ATT_002_Specifications_Practice_Standards_and_Guidance.pdf

NATURAL RESOURCES

CONSERVATION SERVICE

MINNESOTA

CONSTRUCTION

SPECIFICATIONS,

CONSERVATION PRACTICE

STANDARDS, AND GUIDANCE

FOR

LAKE IDA WRP

Restoration

NORMAN COUNTY – SECTIONS 26, 34 T 144 N R 45 W

SECTION 3 T 143 N R 45 W

SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT

ATTACHMENT 0002 1

LAKE IDA WRP RESTORATION

Construction Specifications, Conservation Practice Standards and

Guidance Documents

MN-2 Clearing and Grubbing ........................................................................ 5/05

MN-5 Pollution Control.................................................................................. 5/05

CS-8 Mobilization and Demobilization .......................................................... 5/01

MN-21 Excavation .......................................................................................... 5/05

Brush Management............................................................................05/10

Prescribed Burning.............................................................................07/09

Restoration Management of Declinging Habitats...............................08/12

Planning and Conducting Prescribed Burns in MN............................04/07

CPS-314

CPS-338

CPS-643

ATTACHMENT 0002 2

Minnesota Construction Specification 2—Clearing and Grubbing

1. Scope The work consists of clearing and grubbing and disposal of trees, snags, logs, brush, stumps, shrubs, and rubbish from the designated areas.

2. Protection of existing vegetation Trees and other vegetation designated to remain undisturbed shall be protected from damage throughout the duration of the construction period. Any damages resulting from the contractor's operations or neglect shall be repaired by the contractor.

Earthfill, stockpiling of materials, vehicular parking, and excessive foot or vehicular traffic shall not be allowed within the drip line of vegetation designated to remain in place. Vegetation damaged by any of these or similar actions shall be replaced with viable vegetation of the same species, similar condition, and like size unless otherwise approved by the engineer.

Any cuts, skins, scrapes, or bruises to the bark of the vegetation shall be carefully trimmed and local nursery accepted procedures used to seal damaged bark.

Any limbs or branches 0.5 inch or larger in diameter that are broken, severed, or otherwise seriously damaged during construction shall be cut off at the base of the damaged limb or branch flush with the adjacent limb or tree trunk. All roots 1-inch or larger in diameter that are cut, broken, or otherwise severed during construction operations shall have the end smoothly cut perpendicular to the root.

Roots exposed during excavation or other operations shall be covered with moist earth or backfilled as soon as possible to prevent the roots from drying out.

3. Marking The limits of the area(s) to be cleared and grubbed will be marked by stakes, flags, tree markings, or other suitable methods. Trees to be left standing and uninjured will be designated by special markings placed on the trunk about 6 feet above the ground surface.

4. Clearing and grubbing All trees not marked for preservation and all snags, logs, brush, stumps, shrubs, rubbish, and similar materials shall be cleared from within the limits of the designated areas. Unless otherwise specified, all stumps, roots, and root clusters that have a diameter of 1 inch or larger shall be grubbed out to a depth of at least 2 feet below subgrade for concrete structures and 1 foot below the ground surface at embankment sites and other designated areas.

5. Disposal All materials cleared and grubbed from the designated areas shall be disposed of at locations shown on the drawings or in a manner specified in section 6. The contractor is responsible for complying with all local rules and regulations and the payment of any and all fees that may result from disposal at locations away from the project site.

6. Construction details

SEE NOTE 3 ON PAGE 3 OF THE RESTORATION PLAN

ATTACHMENT 0002 3

Minnesota Construction Specification 5—Pollution Control

The work consists of installing measures or performing work to control erosion and minimize the production of sediment and other pollutants to water and air from construction activities.

2. Material specification All material furnished shall meet the requirements of the material specifications listed in section 7 of this specification.

3. Erosion and sediment control measures and works The measures and works shall include, but are not limited to, the following:

Staging of earthwork activities—The excavation and moving of soil materials shall be scheduled to minimize the size of areas disturbed and unprotected from erosion for the shortest reasonable time.

Seeding—Seeding to protect disturbed areas shall occur as soon as reasonably possible following completion of that earthwork activity.

Mulching—Mulching to provide temporary protection of the soil surface from erosion.

Diversions—Diversions to divert water from work areas and to collect water from work areas for treatment and safe disposition. They are temporary and shall be removed and the area restored to its near original condition when the diversions are no longer required or when permanent measures are installed.

Stream crossings—Culverts or bridges where equipment must cross streams. They are temporary and shall be removed and the area restored to its near original condition when the crossings are no longer required or when permanent measures are installed.

Sediment basins—Sediment basins collect, settle, and eliminate sediment from eroding areas from impacting properties and streams below the construction site(s). These basins are temporary and shall be removed and the area restored to its original condition when they are no longer required or when permanent measures are installed.

Sediment filters—Straw bale filters or geotextile sediment fences trap sediment from areas of limited runoff. Sediment filters shall be properly anchored to prevent erosion under or around them. These filters are temporary and shall be removed and the area restored to its original condition when they are no longer required or when permanent measures are installed.

Waterways—Waterways for the safe disposal of runoff from fields, diversions, and other structures or measures. These works are temporary and shall be removed and the area restored to its original condition when they are no longer required or when permanent measures are installed.

Other—Additional protection measures as specified in section 7 of this specification or required by Federal, State, or local government.

ATTACHMENT 0002 4

4. Chemical pollution The contractor shall provide watertight tanks or barrels or construct a sump sealed with plastic sheets to dispose of chemical pollutants, such as drained lubricating or transmission fluids, grease, soaps, concrete mixer washwater, or asphalt, produced as a by-product of the construction activities. At the completion of the construction work, sumps shall be removed and the area restored to its original condition as specified in section 7 of this specification. Sump removal shall be conducted without causing pollution.

Sanitary facilities, such as chemical toilets, or septic tanks shall not be located next to live streams, wells, or springs. They shall be located at a distance sufficient to prevent contamination of any water source. At the completion of construction activities, facilities shall be disposed of without causing pollution as specified in section 7 of this specification.

5. Air pollution The burning of brush or slash and the disposal of other materials shall adhere to state and local regulations.

Fire prevention measures shall be taken to prevent the start or spreading of wildfires that may result from project activities. Firebreaks or guards shall be constructed and maintained at locations shown on the drawings.

All public access or haul roads used by the contractor during construction of the project shall be sprinkled or otherwise treated to fully suppress dust. All dust control methods shall ensure safe construction operations at all times. If chemical dust suppressants are applied, the material shall be a commercially available product specifically designed for dust suppression and the application shall follow manufacturer's requirements and recommendations. A copy of the product data sheet and manufacturer's recommended application procedures shall be provided to the engineer 5 working days before the first application.

6. Maintenance, removal, and restoration All pollution control measures and temporary works shall be adequately maintained in a functional condition for the duration of the construction period. All temporary measures shall be removed and the site restored to near original condition.

7. Construction details

SEE NOTE 4 OF THE WETLAND RESTORATION PLAN

ATTACHMENT 0002 5

Construction Specification 8—Mobilization and Demobilization

1. SCOPE

The work consists of the mobilization and demobilization of the contractor's forces and equipment necessary for performing the work required under the contract. It does not include mobilization and demobilization for specific items of work for which payment is provided elsewhere in the contract.

Mobilization will not be considered as work in fulfilling the contract requirements for commencement of work.

2. EQUIPMENT AND MATERIAL

Mobilization shall include all activities and associated costs for transportation of contractor's personnel, equipment, and operating supplies to the site; establishment of offices, buildings, and other necessary general facilities for the contractor's operations at the site; premiums paid for performance and payment bonds including coinsurance and reinsurance agreements as applicable; and other items specified in section 4 of this specification.

Demobilization shall include all activities and costs for transportation of personnel, equipment, and supplies not required or included in the contract from the site; including the disassembly, removal, and site cleanup of offices, buildings, and other facilities assembled on the site specifically for this contract.

This work includes mobilization and demobilization required by the contract at the time of award. If additional mobilization and demobilization activities and costs are required during the performance of the contract as a result of changed, deleted, or added items of work for which the contractor is entitled to an adjustment in contract price, compensation for such costs will be included in the price adjustment for the item or items of work changed or added.

3. MEASUREMENT AND PAYMENT

Method 1—Payment will be made as the work proceeds, after presentation of paid invoices or documentation of direct costs by the contractor showing specific mobilization and demobilization costs and supporting evidence of the charges of suppliers, subcontractors, and others. When the total of such payments is less than the lump sum contract price, the balance remaining will be included in the final contract payment. Payment of the lump sum contract price for mobilization and demobilization will constitute full compensation for completion of the work.

