Cane River Mitigation Bank Prospectus (2016-03-15)
Cane River Mitigation Bank Prospectus (2016-03-15)
Cane River Mitigation Bank Prospectus (2016-03-15)
Mitigation Bank
Prospectus
Natchitoches Parish, Louisiana
MVK-2015-00472
Sponsored by:
Delta Land Services, LLC
March 15, 2016
PREPARED BY:
Table of Contents
1.0 Introduction, Site Location, and Driving Directions ............................................ 1
2.0 Project Goals and Objectives............................................................................. 1
3.0 Sponsorship, Land Ownership and Long-term Steward .................................... 2
4.0 Sponsor Qualifications ....................................................................................... 3
5.0 Watersheds and Proposed Service Area ........................................................... 3
6.0 General Need and Technical Feasibility ............................................................ 4
7.0 Ecological Suitability and Baseline Conditions................................................... 5
7.1 Climatic, Geomorphic, Physiographic and Ecological Characteristics.................... 5
7.2 Existing and Surrounding Land Uses ..................................................................... 6
7.3 Soils ....................................................................................................................... 6
7.4 Vegetation .............................................................................................................. 7
7.5 Hydrology ............................................................................................................... 8
7.6 Existing Wetland Status ......................................................................................... 9
8.0 Mitigation Bank Establishment and Operation ................................................... 9
8.1 Restoration of Streams and Wetland Hydrology .................................................. 10
8.2 Afforestation of Wetlands, Uplands, and Riparian Buffers ................................... 11
8.3 Management of Non-Mitigation Features ............................................................. 13
8.4 Bank Operation .................................................................................................... 13
9.0 Long-term Protection, Maintenance, Sustainability and Water Rights ............. 13
10.0 Conclusion ....................................................................................................... 15
11.0 References ...................................................................................................... 15
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Attachments
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Cane River Mitigation Bank Prospectus
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This report represents a proposal for Delta Land Services (DLS) to establish and
operate the 928.4-acre Cane River Mitigation Bank (CRMB). The prospectus was
prepared in accordance with 33 CFR § 332.8(d) (2). The CRMB is intended to provide
compensatory mitigation for unavoidable impacts to “Waters of the United States1”
authorized through the issuance of Department of the Army (DA) Permits by the U.S.
Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Vicksburg District (CEMVK) pursuant to Sections 9
and 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act of 1899 and Section 404 of the Clean Water Act
of 1972.
The goals of the CRMB are to 1) restore3 673.9 acres of wetland forests by re-
establishing4 222.1 acres of bottomland hardwood\ baldcypress swamp forest and
rehabilitating5 451.8 acres of bottomland hardwood\ baldcypress swamp forest; and 2)
to restore/enhance 86.9 acres of stream and riparian areas. The stream area includes
the restoration of 15.5 acres\ 13,535.9 linear feet (LF) of degraded stream resource and
1
33 CFR § 328 defines waters of the United States as it applies to the jurisdictional limits of the authority
of the Corps of Engineers under the Clean Water Act. Waters of the United States include those waters
listed in 33 CFR § 328(a). The lateral limits of jurisdiction in those waters may be divided into three
categories (i.e., territorial seas, tidal wasters, and non-tidal waters, which are further described in 33 CFR
§ 328.4 (a), (b), and (c).
2
All coordinates are based on North American Datum of 1983 (NAD83)
3
Restoration is defined in 33 CFR § 332.2 as the manipulation of the physical, chemical, or biological
characteristics of a site with the goal of returning natural/historic functions to a former aquatic resource.
For the purpose of tracking net gains in aquatic resource area, restoration is divided into two categories:
re-establishment and rehabilitation.
4
Re-establishment is defined in 33 CFR § 332.2 as the manipulation of the physical, chemical, or
biological characteristics of a site with the goal of returning natural/historic functions to a former aquatic
resource. Re-establishment results in rebuilding a former aquatic resource and results in a gain in aquatic
resource area and functions.
5
Rehabilitated is defined in 33 CFR § 332.2 as the manipulation of the physical, chemical, or biological
characteristics of a site with the goal of repairing natural/historic functions to a degraded aquatic
resource. Rehabilitation results in a gain in aquatic resource function, but does not result in a gain in
aquatic resource area.
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the restoration/afforestation6 of 71.9 acres of mixed wetland and upland riparian stream
buffer7 (i.e. 87.4 acres of stream restoration area). The restored wetlands will be
protected with 156.0 acres of afforested hardwood buffer. The remaining acreage within
the CRMB acreage is 3.9 acres of electrical utility right-of-way (ROW) and 7.2 acres of
wildlife openings and associated access trails (Figure 3; Table 1). Specifically, the
project objectives are as follows:
DLS will serve as sponsor of the CRMB and will comply with all conditions of
sponsorship required by the CEMVK. The real property owner of the CRMB is Allbritton
Cattle Company LLC (Owner). DLS, as the sponsor, will provide all wetland mitigation
6
The Dictionary of Forestry (Society of American Foresters [SAF] 2008) defines afforestation as the
establishment of a forest or stand in an area where the preceding vegetation or land use was not forest
whereas reforestation is the re-establishment of forest cover either naturally (by natural seeding, coppice,
or root suckers) or artificially (by direct seeding or planting) —note reforestation usually maintains the
same forest type and is done promptly after the previous stand or forest was removed —synonym
regeneration.
7
Buffers are defined in 33 CFR § 332.2 as an upland, wetland, and/or riparian area that protects and/or
enhances aquatic resource functions associated with wetlands, rivers, streams, lakes, marine, and
estuarine systems from disturbances associated with adjacent land uses.
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and restoration services. DLS may will serve as the long-term steward but may appoint
a long-term steward in accordance with 33 CFR § 332.7 (d).
DLS is a land management and restoration company whose technical staff includes
Certified Wildlife Biologists, Professional Wetland Scientists, and Certified Foresters. In
addition, DLS has construction specialists on staff experienced in wetland construction
activities such as heavy equipment operation, vegetation establishment, herbicide
application, and contractor management.
DLS currently operates twelve approved wetland and stream mitigation banks within
four USACE Districts totaling 5,721 acres which include 47,829 linear feet of stream
restoration. These Districts include CEMVK, New Orleans (CEMVN), Fort Worth
(CESWF), and Galveston (CESWG). The approved banks are the Bayou Conway
Mitigation Bank (MVN-2010-01111), Bayou Choupique Mitigation Bank (MVN-2011-
00824), Ponderosa Ranch of Pointe Coupee Mitigation Bank (MVN-2011-03213), Moss
Lake Mitigation Bank (MVN-2012-02652), Bayou Fisher Mitigation Bank (MVN-2013-
02342), Laurel Valley Coastal Mitigation Bank (MVN-2013-02798), Roseland Refuge
Mitigation Bank (MVK-2010-01423), Oak Land Mitigation Bank (MVK-2011-00308),
Little Bayou Pierre Mitigation Bank (MVK-2012-00555), Phillips Creek Mitigation Bank
(SWF-2012-00417), Graham Creek Mitigation Bank (SWF-2011-00309), and Danza del
Rio Mitigation Bank (SWG-2011-00566). In addition to the banks referenced above,
DLS serves as the responsible party for the establishment and maintenance of 3,929
acres of wetlands and 6,720 LF of stream restoration on 17 approved Permittee-
Responsible Mitigation (PRM) projects within the CEMVN, CEMVK and CESWG.
The site is located within the Lower Red – Lake Iatt Subbasin (US Geological Survey
[USGS] Hydrologic Unit Code [HUC] 11140207. According to CEMVK procedures for
mitigation service areas, a bank’s service area may consist of two adjacent 8-digit
Hydrologic Unit Codes (HUC). DLS proposes that the bank’s service area be comprised
of the 1,435.8-square mile Lower Red – Lake Iatt Watershed (HUC 11140207) and the
1,114-square mile Bayou Pierre Watershed (HUC 11140206), both of which are within
the Red River-Saline Basin (HUC 111402). Furthermore, DLS proposes the inclusion of
the 264.2-square mile Middle Red – Coushatta Watershed (HUC 11140202). The
purposes for incorporating the third watershed are the lack of currently available stream
credits in the area, the relatively small size of the Middle Red - Coushatta Watershed,
and the relative rural nature and lack of urbanized areas within these watersheds. The
service area would be entirely within the state boundaries of Louisiana (Figure 4).
