Agenda - Parks and Recreation Commission - 04/08/2021

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latter element will be postponed to observe natural regeneration and to provide ample time for site preparation through the removal of undesirable woody vegetation.15 Woody Invasives Treatment Efforts will start in the areas of the park where infestations are sparse, and work towards areas of heavier infestation. This way a "front" will be developed that can be extended as the project progresses.15 The first year's goal will be to address all of the woody invasives along the oxbow lake, starting on the northwestern side of the park and continuing south along the shore. Volunteers thoroughly trained in species identification and treatment methods are proposed to assist with this portion of the site. Educational reference materials developed by Peter Leih should be utilized to help with proper volunteer training (Appendix A). Due to the severe degree of density of buckthorn within the floodplain forest, contracting specialists for woody invasive removal in this portion of the site will be necessary. Beginning on the southern edge of the floodplain forest and continuing north, removal of about 10% of the woody invasives each year is proposed. This incremental approach is important in order to avoid denuding the forest or disrupting the proper functioning of the riparian zone, including the production of allochthonous inputs, shading of the river, and stream bank stabilization. The woody invasives being removed will be cut off 8-10 inches above the ground. Cut stump application of 25% Garlon 3A, a triclopyr based herbicide, mixed with water is proposed as it is recommended for use near aquatic areas. Subsequent years will treat any new growth or vegetation that was missed in the initial treatment. Whenever potentially hazardous chemical treatment is proposed near areas of frequent use, signage should be displayed along paths every 50-100 yards denoting the area that has been recently treated. Treatments will be done in late fall or early winter when buckthorn, Tartarian honeysuckle and Siberian elm are easy to identify and damage from overspray can be minimized. This also prevents damage to spring ephemerals, which are critical early foraging for the Rusty Patched Bumblebee. Additional sunlight reaching the ground will encourage the growth of more desirable species. Unfortunately, it will also allow for a flourish of buckthorn seed that has built up in the soil to germinate. A multi -year treatment approach is critical to address this problem. At least three years of treatment with herbicide will be necessary. Follow up treatments every three years thereafter are desirable.15 Woody Biomass Removal Woody biomass of the treated common buckthorn, Tartarian honeysuckle, and Siberian elm will be gathered, removed from the site and burned. The remaining stumps and root systems will be left to decompose. Extra precautions during removal should be taken for any of the invasives that have the potential to spread seed, such as buckthorn with berries. Any such specimens should be transported via plastic tarps to prevent seed dispersal. Removal of woody biomass is desirable because it will accelerate restoration activities, remove fire hazards, and reduce conflict with the public who find the dead trees unsightly.' Vegetation Enhancement A list of desirable vegetation for the site, developed by consulting references from the City of Ramsey Natural Resources Inventory and Board of Water and Soil Resources Native Vegetation Establishment and Enhancement Guidelines can be found in Appendix B. Natural regeneration 10