FBO_3_Attachment_1_WRPO__Maps_Conservation_Practice_Codes_Eval_Worksheets.pdf

Wetlands Reserve Plan of Operations Wetlands Reserve Program

Seagreen LLC (formerly Bash Bish Corporation) Permanent Easement

87.7 acres

6 Club Rd Rye, NY 10580

Located at:

556 Empire Rd

Copake, NY 12516

Tract: 1275 Agreement No: 662C31-12019YP

May 2018

Developed By:

Elizabeth Marks, Biologist USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service 1024 State Route 66 Ghent, NY 12075

(518) 828-4385 x105 elizabeth.marks@ny.usda.gov

ATTACHMENT 1

Wetland Reserves Plan of Operations with Maps_Code 327_ _Code 612_Code 657_Eval Worksheet_NRCS-CPA-52

Solicitation 121A2318Q0043 Seagreen LLC WRP Restoration County of Columbia, State of New York

Attachment 1 Pages 1 mailto:elizabeth.marks@ny.usda.gov

Bash Bish WRPO 1 May 2018

RESOURCE INVENTORY AND EXISTING CONDITIONS

LOCATION AND DESCRIPTION OF SITE:

The Seagreen LLC WRP Easement (formerly Bash Bish Corporation DBA Empire Farm) is located in the Town of Copake, Columbia County, New York at 556 Empire Road. Legal access to the easement is at the southern end of the cornfield.

CURRENT CONDITIONS: The easement is dominated by a narrow riparian forested buffer, grasses and reed canary grass where the crop fields were.

AGRICULTURAL HISTORY: Much of the easement is being used to cultivate corn and it has a long history of cropping. The 1940 aerial photo shows this parcel and the surrounding area in hay or corn. The farm is a former dairy farm. Remnants of a harness racing track exist on part of the easement.

SOILS DESCRIPTION:

According to the soil survey, the area where restoration is to take place is mapped Limerick. Limerick soil is a poorly drained, hydric soil consisting of silt and fine sand. It is mainly found in floodplains.

NRCS Soil Scientist Olga Vargas dug test pits on the site in March of 2012 to determine if additional hydric soils were present. She dug several test pits and delineated the hydric soils boundary (see hydric soils map) which was more than what was originally mapped. There is a total of 67 hydric acres.

SUMMARY OF EXISTING HABITAT (WRP 21)

This parcel contains a mixture of forest, shrubs, and freshwater emergent marsh. By introducing open water in areas of invasive species such as reed canary grass and Phragmites, diversity of plants and animals will be increased on this site.

NATURAL HERITAGE DATABASE

A search of the Natural Heritage Database indicated that there are element occurrences within a mile of the site for bog turtle, New England cottontail, and Indiana bat. The area is unlikely habitat for bog turtles but it may be used by the turtles as a travel corridor. If the field is allowed to succeed and be maintained in thick dense, shrubs typical of abandoned farm fields, it will provide excellent habitat for adjacent New England cottontails. As trees mature, especially along the riparian corridor, they will provide roost trees for Indiana bat. The roost tree species include living, dying, and dead shagbark hickory (Carya ovata), red oak (Quercus rubra), black oak (Quercus velutina), chestnut oak (Quercus sp.), maple (Acer sp.), American elm (Ulmus americana), white ash (Fraxinus americana), and green ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica). It is not within 5 miles of a Northern long-eared bat roost tree or hibernaculum. As part of this project, no trees will be removed.

DESCRIPTION OF ON-SITE AND OFF-SITE ALTERATIONS NEGATIVELY AFFECTING CURRENT CONDITIONS Land leveling occurred as a result of the cropping and the historic tributary streams were maintained as drainage ditches. Two streams are evident from the ortho photos from 1940 and 2011. The stream to the west shows on the topographic map as a blue line stream and the stream to the east is evident by the contour line on the topo. Because of this, no ditch plugs are planned. They will probably fill in somewhat over time helping the area stay wetter. The installation of potholes to create microtopography and open, shallow water will add to the plant and animal diversity at the site.

ATTACHMENT 1

Wetland Reserves Plan of Operations with Maps_Code 327_ _Code 612_Code 657_Eval Worksheet_NRCS-CPA-52

Solicitation 121A2318Q0043 Seagreen LLC WRP Restoration County of Columbia, State of New York

Attachment 1 Pages 2

Bash Bish WRPO 2 May 2018

SUMMARY OF RESULTS OF CULTURAL RESOURCES REVIEW

The project is located in a non-sensitive area. If cultural resources (i.e. foundations, historic dumps, Native American artifacts) are found, excavation shall halt immediately and NRCS staff will be notified.

RESTORATION OBJECTIVES

LANDOWNER OBJECTIVES:

The site is currently owned by Seagreen LLC and farmed by the Farm On! Foundation. The farm managers would use the area as beneficial insect refugia to enhance natural pest control for their vegetable fields and to do a limited amount of foraging for wildflowers for their cutflower arrangements.

RESTORATION OBJECTIVES:

• Hydrology: To restore the hydrology and wetland function to areas that were altered by filling and leveling of fields in order to improve pasture land.

• Wildlife: The restoration of the Seagreen site will create high value habitat for migratory and nesting waterfowl by providing pair pond, nesting, and brood rearing habitat. Riparian vegetation will enhance streamside wildlife. Species utilizing the site may include but are not limited to: mallard, wood duck, and possibly black duck. Other wetland species of birds that may benefit from this project include great blue and green herons. Song birds and New England cottontails will utilize the early successional habitat. Other wetland dependent species of wildlife that may benefit from this project include Muskrat, Mink, Bull Frog, Leopard Frog, Green Frog, and Spring Peeper.

• Vegetation: The goal is to increase the biodiversity of native vegetation including emergent plants, wetland plants and shrubs, while reducing invasive plants such as reed canary grass, Phragmites, Japanese knotweed, and purple loosestrife.

