American Toad Two-lined Found in many different habitat types including brooks, near springs, and in seepage areas. Perhaps most common along edges of small woodland streams where stones, chunks of wood, and miscellaneous debris provide ample shelter both for the salamanders and their food. Typically found hiding beneath all types of objects including masses of wet leaves in river or creek swamps. Occurs in an extremely wide variety of habitats including damp thickets with a dependable supply of water during the breeding season. Appendix A - 9 High water events can have a potential negative impact on this species by inundating its preferred habitat especially in winter when it retreats under ground to wait for warmer weather. The daily changes in water levels have no affect on the species. High water levels due to flooding in the spring can inundate and wash away egg masses and larvalstages within the bottomland vernal pools and wetland areas. The daily changes in water levels have no affect on the perched vernal pools and wetlands within the Project. APPENDIX B SELECTED WETLAND CROSS SECTIONS Appendix B - 1 Appendix B - 2 APPENDIX C INFORMATION ON REPRESENTATIVE AND IMPORTANT WETLAND PLANT SPECIES The following discussion provides information on the commonly occurring and representative wetland and floodplain plant species documented in the study area occurring in Region 2 – Southeast, which includes the entire Yadkin-Pee Dee Project area. Each of these plants is assigned an indicator status. The indicator status shows the plants tendency to grow in wetland locations. These are as follows: ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ OBL – Obligate Wetland: Plant species assigned this indicator status occur with 99 percent probability in wetlands FACW – Facultative Wetland: Plant species assigned this indicator status occur with 67-99 percent probability in wetlands FAC – Facultative: Plant species assigned this indicator status occur with 34-66 percent probability in wetlands FACU – Facultative Upland: Plant species assigned this indicator status occur with 67-99 percent probability in non-wetlands; 1-33 percent in wetlands UPL – Obligate Upland: Plant species assigned this indicator status occur with 99 percent probability in non-wetlands in this region NI – No Indicator: Insufficient information available to determine an indicator status Positive or negative signs are used to more specifically define frequency of occurrence in wetlands. A positive sign (+) indicates a frequency toward the higher end of a category (more frequently found in wetlands), and a negative sign (-) indicates a frequency toward the lower end of a category (less frequently found in wetlands) (USFWS 1988). SPECIES: Acer rubrum (Red Maple) - FAC GENERAL BOTANICAL CHARACTERISTICS Red maple is a deciduous, medium to large-sized tree that grows 30 to 90 ft (9 to 28 m) tall and up to 4 ft (1.6 m) in diameter (Tirmenstein 1991). The bark is smooth and light gray on young trees, similar in appearance to other maples; older trees are darker gray bark with long, narrow scaly plates and shallow fissures (Brown and Kirkman 1990). Twigs are stout and shiny red to grayish brown with terminal buds. The small, red, fragrant flowers are borne in slender-stalked, drooping, axillary clusters. The fruit is a paired, winged samara, approximately 0.75 inch (1.9 cm) long. Samaras are red, pink, or yellow (Tirmenstein 1991). REGENERATION PROCESSES Red maple can bear seed as early as 4 years of age and produces good or better seed crops over most of its range in one out of two years. Bumper seed crops do occur. Trees are extremely prolific; individual trees 2 to 8 inches (5 to 20 cm) in diameter commonly produce 12,000 to 91,000 seeds annually, and trees 12 inches (30 cm) in diameter can produce nearly 1,000,000 seeds. Seed is wind dispersed. Up to 95 percent of viable seed germinates with the first 10 days; some seed survives within the duff and germinates the following year (Tirmenstein 1991). Seedbed requirements for red maple are minimal, and a bank of persistent seedlings often accumulates beneath a forest canopy. Seedlings may number more than 11,000 per acre (44,534/ha) and can survive for three to five years under moderate shade (Tirmenstein 1991). Appendix C - 1 Vegetative regeneration: Red maple sprouts vigorously from the stump, root crown, or “root suckers” after fire or mechanical damage. Lees observed that at least three generations of stump sprouts can “thrive on the same regenerating root system.” Buds located at the base of stems commonly sprout two to six weeks after the stem is cut (Tirmenstein 1991). SITE CHARACTERISTICS Red maple grows throughout much of the deciduous forest of eastern North America and into the fringes of the boreal forest. It occurs on a variety of wet to dry sites in dense woods and in openings. Red maple grows in low, rich woods, along the margins of lakes, marshes, and swamps, in hammocks, wet thickets, and on floodplains and stream terraces. Red maple also occurs in drier upland woodlands, low-elevation cove forests, dry sandy plains, and on stable dunes. Red maple is a common dominant in many forest types and is considered a major species or associate in more that 56 cover types (Tirmenstein 1991). Red maple grows in association with more than 70 important tree species. Red maple is found in virtually every county of the Carolinas (Radford et al. 1968). Red maple does well on a wider range of soil types, textures, moisture regimes, and pH than does any other forest species in North America. It develops best on moist, fertile, loamy soils but also grows on a variety of dry, rocky, upland soils. Red maple grows on soils derived from a variety of parent materials, including granite, shales, slates, gneisses, schists, sandstone, limestone, conlgomerates, and quartzites. It also occurs on a variety of lacustrine sediments, glacial till, and glacial outwash (Tirmenstein 1991). Red maple grows from sea level to 3,000 ft (0 to 900 m) in elevation. SUCCESSIONAL STATUS Red maple is characterized by wide ecological amplitude and occupies a wide range of succession stages. It is moderately tolerant of shade in the North but intolerant of shade in the Piedmont. Red maple commonly grows as a subclimax or mid-seral species, but characteristics such as vigorous sprouting, prolific seeding, and ability to compete enable it to pioneer on a variety of disturbed sites. This tree lives longer than most seral species but generally does not persist in late succession stages. In even-aged stands which develop after clear cutting, red maple is commonly overtopped by faster growing species such as northern red oak. In a few locations in the Southeast, it grows as a climax dominant in wet-site communities (Tirmenstein 1991). Red maple commonly increases after disturbances such as windthrow, clear cutting, or fire. In many locations, red maple has increased in importance since presettlement times. Dutch elm disease and chestnut blight have led to increases in the number of red maple stems in many stands. In many parts of the East, red maple has increased in gaps resulting from oak decline and gypsy moth infestations (Tirmenstein 1991). SEASONAL DEVELOPMENT Red maple is one of the first trees to flower in early spring. In the Carolinas, red maple can flower as early as January, and will continue to flower through March. Fruiting occurs April through July (Radford et al. 1968). Appendix C - 2 GENERAL DISTRIBUTION Red maple is one of the most widely distributed trees in eastern North America. Its range extends from Newfoundland and Nova Scotia west to southern Ontario, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Illinois; south through