ATT 4 GROUP 4 Invasive Plant Control Plans Addison Rutland County.pdf

Vermont NRCS – Invasive Plant Control Plan For: Suzanne Fredericks Date: 9/24/2020

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

Site Description:

The Maroney WRP easement is located in Leicester, VT off of Lower Bullock Road (see locator map for easement access). It is within the corridor of WRE easements along the Otter Creek. This easement is in the Champlain Valley and is classified as a palustrine persistent scrub/shrub, forested wetland. This site was previously a ditched field that has been restored near its original wetland condition and is now considered a Class 2 wetland, including the 50ft buffer zone. Current cover is a mix of herbaceous wet meadow, scrub/shrub swamp (willows and dogwoods) and Red or Silver Maple/Green Ash swamp. Wet meadows are composed of reed canary grass and various wetland sedges and rushes. In the spring, and sometimes fall, Lower Bullock Road will be flooded and closed. Lower Bullock Road can still be accessed if approached from the east via Bullock Road.

Treatment will occur along the southern easement boundary adjacent to a road pull-off, which is at a higher elevation than the surrounding wetland easement, thus it will not be flooded during typical high-water events. The treatment area occurs on a small terrace above the adjacent wetland area.

There are no private wells, public water supplies, surface, or groundwater protection areas within 200 feet of the treatment area. An old ditch is located approximately 30ft from the treatment area. There is a State listed (S3) uncommon amphibian near the planning area, however, there is limited to no suitable habitat for this amphibian within the treatment area. Care should be taken to only target the invasive species listed and herbicide label instructions should be followed strictly.

Invasive Plant Description:

The invasive species requiring treatment on the Maroney WRP easement is Japanese Knotweed (Reynoutria japonica). There is a small patch of knotweed found along the southern boundary of the easement adjacent to a car pull-off. The area to be treated is less than 0.1 acres (approximately 1,400 square feet) and is densely clustered (100% cover). Plants have been established at this site for years with individuals reaching between 6-8ft tall during the peak growing season. Treatment will help prevent the spread of knotweed further into the easement.

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 Japanese knotweed is to help create space for native plant regeneration, increase native vegetation to support native wildlife, and stop the spread of this highly aggressive invasive species further into the wetland 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 Japanese knotweed can be found in the Japanese Knotweed Conservation Practice Job Sheet and the Herbaceous Weed Treatment Conservation Practice Standard (see attachments). Due to landowner being organic producer with land nearby, treatment MUST be via stem injection. This will ensure there are no potential adverse effects to landowners nearby fields and will continue to keep them in compliance with organic producer standards. Treatment of Japanese knotweed will occur using an appropriate aquatic approved herbicide, surfactant, and dye. Avoid wet rainy conditions when amphibians may be active at or near

ATTACHMENT 4 - GROUP 4 PLANT CONTROL PLAN

Vermont NRCS – Invasive Plant Control Plan For: Suzanne Fredericks Date: 9/24/2020

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

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.

The landowner of this property is an owner of an organic farm. Due to this, treatment MUST be via ‘cut stem’ treatment.

A total of three (3) years of treatment are planned on this site. Treatment should occur during the late growing season (August-October) when the plants are flowering and transporting nutrients to root system.

Re-Vegetation or Restoration Techniques:

The plan is to allow for natural regeneration to occur onsite. The areas of knotweed are 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 #

Vermont NRCS – Invasive Plant Control Plan For: VTFWD Date: 5/5/2021

NRCS Does Not Make Herbicide Recommendations

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 near 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 150ft from some the treatment areas. An old ditch is located within 25ft of the treatment area. Some of the treatment area is located within a Vermont state significant wetland (class 2) and its 50ft buffer zone with other portions located in upland fields.

Invasive Plant Description:

The invasive species requiring treatment on the Pomainville WRE easement is Wild (poison) Parsnip (Pastinaca sativa). Parsnip is found throughout the easement; however, treatment will focus on areas where it is most heavily concentrated. These areas of parsnip are fairly established and grow as tall as 4 feet. Treatment will help control the spread of parsnip further into the easement and allow for native vegetation to grow. The percent cover of parsnip ranges from approximately 15-25% in the 28.0 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 wild parsnip is to help create space for native vegetation, increase native vegetation to support native wildlife, and improve the quality of wetland and upland 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 wild parsnip can be found in the Invasive Plant Control Conservation Practice Information Sheet and the Herbaceous Weed Treatment Conservation Practice Standard (see attachments).

Treatment of wild parsnip 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.

A total of three (3) years of treatment are planned on this site. Due to the spread-out nature of parsnip in the treatment areas, treatment will consist of spot-treatment using a backpack sprayer. This will help to ensure limited non-target kill of surrounding native vegetation.

NOTE: Planned treatment is located within and adjacent to already treated areas, which will have been planted with trees and shrubs prior to this round of treatment. Care should be taken to ensure no herbicide harms any previously planted stems in those areas.

Vermont NRCS – Invasive Plant Control Plan For: VTFWD Date: 5/5/2021

NRCS Does Not Make Herbicide Recommendations

Re-Vegetation or Restoration Techniques:

The plan is to allow for natural regeneration to occur onsite. The areas of wild parsnip are 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 - 4465______________ License #