08/28/2006 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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• • Invasive Species Management Invasive species are clearly the most urgent management priority at The Preserve. Although invasive species have established on the site, there is ample time to manage the relatively concentrated populations of these species before they are able to spread further. However, if invasive exotic species are left unchecked and untreated, they will continue to invade, establish, and further degrade the remaining moderate quality natural vegetation within five to ten years time. Once established as reproductive populations, natural community restoration and management will be significantly more difficult and expensive within The Preserve's conservation areas. Common and Glossy Buckthorn Common Buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica) and Glossy Buckthorn (R. frangula) are European shrubs that invade and establish within native forest and woodland understories in Minnesota. