Land Management Plan by EquinoxEnviro

Landscape Management Plan for the Client

Equinox developed this Landscape Management Plan at the request of, and on the behalf of, the Client Family.

(828) 253-6856 www.equinoxenvironmental.com

Table of Contents INTRODUCTION...............................................4 Vison Stewardship

I N V E N T O R Y & A N A LY S I S . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Methodology Plant Community Types Opportunities Map

L ANDSC APE MANAGEMENT PL AN......................23

ADDITIONAL OPPORTUNITIES FOR L A N D S C A P E E N H A N C E M E N T & S T E W A R D S H I P. . . . . 3 8 Invasive Exotic Plans Best Practices for Stormwater Management

SUMMARY OF MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE (to be added here)

S U P P L E M E N TA L I N F O R M AT I O N . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 6

R E M O V E D P R O P R I E TA R Y I N F O R M AT I O N

Landscape Management Zones

<image:the Client property looking back at Tanyard Ridge>

[

Bull Creek Valley Overlook

Tanbark Ridge (Elev. 3080 ft.) Swan Mtn. (Elev. 3180 ft.)

B l u e R i d ge Pa r k w a y

Future Home Site

Jo ne Rd

p R d

sC e

Fu l l e r L n

R ve Jo nes Co

Raven Ri dge

Introduction <image: Birdâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s e ye vie w of Redacted Cove>

Nestled in a cove in the shadow of Redacted Mountain & Redacted Ridge, the Client Family owns two parcels totaling approximately 40 acres. These parcels fall within the far northwestern extent of the township of Swannanoa, just outside of Asheville, NC. The first parcel is approximately 20 acres in size and is divided north to south by Jones Cove Road (PIN NO: 9770081422); the northern tract is the location of the Client â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s future home (Samsel Architects and Drake Fowler). The second parcel is 18.5 acres and is located to the south and east of the homesite (PIN NO: 9770182300). The property, and area in general, is composed predominantly of former agricultural lands and successional forests. Discreet stands of mature forest can be found confined to the northern extent of the eastern parcel and the area in between the streams on the homesite tract.

PURPOSE & INTENT OF THIS MANAGEMENT PLAN The intent of this management plan is to be utilitarian, educational, and dynamic. Just as landscapes adapt and respond to natural forces, a management plan must do the same by identifying, adapting, and responding to current conditions while preparing for potential future impacts, problems, or issues that may arise. The recommendations provided within this management plan deliver the Client the information needed to proceed with site development in the sustainable and responsible manner to which they have expressed commitment. Information presented here should be accessible and functional without sacrificing the conveyance of technical knowledge.

This plan includes a field inventory and analysis of the onsite conditions, a review of relevant records and regulations, as well as, the identification of natural and other plant communities present on the Client properties. This collection of data informed the development of the following key objectives and provided a means with which to identify appropriate management activities, strategies, and techniques. • Improve woodland habitat quality. • Increase increase native plant species diversity. • Control/decrease invasive plant populations. • Provide guidance for future activities and development of the property that is both appropriate and supportive of the overall natural environment. • Provide the Client ’s a long term vision for informing how they care for, connect with, learn from, and become good stewards of their land.

Vision S T AT E M E N T O F P U R P O S E : The Client are committed to becoming good stewards of the land and in so doing wish to manage the property for future uses while enhancing the ecological function and aesthetics of the landscape.

Stewardship W H AT D O E S I T M E A N T O B E A GOOD STEWARD OF LAND? Stewardship is an ethic that embodies the responsible planning and management of resources. Stewardship is not only a management approach but â&#x20AC;&#x201C; perhaps even more so â&#x20AC;&#x201C; an ethic that emphasizes responsibility, collaboration, participation, and communication in the planning and management of land resources (Gundersen and Makinen 2009). Being a good steward of the land, simply put, means understanding and improving the dynamic relationship between ecosystems and human well-being within the context of our changing landscapes.

The care of the Earth is our most ancient and most worthy, and after all our most pleasing responsibility. To cherish what remains of it and to foster its renewal is our only hope. â&#x20AC;&#x201D;Wendell Berry

Inventory & Analysis N AT U R A L R E S O U R C E S I N V E N T O R Y

Methodology Equinox performed a Natural Resource Inventory to serve as a baseline assessment of the natural elements occurring on the Client properties. Natural elements, also known as Conservation Values (CV) are the biological, physical, and cultural resources present on a property. By evaluating and recording the conditions observed on your property, you gain valuable information about your land’s limitations as well as opportunities that exist to ensure that negative impacts important to conservation values are avoided or minimized. Understanding the natural elements contained within the property and how they should be considered in relation to each other will not only train you to become diligent observers, it will also help to inform future management decisions for your properties.

N AT U R A L R E S O U R C E I N V E N T O R Y E V A L U AT I O N METRIC S INCLUDE, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO: • water resources • soils • proximity to contiguous forested and protected lands • rare or significant natural communities • plants or animals • historical features

<image: USGS Topo Map of Jones Cove>

SUBJECT AR

Bull ad k Ro

Cree Rock Outcrop

Edneyville

Open Water

Evard-Cowee

Main Road Parcels

Tusquitee-Whiteside

Clifton

Tate Loam

Ashe

Toecane-Tusquitee

ov eR oa d

Legend

Subject Parcels

495

990

1,980 Feet

<image: Map of Soils on Property and Adjacent To>

Soils Map

495

990

1,980 Feet

¯ ¯

Natural Communities

DIVERTED STREAM CHANNEL

MANMADE POND

NCCGIA

Sho pe Cre ek

Mundy Cove Branch

BULL MOUNTAIN

Connectivity to Conserved Lands, Natural & Culture Resources

CONSERVATION EASEMENT

Beetr ee Cr eek

CONSERVATION TRUST FOR NORTH CAROLINA EASEMENT

NC CLEAN WATER MANAGEMENT TRUST

High Swan

ranch Wolf B

CONSERVATION TRUST FOR NORTH CAROLINA EASEMENT

Left F ork

Rocky Knob (Elev. ft.)

E PA

G RID

WA RK

Eller Cove

Paynes Knob

Rice Knob

SOUTHERN APPALACHIAN HIGHLANDS CONSERVNACY EASEMENT

Jones Cove Bran ch

Ta n

Rid

CONSERVATION TRUST FOR NORTH CAROLINA EASEMENT

BULL MOUNTAIN

ke) aver La ek (Be re C m a Beaverd

Rock Knob ch ran gB Lon

ek Bull Cre

NC AGRICUTLURE DEVELOPEMENT AND FARMLAND PRESERVATION TRUST FUND

Keasler Bra nch

THE CLIENT PROPERTIES

Rice Bra nch h nc ra gB eg Gr

BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY (NATIONAL PARK SERVICE)

Blue Ridge Parkway Major Roads Minor Roads 11

Conservation Lands

Bee tre eC ree k

LEGEND

Haw C reek

Gr ass yB ran ch

Peaks

NCCGIA

DEFINING C O N S E R V AT I O N VALUES THROUGH T H E S TAT E BIODIVERSIT Y & W I L D L I F E H A B I TAT ASSESSMENT

R ARE SPECIES A N D N AT U R A L COMMUNITIES Element Occurrences are ranked as one of the higher value layers in the assessment. These occurrences are often assigned a large area that represents their habitat.

L ARGE SCALE L ANDSC APE PRIORITIES Landscape/Habitat indicator guilds (LHIG), Important Bird Areas (IBA), and Significant Natural Areas (SNA) are overlaid.

HIGH QUALIT Y R IPA R I A N RESOURCES Wetlands, high quality waters, stream buffers, and benthic bioclassifications all go into prioritizing hydro-related resources.

CONVERTING THESE L AY ER S INTO THE BIODIVERSIT Y & H A B I TAT ASSESSMENT All layers are overlaid and areas with the highest overlap of values get the highest conservation value.

How Were the Conservation Values Developed?

Highest ranking Element Occurrences (EO) added and buffered

Ceruelean Warbler

Primary Conservation Zone

Buffered EOs added to the State BWHA, with top tier EOs becoming the top tier Higher & medium values are overridden by the top tier value

T O P T I E R N AT U R A L R E S O U R C E S L AY E R

)B ria

The top-tier natural resources layer was created by filtering known Element Occurrences within a one-half mile radius of the property , selecting only those records with an S1/S2 or G1/ G2 ranking. A 200’ buffer was then applied to the selection in order to obscure singular elements. The resulting polygons were converted to a raster dataset, which was then incorporated into a selection of the BWHA dataset. The resulting dataset was reclassified to depict Top Tier areas as ‘highest’ quality. These highest quality areas were considered to be either “off-limits” during planning efforts or areas that require a high level of design and development sensitivity.

Wood Frog

Plant Community Types Successional forests and former agricultural lands comprise the majority of your property. In North Carolina, plant communities are classified according to the NCNHP and NatureServe. The classification system characterizes natural communities based on the presence and predominance of particular species, vegetation composition, topography, hydrology, soil characteristics, and other abiotic factors. (See appendix for detailed descriptions of plant communities and their respective classifications) The estimated distribution and extent of natural communities are approximate, as transition zones between community types are often gradual or imperceptible, although there are certain markedly distinct community transitions that occur on the property. The following pages describe the Natural Communities present on your property.

Natural Forest Communities C H E S T N U T O A K F O R E S T— D R Y H E AT H S U B T Y P E T YPIC AL SPECIES This community is in good condition, displaying impressive intactness, connectivity to adjacent natural habitats, and with no invasive species observed. The forest canopy is dominated by Chestnut oak reaching 28” in diameter, while the other common canopy trees such as, scarlet, black, & white oak, along with Eastern red maple, sourwood, black gum, pignut hickory, sassafras, and Eastern hemlock, measure on average around 18” in diameter. These forests are naturally unevenly-aged with shade-intolerant species maintained in the stands due to infrequent disturbances. Understory species include flowering dogwood, serviceberry and redbud. The shrub layer is moderate to very dense with thickets of mountain laurel and rhododendron, huckleberry, and other clonal Ericaceous shrubs. The herb layer is generally sparse, though many patches of galax are present (see below).

E XPLOITED SPECIES Numerous patches of galax were present on this parcel. Galax is generally widespread, but are often collected from wild populations due to commercial demand. Such collection can cause local extirpation and is not sustainable over time. The North Carolina Natural Heritage Program (NCNHP) requests information be reported if aware of any illegal collection incidents. <See Supplemental Information for an explanation of Status & Ranking>

Scientific Name

Common Name

EO Status

State Status

State Rank

Global Rank

Galax urceolata

Galax, Beetleweed

Current

Exploited

INVA SIVE SPECIES No invasive plants were observed.

M O N TA N E O A K- H I C KO R Y FOREST — ACIDIC SUBTYPE

T YPIC AL SPECIES The Montane Oak–Hickory Forest (Acidic Subtype) is one of the most broadly circumscribed communities in North Carolina, covering dry to intermediate slopes and ridgetops over a broad elevational range. Its vegetation can also be quite variable in comparison to other oak forests. This community, in particular, is dominated by a mixture of oaks, of which red oak is prominent. white oak, hickories are usually a minority component, but are sometimes absent. As a distinguishing feature, this subtype lacks the presence of Eastern white pine as a natural codominant or abundant species, as is the case here. The average diameter of trees in this community is 15”, while larger specimens measure up up to 30” DBH. The shrub layer is extremely variable but is dominated by dense to moderate mountain laurel, huckleberry, and other clonal Ericaceous shrubs. The presence of wild edible mushrooms — Chicken of the Woods (Laetiporus sulphureus) — in this community was a particularly exciting find.

INVA SIVE SPECIES Minimal invasive plant cover is likely due to the general acidity of the soils in this area.

Successional Forest Communities Successional communities are a category of communities in different stages of succession or change. These communities are recovering from a previous disturbance whether natural (e.g. beaver impoundments, fire, windthrows, tree falls) or anthropogenic (e.g. timbering, livestock grazing, urban sprawl, introduction of non-natives). Successional communities typically are characterized by even-aged forest stands and lack of structural heterogeneity.

S U CC E SS I O N A L M O N TA N E O A K - H I C K O R Y F O R E S T— R I C H S U B T Y P E T YPIC AL SPECIES

bush, striped maple, and Northern spicebush are

Tulip poplar and white oak are the dominant canopy

common.

tree species with average diameter trees measuring 16” DBH and larger specimens reaching up to 25”. The

This community displays good herbaceous diversity,

forest is generally diverse and other common canopy

including a wide array of forest herbs and forbs.

species include Northern red oak, black oak, white oak,

Naked-seeded tick-trefoil, lion’s foot, agrimony,

American beech, sugar maple, black cherry, Eastern

shorthusk grass, goldenrods, false Solomon’s seal,

red maple, sourwood, black birch, mockernut hickory,

Christmas fern, and rattlesnake plantain orchid are

and black locust. The understory includes American

ubiquitous. Areas with more moist gradients include

holly, hop hornbeam, and flowering dogwood.

bloodroot, dwarf crested iris, sedges, jack-in-thepulpit, cohosh, poke milkweed, and lopseed, whereas

The shrub layer is also quite diverse and indicative

more xeric slopes contain mountain-mint, fire pink,

of underlying rich soils; species such as flame azalea,

pink lady’s slipper, bear corn, and large-leaved aster.

maple-leaf viburnum, black haw, eastern strawberry

R ARE SPECIES Of note, was a patch of Ginseng found on this parcel (Rare - W1, S3S4). Ginseng is an understory herbaceous perennial typically found in cove forests, mesic hardwood forests, or in nutrient-rich forests though it “tends to avoid the richest coves” (Weakley 2015). Uncommon in NC Mountains & Piedmont and rare in Coastal Plain. Ginseng is also considered an Exploited Plant that is overharvested from natural populations, often leading to extirpation.

Scientific Name Panax quinquefolius

Global <See Supplemental Information for explanation Common Name EO Status State Status State Rank Rank of Status & Ranking> American Ginseng, Sang, Man-root

Current

W1 Exploited

S3 Vulnerable

G3 Vulnerable

INVA SIVE SPECIES Moderate invasive exotic plant cover exists within these forests. Invasive species observed include Oriental bittersweet, multiflora rose, Japanese spiraea, virgin’s bower, Japanese stiltgrass, and English ivy.

Top: Ginseng setting fruit Middle: maplewood viburnum fruits Bottom: pink lady’s slipper post flower

S U CC E SS I O N A L M O N TA N E OAK-HICKORY FOREST â&#x20AC;&#x201D; ACIDIC

T YPIC AL SPECIES The community has a variety of mixed-age canopy species with the largest trees with a maximum diameter of 18â&#x20AC;? DBH. Common canopy species are white, northern red and southern red, and chestnut oak. Eastern red maple, Virginia pine, sourwood, and sassafras are other common species. An interesting component is American beech, which is not typically found in acidic environments, thus its presence here may indicate mild soil richness. The most common shrub is great laurel, although mountain laurel occurs occasionally along with flame azalea, buffalo-nut, and lowbush blueberry. The herbaceous layer contains a mix of goldenrods, asters, pinesap, rattlesnake plantain orchid, hawkweed, and striped wintergreen.

INVA SIVE SPECIES Minimal invasive plant cover due to general acidity. Invasives are concentrated in fringe disturbance areas and adjacent to riparian zones. Common invasive species observed include multiflora rose and the occasional Oriental bittersweet.

Landscape Management Zones

4 2a 4

2b 1c

Landscape Management Plan In this section of the Landscape Management Plan, information on how to manage the landscape will be provided as well as information for control of invasive plants and additional opportunities for landscape enhancements. All management actions should be as sustainable as possible and avoid unnecessary site disturbance. Management techniques such as mowing and selective cutting or hand removal of invasive plants is preferred to herbicide spraying when possible.

M A N A G E M E N T A P P R O A C H : O R G A N I Z AT I O N & T E R M I N O L O G Y

Communities: Communities, in the ecological sense, are the assemblage of plants, animals, and other organisms living together at the same place and time. Communities represent the complex interrelationships among specific groups of species. Climate, topography, geology & soils, and past disturbance are all determinants of community type. Â The communities identified on your property are outlined in the previous section, with additional information found in the Appendices.

Zones: This plan organizes your property into zones that provide structure for identifying specific care and needs. Â Zones are based loosely on the Natural Community types identified by the field assessment of your property, but also take into consideration shared challenges, themes, or management requirements. Â Zones are treated as a unit with common specifications for daily, monthly, and annual care. Specifications are written to attain targeted standards of care and presentation.

T H E F O L L O W I N G I N F O R M AT I O N I S P R O V I D E D T O G U I D E T H E C A R E A N D MANAGEMENT OF E ACH ZONE:

Zone Profile: A general profile of each Zone describing its distinguishing characteristics, unique resources, and special challenges. Recommendations: General tasks, strategies, and best management practices. Specific Management Needs: Tasks and projects of high priority that require ongoing attention and commitment, including, but not limited to, the management of invasive exotic plants. Target Plant Community: A broad classification of species deemed appropriate for a recovering community.

Landscape Management Zones Zone 1 (a,b,&c) GENER AL DE SCRIPTION OF ARE A / ZONE PROFILE This zone has been divided into three smaller areas, the unifying feature being the current plant community structure for all three is the result of significant disturbance. While ecologically they perform similarly, the need for sub-divisions was deemed necessary in order to distinguish the areas from each other in regard to site specific management needs. Zone 1 has become such a low-quality area in terms of ecological diversity and significance that rehabilitation would amount to a complete overhaul of the plant community structure through aggressive removal of existing natives and non-natives followed by intensive replanting and is therefore not recommended. However, general habitat enhancements can be made in this zone without returning the landscape back to its pre-disturbance community type. The highly disturbed nature of this zone does, however, represent an opportunity to cluster any trails or infrastructure in these areas.

R E C O M M E N D AT I O N S a. Eliminate invasive plants (1 to 4 years) This area is ideal for trying out more intensive mechanical eradication methods or a combination of methods <See the Invasive Plant Eradication Guide in the Supplemental Information Section at the end of this document>. It is recommended to begin immediate treatment of this area. Due to the density of infestation in this area, all aboveground vegetation can be removed, effectively creating a blank slate. This may take a concerted effort and take several years to remove the invasive plants in this zone (multiflora rose, Oriental bittersweet, Japanese honeysuckle, Chinese privet). b. Replant and Reseed bare areas with a native woodland edge seed mix (1 to 3 years) Once eradication of invasives is successful for a large section of the zone or the entire zone, large bare areas will remain and require immediate reestablishment of native species to prevent another infestation of invasive plants. Once the invasive plants have been removed, keeping soils densely covered with plantings or mulch will be key to discouraging reestablishment of invasives. Weeding of resprouting or volunteer invasive plants may be necessary, so be vigilant when assessing these areas.

c. Strive to minimize additional fragmentation of habitat where possible (ongoing) Fragmentation changes an ecosystem radically by reducing total habitat area and effectively creating physical barriers to plant and animal dispersal. Roads, utilities, trails, and other infrastructure — each can fragment an ecosystem. To avoid fragmenting the forest in these areas as much is possible, focus any additional development along forest edges and minimize the width of roads and road corridors extending into forested areas. d. Minimize hydrological manipulations (immediately) Comply with federal and state regulations, the Clean Water Act, and state water quality laws. Manipulating perennial and intermittent streams, installing or replacing culverts, and altering natural drainage patterns from one drainage area to are regulated by state and federal agencies. Such activities, in addition to grading in a stream or wetland, would require permits prior to making any changes. Protecting drainage ways and streams is important to overall water quality and habitat in nearby streams as well as the greater watershed. e. Provide ‘Cues to Care’ (ongoing) ‘Cues to Care’ are powerful elements to enhance ecologically designed landscapes by increasing diversity and naturalness of landscape element. This can include diverse mix of native plantings with a specific focus on habitat enhancements for pollinators, birds, butterflies, etc. The designed landscape should be based on principles of ecological and sustainable design.

T A R G E T P L A N T C O M M U N I T Y/ L A N D S C A P E C H A R A C T E R No target plant community is identified in this zone. As is common with former agricultural and fringe forests that have gone unmanaged, infestations of invasive plants are strangling trees and choking out native species. Therefore, a focus on landscape enhancements and “Cues to Care” can improve the ecology of the site without trying to restore the natural plant community that once existed in Zone 1. This would include protection and enhancement of the stream buffers by removing invasive plants and reestablishing native plants in their place, as well as utilizing native plants and ecological and sustainable principles in the more designed aspects of the landscape.

Specific Management Needs ZONE 1(A) Zone 1(a) is the location the future homesite and at the time of the development of the management plan has been cleared almost entirely, less a few canopy trees scattered as a buffer along Bump Road. Zone 1(a) also encompasses more recent hydrological manipulations that will need attention. • The section of tributary stream flowing along Bump Road has been completely blocked and a new channel dug out to divert stormwater around the future homesite and into a different subwatershed; this is not allowed under state law. Apply for an after-the-fact permit for these disturbances • Repair or remove improperly installed culverts (repair is preferred, as fords are direct sources of sediment and habitat is constantly degraded during vehicular crossing); continue to monitor these culverts to ensure water is not piping around the culvert, that no pipes are being undercut and left ‘hanging’, and that aquatic passage is maintained. To avoid this, culverts should be buried into the stream bed at a minimum of 6”. Culverts are an impact to a stream, so it is recommended that the large culvert be removed and a bridge that completely spans the stream channel be installed when the culvert is removed. • Avoid additional fragmentation of the forested portions of these areas as much as is possible by locating additional infrastructure along the open areas at the edge of the forest. Avoid additional tree removal and vegetation clearing beyond what has already occurred. • Wildflower and native grass species could be integrated into the plantings between the house and Jones Cove Road; in order to provide visual continuity to and maintain the agrarian aesthetic of Zone 1(b) across the road.

A P P R O P R I AT E W I L D F L O W E R & N AT I V E G R A S S S P E C I E S Little Bluestem - Schizachyrium scoparium Indiangrass - Sorghastrum nutans Virginia Wildrye- Elymus virginicus Purple Coneflower - Echinacea purpurea Lanceleaf coreopsis - Coreopsis lanceolata Blackeyed Susan - Rudbeckia hirta Narrowleaf Mountain Mint - Pycnanthemum tenuifolium Golden Alexanders - Ziziz aurea

A Cues to Care: Clean mown edges adjacent to wild landscape gives the landscape a purposeful appearance.

