Agenda 06-03-2025; 5-b - Application for Zoning Atlas Amendment – 9900 NC 57, Rougemont, Little River Township

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89 10 December 2024 Page 2 NCWRC Comments Bully Self Storage Orange County should be surveyed for wetlands and streams to ensure there are no impacts to surface waters. Furthermore,we offer the following preliminary recommendations with the intent to minimize impacts to aquatic and terrestrial wildlife resources: 1. In the Section Vegetated Buffers(Page 6),the Applicant states they chose native plants species for their vegetated buffers.However,Ilex cornuta (Dwarf Burford Holly),Ligustrum sinense (Variegated ligustrum),Prunus laurocerasus(Schipka Luarel),Ilex crenata(Heller Holly), and Thuja standishii(Green Giant Arborvitae) are non-native and/or invasive species.Avoid using invasive,non-native plants in seed mixtures or landscaping plants (http://www.ncwildflower.org/plant_galleries/invasives_list). Also, do not use non-native and/or invasive species such as Sudangrass, Kobe lespedeza, lespedeza,tall fescue,or other non-native species for temporary or permanent seeding. Alternatively,use grains, such as oats,wheat,or rye for temporary cover and native seed mixes for permeant seeding. A list of alternatives to non-native species has been attached. We recommend planting native, wildflower seed mixes that will create pollinator habitat within the project boundary as well as planting native trees and shrubs in landscaping.Native trees and shrubs can be found at native plant nurseries throughout NC, and lists of native plants can be found https://ncwildflower.org/ and https://nc.audubon.org/birdfriendlynativeplantslists. 2. Maintain a minimum 100-foot undisturbed,native,forested buffer along perennial streams, and a minimum 50-foot buffer along intermittent streams and wetlands.Maintaining undisturbed, forested buffers along these areas will minimize impacts to aquatic and terrestrial wildlife resources,water quality, and aquatic habitat both within and downstream of the project area. Also,wide riparian buffers are helpful in maintaining stability of stream banks and for treatment of pollutants associated with urban stormwater. 3. We recommend minimizing clearing of living, dying, or dead mature trees,particularly if they are hardwoods, and avoid tree clearing activities during the activity period for tricolored bats (April 1 —November 14), a state endangered and federally proposed endangered species.Any existing culverts greater than 3 feet wide and bridges within or adjacent to the project should be surveyed for bats within 15 days of construction. Surveys should be conducted in accordance with the National White-nose Syndrome Decontamination Protocol and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Range-wide Indiana Bat&Northern Long-Eared Bat Survey Guidelines. 4. During heavy rains,the stormwater will still run off the roofs and compacted roads. We recommend installing rain gardens or other bioretention structures to reduce water runoff and soil erosion. Also, additional information on LID can be found at the NC State University LID guide: https://www.uni-groousa.orjz/PDF/NC LID_Guidebook.pd£ NCWRC's Green Growth Toolbox provides information on nature-friendly planning (http://www.ncwildlife.org/Conserving/Programs/GreenGrowthToolbox.aspx). 5. Consider using wildlife friendly outdoor lighting since light pollution can impact the circadian rhythms of animals, disrupt behavior, cause injury, or death. Lights should only be on when needed;use lights only where necessary; lights should have wavelength greater than 560 nm emissions(i.e.,narrow-spectrum LEDs or low-pressure sodium);mount the fixture as low as possible;use the lowest wattage necessary; and lights should be fully shielded. 6. Erosion control matting made of plastic mesh or twine should not be used within the project area because it can injure or kill wildlife. Based upon the information provided, it is unlikely the project will adversely impact state protected species or critical habitats. If I can be of additional assistance,please call(336)269-0074 or email olivia.munzer(kncwildlife.org.