Attachment_6_-_Conservation_Practice_Standards.pdf

314-CPS-1

NRCS-VT

February 2018

NRCS reviews and periodically updates conservation practice standards. To obtain the current version of this standard, contact your Natural Resources Conservation Service State office or visit the Field Office Technical Guide.

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.

Natural Resources Conservation Service

CONSERVATION PRACTICE STANDARD

BRUSH MANAGEMENT

Code 314

(Ac)

DEFINITION

The management or removal of woody (nonherbaceous or succulent) plants including those that are invasive and noxious.

PURPOSE

• Create the desired plant community consistent with the ecological site or a desired state within the site description.

• Restore or release desired vegetative cover to protect soils, control erosion, reduce sediment, improve water quality, or enhance hydrology.

• Maintain, modify, or enhance fish and wildlife habitat.

• Improve forage accessibility, quality, and quantity for livestock and wildlife.

• Manage fuel loads to achieve desired conditions.

• Pervasive plant species are controlled to a desired level of treatment that will ultimately contribute to creation or maintenance of an ecological site description “steady state” addressing the need for forage, wildlife habitat, and/or water quality.

CONDITIONS WHERE PRACTICE APPLIES

On all lands except active cropland where the removal, reduction, or manipulation of woody (nonherbaceous or succulent) plants is desired.

This practice does not apply to removal of woody vegetation by prescribed fire (use Conservation Practice Standard (CPS) Prescribed Burning (Code 338)) or removal of woody vegetation to facilitate a land-use change (use CPS Land Clearing (Code 460)).

CRITERIA

General Criteria Applicable to All Purposes Brush management will be designed to achieve the desired plant community based on species composition, structure, density, and canopy (or foliar) cover or height.

Brush management will be applied in a manner to achieve the desired control of the target woody species and protection of desired species. This will be accomplished by mechanical, chemical, burning, or biological methods, either alone or in combination. When prescribed burning is used as a method, CPS Prescribed Burning (Code 338) will also be applied.

Solicitation 121A2318Q0020 Attachment 6 http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/sitenav/national/states/ http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/main/national/technical/fotg/

314-CPS-2

February 2018

When the intent is to manage trees for silvicultural purposes, use CPS Forest Stand Improvement (Code 666).

NRCS will not develop biological or chemical treatment recommendations except for biological control utilizing grazing animals. In such cases, CPS Prescribed Grazing (Code 528) is used to ensure desired results are achieved and maintained. NRCS may provide clients with acceptable biological and/or chemical control references.

In cases where there is insufficient understory vegetation to provide a seed source to result in the desired plant community, use CPS Range Planting (Code 550) or CPS Forage and Biomass Planting (Code 512) to ensure the desired results are achieved and maintained.

Follow-up treatments may be necessary to achieve objectives.

Additional Criteria for Creating the Desired Plant Community Consistent with the Ecological Site Use applicable ecological site description (ESD) state and transition models to develop specifications that are ecologically sound and defensible. Treatments must be congruent with dynamics of the ecological site(s) and keyed to state and plant community phases that have the potential and capability to support the desired plant community. If an ESD is not available, base specifications on the best approximation of the desired plant community composition, structure, and function to support resilience.

Additional treatments are planned and will be applied to achieve effective control of pervasive plant species through reapplication.

Additional Criteria for Restoring or Releasing Desired Vegetative Cover to Protect Soils, Control Erosion, Reduce Sediment, Improve Water Quality or Enhance Hydrology Choose a method of control that results in the least amount of soil disturbance if soil erosion potential is high and revegetation is slow or uncertain leaving the site vulnerable to long-term exposure to soil loss.

In conjunction with other conservation practices, the number, sequence, and timing of soil-disturbing operations must be managed to maintain soil loss within acceptable levels using approved erosion prediction technology.

Additional Criteria to Maintain, Modify or Enhance Fish and Wildlife Habitat Brush management will be planned and applied in a manner to meet the habitat requirements for wildlife species of concern as determined by an approved habitat evaluation procedure.

Conduct treatments during periods of the year that accommodate reproduction and other life-cycle requirements of target wildlife and pollinator species, and in accordance with specifications developed for CPS Wetland Wildlife Habitat Management (Code 644) and CPS Upland Wildlife Habitat Management (Code 645).

Managing for 10-50% aerial cover of low, thick cover (0-10 feet high) will provide breeding habitat for Shrubland Birds and other priority early successional declining species. Shrubby pastures can provide valuable habitat for a number of priority species (e.g. towhee, thrasher, etc.). Maintaining areas of undisturbed cover or limiting or eliminating grazing during peak breeding period will maximize wildlife benefits.

Additional Criteria to Improve Forage Accessibility, Quality and Quantity for Livestock and Wildlife Timing and sequence of brush management must be planned in coordination with specifications developed for CPS Prescribed Grazing (Code 528).

Solicitation 121A2318Q0020 Attachment 6

314-CPS-3

Additional Criteria for Control of Pervasive Plant Species to a Desired Level of Treatment That Will Ultimately Contribute to Creation or Maintenance of an Ecological Site Description “Steady State” Addressing the Need for Forage, Wildlife Habitat, and/or Water Quality.

Additional treatments are planned and will be applied to achieve effective control of pervasive plant species through reapplication.

Additional Criteria to Manage Fuel Loads to Achieve Desired Conditions Control undesirable woody plants in a manner that creates the desired plant community, including the desired fuel load, to reduce the risk of wildfire, and facilitate the future application of prescribed fire.

Additional Criteria for Controlling Invasive Exotic Plants Control of invasive plants may include eradicating, reducing, or managing invasive species populations and preventing their spread. Control also includes restoration of native species and habitats to reduce the effects of invasive species and to prevent further invasions.

Preventing the initial establishment of invasive plants should be a major component of any Invasive Plant Species Control Plan. Early detection and control is a more efficient and effective strategy than waiting until an area is infested.

Control of noxious or invasive plants may be accomplished by mechanical, chemical, biological, prescribed burning, or a combination of all of these methods.

The control method(s) used will be designed to protect the soil from erosion and to avoid the degradation of soil quality.

Control methods will be designed to protect and encourage the growth of desirable native plant species.

When using chemical control, spot treatment methods will be used whenever feasible.

Minimum control is 90% reduction of existing invasive plants on site after application.

Areas where control measures have been used may require active re-vegetation methods to reestablish desirable plant species. Vegetative plantings and site preparation will follow the Conservation Practice Standards and vegetative establishment in the NRCS Field Office Technical Guide for applicable planting standards such as: Pasture and Hay Planting (512), Tree/Shrub Planting (612), Riparian Forest Buffer (391), Conservation Cover (327), Restoration and Management of Declining Habitats (643), Critical Area Planting (342).

Use vegetation adapted to the site conditions that will accomplish the desired purpose. Federal or state listed noxious or invasive plant species shall not be planted.

Disposal of noxious or invasive plant species from the site treated will be by appropriate methods (e.g., burned, hung off ground, placed on tarps, bagged, etc.) to lessen the potential for the plants to repopulate the site or spread to new areas. Bagged plants will be properly disposed of off-site. After plants are dead and dried, properly dispose of or remove tarp.

Where herbicides will be applied, Vermont Agency of Agriculture certified pesticide applicators with Category 2 – Forest Pests must be used. Plan approval by Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation Wetlands Division is required when herbicides will be applied to Vermont State Significant Wetlands which includes Class 1 & 2 wetlands and/or associated buffer zones of 100 or 50 feet respectively.

314-CPS-4

CONSIDERATIONS

Consider using CPS Integrated Pest Management (Code 595) in support of brush management.

Consider the appropriate time period for treatment. Some brush management activities can be effective when applied within a single year; others may require multiple years of treatment(s) to achieve desired objectives.

Consider impacts and consequences to obligate species (species dependent on the target woody species) when significant changes are planned to existing and adjacent plant communities.

Consider impacts to wildlife food supplies, space, nesting, and cover availability when planning the method and amount of brush management. Consider control methods that leave structure in place while still allowing control of the invasive species.

Brush management should be applied outside the primary nesting season of April 15-August 1st. Peak breeding for target shrubland birds is mid May through mid July.

Consider choosing methods of control that cause no or limited soil disturbance. Disturbed soil may lead to increased germination of invasive plant seeds.

Plant material native to the State or local area should be used whenever possible.

State-issued licenses may be required when using chemical pesticide treatments.

For air quality purposes, consider using chemical methods of brush management that minimize chemical drift and excessive chemical usage, and consider mechanical methods of brush management that minimize the entrainment of particulate matter.

PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS

Plans and specifications for the treatment option(s) selected by the decision maker will be recorded for each field or management unit where brush management will be applied.

Prepare brush management plans and specifications that conform to all applicable Federal, State, and local laws. Use VT NRCS job sheets or implementation requirements as available. For invasive plant control, use the Vermont NRCS control plan template to develop the Invasive Plant Control Plan. These documents will contain the following data as a minimum:

1. Goals and objectives clearly stated.

2. Site Description

3. Pretreatment cover or density of the target plant(s), listing of target plants, control strategies and method for the site, and the planned post-treatment cover or density and desired efficacy. Re-vegetation methods will be included if applicable.

4. Maps, drawings, and/or narratives detailing or identifying areas to be treated, pattern of treatment (if applicable), and areas that will not be disturbed.

5. A monitoring plan that identifies what should be measured (including timing and frequency) and that documents the changes in the plant community (compare with objectives) will be implemented.

Mechanical Treatment Methods Plans and specifications will include items 1 through 5, above, plus—

• Types of equipment and any modifications necessary to enable the equipment to adequately complete the job.

• Dates of treatment to best effect control.

• Operating instructions (if applicable).

314-CPS-5

• Techniques or procedures to be followed.

• Cultural Resources review if necessary for uprooting large shrubs or trees.

Chemical Treatment Methods The Invasive Plant Control Plan will be written or reviewed and signed by NRCS or NRCS Partner who is a Certified Pesticide Applicator with Category 2. In addition, include the 314 General Info sheet, applicable Species Info Sheets and Landowner Acknowledgment Form. Following herbicide use, the selected contractor must complete the Contractor Record and Certification Sheet which will be submitted to NRCS. Follow the Vermont NRCS Invasive Plant Control Checklist in development of the Plan and Maps. Plans and specifications will include items 1 through 5, above under general specifications, plus—

• Acceptable chemical treatment references for containment and management or control of target species.

• Evaluation and interpretation of herbicide risks associated with the selected treatment(s).

• Acceptable dates or plant growth stage at application to best effect control and reduce reinvasion.

• Any special mitigation, timing considerations or other factors (such as soil texture and organic matter content) that must be considered to ensure the safest, most effective application of the herbicide.

• Reference to product label instructions.

Biological Treatment Methods Plans and specifications will include items 1 through 5, above, plus—

• Acceptable biological treatment references for containment and management or control of target species.

• Kind of grazing animal to be used, if applicable.

• Timing, frequency, duration, and intensity of grazing or browsing.

• Desired degree of grazing or browsing use for effective control of target species.

• Maximum allowable degree of use on desirable nontarget species.

• Special mitigation, precautions, or requirements associated with the selected treatment(s).

OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE

Operation Brush management practices must be applied using approved materials and procedures. Operations will comply with all local, State, and Federal laws and ordinances.

Success of the practice shall be determined by evaluating post-treatment regrowth of target species after sufficient time has passed to monitor the situation and gather reliable data. Length of evaluation periods will depend on the woody species being monitored, proximity of propagules (seeds, branches, and roots) to the site, transport mode of seeds (wind or animals), and methods and materials used.

The operator will develop a safety plan for individuals exposed to chemicals, including telephone numbers and addresses of emergency treatment centers and the telephone number for the nearest poison control center. The National Pesticide Information Center (NPIC) telephone number in Corvallis, Oregon, may also be given for nonemergency information: 1-800-858-7384, Monday to Friday, 6:30 a.m.

to 4:30 p.m. Pacific Time. The national Chemical Transportation Emergency Center (CHEMTRAC) telephone number is 1-800-424-9300.

• Follow label requirements for mixing/loading setbacks from wells, intermittent streams and rivers, natural or impounded ponds and lakes, and reservoirs.

• Post signs, according to label directions and/or Federal, State, Tribal, and local laws, around fields that have been treated. Follow restricted entry intervals.

314-CPS-6

• Dispose of herbicides and herbicide containers in accordance with label directions and adhere to Federal, State, Tribal, and local regulations.

• Read and follow label directions and maintain appropriate Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS).

MSDS and pesticide labels may be accessed on the Internet at: http://www.greenbook.net/.

• Calibrate application equipment according to recommendations before each seasonal use and with each major chemical and site change.

• Replace worn nozzle tips, cracked hoses, and faulty gauges on spray equipment.

• Maintain records of brush/shrub control for at least 2 years. Herbicide application records shall be in accordance with USDA Agricultural Marketing Service’s Pesticide Recordkeeping Program and State-specific requirements.

Maintenance Following initial application, some regrowth, resprouting, or reoccurrence of brush may be expected.

Spot treatment of individual plants or areas needing retreatment should be completed as needed while woody vegetation is small and most vulnerable to desired treatment procedures.

Review and update the plan periodically in order to—

• Incorporate new integrated pest management technology.

• Respond to grazing management and complex plant population changes.

• Avoid the development of plant resistance to herbicide chemicals.

REFERENCES

Branson, F.A., G.F. Gifford, K.G. Renard, R.F Hadley, and E.H. Reid, ed. 1981. Rangeland Hydrology, 2nd ed., Society for Range Management, Colorado.

Heady, H.F. and D. Child, 1994. Rangeland Ecology and Management, Westview Press, Colorado.

Holechek, J.L., R.D. Pieper and C.H. Herbel. 2000. Range management principles and practices, 5th edition. Prentice Hall, New Jersey.

Krausman, P.R., ed. 1996. Rangeland Wildlife. Society for Range Management, Colorado.

Monsen, S.B., R. Stevens, and N.L. Shaw, comps. 2004. Restoring Western Ranges and Wildlands, Volume 1. Gen. Tech. Rep. RMRS-GTR-136-1, USDA, Forest Service, Fort Collins, Colorado.

United States Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service. 2003. National Range and Pasture Handbook. Washington, DC.

United States Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service. 2008. General Manual: Title 190 – Ecological Sciences: Part 404 – Pest Management. Washington, DC.

Valentine, J.R., 1989. Range Developments and Improvements, 3rd ed. Academic Press, Massachusetts.

Vavra, M., W.A. Laycock, R.D. Pieper, eds. 1994. Ecological Implications of Livestock Herbivory in the West. Society for Range Management, Colorado.

Briske, D.D. [ed]. 2011. Conservation Benefits of Rangeland Practices: Assessment, Recommendations, and Knowledge Gaps. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service. 429 pages.

http://www.greenbook.net/

315-CPS-1

NRCS reviews and periodically updates conservation practice standards. To obtain the current version of this standard, contact your Natural Resources Conservation Service State office or visit the Field Office Technical Guide.

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.

Natural Resources Conservation Service

CONSERVATION PRACTICE STANDARD

HERBACEOUS WEED TREATMENT

Code 315

(Ac)

DEFINITION

The removal or control of herbaceous weeds including invasive, noxious and prohibited plants.

PURPOSE

• Enhance accessibility, quantity, and/or quality of forage and/or browse.

• Restore or release native or create desired plant communities and wildlife habitats consistent with the site potential.

• Protect soils and control erosion

• Reduce fine fuel loads and wildfire hazard

• Pervasive plant species are controlled to a desired level of treatment that will ultimately contribute to creation or maintenance of an ecological site description "steady state," addressing the need for forage, wildlife habitat, and/or water quality.