Payment will not be made under this item for the purchase costs of materials having a residual value, the purchase costs of materials to be incorporated in the project, or the purchase costs of operating supplies.

4. ITEMS OF WORK AND CONSTRUCTION DETAILS

Items of work to be performed in conformance with this specification and the construction details are:

a. BID ITEM 1, MOBILIZATION AND DEMOBILIZATION

1) The item shall consist of mobilization and demobilization of the contractor’s forces and equipment necessary for performing the work required under the contract as specified above.

2) Payment shall be by Method 1, lump sum.

ATTACHMENT 0002 6

Minnesota Construction Specification 21—Excavation

The work shall consist of the excavation required by the drawings and specifications and disposal of the excavated materials.

2. Classification Excavation will be classified as common excavation or rock excavation in accordance with the following definitions or will be designated as unclassified.

Common excavation shall be defined as the excavation of all materials that can be excavated, transported, and unloaded by the use of heavy ripping equipment and wheel tractor-scrapers with pusher tractors or that can be excavated and dumped into place or loaded onto hauling equipment by means of excavators having a rated capacity of one cubic yard and equipped with attachments (such as shovel, bucket, backhoe, dragline or clam shell) appropriate to the character of the materials and the site conditions.

Rock excavation shall be defined as the excavation of all hard, compacted or cemented materials the accomplishment of which requires blasting or the use of excavators larger than defined for common excavation. The excavation and removal of isolated boulders or rock fragments larger than one cubic yard in volume encountered in materials otherwise conforming to the definition of common excavation shall be classified as rock excavation.

Excavation will be classified according to the above definitions by the Engineer, based on his judgment of the character of the materials and the site conditions.

The presence of isolated boulders or rock fragments larger than one cubic yard in size will not in itself be sufficient cause to change the classification of the surrounding material.

For the purpose of this classification, the following definitions shall apply:

Heavy ripping equipment shall be defined as a rear-mounted, heavy duty, single-tooth, ripping attachment mounted on a tractor having a power rating of 200-300 net horsepower (at the flywheel).

Wheel tractor-scraper shall be defined as a self-loading (not elevating) and unloading scraper having a struck bowl capacity of l2-20 yards.

Pusher tractor shall be defined as a track type tractor having a power rating of 200-300 net horsepower (at the flywheel) equipped with appropriate attachments.

Unclassified Excavation. Items designated as "Unclassified Excavation" shall include all materials encountered regardless of their nature or the manner in which they are removed. When excavation is unclassified, none of the definitions or classifications stated in Section 2 of this specification shall apply.

3. Use of excavated materials To the extent they are needed, all suitable materials from the specified excavations shall be used in the construction of required permanent earthfill or rockfill. The suitability of materials for specific

ATTACHMENT 0002 7

purposes will be determined by the Engineer. The Contractor shall not waste or otherwise dispose of suitable excavated materials.

4. Disposal of waste materials All surplus or unsuitable excavated materials will be designated as waste and shall be disposed of at the locations shown on the drawings or shall be disposed of by the Contractor at sites of his own choosing away from the site of the work.

5. Construction details

SEE NOTE 6 ON PAGE 3 OF THE RESTORATION PLAN.

ATTACHMENT 0002 8

Natural Resource Conservation Service Conservation Practice Standard

BRUSH MANAGEMENT

(Acre)

Code 314

DEFINITION

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

PURPOSE

• Create the desired plant community consistent with the ecological site

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

• 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.

CONDITIONS WHERE PRACTICE APPLIES

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

CRITERIA

General Criteria Applicable For All the 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, the Prescribed Burning standard (338) will also be applied.

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

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

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.

Additional Criteria For Restoring or Releasing Desired Vegetative Cover to Protect soils, Control Erosion, Reduce Sediment, Improve Water quality or Enhance Stream Flow 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 shall be managed to maintain soil loss within acceptable levels using approved erosion prediction technology.

When a chosen alternative has significant potential to negatively impact important water resources (e.g. WIN-PST “Extra High”, “High” or “Intermediate” soil / pesticide human risk ratings)

ATTACHMENT 0002 9

for land draining to Drinking Water Supply Management Areas or Source Water Protection Areas with medium to high vulnerability to contamination, an appropriate set of mitigation techniques must be put in place to address risks to humans and non-target plants and animals.

