Attachment_6_-_Conservation_Practice_Standard.pdf

315-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.

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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 121A2318Q0021 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/

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February 2018

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.

Solicitation 121A2318Q0021 Attachment 6

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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).

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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—

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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.

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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 121A2318Q0021 Attachment 6 http://www.greenbook.net/ http://www.ansci.cornell.edu/plants/

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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 –Herbaceous Weed Control (315) Page 1 of 2

Herbaceous Weed Control – Invasive Plant Control Common Reed – Phragmites australis Conservation Practice Job Sheet VT-315

Common Reed Phragmites is most commonly found in freshwater wetlands but it readily invades salt marshes that have been degraded by some type of flow restriction. It can also be found along river edges, shores of lakes and ponds, roadsides and disturbed areas.

Phragmites alters the structure and function of diverse marsh ecosystems by changing species composition, nutrient cycles and hydrological regimes. Dense phragmites stands decrease biodiversity and quality of wetland habitat, particularly for migrating waders and waterfowl species.

Similar Natives There exists an uncommon native variety of Phragmites in Vermont.

Description Phragmites is a perennial grass that can grow to approximately 14 feet in height. The leaves (see picture above) are lanceolate, often 20-40 cm long and 1-4 cm wide. Flowering and seed set occur between July and September, resulting in a large feathery inflorescence, purple-hued turning to tan. Phragmites reproduces through wind dispersal and vigorous vegetative reproduction through rhizomes. It often forms dense, virtually monospecific stands.

Control Before control methods are implemented, it is important to be aware of animal species utilizing the habitat. Many waterfowl will utilize Phragmites habitats so long as they have not become too dense to nest in.

An initial herbicide treatment stresses the plants, making them particularly vulnerable to subsequent treatments. Because of the physiology of Phragmites, well-established stands are difficult to control with only one herbicide treatment. Creating multiple stresses on the plants is the most effective way to control phragmites. Herbicide treatment in conjunction with prescribed fire, mechanical treatment or flooding have proven to be effective in controlling phragmites and allowing native plants to reestablish.

Common Reed, leavesCommon Reed (Phragmites australis)

Job Sheet –Herbaceous Weed Control (315) Page 2 of 2

Biological Control Currently there are no commercially available biological methods for the control of phragmites.

Mechanical Control Cutting or Pulling: Cutting or pulling has been used successfully to control small stands of phragmites.

Treatments usually need to be repeated annually. The best time to cut phragmites is at the end of July.

Cutting at other times may increase stand density.

Phragmites stems should be cut below the lowest leaf, leaving a 6" or shorter stump. Some patches may be too large to cut by hand, but repeated cutting of the perimeter of a stand can prevent vegetative expansion.

Black Plastic: Black plastic is feasible on small areas, and heavy tarps or other type mats should be used, as Phragmites can pierce through typical black plastic used for vegetable operations. After cutting a stand of phragmites, anchor a sheet of black plastic over the cut area using sand bags or rocks and leave in place for a full growing season. High temperatures under the plastic will eventually kill off the plants.

Prescribed Burning Prescribed burning, as a treatment by itself, can actually increase shoot densities and below ground biomass of phragmites. Burns can be effective, however, if followed by flooding in the marsh.

Flooding a marsh after a burn requires the capacity to manipulate water levels. Burning has also been used successfully following herbicide applications. This technique can be dangerous, and is only appropriate for professional land managers.

Chemical Control Foliar applications are the most common method of treatment for phragmites, though cut-stem application can be used in isolated or scattered stands where impacts to native species must be avoided. Herbicides are best applied in late summer/early fall after the plant has flowered for either cut stem treatments or foliar application. In most cases herbicides should be used in conjunction with burning or mechanical methods, and follow-up spot treatments should be expected for best results1, 2.

Refer to the pesticide label for complete instructions on the use and application of a given herbicide. Some applications, by rule, may only be done by a certified pesticide applicator, and/or might require the applicator hold a special permit. Private landowners can apply anything purchased at your local garden store with out having a permit so long as it is not near a water body or known public aquifer. You should contact the Vermont Agency of Agriculture Agrichemical Management Section if there are any concerns before applying any pesticides.

1- “Control of Phragmites or Common Reed.” Water Fowl Management Handbook.

2- “A Guide to the Control and Management of Invasive Phragmites.” US Fish and Wildlife.

Disposal There are a few general rules of thumb that will ensure proper disposal. Be sure the plant is dead before placing in a mulch or compost pile. Either dry it out in the sun, or bag it in a heavy duty black plastic bag. If you have flowers and/or seeds on the plant, put the flowers and seed heads into the bag head first so that there is minimal risk in dispersing seed.

Information and Recommendations compiled from:

Alien Plant Invaders of Natural Areas (NPS) “A Guide to the Control and Management of

Invasive Phragmites.” US Fish and Wildlife.

“Control of Phragmites or Common Reed.” Water

Fowl Management Handbook.

Ecology and Management of Invasive Plants

Program, Cornell University.

http://www.invasiveplants.net/phragmites/Default .asp

“Invasive Plant Management Guide.”

Stewardship Subcommittee of the Connecticut Invasive Plant Working Group.

http://www.hort.uconn.edu/cipwg/art_pubs/GUID E/guideframe.htm

Chambers M., Randolph et al. 2002.

“Hydrological and chemical control of Phragmites growth in tidal marshes of SW Connecticut, USA.” Mar Ecol Prog Ser.

CAUTION: The VT Agency of Agriculture Division of Agricultural Resource Management and Environmental Stewardship, Agrichemical Management Section regulates the sale and use of pesticides in Vermont. Many labels and registrations change from year to year, so applicators will want to be sure they are using a currently, registered product. Contact the Agrichemical Section (802-828-6531) for information on pesticide registration, how to acquire a special permit, lists of currently-licensed pesticide applicators, and other information pertaining to the rules and regulations governing pesticide application in this state.

REFERENCES

Phragmites_VT