B Meadow allowed to have wild appearance

B A

ZONE 1(B) The prime location of this zone, bound by Jones Cove Road on two sides, is a logical place to start management activities. The area functions as an entrance or gateway opening up into the cove and onto your properties as you drive along Jones Cove Road. • Consider the use of targeted grazing with goats in order to manage invasive vegetation in this zone. <see the Supplemental Information Section of this document> • Proceed with restoration and relocation of the barn; use portable sawmill to utilize felled wood from any of the three Zone 1 areas as building material. • Restore or renovate the historic cabin <see Supplemental Information> consulting with the North Carolina State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) prior to any construction. The cabin, also known as the Harvey Fuller House (BN0388) is cataloged in the NC SHPO database, however it has no individual designation, meaning that it has been surveyed only (SO) and may be within a National Register, Study List, or DOE district, but sufficient data is not available. • The soils in Zone 1b are considered prime farmland soils. The soils in the westernmost portion of 1b are classified predominantly nonhydric, meaning that the area is somewhat poorly drained and susceptible to occasional flooding. If properly drained, however this area could support cultivated gardens for vegetables or flowers.

• Selectively clear shrub layer (plants between 2-8’ tall) and understory trees (plants between 8-25’ tall) to achieve a more park-like setting with the guidance of a landscape architect; consider adding disc golf or other outdoor recreation activity in this area

A Groundcover and Understory perennials

B Small flowering understory trees and shrubs

Mature canopy species

A • In this zone a small pond may be constructed but should not divert water into the pond from a perennial stream. The pond should be located in a low lying area where ground water can fill up the pond. The pond can be lined with clay or bentonite to hold water in the pond by providing an impervious layer. It is recommended that the pond be designed by a landscape architect or engineer to include a preliminary investigation of the location of the pond (drainage area, depth, soils, pond capacity), evaluation of stormwater of runoff, pond infrastructure needs (spillway, dam, pipes), and proper design of vegetation around the pond. <For more information about ponds refer to the USDA Ponds-Planning, Design, Construction handbook https://nrcspad.sc.egov.usda. gov/DistributionCenter/pdf.aspx?productID=115> • There is potential to convert the current hay field into a meadow if so desired <see Supplemental Information for a guide to Establishing & Managing a Meadow>. This would maintain the “open character” of the existing field while improving the ecology of Zone 1b. • If the desire is to maintain the existing field or a portion thereof, introduce small livestock to graze the field (3-4 miniature Scottish highland cattle) or follow a mowing schedule as prescribed in the Supplemental Information.

• Plant a 15’-wide swath of native trees and shrubs to act as a buffer to Fuller Lane and to provide habitat and forage for native critters.

RECOMMENDED MIXED BUFFER SPECIES UNDERSTORY TREES: Hawthorn - Crateagus Serviceberry - Amelachier arborea American Holly - Ilex opaca

SHRUBS: Arrowwood Viburnum - Viburnum dentatum Spicebush - Lindera benzoin Black Chokeberry - Aronia malanocarpa Blueberries - Vaccinium spp.

ZONE 1(C) Due to the proximity of this site to Jones Cove Road, the general gradual slope, and the overall low ecological health of this zone, it is recommended that any future homesites or similar-sized disturbances be located here. The following are benefits of future development in this area: • Access roads and drive could easily be cut in, thereby providing greater efficiency in the siting of services and infrastructure by reducing road length, utility runs, and the amount of paving for development. • Minimize site disturbance and erosion through the retention of existing vegetation and the avoidance of development on steep slopes; steep slopes are defined as those greater than 25%.

Zone 2 (a & b) GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF AREA / ZONE PROFILE This particular habitat is relatively intact, making invasive removal a high priority. As a successional community <see Inventory & Analysis Section>, the longer this area waits for treatment, the likelihood of invasive species emerging could increase. Zone 2 is one of the largest zones on the property, and because it constitutes the majority of the habitat present on site, allowing invasives to proliferate can compromise the integrity of the site as a whole; the healthier this piece is, the healthier the entire site will be. The primary distinction between Zones 2a & b is the presence of the pond on 2a, which requires additional and unique management considerations.

R E C O M M E N D AT I O N S a. Eradicate isolated and outlying occurrences of invasive plants throughout entire community (2-5 years) Use an appropriate method or combination of methods from the Invasive Plant Eradication Guide in the supplemental information provided. Methods with lesser disturbances are recommended (manual, herbicides) in this area. b. Replant and Reseed bare areas with a native woodland edge seed mix (1 - 3 years) Following successful eradication of invasives within a large section of the zone or the entire zone, sizeable bare areas may remain that will require immediate establishment of native species to prevent another infestation of invasive plants. Keeping soils densely covered with plantings or mulch once the invasive plants have been removed will be key to successfully keeping future invasive plant infestation from occurring. c. Maintain, enhance, and increase levels of key native plant species and other desirable species. Promote a varied and diverse vegetative structure that is consistent with the native forest type, including small-scale tree cutting to create small canopy gaps.

T A R G E T P L A N T C O M M U N I T Y/ L A N D S C A P E C H A R A C T E R The plant community is characterized by canopy trees that touch creating shade on the ground which varies depending on the time of year, with more sunlight reaching the ground in late autumn through the winter into early spring. Small canopy gap openings let more light reach the forest floor, where a diversity of plants or ground cover plantings can occur. The feel of the forest includes a canopy of tall trees with fewer trees in the understory layer (8-25â&#x20AC;&#x2122; tall) with intermittent groups of shade-tolerant shrubs, small trees and seedlings. The ground layer should be left mostly undisturbed but could be enhanced with a diverse mix of herbaceous plantings. Here snags (standing dead trees) can be left for habitat as long as they do not threaten safety, and fallen logs should be left in place to provide habitat for a wide array of insects, amphibians (salamanders & frogs), small reptiles (non-venomous snakes & turtles) and vertebrates (woodland birds and small mammals).

A Forest comprised of both young and mature hardwood species, providing a dense canopy cover

Understory comprised of native perennials and shrubs

Fallen trees provide important habitat for native fauna and contribute nutrients back into the forest system

Specific Management Needs ZONE 2(A) Maintain and enhance the forest and manage the pond for habitat in this zone. Currently, occurrences of invasive plants are relatively low in this area. A targeted response to invasive plants can be kept to mostly maintenance levels, which includes include small-scale manual or chemical control of individuals and small, discrete populations that may arise from seed

• Enhance the stand’s aesthetics, diversity of plants for wildlife. • Promote a varied and diverse vegetative structure that is consistent with the native forest type, including small-scale tree cutting to create small canopy gaps. • In key locations through which the trail will pass, enhance the environment with a diversity of herbaceous ground cover plantings. • Clear snags, downed trees, and brush piles adjacent to circulation, and only where necessary for safety reasons in order to protect the richness of the forest floor. Instead of eliminating brush piles outright, consider moving them to less visible areas of the zone where they can still function as habitat. • Trails can be included in this zone and should be laid out by a professional trail designer to minimize impacts to the landscape and to provide long term stability of the trails. Poorly designed trails can lead to long term erosion problems and require significant work to maintain. <see Supplemental Information>

THE POND • Maintain an undisturbed 150-foot “Critical Habitat Buffer Zone” around the pond in order to sustain reptile and amphibian habitat. Activities that should not occur within this buffer zone include: erection of structures; installation of impervious surfaces; tree removal. If trails are located within the 150’ buffer, they should include small habitat tunnels under the trail to avoid creating a barrier to those species dependent on the pond for breeding and survival.

• As with any water resource, it is critical to minimize the use of herbicides in the area around pond. • The best recommendation for the pond is to continue to monitor it for any leaks. • Enhance habitat by installing native wetland plants within the pond and along its edge. Zoned plantings allow for a diversity of niche environments within the pond, which in turn promotes a diversity of fauna.

A P P R O P R I AT E W E T L A N D P L A N T S A B O V E W AT E R L I N E - F L O O D E D D U R I N G

Juncus effusus - Soft Rush

STORMS:

Lobelia cardinalis - Cardinal Flower

Juncus tenuis - Path Rush Lobelia siphilitica - Great Blue Lobelia

0 - 6 I N . B E L O W W AT E R L I N E :

Panicum virgatum - Switchgrass

Pontederia cordata - Pickerel Weed

Vernonia noveboracensis - Ironweed

Peltandra virginia

- Arrow Arum

Sagitaria latifolia - Broad-leaf Arrowhead

2IN. ABOVE TO 2 IN. BELOW W AT E R L I N E : Carex spp. Iris versicolor - Blueflag Iris

ZONE 2(B) The basic management concept for this successional forest is to eradicate invasives in a systematic order, reclaim disturbed land, and manage and promote native biodiversity. Management of this community should start with the eradication of isolated and outlying occurrences of invasive plants and ‘corralling’ the most established infestations into manageable clusters. Reclaim areas freed from invasive species by planting desired species of trees, shrubs, forbs and grasses. Space and plant community diversity will dictate species selection for reclaiming areas. • Management of mixed hardwoods should utilize small disturbances, with the forest as a whole maintaining its unevenly-aged composition.

