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HomeMy WebLinkAboutBarnstable - NOI - Robert Pamela Gremley - 64 Bayview RoadINVASIVE PLANT MANAGEMENT PROTOCOL 64 Bayview Road | Osterville, MA November 22nd, 2024 Introduction & Project Goals The project site is a residential lot located along West Bay at 64 Bayview Road in Osterville. The property is currently developed with a single family home and deck. Proposed plans include the demolition of the existing structures, and the construction of a new house, reconfigured driveway, and pool. Invasive plant management and native species restoration is proposed along the Coastal Bank and edge of the Salt Marsh along the southwest edge of the property. The goals of restoration are to establish a native plant community and vegetated buffer along and above the Coastal Bank. These actions will increase native plant diversity, improve the quality of wildlife habitat, and aid in the filtration of storm water runoff pollutants. The wetland interests identified under the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act and the Town of Barnstable Wetland Bylaws will be served by this plan. Existing Conditions At present, the face of the Coastal Bank is vegetated with a mix of native, non-native, and invasive plant species. This plant community includes bayberry, high-tide bush, bittersweet, rugosa rose, Asiatic bittersweet, and shrub honeysuckle. Chinese silver grass, English ivy, and a variety of non-native evergreens have also been identified in the upland portion of the 50’ buffer. Patches of phragmites have been located sporadically along the edge of the Salt Marsh. If left unmanaged, these non-native plants have the ability to out-complete the established native vegetation on the bank and throughout the Salt Marsh. Vegetation Management This project includes approximately 2,000 square feet of vegetation management to remove invasive and non- native plant species. Invasive plant management is proposed on the face of the Coastal Bank and along the Salt Marsh edge, as shown on the accompanying Restoration Plan. State-listed invasive and non-native species, including English ivy, Asiatic bittersweet, shrub honey suckle, rugosa rose, and Chinese silver grass are proposed for selective herbicide application using cut and wipe treatment of individual stems. English ivy will be treated with targeted low-volume spot application because its stems are too small for effective cut and wipe treatments. The patches of phragmites identified along the edge of the Salt Marsh will be treated using a cut and wipe method. Stocks will be cut within six inches of the ground in the winter and again in the early summer. When the height of the reed reaches an average of two feet high, herbicide treatment will commence by a glyphosate-based herbicide (approved for use in wetlands) directly to the stem using a mechanical weed wiper or hand-held sponge applicator. The wipe application method with a mechanical weed wiper or a hand-held sponge applicator treatment is repeated another two to five times in the late summer and fall. All herbicide applications will be performed by Massachusetts licensed applicators. Where invasive vines, including 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 underlying vegetation. Rejuvenation pruning techniques will be used on native shrubs Historically managed rugosa and bayberry hedge & miscanthus Rugosa rose, high tide bush, and bayberry 2 damaged due to historic management and invasive plant pressure. This pruning technique will allow for the regrowth of new healthy branching resulting in increased biomass and a plant with a natural shape. Immediately following initial vegetation management, the project area will be seeded with a native salt tolerant grass mix. Areas of loose soil will be covered with biodegradable erosion control blankets, where necessary. Native Plant Restoration Native plant restoration is proposed for approximately 4,300 square feet of the property, including within the identified invasive plant management area and further inland replacing existing lawn. After invasive species removal has reached approximately 85% eradication, the invasive plant management areas will be planted with the native species as specified on the Restoration Plan. The remainder of the restoration area will be planted upon the completion of construction. Native plant restoration recommendations are based on several environmental factors, including soils, topography, solar exposure, salt tolerance, and existing plant communities. Species include bayberry, beach plum, Carolina rose, marsh-elder, swamp rose, and sweetfern. See the Restoration plan for species location and quantities. Recommendations primarily consider the long-term health of the resource area by proposing to increase biological plant diversity that will provide a great benefit to wildlife. Ongoing Maintenance The project also includes maintenance to limit the reintroduction of the targeted non-native plant species into the project area. Follow-up management of the targeted invasive and non-native plant species will occur to control their reintroduction. Follow-up management will include either hand weeding, selectively treating using a low-volume foliar spot application, or a cut and wipe application of an approved herbicide at the approved rates. The follow-up management will occur three to five times per season for the life of the Order of Conditions. A three foot wide mown maintenance access path is also proposed through the project area. The location of the proposed maintenance path will be determined after construction is complete. Regulatory Compliance It is WED’s professional opinion that project activities described in this Land Management