Attachment 1 - Vegetation Restoration and Management Plan.PDF

slee Typewriter

ATTACHMENT 1

slee Typewriter City of Sun Prairie

RFP # 24-SWU15

Stormwater Native Vegetation Installation

City of Sun Prairie

Pumpkin Patch Stormwater Facility

Vegetation Restoration and Management Plan

May 2024

Contents

1.0 Executive Summary

2.0 Current Conditions

2.1 Site Photos

3.0 Management Areas

4.0 Restoration Plan

4.1 Invasive Species Management Site Preparation

4.2 2024 Management

4.2.1 Invasive Species Management

4.2.2 Supplemental Temporary Seed Installation

4.3 Site Preparation Mowing 2025

4.4 Erosion Control 2025

4.5 Soil Preparation 2025

4.6 Native Seeding Plan 2025

4.6.1 Hydroseeding Means and Methods

4.6.2 Hydroseeder Tank Mixing Guideline

4.6.3 Native Seed Mix Specifications

5.0 Vegetation Maintenance Plan

5.1 Woody Plant Management

5.2 FIRST-YEAR MAINTENANCE 2025

5.3 SECOND YEAR MAINTENANCE 2026

5.4 Invasive Species Management

5.5 Re-seeding

5.6 Prescribed Fire

6.0 Oversight and Monitoring

7.0 Vegetation Performance Standards

7.1 Native Vegetation Performance Standards

8.0 Implementation Schedule

8.1 2024

8.2 2025

8.3 2026

8.4 2027

9.0 Appendices

9.1 Appendix A. Erosion Control (Silt Sock) Installation Specification

9.2 Appendix B. Sediment Log Installation

9.3 Appendix B. WDNR 1056 - Perimeter Erosion Control Specification

9.4 Appendix C. Dual Proganics Specifications

9.5 Appendix D. Native Seed Mix

10.0 Figure

11.0 Bid Table

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1.0 Executive Summary

The “Pumpkin Patch” stormwater management facility (Facility) is in southwest Sun Prairie, just west of Highway 151. Situated between South Mallard Drive and Schneider Road, this Facility is an 8-acre wet detention basin/pond. The Facility is considered a regional stormwater management facility as it receives urban stormwater drainage from impervious landscapes within a large area of commercially and residentially developed land within the City of Sun Prairie (City).

The City of Sun Prairie wishes to have native vegetation installed on the basin side slopes with the hope that taller and denser vegetation serves as a deterrent to the general public attempting to access the water within the facility.

Native Range Ecological, LLC (NRE) and SetterTech (Jay Settersten) comprise the project team and have been tasked with the development of a Vegetation Restoration and Management Plan (Plan) to eradicate current vegetation on the basin side slopes and re-establish native vegetation. Our project team will also provide oversight, monitoring, and quality assurance/quality control during each phase of the project.

2.0 Current Conditions

The Facility was constructed in 2021. The basin side slopes were uniformly graded to a 3:1 slope and the shorelines were stabilized with 2-3” rip-rap stone 3-4 feet from the pond surface elevation.

Conventional erosion control mat (ECM) was placed on the side slopes following seeding and the ECM product is still mostly intact, although beginning to degrade.

The basin side-slopes were seeded with a native seed mix of unknown origin or species composition and stabilized with a single-net (Class A, Type 1) Erosion Control Mat (ECM). Several generalist (early-successional) native wildflowers were observed by our team in spring of 2024.

However, installed native plant species failed to completely establish, and the basin side slopes are currently dominated by Non-Native-Invasive-Species (NNIS) and Native-Aggressive-Species (NAS). The following NNIS were observed on the site in May of 2024:

Reed canary grass Crown vetch Bittersweet Nightshade Kentucky bluegrass White campion Ox-eye Daisy Curly dock Bird’s foot trefoil Stinging nettle Common burdock Red clover Giant ragweed Yellow sweet clover Common ragweed Bull thistle Creeping Charlie Canada thistle Queen Anne’s lace Dandelion Motherwort Toadflax (Butter-and-Eggs)

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The restoration zones and total areas of each zone are indicated on Figure 1. The total square footage of the restoration areas is 130,850 SF (approximately 3.0 acres).

A preliminary soil test pit indicated that nine to ten inches of silt-loam topsoil were uniformly graded over the basin side slopes. An impenetrable layer of limestone gravel exists below ten inches (Photo 1).

Sidewalks frame in the basin on the west (South Mallard Drive) and east (Schneider Road) sides.

on the west half of the north side, new construction and temporary construction fence hem in the Facility. A ten-foot wide asphalt recreation path runs along the east half of the north side, with an apartment complex just north of the path. A large fallow field abuts the Facility to the south.

Early successional woody plant species (boxelder and cottonwood) were observed growing in the rock along the shorelines of the basin.

Mowed turf grass exists between the restoration areas and the sidewalks on the west and east sides. A five-foot margin of turf grass will remain intact between the sidewalks and the restoration areas.

2.1 Site Photos

Photo 1: A silt loam topsoil was graded over the site a depth of 9-10 inches.

Dense limestone gravel exists below this depth.

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Photo 2: Photo taken from east side looking north to northeast corner.

Photo 3: Photo taken from northeast corner looking west.

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Photo 4: Photo taken from northwest corner looking east.

Photo 5: West side along Mallard Drive.

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Photo 6: Photo taken from northwest corner looking south.

Photo 7: Photo taken from southwest corner looking north.

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3.0 Management Areas

Figure 1 indicates the four (4) delineated Management Areas (MAs) for the Facility. The total area for restoration will be 130,850 SF (approximately 3.0 acres).

