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HomeMy WebLinkAboutBarnstable - NOI - Harry Hagerty - 291 Bay Lane Land Management PLANLAND MANAGEMENT PLAN 291 Bay Lane | Centerville, MA August 8, 2023 TMTM 2 This page intentionally left blank 3 INTRODUCTION This Land Management Plan (LMP) accompanies a Notice of Intent (NOI) filing for construction activities and vegetation management. The vegetation management will include the removal of invasive, non-native, and aggressive plant species and restoration of appropriate native plant communities. Proposed vegetation management activities will occur on the Coastal Bank and within the buffer zones to Coastal Bank and within Land Subject to Coastal Storm Flowage (LSCSF). PROJECT GOALS The goal presented in this LMP is the restoration of native vegetation to the Coastal Bank and enhancement of the vegetated buffer between the resource area and the upland portions of the site. Restoring native plant communities will result in greater biodiversity, improved habitat for wildlife, and improve flood control and storm damage prevention. Wilkinson Ecological Design (WED) believes the interests protected under the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act and the Town of Barnstable Wetlands Bylaw are furthered by this project. 4 BUMPS RIVERBAY LANE Top of Coastal Bank AE Flood Zone EL 1350’ from TOB 100’ from TOB The numbered photo points and directions correspond to the numbered images on Page three. 3 1 2 AREA DIAGRAM EXISTING CONDITIONS This residential property is sandwiched between Bay Lane and Bumps River in Centerville. The residence is located near the center of the property with formal landscape surrounding the home. A mature tree canopy of mostly native species covers a majority of the property. Though the canopy layer over the property is predominately native, the shrub and ground layer vegetation beyond the formal landscape is a varying mixture of native, non-native, and invasive plant species. The yellow overlay on the Area Diagram below depicts an area of unique native woodland understory forbs and grasses being invaded by State-listed invasive plant species, like Asiatic bittersweet, multiflora rose, and vine honeysuckle. Images 1 at the top of page five shows the whorled yellow loosestrife and the native geranium that was still in bloom at the time of the site visit. The density size of the invasive plant species within this area is much less than the other areas on the property. The red overlay on the Area Diagram below depicts an area that contains a heavy layer of State-listed invasive species such as burning bush, Asiatic bittersweet, multiflora rose, and vine honeysuckle covering a majority of the area. Refer to image 2 on page five. Some native shrubs are present on the bank and are concentrated along the bottom of bank on the west side of the property including bayberry, arrowwood, and marsh-elder where the inundation of tidal waters favors this plant species. A healthy Salt Marsh was observed along the bottom of bank on the western side of the property. A much narrower band of Salt Marsh was found along bottom of the northern facing bank. Minor erosion at the toe was observed along the northern facing bank and can be seen in Image 3 at the bottom of page five. 5 1 3 2 IMAGE 3 - Coastal Bank vegetated by a mixture of State-listed invasive, non-native, and aggressive plant species. The heavy wrack accumulation and erosion can be seen. The narrow band of Salt Marsh along the northern side of the property is seen on the left of the photo. IMAGE 2 - Coastal Bank and buffer vegetated by a mixture of State-listed invasive, non-native, and aggressive plant species under the native tree canopy. IMAGE 1 - Area of vegetation that contains native woodland understory forbs and grasses with a lesser density of invasive plant species than the other project areas. 6 PROPOSED PROJECT ACTIVITIES The project goal of restoring native vegetation to the Coastal Bank and enhancement of the vegetated buffer between the resource area and upland portions of the site will be met through the following proposed activities: 1. Vegetation Management: Manage invasive, non-native, and aggressive species within the project areas. 2. Native Plant Restoration: Seed and plant appropriate native shrub and herbaceous species to restore the targeted native plant communities. Vegetation Management Invasive plant species can cause profound changes to environmental conditions of a site, including soil nutrient levels, sun exposure, increased erosion, and the ability to negatively affect resources for wildlife. For a description of the environmental effects of the non-native and invasive species proposed for removal, refer to the Appendix on page ten. Vegetation management will target all invasive, non-native, and aggressive species, including Asiatic bittersweet, burning bush, shrub and vine honeysuckle, multiflora rose, English ivy, and all other plant species approved for management. Plant management treatments will consist of selective herbicide application using the cut and wipe method to treat individual stems. Low-volume foliar application will only be used for species like vine honeysuckle and English ivy who’s stems whose diameter is too small for effective cut and wipe treatment. Following pre-treatment, the targeted vegetation will be mechanically removed where feasible and hand removal where necessary to protect existing native vegetation and stability of soils on sloped areas. Where invasive vines, such as Asiatic bittersweet are intertwined with viable native species, they will be treated and left in place until desiccated, then removed in order to avoid damaging the native vegetation. Poison ivy will be managed along the edge of lawn