Missouri, eastern Oklahoma, and southern Texas; and east to southern Florida (Tirmenstein 1991). HABITAT TYPES AND PLANT COMMUNITIES Red maple occurs in low wet areas, along streams, floodplains, in deciduous woods, and on drier sites (Brown and Kirkman 1990). It is a dominant or codominant in several eastern deciduous forests and deciduous swamp communities with black ash (Fraxinus nigra), yellow birch (Betula alleghaniensis), northern red oak (Quercus rubra), black oak (Q. velutinus), aspen (Populus tremuloides), and elm (Ulmus spp.). In mesic upland communities of the Southeast, it grows as an overstory dominant with sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua) and water oak (Quercus nigra) (Tirmenstein 1991). COVER AND WILDLIFE VALUE Maples provide cover for many species of wildlife. The screech owl, pileated woodpecker, and common flicker nest in cavities in many species of maple. Cavities in red maples in river floodplain communities are often well suited for cavity nesters such as the wood duck (Tirmenstein 1991). SPECIES: Betula nigra (River Birch) - FACW GENERAL BOTANICAL CHARACTERISTICS River birch is a medium-sized, native, deciduous tree, usually 60 to 80 ft (18 to 24.4 m) in height, typically with a short trunk and forked, spreading crown. The bark of younger specimens is reddish to gray-brown, peeling into papery layers; older trees are darker grayish brown with coarser, shreddy plates (Brown and Kirkman 1990). REGENERATION PROCESSES Good seed crops are usually produced annually. The winged seeds are wind or water disseminated. Water dissemination is probably more important because water deposits the seeds on moist shores favorable to germination and establishment. The seeds germinate rapidly in moist alluvial soil, often in large numbers, forming thickets on sandbars. The seeds are apparently viable only a few days. River birch does not spread vegetatively, but multiple stems arising from stump sprouts are common. Because of this, river birch is resilient to flood damage (Sullivan 1993). SITE CHARACTERISTICS River birch is typically a floodplain species, usually located along streambanks and in wet bottomlands (Brown and Kirkman 1990). Typical sites also include sandbars and new land near streams, inside the natural levee or front. It is occasionally found on scattered upland sites, and it is found extensively throughout the Carolinas (Radford et al. 1968). It is positively associated with clay soils. Soils can be either well- or poorly drained, as long as they are at or near field capacity Appendix C - 3 year-round. River birch often occurs on soils that are too acid for most other hardwoods (pH range two to four), but also occurs on soils of higher pH (Sullivan 1993). River birch is moderately tolerant to flooding; it can occur in soils that are waterlogged about 50 percent of the time (Sullivan 1993). SUCCESSIONAL STATUS River birch is intolerant of shade. It is an early pioneer on stream bank alluvium, and requires high soil moisture coupled with no shade for germination and establishment. River birch may be the initial colonizer of sandbars, or may establish after sandbars are stabilized by more flood-tolerant alders (Alnus spp.) or willows (Salix spp.). It readily establishes on the soils exposed by stream channelization projects and remains important for a number of years, even after canopy closure. River birch usually follows willows and is replaced by other hardwoods, generally oaks (Sullivan 1993). It is fairly short-lived. SEASONAL DEVELOPMENT Male catkins are formed on twig tips in the fall and mature the following April or May. Female catkins appear with the leaves and open in early spring. In the Carolinas, river birch flowers March to April; fruiting occurs May through June (Radford et al. 1968). GENERAL DISTRIBUTION River birch is found throughout the southeastern United States; local distributions are closely associated with alluvial soils. It is found from southern New York, eastern Pennsylvania, and Maryland west to eastern Indiana; north in the Mississippi Valley to Wisconsin and southeastern Minnesota; south to Missouri, Arkansas, eastern Oklahoma, and eastern Texas; and east to northern Florida (Sullivan 1993). HABITAT TYPES AND PLANT COMMUNITIES River birch is found in virtually every bottomland cover type, and its associates can be considered almost all bottomland plants in the eastern United States (Sullivan 1993). COVER AND WILDLIFE VALUE The riparian areas in which river birch occurs are of prime value for wildlife, and this species provides some nesting habitat, but it is considered of little value as a wildlife food source. SPECIES: Celtis laevigata (Sugarberry or Lowland Hackberry) - FACW GENERAL BOTANICAL CHARACTERISTICS Sugarberry or hackberry is a medium-sized, native, deciduous tree up to 80 ft tall (24 m), with a well-formed straight trunk that occasionally reaches 36 inches (92 cm) in dbh. The crown is open and rounded. The bark of young trees is gray and smooth; mature trees develop corky protuberances that are scattered to dense with smooth areas in between (Brown and Kirkman 1990). The roots of Appendix C - 4 sugarberry are relatively shallow; it does not form a distinct taproot and has only average resistance to windthrow. Sugarberry has a moderately long life span, not usually living over 150 years (Sullivan 1993). REGENERATION PROCESSES Sexual reproduction: Sugarberry is polygamo-monoecious. Individual’s usually first produce seeds at 15 years; optimum seed bearing years are from 30 to 70 years of age. Good seed crops are produced most years, some individuals produce good crops every year. Sugarberry seeds are dispersed by mammals, birds and by water. Seedlings are intolerant of flooding. Sugarberry tends to grow slowly; the average 10-year diameter increase in natural stands is 1.5 inches (3.8 cm) (Sullivan 1993). SITE CHARACTERISTICS Sugarberry is found in moist alluvial woods and slough margins (but not deep swamps) up to 600 ft (180 m) elevation. It also occurs on upland sites, although rarely. It occurs on any soil type with fair drainage, from sandy loams and rocky or alluvial soils to heavy black clay. Sugarberry is most often found on clay soils in the orders Iceptisols and Entisols on broad flats or shallow sloughs within the floodplains of major rivers, and on deep moist soils derived from limestone, but will grow under a considerable range of soil and moisture conditions (Sullivan 1993). Sugarberry cannot tolerate prolonged flooding or water-saturated soils. In forested wetlands sugarberry grows best in the drier areas. Rising water levels (due to flooding, impoundments etc.) will reduce sugarberry basal area in these forests (Sullivan 1993). SUCCESSIONAL STATUS Seedlings of sugarberry can establish under most stands of southern bottomland hardwoods; sugarberry is shade tolerant. It will respond when released, and can outgrow more desirable forest species. When established in the understory it has a very poor form (limby, short-boled, crooked or forked) (Sullivan 1993). Sugarberry commonly follows eastern cottonwood (Populus deltoides var. deltoides) and black willow (Salix nigra) in succession on new land created by rivers. Old-growth stands may include sugarberry as an important overstory species. However, sugarberry regeneration might not occur at a rate sufficient to maintain its numbers. Once the canopy is mature and other tolerant hardwoods are recruited, sugarberry numbers will decrease (Sullivan 1993). SEASONAL DEVELOPMENT In the Carolinas, sugarberry flowers from April through May, and fruits from August to October (Radford et al. 1968). The fruit is sometimes retained on the tree until midwinter. Appendix C - 5 GENERAL