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2) The Soccer Center tract drains to a low -lying area (approx..1 acre) in the northwest <br />corner of the property adjacent to and including part of the oak /hickory stand, which <br />holds water during wet periods. This seasonal wetland, or verna/pool, no longer <br />provides the same quality of habitat for plants and animals as the vernal pools that <br />are still protected by tree cover on the adjacent Middle School tract2. Nevertheless, <br />the habitat could be restored if surrounding vegetation regenerates. The proposed <br />easement would cross through a 100- foot -wide section of the vernal pool. <br />We would recommend that the power line poles be located outside of the <br />vernal pool area, and that trucks avoid crossing this low -lying area both <br />during construction and future maintenance of the power line. [ #2 on <br />attached map] <br />3) The proposed easement would run parallel to the tree line that forms the eastern <br />boundary of the Middle School property. The trees are 50 -60' tall hardwoods (poplar, <br />oak, hickory), and are generally straight and densely spaced, from growing in the <br />middle of what was once a large forested area. The distance from the tree line to <br />the curb of the new park entrance roadway is approximately 40 feet. <br />We recommend that the proposed easement be located within the 40 -foot <br />grass strip located west of the park entrance road, and that any future <br />trimming and cutting of trees needed to protect the power line be <br />performed in consultation with Orange County. [ #3 on attached map] <br />Enclosures <br />cc: Geof Gledhill <br />' Vernal pools are seasonally Flooded landscape depressions that support distinctive (and many times rare) plant <br />and animal species adapted to periodic or continuous inundation during the wet season, and the absence of <br />ponded water or wet soil during the dry season. Amphibians breed primarily in vernal pools because the pools <br />are temporary and cannot support fish, the major predator to amphibian larvae. <br />Z Direct sunlight causes the pools to dry faster, reducing the chance that larval amphibians will emerge as adults. <br />Environment and Resource Conservation <br />PQ Box 8181 / 306 -A Revere Road <br />Hillsborough, NC 27278 <br />(919) 245 -2590 <br />