where it can come in contact with people. Pre-treated vegetation will be mechanically removed where feasible. Hand removal would be proposed to protect existing native vegetation that is to remain and to protect the stability of soils on the Coastal Bank. All herbicide applications will be performed by Massachusetts licensed applicators. The Invasive Plant Management Protocols in the Appendix include species-specific information and management strategies. Regenerative pruning techniques will be used on native shrubs that are to remain within the project area that have been shaded-out by invasive vegetation. This pruning technique results in increased biomass of the subject plant, as well as a plant with a natural shape. Where native shrubs lack the biomass to be successfully pruned into a natural shape due to intense shading by invasive vines and shrubs, they will be flush cut and allowed to regrow without further management. Immediately following vegetation management, all bare soils will be seeded with the native grass species listed on the Restoration Plan. Biodegradable erosion control blanketing will be installed on the Coastal Bank to protect against erosion and temporarily hold mineral soils in place until the root systems of native grasses can establish and stabilize soils. Native Plant Restoration Native plant restoration recommendations are based on several environmental factors, including soils, topography, solar exposure, salt tolerance, and existing plant communities. Recommendations primarily consider the long-term health of the resource area by proposing to increase biological diversity through the removal of invasive, non-native, and aggressive plant species and the restoration of native a plant community. The project area would benefit from the establishment of the proposed native shrub and grass species to stabilize soils. Native warm-season grasses are extremely effective at retaining soils because they develop thick, fibrous root systems that bind and retain sediments. Please refer to the Plant Species Rooting Depth diagram on page seven for a graphic representation of the rooting depths of native and invasive plant species. Native shrubs and grasses are also more effective at stabilizing soils than the invasive species that are currently present on site. Native shrubs like bayberry are well adapted to salt spray and wind, and develop extensive root systems that help to retain soils. After invasive species removal has reached approximately 85% eradication, the project area will be planted with the native shrubs and grasses listed on the Restoration Plan. Refer to the Restoration Plan for a full listing of the proposed species. 7 PLANT SPECIES ROOTING DEPTHS TYPICAL NON-NATIVE/ INVASIVE ROOT SYSTEM DEEPLY-ROOTED NATIVE SHRUBS AND GRASSES SWITCHGRASS LITTLE BLUESTEM BAYBERRY SHRUB HONEYSUCKLE References for plant species rooting depth include : http://annarbor.wildones.org/resources/, Staver, K. W. (2000), Waramit, Naroon. (2010), Weaver, J.E. (1961), Weaver, J.E. (1958), Rainer, T., & West, C. (2015) 1 0’1 0’ 6’6’ 8’8’ 4 ’4 ’ 2’2’ 8 Fall/Winter • Pre-treat plant species approved for removal with an herbicide appropriate to the plant species using cut and wipe method to treat individual stems or low-volume foliar application will only be used for stems whose diameter is too small for effective cut and wipe treatment. The pretreated vegetation will be removed and the project area immediately seeded with the specified seed mix. Install biodegradable erosion control blankets on the Coastal Bank to stabilize the soil while the native grass seeds are germinating. • To limit re-establishment of invasive plant species within restoration areas, selectively treat re-sprouting invasive and non-native plant species using low-volume spot applications or cut and wipe applications, only if necessary, otherwise hand-pull small quantities. 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). Winter/Spring • To limit re-establishment of invasive plant species within restoration areas, selectively treat re-sprouting invasive and non-native plant species using low-volume spot applications or cut and wipe applications, only if necessary, otherwise hand-pull small quantities. • Mow or string-trim newly seeded restoration area once in early spring to limit establishment of non-native 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 invasive and non-native plant species using low-volume 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. THREE YEAR LAND MANAGEMENT TIMELINE Season 2Season 1 9 Winter/Spring • To limit re-establishment of invasive plant species within restoration areas, selectively treat re-sprouting invasive and non-native plant species using low-volume spot applications or cut and wipe applications, only if necessary, otherwise hand-pull small quantities. • Mow or string-trim newly seeded restoration area once in early spring to limit establishment of non-native 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 invasive and non-native plant species using low-volume spot applications or cut and wipe applications, only if necessary, otherwise hand-pull small quantities. Ongoing Maintenance After the treatments of the third season, the management plan should be assessed and re-evaluated. If land management treatments have been successful, only monitoring and hand removal will be required to keep 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. Season 3 10 APPENDIX Invasive Plant Management Protocol Invasive Plant Management Protocols are designed to maximize the effectiveness of treatments and minimize disturbance to natural resources through mechanical removal, hand removal, or selective herbicide application where necessary. 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. The Massachusetts Invasive Plant Advisory Group (MIPAG) is responsible for classifying plants as invasive in Massachusetts. The plant species listed below include their invasive status as defined by MIPAG. 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). Burning Bush (Euonymus alatus) was a popular ornamental shrub due to its brilliant red fall foliage. It has escaped from cultivation and now occurs in multiple habitats throughout the state. Burning bush reproduces aggressively by root suckers and seed dispersal. The plant will tolerate full shade and form dense thickets in woodland understories. Mechanical removal is usually effective where feasible. A cut-and-wipe application of Glyphosate-based herbicide may be necessary in areas where mechanical removal is not an option such, as a dense woodland understory. (MIPAG Listed Invasive). English Ivy (Hedera helix) is an aggressive evergreen vine often used as an ornamental groundcover. It has the potential to completely out-compete all low-growing vegetation. English ivy can also grow into trees and cover the trunk, branches, block sunlight, and eventually kill the tree. The tree eventually becomes susceptible to blow over due to its weakened state and the added weight of the vine. Mechanical uprooting followed by treatments of a Triclopyr-based herbicide is the preferred treatment method for this plant. (Not a State-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) Rugosa Rose (Rosa rugosa) iis regarded as a common feature of New England’s beaches, but people introduced this plant to the region in the 1770s from Asia. People commonly planted it for its showy flowers, salt tolerance, drought resistance, and perception as an effective erosion control plant. In fact, rugosa rose is less effective than native coastal plants at preventing erosion, as its prolific growth habit shades out more effective erosion control plants. The most effective management is mechanical removal. 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 rugosa, hand-pulling and targeted spot treatments can be used. (not a State-Listed invasive) Sycamore Maple (Acer pseudoplatanus) was introduced from Europe as a street and park tree because of its ability to provide shade and grow in less-than-ideal conditions. Sycamore maples are successful invaders of New England coastal areas due to their tolerance for exposed sites, salt spray, pollution and poor soils. Sycamore maples are capable of producing numerous seedlings that can compete with and displace the native coastal vegetation. The most effective management is treatment with an herbicide using a basal bark, injection, or cut-stump technique. Smaller trees and saplings can be managed using a cut-and-wipe treatment. The seed bank is likely to include a large amount of sycamore maple seeds that will germinate following the initial management. Regular hand pulling or treatment of seedlings should be part of the maintenance to block re-introduction of this invasive tree. (MIPAG Listed Invasive, Massachusetts Prohibited Plant List) 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) 11 Plant Inventory Native species: Arrowwood Viburnum dentatum Bayberry Morella caroliniensis Black Cherry Prunus serotina Black Oak Quercus velutina Goldenrod Solidago spp. Eastern Red Cedar Juniperus virginiana Highbush Blueberry Vaccinium corymbosum Hightide Bush Baccharis halimifolia Marsh-elder Iva frutescens Pennsylvania sedge Carex pensylvanica Pitch Pine Pinus rigida Poison-Ivy Toxicodendron radicans Red Chokeberry Aronia arbutifolia Smooth cordgrass Spartina alterniflora Spotted Crane’s-bill Geranium maculatum Swamp Rose Rosa palustris Virginia Creeper Parthenocissus quinquefolia White Oak Quercus alba Whorled Loosestrife Lysimachia quadrifolia Invasive and Non-Native species: Asiatic Bittersweet Celastrus orbiculatus Burning Bush Euonymus alatus Cotteneaster Cotoneaster apiculatus English Ivy Hedera helix Vine Honeysuckle Lonicera japonica Multiflora rose Rosa multiflora Rugosa Rose Rosa rugosa Shrub Honeysuckle Lonicera maakii-morrowii Sycamore Maple Acer pseudoplatanus Yew Taxus spp 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 the 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. Sapling (tree): The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection Division(DEP), in their handbook entitled, “Delineating Bordering Vegetated Wetlands Under the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act”, defines sapling as woody vegetation under 20 feet in height with a diameter at breast height (dbh) greater than or equal to 0.4 inches to less than 5 inches. 4. 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 Vegetated Wetlands: Under the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act”. 5. Restorative pruning Restorative pruning is a process of pruning older and/or damaged branches, over time, to allow for the regrowth of new healthy branching. During the first season, one third of the improperly pruned or topped branches are proposed to be pruned, which will promote young vigorous growth from the base. In the second season, if necessary, an additional one third of the previously topped branches will be pruned to promote additional new growth. Following the restorative pruning of the shrub in the second season, the native shrubs will be allowed to grow to their natural heights. References Britton, N. L., & Brown, H. C. (1913). An Illustrated Flora of the Northern United States and Canada (2nd ed., Vol. 3). Charles Scribner’s Sons. Fuller, T.K. 2003. Relative importance of early-successional forests and shrubland habitats to mammals in the northeastern United States. Forest Ecology and Management 185:75-79. 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.