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The vast majority of the land within the proposed service area is undeveloped and
exists as forestland (58%) or functioning wetlands (13%). The remaining land use is
pasture and grass lands (12%), developed properties (7%), cultivated crops (5%), open
water (5%) and barren land (<1%)8 (Figure 5).
A majority of the anticipated impacts to utilize the CRMB will be activities and
infrastructure associated with industrial and residential development, civil and public
works projects, mineral extraction, and linear projects (e.g., pipelines, utilities, roads,
etc.). The CRMB would result in consolidating the mitigation for these types of impacts
determined to be unavoidable within a single, strategic location. The CRMB will provide
the most benefit to the watershed through the restoration of stream resources and
protection of a larger block of floodplain forested wetland habitat that will offset any
cumulative effect of smaller, spatially fragmented impacts.
Given the current existence of other conservation lands within the area, the restoration
at the CRMB will provide a dynamic range of habitats, both spatially and temporally, that
will support a rich diversity of flora and will be utilized by many species of fauna on a
landscape level (Figure 1). The restoration of bottomland hardwood forests near extant
tracts of other undeveloped lands will provide benefit to Neoarctic-Neotropical migrant
birds and other indigenous silvicolous (forest-dwelling) species. Twedt et al. (1999)
listed 14 forest breeding species as species of high concern and of these species,
Cerulean warbler (Setophaga cerulea) is identified as critically imperiled in Louisiana
whose migratory range is known to this area (NatureServe 2012). The planting of
densely-spaced seedlings encourages the recruitment of breeding populations of
thamnic (scrub-dwelling) and silvicolous bird species (Twedt et al. 2010). Large
expanses of bottomland hardwoods are vital for the management of Mallards (Anas
platyrhynchos), wood ducks (Aix sponsa) and American woodcock (Scolopax minor)
(North American Waterfowl Management Plan 2004, Kelly and Rau 2006). The
Mississippi Museum of Natural Science (MMNS 2005) purports that old-growth
bottomland hardwood forests are critical habitat for 11 of the 18 species of bats known
to the Southeast. Two of these species, the Southeastern myotis (Myotis
austroriparius) and Rafinesque’s big-eared bat (Corynorhinus rafinesquii) prefer large,
hollow trees in mature bottomland hardwood and swamp habitats, respectively (LMRJV
2007; Taylor 2006). Loeb (2013) purports that unfragmented, contiguous forest with
small openings maintained for flight corridors are important components in maintaining
and sustaining bat populations as these are critical for roosting and predator protection.
Restoration of corridors is identified as a strategy to facilitate wildlife and plant migration
in response to transitions anticipated with predicted climate change (National Fish,
Wildlife and Plants Climate Adaptation Strategy Management Team 2012).
8
Multi-Resolution Land Characteristics Consortium (2011) National Land Cover Database (NLCD)
[website]. Available URL http://www.mrlc.gov (accessed March 11, 2016)
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The primary factors considered during site selection were the relatively low landscape
position of the project site, its compatibility with surrounding land uses, the presence of
hydric soils, and suitability for restoring stable stream channels and native forested
wetland vegetation. The construction work required to develop the proposed CRMB will
consist of the following activities: 1) degradation of artificial drains, 2) vegetative control
and soil preparation 3) and afforestation with appropriate seedlings of tree and shrub
species. The presence of extant stands of bottomland hardwoods and swamps adjacent
to the CRMB indicates a high potential for successful restoration and the development
of a native forested community.
The restoration and protection of streams and forested wetlands described in Section
8.0 will provide additional aquatic functions and values that are not currently realized
such as water quality improvement and favorable habitat conditions for fish and wildlife
species. Improvements in biological diversity and integrity are expected due in large
part to the presence of remnant macro-topographic and micro-topographic features
created by historic overbank flooding of the Cane and Red Rivers. Improved water
quality will be achieved by re-establishing natural drainage patterns and stream
contours and afforestation. Water quality improvements will result from the removal of
livestock, which will reduce the potential for non-point source pollution (e.g., soil erosion
and fecal coliform). An increase in water quality of the receiving streams and other
water bodies will also be realized as a result of increased surface water retention time
and sediment filtration by restored wetland and buffer areas. Removal of livestock from
the area in perpetuity as well as the introduction of native forested wetland vegetation,
increased surface roughness, and increased leaf litter of a flood plain and riparian forest
with upland buffers will aid in the reduction of contaminants entering the downstream
waterways through non-point source means.
The CRMB is located in the South Central Plains Level III Ecoregion and the Red
River Bottomlands Level IV Ecoregion (35g) (Omernik 1995), the Mississippi Delta
Cotton and Feed Grains Region (LRR O) and the Red River Alluvium Major Land
Resource Area (MLRA 131C; Natural Resources Conservation Service [NRCS]
2006). Natural topography within and around the CRMB is flat to moderately
undulating. Artificial features such as levees, spoil banks, and drainage ditches are
present within the CRMB project site. Typical drainage patterns for the area have
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Wildlife common to region include beaver (Castor canadensis), bobcat (Lynx rufus),
white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus), fox (Vulpes vulpes and Urocyon
cinereoargenteus), mink (Mustela vison), opossums (Didelphis virginiana), rabbit
(Sylvilagus spp.), raccoon (Procyon lotor), striped skunk (Mephitis mephitis), squirrel
(Sciurus spp.), armadillo (Dasypus novemcinctus) and various bird species.
Migratory game birds include various ducks, geese and doves. Many fish species
are also present in nearby waterways (NRCS 2006).
The site is currently managed by the Owner for livestock grazing. Active
management consists of occasional chemical control of broad-leaved herbaceous
species and routine mowing. The project site is surrounded primarily by forested and
pasture lands (Figure 7). These areas are anticipated to remain in some type of
undeveloped land use in the future. Preliminary site evaluations show that the
existing forested stands adjacent to the CRMB contain only limited viable seed
sources for noxious and invasive species. DLS does not foresee any adverse
impacts to the mitigation site resulting from the continued existence and operation of
the neighboring land uses.
7.3 Soils
The mapped soil units within the CRMB are Pe: Perry clay, occasionally flooded;
Mp: Moreland clay, 0-1% slopes, occasionally flooded; La: Latanier clay, 0-1%
slopes, rarely flooded; Md: Moreland silt loam, 0-1% slopes, rarely flooded; and Gn:
Gallion silty clay loam, 0-1% slope (Figure 8). These map units contain varying
degrees of hydric soil components. The Pe and Mp map units have hydric
component ratings of 80% and 90%, respectively while the remaining map units
have a 1% rating (NRCS 20161; Table 2). Latanier and Moreland soils are
considered to be problematic soils as they may not show sufficient hydrologic
indicators due to the red parent material (NRCS 1998)10. Water and air move
through most of these soils at a relatively slow rate, and the surface remains wet for
long periods after heavy rains (NRCS 20162).
9
All site elevations are in North American Vertical Datum of 1988 (NAVD)
10
The NRCS 1988 document is out of date but the problem soil references are still applicable and used
as internal guidance by the NRCS in Louisiana; Dr. Michael Lindsey, State Soil Scientist for Louisiana,
NRCS, personal communication with Mr. Daniel Bollich, Ecological Program Director, Delta Land
Services, March 4, 2016.
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7.4 Vegetation
The site is on the Red River alluvial plain adjacent to the Cane River. According to
the NRCS (2006), this resource area is primarily farms with scattered tracts of
forested wetlands. This area once consisted entirely of bottomland hardwood and
baldcypress forests. A review of the historical aerial photographic record indicates
that a portion of the site was cleared as early as 1941 and the entire site converted
to open ground by 1966. The property has remained in some type of agricultural use
since that time (Figures 9-15). Observation of adjacent, natural forested lands on
similar geomorphic and physiographic settings serves to verify that this property was
once a forested wetland consisting of bottomland hardwood and baldcypress/swamp
wetlands. Trees/shrubs observed in extant bottomland hardwood forests near the
CRMB project areas included water oak (Quercus nigra), willow oak (Quercus
phellos), Nuttall oak (Quercus texana), cherrybark oak (Quercus pagoda), green ash
(Fraxinus pennsylvanica), red maple (Acer rubrum), sweetgum (Liquidambar
styraciflua), honeylocust (Gleditsia triacanthos), eastern cottonwood (Populus
deltoides), and sweet pecan (Carya illinoinensis)11. The major tree/shrub species in
neighboring swamp, of which there are residuals on Tract A, include baldcypress
(Taxodium distichum), water tupelo (Nyssa aquatic), green ash, Drummond red
maple (Acer rubrum var. drummondii), buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis), and
black willow (Salix nigra).
11
All plant scientific nomenclature is from Lichvar et al. (2014), USACE (2014) or NRCS (20163).
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7.5 Hydrology
The proposed CRMB project area is within the floodplain of the Cane River system.
The site is located in the 100-year flood zone per the Federal Emergency
Management Agency (FEMA) Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM; Figure 16). The
slightly undulating, terraced landscape was formed as a result of high flow events
exceeding geomorphic bankfull12 capacity of the Cane River, followed by the
associated draining and runoff events. The site drains to Bayou Bardue, a tributary
of the Cane River, via two small streams. One stream headwaters on Tract B while
the other headwaters slightly above Tract A. Two small waterbodies, Vercher Lake
and Pierson Lake, reside on Tract A. These waterbodies drain through the tributary
system which traverses Tract B in into Bayou Barbue. The hydrogeomorphic
wetland class of the CRMB is a combination of riverine wetlands to depressional
wetlands with the primary sources of hydrology resulting from a combination of
flooding events in the Cane River and Bayou Barbue, overland flow from adjacent
lands, and direct precipitation which measures at 56 to 58 inches per year13.
12
Bankfull is the stage delineated by the elevation point of incipient flooding, indicated by deposits of
sand or silt at the active scour mark, break in Stream bank slope, perennial vegetation limit, rock
discoloration, and root hair exposure (from Fluvial Geomorphology Glossary
http://www.fgmorph.com/showglossary.php )
13
Southern Regional Climate Center map depicting statewide annual rainfall isobars based on 1971-2000
normal precipitation records (http://www.losc.lsu.edu/products/images/louisiana_annual_prcp.pdf).
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Surface hydrology within the CRMB was altered by a series of drainage ditches and
culverts throughout and along the perimeter of the property and by the
channelization of natural swales. Some of the lands utilized as pasture contain
drainage laterals throughout the fields which expedite the movement of surface
water from the pasture areas into artificial ditches. These drainage features were
installed to accommodate specific management goals to ensure agricultural
productivity and does have the effect of reducing the duration of ponding and
saturation on the site.
The current National Wetland Inventory (NWI) maps published by the United States
Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS 2015) identify portions of the property as
Palustrine Emergent (PEM), and Palustrine Unconsolidated Bottoms (PUB) per the
Cowardin classification system (Cowardin et al. 1979; Figure 17). These wetlands14
are associated with Vercher Lake and the meander scroll landscape on the historic
floodplain of the Cane River. Forested wetlands are mapped adjacent to the CRMB
as Palustrine Forested Wetlands (PFO).
The primary loss of aquatic function within the proposed CRMB is due to hydrologic
alterations of the restoration site in the form of channelized and artificial drainages
designed to expedite the flow of surface water offsite. These drainages continue to
effectively remove surface water following precipitation and/or flooding events as well as
convey excess sediments and pollutants associated with agricultural production.
However, some depressions continue to pond for longer durations following these
events due to variations in topography.
The implementation of the CRMB will restore 673.9 acres of forested wetland habitat
and enhance the physical, chemical, and biological function of 13,535.9 LF of degraded
streams. The proposed mitigation work plan involves the backfilling of artificial drains,
afforestation of wetlands and riparian buffers, fluvial geomorphologic restoration, and
implementation of effective short-term management strategies to successfully establish
the bank (i.e. noxious/invasive species control, monitoring, replanting of native species,
etc.). Elimination of the existing drainage system will increase floodplain hydroperiod
14
The term “wetland” as used in this description indicates these habitats are mapped as wetlands per the
NWI map and does not imply that these areas have a CEMVN-issued jurisdictional determination.
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Cane River Mitigation Bank Prospectus
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and hydrologic regime to an extent that would sufficiently support wetland hydrology
from adjacent surface runoff, ponding, and direct precipitation.
DLS will provide appropriate financial assurances to ensure the successful construction
and establishment of the mitigation bank per 33 CFR § 332.3 (n). The details of the
financial assurance mechanism will be described in the Draft Mitigation Banking
Instrument (MBI), which will be prepared per 33 CFR § 332.8 (6) should the CEMVK
and Interagency Review Team (IRT) find merit with the CRMB and continue with the
review process.
Drainage features within the wetland restoration and riparian buffer areas will be
rendered ineffective in order to re-establish wetland hydrology and restore the
proper flow regimes in the receiving streams. To accomplish this, in situ earthen fill
material will be used to return artificial drainage ditches to grade (Figures C-7, C-8
and C-10). Hydrology restoration combined with the low permeability of the soils will
increase the retention time of surface water and saturation, which will reduce
nonpoint source runoff and improve water quality through increased nutrient uptake
by vegetation. There are no known hydrological disturbances on or adjacent to the
site which will adversely affect hydrologic restoration on the CRMB. DLS anticipates
no long-term structural management requirements needed to assure hydrologic
restoration.
DLS’s review of current site conditions and historic aerial photography reveals only
minor changes in stream pattern during the conversion to agriculture; therefore,
pattern alterations within restored reaches will be limited to slightly extending
meander lengths and marginally increasing stream sinuosity. Evidence suggests that
stream dimensions on site were altered from excavation and channelization, having
the effect of confining flood events to the limits of the banks. Stream channel
restoration will focus on altering the channel dimension in a manner that reduces
bank height ratios15 and increases the frequency at which overbank flooding can
occur. The estimated flow frequencies and sediment loads afforded the streams on
site by their watersheds do not necessitate major alteration of the channel profiles.
However, deeper pools with overhanging structures and vegetative cover will be
excavated along the outside of selected meander bends in an effort to manage
water temperature and maintain more desirable levels of dissolved oxygen for
extended periods following flows.
15
Bank Height Ratio (BHR)= LBH/dmax where LBH is the Lowest Bank Height as measured from the
channel bottom and dmax is the deepest part of the channel up to bankfull elevation (Rosgen 2009).
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shallower stream channel thereby lowering the bank height to bankfull width ratio
and increasing the probability that high flows will escape the confines of the channel
and settle onto the adjacent wetlands (Figures C-2 to C-6). The newly created
bankfull benches will be revegetated with native, wetland herbaceous species.
Stream One will have a 100-foot riparian buffer on either side of the stream channel
and Stream Two will have a 200-foot riparian buffer on either side of the stream
channel. These riparian buffers will contain a mosaic of uplands and wetlands and
will be afforested as described in Section 8.2.
The flap-gated structures within the southern levee will remain for some period until
seedlings are planted and begin to establish themselves. Once the seedlings are
established, DLS will consider replacement of the flapgates with a open, passive
structure (i.e. culvert[s]) to allow for natural drainage of the CRMB to occur as well
as to allow any floodwaters from Bayou Bardue to enter the southernmost portion of
the CRMB (i.e. allow backwater flooding to the site).
DLS estimates that stream restoration and wetland hydrology restoration will result
in the excavation and subsequent redepositing of approximately 166,413 to 210,632
cubic yards of native soil material. No fill material will be required from offsite and
DLS anticipates that all material excavated will be redeposited on-site in a beneficial
manner therefore no offsite disposal of excess material will be required. Any
excavation and deposition of fill within existing, jurisdictional wetlands will be done in
a manner which results in the rehabilitation of an aquatic resource therefore DLS
anticipates that this activity will be covered under a Nationwide Permit 2716 or
comparable DA permit.
16
The Nationwide Permit 27 is for restoration, establishment and enhancement activities in waters of the
United States provided such activity result in a net increase in aquatic resource functions and services
(Federal Register Volume 77 Number 34, February 21, 2012).
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Afforestation activities will include the planting of native BLH and Swamp species
during the first planting season (January 1st through March 31st) following site
preparation. Tables 4 describes the species suitable for each habitat type. The
arrangement of species was based upon species noted in adjacent reference sites
as well as those in which the native range has been documented for the CRMB by
the Louisiana Natural Heritage (LNH 2009), Lester et al. (2005), Burns and Honkala
(1990), USACE (2014) and NRCS 20163). The species selected will be site-
appropriate in terms of habitat design, soil-moisture regime, and species richness.
The exact species and quantities to be planted will be determined by the availability
of such species from commercial nurseries providing localized ecotype seedlings.
At least five to ten species shall be represented in the planting mosaic to insure
adequate species richness and seedlings will be mixed prior to planting so that
areas are not afforested with a monotypic species community (Twedt and Best
2004). Hard mast17 species should account for 40% to 60% of the bottomland
hardwood plantings, and baldcypress should account for 50% to 80% of the
baldcypress swamp plantings. All species selected for afforestation have a
designated growth habit of a tree18 or combination tree/shrub19 per NRCS 20163.
The species selected for planting within the baldcypress swamp and Type 1
bottomland hardwood restoration areas will have flood tolerance classes ranging
from constant inundation for up to one year (Class I) to long-term seasonal flooding
(Class III) as purported by Shankman (1996). The afforestation effort within the
Type 2-3 bottomland hardwood areas will integrate the utilization of fast-growing soft
mast species with slower-growing hard mast species to allow for greater vertical
structural diversity, which is necessary habitat for forest breeding birds of highest
conservation importance (Twedt et al. 1999). This will create a scrub-shrub habitat
to form early in succession which will be juxtaposed to mature forest thus allowing
more thamnic species to be present with higher nest success rates (i.e., source
habitat). Additionally, the presence of adjacent habitat types creates ecotones
17
For the purpose of this, hard mast is defined as heavy-seeded species of Quercus spp. and Carya spp.
18
Trees are defined as perennial, woody plant with a single stem (trunk), normally greater than 13 to 16
feet in height; under certain environmental conditions, some tree species may develop a multi-stemmed
or short growth form (less than 13 feet in height).
19
Shrubs are defined as perennial, multi-stemmed woody plant that is usually less than 13 to 16 feet in
height. Shrubs typically have several stems arising from or near the ground, but may be taller than 16 feet
or single-stemmed under certain environmental conditions.
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(transition zones) that increase the nesting success of silvicolous bird species such
as Acadian flycatchers (Empidonax virescens) as these species are not forced
deeper into the forest interior such as when there is a drastic shift from one habitat
type to another (i.e., forested area to grassland). The integration of rapid growth
early successional species mimics early successional seral stages that provide
nursery habitat for late successional forest species which exhibit increased growth in
partial cover and dappled sunlight exposure. The early successional community
creates abiotic and biotic environmental conditions that promote seedling
emergence and survival of late successional species (Twedt and Portwood 2003,
Gardiner and Hodges 1998).
The remaining 11.1 acres within the CRMB conservation easement will consist of
non-credit features such as an existing electrical utility line right of way (ROW),
access trails and maintained wildlife openings for use as open space or planted as a
food plot. The ROW, wildlife openings and access trails represent less than 1.2% of
the total bank acreage. The current locations and configurations of these features do
not result in major breaks or fragmentation of the restored habitat. Given that
recreational uses, such as hunting and wildlife observation, are allowed within the
mitigation bank, these open spaces will serve to facilitate these uses while not
interfering with wetland functions provided by the restored wetland and upland
forests.
A small tractor or all-terrain vehicle (ATV) and associated implements will be used
for managing the access trails and wildlife openings. Management will consist of
bush-hogging and/or light disking for seedbed preparation, seeding by a small drill or
seed spreader, and harrowing for seed coverage.
DLS will operate the CRMB as the sponsor. The MBI will describe the operation of
the CRMB in greater detail. This instrument will include more information on the
objectives, site selection, site protection instrument, and baseline information, as
well as a credit determination, credit release schedule, detailed mitigation work plan,
performance standards, monitoring requirements, long-term management plan,
adaptive management plan, financial assurances, service area use, legal
responsibilities of the sponsor, default and closure provisions, reporting protocols,
and other pertinent information.
13
Cane River Mitigation Bank Prospectus
March 15, 2016
values. Following approval of the MBI, the servitude will be recorded in the Mortgage
and Conveyances Records Office of Natchitoches Parish. As a requirement to
receiving any advanced credit release authorization, DLS will provide the CEMVK with
evidence of the recording pursuant to 33 CFR § 332.8(t). With the possible exception of
the utility ROW, there are currently no known existing surface encumbrances which
would interfere with the ability of the conservation servitude to protect the site.
Currently, survey work is being conducted by a Louisiana registered land surveyor and
title work is being reviewed by DLS’ title and real estate attorney. Any encumbrance
discovered as a result of this process will be identified and either removed or
subordinated to the conservation servitude. Any encumbrances which cannot be
removed or subordinated to the conservation servitude will be identified and described
in the MBI as to its potential effect on long-term viability of the restoration project.
Additionally, any acreage changes which may result from the final survey will be
reflected within the MBI.
14
Cane River Mitigation Bank Prospectus
March 15, 2016
With regard to water rights, the proposed CRMB will depend primarily on precipitation,
supplemented by high water tables, and the potential for backwater flooding associated
with Cane River and its local tributaries. As such, long-term hydrology maintenance will
not depend on the utilization of water captured from irrigation wells or nearby surface
water (i.e. irrigation canals); therefore, sufficient water rights are ensured for such
purposes. DLS does not foresee any adverse impacts on neighboring properties
resulting from the implementation of this project.
10.0 Conclusion
In summary, the restoration of forested wetlands within the 928.4-acre CRMB will
provide additional wetland functions and values which are not being realized under the
current land use. Implementation of the project will result in the restoration of 917.3
acres of palustrine forested wetlands, uplands and riparian areas. The cessation of
current and future livestock grazing; the elimination of anthropogenic drainage features;
the re-establishment of natural forested cover; and the restoration of natural hydrologic
conditions will result in improved water quality for Bayou Barbue and its receiving
waterway, the Cane River.
11.0 References
Allen, J.A., Keeland, B.D., Stanturf, J.A., Clewell, A.F., and H.E. Kennedy (2001 [rev.
2004]). A Guide to Bottomland Hardwood Restoration: US Geological Survey,
Biological Resources Division Information and Technology Report
USGS/BRD/ITR-2000-0011. USDA Forest Service, Southern Forest Research
Station, General Technical Report SRS-40, 132 pp.
Black Bear Conservation Coalition (2015) Black Bear Management Handbook for
Louisiana, Mississippi, Southern Arkansas, and East Texas, 4th Edition. March
2005.
Brinson, M. M., F.R. Hauer, L.C. Lee, W.L. Nutter, R.D. Rheinhardt, R.D. Smith, and D.
Whigham, D. (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. NTIS No. AD A308
365.
Burns, Russell M., and Barbara H. Honkala (1990) Silvics of North America: 1. Conifers;
2. Hardwoods. Agricultural Handbook 654. U.S. Department of Agriculture,
Forest Service, Washington, DC. Vol. 2., 877 pages.
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. Department of the Interior,
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service FWS/OBS-79/31 December 1979 Reprinted 1992.
15
Cane River Mitigation Bank Prospectus
March 15, 2016
Gardiner, E.S. and J.D. Hodges (1998) Growth and biomass distribution of cherry bark
oak (Quercus pagoda Raf.) seedlings as influences by light availability. Forest
Ecology and Management 108: 127-134.
Kelly, J.R., Jr. and R.D. Rau (2006) American Woodcock Population Status, 2006. U.S.
Fish and Wildlife Service, Laurel, Maryland. 15 pp.
Koenig, W.D, A.M. Liebhold, D.N. Bonter, W.M. Hochachka, and J.L. Dickinson (2013)
Effects of the emerald ash borer invasion on four species of birds. In: Biological
Invasions (2013) 15:2095-2103.
Lichvar, R.W., M. Butterwick, N.C. Melvin, and W.N. Kirchner (2014) The National
Wetland Plant List: 2014 Update of Wetland Ratings. Phytoneuron 2014-41: 1-
42.
Lichvar, R.W., M. Butterwick, N.C. Melvin, and W.N. Kirchner (2012) National Wetland
Plant List Indicator Ratings Definitions, : U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Engineer
Research and Development Center Cold Regions Research and Engineering
Laboratory Technical Note (ERDC\CRREL TN-12-1), Hanover, NH.
Lower Mississippi Valley Joint Venture (2007) Restoration, Management and Monitoring
of Forest Resources in the Mississippi Alluvial Valley: Recommendations for
Enhancing Wildlife Habitat, Version 5.2 (FINAL REPORT). Wilson, R., K.
Ribbeck, S. King, and D. Twedt. Lower Mississippi Valley Joint Venture Forest
Resource Conservation Working Group.
National Fish, Wildlife and Plants Climate Adaptation Strategy Management Team
(2012) National Fish, Wildlife and Plants Climate Adaptation Strategy. Public
Review Draft, January 2012.
Natural Resources Conservation Service (20161) Web Soil Survey [website]. U.S.
Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service, Soil Survey
16
Cane River Mitigation Bank Prospectus
March 15, 2016
Natural Resources Conservation Service (20162) Official Soil Series Descriptions (OSD)
[website]. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation
Service, Soil Survey Staff. Available URL:
http://soils.usda.gov/technical/classification/osd/index.html (accessed March 11,
2016).
Natural Resources Conservation Service (2010) Field Indicators of Hydric Soils in the
United States, Version 7.0, 2010. USDA, NRCS,in cooperation with the National
Technical Committee for Hydric Soils. Edited by L.M. Vasilas, Soil Scientist,
NRCS, Washington, DC; G.W. Hurt, Soil Scientist, University of Florida,
Gainesville, FL; and C.V. Noble, Soil Scientist, USACE, Vicksburg, MS
Natural Resources Conservation Service (2006) Land Resource Regions and Major
Land Resource Areas of the United States, the Caribbean, and the Pacific Basin.
United States Department of Agriculture Handbook 296.
17
Cane River Mitigation Bank Prospectus
March 15, 2016
Twedt, D.J, S.G. Somershoe, K.R. Hazler, R.J. Cooper (2010) Landscape and
vegetation effects on avian reproduction on bottomland forest restorations.
Journal of Wildlife Management 74(3): 423-436, 2010; DOI: 10.2193/2008-563.
Twedt, D.J. and C. Best (2004) Restoration of floodplain forests for conservation of
migratory land birds. Ecological Restoration 22 (3): 194-203.
Twedt, D.J. and J. Portwood (2003) Synergy of agroforestry and bottom land hardwood
afforestation. Proceedings 6th Conference on Agroforestry in North America. 6:
85-98.
Twedt, D., D. Pashley, C. Hunter, A. Mueller, C. Brown and B. Ford (1999) Partners in
Flight Bird Conservation Plan for the Mississippi Alluvial Valley, Version 1.0.
Twedt, D.J. and C.R. Loesch (1999) Forest area and distribution in the Mississippi
Alluvial Valley: implications for breeding bird conservation. Journal of
Biogeography. 26:1215-1224.
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (2014). National Wetland Plant List, version 3.2
[website]. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Engineer Research and Development
Center Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory, Hanover, NH
Available URL: http://wetland_plants.usace.army.mil/ (accessed March 11,
2016).
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (2010) Regional Supplement to the Corps of Engineers
Wetland Delineation Manual: Atlantic and Gulf Coastal Plain Regions (Version
2.0). US Army Engineer Research and Development Center Environmental
Laboratory Technical Report ERDC/EL TR-10-20.
U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service (2015) National Wetlands Inventory website. U.S.
Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service, Washington, D.C. Available
URL: http://www.fws.gov/wetlands/ (accessed March 10, 2016).
18
Attachments
Attachment A: Tables and Figures
Table 1. Existing and proposed restoration conditions at the Cane River Mitigation Bank in
Natchitoches Parish, Louisiana.
1
Wetland and Other Waters baseline conditions were determined to be wetlands per a preliminary jurisidictional determination issued by
CEMVK to DLS on September 8, 2015 (MVK-2015-00472).
Table 2. Soil Map Units comprising the Cane River Mitigation Bank in Natchitoches Parish,
Louisiana.
Map Component
1 Component Hydric Hydric
Unit Map Unit Name Component Name and phase Representative 2
Landform Rating Criterion
Symbol Percentage
Gallion silty clay
flood-plain
Gn loam, 0 to 1 percent Buxin, occasionally flooded 1 Yes 4
steps
slopes
Latanier clay, 0 to 1
flood-plain
La percent slopes, rarely Moreland, occasionally flooded 1 Yes 4
steps
flooded
Moreland silt loam, 0
flood-plain
Md to 1 percent slopes, Moreland, occasionally flooded 1 Yes 4
steps
rarely flooded
Moreland clay, 0 to 1
flood-plain
Mp percent slopes, Moreland, occasionally flooded 90 Yes 4
steps
occasionally flooded
Perry clay, natural
Pe Perry 80 Yes 2
occasionally flooded levees
1
A Map unit is a collection of areas defined and named the same in terms of their soil components or miscellaneous areas or both.
(http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/detail/soils/use/hydric/?cid=nrcs142p2_053959)
2
A hydric rating of 4 indicates map units that are frequently flooded for long durations or very long durations during the growing
season that a) based on the range of characteristics for the soil series, will at least in part meet one or more Field Indicators of Hydric
Soils in the United States, or b) Show evidence that the soils meet the definition of a hydric soil. A long duration is defined as a
duration class in which inundation for a single event ranges from 7 days to 1 month.
(http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/detail/soils/use/hydric/?cid=nrcs142p2_053959)
Table 3. Soil profile analysis at the proposed Cane River Mitigation Bank in Natchitoches Parish,
Louisiana (1 of 3).
Hydric
Data Hydric
Map Unit Name Soil Explanation
Point Rating 1
Indicator
TF2 but no wetland hydrology or
1 Perry clay, occasionally flooded 80 None hydrophytic vegetation community
present
Four inches of surface water and
2 Perry clay, occasionally flooded 80 Other dominant hydrophtyic vgetation
community
Latanier clay, 0 to 1% slopes, rarely
3 1 F3
flooded
TF2 but no wetland hydrology or
Latanier clay, 0 to 1% slopes, rarely
4 1 None hydrophytic vegetation community
flooded
present
Four inches of surface water and
5 Perry clay, occasionally flooded 80 Other dominant hydrophtyic vgetation
community
TF2 but no wetland hydrology or
6 Perry clay, occasionally flooded 80 None hydrophytic vegetation community
present
TF2 but no wetland hydrology or
Latanier clay, 0 to 1% slopes, rarely
7 1 None hydrophytic vegetation community
flooded
present
Ten inches of surface waters and
Latanier clay, 0 to 1% slopes, rarely
8 1 Other dominant hydrophtyic vgetation
flooded
community
Latanier clay, 0 to 1% slopes, rarely
9 1 F6
flooded
Four inches of surface water and
10 Perry clay, occasionally flooded 80 Other dominant hydrophtyic vgetation
community
Hydric
Data Hydric
Map Unit Name Soil Explanation
Point Rating
Indicator
Moreland clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes, Wetland hydrology or hydrophytic
23 90 TF2
occasionally flooded vegetation community present
TF2 but no wetland hydrology or
Moreland clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes,
24 90 None hydrophytic vegetation community
occasionally flooded
present
Moreland clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes, Wetland hydrology or hydrophytic
25 90 TF2
occasionally flooded vegetation community present
TF2 but no wetland hydrology or
Latanier clay, 0 to 1% slopes, rarely
26 1 None hydrophytic vegetation community
flooded
present
Latanier clay, 0 to 1% slopes, rarely Wetland hydrology or hydrophytic
27 1 TF2
flooded vegetation community present
TF2 but no wetland hydrology or
Latanier clay, 0 to 1% slopes, rarely
28 1 None hydrophytic vegetation community
flooded
present
Moreland clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes,
29 80 F3
occasionally flooded
Moreland clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes,
30 80 F3
occasionally flooded
Moreland clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes,
31 80 F3
occasionally flooded
TF2 but no wetland hydrology or
Moreland clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes,
32 80 None hydrophytic vegetation community
occasionally flooded
present
TF2 but no wetland hydrology or
Moreland clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes,
33 80 None hydrophytic vegetation community
occasionally flooded
present
TF2 but no wetland hydrology or
Moreland clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes,
34 80 None hydrophytic vegetation community
occasionally flooded
present
Moreland clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes, Wetland hydrology or hydrophytic
35 80 TF2
occasionally flooded vegetation community present
Moreland clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes, Wetland hydrology or hydrophytic
36 80 TF2
occasionally flooded vegetation community present
TF2 but no wetland hydrology or
Latanier clay, 0 to 1% slopes, rarely
37 1 None hydrophytic vegetation community
flooded
present
Latanier clay, 0 to 1% slopes, rarely Wetland hydrology or hydrophytic
38 1 TF2
flooded vegetation community present
Moreland clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes,
39 80 F3
occasionally flooded
Moreland clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes,
40 80 F3
occasionally flooded
Table 3. Soil profile analysis at the proposed Cane River Mitigation Bank in Natchitoches Parish,
Louisiana (3 of 3).
Hydric
Data Hydric
Map Unit Name Soil Explanation
Point Rating
Indicator
Moreland clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes,
41 80 F3
occasionally flooded
Moreland clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes,
42 80 F3
occasionally flooded
Moreland clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes,
43 80 F3
occasionally flooded
TF2 but no wetland hydrology or
Moreland clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes,
44 80 None hydrophytic vegetation community
occasionally flooded
present
Moreland clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes,
45 80 F3
occasionally flooded
Moreland clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes,
46 80 F3
occasionally flooded
Moreland clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes,
47 80 F3
occasionally flooded
Moreland clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes,
48 80 F3
occasionally flooded
Moreland clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes,
49 80 F3
occasionally flooded
1
Hydric Soil Indicators listed per the Regional Supplement to the Corps of Engineers Wetland Delineation Manual: Atlantic and Gulf Coastal
Plain Region (Version 2.0) (USACE 2010).
Table 4. Proposed Planting Composition at the Cane River Mitigation Bank in Natchitoches Parish,
Louisiana (1 of 2).
1
Baldcypress Swamp and Stream Two Channel (130.0 Acres)
2 Indicator 3
Common Name Scientific Name Composition
Status2
baldcypress Taxodium distichum* OBL >50%
swamp tupelo Nyssa biflora OBL <25%
overcup oak Quercus lyrata OBL <25%
Nuttall oak Quercus texana FACW <25%
water hickory Carya aquatica OBL <25%
Drummond red maple Acer rubrum var. drummondii OBL4 <15%
mayhaw Crataegus opaca OBL <15%
buttonbush Cephalanthus occidentalis OBL <15%
Carolina ash Fraxinus caroliniana OBL <15%
5
pumpkin ash Fraxinus profunda OBL <15%
eastern swampprivet Forestiera acuminata OBL <5%
planertree Planera aquatica OBL <5%
Type 1 Bottomland Hardwood (271.1 Acres)
2 Indicator 3
Common Name Scientific Name Composition
Status2
overcup oak Quercus lyrata** OBL <25%
willow oak Quercus phellos** FACW <25%
Nuttall oak Quercus texana** FACW <25%
Delta post oak Quercus similis** FACW <25%
water hickory Carya aquatica** OBL <25%
baldcypress Taxodium distichum OBL <25%
Drummond red maple Acer rubrum var. drummondii OBL4 <15%
mayhaw Crataegus opaca OBL <15%
Carolina ash Fraxinus caroliniana OBL <15%
green ash Fraxinus pennsylvanica FACW <15%
pumpkin ash Fraxinus profunda5 OBL <15%
eastern swampprivet Forestiera acuminata OBL <5%
1
All species selected have flood tolerances of Class I, II, or III as described in Shankman 1996.
2
Scientific name and indicator status from 2014 National Wetland Plant List (http://wetland_plants.usace.army.mil/) except where otherwise noted
3
Exact species and quantities to be determined by seedling availability from commercial sources providing seedlings grown from localized
ecotypes.
4
Indicator status from 1988 National Wetland Plant List, Region 2 as 2014 National Wetland Plant List does not differentiate indicator status for
species with trinomials.
5
Species not noted in Natchitoches Parish per 2014 National Wetland Plant List (http://wetland_plants.usace.army.mil/) or USDA Plants Database
(http://plants.usda.gov) but is noted in neighboring Rapides and Bienville Parishes as a native species.
*These collective of these species should be between 50 and 80% of overall composition of the specified area.
**These collective of these species should be between 40 and 60% of overall composition of the specified area.
Table 4. Proposed Planting Composition at the Cane River Mitigation Bank in Natchitoches Parish,
Louisiana (2 of 2).
Type 2-3 Bottomland Hardwood and Stream Riparian Buffer (351.3 Acres)
Indicator
Common Name Scientific Name1 Composition2
Status
cow oak Quercus michauxii* FACW <25%
cherrybark oak Quercus pagoda* FACW <25%
willow oak Quercus phellos* FACW <25%
water oak Quercus nigra* FAC <25%
Delta post oak Quercus similis* FACW <25%
Shumard’s oak Quercus shumardii* FAC <25%
Nuttall oak Quercus texana* FACW <25%
red maple Acer rubrum FAC <15%
pawpaw Asimina triloba FAC <15%
sugarberry Celtis laevigata FACW <15%
green ash Fraxinus pennsylvanica FACW <15%
sweetgum Liquidambar styraciflua FAC <15%
American sycamore Platanus occidentalis FACW <15%
eastern cottonwood Populus deltoides FAC <15%
American elm Ulmus americana FAC <15%
cedar elm Ulmus crassifolia FAC <15%
Upland Forested Buffer (156.0 Acres)
Indicator
Common Name Scientific Name1 Composition2
Status
sweet pecan Carya illinoinensis* FACU <25%
cow oak Quercus michauxii* FACW <25%
cherrybark oak Quercus pagoda* FACW <25%
willow oak Quercus phellos* FACW <25%
water oak Quercus nigra* FAC <25%
Shumard’s oak Quercus shumardii* FAC <25%
Nuttall oak Quercus texana* FACW <25%
live oak Qercus virginiana* FACU <25%
red maple Acer rubrum FAC <15%
pawpaw Asimina triloba FAC <15%
sugarberry Celtis laevigata FACW <15%
green ash Fraxinus pennsylvanica FACW <15%
sweetgum Liquidambar styraciflua FAC <15%
red mulberry Morus rubra FACU <15%
American sycamore Platanus occidentalis FACW <15%
eastern cottonwood Populus deltoides FAC <15%
American elm Ulmus americana FAC <15%
cedar elm Ulmus crassifolia FAC <15%
1
Scientific name and indicator status from 2014 National Wetland Plant List (http://wetland_plants.usace.army.mil/) except where otherwise noted
2
Exact species and quantities to be determined by seedling availability from commercial sources providing seedlings grown from localized
ecotypes.
*These collective of these species should be between 40 and 60% of overall composition of the specified area.
I
Cane River Mitigation Bank
Legend
Projec tArea(
928.
4ac ) USGS QUADRANGLE MAP
0 1,
000 2,
000 4,
000 Natchitoches Parish, LA
Created :TSC/AR CVI
EW
Approved :DEB
Feet Date:3/7/2016
Map No.:F02_Quad Map
Sourc e:USGS7.
5-Min uteQuad ran gle“Cloutierville,LA” FIGURE 2
Type 2 and 3 Bottomland Hardwood Re-establishment (137.2 ac)
Type 2 and 3 Bottomland Hardwood Rehabilitation (142.2 ac)
Type 1 Bottomland Hardwood Re-establishment (74.7 ac)
Type 1 Bottomland Hardwood Rehabilitation (196.4 ac)
Baldcypress Swamp Re-establishment (10.2 ac)
Baldcypress Swamp Rehabilitation (113.2 ac)
Forested Upland Buffer Restoration (156.0 ac)
Stream One Riparian Buffer Restoration (25.9 ac)
Stream Two Riparian Buffer Restoration (46.0 ac)
Stream One Stream One Channel Restoration (8.9 ac)
7,796.8 Feet Stream Two Channel Restoration (6.6 ac)
Wildlife Opening (6.0 ac)
Overhead Electrical Utility Area (3.9 ac)
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0 800
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1,600 3,200
MITIGATION FEATURES MAP
Natchitoches Parish, LA
Created : TSC/ARCVIEW
Approved : DEB
Date :3/7/2016
Map No. : F03_mitigationfeatures.mxd
Feet
FIGURE 3
11140202
11140206
11140207
I
Project Area (928.4 ac)
Middle-Red Coushatta (11140202) Natchitoches Parish, LA
Lower Red - Lake Iatt (11140206) Created : TSC/ARCVIEW
Approved : DEB
Bayou Pierre (11140207) 0 7.5 15 30 Date : 3/7/2016
Map No. : F04_ServiceArea.mxd
Miles FIGURE 4
Legend
Mixed Forest (211 sq. miles)
Scrub/Shrub (390 sq. miles)
Pasture/ Hay (320 sq. miles)
Open Water (131 sq. miles)
Cultivated Crops (855 sq. miles)
Deciduous Forest (154 sq. miles)
Woody Wetlands (340 sq. miles)
Evergreen Forest (855 sq. miles)
Grassland/ Herbaceous (1 sq. mile)
Developed, High Intensity (7 sq. miles)
Developed, Medium Intensity (16 sq. miles)
Developed, Low Intensity (76 sq. miles)
Developed, Open Space (100 sq. miles)
Barren Land (Rock/Sand/Clay) (3 sq. miles)
Emergent Herbaceous Wetlands (26 sq. miles)
Project Area
I
Service Area SERVICE AREA
Natchitoches Parish, LA
Created : TSC/ARCVIEW
Approved : DEB
0 7.5 15 30 Date :3/7/2016
Map No. : F5_ServiceArea.mxd
Source: 2001 National Land Cover Database Miles FIGURE 5
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0 0.5 1 2
Miles
2 1
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0 1,000
I
2,000 4,000
0 900
I
1,800 3,600
Natchitoches Parish, LA
Created : TSC/ARCVIEW
Approved : DEB
Date : 3/7/2016
Map No. : F09_Aerials
Feet FIGURE 9
Cane River Mitigation Bank
Legend
Project Area (928.4 ac) 1950 Aerial Photograph
0 900
I
1,800 3,600
Natchitoches Parish, LA
Created : TSC/ARCVIEW
Approved : DEB
Date : 3/7/2016
Map No. : F10_Aerials
Feet FIGURE 10
Cane River Mitigation Bank
Legend
Project Area (928.4 ac) 1966 Aerial Photograph
0 900
I
1,800 3,600
Natchitoches Parish, LA
Created : TSC/ARCVIEW
Approved : DEB
Date : 3/7/2016
Map No. : F11_Aerials
Feet FIGURE 11
Cane River Mitigation Bank
Legend
Project Area (928.4 ac) 1972 Aerial Photograph
0 900
I
1,800 3,600
Natchitoches Parish, LA
Created : TSC/ARCVIEW
Approved : JMJ
Date : 6/9/2015
Map No. : F12_Aerials
Feet FIGURE 12
Cane River Mitigation Bank
Legend
Project Area (928.4 ac) 1998 Aerial Photograph
0 900
I
1,800 3,600
Natchitoches Parish, LA
Created : TSC/ARCVIEW
Approved : DEB
Date : 3/7/2016
Map No. : F13_Aerials
Feet FIGURE 13
Cane River Mitigation Bank
Legend
Project Area (928.4 ac) 2004 Aerial Photograph
0 900
I
1,800 3,600
Natchitoches Parish, LA
Created : TSC/ARCVIEW
Approved : DEB
Date : 3/7/2016
Map No. : F14_Aerials
Feet FIGURE 14
Cane River Mitigation Bank
Legend
2015 Aerial Photograph
I
Project Area (928.4 ac)
Natchitoches Parish, LA
Created : TSC/ARCVIEW
Approved : DEB
0 900 1,800 3,600 Date : 3/7/2016
Map No. : F15_Aerials
Feet FIGURE 15
2
10
1
10
I
Legend
Project Area (928.4 ac) FLOOD INSURANCE RATE MAP
Zone AE Natchitoches Parish, LA
Zone A 0 1,000 2,000 4,000 Created : TSC/ARCVIEW
Approved : DEB
Date : 3/7/2016
Feet Map No. : F16_Floodzone.mxd
PFO1F
PFO2F
PEMF
PUBFh PEMF
PFO1F PUBFh
PUBFh
PUBFh
PUBFh
PFO1A
PEMF
PEMF
PABF
PEMF
PFO1A
I
Legend Cane River Mitigation Bank
A'
A
B B' C
A
N
E
RIV
ER
Stream Two
C C'
F'
F
J J'
'
D D
TRACT B
E' K'
K I
E
CA
I'
NE R
'
R II V
G G
H'
V EE R
Stream One
H
R
7,796.8 Feet
I
L'
L
Stream Two
5,739.1 Feet
0 800 1,600 3,200
100 100
95 95
NAVD
FEET
90 90
85 85
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110 120 130 140 150
FEET
A A'
PROPOSED CROSS-SECTION
RECONNECTED FLOOD PRONE AREA BKF BENCH RESTORED STREAM CHANNEL RECONNECTED FLOOD PRONE AREA
105 105
100 100
95 95
NAVD
FEET
Restored Channel Bottom
90 90
85 85
FIGURE C-2
B B'
EXISTING CROSS-SECTION
100 100
95 95
FEET
NAVD
90 90
85 85
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110 120 130 140 150
FEET
B B'
PROPOSED CROSS-SECTION
RECONNECTED FLOOD PRONE AREA RESTORED STREAM CHANNEL BKF BENCH RECONNECTED FLOOD
105 PRONE AREA 105
100 100
FEET
NAVD
90 90
85 85
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110 120 130 140 150
FEET
NATCHITOCHES PARISH, LA
Created: TSC/AutoCAD
PROPOSED EARTHEN FILL
Approved: JMJ
Date: 1/5/2015
Dwg. No.: CaneRiver_xsections.dwg
FIGURE C-3
C C'
EXISTING CROSS-SECTION
100 100
95 95
FEET
NAVD
90 90
85 85
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110 120 130 140 150
FEET
C C'
PROPOSED CROSS-SECTION
100 100
FEET
NAVD
90 90
85 85
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110 120 130 140 150
FEET
FIGURE C-4
D D'
EXISTING CROSS-SECTION
100 100
95 95
FEET
NAVD
90 90
85 85
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110 120 130 140 150
FEET
D D'
PROPOSED CROSS-SECTION
100 100
Restored Channel Bottom
95 95
FEET
NAVD
90 90
85 85
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110 120 130 140 150
FEET
NATCHITOCHES PARISH, LA
Created: TSC/AutoCAD
PROPOSED EARTHEN FILL
Approved: JMJ
Date: 1/5/2015
Dwg. No.: CaneRiver_xsections.dwg
FIGURE C-5
E E'
EXISTING CROSS-SECTION
100 100
95 95
NAVD
FEET
90 90
85 85
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110 120 130 140 150
FEET
E E'
PROPOSED CROSS-SECTION
RECONNECTED FLOOD BKF BENCH RESTORED STREAM CHANNEL BKF BENCH RECONNECTED FLOOD
105 PRONE AREA PRONE AREA 105
100 100
95 95
NAVD
FEET
90 90
85 85
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110 120 130 140 150
FEET
NATCHITOCHES PARISH, LA
Created: TSC/AutoCAD
PROPOSED EARTHEN FILL
Approved: JMJ
Date: 1/5/2015
Dwg. No.: CaneRiver_xsections.dwg
* SEE WITH FRESHWATER EMERGENT VEGETATION
FIGURE C-6
F F'
EXISTING CROSS-SECTION
100 100
95 95
NAVD
FEET
90 90
85 85
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110 120 130 140 150
FEET
F F'
PROPOSED CROSS-SECTION
RESTORED WETLAND
105 105
95 95
NAVD
FEET
90 90
85 85
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110 120 130 140 150
FEET
NATCHITOCHES PARISH, LA
Created: TSC/AutoCAD
PROPOSED EARTHEN FILL
Approved: JMJ
Date: 1/5/2015
Dwg. No.: CaneRiver_xsections.dwg
FIGURE C-7
G G'
EXISTING CROSS-SECTION
100 100
95 95
NAVD
FEET
90 90
85 85
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110 120 130 140 150
FEET
G G'
PROPOSED CROSS-SECTION
RESTORED WETLAND
105 105
Restored Final Grade
Restored Final Grade
100 100
95 95
NAVD
FEET
90 90
85 85
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110 120 130 140 150
FEET
FIGURE C-8
H H'
EXISTING CROSS-SECTION
100 100
95 95
NAVD
FEET
90 90
85 85
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110 120 130 140 150
FEET
H H'
PROPOSED CROSS-SECTION
RESTORED WETLAND
105 105
100 100
95 95
NAVD
FEET
90 90
85 85
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110 120 130 140 150
FEET
*NOTE: NO MODIFICATION BETWEEN EXISTING AND PROPOSED; VEGATATIVE PLANTINGS ONLY. CROSS-SECTION H
NATCHITOCHES PARISH, LA
Created: TSC/AutoCAD
Approved: JMJ
Date: 1/5/2015
Dwg. No.: CaneRiver_xsections.dwg
FIGURE C-9
I I'
EXISTING CROSS-SECTION
100 100
95 95
NAVD
FEET
90 90
85 85
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110 120 130 140 150
FEET
I I'
EXISTING CROSS-SECTION
RESTORED WETLAND
105 105
95 95
NAVD
FEET
90 90
85 85
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110 120 130 140 150
FEET
NATCHITOCHES PARISH, LA
Created: TSC/AutoCAD
PROPOSED EARTHEN FILL
Approved: JMJ
Date: 1/5/2015
Dwg. No.: CaneRiver_xsections.dwg
FIGURE C-10
J J'
EXISTING CROSS-SECTION
100 100
95 95
NAVD
FEET
90 90
85 85
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110 120 130 140 150
FEET
J J'
PROPOSED CROSS-SECTION
100 100
95 95
NAVD
FEET
90 90
85 85
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110 120 130 140 150
FEET
NATCHITOCHES PARISH, LA
Created: TSC/AutoCAD
Approved: JMJ
Date: 1/5/2015
Dwg. No.: CaneRiver_xsections.dwg
FIGURE C-11
K K'
EXISTING CROSS-SECTION
100 100
95 95
NAVD
FEET
90 90
85 85
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110 120 130 140 150
FEET
K K'
PROPOSED CROSS-SECTION
AFFORESTED RIPARIAN RE-ESTABLISHMENT AND AFFORESTED STREAM CHANNEL / SLOUGH AFFORESTED RIPARIAN
105 BUFFER BUFFER 105
100 100
95 95
NAVD
FEET
90 90
85 85
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110 120 130 140 150
FEET
NATCHITOCHES PARISH, LA
Created: TSC/AutoCAD
PROPOSED EARTHEN FILL
Approved: JMJ
Date: 1/5/2015
Dwg. No.: CaneRiver_xsections.dwg
FIGURE C-12
L L'
EXISTING CROSS-SECTION
100 100
95 95
NAVD
FEET
90 90
85 85
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110 120 130 140 150
FEET
L L'
PROPOSED CROSS-SECTION
100 100
95 95
NAVD
FEET
90 90
85 85
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110 120 130 140 150
FEET
*NOTE: NO MODIFICATION BETWEEN EXISTING AND PROPOSED; VEGATATIVE PLANTINGS ONLY. CROSS-SECTION L
NATCHITOCHES PARISH, LA
Created: TSC/AutoCAD
Approved: JMJ
Date: 1/5/2015
Dwg. No.: CaneRiver_xsections.dwg
FIGURE C-13
Attachment D: Site Photographs
Oblique aerial view, north to south, of the prosed Cane River Mitigation Bank, Natchitoches
Parish, Louisiana, September 1, 2015.
Oblique aerial view, southwest to northeast, of the proposed Cane River Mitigation Bank, Tract
A, Natchitoches Parish, Louisiana, September 1, 2015.
Oblique aerial view, north to south, of Tract B and existing Stream One pattern at the proposed
Cane River Mitigation Bank, Tract B, Natchitoches Parish, Louisiana, September 1, 2015.
Oblique aerial view, south to north, of Tract B and existing Stream One pattern at the proposed
Cane River Mitigation Bank, Tract B, Natchitoches Parish, Louisiana, September 1, 2015.
Northerly view of Tract A from Louisiana Highway One, Proposed Cane River Mitigation Bank,
Natchitoches Parish, Louisiana, April 5, 2015.
Southerly view of Tract B from Louisiana Highway One, Proposed Cane River Mitigation Bank,
Natchitoches Parish, Louisiana, April 5, 2015.
Attachment E: Charleston 2010 Mitigation Assessment
C
A
N
E
RIV
ER
CA
NE R
R II V
V EE R
R
0 800
I
1,600 3,200
FIGURE E-1
Project: Cane River Mitigation Bank
Permit Application MVK-2015-00472
Compensatory Mitigation
Credit Factors and Worksheets
Percent Wetland
Buffers Protected
Tract A Restoration Perimeter (Feet) 18480
Tract A Restoration Perimeter Buffered (Feet) 16896 91.4%
Tract B Restoration Perimeter (Feet) 56496
Tract B Restoration Perimeter Buffered (Feet) 44880 79.4%
1
Stream type does not include man-made linear features.
2
Net Improvement values are for restoration only. For riparian buffer enhancement or preservation choose Not Applicable and claculate buffer values under Riparian Buffer Section.
How to Use:
Step 1: Determine required buffer width based on land use from Chart A below.
Step 2: Using the minimum required buffer width from Chart A, determine the type of buffer activity will be perfomred from Chart B (preservation or enhancment).
Assign the value of that activity to the worksheet based on work being performed on one or both sides of the stream bank.
Step 3: If the mitigation proposal includes both preservation and enhancement, use the formula below to determine the credit value. :
(% Buffer Preservation x Chart B value) + (% Buffer Enhancment x Chart B value)= Buffer Value
*Note: The applicant cannot receive credit for enhancement and preservation in the same area of buffe zone.
Commercial/Golf Course/Agricultural/
Silviculture 75 150 225 300
Riparian Planting and Invasive Control 0.20 0.3 0.22 0.34 0.25 0.38 0.26 0.39
Note: Stream buffer will be adjacent to wetland restoration so minimum buffer of 50 feet utilized in calculation