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January 13, 2006
Mr. Rob Balland
W.K. Dickson
909 Market St.
Wilmington, NC 28401
RC: Quail Woods - COD Determination
Dear Mr. Balland:
JAN I S Nl:i'
C-E I LT Atone: 940-1152-011,
004
gaa:940-452-0060
Per your request, Land Management Group, Inc. (LMG) is providing information related to the
determination of the limits of the New Hanover County `Swamp Forest' Conservation Overlay
District (COD) on the approximate 20-ac tract located near the western terminus of Quail Woods
Road. Based upon observed site conditions and an on-site meeting with the US Army Corps of
Engineers (USACE), it is the judgment of Land Management Group, Inc. (LMG) that the limits
of the `Swamp Forest' COD correspond to the limits of the approved jurisdictional wetland
boundary.
As you are aware, the upper reach of Smith Creek bounds the site to the south. This portion of
the creek has been historically excavated - contributing to increased drainage in the immediate
area. The area of adjacent forested wetlands has been reduced in size based upon the associated
effect on wetland hydrology. The USACE has approved the limits of jurisdictional wetlands as
depicted on the wetland boundary survey produced by W.K. Dickson.
It is the opinion of LMG, that the limits of the `Swamp Forest' designation correspond to the
limits of jurisdictional wetlands. According to Schafale and Weakley (1990), swamp forests are
"seasonally or frequently saturated or shallowly flooded by high water table." It is apparent that
these hydrologic conditions exist only within the approved jurisdictional wetlands and do not
exist beyond the wetland boundary. This determination is based upon field indicators of
hydrology and is not based upon actual water table level measurements. It should also be noted
that the New Hanover County COD maps were originally developed from available aerial
photography and generalized soil survey maps during the early 1980's. Field verification for
mapped areas was conducted only in a few, select locations. COD boundaries are approximate
since the original maps do not take into account site-specific conditions and were developed from
larger scale maps and aerials. The limits of the area mapped as `Swamp Forest' according to the
New Hanover County COD maps should be accurately identified within the limits of
jurisdictional wetlands associated with the upper reach of Smith Creek.
LMG strongly recommends that the consulting engineer and/or developer of this property
receives concurrence from New Hanover County prior to specific site planning. The opinion
expressed within this letter is based upon previous work with COD designations, an evaluation of
site-specific information, and best professional,judgment. Authority as to the final determination
of the COD boundary rests with New Hanover County. I hope this information will assist you
with your site planning. Please contact me at (910) 452-0001 should you have any further
questions or comments.
Sincerely,
Land Management Group, Inc.
~~l(`~lG~ (G5I
C istian Prezio9i
Wetland Section IGianager