SUMMARY OF CONSULTATION WITH USFWS, NYS DEC, AND OTHER PARTNERS

A USFWS or NYS DEC consultation is not needed. No trees or shrubs will be removed that could impact Indiana Bats. There is no habitat for bog turtles and they are unlikely to be at the site. The wetland where the work is to be performed is not DEC regulated and it is outside of the 100 foot buffer. Work can be done under the Army Corps of Engineers Nationwide 27 general permit.

PRACTICES TO BE INSTALLED AND RESULTING MANAGEMENT OF HABITAT

DESCRIPTION OF CONSERVATION PRACTICES AND RESTORATION SCHEDULE:

Brush Management 314 - Mechanical

Remove, reduce, or manipulate brush species to achieve the desired native plant community.

Undesirable woody vegetation listed on DEC’s New York State Prohibited and Regulated Invasive Species list (NYCRR Part 575) and NY NRCS Interim Invasive Species List for Programs such as multi-flora rose, autumn olive, and honeysuckle, will be controlled using appropriate mechanical means. Remove shrubs

ATTACHMENT 1

Wetland Reserves Plan of Operations with Maps_Code 327_ _Code 612_Code 657_Eval Worksheet_NRCS-CPA-52

Solicitation 121A2318Q0043 Seagreen LLC WRP Restoration

Attachment 1 Pages 3

Bash Bish WRPO 3 May 2018 by digging out the roots and removing the root ball and shrub. Remove as much of the roots as possible so as to prevent suckering and regrowth. Cover hole and seed disturbed soil with 342 Critical Area Planting mix. Remove root ball and shrub from

Care should be taken during the cutting process to avoid rutting up wet areas, and causing soil erosion and sedimentation problems. It is the responsibility of the applicant to secure any permit needed for herbicide application (i.e. NYS Department of Environmental Protection Freshwater Wetlands Permit).

Note that NRCS can only reimburse for acres where work was actually completed in the areas shown on the map which may be less than what is in the contract. Work may be completed ahead of schedule during appropriate times of the year.

Operations and Maintenance: Site should be monitored at least twice during the growing season and treated for re-growth of invasive shrubs for 10 years. Invasive species can often be spotted at the end of March and early to mid-April as they green up faster than native species.

327 Conservation cover – Native Wetland Seeding Mix

Establish perennial vegetative cover on land temporarily removed from agricultural production. Plant during the growing season after construction and before September 15th. Broadcast mix and use suitable methods to ensure good seed soil contact which may include disking and cultipacking. The mixture shall consist of:

Asclepias incarnate Swamp Milkweed 5 Bidens aristosa Beggartick 0.5-3% 5 Carex diandra Lesser Panickled Sedge 1-20% 10 Carex vulpinoidea Fox Sedge 1-40% 15 Carex scoparia 10 Eupatorium fistulosum Joe Pye Weed 0.1 – 2% 5 Juncus tenuis Path Rush .5 – 3% 5 Scirpus atrovirens Green Bulrush 0.5-3% 5 Vermonia noveboracensis New York Ironweed 0.5- 2% 5 Panicum dichotomiflorum Fall Panicgrass 15 Verbena hastata Blue vervain 5 Panicum clandestinum Deertongue 1- 35% 10 Glyceria grandis American grandis 5

Seed at the rate of 10lbs per acre Total: 100

Plant disturbed areas around potholes. Plant only potholes

_Code 612_Code 657_Eval Worksheet_NRCS-CPA-52

Solicitation 121A2318Q0043 Seagreen LLC WRP Restoration

Attachment 1 Pages 4

Bash Bish WRPO 4 May 2018

Operation and Maintenance: Inspections, reseeding or replanting, and pest control may be needed to insure that this practice functions as intended throughout its expected life. Observation of establishment progress and success should be performed at regular intervals until the practice has met the criteria for successful establishment and implementation.

342 Critical Area Planting – Grass/legume mix

Vegetation will be established on disturbed areas (bare soil) such as spoil piles for the purpose of stabilizing soil and preventing erosion. Use suitable methods to ensure good seed soil contact which may include disking and cultipacking. Seed after soil disturbance is finished but before September 15th.

Bone Set - .03 lbs/ac Joe Pyeweed - .03 lbs/ac New England Aster .06lb/ac Blue Vervaine .06lb/ac Timothy 3lb/ac Orchard Grass 4lb/ac Red Top .5lb/ac Ladino Clover 2lb/ac

Operation and Maintenance: Inspections, reseeding or replanting, and pest control may be needed to insure that this practice functions as intended throughout its expected life. Observation of establishment progress and success should be performed monthly during establishment and yearly thereafter.

612 Tree and Shrub Establishment

Native tree and shrub species shall be planted and used to increase plant diversity, shade out reed canary grass and to supplement existing shrubland habitat onsite.

Species to plant include:

Pussy willow (Salix discolor)

Native, on-site willow, red osier dogwood and speckled alder cut stem propagations

Branches of new growth will be cut from on-site plantings and placed in the ground in the areas of the reed canary grass and in and around the mounds. Pussy willow wips may need to be brought in from off-site. Plant 300 stems. Planting shall occur after last snow fall or around March 15th and before April 30th. Areas of reed canary grass must be scraped off prior to planting.

657 Wetland Restoration - Potholes:

Two areas of excavation and earth moving will occur. Old spoil piles adjacent to the stream will be spread out for a more natural topography. Excavate a series of potholes to create 1 acre of wetland habitat as shown on the conservation plan map in accordance with NRCS standards and specifications.

Each pothole will have a slightly different design based on the soils at the pothole location. Pothole side

ATTACHMENT 1

Wetland Reserves Plan of Operations with Maps_Code 327_ _Code 612_Code 657_Eval Worksheet_NRCS-CPA-52

Solicitation 121A2318Q0043 Seagreen LLC WRP Restoration

Attachment 1 Pages 5

Bash Bish WRPO 5 May 2018 slopes will be gentle with a minimum of 50% of side slope area being at a grade of 6:1 (6 horizontal to 1 vertical) or flatter. The remaining side slope area will have a grade of 3:1 or flatter. Potholes should be irregularly shaped to create more edge habitat and provide additional cover for waterfowl and songbirds. Disturbance of native vegetation shall be minimal. All trees will be kept (unless otherwise marked by NRCS) and native shrubs will be re-located and re-planted if necessary.

Fine sandy loam is interspersed between areas where clay predominates so bottoms of the excavated areas shall be compacted with machinery to create an impervious layer.

Pothole 1: 0.5 acres This is the largest and deepest pothole. There will be 2 depths – 1 end of the pothole will get to a maximum depth of 4.5 ft. The other end will a maximum depth of 3 feet. This will allow the area of 4’ . Once the pothole is restored, 2/3 of the surface area shall have varying depths from 18 inches to no more than 48 inches. One large (8-15” dbh) tree shall be cut and placed in the pothole.

Pothole 2: 0.05 acres This is a shallow pothole. Maximum depth is 3’.

Pothole 3: 0.05 acres See description for pothole 2.

Pothole 4: 0.125 acres This is a larger pothole that will have a maximum depth of 3’. This pothole will not be seeded with the pothole wetland seed mix and will act as a comparison site for natural revegetation.

Pothole 5: 0.125 acres See description for pothole 4. One dead tree shall be placed in the pothole.

Strip and stockpile on site topsoil prior to any excavations. Redistribute stockpiled top soil over disturbed areas to provide organic matter and a seed source to encourage natural colonization of acceptable species. Top soil containing invasive plant species such as reed canary grass shall be buried under 2 feet of top soil.

Spoil shall be used to create microtopography (to mimic tree fall) around the easement with piles no larger than 3 feet in height and 10 feet in diameter and a minimum of 25 feet from the edge of the pothole. Spoil piles will be created in areas of invasive vegetation such as the area containing reed canary grass.

NRCS staff may change the location of potholes or complexes or enhancement activities at any time while coordinating on site with the contractor.

The contractor is responsible for implementation of the restoration plan will be required to high pressure wash the equipment they will use on site before bringing it onto the easement. This will reduce the chance that an invasive species could be introduced to the site during the construction phase.

Operation and Maintenance: Visually inspect potholes on a yearly basis and report any issues such as sedimentation or invasive plant species. Water levels within the wetland will have seasonal fluctuation. This water level fluctuation will create conditions that allow the emergent vegetation to produce new growth annually, maintaining the productivity of the restored wetland. Emergent species that may be expected in this area include but are not limited to Sensitive Fern, Marsh Cinquefoil, Smartweed, Marsh Milkweed, Joe-pye Weed, Boneset, Large Blue Iris and Cattail. This restored wetland may also provide habitat for amphibians, including but not limited to: Leopard Frogs, Green Frogs, Spring Peepers and Wood Frogs.

ATTACHMENT 1

Wetland Reserves Plan of Operations with Maps_Code 327_ _Code 612_Code 657_Eval Worksheet_NRCS-CPA-52

Solicitation 121A2318Q0043 Seagreen LLC WRP Restoration

Attachment 1 Pages 6

Bash Bish WRPO 6 May 2018

When this land was converted to agriculture, existing forested floodplain with pit and mound topography was removed. The intention of constructing depressions and mounds while constructing the berm and potholes is to restore original topography. Some mounds will be built above the normal water level to provide nesting sites for target species, particularly, because minimal high ground exists in the basin during high water events. Excavated depressions help provide some permanent shallow water pools that naturally would have existed in the basin from pit and mound topography, beaver activity and abandoned river oxbows.

See attached final restoration plan map, practice standards, and NRCS job sheets.

HABITAT TYPES, ACRES AND FUNCTIONS PLANNED TO BE RESTORED:

Approximately 1 acres of shallow, open water will be created and 1 acre of pit and mound topography. A native pothole seed mix will be spread on exposed soil to revegetate the area. Open areas will be allowed to succeed into a wet meadow and then a scrub shrub. Cutting of trees larger than 4” in diameter but below 12” dbh will be allowed to be removed so the area will stay in early successional habitat.

DESCRIPTION OF REFERENCE WETLAND:

The wetland directly south of the Bash Bish WRP serves as a reference site of the same soil type. The area is about 75% palustrine scrub shrub/young forest, 15% freshwater emergent wetland, and 10% open water less than 6 feet in depth. The restoration plan mimics this.

MANAGEMENT, OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE PLANS TO MAINTAIN HABITAT

DESCRIPTION OF ANTICIPATED COMPATIBLE USES

MANAGEMENT, OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE PLANS TO MAINTAIN HABITAT

DESCRIPTION OF ANTICIPATED COMAPTIBLE USES

Any activity on the easement besides walking and hunting such as mowing, maintenance of trails, harvesting of firewood, or grazing of animals requires a compatible use agreement (CUA). Structures or any activity that does not have an ecological benefit is not permitted on the easement.

A CUA covers a period up to 10 years. NRCS retains the right to modify or cancel the compatible use agreement at any time if NRCS determines that such activities do not further the protection and enhancement objectives of the easement or that the landowner has failed to comply with specified terms and conditions. The landowner engages in such activities at his or her own risk. This authorization does not vest any right of any kind to the landowner. This authorization is null and void after the date specified in the agreement. By signing the CUA, the landowner agrees to the terms described above and on any reference documents. A landowner is not under any obligation to implement the activities; however, if the landowner chooses to implement the activities, they must be in accordance with the terms of this authorization.

ATTACHMENT 1

Wetland Reserves Plan of Operations with Maps_Code 327_ _Code 612_Code 657_Eval Worksheet_NRCS-CPA-52

Solicitation 121A2318Q0043 Seagreen LLC WRP Restoration

Attachment 1 Pages 7

Bash Bish WRPO 7 May 2018

Ideally, the farm fields will be managed as shrubland habitat which would benefit New England cottontails. This habitat includes thick, dense shrubs. As trees get larger (above 4”in diameter), they may be cut or girdled to create snags.

Anticipated compatible uses include trails.

HABITAT MANAGEMENT PLAN:

(See operation and maintenance plan)

PEST MANAGEMENT PLAN:

The contractor responsible for implementation of the restoration plan will be required to high pressure wash the equipment they will use on site before bringing it onto the easement. This will reduce the chance that an invasive species could be introduced to the site during the construction phase.

OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE PLAN:

Visually inspect potholes on a yearly basis and report any issues such as sedimentation or invasive plant species.

ATTACHMENT 1

Wetland Reserves Plan of Operations with Maps_Code 327_ _Code 612_Code 657_Eval Worksheet_NRCS-CPA-52

Solicitation 121A2318Q0043 Seagreen LLC WRP Restoration

Attachment 1 Pages 8

County Route 7A

Em pir e

0 575 1,150287.5 FeetLegend SeaGreen_Potholes SeaGreen_PitMound_Topography street_dm_l_ny021 NRCSesmnts_a_ny µ

Sea Green at Empire Farm WRP Restoration Plan Name: Sea Green Tract: 1275 Location: Empire Road, Copake, Columbia County NY.

Map Made By: Elizabeth Marks Ortho Date: 2017 Date: 5/31/18

Construct 5 potholes totalling 1 acre of open water habitat. Spread spoils in mounds in areas shown. Also create pit and mound topography in the same areas. Spoil piles will be seeded down with a critical area planting mix. Taking material from on-site, use new growth branches to propigate willow, alder, and red osier dogwood.

Also plant additional pussy willow whips. Scrape away reed canary grass and plant 300 whips into those areas. Plant wetland pothole mix in bare areas around potholes 1-3 and 5. Potholes 1 and 5 will have a dead tree placed in them. Pothole 1 will have a maximum restorable depth of 4' and potholes 2-5 will have a maximum restorable depth of 3'. Scatter old spoil piles near streams to create a more natural topograhy.

ATTACHMENT 1

Wetland Reserves Plan of Operations with Maps_Code 327_ _Code 612_Code 657_Eval Worksheet_NRCS-CPA-52

Solicitation 121A2318Q0043 Seagreen LLC WRP Restoration

Attachment 1 Pages 9

St ate

R ou te

County Route 7A

Em pir e

0 570 1,140285 Feet Legend countour1ftSeaGreen street_dm_l_ny021 NRCSesmnts_a_ny µ

Sea Green at Empire Farm WRP Restoration Plan Name: Sea Green Tract: 1275 Location: Empire Road, Copake, Columbia County NY.

Map Made By: Elizabeth Marks Ortho Date: 2017 Date: 5/21/18

ATTACHMENT 1

Wetland Reserves Plan of Operations with Maps_Code 327_ _Code 612_Code 657_Eval Worksheet_NRCS-CPA-52

Solicitation 121A2318Q0043 Seagreen LLC WRP Restoration

Attachment 1 Pages 10 pir e County Highway 7A

St ate

H igh wa y 2

Bashbish Brook

Nost er

Kill

WRP Bash Bish Corporation

Customer(s): BASH BISH CORP

Approximate Acres: 87.7 Legal Description: 556 Empire Rd., Copake, NY

Date: 8/26/2013

Land Units: Tract: 1275 Field: WRP

Assisted By: ELIZABETH MARKS Agency: USDA-NRCS Field Office: GHENT SERVICE CENTER

290 0 290 580 870 1,160 Feet ¯

Legend Master_Plan water_dm_l_ny021 roads100k_l_ny021

ATTACHMENT 1

Wetland Reserves Plan of Operations with Maps_Code 327_ _Code 612_Code 657_Eval Worksheet_NRCS-CPA-52

Solicitation 121A2318Q0043 Seagreen LLC WRP Restoration

Attachment 1 Pages 11 e County Highway 7A

St ate

H igh wa y 2

Bashbish Brook

Nost er

Kill

WRP Bash Bish Corporation

Customer(s): BASH BISH CORP

Approximate Acres: 87.7 Legal Description: 556 Empire Rd., Copake, NY

Date: 8/26/2013

Land Units: Tract: 1275 Field: WRP

Assisted By: ELIZABETH MARKS Agency: USDA-NRCS Field Office: GHENT SERVICE CENTER

290 0 290 580 870 1,160 Feet ¯

Legend Master_Plan water_dm_l_ny021 roads100k_l_ny021

ATTACHMENT 1

Wetland Reserves Plan of Operations with Maps_Code 327_ _Code 612_Code 657_Eval Worksheet_NRCS-CPA-52

Solicitation 121A2318Q0043 Seagreen LLC WRP Restoration

Attachment 1 Pages 12 e County Highway 7A

St ate

H igh wa y 2

Bashbish Brook

No ste r K ill

WRP Bash Bish Corporation

Customer(s): BASH BISH CORP

Approximate Acres: 87.7 Legal Description: 556 Empire Rd., Copake, NY

Date: 9/6/2013

Land Units: Tract: 1275 Field: WRP

Assisted By: ELIZABETH MARKS Agency: USDA-NRCS Field Office: GHENT SERVICE CENTER

275 0 275 550 825 1,100 Feet ¯

Legend Master_Plan Bash_hydric_acres water_dm_l_ny021 roads100k_l_ny021

ATTACHMENT 1

Wetland Reserves Plan of Operations with Maps_Code 327_ _Code 612_Code 657_Eval Worksheet_NRCS-CPA-52

Solicitation 121A2318Q0043 Seagreen LLC WRP Restoration

Attachment 1 Pages 13

Ln

Lo

NbD

SuC

StC BlC

StC

Lo

Lo

BlB

Om

SuB

NbE

StC

Ln

MnB

Om Em pir e

County Highway 7A

St ate

H igh wa y 2

Bashbish Brook

Nost er

Kill

WRP Bash Bish Corporation

Customer(s): BASH BISH CORP

Approximate Acres: 87.7 Legal Description: 556 Empire Rd., Copake, NY

Date: 8/26/2013

Land Units: Tract: 1275 Field: WRP

Assisted By: ELIZABETH MARKS Agency: USDA-NRCS Field Office: GHENT SERVICE CENTER

290 0 290 580 870 1,160 Feet ¯

Legend Master_Plan water_dm_l_ny021 roads100k_l_ny021 soilmu_a_ny021

ATTACHMENT 1

Wetland Reserves Plan of Operations with Maps_Code 327_ _Code 612_Code 657_Eval Worksheet_NRCS-CPA-52

Solicitation 121A2318Q0043 Seagreen LLC WRP Restoration

Attachment 1 Pages 14

Columbia County, New York

[Minor map unit components are excluded from this report]

Ln - Limerick silt loamMap unit:

Limerick (85%)Component:

The Limerick component makes up 85 percent of the map unit. Slopes are 0 to 3 percent. This component is on flood plains. The parent material consists of alluvium that is dominantly silt and very fine sand. Depth to a root restrictive layer is greater than 60 inches. The natural drainage class is poorly drained. Water movement in the most restrictive layer is moderately high. Available water to a depth of 60 inches is very high. Shrink-swell potential is low. This soil is frequently flooded. It is not ponded. A seasonal zone of water saturation is at 9 inches during January, February, March, April, May, November, December. Organic matter content in the surface horizon is about 4 percent. Nonirrigated land capability classification is 5w. This soil meets hydric criteria.

Lo - Linlithgo silt loamMap unit:

Linlithgo (85%)Component:

The Linlithgo component makes up 85 percent of the map unit. Slopes are 0 to 3 percent. This component is on flood plains. The parent material consists of loamy alluvium over sandy and gravelly water-sorted deposits. Depth to a root restrictive layer is greater than 60 inches. The natural drainage class is somewhat poorly drained. Water movement in the most restrictive layer is moderately high.

Available water to a depth of 60 inches is moderate. Shrink-swell potential is low. This soil is occasionally flooded. It is not ponded. A seasonal zone of water saturation is at 12 inches during January, February, March, April, May. Organic matter content in the surface horizon is about 4 percent. Nonirrigated land capability classification is 3w. This soil does not meet hydric criteria.

Om - Occum loamMap unit:

Occum (90%)Component:

The Occum component makes up 90 percent of the map unit. Slopes are 0 to 3 percent. This component is on flood plains. The parent material consists of loamy over sandy alluvium. Depth to a root restrictive layer is greater than 60 inches. The natural drainage class is well drained. Water movement in the most restrictive layer is moderately high. Available water to a depth of 60 inches is moderate.

Shrink-swell potential is low. This soil is occasionally flooded. It is not ponded. A seasonal zone of water saturation is at 60 inches during January, February, March, April, November, December. Organic matter content in the surface horizon is about 4 percent. Nonirrigated land capability classification is 1. This soil does not meet hydric criteria.

Map Unit Description

Survey Area Version Date: 12/19/2011

Survey Area Version: 8

ATTACHMENT 1

Wetland Reserves Plan of Operations with Maps_Code 327_ _Code 612_Code 657_Eval Worksheet_NRCS-CPA-52

Solicitation 121A2318Q0043 Seagreen LLC WRP Restoration

Attachment 1 Pages 15

Empire Farm 1940 µ

Date: 3/1/12 Map Created By: Elizabeth Marks

0 600 1,200300 Feet

Name: Empire Farm Tract No.:

Location: Columbia Co, NY

Legend

ATTACHMENT 1

Wetland Reserves Plan of Operations with Maps_Code 327_ _Code 612_Code 657_Eval Worksheet_NRCS-CPA-52

Solicitation 121A2318Q0043 Seagreen LLC WRP Restoration

Attachment 1 Pages 16

Acres

UPLAND 20

PALUSTRINE Open Water/Unknown Water 0 (greater than 2 meters deep)

PALUSTRINE Forested 14

48.7

OTHER Riparian – Streams/rivers 5

ESTUARINE

TOTAL 87.7

Acres

UPLAND 13

PALUSTRINE Open Water/Unknown Water 0 PALUSTRINE Forested 14 PALUSTRINE Emergent 0 OTHER Riparian 3

ESTUARINE

TOTAL 30

Acres

UPLAND 7

PALUSTRINE Open Water/Unknown Water 0 PALUSTRINE Forested 0 PALUSTRINE Emergent 48.7 OTHER Riparian 2

ESTUARINE 0

TOTAL 57.7

Acres

UPLAND 0

PALUSTRINE Open Water/Unknown Water 0 PALUSTRINE Forested 0

PALUSTRINE Emergent 0 OTHER Riparian 0

ESTUARINE 0

TOTAL 0

NY-WRP-21 February 1, 2013

PALUSTRINE Emergent wetlands dominated by erect, rooted, herbaceous hydrophytes)

PROVIDE # OF PALUSTRINE SCRUB/SHRUB ACRES,

IF EXISTING ON SITE, IN THE BOX BELOW

Description of Reference Wetland s (if used)

WETLAND HABITAT TYPES ARE ACCORDING TO

COWARDIN CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM

(deep water and wetland areas usually semi-enclosed with an opening to the ocean and in which there is some mixing of fresh and sea water)

Habitat Status: Existing (no planned practices)

Habitat Status: Restorable (planned practices)

{(wetlands dominated by shrubs and tree saplings less than twenty feet in height (e.g., buttonbush, alders, and red maple saplings)}

ADD THE ACRES TO THE PALUSTRINE FORESTED TOTAL

TO THE LEFT

The wetland directly south of the Bash Bish WRP serves as a reference site of the same soil type.

The area is about 75% palustrine scrub shrub/young forest, 15% freshwater emergent wetland, and 10% open water less than 6 feet in depth. The restoration plan mimics this.

ADD THE ACRES TO THE PALUSTRINE FORESTED TOTAL

TO THE LEFT

Habitat Status: Restored (completed)

{(wetlands dominated by shrubs and tree saplings less than twenty feet in height (e.g., buttonbush, alders, and red maple saplings)}

NY-WRP-21 WRP Habitat Form

PROVIDE # OF PALUSTRINE SCRUB/SHRUB ACRES,

IF EXISTING ON SITE, IN THE BOX BELOW

{(wetlands dominated by trees greater than twenty feet in height (e.g., red maple, ash, spruce)}

Habitat Status: All enrolled acres

Landowner: Bash Bish Corporation Enrolled Acres: 87.7

Date: 9/9/2013 County: Columbia

ATTACHMENT 1

Wetland Reserves Plan of Operations with Maps_Code 327_ _Code 612_Code 657_Eval Worksheet_NRCS-CPA-52

Solicitation 121A2318Q0043 Seagreen LLC WRP Restoration

Attachment 1 Pages 17

327-1

NRCS-NY

May 2011

Conservation practice standards are reviewed periodically and updated if needed. To obtain the current version of this standard, contact your Natural Resources Conservation Service State Office or visit the Field Office Technical Guide.

NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION SERVICE

CONSERVATION PRACTICE STANDARD

CONSERVATION COVER

(Ac.)

CODE 327

DEFINITION

Establishing and maintaining permanent vegetative cover.

PURPOSE

This practice may be applied to accomplish one or more of the following:

• Reduce soil erosion and sedimentation

• Improve water quality

• Improve air quality

• Enhance wildlife habitat and pollinator habitat

• Improve soil quality

• Manage plant pests

CONDITION WHERE PRACTICE APPLIES

This practice applies on all lands needing permanent vegetative cover. This practice does not apply to plantings for forage production or to critical area plantings.

CRITERA

General Criteria Applicable to All Purposes Species shall be adapted to soil, ecological sites, and climatic conditions.

Species planted shall be suitable for the planned purpose and site conditions.

Seeding rates and methods shall be adequate to accomplish the planned purpose. Certified seed shall be used.

Planting dates, planting methods and care in handling and planting of the seed or planting stock shall ensure that planted materials have an acceptable rate of survival. Vegetative planting material (e.g.

sprigs, rhizomes, bulbs) shall be from a reliable supplier.

Site preparation shall be sufficiently adequate to eliminate weeds for establishment and growth of selected species.

Timing and use of equipment shall be appropriate for the site and soil conditions.

All nutrients shall be applied following the nutrient management requirements in the Field Office Technical Guide (FOTG).

Additional Criteria to Reduce Soil Erosion and Sedimentation The amount of plant biomass and cover needed to reduce wind and water erosion to the planned soil loss objective shall be determined using the current approved wind and/or water erosion prediction

ATTACHMENT 1

Wetland Reserves Plan of Operations with Maps_Code 327_ _Code 612_Code 657_Eval Worksheet_NRCS-CPA-52

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Additional Criteria for Improving Air Quality In perennial crop systems such as orchards, vineyards, berries and nursery stock, vegetation established shall provide full ground coverage in the alleyway during mowing and harvest operations.

To sequester carbon, plant cover established will result in a positive CO2 equivalent value when determined by the current approved carbon prediction technology.

Additional Criteria for Enhancing Wildlife Habitat and Pollinator Habitat Grasses, forbs, shrubs and/or legumes shall be planted in a diverse mix to promote bio-diversity and meet the needs of the targeted species of wildlife and/or pollinator.

Additional Criteria to Improve Soil Quality

Plants will be selected on the basis of producing high volumes of organic material to maintain or improve soil organic matter. The amount of biomass needed will be determined using the current soil condition index procedure.

Additional Criteria to Manage Plant Pests In perennial crop systems such as orchards, vineyards, berries and nursery stock, permanent vegetative cover shall be established and managed according to Land Grant University Integrated Pest Management (IPM) recommendations for the target pest species.

CONSIDERATIONS

This practice may be used to promote the conservation of wildlife species in general, including threatened and endangered species.

Certified seed and planting stock that is adapted to the site should be used when it is available.

Inoculating legume seed with the proper Rhizobium bacteria should be considered on sites where the legumes to be planted have not been previously grown.

Mowing may be needed during the establishment period to reduce competition from broadleaf annual weeds.

On sites where annual grasses are an expected weed problem it may be necessary to postpone nitrogen fertilizer application until the planted species are well established.

Where applicable this practice may be used to conserve and stabilize archeological and historic sites.

Consider rotating management and maintenance activities (e.g. mow only one-fourth or one-third of the area each year) throughout the managed area to maximize spatial and temporal diversity.

Where wildlife management is an objective, the food and cover value of the planting can be enhanced by using a habitat evaluation procedure to aid in selecting plant species and providing or managing for other habitat requirements necessary to achieve the objective.

Where pollinator and wildlife habitat are primary purposes consider less dense seeding rates as long as soil loss is within tolerable soil loss limits.

Use native species that are appropriate for the identified resource concern and management objective.

Consider trying to re-establish the native plant community for the site.

If a native cover (other than what was planted) establishes, and this cover meets the intended purpose and the landowner's objectives, the cover should be considered adequate.

PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS

Specifications for this practice shall be prepared for each site. They shall include, but are not limited to:

• Recommended species, ATTACHMENT 1

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• Seeding rates and dates,

• Establishment procedures, and

• Other management actions needed to insure an adequate stand.

Specifications shall be recorded using approved specifications sheets, job sheets, narrative statements in the conservation plan, or other acceptable documentation.

OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE

Mowing and harvest operations in perennial crop systems such as orchards, vineyards, berries and nursery stock shall be done in a manner which minimizes the generation of particulate matter.

If wildlife habitat enhancement is a purpose, maintenance practices and activities shall not disturb cover during the reproductive period for the desired species. Exceptions should be considered for periodic burning or mowing when necessary to maintain the health of the plant community.

Maintenance measures must be adequate to control noxious weeds and other invasive species.

To benefit insect food sources for grassland nesting birds, spraying or other control of noxious weeds shall be done on a “spot” basis to protect forbs and legumes that benefit native pollinators and other wildlife.

REFERENCES

Renard, K.G., G.R. Foster, G.A. Weesies, D.K. McCool and D.C. Yoder. 1997. Predicting Soil Erosion by Water: A Guide to Conservation Planning with the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE), Agricultural Handbook Number 703.

Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation Version 2 (RUSLE2) website (checked September 2010):

http://fargo.nserl.purdue.edu/rusle2_dataweb/

National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service for information on native bees in agricultural settings, http://www.attra.ncat.org.

Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation has information on Pollinator habitat, http://www.xerces.org.

ATTACHMENT 1

Wetland Reserves Plan of Operations with Maps_Code 327_ _Code 612_Code 657_Eval Worksheet_NRCS-CPA-52

Solicitation 121A2318Q0043 Seagreen LLC WRP Restoration County of Columbia, State of New York

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Conservation practice standards are reviewed periodically and updated if needed. To obtain the current version of this standard, contact your Natural Resources Conservation Service State Office or visit the Field Office Technical Guide.

NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION SERVICE

CONSERVATION PRACTICE STANDARD

WETLAND RESTORATION

(Ac.)

CODE 657

DEFINITION

The return of a wetland and its functions to a close approximation of its original condition as it existed prior to disturbance on a former or degraded wetland site.

PURPOSE

To restore wetland function, value, habitat, diversity, and capacity to a close approximation of the pre-disturbance conditions by restoring:

Conditions conducive to hydric soil maintenance.

Wetland hydrology (dominant water source, hydroperiod, and hydrodynamics).

Native hydrophytic vegetation (including the removal of undesired species, and/or seeding or planting of desired species).

Original fish and wildlife habitats.

CONDITIONS WHERE PRACTICE APPLIES

This practice applies only to natural wetland sites with hydric soils which have been subject to the degradation of hydrology, vegetation, or soils.

This practice is applicable only where the natural hydrologic conditions can be approximated by actions such as modifying drainage, restoring stream/floodplain connectivity, removing diversions, dikes, and levees, and/or by using a natural or artificial water source such as a dike and/or diversion to provide conditions similar to the original, natural conditions.

This practice does not apply to:

The treatment of point and non-point sources of water pollution (Constructed Wetland - 656);

The rehabilitation of a degraded wetland, the reestablishment of a former wetland, or the modification of an existing wetland, where specific wetland functions are augmented beyond the original natural conditions; possibly at the expense of other functions.(Wetland Enhancement - 659);

The creation of a wetland on a site location which was historically non-wetland (Wetland Creation - 658).

The management of fish and wildlife habitat on wetlands restored under this standard.

CRITERIA

General Criteria Applicable to All Purposes The purpose, goals, and objectives of the restoration will be clearly defined in the restoration plan, including soils, hydrology, vegetation, and fish and wildlife habitat criteria that are to be met and are

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These planning steps will be done with the use of a functional assessment-type procedure, or a state approved equivalent. The objectives will be determined by an analysis of current and historic site functions. They will be based on those functions which can reasonably be supported by current site constraints. Data from historic and recent aerial photography and/or other remotely sensed data, soil maps, topographic maps, stream gage data, intact reference wetlands, and historical records will be gathered.

The soils, hydrology and vegetative conditions existing on the site, the adjacent landscape, and the contributing watershed will be documented in the planning process.

The nutrient and pesticide tolerance of the plant and animal species likely to occur will be evaluated where known nutrient and pesticide contamination exists. Sites suspected of containing hazardous material will be tested to identify appropriate remedial measures. If remedial measures are not possible or practicable, the practice will not be planned.

The availability of sufficient water rights should be reviewed prior to restoration.

Upon completion, the site will meet soil, vegetation, hydrology and habitat conditions of the wetland that previously existed on the site to the extent practicable.

Where offsite hydrologic alterations or the presence of invasive species impact the site, the design will compensate for these impacts to the extent practicable.

Invasive species, federal/state listed noxious plant species, and nuisance species (e.g., those whose presence or overpopulation jeopardize the practice) will be controlled on the site as necessary to restore wetland functions.

Criteria for Hydric Soil Maintenance and Restoration Restoration sites will be located on soils that are hydric.

If the hydric soil is covered by fill, sediment, spoil, or other depositional material, the material covering the hydric soil will be removed to the extent needed to restore the original soil functions.

Soil hydrodynamic and bio-geochemical properties such as permeability, porosity, pH, or soil organic carbon levels will be restored to the extent needed to restore hydric soil functions.

Criteria for Hydrology Restoration The hydroperiod, hydrodynamics, and dominant water source of the restored site will approximate the conditions that existed before alteration. The restoration plan will document the adequacy of available water sources based on groundwater investigation, stream gage data, water budgeting, or other appropriate means.

The work associated with the wetland will not adversely affect adjacent properties or other water users unless agreed to by signed written letter, easement or permit.

Timing and level setting of water control structures, if needed, will be based on the actions needed to maintain a close approximation of the original, natural hydrologic conditions.

The original natural water supply should be used to reestablish the site’s hydrology to approximate the hydrologic conditions of the wetland type. If this is not possible, an alternate natural or artificial water supply can be used; however, these sources will not be diverted from other wetland resources. If the alternate water source requires energy inputs, these will be estimated and documented in the restoration plan.

To the extent technically feasible reestablish macrotopography and/or microtopography. Use reference sites within the local area to determine desired topographic relief. The location, size, and geometry of earthen structures, if needed, will match that of the original macrotopographic features to the extent practicable.

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Macrotopographic features, including ditch plugs installed in lieu of re-filling surface drainage ditches, will meet the requirements of other practice standards to which they may apply due to purpose, size, water storage capacity, hazard class, or other parameters. If no other practice standard applies, they will meet the requirements for Dike (356) unless there is no potential for damage to the feature or other areas on or off site due to erosion, breaching, or overtopping.

Excavations from within the wetland will remove sediment to approximate the original topography or establish a water level that will compensate for the sediment that remains.

Water control structures that may impede the movement of target aquatic species or species of concern will meet the criteria in Fish Passage (396)..

Wetland restoration sites that exhibit soil oxidation and/or subsidence, resulting in a lower surface elevation compared to pre-disturbance, will take into account the appropriate hydrologic regime needed to support the original wetland functions.

Embankments, low embankments, potholes, level ditches, ditch plugs and tile breaks are methods of restoring the hydrology of a site.

Embankment structures greater than 6 feet high must be designed according to Pond Standard 378.

Low embankments less than or equal to 6 feet in height for wetland restoration will be designed according to Dike Standard 356.

Potholes and Level Ditches will be designed according to the following Criteria:

If original conditions cannot be determined, pothole size, depth, shape and density should be based upon conditions existing in reference wetlands. Unless original conditions indicate otherwise, potholes will have varying depth with a maximum of 4 feet of excavation. A minimum of 2/3 of the surface area of the constructed pothole will have varying depths from 6 inches to no more than 24 inches.

Pothole side slopes will be gentle with a minimum of 50% of side slope area being at a grade of 6:1 (6 horizontal to 1 vertical) or flatter. The remaining side slope area will have a grade of 3:1 or flatter.

Potholes will be irregular in shape to maximize edge effect and provide additional cover for waterfowl, amphibians, reptiles and other wetland dependent species utilizing the site.

Surface drainage into the pothole will be maintained.

Level ditches to connect potholes will have a minimum excavated depth of 1 foot, and a maximum depth that is 1 foot less than the depth of the pothole. Side slopes will be no steeper than 3:1.

If a supporting embankment or spoil piles are needed to contain water in the pothole follow the Dike Standard (356) for design criteria.

Criteria for Subsurface Drain Removal or Destruction will be designed according to this Standard, with the following Criteria:

In areas where subsurface drains were installed to remove surface and or subsurface water, the existing system will be modified to restore the wetland hydrologic conditions. Review of design records, interviews, and site investigations will be needed to determine the extent of the existing system.

The effect of a subsurface drainage system will be eliminated by the following:

Remove and render inoperable a portion of the drain at the downstream edge of the site;

ATTACHMENT 1

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December 2012 modify the drain with a water control device; or replace the drain with non-perforated pipe through the wetland site.

The minimum length of drain to be removed or rendered inoperable will be as shown in Table 1.

Table 1

Saturated Hydraulic Conductivity (µ/sec)

Soil Texture Minimum Distance(feet)

>14.11 µ/sec Sand and Organics 75

4.23 – 14.11 µ/sec Loam 50

<4.23 µ/sec Clay 25

Bedding, filtering and/or flow enhancing material will be removed if necessary. The resulting trench will be filled with compacted earth to a density of the adjacent soil material.

Surface Drain Removal will be designed according to this Standard, with the following Criteria:

Where surface drains were constructed to drain wetlands, the drain will be plugged with earth to restore the wetland hydrology.

Provisions will be made to protect the site from erosion from the 10 year frequency, 24 hour storm

All fill will be earth compacted to the approximate density of the adjacent soil material.

If a plug is not 1 foot higher than the low bank of the ditch, it must be armored to control erosion from surface flow over the plug

The maximum plug height from ditch bottom will be 6 feet.

The width of the plug will be at least 2 times the channel top width, measured perpendicular to the flow.

The length of the plug will be at least 20 feet measured parallel to the ditch flow direction.

All slopes will be 5 to 1 or flatter.

Increase the fill height to compensate for settling. A minimum of 5 percent for mineral soils and 33 percent for organic soils will be used.

The ditch plug and all disturbed areas will be seeded according to the Critical Area Planting Standard (342).

Vegetative Restoration will be designed according to this Standard with the following Criteria:

Hydrophytic vegetation restoration will be of species typical for the wetland type(s) being established and the varying hydrologic regimes and soil types within the wetland. Preference will be given to native wetland plants with localized genetic material.

Where natural colonization of acceptable species can realistically be expected to occur within 5 years, sites may be left to re-vegetate naturally. Strip and stockpile on site topsoil prior to any excavations.

Redistribute stockpiled top soil over disturbed areas to provide a seed source to encourage natural colonization of acceptable species. If the site is not realistic for natural colonization, the appropriate species will be established by seeding or planting.

Adequate substrate material and site preparation necessary for proper establishment of the selected plant species will be included in the plan.

ATTACHMENT 1

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Where planting and/or seeding is necessary, the minimum number of native species to be established will be based on a reference wetland with the type of vegetative communities and species planned on the restoration site:

Where the dominant vegetation will be herbaceous community types, a subset of the original vegetative community will be established within 5 years, or a suitable precursor to the original community will be established within 5 years that creates conditions suitable for the establishment of the native community. Species richness will be addressed in the planning of herbaceous communities.