Protocol serve the interests of the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act and the Town of Barnstable Wetland Bylaws, working to improve conditions for the benefit of extant wildlife, diversify plant species, and promote natural communities. Phragmites along edge of salt marsh edge Phragmites and honeysuckle along edge of salt marsh edge 3 APPENDIX Plant Inventory Native species: Bayberry Morella caroliniensis Marsh Elder Iva frutescens Hightide Bush Baccharis halimifolia Golden rod Solidago sempervirens Eastern Red Cedar Juniperus virginiana Invasive and Non-native species: Asiatic Bittersweet Celastrus orbiculatus Chinese silver grass Miscanthus sinensis English Ivy Hedera helix Phragmites Phragmites australis Rugosa Rose Rosa rugosa Shrub Honeysuckle Lonicera morrowii & bella 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 time line is specified by season only, necessitating field expertise to initiate timely management procedures. All plant species listed in the protocol include the invasive status as defined by the Massachusetts Invasive Plant Advisory Group (MIPAG). Asiatic Bittersweet (Celastrus orbiculatus) poses a threat to the preservation of native plant communities because it has the ability to form dense stands of vines in open fields and forests alike. 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. (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). 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) Rugosa Rose (Rosa rugosa) is 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. 4 References Cullina, M., Connelly B., Sorrie, B., & Somers, P. (1999). The vascular plants of Massachusetts: A county checklist (first revision). Westborough, Mass.: Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife, Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Program. 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. 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) 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 our wetlands and public interests (as stated below) and decreases the diversity of our 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. Rejuvenation Pruning: Rejuvenation 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 existing branches will be pruned away. This pruning will promote young vigorous growth from the base of the subject plant. In the second season, if necessary, an additional one third of existing branches will be pruned to promote additional new growth. 5 50' BUFFERZONE AE (EL. 12')ZONE VE (EL. 14')EDGE OF SALT MARSHPROPOSED INVASIVE AND NON-NATIVE PLANT MANAGEMENT AREA. EXISTING NATIVE VEGETATION TO REMAIN. TOP OF COSTAL BANK 50' BUFFERZONE AE (EL. 12')ZONE VE (EL. 14')EDGE OF SALT MARSHTOP OF COSTAL BANK 109876 7 9 8763 MARSH-ELDER 3 CAROLINA ROSE 5 CAROLINA ROSE 3 MARSH-ELDER 5 BAYBERRY 5 BEACH PLUM 3 MARSH-ELDER 3 BAYBERRY 9 CAROLINA ROSE 3 SWAMP ROSE 8 SWEETFERN 6 SWEETFERN 7 CAROLINA ROSE 3 BEACH PLUM 6 BAYBERRY 3 SWAMP ROSE 00 30'60' N 1. APPROXIMATELY THREE GROWING SEASONS WILL BE REQUIRED TO CONTROL AND/OR ERADICATE INVASIVE PLANT SPECIES. AFTER THREE GROWING SEASONS, MONITORING AND MINIMAL MAINTENANCE WILL BE ONGOING. 2. HERBICIDES ARE TO BE APPLIED BY LICENSED INDIVIDUALS ONLY. 3. A TEMPORARY, AUTOMATED ABOVE-GROUND IRRIGATION SYSTEM WILL BE REQUIRED FOR THE FIRST TWO/THREE GROWING SEASONS WHILE NEW PLANTS ARE ESTABLISHING. ONCE PLANTS ARE ESTABLISHED IRRIGATION WILL BE REMOVED. 4. ALL RESTORATION PLANTINGS WILL INCORPORATE EXISTING NATIVE SPECIES UNLESS OTHERWISE SPECIFIED IN THE APPROVED DOCUMENTS. 5. ANY DISCREPANCIES BETWEEN THE PLANTING SPECIFICATION AND THE PLAN, THE PLAN SHALL TAKE PRECEDENCE. 6. RESTORATION & MITIGATION AREAS WILL BE ALLOWED TO NATURALIZE. 7. ALL EXPOSED SOILS WILL BE SEEDED WITH NATIVE CAPE COD MEADOW MIX UNLESS OTHERWISE SPECIFIED.. FOR PERMITTING PURPOSES ONLY THIS DRAWING IS NOT INTENDED FOR CONSTRUCTION REV DATE DESCRIPTION DRAWN BY:CHECKED BY: DATE:SCALE: SURVEY PROVIDED BY: ARCHITECT: THIS DRAWING AND ALL IDEAS EMBODIED THEREIN IS PROPRIETARY INFORMATION OF WILKINSON ECOLOGICAL DESIGN, INC. (WED) AND SHALL NOT BE COPIED, REPRODUCED, OR DISCLOSED IN CONNECTION WITH ANY WORK OTHER THAN THE PROJECT FOR WHICH IT HAS BEEN PREPARED, IN WHOLE OR PART, WITHOUT PRIOR WRITTEN AUTHORIZATION FROM WED. © 2024 WILKINSON ECOLOGICAL DESIGN, INC. NOTES: k:\clients\bayview rd_64_cot\consult\plans\restoplan\20241121_resto_bayview rd_64_ost.dwg21-Nov-24 1 OF 1 CHMP VARIES11/22/2024 GREMLEY 64 BAYVIEW ROAD OSTERVILLE, MA RESTORATION PLAN SULLIVAN ENGINEERING & CONSULTING, INC 711 MAIN STREET OSTERVILLE, MA, 02655 508.428.3344 POLHEMUS SAVERY DASILVA 157 BREWSTER-CHATHAM ROAD EAST HARWICH, MA 02645 508.945.4500 Scale: 1"= 30' EXISTING CONDITIONS 1 Scale: 1"= 20' RESTORATION PLAN - PROJECT AREA APPROXIMATELY 4300SF 2 EXISTING HOUSE #64 SHED PROPOSED HOUSE #64 UPPER HIGH MARSH BORDER SPECIES TO BE SEEDED AND SUPPLEMENTARILY PLUGGED American Beachgrass Ammophila breviligulata plug - #1 Crinkle Hair Grass Deschampsia flexuosa plug - #1 Little Bluestem Schizachyrium scoparium plug - #1 Purple Love Grass Eragrostis spectabilis plug - #1 Saltmarsh Hay Spartina patens plug - #1 Seaside Goldenrod Solidago sempervirens plug - #1 Switch Grass Panicum virgatum plug - #1 Swamp Rose Mallow Hibiscus moscheutos plug - #1 common name scientific name size 75 NATIVE SHRUBS FOR RESTORATION AREA count common name scientific name size 14 Bayberry Morel Carolinians #1 - #3 8 Beach Plum Prunes maritime #1 - #3 24 Carolina Rose Rosa Carolina #1 - #3 9 Marsh-elder Ivan fruitlessness #1 - #3 6 Swamp Rose Rosa balusters #1 - #3 14 Sweetfern Comptonia peregrina #1 - #3 N 00 20'40' EXISTING NATIVE VEGETATION TO BE REGENERATIVE PRUNED AS NEEDED DUE TO INVASIVE PRESSURE AND HISTORIC MANAGEMENT