• Improve rangeland health

CONDITIONS WHERE PRACTICE APPLIES

On all lands except active cropland where removal, reduction, or manipulation of herbaceous vegetation is desired.

This practice does not apply to removal of herbaceous vegetation by prescribed fire (use Conservation Practice Standard (CPS) Prescribed Burning (Code 338) or removal of herbaceous vegetation to facilitate a land-use change (use CPS Land Clearing (Code 460).

CRITERIA

General Criteria Applicable to All Purposes Herbaceous weed management will be applied in a manner to achieve the desired control of the target species and protection of desired species. This will be accomplished by mechanical, chemical, or biological methods either alone or in combination.

NRCS will not develop biological or chemical treatment recommendations except for biological control utilizing grazing animals. CPS Prescribed Grazing (Code 528) is used to ensure desired results are achieved and maintained.

NRCS may provide clients with acceptable biological and/or chemical control references.

Solicitation 121A2318Q0020 Attachment 6 http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/sitenav/national/states/ http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/main/national/technical/fotg/

315-CPS-2

NRCS may provide clients with current acceptable references to achieve desired management objectives.

When herbicides are used, environmental hazards and site-specific application criteria listed on pesticide labels, and contained in extension service and other approved pest management references, must be followed.

Herbaceous weed treatment will include post-treatment measures as needed to achieve resource management objectives.

Livestock and people access will be controlled based on management methods applied and restrictions as listed on the chemical labels.

Manage and/or dispose of treated weed species in a manner that will prevent the spread of herbaceous weeds to new sites.

Additional Criteria to Enhance Accessibility, Quantity, and Quality of Forage and/or Browse Herbaceous weed treatment will be applied in a manner to minimize negative impact to forage and/or other nontargeted plants. Timing and sequence of control shall be planned in coordination with specifications developed for CPSs Prescribed Grazing (Code 528) or Forage Harvest Management (Code 511).

Additional Criteria to Restore or Release Native or Create Desired Plant Communities and Wildlife Habitats Consistent with the Site Potential Apply herbaceous weed treatment in a manner to protect the health and vigor of native or desired plant species.

Use applicable ecological site description (ESD) State and transition models or other suitable information, to develop specifications that are ecologically sound and defensible. Treatments must be congruent with dynamics of the ecological site(s) and keyed to states and plant community phases that have the potential and capability to support the desired plant community. If an ESD is not available, base specifications on the best approximation of the desired plant community composition, structure, and function.

Treatments will be conducted during periods of the year when weed species are most vulnerable and will promote restoration of the native or desired plant communities.

Apply herbaceous weed treatment in a manner that maintains or enhances important wildlife habitat requirements.

Treatments will be conducted during periods of the year that accommodate reproduction and other life cycle requirements of target wildlife and pollinator species.

Apply treatments that maintain or enhance plant community composition and structure to meet the requirements of target wildlife species.

Additional Criteria to Protect Soils and Control Erosion Apply herbaceous weed treatment to minimize soil disturbance and soil erosion.

Additional treatment will be applied to protect soils and prevent erosion.

Additional Criteria to Reduce Fine Fuel Loads and Wildfire Hazard Treat weed species in a manner that creates a native or desired plant community which reduces the potential for accumulating excessive fuel loads and increased wildfire hazards.

315-CPS-3

Apply treatment methods in a manner that minimize the potential for unintended impacts to air resources (e.g., smoke, chemical drift, etc.).

Additional Criteria to Control Pervasive Plant Species to a Desired Level of Treatment Additional treatments are planned and will be applied to achieve effective control of pervasive plant species through reapplication.

Additional Criteria to Improve Rangeland Health Apply herbaceous weed treatment in a manner to enhance the health and vigor of native or desired plant species.

Complete rangeland health assessment based on the applicable “Rangeland Health Reference Worksheet” from the appropriate ecological site description(s). Identify causes of invasion, contributing processes (i.e., disturbance, dispersal, reproduction, resource acquisition, environment, life strategies, stress, interference) and associated ecological processes that are in disrepair. Appropriate tools and strategies must be based on process-based principles.

Treatments will be conducted during periods of the year when weed species are most vulnerable and will promote restoration of the native or desired plant communities.

Design and execute a plan using adaptive management which is the feedback mechanism for adjusting, as knowledge is gained from earlier management applications.

Additional Criteria for Controlling Invasive Plants Control of invasive plants may include eradicating, reducing, or managing invasive species populations and preventing their spread. Control also includes restoration of native species and habitats to reduce the effects of invasive species and to prevent further invasions.

Preventing the initial establishment of invasive plants should be a major component of any Invasive Plant Species Control Plan. Early detection and control is a more efficient and effective strategy than waiting until an area is infested.

Control of noxious or invasive plants may be accomplished by mechanical, chemical, biological, prescribed burning, or a combination of all of these methods.

The control method(s) used will be designed to protect the soil from erosion and to avoid the degradation of soil quality.

Control methods will be designed to protect and encourage the growth of desirable native plant species.

When using chemical control, spot treatment methods will be used whenever feasible.

Minimum control is 90% reduction of existing invasive plants on site after application.

If using biological controls, release of the control agent will be in compliance with taxa-specific release standards only after securing any required Federal, State or local permits.