DISTRIBUTION Sugarberry is native to the southeastern part of the U.S., ranging south from southeastern Virginia to southern Florida; west to central Texas and including northeastern Mexico; north to western Oklahoma and southern Kansas; and east to Missouri, extreme southern Illinois, and Indiana. It occurs locally in Maryland (Sullivan 1993). HABITAT TYPES AND PLANT COMMUNITIES In many areas, sugarberry occurs as scattered individuals. After disturbances, a seral sugarberryAmerican elm (Ulmus americana)-green ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica) forest cover type may develop, with sugarberry as a codominant. This type intermixes with sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua)-willow oak (Quercus phellos) types, which contain essentially the same species in different densities. The sugarberry-American elm-green ash type occurs often along major river basins (Sullivan 1993). COVER AND WILDLIFE VALUE The fruits of sugarberry are eaten by many birds, including: ring-necked pheasant, waterfowl, quail, and ruffed grouse. They are a preferred food of turkeys in fall and winter. Squirrels occasionally eat the fruit, and will also consume buds and bark, but do so rarely. Other game and nongame animals consume the fruit. White-tailed deer will browse sugarberry, but it has a low preference rating (Sullivan 1993). SPECIES: Cephalanthus occidentalis (Buttonbush) - OBL GENERAL BOTANICAL CHARACTERISTICS Buttonbush is a deciduous, warm-season, tall shrub or small tree that can reach up to 18 ft (6 m) in height. Its base is often swollen. Branches are usually green when young but turn brown at maturity. Buttonbush has opposite, lanceolate-oblong leaves about 7 inches (18 cm) long and 3 inches (7.5 cm) wide. Tiny, white flowers occur in dense, spherical clusters at the ends of the branches. Fruits are a round cluster of brown, cone-shaped nutlets (Snyder 1991). REGENERATION PROCESSES Buttonbush regenerates by seed, which have a low germination rate (Snyder 1991). SITE CHARACTERISTICS Buttonbush grows along swamps, marshes, bogs, ditches, and other riparian areas that are inundated for at least part of the year. It grows in alluvial plains that experience intermittent flooding, but can be damaged by spring flooding (Snyder 1991). Appendix C - 6 SUCCESSIONAL STATUS Buttonbush is a pioneer species in frequently flooded bald cypress/water tupelo (Nyssa aquatica) swamps, establishing on rotting logs and stumps. Buttonbush can also colonize lowland marsh communities dominated by bulrush (Snyder 1991). SEASONAL DEVELOPMENT In the Carolinas, buttonbush flowers from June through August, and fruits from August through September (Radford et al. 1968). GENERAL DISTRIBUTION Buttonbush extends from southern Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Quebec, and Ontario south through southern Florida and west through the eastern half of the Great Plains States. Scattered populations exist in New Mexico, Arizona, and the central valley of California (Snyder 1991). Buttonbush is found throughout most of the Carolinas (Radford et al. 1968). HABITAT TYPES AND PLANT COMMUNITIES Buttonbush is a wetland shrub common to most swamps and floodplains of eastern and southern North America. COVER AND WILDLIFE VALUE Buttonbush is important to wood ducks for brood rearing and hiding. Many species of waterfowl and shorebirds eat buttonbush seeds. White-tailed deer use of buttonbush browse varies from light in Pennsylvania to heavy in Nova Scotia. Bees use buttonbush to produce honey (Snyder 1991). SPECIES: Cornus amomum ( Silky Dogwood) – FACW+ GENERAL BOTANICAL CHARACTERISTICS Silky dogwood is a multi-stem, fast growing shrub with a height up to 10 ft tall. It is deciduous, with simple, opposite, entire, broadly elliptic leaves. Lateral leaf veins curve to run nearly parallel with blade margin; appressed hairs on lower surface are brown to reddish-brown; leaf scar is narrow V-shaped; bundle scars 3; axillary bud is imbricate, appressed, hairy; branchlet bark purplish-red; pith of 1-year twigs is brown. The flowers are white, in flat-topped or somewhat round-top clusters; the fruit is a drupe, white to dull blue (Gardeners Choice). REGENERATION PROCESSES Regeneration of this species is primarily by seed, but also slowly stoloniferous. SITE CHARACTERISTICS Full sun to partial shade, coarse to fine texture soils with a pH range of five to seven, and wet or dry soil suits this species (Gardeners Choice). Appendix C - 7 SUCCESSIONAL STATUS This species is a quick growing shrub and rapid colonizer in full sun. SEASONAL DEVELOPMENT In the Carolinas, silky dogwood typically flowers from May through June, and fruits August through September (Radford et al. 1968). GENERAL DISTRIBUTION Occurs on edges of wetlands and stream banks from Florida to Canada, and Midwest to Missouri (USDA-NRCS 2004). HABITAT TYPES AND PLANT COMMUNITIES Silky dogwood is found in marshes, swamp forests, bottomlands and near stream banks, and is commonly associated with palustrine wetland communities. COVER AND WILDLIFE VALUE Nesting site for gray catbirds and American goldfinches. Dogwood fruits are very valuable to many birds and mammals; the foliage is grazed by some herbivores (Stucky et al. 2001). SPECIES: Fraxinus pennsylvanica (Green Ash) - FACW GENERAL BOTANICAL CHARACTERISTICS Green ash is a native, deciduous tree that is highly variable in form and size, depending on habitat. It can be a medium-size to large tree and reach 100 ft in height. The bark is gray-brown, with narrow fissures and interlacing ridges (Brown and Kirkman 1990). Leaves are opposite and oddlypinnate about 8 to 12 inches (20 to 30 cm) long with 5 to 9 (usually 7) oblong-lanceolate or elliptic, serrate or entire leaflets. The inconspicuous, unisexual flowers are borne over the entire outer part of the live crown, usually beginning when trees are 3 to 4 inches (8 to 10 cm) in diameter and 20 ft (6 m) high. Staminate flowers are dense panicles which are green with reddish anthers; pistillate flowers are greenish yellow in short panicles. The fruit is an elongated, winged, single-seeded samara borne in clusters, and large seed crops are produced every year (Rosario 1988). A flood tolerant tree, green ash has an extensive, moderately shallow root system, which contributes to a high degree of wind firmness. REGENERATION PROCESSES Green ash regenerates both through sexual and vegetative reproduction often regenerating profusely from either seed or vegetatively after disturbance. Large seed crops are produced each year, and the winged samaras are wind-dispersed, most within a few hundred feet of the parent tree. Some dispersal by water occurs, but the importance of water as a long distance dispersal agent is not Appendix C - 8 known. Wind and water dispersed seeds drop during the fall and winter months and germinate the following spring on a variety of ground types including moist litter as well as mineral soil, but rarely in dense vegetation. This species grows best in partial shade. Plants will reproduce from wind blown seeds along river banks (Rosario 1988). This tree responds quickly to damage by sprouting when the top is removed, especially when trees are in smaller diameter classes. The ability to sprout decreases with age and diameter of the parent tree. The plants will sprout readily from the root crown or from stumps following damage, and it has been suggested that success and propagation of this species in an island environment is more due to its ability to sprout and resprout than to the number of successful instances of seedling establishment (Rosario 1988). SITE CHARACTERISTICS Green ash, the most widely distributed of all the American ashes, grows in a sub-humid to humid