4.0 Restoration Plan

4.1 Invasive Species Management Site Preparation

The first phase of site preparation will be the application of a broad-spectrum herbicide blend to eradicate all current vegetation. An initial herbicide application was conducted on May 10, 2024.

Our project team documented the effects of that herbicide treatment and concluded that a follow-up treatment would be required to reach areas missed during the May 10th treatment. The second treatment was conducted in late May.

4.2 2024 Management

Maintenance will be required throughout the 2024 growing season. Maintenance activities will include erosion control maintenance, invasive species management, supplemental temporary seed installation, and maintenance mowing.

4.2.1 Invasive Species Management

Continued Invasive Species Management following Phase 1 will occur throughout the 2024 growing season. Two comprehensive herbicide applications will be conducted targeting all current vegetation. While prior applications were conducted, the seedbank is dominated by invasive species and additional applications will be required.

Five (5) specific invasive species are prolific within the restoration area. These species include birdsfoot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus), crown vetch (Securigera varia), Canada thistle (Cirsium arvense), burdock (Arctium minus), and sweet clover (Melilotus albus & officinalis). These species must be treated two times in 2024. The herbicide application should be done in conjunction with treating other invasive species that will emerge throughout the growing season. Conducting an herbicide application with a combination of grass and broadleaved specific herbicide will be utilized to treat all invasive species present. The herbicide mix should contain Milestone and wetland-approved Glyphosate. The solutions will be 0.5% Milestone® and 3% Glyphosate. These

Page | 7 should be mixed with DLZ® (or equivalent) as an aquatic-approved adjuvant mixed at 0.5% solution.

The final herbicide application will occur in the spring of 2025 at minimum two (2) weeks prior to soil preparation. This final herbicide application will include a Glyphosate and DLZ® (or equivalent) adjuvant only.

4.2.2 Supplemental Temporary Seed Installation

Once adequate control of the majority of the invasive species has been achieved and approved by NRE, a temporary cover crop will be installed. Proper soil stabilization is required for the 2024 growing season. This will keep soil in place until 2025 when the native seed installation will occur.

An annual cover crop will be installed in the summer or early fall of 2024. The cover crop seed mix will consist of annual rye and annual oats. Using a combination of the two seed mixes will provide proper coverage and properly secure the soil. A total rate of 80 pounds/acre of cover crop is specified. The annual oats will be installed at a rate of 50 pounds/acre, while the annual rye will be installed at 30 pounds/acre.

Table 1 indicates the seed mix specification for this project.

Once the seedbed has been properly prepared and site/weather conditions are suitable, the seed will be planted. The seed will be broadcasted with either a hand crank seeder or a walk-behind seeder.

4.3 Site Preparation Mowing 2025

Depending on the density of the vegetation before the soil preparation, a single site preparation mowing event may be required. Our project team will inspect the site several weeks before the soil preparation to determine if a mowing event is required. If a mowing event is required, the vegetation will be cut to a height of less than four (4) inches. This will properly prepare the site for the soil preparation. This bid item is considered an “if necessary” bid item. If the vegetation exceeds eight (8) inches in height, the site should be mowed.

Species Lbs/Acre Percent Purity

Annual Oats 50 98

Annual Rye 30 97

Combination of Annual Oats & Rye

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4.4 Erosion Control 2025

If the soil is to be exposed/disturbed and left unvegetated for more than 24 hours, silt sock must be properly installed, and wood support posts installed on the downslope side of the silt sock.

Properly stake, anchor, and/or trench per the manufacturer's recommendations. The posts must be hardwood (oak, hickory, etc.) with a minimum size of 1-1/8 inch by 1-1/8 inch and will be 48 inches in length. The post spacing will be no more than four (4) feet. The Silt Sock™ (or approved equivalent) must overlap the subsequent sections by at minimum 24 inches.

Curlex™ Sediment logs (or approved equivalent) will be placed at concentrated flow locations to address concentrated flow into the restoration area (Figure 1). A 10’, 12” diameter Curlex™ Sediment log (or its approved equivalent) must be installed to slow the flow of stormwater coming into the restoration area (Figure 1). Sediment logs will be installed following the product manufacturer's guidelines (Appendix A) and will follow WDNR Specifications (Appendix B).

Approximately 3,850 linear feet of temporary construction fencing is recommended to be installed around the entire project perimeter and would be maintained by the contractor or the City (Figure 1).

The sediment logs and silt sock must be inspected at a minimum weekly by the contractor until 70% vegetative cover is achieved, but also within 24 hours of any rain event that produces greater than 0.5 inches of rain within a 24-hour period. If any erosion control device is damaged, the damaged section must be replaced immediately. Once the sediment has accumulated to ½ the height of any device, it must be removed to allow the product to function properly. Once the site is permanently stabilized (following vegetation germination after the hydroseeding process), the erosion control devices and accumulated sediment will be removed and properly disposed of. The perimeter erosion control will follow WDNR Specifications (Appendix B).

4.5 Soil Preparation 2025

In the spring of 2025, the second phase of site preparation will be conducted. During this phase, the soil will be prepared for hydroseeding, and the erosion control mat (ECM) will be destroyed.

A heavy-duty landscape-rake implement must be utilized for the second phase of site preparation as a conventional landscape-rake will not have enough power to completely pulverize soil while also breaking down the ECM. Soil will be worked to a minimum depth of three inches and a maximum depth of six inches.

The preferred implement for Phase 2 is a SMR-800 Multi Rake Landscape Rake (or approved equivalent), manufactured by Schulte®. This implement will be fitted to a rubber-tracked skid steer outfitted with hi-flow hydraulics. A conventional power rake (such as a Harley-Rake) is not recommended as this implement will not properly destroy the existing ECM.