Areas where control measures have been used may require active re-vegetation methods to reestablish desirable plant species. Vegetative plantings and site preparation will follow the Conservation Practice Standards and vegetative establishment in the NRCS Field Office Technical Guide for applicable planting standards such as: Pasture and Hay Planting (512), Tree/Shrub Planting (612), Riparian Forest Buffer (391), Conservation Cover (327), Restoration and Management of Declining Habitats (643), Critical Area Planting (342).

315-CPS-4

Use vegetation adapted to the site conditions that will accomplish the desired purpose. Federal or state listed noxious or invasive plant species shall not be planted.

Disposal of noxious or invasive plant species from the site treated will be by appropriate methods (e.g., burned, hung off ground, placed on tarps, bagged, etc.) to lessen the potential for the plants to repopulate the site or spread to new areas. Bagged plants will be properly disposed of off-site. After plants are dead and dried, properly dispose of or remove tarp.

Where herbicides will be applied, Vermont Agency of Agriculture certified pesticide applicators with Category 2 – Forest Pests must be used. Plan approval by Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation Wetlands Division is required when herbicides will be applied to Vermont State Significant Wetlands which includes Class 1 & 2 wetlands and/or associated buffer zones of 100 or 50 feet respectively.

CONSIDERATIONS

Consider using CPS Integrated Pest Management (Code 595) in support of herbaceous weed control and weed management. Consider soil erosion potential and difficulty of vegetation establishment when choosing a method of control that causes soil disturbance.

Consider the appropriate time period for treatment. Some herbaceous weed management activities can be effective when applied within a single year; others may require multiple years of treatment(s) to achieve desired objectives.

Consider impacts to wildlife species, in general, treatments that create a mosaic pattern may be the most desirable.

Consider impacts to wildlife food supplies, space, and cover availability when planning the method and amount of herbaceous weed management.

Control should be applied outside the primary nesting season of April 15-August 1st if possible.

Consider choosing methods of control that cause no or limited soil disturbance. Disturbed soil may lead to increased germination of invasive plant seeds.

Plant material native to the State or local area should be used whenever possible.

State-issued licenses may be required when using chemical pesticide treatments.

For air quality purposes, consider using chemical methods of herbaceous weed management that minimize chemical drift and excessive chemical usage and consider mechanical methods of herbaceous weed management that minimize the entrainment of particulate matter.

Adjacent land uses must be considered before chemicals are used.

PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS

Prepare plans and specifications for each field or treatment unit according to the criteria included in this standard.

Prepare herbaceous weed treatment plans and specifications that conform to all applicable Federal, State, and local laws. Use VT NRCS job sheets or implementation requirements as available. For invasive plant control, use the Vermont NRCS control plan template to develop the Invasive Plant Control Plan. At a minimum, a herbaceous weed management practice plan shall include—

315-CPS-5

1. Goals and objectives statement.

2. Site Description

3. Plan map and soil map for the site.

4. Pretreatment cover or density of the target plant(s), listing of target plants, control strategies and method for the site, and the planned post-treatment cover or density. Revegetation methods will be included if applicable.

5. Maps, drawings, and/or narratives detailing or identifying areas to be treated, pattern of treatment (if applicable), and areas that will not be disturbed.

6. A monitoring plan that identifies what shall be measured (including timing and frequency) and the changes in the plant community (compare with objectives) that will be achieved.

Mechanical Treatment Methods.

Plans and specifications will include items 1 through 6 above, plus the following:

• Type of equipment to use for management.

• Dates of treatment for effective management.

• Operating instructions (if applicable).

• Techniques and procedures to be followed.

For Chemical Treatment Methods.

The Invasive Plant Control Plan will be written or reviewed and signed by NRCS or NRCS Partner who is a Certified Pesticide Applicator with Category 2. In addition, include the 315 General Info sheet, applicable Species Info Sheets and Landowner Acknowledgment Form. Following herbicide use, the selected contractor must complete the Contractor Record and Certification Sheet which will be submitted to NRCS. Follow the Vermont NRCS Invasive Plant Control Checklist in development of the Plan and Maps. Plans and specifications will include items 1 through 6, above under general specifications, plus the following:

• Acceptable chemical treatment references for containment and management of target species.

• Documented techniques to be used, planned dates and rates of application.

• Evaluation and interpretation of herbicide risks associated with the selected treatment(s) using WIN-

PST or other approved tools.

• Any special mitigation, timing considerations or other factors (such as soil texture and organic matter content) that must be considered to ensure the safest, most effective application of the herbicide.

• Reference to product label instructions.

For Biological Treatment Methods.

Plans and specifications will include items 1 through 6, above, plus the following:

• Acceptable biological treatment references for the selected biological agent used to contain and manage the target species.

• Document release date, kind, and number of agents.

• Timing, frequency, duration, and intensity of grazing or browsing.

• Desired degree of grazing or browsing use for effective management of target species.

• Maximum allowable degree of use on desirable nontarget species.

• Special mitigation, precautions, or requirements associated with the selected treatment(s).

OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE

Operation Herbaceous weed management practices shall be applied using approved materials and procedures.

Operations will comply with all local, State, and Federal laws and ordinances.

315-CPS-6

The operator will develop a safety plan for individuals exposed to chemicals, including telephone numbers and addresses of emergency treatment centers and the telephone number for the nearest poison control center.

The National Pesticide Information Center (NPIC) telephone number in Corvallis, Oregon, may also be given for nonemergency information: 1-800-858-7384, Monday to Friday, 6:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Pacific Time. The national Chemical Transportation Emergency Center (CHEMTRAC) telephone number is: 1- 800-424-9300.

• Follow label requirements for mixing/loading setbacks from wells, intermittent streams and rivers, natural or impounded ponds and lakes, and reservoirs.

• Post signs, according to label directions and/or Federal, State, Tribal, and local laws, around fields that have been treated. Follow restricted entry intervals.

• Dispose of herbicide and herbicide containers in accordance with label directions and adhere to Federal, State, Tribal, and local regulations.

• Read and follow label directions and maintain appropriate Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS).

MSDS and herbicide labels may be accessed on the Internet at: http://www.greenbook.net/.

• Calibrate application equipment according to recommendations before each seasonal use and with each major chemical and site change.

• Replace worn nozzle tips, cracked hoses, and faulty gauges on spray equipment.

• Maintain records of plant management for at least 2 years. Herbicide application records shall be in accordance with USDA Agricultural Marketing Service’s Pesticide Recordkeeping Program and State-specific requirements.

Maintenance.

Success of the practice shall be determined by evaluating regrowth or reoccurrence of target species after sufficient time has passed to monitor the situation and gather reliable data. Length of evaluation periods will depend on the herbaceous weeds species being monitored, proximity of propagules (seeds, plant materials and roots) to the site, transport mode of seeds (wind or animals) and methods and materials used.

Following initial application, some regrowth, resprouting, or reoccurrence of herbaceous weeds may be expected. Spot treatment of individual plants or areas needing retreatment should be completed as needed when weed vegetation is most vulnerable to desired treatment procedures.

Review and update the plan periodically to: incorporate new IPM technology, respond to grazing management and complex weed population changes, and avoid the development of weed resistance to herbicide chemicals.

REFERENCES

Alex, J.F. and C.M. Switer. 1982. Ontario weeds. Publ. 505, University of Guelph – Ontario Agricultural College, Guelph, Ontario, Canada.

American Sheep Industry, A. Peischel and D.D. Henry, Jr., 2006. Targeted Grazing: a Natural Approach to Vegetation Management and Landscape Enhancement.

Ciba-Geigy Corp. Plants that poison livestock: Information chart.

Cornell University Department of Animal Science. Plants Poisonous to Livestock and Other Animals.

[Online]. Available at: http://www.ansci.cornell.edu/plants/.

DeWolf , G. and M. Hondalus. 1988. Common Massachusetts plants poisonous to horses. University of Massachusetts Cooperative Extension Service, Amherst, Massachusetts.

Solicitation 121A2318Q0020 Attachment 6 http://www.greenbook.net/ http://www.ansci.cornell.edu/plants/

315-CPS-7

Ensminger, M.E. 1992. The stockman’s handbook. (7th Ed.) The Interstate Printers and Publishers, Inc.

Danville, Illinois.

Evers, R.A. and R.P. Link. 1972. Poison plants of the Midwest and their effects on livestock. Special Publication 24, University of Illinois – College of Agriculture, Urbana, Illinois.

Hamilton, G.W. and J.R. Mitchell. 2001. [Online] Poisonous plants in pastures. Univ. of New Hampshire Coop. Ext. Serv., Durham, New Hampshire. Available at http://extension.unh.edu/resources/representation/Resource000623_Rep645.pdf. (Accessed 15 October 2008).

Hill, R.J. and D. Folland. 1986. Poisonous plants of Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.

Peachey, E., A. Hulting, T. Miller, D. Lyon, D. Morishita and P. Hutchinson. Pacific Northwest Weed Management Handbook. 2016. Oregon State University, Corvallis. Oregon.

Radosevich, S.R., J.S. Holt, and C.M. Ghersa. 2007. Ecology of Weeds and Invasive Plants – Relationship to Agriculture and Natural Resource Management. Third Edition. Wiley-Interscience. A.

John Wiley & Sons, Inc. 454pp.

Reed, C.F. 1970. Selected weeds of the United States. Agriculture Handbook No. 366, U.S.

Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C.

Sheley, R., J. James, B. Smith, and E. Vasquez. 2010. Applying Ecologically Based Invasive-Plant Management. Rangeland Ecology & Management, 63(6): 605-613.

USDA-ARS. 2006. Bulletin 415 - Plants poisonous to livestock in the Western states. [Online]. Available at http://www.ars.usda.gov/Services/docs.htm?docid=12140 (Updated 08 February 2006, accessed 15 October 2008).

Whitson, T.D., L.C. Burrill, S.A. Dewey, D.W. Cudney, B.E. Nelson, R.D. Lee, and R. Parker. 1992.

Weeds of the West. Western Society of Weed Science in cooperation with the Western United States Land Grand Universities Cooperative Extension Services and the University of Wyoming. 630pp.

http://extension.unh.edu/resources/representation/Resource000623_Rep645.pdf

Job Sheet –Brush Management (314) Revised March 2011

Brush Management – Invasive Plant Control Buckthorns – VT Class B Noxious Weeds Conservation Practice Job Sheet VT-314

Common Buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica L.) Glossy Buckthorn (Frangula alnus Mill.)