climate with an average annual precipitation of 15 to 60 inches (38 to 155 cm) and an average length frost free season from 120 to 280 days. This flood tolerant species is almost completely confined to bottomland sites, but grows well when planted on moist upland soils. It is most commonly found on alluvial soils along rivers and brooks and less frequently in swamps, and is common on land subject to flooding once or twice a year, remaining healthy when flooded up to 40 percent of the time during the growing season. Tree species most commonly associated with green ash are box elder (Acer negundo), red maple (Acer rubrum), American elm (Ulmus americana), pecan (Carya illinoensis), sugarberry (Celtis laevigata), sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua), American sycamore (Platanus occidentalis), eastern cottonwood (Populus deltoides), plains cottonwood (P. sargentii), quaking aspen (P. tremuloides), black willow (Salix nigra), and willow oak (Quercus phellos) (Rosario 1988). Green ash occurs on a wide variety of soils although it survives best on deep, permeable, welldrained loams, preferring those to river sand. This species has been planted on medium to coarsetextured upland sands and loams with good moisture relations, and is tolerant of moderately strong acid (pH 4.0) to moderately basic reacting soils (Rosario 1988). SUCCESSIONAL STATUS Green ash is rated as intolerant to moderately tolerant of shade. In all but the northwestern extension of its range (northern Great Plains), it establishes early in succession on alluvial soils either as a pioneer or following eastern cottonwood (Populus deltoides var. deltiodes), quaking aspen (P. tremuloides), or willow (Salix spp.). Green ash is less able to maintain a position in the crown canopy than its more rapidly growing associates such as red maple (Acer rubrum) and American elm (Ulmus americana); for this reason the proportion of ash usually decreases with increasing age in mixed elm-ash-maple stands. Evidence also exists that it is replacing eastern cottonwood as the tree canopy dominant in floodplain communities where flooding no longer occurs (Rosario 1988). SEASONAL DEVELOPMENT In the Carolinas, green ash flowers from June through August, and fruits from August through September (Radford et al. 1968). Appendix C - 9 GENERAL DISTRIBUTION Green ash is the most widely distributed of all the American ashes. Its range extends from Cape Breton Island and Nova Scotia to southeastern Alberta and Montana, and southward to central Texas and northern Florida (Rosario 1988). COVER VALUE AND IMPORTANCE TO WILDLIFE Green ash woodlands are considered to be important habitats for a number of wildlife species. They provide important year-round deer habitat for whitetail deer, contributing both browse and shelter. Other mammal species commonly found on native woodlands include: squirrels, coyotes, rabbits, raccoons and several species of small mammals. Woodland vegetation is essential to the breeding, nesting and fledging of a number of avian species. A rich diversity of invertebrate species is also present in the woodlands, and serves as an important food source for many species (Rosario 1988). SPECIES: Juncus effusus (Soft Rush) – FACW+ GENERAL BOTANICAL CHARACTERISTICS Soft rush is a slow spreading, clump forming, grass-like perennial which emerges from a stout branching rootstock. The short, finely divided rhizomes are 6 to 10 inches long, growing from 0.25 to 2 inches beneath the soil surface. Its pale-green stems are erect and 2 to 5 ft tall. Stems are cylindrical and filled with pithy pith. Soft rush has no leaves. Leafy reddish sheaths wrap the stems at the bottom of the plant. The inflorescence of soft rush appears to be coming out of the side of the stem. The inflorescence is open and branched. Each branch has 30 to 100 small flowers, each greenish-brown flower on its own stalk. Above the inflorescence is a “continuation” of the pointed stem, this being a stiff, rolled and pointed bract, usually brown or grayish when mature (USDANRCS 2004). REGENERATION PROCESSES Pollination typically occurs by wind, but occasionally by insects. A three-celled, obovoid capsule develops after fertilization, which contains many small (.02 to .025 inch long) straw colored seeds. Due to the small size and tacky outer coating, the seed of soft rush can be disseminated by wind, water or animals. Seed dispersal is the primary means of natural reproduction. After shatter, seeds may remain viable for greater than 60 years (if over-topped with sediments) (USDA-NRCS 2004). SITE CHARACTERISTICS Soft rush is tolerant of diverse site conditions, but thrives in direct sun, finely textured soils, salinity less than 14 ppt., pH from 4.0 to 6.0, and shallow water (less than 6 inches) (USDA-NRCS 2004). SUCCESSIONAL STATUS It is an early succession species that will not persist if heavily shaded. Appendix C - 10 SEASONAL DEVELOPMENT In the Carolinas, soft rush typically flowers and fruits from June through September (Radford et al. 1968). GENERAL DISTRIBUTION This species can be found throughout U.S., except Utah, Wyoming and South Dakota (USDA-NRCS 2004). HABITAT TYPES AND PLANT COMMUNITIES Moist soil, edges of swamps and ponds, and low pastures (Radford et al. 1968). COVER AND WILDLIFE VALUE This species is utilized for food by beaver and common muskrat; excellent cover for wetland birds, various songbirds and small mammals. SPECIES: Justicia americana (Water-Willow) - OBL GENERAL BOTANICAL CHARACTERISTICS Water-willow plants are rhizomatous and colonial. Stems are more or less four-angled, coarse, often bent below and rooting at the nodes, ascending above to about 3 ft tall. Leaves are opposite, lanceolate, linear or linear elliptic, sessile, triangular at the base, acute apically to 8 inches long and up to 1 inch wide. The flowers are in leaf axils, with bracts, in dense, short-oblong spikes that are on stalks. Flowers are violet to nearly white with brownish purple markings on the lower lip. The fruit is a four-seeded capsule (USACE, Environmental Laboratory). REGENERATION PROCESSES Once established, plants spread by rhizomes and often form large colonies of up to 100,000 stems. Water-willow also reproduces by seeds that are forcibly ejected from the fruiting capsule (USACE, Environmental Laboratory). SITE CHARACTERISTICS Water-willow grows best in 6 to 20 inches of water and on coarse substrates of sand and fine gravel. However, it will grow on finer textured sediments and at depths up to about 4 ft; full sun to partial sun; pH range: ca. 5.7 to 8.0 (USACE, Environmental Laboratory). SUCCESSIONAL STATUS It is an early succession species that will not persist if heavily shaded by developing shrubs and trees. Appendix C - 11 SEASONAL DEVELOPMENT In the Carolinas, water-willow typically flowers and fruits from June through October (Radford et al. 1968). GENERAL DISTRIBUTION Native and widespread in eastern United States and extends westward to Texas, Oklahoma, and Kansas (USDA-NRCS 2004) HABITAT TYPES AND PLANT COMMUNITIES This species is found along the banks of or in the shallow waters of rivers, ponds, and lakes. COVER AND WILDLIFE VALUE This species provides habitat for small fish and invertebrates. Water-willow is of food value to some small aquatic mammals, as well as bees and butterflies. OTHER MANAGEMENT CONSIDERATIONS Water-willow may form dense stands in shallow water areas along shorelines and occasionally interferes with recreational activities. However, it reduces erosion along shorelines and stream banks subjected to wave action and flow (USACE, Environmental Laboratory). SPECIES: Panicum virgatum (Switchgrass) – FAC+ GENERAL BOTANICAL CHARACTERISTICS Switchgrass is a