Attachment 4 Group 5 Invasive Control Plan.pdf

Vermont NRCS Invasive Plant Control Plan For: Donald Pollard Date: 4/6/2018

NRCS Does Not Make Herbicide Recommendations Follow Herbicide Label Instructions

Site Description:

The Pollard WRE easement is located in Sunderland, VT off of VT Route 7A (see locator map for easement access). This easement is located in the Vermont Valley and is classified as a palustrine persistent emergent wetland. This site is located adjacent to the Batten Kill River and was previously a ditched field that has been restored to its original wetland condition. Current cover is a mix of emergent wetland vegetation and early successional riparian forest buffer.

There are no private wells, public water supplies, surface, or groundwater protection areas within 200 feet of the treatment area. The invasive treatment area overlaps two known State-listed rare plants (S1 and S2-S3). This area also includes occurrence of a State-listed S3 (uncommon) fish in the Batten Kill. Care should be taken to only target the invasive species listed and herbicide label instructions should be followed strictly. The majority of the treatment area is located within a Vermont state significant wetland (class 2) and buffer zone.

Invasive Plant Description:

The invasive species requiring treatment on the Pollard WRE easement are exotic Yellow Flag Iris (Iris pseudacorus), common buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica L.), honeysuckle (Lonicera morrowii), garlic mustard (Alliaria petiolate), multiflora rose (Rosa multiflora) and barberry (Berberis sp.). The invasive treatment areas on this site are split into two sections: a 20.0 acre high density yellow iris treatment area and a 20.0 acre low density invasive treatment area (includes all invasive species listed above). Yellow iris is fairly ubiquitous throughout the entire easement area. This infestation is established and composes most of the emergent vegetation on site.

Estimated percent cover for the high density yellow iris treatment area is 50%. The low density treatment area runs along the perimeter of the entire easement. Estimated percent cover of all the invasive species in the treatment area is 10%. Mature stems of honeysuckle and buckthorn were observed with other smaller saplings and seedlings scattered throughout. Garlic mustard is found scattered throughout the treatment area with a denser patch located in the southeastern portion of the easement. Barberry was found along the northern riparian area and multiflora rose was scattered throughout the whole riparian 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. purple loosestrife, phragmites etc.) encountered during application will be controlled within the treatment area.

Invasive Plant Control Goal:

The main objectives for treating these invasive plant species are to help create space for native plant regeneration, 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 5 (aquatic) and Category 2 (forest) must be used for this treatment. Treatment options and specifications for yellow iris can be found in the Herbaceous Weed Control Conservation Practice Job Sheet (see attachments). The best time to treat yellow iris is in the late spring or early summer. Treatment after the first frost in fall has also proven to provide effective control. Treatment options and specification for buckthorn, honeysuckle, and barberry can be found in the Buckthorns Conservation Practice Job Sheet (see attachments). The best time to treat these invasive species is between August and October when the

Attachment 4 - Group 5 Control Plan

Vermont NRCS Invasive Plant Control Plan For: Donald Pollard Date: 4/6/2018

NRCS Does Not Make Herbicide Recommendations Follow Herbicide Label Instructions plant is transporting nutrients to its root system. Treatment options for multiflora rose can be found in the Multiflora Rose Conservation Practice Job Sheet. Treatment of these invasive species will occur using an appropriate aquatic approved herbicide, surfactant, and dye. Care must be used to prevent any herbicide reaching surface waters on site. Avoid wet rainy conditions when amphibians may be active at or near the ground surface.

Prior to treatment, NRCS staff will flag off areas where the two rare plants are located. A 10 foot buffer will be included to help minimize any potential drift affects. Areas outside the flagged area can be treated using a foliar spray. Any invasive species that is located within the flagged area must be treated via a wick based application to insure no damage to rare plants.

State water quality laws must be followed and any required permits must be acquired prior to the start of treatment. All herbicide label instructions must be followed as well. Since the treatment will need to occur within a VSWI wetland and buffer zone, the plan will need to 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.

Re-Vegetation or Restoration Techniques:

The plan is to allow for natural regeneration to occur. NRCS will also help to establish herbaceous wetland vegetation onsite.

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 #