Buckthorns The buckthorns are native to Eurasia. They were probably introduced to the US before 1800 but did not become widespread until the early 1900s. They are now found throughout much of the central and northern United States and into Canada.

Common and glossy buckthorns are shrubs or small trees that readily invade natural areas, establishing dense, even-aged thickets which crowd or shade out native plants. The buckthorns reproduce sexually by seed. Both buckthorns produce fruits that are readily eaten, and thus seeds are spread by wildlife. Both buckthorns have lenticels (raised corky areas) on the bark and the inner bark is yellow.

Common buckthorn has dull green, minutely toothed, oblong leaves that are opposite or nearly so on the stem. Leaves have 3-4 pairs of veins which curve upward toward the tip. Branch stems end in small thorns that appear between the last pair of buds.

Fragrant flowers with four greenish-yellow petals develop into black fruit (3-4 seeds) that may persist well into winter.

Glossy buckthorn has thin, alternate glossy leaves which are oblong to elliptical with more than 5 pairs of veins and with smooth or wavy margins. Buds are rust-colored and naked. Five parted, yellowish-green flowers ripen from red to black (2-3 seeds).

Buckthorns generally leaf-out earlier and retain their leaves longer than many native shrubs. This trait, shared by many invasive shrubs, gives them a competitive advantage over native plants but also allows landowners to easily locate the invasive shrubs and determine their extent on a property.

Similar Natives The native shrub Alderleaf Buckthorn (Rhamnus alnifolia L’Her) has alternate leaves with 8-9 pairs of veins and toothed margins. The leaf surface is puckered (like seer sucker fabric). The buds are scaly (not naked) but lack thorn tips of common buckthorn.

Chokecherry (Prunus virginiana) is a common native shrub of hedgerows which has egg-shaped, alternate leaves that are finely and sharply toothed. Five parted white flowers are borne on dense, cylindrical racemes.

Control As with all invasive species, buckthorns in natural areas are most effectively controlled by recognizing their appearance early and removing isolated plants before they begin to produce seed. With large infestations, the largest seed-producing plants should be removed first.

Manual, mechanical and chemical methods are all useful to varying degrees in controlling buckthorns.

Removing or killing plants will provide increased light at the site which may lead to a surge of seedlings in the following year. Prepare to monitor and control these outbreaks.

Biological Control There are no known biological controls of buckthorn.

Mechanical Control Mechanical controls include grubbing or pulling seedlings and mature shrubs, and repeated clipping of shrubs. Mechanical management requires a commitment to cut or pull plants at least twice a year for a period of three to five years. Cutting alone has met with limited success and may lead to vigorous re-sprouting. Grubbing or pulling by hand (using a Weed Wrench or a similar tool) is appropriate for small populations or where herbicides cannot be used.

Because disturbed, open soil can support rapid re-invasion, managers must monitor their efforts at least once per year and repeat control measures as needed.

Limit soil disturbance whenever possible. Winter clipping should be avoided as it encourages vigorous re-sprouting.

Prescribed Burning Burning has met with mixed results and does not show great promise. Burns should only be used in fire-adapted plant communities of which there are very few in Vermont. It is generally difficult to burn in dense buckthorn stands as the understory is typically well-shaded, allowing little fuel build-up. Be aware of the effects on non-target vegetation.

Chemical Control Chemical control methods are best done during the fall when most native plants are dormant yet buckthorns are still actively growing. This lessens the risk of affecting nontarget plants. The buckthorns' green leaves will provide easy recognition and allow for a thorough treatment at this time. Winter application of chemicals has proven to be successful as well, and further lessens the risk of damaging non-target species.

Glyphosate (brand names Roundup, and for use near waterbodies, Rodeo1) is a nonselective herbicide which kills both grasses and broad-leaved plants while triclopyr3 (brand names Garlon1, Pathfinder1, and others) is a selective herbicide that kills broad-leaved plants but does little or no harm to grasses.

Cut Stump Treatments: For ‘cut stump’ treatments, horizontally cut the stem near the ground. Do not cut the stem at ground level. Leaving some stem will allow another cut and application if there is sprouting.

Apply a 20-25% solution of glyphosate or triclopyr3 and water to the stump being sure to cover the outer, top 20% of the cut stem2, 4. Herbicide must be applied immediately following the cutting. Add dye or food coloring to the mixture to track treated stumps. This treatment is best applied late in the growing season when the plant is transporting nutrients to its root system (August-October).

Foliar Treatment: For foliar treatments a 2% solutions of glyphosate and water can be used2. The treatment should be applied to the foliage late in the growing season. Do not cut down treated plants for at least a full growing season.

Basal Bark Method: This method is effective throughout the year as long as snow cover does not prevent spraying to the ground level. Apply a mixture of 25% triclopyr3 and 75% horticultural oil to the basal parts of the shrub to a height of 12-15 inches from the ground5. This mixture is also applicable to frill applications where herbicide is applied into the cambial layer of fresh cuts on the tree trunk5. Be sure to treat entire circumference of the stem in a band at least 12 inches wide. Thorough wetting is necessary for good control; spray until run-off is noticeable at the ground line. Do not apply to bark that’s wet from heavy dews and rain.

1 – Class A Restricted Use Herbicides 2 – From TNC ESA – Buckthorns 3 – Greater than 2% Triclopyr herbicide is Class A -restricted use in Vermont.

4 - Wisconsin DNR Control Manual 5 – Alien Plant Invaders Fact Sheets

Important Note Mention of specific pesticide products in this document does not constitute an endorsement. These products are mentioned specifically in control literature used to create this document.

Disposal Small, pulled shrubs should be hung in trees to prevent re-rooting. Larger, pulled shrubs may be piled or piled and burned, roots up, to prevent re-establishment. Cut stems may be piled or piled and burned. If chipping, do not remove material from the site as buckthorns will spread by seeds.

Information and Recommendations compiled from:

• The Nature Conservancy - Element Stewardship

Abstract (and references therein)

• Invasive Plant Atlas of New England (IPANE)

• Vermont Invasive Exotic Plant Fact Sheets

• CT NRCS Invasive Species ID Sheets

• Wisconsin Manual of Control Recommendations for Ecologically Invasive Plants (DNR)

• Alien Plant Invaders of Natural Areas (NPS)

• Newcomb’s Wildflower Guide

Brush Management – Invasive Plant Control Shrub Honeysuckles – VT Class B Noxious Weeds Conservation Practice Job Sheet VT-314

Morrow's honeysuckle (Lonicera morrowii) Tatarian honeysuckle (Lonicera tatarica)

Shrub Honeysuckles The exotic shrub honeysuckles are increasingly common throughout much of the eastern and Midwestern United States and south-central Canada where they have contributed to reduced species richness and cover of native herb communities and to reduced tree regeneration in early to mid-successional forests. Although disturbance of some kind usually precedes invasion, the exotic shrub honeysuckles are adapted to a wide variety of habitats. Reproduction is almost entirely by seed. Seed production and short-term seed viability are consistently high, and seeds are readily dispersed by birds and, perhaps, small mammals.

Exotic shrub honeysuckles are upright, multi-stemmed, oppositely branched, deciduous shrubs. The exotic honeysuckles have hollow center branches when mature (native honeysuckles do not). The opposite leaves are entire (un-toothed margins) and paired. Axillary flowers (where leaf is attached to stem) are showy with white, pink, and sometimes aging to yellow corollas. The fruits of honeysuckles are usually red but can be yellow, orange or clear and fleshy. The fruits are never blue, black or white. In flower, exotic shrub honeysuckles can be distinguished from all native shrub honeysuckles except swamp fly-honeysuckle (L. oblongifolia) by their hirsute (hairy) styles.

The exotic shrub honeysuckles also generally leaf-out earlier and retain their leaves longer than the native shrub honeysuckles. This trait, shared by many invasive shrubs, gives them a competitive advantage over native plants but also allows landowners to easily locate the invasive shrubs and determine their extent on a property.

Similar Natives Most notable in Vermont are the rare and uncommon fly honeysuckles Lonicera oblongifolia (S2) and Lonicera villosa (S3) and Lonicera canadensis which all have solid white piths.

Control The potential for large-scale restoration of unmanaged natural areas infested with honeysuckle is probably low. Restoration potential for managed natural areas infested with honeysuckle is probably moderate. If attacked during the early stages of colonization, the potential for successful management is high.

Manual, mechanical, environmental/cultural, and chemical methods are all useful to varying degrees in controlling honeysuckles. Removing or killing plants will provide increased light at the site which may lead to a surge of seedlings in the following year. Prepare to monitor and control these outbreaks.

Biological Control There are no known biological controls of honeysuckle.

Mechanical Control Mechanical controls include grubbing or pulling seedlings and mature shrubs, and repeated clipping of shrubs. Effective mechanical management requires a commitment to cut or pull plants at least twice a year for a period of three to five years. Cuttings should be done in the growing season (spring and fall).

Grubbing or pulling by hand (using a Weed Wrench or a similar tool) is appropriate for small populations or where herbicides cannot be used.

Any portions of the root system not removed can re-sprout. Because disturbed, open soil can support rapid re-invasion, managers must monitor their efforts at least once per year and repeat control measures as needed. Limit soil disturbance whenever possible.

Winter clipping should be avoided as it encourages vigorous re-sprouting.

Prescribed Burning Repeated annual prescribed burns during the growing season will top-kill shrubs and inhibit new shoot production. Because exotic shrub honeysuckles readily re-sprout, it may be necessary to re-burn every year or every other year for several years to achieve good control. Be aware that few plant communities in Vermont are fire-adapted so consider the effects on non-target vegetation.

Chemical Control Most managers report that treatment with herbicides is necessary for large shrub honeysuckle populations.

Formulations of glyphosate (brand names Roundup, and for use near waterbodies, Rodeo1) and formulations of triclopyr (brand names Garlon1, Pathfinder1, and others), have been used as foliar sprays or cut stump sprays and paints with varying degrees of success.

Glyphosate is a nonselective herbicide which kills both grasses and broad-leaved plants while triclopyr is a selective herbicide that kills broad-leaved plants but does little or no harm to grasses.

Cut Stump Treatments: For ‘cut stump’ treatments, horizontally cut the stem near the ground. Do not cut the stem at ground level. Leaving some stem will allow another cut and application if there is sprouting.

Apply a 25% solution of glyphosate or triclopyr3 and water to the stump being sure to cover the outer, top 20% of the cut stem2, 4. Herbicide must be applied immediately following the cutting. Add dye or food coloring to the mixture to track treated stumps.