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HomeMy WebLinkAboutBarnstable - NOI - John Colleen Boselli - 183 Bay Street Land Management PLANLAND MANAGEMENT PLAN 183 Bay Street | Osterville, MA April 28, 2023 TMTM INTRODUCTION The property is located off Bay Street in Osterville, abutting Wianno Golf Club to the south and North Bay to the east. This property contains a Bordering Vegetated Wetland (BVW) and Land Subject to Coastal Storm Flowage (LSCSF). This Land Management Plan (LMP) accompanies a Notice of Intent (NOI) filing for vegetation management, which includes the removal of invasive, aggressive, and non-native plant species and replanting with native plant species. The proposed vegetation management activities will occur within the LSCSF, BVW, and within the buffer zones to the BVW. PROJECT GOALS The goal presented in this LMP is to restore a native plant community within the resource area and enhance the vegetated buffer between the resource area and the upland portions of the site. This will result in greater biodiversity, improved habitat for wildlife, and improved flood control and storm damage prevention. WED believes that this project furthers the interests protected under the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act and the Town of Barnstable Wetlands Bylaw. NORTH BAY #183 Wianno Golf Club 50’ FROM BVW 100’ FROM BVW BVW (209 Bay Street) The numbered photo points and directions correspond to the numbered images on page three. 1 3 2 2 AREA DIAGRAM 3 EXISTING CONDITIONS An existing residence is located in the center of the property. A footpath leads west towards North Bay, demarcated by a split rail fence with naturalized vegetation beyond. This area of naturalized vegetation is degraded by a wide variety of invasive and non-native plant species. It has been divided into three color overlays in the Area Diagram on page two and described below. 2 The orange overlay contains a mix of native, non-native, and State-listed invasive plant species. Healthy native cedar trees are scattered throughout the area, along with oak saplings. Non-native white poplar has spread through the area, and Japanese black pine is present in smaller numbers. Japanese black pine was redefined as a Likely Invasive and added to the Massachusetts Prohibited Plant List updated on November 2022. This means nurseries and growers can no longer receive new stock or begin growing new stock, but may sell any existing stock during the phase-out period. The shrub layer vegetation contains native, non-native, and State-listed invasive species, with shrub honeysuckle, multi-flora rose, Asiatic bittersweet, and privet being the most dominant State-listed invasive species. 1 The red overlay is composed of invasive phragmites, with other State-listed invasive and non-native species mixed within. PROPOSED PROJECT ACTIVITIES The project goals will be met through the following activities: 1. Manage invasive, non-native, and aggressive plant species. 2. Seed and plant appropriate native shrubs and herbaceous species to restore native vegetation in the areas of invasive species management. Vegetation Management Vegetation management is proposed within the project areas to remove the dense cover of state-listed invasive and non-native plant species that are preventing colonization of native vegetation. Treatment will the cut and wipe method to treat individual stems, as well as low-volume spot application for species such as vine honeysuckle or smaller stems of other targeted plant species. Poison ivy is also proposed for management where it may come into contact with people. Pre-treated vegetation will be mechanically removed where feasible, and hand removal will be used where necessary to protect existing native vegetation and the stability of soils within and surrounding the BVW. One cedar located adjacent to the existing shed and footpath had been heavily pruned by the previous owner, leaving very little of its branching structure and foliage remaining; thus providing little benefit to wildlife in the resource area. An image of this cedar is included at the bottom of page seven. This cedar is proposed to be flush cut which will provide additional sunlight to establish native grasses and shrubs. The 104 native shrubs to be planted will provide greater benefit to wildlife in the resource area. Immediately following vegetation management, all bare soils will be seeded with native species listed in the Restoration Plan and covered in a biodegradable mulch product. Biodegradable erosion control blanketing may also be installed on slopes, if needed, to protect against erosion and temporarily hold mineral soils in place until the root systems of native grasses can establish and stabilize soils. Management of the phragmites will vary slightly from the other targeted woody plant species. The first step in the management process will be mowing of dead phragmites stalks in the spring of 2023. This allows for more effective management later in the season. If native shrubs are discovered within the stand of phragmites during the initial mowing, they will be rejuvenation pruned, as needed, to improve their structure due to damage from invasive plant species. Following the initial mow, two treatment methods for the phragmites are proposed depending on the site conditions and time of year the work begins. The mow and wipe method will be utilized if work begins in the summer and water levels are low enough. With this method, the phragmites will be mowed within six inches of the ground to allow for more effective treatment. After the phragmites reaches an optimal height, treatment using glyphosate-based herbicide (approved for use in wetlands) will then be applied directly to the stems using a mechanical weed wiper. The bundle cut and wipe method will be utilized if work begins in the fall and water levels are higher. The phragmites will be tied in bundles, cut, and herbicide will then be applied directly to the exposed stems. Spill-proof containers will be used, and all best management practices (BMPs) will be followed. Native Plant Restoration After invasive species removal has reached approximately 85% eradication, the project area will be planted with native shrubs] such as bayberry, black chokeberry, arrowwood, and Virginia rose. Refer to the Restoration plan for a full listing of proposed species. Following functional eradication of phragmites, no restoration planting is proposed; existing native plant species and release of native seed banks should quickly revegetate wetlands. A series of photographs from a phragmites management project in Yarmouth, MA on page five depicts the re-growth of native vegetation within the first two seasons following initial management. Native plant restoration recommendations are based on environmental factors including soils, topography, solar exposure, salt tolerance, and existing plant communities. These recommendations primarily consider the long- term health of the resource area by proposing to increase biological diversity through the removal of invasive species and the restoration of native plant communities. This will increase the plant diversity and vertical structure of vegetation within the project area, providing a variety of insect food, soft mast, nest sites, and cover habitat. 4 5 Fall 2015 - Image of phragmites following summer mowing, prior to initial treatment. Summer 2017- Image of increased density and species of native plants revegetating management area. Spring 2016 - Regrowth of native plant species from existing vegetation and seed bank. Spring • Pre-treat plant species approved for removal with an herbicide appropriate to the plant species. Treatment methods, depending on species, size, and environmental conditions, will consist of cut and wipe, or selective foliar application only if necessary. • Where feasible, mechanically uproot or root grapple pre-treated vegetation using compact, low ground pressure equipment with care to remove only root material, leaving native soils in place. Where necessary, hand removal of vegetation will be preformed. Dead stalk of phragmites will be mown/ cut to allow for more efficient treatment in the late summer. • Cover managed areas with a biodegradable mulch product, or install biodegradable erosion control blankets where necessary on sloping areas to facilitate rapid colonization of exposed mineral soils where necessary. Summer/Fall • To limit re-establishment of invasive plant species within project areas where initial management was completed, selectively treat re-sprouting invasives and non-native plant species using low-volume spot applications or cut and wipe applications (only if necessary, otherwise hand-pull small quantities). • Begin initial management of phragmites. General Notes: • Herbicides used are to be applied by knowledgeable, licensed individuals only. • All herbicide applications will avoid non-target native species. • All restoration measures shown in this document to be overseen by a Certified Ecological Restoration Practitioner (CERP). THREE YEAR LAND MANAGEMENT TIMELINE Season 1 Season 2 Winter/Spring • After most other deciduous plants have gone dormant, conduct a low-volume foliar application of herbicide to any persistent targeted species (only if necessary, otherwise hand-pull small quantities). • Mow or string-trim newly seeded restoration area in spring to limit establishment of cool-season grasses. Summer/Fall • Monitor plant response to earlier management treatments and calibrate follow-up treatments accordingly. • To limit re-establishment of invasive plant species within restoration areas, selectively treat re-sprouting invasives and non-native plant species using low- volume foliar spot applications or cut and wipe applications (only if necessary, otherwise hand-pull small quantities). • When invasive plants have been reduced by 85%, commence planting of the areas according to the Restoration Plan and install an automated, temporary, above ground irrigation system to help establish new plants to the growing conditions. 6 7 Winter/Spring • After most other deciduous plants have gone dormant, conduct a low-volume foliar application of herbicide to any persistent targeted species (only if necessary, otherwise hand-pull small quantities). • Mow or string-trim newly seeded restoration area in spring to limit establishment of cool-season grasses. Summer/Fall • Monitor plant response to earlier management treatments and calibrate follow-up treatments accordingly. • To limit re-establishment of invasive plant species within restoration areas, selectively treat re-sprouting invasives and non-native plant species using low- volume foliar spot applications or cut and wipe applications (only if necessary, otherwise hand-pull small quantities). • If land management treatments have been successful, only monitoring, hand removal, and very selective foliar application will be required to keep non- native, invasive, and aggressive species from being reintroduced. Invasive plants generally take a minimum of three to five years of active management to reach a level of successful control. • Invasive plant management is recommended to be an ongoing part of the life of the Order of Conditions for this project in order to maintain the restored condition of the plant communities on the property. Ongoing invasive plant management is typically carried out three to five time per year depending on the site conditions and client preference. • We will request that these conditions also be incorporated into the Certificate of Compliance as an ongoing condition. If additional planting of native species is required in subsequent years, species will be selected from the plant specifications on the Restoration Plan. Season 3 Ongoing Conditions Image of cedar tree lacking structure and foliage that is proposed to be flush cut. APPENDIX Invasive Plant Management Protocol Invasive Plant Management Protocols are designed to maximize the effectiveness of treatments and minimize disturbance to natural resources through selective herbicide application and/or mechanical methods. Appropriately timed treatments are based on individual plant life cycles, growing seasons, and levels of infestation. A program of selective herbicide application will be instituted during time periods when the plants will translocate the herbicide most efficiently to destroy root materials. As the carbohydrate transfer is dictated primarily by weather, the management timeline is specified by season only, necessitating field expertise to initiate timely management procedures. (Please reference the Three Year Land Management Timeline for specific treatment times.) Asiatic Bittersweet (Celastrus orbiculatus) poses a serious threat to native plant communities due to its high reproductive rate, long-range dispersal mechanisms, and the ability to root-sucker. Vines of this plant species also have the ability to aggressively wrap around and grow over other vegetation strangling mature trees. Even entire plant communities can be over-topped and shaded out by the vine’s rapid growth. It is most effectively controlled using a cut-and-wipe method of herbicide application with an ultra-low volume Triclopyr- based herbicide. A low-volume foliar spray or a basal bark treatment is also very effective. When the vines of bittersweet are intertwined with native trees they should be treated and left in place until desiccated to avoid damaging the tree. (MIPAG Listed Invasive). Multiflora Rose (Rosa multiflora) is a highly adaptable perennial vine or shrub that can grow in full sun or full shade and thrive in a wide variety of habitats, including upland, wetland, and coastal habitats. The plant’s aggressive growth habit forms impenetrable thickets, allowing it to crowd out native vegetation. Birds help disperse the prolific amount of seeds Multiflora rose produces. Mechanically removal is recommended if conditions allow. If soil disturbance must be minimized, a cut and wipe or low-volume foliar treatment with a Triclopyr-based herbicide should be used. Regular hand pulling of juvenile plants and spot herbicide treatments are also recommended for persistent re-sprouts. (MIPAG Listed Invasive) Poison Ivy (Toxicodendron radicans), although a nuisance to people, is a native plant with high wildlife value. The vines form berries in late summer that persist into the winter, providing many songbirds and other wildlife a food source when resources are scarce. Nonetheless Poison ivy can be an aggressive plant of woodlands, wetlands, and disturbed landscapes. Selective management of this species within the areas of invasive plant removal is important so that the ivy does not overwhelm and impede other native plants from establishing. (Not a State-Listed invasive). Phragmites (Phragmites australis) is a non-native reed that aggressively forms dense stands that can grow up to 20 feet tall, easily out-competing native plant species. It reproduces through seed dispersal and vigorous rhizomatous root growth. According to the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (2014), up to 80% of the phragmites biomass is underground. We do not recommend mechanical removal because of the massive disturbance to the soil structure needed to remove the phragmites root system. In addition, any remaining root fragments would quickly sprout and re-invade the area. The most effective management involved an herbicide treatment with either a “bundle, cut and wipe” or mow and wipe technique. These application methods are targeted to individual stems or leaves of the phragmites, and will not produce over-spray associated with boom sprayer or aerial applications of herbicide. (MIPAG Listed Invasive) Border Privet (Ligustrum spp.) is a ubiquitous garden escapee that can be particularly aggressive in heavier soils and areas adjacent to wetlands. Mature plants annually produce hundreds of viable seedlings that spread the species rapidly through a variety of habitats. Plants up to 4-inch basal caliper can be mechanically uprooted. A cut-stump herbicide application is the most effective treatment method for these species when the basal diameter exceeds 4 inches. (MIPAG Listed Likely Invasive, Massachusetts Prohibited Plant List). Japanese Black Pine (Pinus thunbergii) is a tree native to coastal areas of Japan and South Korea. It has become a popular horticultural tree for windbreaks and use in coastal landscapes in America. This species can be managed by mechanical removal if soil disturbance is of minimal concern. A cut and wipe application of Glyphosate-based herbicide can also be utilized to minimize soil disturbance. Follow-up management of newly germinating pines should be conducted using the cut and wipe method of herbicide application or hand removal, if limiting the use of herbicides is preferred. (MIPAG Listed Likely Invasive, Massachusetts Prohibited Plant List). Shrub Honeysuckle (Lonicera morrowii & bella) poses a major threat to native plant communities. This species aggressively out-competes native shrubs in the edge habitat and woodland understory. Shrub honeysuckle can invade a wide variety of native habitats, with or with no previous disturbance. According to vegetation management guidelines published by the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, shrub honeysuckle is suspected of producing allelopathic chemicals that inhibit the growth of other plants. If conditions allow, mechanical removal is the recommended management strategy because this plant has a relatively shallow root system. If soil disturbance must be minimized, use a cut and wipe or low-volume foliar treatment with a Triclopyr-based herbicide. To stop the reintroduction of honeysuckle, hand-pulling and targeted spot treatments can be used. (MIPAG Listed Invasive, Massachusetts Prohibited Plant List) 8 9 Vine Honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica) is an aggressive perennial vine that thrives in a range of conditions, including full sun and full shade. This invasive species has several advantages over native plants species, including high seed production rates and persistent leaves that allow photosynthesis after surrounding deciduous vegetation becomes dormant. These advantages allow the vine to form dense mats that out-compete native vegetation. An herbicide treatment is the most effective method to control the vine. The persistent leaves can be used to an advantage, allowing for an application of Glyphosphate- based herbicide when other deciduous plants are dormant. (MIPAG Listed Invasive) White Poplar (Populus alba), though not currently recognized by the state of Massachusetts as an invasive tree, is an aggressive exotic species that can overtake natural areas. One white poplar can produce several thousand seeds. Also, adventitious buds along the extensive lateral root system can sucker profusely. If left unchecked, it will form dense groves that are hard to eradicate and, in turn, can shade out native species. Further, white poplar is successful in most soil types under varied conditions. The Invasive Plant Atlas of New England (IPANE) currently lists this tree as an invasive plant in Connecticut for the above reasons. The most effective management is treatment with an herbicide using a basal bark or injection, followed by a cut-stump technique to dramatically reduce resprouting in the subsequent growing season. Smaller trees and saplings can be managed using a cut-and-wipe treatment. Regular hand pulling or treatment of seedlings should be part of the maintenance to block re-introduction of this invasive tree. (not a State-Listed invasive) Definitions 1. Native plants: A native (indigenous) species is one that occurs in a particular region, ecosystem, and habitat without direct or indirect human actions. Native plants suited for our coastal areas bind sediments with their fibrous roots. Grasses and forbs create a groundcover that not only stabilize sediments, but improve the quality of wildlife habitat and slow water runoff. Many invasive plants lack fibrous root systems and often have allelopathic chemicals which inhibit the growth of surrounding vegetation, thus creating areas of bare earth which lead to faster rates of erosion, decreased wildlife habitat quality, and increased storm water runoff. The loss of native vegetation to invasive plant species degrades wetlands and public interests (as stated below) and decreases the diversity of biological community. 2. Invasive Plants: As defined by the Massachusetts Invasive Plant Advisory Group, invasive plants are non-native species that have spread into native plant systems, causing economic or environmental harm by developing self-sustaining populations and dominating and/or disrupting those native systems. Invasive plant’s biology and physiology equip them with the means to out- compete native plants, disrupting native plant communities and compromising the integrity of that ecosystem. Invasive plant species can alter hydrological patterns, soil chemistry, moisture holding capacity, and can accelerate erosion. 3. Tree: Massachusetts DEP defines tree as woody plants with a dbh of 5 inches or greater and a height of 20 feet or more in their handbook entitled, “Delineating Bordering Vegetate Wetlands: Under the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act” Plant Inventory Native species: American Beachgrass Ammophila breviligulata Bayberry Morella caroliniensis Black Oak Quercus velutina Common Juniper Juniperus communi Eastern Red Cedar Juniperus virginiana Groundsel Tree Baccharis halimifolia Poison-Ivy Toxicodendron radicans Saltmarsh Hay Spartina patens Smooth cordgrass Spartina alterniflora Invasive & Non-Native species: Asiatic Bittersweet Celastrus orbiculatus Autumn Joy Clematis Clematis terniflora English Ivy Hedera helix Japanese Black Pine Pinus thunbergii Multiflora rose Rosa multiflora Phragmites Phragmites australis Privet Ligustrum spp. Rugosa Rose Rosa rugosa Shrub Honeysuckle Lonicera maakii-morrowii Vine Honeysuckle Lonicera japonica White Poplar Populus alba References Hutchison, Max. “Vegetation Management Guideline: Round- leaved Bittersweet (Celastrus orbiculatas Thunb.).” Introduction to Vegetation Management Guide. 6 February, 1990. Illinois Natural History Survey. 16 Nov. 2011. Journal of Chemical Ecology, 24(5), 891-904. doi: 10.1023/A:1022377618562. “Southeast Exotic Pest Plant Council Invasive Plant Manual: Oriental Bittersweet.”Southeast Exotic Pest Plant Council Invasive Plant Manual. June, 2003. Southeast Exotic Pest Plant Council. 16 Nov. 2001.