â&#x20AC;˘ Retain snags and brush piles. If there is a safety concern with a snag, do not cut the tree to its base, but cut to a height consistent with safety. â&#x20AC;˘ Maintain large standing dead trees to provide a continuous supply of potential roost trees for bats.

A Forest comprised of both young and mature hardwood species, providing a dense canopy cover

B Understory comprised of native perennials and shrubs

Fallen trees provide important habitat for native fauna and contribute nutrients back into the forest system

Zone 3 GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF AREA / ZONE PROFILE The areas included in Zone 3 are riparian in nature and thus have specific and unique requirements related to water quality and overall watershed health. <see Best Practices for Stormwater Management and Erosion Prevention>. The management objective for the creek is to limit its erosive capabilities by stabilizing banks and reducing stormwater runoff entering the water from the property.

R E C O M M E N D AT I O N S a. Eradicate invasive plants along streams and tributaries (2-5 years) Use an appropriate method or combination of methods from the Invasive Plant Eradication Guide in the appendix. Be aware that enacting mechanical control on existing infestations within a riparian buffer can lead to denuding and destabilization of banks and floodplains; consider the phasing of large-scale removal projects to reduce the potential for riparian damage. b. Revegetate the streambanks and riparian corridor with native riparian plantings to minimize the potential for future exotic invasive weed infestations and to filter stormwater runoff.

R E CO M M E N D E D R I PA R I A N B U F F E R S P E C I E S Buttonbush - Cephalanthus occidentalis Elderberry - Sambuccus canadensis Ninebark - Physocarpus opulifolius Purple top - Tridens flavus Swamp Milkweed - Ascelpia incarnata

c. Plant buffers along streams. Direct stormwater from developed areas through planted buffers. A 30’ stream buffer on each side of the stream is required along all perennial and “blue-line” waters in Buncombe County for development activities These activities should minimize built-upon surface area, direct runoff away from the surface waters and maximize the utilization of stormwater best management practices.

Specific Management Needs • Stabilize the streambank in select locations with willow and dogwood stakes and plants having dense root structure. • In the areas experiencing undercutting, install log toe protection, rock toe slope revetments or coconut fiber rolls to minimize erosion – consult with a design professional that has experience with streambank stabilization. This includes the tributary of Jones Cove Branch below Raven Ridge Lane. • Expand the riparian buffer of the creek to increase fish and wildlife habitat, maximize stormwater retention, and minimize stormwater runoff from the property into the creek.

TA R G E T P L A N T CO M M U N I TY/ L A N D S C A P E C H A R ACT E R This zone is along a stream and is consistent with a Riparian Forest community. The existing plants in this zone are subject to periodic flooding and play a key role in protecting water quality and healthy groundwater. Riparian forests serve as buffers that help remove and prevent pollutants from entering a stream. The main target of this zone is to have streambanks that can support robust, native vegetation and have a layering of plants including a ground layer (up to 2’), shrub layer (2-8’), understory layer (8-25’) and canopy layer (above 25’).

Trees within riparian buffer eventually provide shade to cool to keep water cool.

Shrubs provide habitat for habitat and food for animals.

C Groundcover and grasses privde stability on slopes adjacent to the stream.

Riparian buffer width should be miniumum 30 feet wide.

Zone 4 GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF AREA / PROFILE Confined to the northern extent of the eastern tract and the area in between the tributary streams on the homesite tract, mature forests exist that have natural vegetative structure and generally lack invasive plants.

R E C O M M E N D AT I O N S This Zone requires minimal management at best. To maintain the natural composition of these forests create small to medium sized canopy gaps by selectively removing individual, lower quality trees. Beneficial downed woody debris exists already in this area; remove only if they pose a safety hazard.

T A R G E T P L A N T C O M M U N I T Y/ L A N D S C A P E C H A R A C T E R The target of this plant community is to maintain it as a mature forest devoid of invasive plants. The existing natural forest communities of Zone 4 include Chestnut Oak Forest and Montane Oak-Hickory Forest (mix of oak and hickory). Together these forests contain a wide diversity of upland oak species that are important to the ecosystem, including white, northern and southern red, black, scarlet, and chestnut oaks. Mockernut and pignut hickories are also important mast-producing species. The overall lack of disturbance, especially in the Chestnut Oak forest, has helped the community to maintain vegetative integrity.

Land Management Plan

Articles inside

INTRODUCTION

SUMMARY OF MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE