Attachment_5_-_Revised_Invasive_Plant_Control_Plans.pdf

Vermont NRCS – Invasive Plant Control Plan For: VT Earth Works Date: 1/26/2018

NRCS Does Not Make Herbicide Recommendations Follow Herbicide Label Instructions – It’s the Law.

Site Description:

The Giancola WRE easement is located in West Rutland, VT off of Whipple Hollow Road (see locator map for easement access). This easement is split by the Castleton River and is classified as a palustrine scrub-shrub/forested broad-leaved deciduous wetland. This site was previously a ditched field that has been restored to its original wetland condition. Current cover is a mix of old/transitional field, emergent wetland vegetation and mature riparian forest buffer.

There are no private wells, public water supplies, surface, or groundwater protection areas within 200 feet of the treatment area. There are no known rare, threatened, or endangered species or natural communities within the treatment area. The majority of the treatment area is located near a Vermont state significant wetland (class 2).

Invasive Plant Description:

The invasive species requiring treatment on the Giancola WRE easement is Common Reed (Phragmites australis). There is a patch of phragmites in the southwestern portion of the easement adjacent to Whipple Hollow road. This patch of phragmites is fairly established with stalks over 6 feet tall. Treatment will help prevent the spread of phragmites further into the easement and allow for native vegetation to recolonize the area. The percent cover of phragmites is approximately 50% in the 1.2 acre treatment area. There is another patch of phragmites also in the southwestern portion of the easement adjacent to a ditch. This patch seems fairly new with stalks over 6 feet tall. The percent cover of phragmites is approximately 5% in the 0.1 acre treatment area. Finally, there are two patches of phragmites along the southeastern boundary. These patches are robust and well established.

Percent cover is estimated to be 75% in each of the 0.1 acre treatment areas. While the aforementioned species have been identified on site and compose the bulk of the treatment needs, all commonly known invasive plants (e.g. barberry, garlic mustard, etc.) encountered during application will be controlled within the treatment area.

Invasive Plant Control Goal:

The main objectives for treating phragmites are to help create space for native plant regeneration, increase native vegetation to support native wildlife, and improve the quality of riparian and wetland habitats found in the easement. The goal for this treatment is at least 90% reduction in cover after the initial application. Two additional years of follow-up treatment are planned.

Control Strategies for the Site:

A current licensed pesticide applicator certified in Category 2 (forests) must be used for this treatment. Treatment options and specifications for phragmites can be found in the Common Reed Conservation Practice Job Sheet (see attachments). The best time to treat phragmites is in late summer/early fall after the plant has flowered. Treatment of phragmites will occur using an appropriate aquatic approved herbicide, surfactant, and dye. Care should be taken to avoid treating non-target species and prevent any herbicide reaching surface waters on site. Avoid wet rainy conditions when amphibians may be active at or near the ground surface. State water quality laws must be followed and any required state permits must be acquired prior to the start of treatment. All herbicide label instructions must be followed as well. Since treatment will need to occur within a VSWI wetland buffer zone, the plan will need be reviewed by Vermont DEC Wetlands Coordinator to make this activity an allowed use.

A total of three (3) years of treatment are planned on this site. Treatment should occur in late summer/early fall after the plant has flowered.

Solicitation 121A2318Q0021 Attachment 5

Vermont NRCS – Invasive Plant Control Plan For: VT Earth Works Date: 1/26/2018

NRCS Does Not Make Herbicide Recommendations Follow Herbicide Label Instructions – It’s the Law.

Re-Vegetation or Restoration Techniques:

The plan is to allow for natural regeneration to occur onsite. The area of phragmites is in close proximity to native vegetation, which should provide a seed source for natural revegetation.

Monitoring Plan:

The treatment area and surrounding lands will be monitored at least annually for the purpose of detecting re-growth of controlled species or the introduction and establishment of new noxious or invasive species while the site is in recovery (at least 5 years for Herbaceous Weed Control and 10 years for Brush Management). Re-growth of treated plants, seedlings or new species will be controlled with follow up treatments.

Licensed Pesticide Applicator Date Planner Signature Date Signature, Plan Reviewer

___284 - 4379_______________ License #

TOBY ALEXANDER

Digitally signed by TOBY

ALEXANDER

Date: 2018.03.13 14:34:35 -04'00'

JOSEPH BONDI (Affiliate)

Digitally signed by JOSEPH BONDI (Affiliate) Date: 2018.03.14 07:42:40 -04'00'

Vermont NRCS – Invasive Plant Control Plan For: Robert Forrest Date: 2/2/2018

NRCS Does Not Make Herbicide Recommendations

Site Description:

The Forest WRE easement is located in Pittsford, VT off of Depot Hill Road (see locator map for easement access). It is within the corridor of WRE easements along the Otter Creek. This easement is located in the

Champlain Valley and is classified as a palustrine persistent emergent wetland. This site was previously a ditched field that has been restored to its original wetland condition. Current cover is a mix of old/transitional field, emergent wetland vegetation and early successional riparian forest.

There are no public water supplies, surface, or groundwater protection areas within 200 feet of the treatment area.

There is one private well reported near proposed treatment areas, however, previous site visits have indicated no wells present within the easement. There is a State listed S2 (rare) mussel found in the Otter Creek adjacent to some of the treatment areas. All treatment areas are located within or near a Vermont State significant wetland

(class 2).

Invasive Plant Description:

The invasive species requiring treatment on the Forrest WRE easement are Reed Canary Grass (Phalaris arundinacea) and Common Reed (Phragmites australis). Reed canary grass is found throughout the easement, however, treatment will focus on planned tree and shrub establishment sites. These areas of reed canary grass are very dense and well established (80% cover). A total of 9.8 acres are planned to be treated. Treatment will help control reed canary grass in the area and allow for planted trees and shrubs to thrive.

Phragmites is found in a small patch in the western portion of the easement adjacent to Depot Hill road. This patch seems relatively new and is in low densities. Percent cover is estimated to be 10% in the 0.1 acre treatment area. While the aforementioned species have been identified on site and compose the bulk of the treatment needs, all commonly known invasive plants (e.g. barberry, garlic mustard, etc.) encountered during application will be controlled within the treatment areas.

Invasive Plant Control Goal:

The main objectives for treating these invasive plants is to help create space for native tree and shrub plantings, increase native vegetation to support native wildlife, and improve the quality of riparian and wetland habitats found in the easement. The goal for this treatment is at least 90% reduction in cover after the initial application.

Two additional years of follow-up treatment are planned.

Control Strategies for the Site:

A current licensed pesticide applicator certified in Category 2 (forests) must be used for this treatment. Treatment options and specifications for reed canary grass can be found in the Herbaceous Weed Control Conservation

Practice Job Sheet (see attachments). The best time to treat reed canary grass is in spring and summer when the plant is growing. Treatment options and specifications for phragmites can be found in the Common Reed

Conservation Practice Job Sheet. Treatment of phragmites should occur in the late summer/early fall after the plant has flowered. Treatment of these invasive plants will occur using an appropriate approved aquatic herbicide, surfactant, and dye. Care must be taken to prevent any herbicide reaching surface waters on site.

Avoid wet rainy conditions when amphibians may be active at or the ground surface. State water quality laws must be followed and any required state permits must be acquired prior to the start of treatment. All herbicide label instructions must be followed as well. Since treatment will need to occur within a VSWI wetland and buffer

Vermont NRCS – Invasive Plant Control Plan For: Robert Forrest Date: 2/2/2018

NRCS Does Not Make Herbicide Recommendations zone, the plan will need be reviewed by Vermont DEC Wetlands Coordinator to make this activity an allowed use.

A total of three (3) years of treatment are planned on this site. Additionally, native tree and shrub planting is scheduled for this site within the reed canary grass treatment areas. The first year of treatment will have two treatments: one in the spring and one in late summer. This can be done by broadcasting an approved aquatic herbicide in treatment areas. The next two years of treatments will be spot treatments around planted trees and shrubs. This most likely require a backpack sprayer. Care should be taken to not get any herbicide on planted trees and shrubs. A more selective grass and broadleaf herbicide can be used to avoid any possible harm to planted trees and shrubs as long as it is approved for use in aquatic environments.

Re-Vegetation or Restoration Techniques:

The plan is to allow for a mix of natural regeneration and planting of native trees and shrubs to help with regeneration. A total of 11.1 acres are planned to be planted using only native, local stock of tree and shrub species.

Monitoring Plan:

The treatment area and surrounding lands will be monitored at least annually for the purpose of detecting re-growth of controlled species or the introduction and establishment of new noxious or invasive species while the site is in recovery (at least 5 years for Herbaceous Weed Control and 10 years for Brush Management). Re-growth of treated plants, seedlings or new species will be controlled with follow up treatments.

Licensed Pesticide Applicator Date Planner Signature Date

Signature, Plan Reviewer

____284 - 4379_______________ License #

Vermont NRCS – Invasive Plant Control Plan For: VTFWD Date: 2/20/2018

NRCS Does Not Make Herbicide Recommendations Follow Herbicide Label Instructions – It’s the Law.

Site Description:

The Pomainville WRE easement is located in Pittsford, VT off of US Route 7 (see locator map for easement access). It is within the corridor of WRE easements along the Otter Creek. This easement is located in the Champlain Valley and is classified as a palustrine persistent emergent wetland. This site was previously a ditched field that has been restored to its original wetland condition. Current cover is a mix of old/transitional field, emergent wetland vegetation, and early successional riparian forest.

There are no private wells, public water supplies, surface, or groundwater protection areas within 200 feet of the treatment area. There is a State listed S2 (rare) mussel found in the Otter Creek adjacent to some the treatment areas. The majority of the treatment area is located within or near a Vermont state significant wetland (class 2).

Invasive Plant Description:

The invasive species requiring treatment on the Pomainville WRE easement is Reed Canary Grass (Phalaris arundinacea). Reed canary grass is found throughout the easement, however, treatment will focus on areas where tree and shrub plantings are scheduled. These areas of reed canary grass are fairly established and grow as tall as 4 feet. Treatment will help control the spread of reed canary grass further into the easement and allow for native trees and shrubs to be planted. The percent cover of reed canary grass is approximately 75% in the 40.4 acre treatment area. While the aforementioned species have been identified on site and compose the bulk of the treatment needs, all commonly known invasive plants (e.g. barberry, garlic mustard, etc.) encountered during application will be controlled within the treatment area.

Invasive Plant Control Goal:

The main objectives for treating reed canary grass is to help create space for native tree and shrub plantings, increase native vegetation to support native wildlife, and improve the quality of wetland habitat found in the easement. The goal for this treatment is at least 90% reduction in cover after the initial application. Two additional years of follow-up treatment are planned to prevent surviving rhizomes from re-sprouting.

Control Strategies for the Site:

A current licensed pesticide applicator certified in Category 2 (forests) must be used for this treatment. Treatment options and specifications for reed canary grass can be found in the Herbaceous Weed Control Conservation Practice Job Sheet (see attachments). The best time to treat reed canary grass is in spring and summer when the plant is growing. Treatment of reed canary grass will occur using an appropriate aquatic approved herbicide, surfactant, and dye. Due to the presence of uncommon and rare species, care must be taken to avoid treating non-target species and prevent any herbicide reaching surface waters on site. Avoid wet rainy conditions when amphibians may be active at or near the ground surface. State water quality laws must be followed and any required state permits must be acquired prior to the start of treatment. All herbicide label instructions must be followed as well. Since treatment will need to occur within a VSWI wetland and buffer zone, the plan will need be reviewed by Vermont DEC Wetlands Coordinator to make this activity an allowed use.

A total of three (3) years of treatment are planned on this site. Additionally, native tree and shrub planting is scheduled for this site within the treatment areas. The first year of treatment will have two treatments: one in the spring and one in late summer. This can be done by broadcasting an approved aquatic herbicide in treatment areas. The next two years of treatments will be spot treatments around planted trees and shrubs. This most likely require a backpack sprayer. Care should be taken to not get any herbicide on planted trees and shrubs. A more

Vermont NRCS – Invasive Plant Control Plan For: VTFWD Date: 2/20/2018

NRCS Does Not Make Herbicide Recommendations selective grass and broadleaf herbicide can be used to avoid any possible harm to planted trees and shrubs as long as it is approved for use in aquatic environments.

Re-Vegetation or Restoration Techniques:

The plan is to plant native trees and shrubs in treatment areas to help with regeneration. A total of 47 acres are planned to be planted using only native, local stock of tree and shrub species.

Monitoring Plan:

The treatment area and surrounding lands will be monitored at least annually for the purpose of detecting re-growth of controlled species or the introduction and establishment of new noxious or invasive species while the site is in recovery (at least 5 years for Herbaceous Weed Control and 10 years for Brush Management). Re-growth of treated plants, seedlings or new species will be controlled with follow up treatments.

Licensed Pesticide Applicator Date Planner Signature Date Signature, Plan Reviewer

____284 - 4379______________ License #

TOBY ALEXANDER

Digitally signed by TOBY

ALEXANDER

Date: 2018.02.20 17:03:06 -05'00'

JOSEPH BONDI

(Affiliate)

Digitally signed by JOSEPH BONDI (Affiliate) Date: 2018.02.21 15:26:57 -05'00'