|
McDonalds Pond represents a unique mitigation concept involving removal of a manmade dam structure across a segment of Falling Creek in Richmond County. This action will allow for passive stream and wetland restoration within the former pond footprint and reestablishment of historic stream and wetland features in the immediate vicinity of the pond. Important functional benefits will be realized in an EEP high priority targeted watershed within the Yadkin-Pee Dee River Basin.
The Site consists of an 18-acre pond, 8884 linear feet of Falling Creek, and associated wetlands and riparian buffers. The Site is a single parcel owned by International Paper Company which is currently managed for timber production and recreational purposes. Based on preliminary analyses, the Site appears to be best suited for disabling of the McDonalds Pond dam and restoration of a natural stream system and forested wetlands in the pond footprint. The North Carolina Dam Removal Task Force guidelines (March 22, 2004) have been utilized to frame and guide mitigation goals and expectations for this project. The project meet general criteria outlined in Task Force guidelines including improvements to water quality, increased habitat opportunities for protected species, establishment of an improved aquatic community, and creation of forested buffers.
Proposed activities will result in restoration, enhancement, and preservation of 8883 linear feet (4363.8 mitigation units) of stream, and re-establishment and preservation of 47.4 acres (23.4 mitigation units) of streamhead pocosin wetlands along the Falling Creek drainage. A buffer zone of no less than 50 feet will be created around stream/floodplain limits.
|