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 Wetland Wildlife Habitat management (644) and Upland Wildlife Habitat Management (645).

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

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, facilitate the future application of prescribed fire.

CONSIDERATIONS

Consider using Integrated Pest Management (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, and cover availability when planning the method and amount of brush management.

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. These documents will contain the following data as a minimum:

1. Goals and objectives clearly stated.

2. Pre-treatment cover or density of the target plant(s) and the planned post-treatment cover or density and desired efficacy.

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

4. 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.

For Mechanical Treatment Methods: Plans and specifications will include items 1 through 4, above, plus the following:

• 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)

• Techniques or procedures to be followed

For Chemical Treatment Methods: Plans and specifications will include items 1 through 4, above, plus the following:

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

ATTACHMENT 0002 10

• 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 dampen 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

For Biological Treatment Methods: Plans and specifications will include items 1 through 4, above, plus the following:

• 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 non-target species

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

OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE

Operation: Brush Management practices shall 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 (seed, 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 non-emergency 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 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 two 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 re-treatment should be completed as needed while woody vegetation is small and most vulnerable to desired treatment procedures. Refer to the manufacturer’s label for minimum height of plant needed to effectively take up the herbicide.

ATTACHMENT 0002 11

http://www.greenbook.net/�

Review and update the plan periodically in order to:

• incorporate new IPM technology;

• respond to grazing management and complex plant population changes; and

• 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, CO.

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

Holechek, J. L., R. D. Pieper and C. H. Herbel. 2000.

Range management principles and practices, 5th edition. Prentice Hall, NJ.

Krausman, P. R., ed. 1996. Rangeland Wildlife.

Society for Range Management, CO.

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, CO.

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, MA.

Vavra, M., W. A. Laycock, R. D Pieper, eds. 1994.

Ecological Implications of Livestock Herbivory in the West. Society for Range Management, CO.

ATTACHMENT 0002 12

NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION SERVICE

CONSERVATION PRACTICE STANDARD

PRESCRIBED BURNING

(Acre)

CODE 338

DEFINITION

Applying controlled fire to a predetermined area.

PURPOSES

To control undesirable vegetation including woody plant invasion.

To prepare sites for planting or seeding.

To control plant disease and insects.

To reduce wildfire hazards.

To improve wildlife habitat.

To improve forage production quantity and/or quality.

To remove slash and debris.

To enhance seed and seedling production.

To facilitate distribution of grazing and browsing animals.

To restore native plant communities.

CONDITIONS WHERE PRACTICE APPLIES

On all land uses.

GENERAL CRITERIA APPLICABLE TO ALL

PURPOSES

The procedure, equipment, and the number of trained personnel shall be adequate to accomplish the intended purposes as stated in the burn plan.

Only NRCS staff with proper job approval authority may assist in developing or reviewing a burn plan. NRCS staff will not under any circumstances assist in conducting the burn. See Appendix. A of the NRCS-National Range and Pasture Handbook for national and state prescribed burning policy.

Landowner cooperators will be cautioned to burn in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations. They must understand that they may be liable for damages caused by fire escaping from their land or for damage caused to others from inadequate smoke management. They may also be responsible for fire suppression cost, should the fire escape the designated area.

Liability and safety precautions are to be planned before the burn and monitored during the burn.

Comply with applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations, including the state’s Best Management Practices and Clean Air Act.

Timing of burning will be commensurate with soil and site conditions to maintain site productivity and minimize effects on soil erosion and soil properties (structure, soil moisture).

Kinds of Fires

There are three basic kinds of prescribed fires. The selection of a burning pattern will be done by individuals properly trained and experienced in prescribed burning. The specific burn pattern will be based on the burn objective and site specific conditions.

1. Backing Fires. Back fires are the hottest type of burn, and burn into the wind. Fire is started along a prepared firebreak, and allowed to burn into the wind. Back fires work best with wind velocities of 4-12 MPH from a constant direction. Burning downward on slopes has an effect similar to backfires.

2. Head Fires. Head fires burn with the wind. They have greater flame lengths, faster rates of spread, greater smoke

NRCS, Minnesota July 2009

ATTACHMENT 0002 13

volumes and burn cooler than backing or flank fires.

Always burn a strip downwind with a backfire wide enough to control the head fire.