native, erect, coarse, warm-season perennial grass. Foliage height of mature plants is mostly between 3 and 5 ft; the inflorescence, a 6- to 18-inch-long open panicle, often extends to a height of 5 to 7 ft. Switchgrass has both sod and bunch-forming ecotypes. Bunch-forming ecotypes are generally encountered on uplands, while sod-forming ecotypes occur on lowlands. In the Southeast, bunch-forming ecotypes have only short, vertically oriented rhizomes averaging 0.5 inches in length, while sod-forming ecotypes have both short, vertically-oriented rhizomes and long horizontally-oriented rhizomes (two to four times longer than vertical rhizomes) (Uchytil 1993). REGENERATION PROCESSES Switchgrass reproduces both sexually and vegetatively. Rhizomes are responsible for vegetative expansion, but spreading ability depends upon growth form. Some rhizomes of sod-forming ecotypes may extend to lengths of 1 to 2 ft, while those of bunch-forming ecotypes may extend only a few inches. The primary site of nonstructural carbohydrate storage is in the stem bases, roots, and rhizomes. Switchgrass generally produces abundant seed. The seeds are shed in fall or winter and require winter dormancy before they germinate in the spring. Germination begins when soil temperatures reach 68 degrees Fahrenheit (Uchytil 1993). Appendix C - 12 SITE CHARACTERISTICS Switchgrass is tolerant of spring flooding but not of high water tables. It is tolerant of moderate soil salinity and acidity. It grows in coarse to fine soils ranging in pH from about 4.5 to 7.6 (USDANRCS 2004). SUCCESSIONAL STATUS Can establish early to mid succession and endure to climax. GENERAL DISTRIBUTION In North America, switchgrass grows south of latitude 55 degrees N. from Saskatchewan to Nova Scotia, and south throughout most of the United States east of the Rocky Mountains. It is most abundant in the Great Plains and eastern states (Uchytil 1993). HABITAT TYPES AND PLANT COMMUNITIES Switchgrass is found in fresh or brackish marshes, seasonally wet pinelands, prairies, shores of rivers, ponds, lakes, estuaries; it is found mostly above high water mark but sometimes in shallow water (Godfrey and Wooten 1979). COVER AND WILDLIFE VALUE In the Southeast, white-tailed deer paw up and eat the rhizomes when winter food is scarce. For ducks, upland game birds, songbirds, and small mammals, switchgrass provides excellent cover and the seeds are an important food source (Uchytil 1993). SPECIES: Peltandra virginica (Arrow Arum) - OBL GENERAL BOTANICAL CHARACTERISTICS Arrow arum is a hardy perennial herb with a short, stout rootstock. Arrow arum’s long, dark, fleshy green leaves have pronounced veins on their undersides and are shaped like arrowheads (hence the plant’s common name). The highly variable, though generally ovate-triangular, leaves are usually 10 to 12 inches long and nearly 6 inches wide, growing from 3-ft-long stalks. In May or June, a leaf-shaped reproductive structure emerges, with a pointed, curled leaf or spathe that surrounds an inflorescence shaped like a cylinder (spadix). The “flowers” are small, white to greenish yellow. When not in flower this species can easily be mistaken for a species in the genus Sagittaria (Chesapeake Bay Program 2004). REGENERATION PROCESSES Seeds develop in the spike-shaped pod and are released in autumn as the pod decays; the greenish, berry-shaped fruits are about 0.5 inches long and clustered and contain one seed. Dislodged seeds float on the surface of the water until they become saturated and sink, where they may germinate and develop into a new plant. Some clusters develop from rhizomatous root growth (Chesapeake Bay Program 2004). Appendix C - 13 SITE CHARACTERISTICS Arrow arum prefers a wet, lime-free, humus-rich soil in still or slow-moving waters less than a foot deep. This species can tolerate a wide range of pH but very little salinity, no more than 0.5 parts per thousand (ppt), which makes it a good indicator of freshwater conditions (Chesapeake Bay Program 2004). SUCCESSIONAL STATUS Seedlings require full sun, but mature plants can tolerate some shade. SEASONAL DEVELOPMENT Arrow arum typically flowers and fruits in the Carolinas in May and June (Radford et al. 1968). GENERAL DISTRIBUTION Populations of arrow arum are most common along the Atlantic Coastal Plain, and generally westward to longitudes of Michigan, Missouri, Iowa, Kansas, and Minnesota; outlying populations are reported for Oregon and California (USDA-NRCS 2004). HABITAT TYPES AND PLANT COMMUNITIES Arrow arum grows in coastal wetlands in the sediments of the intertidal zone, and can be found growing among other wetland plants and shrubs, including pickerelweed, burreeds, grass and wildrice (Chesapeake Bay Program 2004). COVER AND WILDLIFE VALUE In standing water arrow arum can provide cover for amphibians and small fish. Arrow arum’s fruit and seeds are favored by wood ducks, muskrats and rails; however, arrow arum is often ignored by other species, possibly because of its high concentration of calcium oxalate. Its use by migratory birds is an important factor in the spread of this species (Chesapeake Bay Program 2004). OTHER MANAGEMENT CONSIDERATIONS It is sometimes grown in water gardens for its attractive foliage and may be used in stream bank plantings to control erosion; large stands of arum can deflect or absorb wave action and stabilize sediments (Chesapeake Bay Program 2004). SPECIES: Platanus occidentalis (Sycamore) – FACWGENERAL BOTANICAL CHARACTERISTICS Sycamore is a native, deciduous tree and is among the tallest trees of eastern deciduous forests. Mature heights range from 60 to 120 ft (18 to 37 m). Reported diameters range from 2 to 6.6 ft (0.6 to 2 m). The bark of young trunks has small scales. Bark at the base of large trunks is deeply Appendix C - 14 furrowed and up to 3 inches thick (7.6 cm); on the upper portions of the trunk the bark exfoliates in patches, leaving areas of inner bark exposed. The leaves are 4 to 10 inches (10 to 25.4 cm) long, often as broad as or broader than they are long. Sycamores form widespread, strongly branched root systems. The fruit is a plumed achene; numerous fruits are tightly aggregated into a ball-shaped fruiting head 0.8 to 2 inches (2 to 5 cm) in diameter. Sycamore is characterized by rapid growth throughout its life; it is also long lived (over 250 years) (Sullivan 1994). REGENERATION PROCESSES Natural stands of sycamore usually produce appreciable numbers of seed at approximately 25 years; optimum seed production occurs from 50 to 200 years of age. Good seed crops are produced every one to two years. Sycamore seeds are dispersed by wind and water. Since seed dispersal occurs at a time of year when water levels are declining after spring floods, water dispersal often results in seed deposition on muddy flats that are highly conducive to germination (Sullivan 1994). Sycamore seeds require very moist conditions for good germination and are tolerant of inundation. Sycamore seedlings require direct sunlight for good growth and establishment. At the end of their first year, sycamore seedlings on clay soil showed better height growth in partial shade than in full sun. On alluvial soil or loess, height growth was better in full sun. Seedling roots penetrate the soil quickly and grow deeper in loess soils than in alluvial or clay soils. Young sycamore stems sprout readily from the stump; sycamore is not a vigorous epicormic sprouter (Sullivan 1994). SITE CHARACTERISTICS Sycamore is primarily a species of alluvial soils along streams and in bottomlands, but occurs occasionally as a pioneer on drier upland slopes. It occurs on a wide variety of soils, including both sands and clays. Its best growth occurs on sandy loams or loams