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Soil, residual vegetation, and ECM will be pulverized on the basin side slopes with the power landscape rake. The finished soil surface condition will be smooth, clean, and slightly fluffy.

Footprints should not go deeper than 1” on the final prepared soil. Rocks, debris, refuse, and roots will not appear on the soil surface and will be removed from the site by contractors.

Following the pulverization of the soil, and residual ECM, the soil must be properly culti-packed with a medium-sized tooth cultipacker. This will produce horizontal ridges (perpendicular to the slope) and depressions form the culti-packer which are perpendicular to the slope. These ridges and depressions reduce erosional loss of seed by creating microtopographic/microclimatic ridges for seed to adhere to the soil, resulting in increased germination rates as a result of increased soil moisture retention and more stable soil conditions on a micro-scale.

4.6 Native Seeding Plan 2025

The native seed mix and annual nurse crops will be installed by means of hydroseeding.

Hydroseeding must be completed by July 15, 2025. A Biotic Soil Media (BSM) will be incorporated with the seed mix and hydraulically applied. The BSM product specified will be Profile Products’ ProGanics DUAL®. Due to the compressed timeframe and our project team’s excellent history and high confidence in the DUAL product, this seeding method has been selected for this project.

ProGanics DUAL® (Appendix C) Biotic Soil Media (BSM) will be hydraulically applied as an alternative to topsoil placements, soil amendments, and the use of conventional erosion control mat (ECM) products.

Photo 8: Schulte® SMR-800 Multi Rake Landscape Rake.

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The BSM will be mixed with the native seed and annual nurse crop (annual oats) and applied in a single application. This provides immediate erosion control, provides both seed and soil protection, and facilitates more rapid vegetation development. When applying the Dual product with hydroseeding equipment, it must be applied from two angles to ensure even distribution and alleviate the “shadow effect”. NRE recommends following the product specification for total pounds of hydraulic mulch per acre (Appendix C). The application rate varies based on slope angle and total slope length.

ProGanics DUAL® will be used with the permanent/target native seed and nurse crop seed installation. DUAL® will be installed in conjunction with the cover crop. The annual oats will be installed at a rate of 100 pounds/acre (Table 1). Per the product specification and designed slope, DUAL® will be installed at a rate of 6,500 pounds/acre (Table 1) based on the anticipated 3:1 slope conditions.

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Table 2. ProGanics DUAL® application rates (Appendix B).

4.6.1 Hydroseeding Means and Methods

The hydroseeding contractor will apply the native seed mix from the hydroseeder through two potential methods. The turret mounted on the top of a larger hydroseeder will provide a base of overall coverage. Several tips may be used depending on the distance of the hydroseeder to the target area. Following the primary turret application, a variety of tips will be utilized in a specialized gun attached to a hose on the hydroseeder. The hose application will fill in thin areas and reduce the “shadow effect” from having the material applied in only one direction. This two-stage application will provide comprehensive coverage of the native seed and nurse crop species at optimal rates.

4.6.2 Hydroseeder Tank Mixing Guideline

Clean water for hydroseeding operations will be available on-site from municipal-owned fire hydrants. The specific location of the hydrants is indicated on Figure 1.

Profile Products’ “Application Guide for ProGanics DUAL®” (Appendix C) will serve as guidance for tank mixing. The total number of DUAL® bales and the total area coverage will be a function of the working capacity of the hydroseeder (examples are based on 1000-gallon working capacity or 4000-gallon working capacity). Fifteen 50-pound bales will be added to each tank on the 1000-gallon unit and sixty, 50-pound bales will be added to each tank on the 4000-gallon unit.

Native seed, annual nurse crop, and starter fertilizer (10-10-10 or Milorganite™) will be tank mixed in appropriate ratios on each tank mix. The native seed will be sorted and mixed by the seed vendor based on seed size. Large-sized and fluffy native grass seeds will be mixed together while small, fine native seeds will be separated and slowly metered in each tank mix. This will ensure even distribution of native seed over each half-acre (approximately) unit. Our team will work with the native seed vendor to have the seed mixes set up appropriately for hydroseeding. Our team recommends Agrecol for native seed mix sourcing.

% Soil Organic Matter

Slope Gradient / Condition

English (lb/ac)

Metric (kg/ha)

< 5.0 and ≥ 1.5

≤ 4H to 1V 4,000 lb/ac

4,480 kg/ha

< 1.5 and ≥ 0.75

> 4H to 1V and ≤ 3H to 1V

5,500 lb/ac

6,160 kg/ha

< 0.75 > 3H to 1V and ≤ 2H to 1V

6,500 lb/ac

7,290 kg/ha

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Photo 9: A professional hydroseeding contractor applying a BSM and native seed mix on a coastal Lake Michigan bluff site.

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4.6.3 Native Seed Mix Specifications

The native seed mix will contain a variety of native grasses, native wildflower (forb) species, and common oats serving as a nurse crop. The native warm-season grasses will develop root systems that exceed ten to twelve feet after three years of growth. (Appendix D).

The native seed must be sourced from a reputable native seed vendor and species must originate from no more than 350 miles from the Site. Seed tags must be presented to the Project

Manager/CQA lead to prove origin and seed must be purchased from a native seed vendor that provides seed in Pure Live Seed (PLS) format. Approved native seed vendors include the following:

• Agrecol

• Taylor Creek Nursery

• Prairie Moon

• Shooting Star Seed Company

• Prairie Nursery

Native seed species will be bagged by the seed vendor based on seed species size. Small/fine native seed will be bagged separately from larger/fluffier seed.

The oats nurse crop will be bagged separately and added to the hydroseeder tank separately, not mixed with the native seed.

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5.0 Vegetation Maintenance Plan

5.1 Woody Plant Management

Our Team observed aggressive woody plant species in the rock surrounding the basin and the structures of the basin. These woody plant species must be managed to keep the basin operating as designed.

Mechanical removal of the Woody Invasive Species (WIS) and woody NAS will be conducted with brush cutters, chainsaws, hand saws, and/or hand loppers. WIS with a diameter (at ground level) of ½” and larger will be targeted. The WIS should be cut leaving a flat stump (not angle-cut) no taller than two inches. This will be adequate to spray stumps with the appropriate solution

(below). Following the mechanical removal of WIS, the cut material must be removed from the site. WIS can be treated any time of the year, however, it is recommended that mechanical removal and stump treatments be conducted in the dormant season.

A Triclopyr herbicide must be used that is at least 60% active ingredient of triclopyr: 3,5,6 -trichloro-2-pyridinyloxyacetic acid, butoxyethyl ester. Due to the proximity to the stormwater basin, aquatic approved herbicide should be utilized.

Immediately (same day) following cutting, herbicide solution will be applied to each stump, adhering to the following herbicide mixing guideline:

Add 26 ounces of Triclopyr herbicide per gallon of Bark Oil/Impel Red.

4 gallons of solution requires 104 ounces of Triclopyr herbicide.

When mixing the solution, add ¼ to ½ a gallon of Bark Oil/Impel Red, then add in the desired amount of Triclopyr herbicide. Finish mixing the solution by adding the remaining bark oil to reach the required amount of solution. Be sure to thoroughly mix the solution before applying the herbicide. This mixture is stable and can even be applied at temperatures below freezing.

Bark Oil Red LT or Impel Red will be used as the adjuvant/mixing agent for cut-stump herbicide treatments on WIS. The Bark Oil Red or Impel Red serves multiple purposes during these treatments. This adjuvant is designed to keep the herbicide on the plant longer and is also a penetrant. These characteristics keep the herbicide on target for a longer period and assist the herbicide in penetrating the bark and allowing it to reach the phloem (growing/living portion of the woody plant). The phloem is located on the perimeter of the woody plant and is often a different color than the xylem (heartwood). The bark oil helps the herbicide penetrate the bark and translocate throughout the phloem, where the herbicide is then able to reach the root system.

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These application methods are typically conducted with two primary applicator types, a backpack sprayer and a handheld sprayer. When applying the solution, ensure that the wand is set to apply the herbicide as a stream rather than small droplets. This will ensure that the herbicide/adjuvant mixture is appropriately applied to the plant. When applying to a cut stump, target the outer two

(2) to three (3) inches of the stump. This is where the phloem is located and where the plant will absorb the herbicide and translocate it to the root system. For basal bark applications, spray a four (4) to six (6) inch wide band around the entire base of the plant. This will require more herbicide than cut-stump treatments as the surface area is significantly higher than cut-stump treatments.

Two follow-up foliar herbicide applications targeting WIS resprouts, suckers, or new seedlings/saplings will be conducted in 2024. Foliar herbicide applications can be conducted with backpack sprayers but must be done between the months of May and September, when foliage is actively photosynthesizing and will update herbicide. Due to the proximity to the stormwater basin, adjuvants should not be used.

Foliar herbicide mixing guideline (backpack sprayer):

A 2 % solution of Triclopyr is desired which is 2 2/3 ounces of herbicide per gallon of water.

When mixing the herbicide, add several gallons of water to the tank before the addition of herbicide or adjuvant. Once there is water in the tank, add the herbicide, followed by the adjuvant.

Continue filling the tank until you have reached the desired amount of solution. Once all the components have been added to the tank, turn the tank on so that the solution can properly mix.

You can mix the herbicide via the hose and internally through the pressure return inlet. Turn the tank on and spray the wand back into the tank. The solution will produce a milky white appearance.

Our Team recommends the use of Trycera™ herbicide for Woody Invasive Species (WIS) management as this product is approved and labeled for use in wetlands and waterways. Triclopyr is the active chemical ingredient. The Triclopyr formulation in Trycera™ breaks down more rapidly than conventional Triclopyr products in wetland environments.

Our team recommends the use of DLZ® as the adjuvant for foliar herbicide applications. DLZ® is a combination of surfactant, paraffinic oil, and methylated seed oils. This combination reduces the need for additional adjuvants while improving the wetting, spreading, and absorption of the herbicide. This product is extremely stable due to its distinctive emulsifying agents. It is important to note that DLZ® is an aquatic-approved adjuvant.

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When applying, it is important to obtain adequate coverage without producing runoff. If too much herbicide is applied, the herbicide will simply run off the leaf and reduce the efficacy of the application. Ensure a proper droplet size before application. Calibrate the wand to produce small droplets instead of a mist, large droplets, or a stream. You can adjust the setting of the wand during the mixing process to obtain the desirable droplet size. Apply the herbicide from multiple directions to ensure adequate coverage of the herbicide. The chemical will stick to the leaf, with assistance from the adjuvant, and the plant will absorb it. The chemical will then translocate throughout the plant and eventually down to the root system.

Foliar herbicide treatments on most WIS should be conducted only during the peak of the growing season for maximum effectiveness. In southern Wisconsin, Our team recommends foliar treatments be conducted only between mid-May and mid-September.

5.2 FIRST-YEAR MAINTENANCE 2025

A new native seeding must be mowed four to six times during the first growing season, depending on precipitation frequency and the date of the seeding. This mowing must be conducted continuously for six months from early May (green-up) to late October/November (hard frost).