3. Flank Fire. Flank fires burn at oblique angles to the wind direction. Flank fires are often used to secure the flanks of a head fire as the head fire progresses.

This method requires expert crew coordination and timing.

Containing Fire

Refer to practice standard Firebreak (394).

General Burning Prescriptions

Conduct a test burn on the down wind side of the planned burn area and within the protection of an established firebreak. Use the test burn to confirm that the fire will burn as predicted, the burn will achieve the planned objective, and the smoke can be managed as planned. Defer the burn if the test burn is not satisfactory or if prolonged drought has caused high fire danger levels.

Burn only within the prescription set forth in the prescribed burn plan.

For additional specific criteria to improve wildlife habitat and restore and manage oak savanna communities refer to practice standards Early Successional Habitat Development/Management (647) and Restoration and Management of Declining Habitats (643).

TIMING TO ENHANCE OR CONTROL

1. Native warm season species:

Burn in late spring, about May 1 in southern Minnesota and May 15 in the northern part of the state.

2. Native cool season species:

Best responses are obtained with very early spring (March - April) or late summer (August-September) burns.

3. Mixture of exotic cool-season grasses and legumes:

Best response with burns during March to June; least response by legumes in late summer-early fall burns.

4. Woody Vegetation (brush and small trees):

Late summer or early fall (August- September) burns are most effective in controlling woody vegetation.

Spring burns (May-June) generally induce shrubs and brush to sprout, but frequent fires may reduce frequency of woody plant cover.

Usually, conditions will not be dry enough to burn until after a frost in late September or early October.

Additional chemical treatment may be necessary for complete control.

Frequency of burning should be based on regrowth of targeted species and weighed against forage and/or wildlife habitat considerations.

WEATHER CONDITIONS

Ideal burning conditions:

1. Temperature: 70-90 degrees F

2. Relative Humidity: 25 to 50 percent

3. Wind: Steady winds between 5-18 MPH

4. Moisture: 5-11 percent

5. Time: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

SMOKE MANAGEMENT

Smoke impacts should be considered before the burn and monitored during the burn.

Critical considerations for smoke management include:

1. A 360 degree check for possible restrictive air space.

2. A 360 degree check for sensitive areas such as residences, roads, airports.

3. A check of sensitive areas downwind and 45 degrees either side of initial wind direction.

4. An estimate of the length of time necessary to conduct the burn, plus a margin of error for wind shift or loss of speed, to predict smoke duration.

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5. Electrical or high power transmission lines will be documented and the burn plan designed and applied so that high dense smoke columns will not cross under or contact these lines. Electrical discharge can occur due to high concentrations of carbon in smoke columns.

General considerations for smoke management:

1. Moist fuels produce more smoke than dry fuels.

2. Head fires produce more smoke than slower burning backing fires.

3. Smoke problems at night are more hazardous than during daylight.

4. Stable air mass conditions can cause air inversions, which restrict smoke convection. Unstable atmospheric conditions are usually better for smoke management.

GRAZING PROCEDURE

1. Frequency of burning will be based on extent and duration of grazing responses, but should generally not be more than once every three years.

2. Prior to burning, defer grazing in area to be burned for one full grazing season so that sufficient residue is present to carry a fire.

3. After burning, defer grazing until managed grasses have 6-8 inches of new growth.

CONSIDERATIONS

Prescribed burning is generally not meant to be an annual management practice.

Burn only to meet a specific management objective. (See Purposes).

Clients without experience in burning should be advised to seek assistance from persons who have adequate training or experience in applying this practice, such as the Department of Natural Resources, US Fish and Wildlife Service, The Nature Conservancy, rural fire departments and private consultants.

NRCS staff will not assist in burn application.

Burning should be managed with consideration for wildlife needs including threatened and endangered species.

Existing barriers such as lakes, streams, wetlands, roads, and constructed firebreaks are important to the design and layout of this practice.

Adjoining landowners within the air shed should be notified prior to burning.

Local fire departments and public safety officials should be notified prior to burning.

Consider cultural resources when planning this practice. This practice may adversely affect cultural resources and should comply with GM 420, Part 401 during planning, prior to installation and during maintenance.

Weather parameters and other data that affects fire behavior should be monitored during the burn. Carbon release should be minimized by the timing and burn intensity.

Consider the location of utilities such as overhead electric power lines, natural gas pipelines and power/telephone poles. Power poles and railroad ties contain creosote and burn readily.

PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS

A written burn plan will be prepared by properly trained individuals. Specifications must adhere to all applicable NRCS policies in the General Manual and the National Range and Pasture Handbook, as well as all applicable state and local laws, ordinances, and regulations. The landowner or land operator will obtain necessary approval, permits and variances prior to conducting the prescribed burn.

Specifications for applying this practice shall be prepared for each site and recorded using approved specification sheets, job sheets, technical notes, and narrative statements in the conservation plan, or other acceptable documentation.

ATTACHMENT 0002 15

338-4

NRCS-Minnesota July 2009

Refer to the NRCS-National Range and Pasture Handbook for sample burn plans.

Required items of a burn plan shall include, but are not limited to:

Location of the burn.

Resource management objectives of the burn.

Necessary approvals, permits and variances.

Pre-burn vegetative description of the area.

Prescription for weather conditions required and observed conditions.

Description of the burning method to be used.

Description of pre-burn preparation.

Firing sequence of area to be burned.

Smoke management considerations.

Contingency plan for fire escapes.

Communication plan.

Job assignments and descriptions of responsibilities for all persons assisting with the burn.

Equipment and materials checklist (ex.

drip torches, tractors, discs, pump trailers etc.).

Job assignments and descriptions of responsibilities for all persons assisting with fire patrol, containment, mop-up, and suppression of the burn.

Post-burn evaluation and management.

Burn boss or landowner signature acknowledging acceptance of full liability resulting from implementation of the burn plan.

OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE

To achieve benefits of the prescribed burn, other practices in a Conservation Management System need to be carried out as planned.

REFERENCES

Davis, G. 1987. Sharp-Tailed Grouse Habitat Management For Private Landowners.

Minnesota Sharp-tailed Grouse Society.

Duluth, MN. 6pp.

Higgins, K.F., Kruse, A.D., Piehl, J.L. 1989.

Prescribed Burning Guidelines in the Northern Great Plains. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Cooperative Extension Service-

SDSU. USDA EC 760.

Higgins, K.F., Kruse, A.D., Piehl, J.L.

Effects of Fire in the Northern Great Plains.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Cooperative Extension Service-SDSU. USDA EC 761.

MDNR. 2003. Prescribed Burning in Grassland. Video.

MDNR. 1994. The Benefits of Prescribed Burning on Private Land. Section of Wildlife.

St. Paul, MN.

USDA-NRCS. 1997. National Range and Pasture Handbook.

USDA-NRCS. 2007. Planning and Conducting Prescribed Burns in Minnesota.

Biology Technical Note #13.

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NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION SERVICE

CONSERVATION PRACTICE STANDARD

RESTORATION AND MANAGEMENT OF DECLINING HABITATS

(acre) Code 643

DEFINITION

Restoring and conserving rare or declining native vegetative communities and associated wildlife species.

PURPOSES

• Restore land or aquatic habitats degraded by human activity.

• Provide habitat for rare and declining wildlife species by restoring and conserving native plant communities.

• Increase native plant community diversity.

• Management of unique or declining native habitats.

NOTE: NRCS uses the term "wildlife" to include all animals, terrestrial and aquatic.

CONDITIONS WHERE PRACTICE APPLIES

On any landscape which once supported or currently supports the habitat to be restored or managed.

Declining habitats identified herein are those referenced for Minnesota as critically endangered, endangered or threatened ecosystems (Figure 1). The MN DNR Field Guides to Native Plant Communities should be used to further refine where it is appropriate to apply these practices. These declining habitats and the locations where they can be restored are:

Tallgrass Prairie - In the tallgrass prairie region of the state.

Oak Savanna – On areas that once supported savannas. Savannas typically occurred on prairie and transition soils.

Red Pine, Jack Pine and White Pine Forests – On areas that once supported native stands of Red, Jack and White pine.

Aspen Parkland – In the aspen parkland region of the state.

Wetlands of all types – Statewide.

Jack Pine Woodlands – On areas that once supported jack pine woodlands.

CRITERIA

General Criteria Applicable to All Purposes

• Methods used will be designed to protect the soil resource from erosion.

• Vegetative manipulations to restore plant and/or animal diversity can be accomplished by prescribed burning or mechanical, biological or chemical methods, or a combination of the four.

• Management measures must be provided to control invasive species and noxious weeds in order to comply with state noxious weed laws.

• To benefit insect food sources for grassland nesting birds, spraying or other control of noxious weeds will be done on a "spot treatment" basis to protect forbs and legumes that benefit native pollinators and other wildlife.

• Management practices and activities are generally not to disturb cover during the primary nesting period of May 1 – August 1. Management and maintenance activities will generally be restricted to August 1 - September 30 and prior to the primary nesting season. Exceptions could be granted when necessary to maintain the health of a plant community.

• Mowing may be needed during the establishment period to control weeds.

• Rotate periodic planned management or other treatments throughout the managed area.

• Where feasible, prescribed burning will be utilized instead of mowing. Refer to practice standard 338-Prescribed Burning.

• Native species seeded or planted will be adapted to the soil-site conditions.

• Seeding and planting rates will be adequate to accomplish the planned purpose.

• Only high quality and ecologically adapted native plant materials will be used.

• Planting dates, and care in handling and planting of the plant material will ensure that the established vegetation will have an acceptable rate of survival.

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• Site preparation shall be sufficient for establishment and growth of selected species.

Consider appropriate depredation protection practices.

• Timing and use of equipment will be appropriate for the site and soil conditions.

Criteria for Enhancement of Existing Degraded Habitats

For sites that are not currently cultivated and still exhibit remnant characteristics of the pre-settlement habitat type, it is often best to attempt restoration and enhancement through management techniques such as prescribed burning, silvicultural techniques, brush and weed control, and interplanting with desired species.

Refer to the maintenance recommendations section of each habitat type.

Criteria for Tallgrass Prairie Restoration

High species diversity is recommended to promote native community stability and function, to provide benefits to multiple wildlife species and to prevent establishment of invasive species.

Native prairie plant communities will be established utilizing seed harvested from existing Minnesota native prairies, or utilizing seed mixes comprised of Minnesota ecotype grasses, legumes and forbs, developed to reflect "native prairie" communities as determined suitable for specific site conditions.

All seed, including native harvest, shall be supplied as pure-live seed (PLS) and conform to Minnesota Seed Law including limits on noxious weed content and State labeling requirements. Documentation must be provided by the grower, and responsibility for obtaining documentation rests with the producer.

Protection of Existing Native Prairies

DNR identified remnant prairie communities will be protected from non-local sources of seed.

Varieties/cultivars (selected germplasms) of native species will not be used adjacent to existing remnant prairies in an effort to limit genetic influences. A minimum isolation distance of ¼ mile is required.

Seed Origin:

Seed must come from local sources when planting buffers adjacent to identified remnant prairies. The following is a recommended sequence for obtaining seed/plants:

• Collected directly from the adjacent remnant prairie.

• Collected from a local remnant prairie within the same ecological sub-section.

• Collected from a remnant prairie within the same ecological section.

Restoration on Agricultural Fields and Other Disturbed Sites

Seed Origin:

It is desirable for seed sources of native grass, forbs and legumes to originate from as close to the planting site as possible. When available, “Yellow Tag” or source identified materials are preferred.

The following sequence defines the preferred wild/native harvest seed source for the project. Areas with similar site conditions and located as close to the project site as possible

• Ecological Sub-sections

• Ecological Section

• Maximum distance of 175 miles of project

• Field tested native grass varieties and natural germplasm materials of known origin and adaptability. Refer to Table 1 and Figure 2 for a listing of grass varieties/natural germplasm materials and their zone of adaptability.

Seeding Requirements:

Seed mixes will consist of a minimum 15 native species. The mixture will be comprised of a minimum 5 grasses, and a minimum 5 forbs. At least one forb shall be a legume.

The mixture will result in a minimum 35 PLS seeds per square foot total, with a maximum 70% grass component based on seeds per square foot.

• No more than 20% of the grass component will be comprised of cool season grasses based on seeds per square foot. The exception is for wetland sites where cool season grasses may exceed 20% to reflect historic plant communities.

• Minimum grass seeding rate will be 7.0 lb/ac PLS.

• Minimum forb seeding rate will be 16.0 oz/ac

PLS, with no individual forb comprising more than 20% of the forb mixture based on seeds per square foot.

Wild or native harvest mixtures meeting the minimum species diversity requirements above will be considered adequate.

Constructed mixtures may be developed using Table 2.

Seeding Dates:

Seeding will favor warm season grasses over forbs, unless forbs have already been stratified.

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• Spring seeding dates shall be May 15 (or a consistent soil temperature of 50º F) - June 30 statewide.

• Fall Dormant Seeding offers an excellent opportunity to establish a diverse stand. Fall seeding tends to favor forbs and there is less competition with other planting activities.

Dormant seeding shall be completed after November 1 to insure seed will not germinate.

Temporary Cover:

Temporary cover crops, when determined necessary, shall be spring seeded small grains, sudangrass, or millet. Seeding rates are as follows:

SPECIES RATE DATE

Oats 2.5 bu/ac 4/1 – 6/1 Barley 1.5 bu/ac 4/1 – 6/1 Sudangrass/Millet 12.0 lb/ac 5/15 – 6/10 Annual Ryegrass 8.0 bu/ac 8/1 – 9/1

Companion Crops:

Companion crops can be used to reduce the amount of erosion on critical sites by including Canada Wild rye, Slender Wheatgrass and/or Sideoats Grama in the mixtures at rates specified in Table 2.

Seedbed Preparation and Seeding:

Prepare a firm seedbed for all planting methods.

Conventional Tillage - Prepare a fine firm seedbed to a minimum of 3 inches. The seedbed should contain enough fine soil particles for uniform shallow coverage of the seed as well as contact with moisture and nutrients. If possible, use specialized native grass drills with depth bands designed to handle a wide variety of seed. For conventional drills, as a minimum, cultipack before seeding. Cultipack after seeding if possible.

Do not use heavy drills on conventionally prepared seedbeds as heavy drills tend to sink in the soil and depth control is difficult. Plant seed between one-quarter and one-half inch deep. Some seed may be seen on the surface of the ground after seeding.

Tillage should only be used on flatter slopes or in conjunction with erosion control measures.

No-Till - No-till drilling reduces the exposure of the newly seeded site to erosion. A no-till drill must be used to seed these sites. A drill should be selected that can handle a wide variety of seed (fluffy, smooth, large, and small) and low seeding rates. Plant seed to a depth of one-quarter to one-half inch deep.

Use of a herbicide is essential in order to kill existing vegetation. Land that has been in grass for many years usually has a thick residue layer on the soil surface.

To allow for the best no-till seedbed this residue must be removed. Three options are: (1) grazing; (2) mowing with residue removed; and (3) prescribed burn. In the fall a burndown herbicide can be applied to prepare for a spring no-till seeding. An additional spring herbicide application may be required, depending on plant growth.

Broadcast - Prepare a fine firm seedbed to a minimum of 3 inches. Use a roller, cultipacker or similar implement prior to seeding. The seedbed should contain enough fine soil particles for uniform shallow coverage of the seed as well as contact with moisture and nutrients.

Broadcast seed at a rate of 1.5 times the normal seeding rate and roll or cultipack again after seeding.

Do not harrow in the seed.

Weed Control:

It is important to mow for weed control during the first summer, especially on silt loam or heavier soils.

During the establishment year, mow weeds after they have reached a 12” height. Mow 2–3 times, generally on 30 day intervals from the date of seeding. Mow to a height of 6” to 8”. Use a rotary mower or remove the clippings so as not to smother the seedlings. This will slow the weeds but won't harm the prairie plants.

The second year, evaluate the stand to determine if weed control is necessary. If it is, spot mow the planting at a height of six inches. If there is enough material for a prescribed burn, this may be an effective method to control weeds.

Maintenance:

Prairie communities are best managed by the use of prescribed grazing or prescribed fire. Other management techniques include mowing/haying and prescribed grazing. Periodic management will normally be required to maintain stand vigor and persistence of desired plant species.

Fall burns and early spring burns tend to favor forbs.

Late spring burns provide maximum stimulus to warm season plants and work well to control cool season grasses. Burn when cool season grasses are growing and warm season plants are just beginning to grow.

Woody vegetation control becomes critical in maintaining areas in prairie. Undesirable woody vegetation may be controlled by early spring or fall burning, or cutting/girdling with spot chemical treatment to remove the plant or prevent sprouting.

Chemicals used in performing this practice must be Federally, State, and locally registered and must be applied in accordance with label directions.

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Criteria for Oak Savanna Restoration

Prior to European settlement, oak savanna was common in a long narrow diagonal zone northwest to southeast across…