with a good supply of ground water but it also occurs on wet muck, shallow peat and other, more poorly drained bottomland soils (Sullivan 1994). Sycamore occurs on a variety of wet sites, including shallow swamps, sloughs, and very wet river bottoms where soil is saturated 2 to 4 months during the growing season. Sycamore seedlings survived almost two months of continuously waterlogged soils. In a greenhouse experiment, after experiencing 60 days of completely waterlogged soils, about half of current-year seedlings died shortly after their removal from the water; none died with shorter treatment periods. Sycamore is more tolerant of poorly drained soils in the northern parts of its range. It was given an adaptation value of 7.5 (out of a maximum of 10) for moisture tolerance. Sycamore has a recommended lower pH range of 4.0 to 4.5 (Sullivan 1994). Sycamore is rated as moderately tolerant of flooding. Saplings may be more resilient than mature trees due to their higher sprouting capacity; Baker reported that even though four weeks of flooding appeared to have killed 65 percent of sycamore saplings, 90 percent of the saplings were alive at the end of one growing season following flooding. Most of them had only been top-killed and subsequently sprouted from the root crown. Seedlings are less tolerant of flooding than larger plants simply because they are more likely to be completely covered by water during active growth. Only 28.8 percent of sycamore seedlings survived complete inundation for five days during a June flood as compared to a survival rate of 88.9 percent for unflooded seedlings (Sullivan 1994). Appendix C - 15 The elevation range of sycamore extends from sea level to 1,000 ft (305 m) in the northern parts of its range and to 2,500 ft (762 m) in the southern Appalachians. SUCCESSIONAL STATUS Sycamore is intolerant of shade. Seedling growth is greatly reduced in deep shade (defined as 5 percent of full sunlight). Sycamore occurs in forest types that are pioneer, transitional, subclimax, and climax. Sycamore will pioneer on sand and gravel bars and other newly formed land, often persisting through later trees, such as sugar maple (Acer saccharum)-bitternut hickory (Carya cordiformis), particularly on wet sites. It is an occasional pioneer on upland oldfield sites, particularly in the central parts of its range (Sullivan 1994). Sycamore usually replaces willows (Salix spp.) and eastern cottonwood (Populus deltoides). The sycamore-sweetgum-American elm type usually succeeds cottonwood on river fronts, but may pioneer on heavily cutover sites or old fields in bottomlands. This type may persist as a subclimax type where repeated disturbances such as flooding occur. It is usually succeeded by swamp chestnut oak (Quercus michauxii)-cherrybark oak or sweetgum-willow oak (Liquidambar styraciflua-Q. phellos). In the North Carolina Piedmont, sycamore and river birch (Betula nigra) usually replace alders (Alnus spp.) and willows on small islands or spits in streams after the land becomes stable and moderately well drained. Sycamore and river birch are usually followed by elms (Ulmus spp.), ash (Fraxinus spp.) and red maple (Sullivan 1994). SEASONAL DEVELOPMENT In the Carolinas, sycamore typically flowers from April through May, and fruits in October (Radford et al. 1968). The fruits usually remain on the tree over winter, breaking up or falling off the following spring from February through April. GENERAL DISTRIBUTION The range of sycamore extends from southwestern Maine west to extreme southern Ontario, southern Wisconsin, Iowa, and extreme eastern Nebraska; south to south-central Texas; and east to northwestern Florida and southeastern Georgia. It also occurs in the mountains of northeastern Mexico. Sycamore has become naturalized to some extent from plantations outside of its native range, chiefly in southern Maine, southern Michigan, southern Minnesota, and eastern and southern Iowa (Sullivan 1994). HABITAT TYPES AND PLANT COMMUNITIES Sycamore is abundant along stream banks and in moist bottomlands. It cannot withstand prolonged flooding and, therefore, it is not a component of swampy habitats (Brown and Kirkman 1990). It is a major pioneer species in the floodplains of large rivers. In the Southeast pure stands of 40 to 100 acres (16 to 40 ha) are sometimes formed; it rarely forms extensive pure stands in the northern parts of its range (Sullivan 1994). Appendix C - 16 COVER AND WILDLIFE VALUE Sycamore does not provide much food for wildlife, although the seeds are eaten by some birds including the purple finch, goldfinch, chickadees, and dark-eyed junco, and by muskrat, beaver, and squirrels. Sycamore is rated as medium in suitability for waterfowl habitat and low in suitability as deer or turkey food. As sycamores age, they may develop hollow trunks which provide shelter for a number of wildlife species; some large, old individuals have formed cavities large enough to be used as dens by black bear. Cavity nesting birds utilizing sycamore include the barred owl, eastern screech-owl, great crested flycatcher, and chimney swift. Wood duck use sycamores as nest trees. The bottomland forests in which sycamore occurs are very important wildlife habitat, sheltering numerous animal species including wood duck, other waterfowl, upland game birds, and deer (Sullivan 1994). OTHER MANAGEMENT CONSIDERATIONS Sycamore is a valuable timber species that can be regenerated from natural seed sources, by planting, or by coppice systems. Sycamore invades bottomland old fields when adequate seed sources are present. SPECIES: Polygonum spp. (Smartweed) GENERAL BOTANICAL CHARACTERISTICS Smartweed is a highly variable genus, which includes annual or perennial forbs and some shrubs. Some species are viney. The leaves are usually simple and alternate. The pink, green, or white flowers have jointed stalks and stems have swollen nodes. Flowers can be either perfect or imperfect. The fruit is a three- or four-angled achene. Some species have rhizomes or taproots (Snyder 1992). REGENERATION PROCESSES Smartweed reproduces by seed and by rhizomes. SITE CHARACTERISTICS Smartweed species are mostly found in wetlands, sandy beaches, saline or brackish ponds and marshes, and in inundated swales and marshes. They can also be found in cultivated fields, thickets, swampy woods, clearings, wastelands, along roadsides, in prairies, and on rocky, dry or cool and damp slopes (Snyder 1992). SUCCESSIONAL STATUS Many smartweed species are introduced, while others are native to North America. Most are shade intolerant. Some species of smartweed are dominant in the non-persistent emergent marsh communities of the Savannah River in South Carolina. Other species of smartweed are early seral species which dominate sites for the first five to seven post-disturbance years (Snyder 1992). Appendix C - 17 SEASONAL DEVELOPMENT In the Carolinas, flowering dates for smartweed species vary; the species of the Project area generally start flowering May-July and continue flowering and fruiting till frost (Radford et al. 1968). GENERAL DISTRIBUTION Throughout the United States. HABITAT TYPES AND PLANT COMMUNITIES Swamp and alluvial forests, streams, ditches, marshes, wet pastures, and pond margins. COVER AND WILDLIFE VALUE Some species of smartweed provide poor to good cover for upland game birds, waterfowl, non-game birds, and small mammals. SPECIES: Quercus nigra (Water Oak) - FAC GENERAL BOTANICAL CHARACTERISTICS Water oak is a medium-sized tree with glabrous twigs, membranous leaves, and a straight, slender trunk. On a good site, water oak can reach 105 ft (32 m) in height and attain 6.5 ft (2 m) in dbh. It is semi-evergreen in warmer parts of its range but completely