Attachment 4 - GROUP 3 - Invasive Plant Control Plans.pdf

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

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

Site Description:

The Leblanc WRE easement is located in Colchester, VT off of Roosevelt Highway (see locator map for easement access). 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 some mature forest.

There are no public water supplies, surface, or groundwater protection areas within 200 feet of the treatment areas. There is one private well listed near the riparian treatment area, however, multiple site visits have given no indication that a well is located there. There are no threatened, rare, or endangered animals or plant communities found within the treatment areas. The treatment areas are located within or near a Vermont state significant wetland (class 2) and the 50ft buffer zone.

Invasive Plant Description:

The invasive species requiring treatment on the Leblanc WRE Easement is Reed Canary Grass (Phalaris arundinacea). The purpose of this plan is to help supplement already planned treatment efforts and expand that treatment area to areas located adjacent to the already contracted treatment areas (see map for locations). These areas of reed canary grass are very dense and well established (>80% cover). The total anticipated treatment area of reed canary grass is approximately 9.6 acres.

While the aforementioned species have been identified on site and compose the bulk of the treatment needs, all commonly known invasive plants (e.g. barberry, garlic mustard, etc.) encountered during application will be controlled within the treatment area.

Invasive Plant Control Goal:

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

Control Strategies for the Site:

A current licensed pesticide applicator certified in Category 2 (forests) must be used for this treatment. Treatment options and specifications for reed canary grass can be found in the Invasive Plant Control Conservation Practice Information Sheet and the Herbaceous Weed Treatment Conservation Practice Standard (see attachments). The best time to treat reed canary grass is in spring and summer when the plant is growing. Treatment of these invasive plant species will occur using an appropriate approved aquatic herbicide, surfactant, and dye. Care must be taken to prevent any herbicide reaching surface waters on site. Avoid wet rainy conditions when amphibians may be active at or 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. Additionally, native tree and shrub planting is scheduled for this site within the treatment area. The first year of treatment will have two treatments: one in the spring and one in late summer. This can be done by broadcasting an approved aquatic herbicide in treatment areas. For the areas with tree and shrub planting planned, the next two years of treatments will be spot treatments around planted trees and shrubs. This most likely require a backpack sprayer. Care should be taken to not get any

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

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

herbicide on planted trees and shrubs. A more selective grass and broadleaf herbicide can be used to avoid any possible harm to planted trees and shrubs if it is approved for use in aquatic environments.

Re-Vegetation or Restoration Techniques:

The plan is to plant native trees and shrubs in treatment areas to help with regeneration. A total of 14.5 acres are planned to be planted using only native, local stock of tree and shrub species.

Monitoring Plan:

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

Licensed Pesticide Applicator Date Planner Signature Date Signature, Plan Reviewer

____284 - 4465_______________ License #

Vermont NRCS Invasive Plant Control Plan For: Raymon and Phillip Potvin Date: 2/1/2018

NRCS Does Not Make Herbicide Recommendations Follow Herbicide Label Instructions

Site Description:

The Potvin WRE easements are located in Isle La Motte, VT off of Marsh Road (see locator map for easement access). This easement is located adjacent to Lake Champlain and is classified as a palustrine persistent emergent wetland. This site was previously a ditched field that has been restored to its original wetland condition. Current cover is a mix of old/transitional field, emergent wetland vegetation and floodplain forest.

There are no private wells, public water supplies, surface, or groundwater protection areas within 200 feet of the treatment areas. There is a State listed S3 (uncommon) bird that breeds in the area. This site also includes occurrence of a State listed S3 (uncommon) reptile. The treatment areas are located within or near a Vermont state significant wetland (class 2).

Invasive Plant Description:

The invasive species requiring treatment on the Potvin WRE Easements is Reed Canary Grass (Phalaris arundinacea). Reed canary grass is found throughout most of the easement, however, treatment will focus around the planned tree and shrub planting areas (see attached map for locations). These areas of reed canary grass are very dense and well established (80% cover). The total anticipated treatment area of reed canary grass is approximately 8.1 acres. While the aforementioned species have been identified on site and compose the bulk of the treatment needs, all commonly known invasive plants (e.g. barberry, garlic mustard, etc.) encountered during application will be controlled within the treatment area.

Invasive Plant Control Goal:

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

Two additional years of follow-up treatment are planned.

Control Strategies for the Site:

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

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

Vermont NRCS Invasive Plant Control Plan For: Raymon and Phillip Potvin Date: 2/1/2018

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

Re-Vegetation or Restoration Techniques:

The plan is to plant native trees and shrubs in treatment areas to help with regeneration. A total of 10.0 acres are planned to be planted using only native, local stock of tree and shrub species.

Monitoring Plan:

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

Licensed Pesticide Applicator Date Planner Signature Date Signature, Plan Reviewer

____284 - 4379_______________ License #