Nothing is more critical to the long-term success of a native seeding than first-year mowing maintenance. First-year mowing is critical for two primary reasons: to reduce weed competition and to ensure sunlight infiltration to native seedlings.

Weed Competition

A “weed” is defined as any non-target plant species (native or non-native) that may adversely affect the germination, root development, and/or establishment of native species that were components of the installed native seed mixes. Weeds can be native or non-native, annual, biennial, or perennial plant species that were not a component of the native seed mixes installed.

The first two seasons are a critical period with new native planting, as native plants develop very extensive root systems slowly over the first several growing seasons. In subsequent seasons, certain weed species will present less of a concern to the overall vigor, quality, and longevity of a native prairie reconstruction. Annual weeds, for example, are typically less of a risk to the native planting than biennial or perennial species.

Regardless of cropping history, or the extent of site preparation and weed control conducted on the planting units prior to seeding, non-target (weeds) species can re-establish through two natural dispersion processes: seed bank expression and transport vectors. These natural functions serve to fill the niche of a non-vegetated, exposed soil surface area.

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Seed Bank Expression

Non-target species can become present and significant through seed bank expression. The “seed bank” is the stored, viable seed component that exists within the soil produced from earlier generations of these plants. Typically, perennial species comprise the most significant portions of the seed bank as their seeds remain viable in the seed bank much longer than annual or biennial species. Even the slightest soil surface scarification or disturbance can bring these viable seeds close enough to the soil surface to obtain enough moisture and heat (the two inputs required for seed germination) to germinate and become established.

Transport Vectors

Annual (and some biennial and perennial) weed species are introduced into a new native planting through several environmental vectors. These can include wind, water, dumping of yard waste, and wildlife. Well-managed mowing maintenance during the first two seasons of a new native seeding prevents weeds from proliferating in the planting area by cutting them before they produce seeds. Repeated mowing forces weeds to continually expend their energy reserves toward seed production. These energy reserves are eventually exhausted as the growing season comes to an end if continuously mowed throughout the season.

Sunlight Infiltration

Native seedlings grow down before they grow up. Established native prairie plants have very complex root systems that can exceed fifteen (15) feet in depth below the soil surface. This root development occurs over the first three to ten years after seeding, depending upon the growth rates of the individual species. During the first and second years of development, top growth (stems, leaves, and reproductive structures) is limited for most native plants. Some native plants only grow a few inches tall (above-ground growth) during the first growing season.

Due to this delayed top-growth, stunting or mortality can result if the natives are shaded out by competing weeds in close proximity, or by cut thatch (to be discussed in the following section) left to lie on the surface following poorly timed cutting. Late blooming (warm season grasses for example) species may not germinate at all if light cannot reach the soil surface to warm the soil and trigger seed germination.

Mowing Specifications

First-year mowing must be conducted with three considerations: timing of mowing, frequency of mowing, and height of mowing. These three factors are inextricably linked.

Each time the average height of the vegetation in the new native planting reaches twelve (12) to fourteen (14) inches, it must be mowed down to a height of six (6) to eight (8) inches. Ideally, no more than six (6) inches of total vegetative growth is cut during any single mowing event, and the plantings are NEVER mowed lower than six (6) inches from ground level during the first season.

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Should the average height of the planting exceed fourteen (14) inches when it is cut, mowing must be completed in multiple stages, with a total cutting depth NEVER exceeding six (6) inches for any single pass to avoid thatch build-up.

If more than six (6) inches (on average) of vegetation is cut during any single mowing event, the density of thatch (cut vegetation remaining on the ground) will negatively impact the young native seedlings by shading them out and reducing light infiltration during a critical stage of development.

This thatch must be removed to prevent stunting and/or mortality in low-growing native seedlings.

The timing, frequency, and total effort (hours) expended for first-year mowing maintenance will primarily be a function of precipitation. More frequent rainfall events will result in the need for more frequent mowing events. Considering the average precipitation in Wisconsin, four to five mowing events will have to be conducted in the first season.

5.3 SECOND YEAR MAINTENANCE 2026

Mowing Specifications

Provided the first-year mowing maintenance was well-managed, the second-year mowing maintenance will require less effort and resources. In the second season of a new native seeding, the vegetation should be allowed to put on more top growth. During this time, a mower must be utilized that can be raised to a height of twelve (12) to fourteen (14) inches from ground level.

Each time the average height of the vegetation in the new native planting reaches twenty-four

(24) to twenty-six (26) inches, it must be mowed down to a height of twelve (12) to fourteen (14) inches. Ideally, no more than twelve (12) inches of total vegetative growth is cut during any single mowing event, and the plantings are NEVER mowed lower than twelve (12) inches from ground level during the second season.

Should the average height of the planting exceed twenty-six (26) inches when it is cut, mowing must be completed in multiple stages, with a total cutting depth NEVER exceeding twelve (12) inches to avoid build-up of thatch.

If more than twelve (12) inches (on average) of vegetation is cut during any single mowing event, the density of thatch (cut vegetation remaining on the ground) will negatively impact the young native seedlings by shading them out and reducing light infiltration during a critical stage of development. This thatch must be removed to prevent stunting and/or mortality in low-growing native seedlings.

The timing, frequency, and total effort (hours) expended for second-year mowing maintenance will primarily be a function of precipitation. More frequent rainfall events will result in the need

Page | 19 for more frequent mowing events. Considering average precipitation, two (2) to four (4) mowing events will have to be conducted in the second season.

Mowing Equipment

Three general types of tractor-mounted mowing systems will be briefly discussed. These three types are the flail mower, the rotary mower, and the sickle-bar mower. These mower types will be discussed in order of recommendation for use in maintaining native prairie reconstructions.

Flail Mower

The flail mower is the most ideal mower type for maintaining native prairie restorations. Flail mowers cut vegetation into finer particles (compared to other mower types), resulting in less thatch build-up and faster decomposition of cut material. They can also be raised higher than other mower types, which is advantageous during second-year mowing maintenance (and beyond) on prairie restorations. The flail mower has staggered rows of Y-shaped or T-shaped “flails” (cutting blades/knives) connected to a rotating drum. Flail mowers can be self-driven or PTO-driven and installed on the rear three-point hitch of the tractor. Flail mowers are designed to give a rough cut to vegetation and are generally not considered “finishing mowers”. The flail mower will also bounce off rocks or other solid objects rather than grabbing and throwing objects (which is the case with rotary-style mowers).

Rotary Mower

The rotary mower is the second-most ideal mower type for maintaining native prairie. This mower type is the most common and is typically pulled behind a tractor or attached via the tractor’s three-point hitch. Rotary mowers are generally PTO-driven and have one or more fixed horizontal blades. One advantage to the rotary mower is that it can cut denser stands and types of vegetation more efficiently and can also cut through woody vegetation (up to several inches in diameter).

The primary disadvantage of the rotary mower is the “windrow” of thatch that results from the discharge areas of the mower. This thatch can have negative impacts to native plantings by shading out native plants and cooling the soil – a distinct disadvantage with “warm-season” native grasses. Most rotary mowers also have limitations regarding the total height the mowing deck can be raised. A three-point system can be raised higher than a pull-behind unit, but the three-point mower decks are typically smaller, perhaps up to a maximum of six feet wide.

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5.4 Invasive Species Management

Some non-target (weeds) are also considered “invasive species”. Within the restoration community, any non-native plant is considered an invasive species. Certain invasive species represent a greater threat to native prairie restorations than others. This justifies the need for a skilled restoration ecologist and/or botanist to monitor a new native planting. Ecologists can make positive species identifications at any stage of vegetative growth. If this information is relayed quickly and reliably, land managers can eradicate threatening invasive species before they dominate areas of the restoration and degrade the floristic quality of the site.

It is normal for some invasive species to become representative in the second season of a newly seeded prairie reconstruction. Many of the invasive species that become established in young native plantings are biennials such as yellow or white sweet clover (Melilotus sp.), common burdock (Arctium minus), Queen Anne’s lace (Daucus carota), wild parsnip (Pastinaca sativa), and biennial thistles (Cirsium sp.). Biennial species present as ground-form “rosettes” in the first year and produce large volumes of highly viable seeds in the second year. For this reason, well-managed second-year mowing to prevent biennial weed seed production can be a critical factor affecting the quality of the restored prairie.

The most threatening invasive species that typically colonize new native restorations are true perennials, like the restored native plants themselves. Representative perennial invasive species may be Canada thistle (Cirsium arvense), reed canary grass (Phalaris arundinacea), and crown vetch (Securigera varia). These perennial invasive species propagate vegetatively (below the soil surface) and through seed production, and for this reason are difficult to control with mowing alone, regardless of the timing of the mowing.

Some of the greatest threats to a young native prairie restoration can come from opportunistic, early successional native plants. An example of this type of species is Canada goldenrod (Solidago canadensis). Canada goldenrod, though a native plant to the Midwest, can threaten the floristic quality and diversity of a native prairie reconstruction. This aggressive plant can displace more conservative, higher-quality native plants, particularly if not controlled in the first two seasons.

Spot-mowing

If isolated clonal areas or pockets of invasive species are observed within the first two growing seasons, comprehensive mowing of larger units may not be warranted. “Spot-mowing” of these isolated spots can be conducted with tractor-driven mowers or with hand-held, gas-powered equipment such as line trimmers. Vegetation should be raked up and removed from the site following spot-mowing to ensure that any seed material is removed from the site. Some invasive species can still produce viable seeds even after cutting if the plants have been cut after the flowering stage. Spot-mowing will be most appropriate for biennial invasive species but can set-back seed perennial invasive species as well.

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Spot-Herbicide Treatment

For perennial invasive species, more aggressive management will be required. Backpack sprayers can be used to conduct “spot-herbicide” treatments on focused spatial areas of invasive species establishment. Herbicide use within restored prairies should only be conducted by trained professionals as collateral damage to native plant communities will likely occur.

5.5 Re-seeding

If invasive species infestation becomes severe it is likely that young native plants never fully established from seed, or they were displaced rapidly (in the first two seasons) by invasive species.

Focused herbicide applications (such as spot-herbicide treatment) may have resulted in collateral damage to young native plants. In this case, native seed must be re-introduced to stabilize the treated area. Restoration Ecologists should be engaged to design site-appropriate “re-seeding” seed mixes that are comprised of early successional native species.

Small treatment areas can be scarified with hand rakes to prepare soil for seeding. Re-seeding mixes can then be hand-sewn. If this work is completed in the growing season, a weed-free straw mulch should be added to retain soil moisture and help the seed remain stabilized until germination occurs. These areas should then be maintained with well-timed cuttings following the same protocols outlined in previous sections.

5.6 Prescribed Fire

One of the most important tools for long-term management of a prairie restoration is the judicious use of prescribed fire. Native prairie plants evolved with fire and require it to reach their full potential. In addition, invasive woody and herbaceous plants typically are not fire-dependent species and prescribed burns will continue to set back succession and maintain a healthy native grassland and wildflower plant community.

Our team recommends burning native grasslands (prairie restorations) every 3 to 5 years, depending upon the density and types of woody species that encroach into the grassland area and the objective of the landowner(s). Burns can be conducted in spring (April/May) or fall (October/November). Continued (over numerous years) spring burns can encourage the native warm-season grass growth and late spring burns can reduce the vigor of native forbs (wildflowers).

Fall burns tend to encourage the recovery and vigor of native forbs over the native grasses the following growing season.

Prescribed fire should be planned and executed by experienced personnel or trained professionals. Our team recommends engaging Prescribed Fire Contractors who are equipped, trained, and insured to plan and execute prescribed burns.

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6.0 Oversight and Monitoring

The construction contractor will not be responsible for vegetation monitoring. The NRE/SetterTech Team will be responsible for project oversight and vegetation monitoring for the first three years of the project. The NRE/SetterTech Team will conduct oversight during site preparation, hydroseeding, and maintenance phases. Vegetation monitoring will occur no less than twice per year for four years between 2024 and 2027.

To make decisions regarding ongoing and future ecological management, it is critical to document management efforts and the effects of those efforts. Vegetation monitoring allows land managers to make informed, science-based decisions on the best management practices to implement on a given site. This approach is generally referred to as “Adaptive Management” and is the foundational concept of the monitoring guidelines outlined in this document. Ideally, monitoring begins before the onset of restoration activities or management to capture comparative baseline site conditions. Monitoring then continues through and even after the duration of a project.

However, vegetation monitoring is a valuable land management tool that should be implemented whenever feasible.

Monitoring will be quantitative, boots-on-the-ground surveys conducted by the NRE/SetterTech Team. Skilled botanists or restoration ecologists experienced in native and invasive plant identification (at all stages of plant development) and erosion control product inspection must be engaged for vegetation.

Monitoring will consist of qualitative methodology such as meander surveys. A total of nine (6) monitoring events (two per year) will be executed in the first three growing seasons. Monitoring events will be conducted in May/June and August/September. The purpose of the three growing season monitoring events is to ensure the restoration is on track to meet the performance standard and to allow time to recommend corrective actions should they be required. An annual monitoring report will be produced and delivered to the City by December 2024, 2025, and 2026.

The annual report will consist of field notes and photos taken during each of the growing season monitoring events.

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7.0 Vegetation Performance Standards

To track the progress of new native planting, a metric for vegetation performance must be established. This metric is often referred to as a “Performance Standard” in native plant restorations. The performance standard offers a guideline that is a function of native (target) vs non-native (non-target) vegetation over time. An estimated percentage of native vegetation must be established by the first and second growing seasons. It is expected that this percentage of native vegetation cover will increase from the first to the second growing season.

If target vegetation is struggling to establish in certain zones or certain units, monitors must rapidly recommend corrective measures to get the restorations back on track to meet the performance standard. This may include an increased frequency of maintenance actions such as preventing invasive (non-target) species from producing seed and further proliferating. The corrective measures may also include adding additional native plants or native seeds to thin areas or in areas where native plant mortality has occurred.

7.1 Native Vegetation Performance Standards

Year 1 Performance Standard To be met by the end of the 2024 growing season

• Temporary cover crops (annual oats and annual rye) must be uniform throughout the native seeding areas at a nominal density.

• No more than 40% non-native/non-target species density is present in all areas.

• Bare soil locations occupy no more than 10% of the total area.

Year 2 Performance Standard To be met by the end of the 2025 growing season

• 50% native species density by the end of the first growing season.

• No more than 40% non-native/non-target species density is present in all areas.

• Bare soil locations occupy no more than 10% of the total area.

• 50% of the planted species from seed mixes are present/evident meaning:

• A total of at least two (2) of the five (5) grasses (including nurse crop) and six (6) native forbs (wildflowers) of the planted species in the seed mix must be represented as seedlings.

• Nurse crops (annual oats and annual rye) must be uniform throughout the native seeding areas at a nominal density.

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Year 3 Performance Standard To be met by the end of the 2026 growing season

• 65% native species density by the end of the second growing season.

• No more than 30% non-native/non-target species density is present.

• Bare soil locations occupy no more than 5% of the total area.

• 70% of the planted species from seed mixes are present/evident meaning:

• A total of at least three (3) of the five (5) grasses (including nurse crop) and ten (10) native forbs (wildflowers) of the planted species in the seed mix must be represented as seedlings.

Year 4 Performance Standard To be met by the end of the 2027 growing season

• 75% native species density by the end of the three growing seasons.

• No more than 20% non-native/non-target species density is present.

• Bare soil locations occupy no more than 2% of the total area.

• 80% of the planted species from seed mixes are present/evident.

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8.0 Implementation Schedule

City of Sun Prairie Pumpkin Patch Stormwater Facility

Jan-24 Feb-24 Mar-24 Apr-24 May-24 Jun-24 Jul-24 Aug-24 Sep-24 Oct-24 Nov-24 Dec-24 Jan-25 Feb-25 Mar-25 Apr-25 May-25 Jun-25 Jul-25 Aug-25 Sep-25 Oct-25 Nov-25 Dec-25 Jan-26 Feb-26 Mar-26 Apr-26 May-26 Jun-26 Jul-26 Aug-26 Sep-26 Oct-26 Nov-26 Dec-26 Jan-27 Feb-27 Mar-27 Apr-27 May-27 Jun-27 Jul-27 Aug-27 Sep-27 Oct-27 Nov-27 Dec-27 Jan-28 Feb-28 Mar-28 Apr-28 May-28 Jun-28 Jul-28 Aug-28 Sep-28

Description Bid Item TASK Responsibility START END # of Days

Project Start 01-May-24 15-May-28 1475

Site Preparation Phase I Previously Contracted 01-May-24 10-May-24 9

Site Preparation Phase I (if necessary) Previously Contracted 27-May-24 01-Jun-24 5

Invasive Species Management Previously Contracted 01-Jul-24 15-Jul-24 14

Invasive Species Management Previously Contracted 15-Aug-24 15-Sep-24 31

Temporary Seed Installation Previously Contracted 15-Sep-24 15-Oct-24 30

1 Site Preparation Herbicide Application Contractor 01-Apr-25 15-Apr-25 14

2 Site Preparation Mowing Contractor 01-Apr-25 30-Apr-25 29

3 Silt Sock Installation Contractor 01-Apr-25 30-Apr-25 29

4 Sediment Log Installation Contractor 01-Apr-25 30-Apr-25 29

5 Perimeter Fence Installation Contractor 01-Apr-25 30-Apr-25 29

6 Site Preparation Phase 2 - soil, residual vegetation, and erosion control material pulverization Contractor 01-May-25 15-Jun-25 45

7 Site Preparation Phase 2 - culti-packing soil Contractor 01-May-25 15-Jun-25 45

Native Seed Installation 8 Hydroseeding Contractor 01-May-25 15-Jul-25 75

9 Maintenance Mowing Contractor 16-May-25 15-Jun-25 30

10 Maintenance Mowing Contractor 30-Jun-25 30-Jul-25 30

11 Maintenance Mowing Contractor 14-Aug-25 13-Sep-25 30

12 Spot Herbicide Contractor 16-May-25 15-Jul-25 60

13 Spot Herbicide Contractor 14-Aug-25 13-Oct-25 60

14 Erosion Control Maintenance Contractor 01-Apr-25 31-Dec-25 274

15 Supplemental Seed Installation Contractor 15-Nov-25 30-Dec-25 45

16 Maintenance Mowing Contractor 01-Apr-26 31-May-26 60

17 Maintenance Mowing Contractor 30-Jun-26 30-Jul-26 30

18 Spot Mowing Contractor 29-Aug-26 28-Sep-26 30

19 Spot Herbicide Contractor 01-Apr-26 31-May-26 60

20 Spot Herbicide Contractor 29-Aug-26 28-Oct-26 60

21 Erosion Control Maintenance Contractor 01-Apr-26 31-Dec-26 274

22 Supplemental Seed Installation Contractor 01-May-26 15-Jun-26 45

23 Spot Mowing Contractor 01-Apr-27 31-May-27 60

24 Spot Mowing Contractor 30-Jun-27 30-Jul-27 30

25 Spot Mowing Contractor 29-Aug-27 28-Sep-27 30

26 Spot Herbicide Contractor 01-Apr-27 31-May-27 60

27 Spot Herbicide Contractor 29-Aug-27 28-Oct-27 60

28 Erosion Control Maintenance Contractor 01-Apr-27 31-Dec-27 274

29 Supplemental Seed Installation Contractor 01-May-27 15-Jun-27 45

2024 Monitoring NRE/SetterTech 01-Jun-24 31-Dec-24 213

2025 Monitoring NRE/SetterTech 01-Apr-25 31-Dec-25 274

2026 Monitoring NRE/SetterTech 01-Apr-26 31-Dec-26 274

2027 Monitoring NRE/SetterTech 01-Apr-27 31-Dec-27 274

Prescribed Fire Prescribed Fire Future Contract 01-Apr-28 15-May-28 44

Project -

2025 Maintenance

2027 Maintenance

Soil Preparation

Prairie Site Preparation

Site Preparation

2024 Management

Y2Q1 Y2Q2 Y2Q3 Y2Q4 Y2Q62 Y2Q3 Y2Q4Y2Q5

2026 Maintenance

Erosion Control

Y2Q17 Y2Q18 Y2Q19

Monitoring & Reporting

Y2Q9 Y3Q2 Y3Q3 Y3Q4 Y2Q13 Y4Q2 Y4Q3 Y4Q4

20262025

Page | 26

8.1 2024

Jan-24 Feb-24 Mar-24 Apr-24 May-24 Jun-24 Jul-24 Aug-24 Sep-24 Oct-24 Nov-24 Dec-24

Description Bid Item TASK Responsibility START END # of Days

Project Start 01-May-24 15-May-28 1475

Site Preparation Phase I Previously Contracted 01-May-24 10-May-24 9

Site Preparation Phase I (if necessary) Previously Contracted 27-May-24 01-Jun-24 5

Invasive Species Management Previously Contracted 01-Jul-24 15-Jul-24 14

Invasive Species Management Previously Contracted 15-Aug-24 15-Sep-24 31

Temporary Seed Installation Previously Contracted 15-Sep-24 15-Oct-24 30

2024 Monitoring NRE/SetterTech 01-Jun-24 31-Dec-24 213

Project -

Prairie Site Preparation

2024 Management

Y2Q1 Y2Q2 Y2Q3 Y2Q4

Monitoring & Reporting

Page | 27

8.2 2025

Jan-25 Feb-25 Mar-25 Apr-25 May-25 Jun-25 Jul-25 Aug-25 Sep-25 Oct-25 Nov-25 Dec-25

Description Bid Item TASK Responsibility START END # of Days

Project Start 01-May-24 15-May-28 1475

1 Site Preparation Herbicide Application Contractor 01-Apr-25 15-Apr-25 14

2 Site Preparation Mowing Contractor 01-Apr-25 30-Apr-25 29

3 Silt Sock Installation Contractor 01-Apr-25 30-Apr-25 29

4 Sediment Log Installation Contractor 01-Apr-25 30-Apr-25 29

5 Perimeter Fence Installation Contractor 01-Apr-25 30-Apr-25 29

6 Site Preparation Phase 2 - soil, residual vegetation, and erosion control material pulverization…