deciduous in other areas. Water oak has a shallow, spreading rooting habit. REGENERATION PROCESSES Seed production and dissemination: Water oak is monoecious. It bears seed by age 20, and production is good on alternate years. The heavy acorns are disseminated by gravity, water, and animals such as blue jays and ground squirrels, which cache acorns in the soil (Carey 1992). Seed viability is high. Because of a generally late spring emergence, seedling mortality from flooding is low. The seedlings do not tolerate prolonged submergence. Because of the large seed, young seedlings have high initial survivorship regardless of available light, drought stress, or herbivory. Seedlings require abundant moisture for the entire growing season. Under favorable conditions, water oak may grow 24 inches (60 cm) a year. If top-killed, water oak of all ages will sprout fairly efficiently from the root crown (Carey 1992). SITE CHARACTERISTICS Water oak grows on levees, high ridges, and elevated margins of swamps, rivers, and hydric hammocks which flood deeply and frequently but drain rapidly because of relief. Water oak will also grow on uplands to about 1,000 ft (300 m) in elevation where soils remain moist. Water oak grows well on better drained silty clay or loamy soils and poorly on poorly drained clay soils. It grows primarily on Inceptisols (Carey 1992). Appendix C - 18 Water oak is weakly to moderately tolerant of seasonal flooding. It can survive up to several months of flooded soil, but mortality is high if this is a yearly occurrence. Generally, water oak is tolerant of several weeks of flooding each growing season (Carey 1992). Common associates of water oak include Nuttall oak (Quercus nuttallii), white oak (Q. alba), American beech (Fagus grandifolia), pecan (Carya illinoensis), winged elm (Ulmus alata), blackgum (Nyssa sylvatica), white ash (Fraxinus americana), yellow-poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera), southern magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora), flowering dogwood (Cornus florida), roughleaf dogwood (C. drummondii), honeylocust (Gleditsia triacanthos), Carolina laurelcherry (Prunus caroliniana), hawthorn (Crataegus spp.), American hornbeam (Carpinus caroliniana), swamp privet (Forestiera acuminata), spruce pine (Pinus glabra) (Carey 1992). SUCCESSIONAL STATUS Water oak is intolerant to semi-intolerant of shade. It germinates in shade but requires moderate light for development. Because of slow early growth, water oak does not compete well. Water oak is a frequent early hardwood invader. In the absence of fire, it invades and eventually succeeds pine forests. On fine-textured loess soils that retain moisture, water oak will colonize old abandoned fields if a seed source is nearby. As a hardwood forest matures, water oak will stabilize or decline in abundance (Carey 1992). Water oak is generally considered a subclimax or transitional species. Because of its weak to moderate tolerance of seasonal flooding, however, water oak may form a topographic climax on ridges elevated less than 5 ft (1.5 m) above floodplains (Carey 1992). SEASONAL DEVELOPMENT In the Carolinas, water oak flowers in April, and fruits from September through November (Radford et al. 1968). GENERAL DISTRIBUTION Water oak occurs on the Southeastern Coastal Plain from southern New Jersey and Delaware to southern Florida and west to eastern Texas. It occurs north along the Mississippi Valley to southeastern Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, and southwestern Tennessee (Carey 1992). HABITAT TYPES AND PLANT COMMUNITIES Water oak occurs in a range of habitats, including: floodplains, bottomlands, mixed forests and welldrained uplands primarily in bottomland forests (Brown and Kirkman 1990). COVER VALUE AND IMPORTANCE TO WILDLIFE Water oak provides cover, food, and habitat for wildlife. Cavity nesters such as the red-bellied woodpecker, great-crested flycatcher, and hairy woodpecker nest in water oak snags. A tall midstory of water oak within a pine forest provides habitat for the southern flying squirrel. Appendix C - 19 Water oak acorns are eaten by many animals including squirrels, chipmunks, waterfowl, blue jays, wild turkey, and northern bobwhite quail. Blue jays and squirrels cache acorns in the fall and return to eat them in the winter. Acorns of the black oak group are an especially important food source in the winter because those of the white oak group germinate soon after falling and, therefore, are unavailable. Deer browse water oak (Carey 1992). SPECIES: Salix nigra (Black Willow) - OBL GENERAL BOTANICAL CHARACTERISTICS Black willow can be a tall tree 80 to 100 ft in height, but is often shrubby in form along streambanks. It is fast growing, may reach maturity within 30 years, and is short-lived (Brown and Kirkman 1990). The massive trunks of the taller specimens are usually leaning and are often divided. The bark is thick and deeply divided into furrows separating thick, scaly ridges. The crown is broad and open with stout branches. Twigs are slender and easily detached. Leaf blades are variable in size, the larger to 4.7 inches (12 cm) long. Black willow roots are shallow and laterally extensive (Tesky 1992). REGENERATION PROCESSES Sexual reproduction: Black willows start producing seed when they are about 10 years old. Optimum seed-bearing age is from 25 to 75 years. The trees have good seed crops almost every year. Seeds ripen 45 to 60 days after catkins are pollinated by insects or wind. As the seeds fall, the long silky hairs act as wings to carry the seeds long distances. The seeds are also disseminated by water (Tesky 1992). Seeds are not dormant. Viability is greatly reduced by only a few days of dry conditions. Germination is epigeal, and germination capacity is usually high. Very moist bare mineral soil is best for germination and early development. Once seedlings are established, full light promotes vigorous growth. Seedlings grow rapidly in a favorable environment, often exceeding 4 ft (1.2 m) in the first year. Low ground cover competition and shade, however, greatly hampers growth. Root stocks of very young black willow trees sprout prolifically. Propagation by cutting is the usual method of artificial regeneration (Tesky 1992). SITE CHARACTERISTICS Black willow is most common on river margins where it occupies the lower, wetter, and often less sandy sites. It is also common in swamps, sloughs, swales, gullies, and drainage ditches, growing anywhere light and moisture conditions are favorable. It flourishes at or slightly below water level and is not appreciably damaged by flooding and silting. On a flooded site in southern Illinois, black willow survived 32 or more days of complete inundation. Black willow, however, is not drought tolerant. Whole stands may die out when water tables lower and soil dries up (Tesky 1992). Black willow grows on a variety of soils but develops best in fine silt or clay in relatively stagnant water. It thrives in saturated or poorly drained soil from which other hardwoods are excluded. Black willow is commonly found in moderately acidic (lower pH limit is 4.5) to near neutral soils. It Appendix C - 20 grows best in climates characterized by an average annual rainfall of 51 inches (130 cm), with approximately 20 inches (51 cm) falling from April through August (Tesky 1992). Black willow is commonly associated with the following species: eastern cottonwood (Populus deltoides), red maple (Acer rubrum), black spruce (Picea mariana), river birch (Betula nigra), American sycamore (Platanus occidentalis), boxelder (Acer negundo), red mulberry (Morus rubra), swamp privet (Forestiera acuminata), buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis), water elm (Planera aquatica), and American elm (Ulmus americana) (Tesky 1992). SUCCESSIONAL STATUS Black willow is a pioneer or early seral species commonly found along the edges of rivers and streams, mud flats, and floodplains. This tree is very shade intolerant and usually grows in dense, even-aged stands. Black willow stands periodically stagnate and are eventually replaced by more shade-tolerant trees such as American elm, sycamore (Platanus spp.), ash (Fraxinus spp.), boxelder, and sweet gum (Liquidambar styraciflua) (Tesky 1992). SEASONAL DEVELOPMENT In the Carolinas, black willow flowers and fruits in March and April (Radford et al. 1968). GENERAL DISTRIBUTION Black willow is found throughout the eastern U.S., adjacent parts of Canada, and Mexico. Its range extends west to central Michigan, southeastern Minnesota, and eastern North Dakota. It occurs south and west to the Rio Grande and east along the Gulf Coast through the Florida Panhandle and southern Georgia. Black willow has been introduced, and has become somewhat common, in Utah (Tesky 1992). HABITAT TYPES AND PLANT COMMUNITIES Black willow occurs on floodplains, streambanks, marshes, and other low, moist areas (Brown and Kirkman 1990). It co-dominates with sandbar willow (Salix exigua) on floodplains having the greatest water depths and the longest hydroperiods of any of the shallow freshwater swamps of the southern U.S. Black willow also co-dominates with eastern cottonwood (Populus deltoides) in the lower Mississippi Valley (Tesky 1992). COVER AND WILDLIFE VALUE Birds eat the buds and flowering catkins of black willow; deer eat the twigs and leaves; and rodents eat the bark and buds. The yellow-bellied sapsucker feeds on the sap. Black willow is somewhat tolerant of grazing and browsing. Black willow/cottonwood stands are also commonly used as nesting habitat by some small non-game bird species (Tesky 1992). Appendix C - 21 SPECIES: Saururus cernuus (Lizard’s Tail) - OBL GENERAL BOTANICAL CHARACTERISTICS Lizard’s tail is a perennial, herbaceous, aquatic plant that grows from a fleshy rhizome (Radford et al. 1968). It is branched and 20 to 48 inches in height. The leaves (2 to 10 inches) have long, basally sheathing petioles (0.5 to 4 inches) and cordate to ovate blades (1 to 7 inches long and .5 to 4 inches wide). There can be one or two spikes, often surpassed by axillary branches that can be 2.5 to 6 inches in length and nodding at the tip before anthesis (Batcher 2002). Lizard’s tail has small, white flowers aggregated in spikes, with 175 to 350 flowers on a spike. The inflorescence (2 to 14 inches) is terminal, dense, slender, and peduncled, borne opposite the leaves. The combination of the wetland habitat, the long flower spike with its nodding tip, and the large, dark, heart-shaped leaves readily distinguish this species (Batcher 2002). REGENERATION PROCESSES Lizard’s tail propagates both vegetatively and by seed, and vegetative reproduction may be more important to population persistence. Lizard’s tail forms extensive rhizomes, and fragments can break off, float and take root in other locations. Studies indicate that lizard’s tail is capable of remaining dormant in the seed bank, but that the proportion of seeds remaining viable may be low (Batcher 2002). SITE CHARACTERISTICS Lizard’s tail may be found in a range of conditions, from saturated soils that are periodically inundated to frequently and permanently inundated conditions (Batcher 2002). It has been found to be most abundant in areas of acidic to neutral pH and where the water table was at or above the surface (TVA). SUCCESSIONAL STATUS Lizard’s tail can be highly competitive due to its ability to form dense rhizomes. However, plant community succession from open wetlands to shrub and forested wetlands will reduce the size of Lizard’s tail populations and their ability to reproduce (Batcher 2002). SEASONAL DEVELOPMENT In the Carolinas, lizard’s tail typically flowers May through July and fruits in August and September (Radford et al. 1968). GENERAL DISTRIBUTION This species can be found in Michigan in the west, to Ontario and New England in the east, southward to Florida and Texas (USDA-NRCS 2004). Appendix C - 22 HABITAT TYPES AND PLANT COMMUNITIES Lizard’s tail is found in freshwater wetlands, including hardwood swamps and floodplains, stream margins, muddy pond shores, freshwater tidal wetlands and floating mats. In the southern U.S., lizard’s tail tends to be a dominant herb in seasonally to semi-permanently flooded stream channels, floodplains, sloughs and backwaters (Batcher 2002). COVER AND WILDLIFE VALUE In standing water lizard's tail can provide cover for amphibians, reptiles, crayfish, and small fish. It has been reported by some as having no known direct food value to wildlife (Aquaplant 2004). SPECIES: Zizaniopsis miliacea (Southern Wildrice) - OBL GENERAL BOTANICAL CHARACTERISTICS Southern wildrice or giant cut-grass is a coarse perennial with scaly rhizomes, commonly forming extensive dense colonies. Stems range from 3 to 10 ft tall, glabrous, commonly rooting at the nodes, usually unbranched. Leaf blades are flat, to 3 ft long and 9 inches wide, with glabrous, striate surfaces, and margins that are finely and sharply toothed. The ligules are membranous and up to 1 inch long. The inflorescence is an open panicle to 24 inches long and 6 inches broad, the branches ascending. Lower branches are whorled, becoming alternate above. On each branch, the male spikelets are basal, the female terminal. The spikelets have an awn 0.1 to 0.2 inches long (USACE, Environmental Laboratory). REGENERATION PROCESSES Reproduction is from rhizomes and seeds. Colonies also spread by flowering culms (stems) that fall over and root from the nodes. Rapid colonization of littoral zones has been attributed to the production of “stolons” or “runners” up to 13 ft long from which leafy buds and adventitious roots develop (Fox and Haller 1999). SITE CHARACTERISTICS Plants usually grow in fresh to brackish shallow water of marshes, sloughs, ditches, shores of ponds, lakes and streams and swamp forest. SUCCESSIONAL STATUS Southern wildrice is an early colonizer that often grows in dense and almost impenetrable colonies in shallow water areas along shorelines. Its dominance can impede further successional development, but it can also provide the substrate for establishment of trees and shrubs (USACE, Environmental Laboratory). SEASONAL DEVELOPMENT In the Carolinas, southern wildrice typically flowers and fruits from May through October (Radford et al. 1968). Appendix C - 23 GENERAL DISTRIBUTION A native of the southeastern U.S., southern wildrice is principally found in Arkansas and the coastal states from Maryland to Texas (USDA-NRCS 2004). HABITAT TYPES AND PLANT COMMUNITIES Southern wildrice may be found both as a fringing emergent and in dense stands in marshes, ditches, creeks, and along the edges of lakes, rivers, and streams. Large stands of southern wildrice are often associated with abandoned rice fields, freshwater tidal marshes or shallow lakes and reservoirs, where rates of colonization may be quite rapid (Fox and Haller 1999). COVER AND WILDLIFE VALUE The plants provide excellent cover on spoil banks and on levees where they grow into open water (Materne - NRCS). In standing water it can provide cover for amphibians, reptiles, crayfish, and small fish; dense stands can be of value for birds and small aquatic mammals. Southern wildrice is important to waterfowl, but not high on the list of preferred food for most species. OTHER MANAGEMENT CONSIDERATIONS Its high stem densities are effective at reducing wave and water erosion and for high sediment capture (Materne - NRCS). Appendix C - 24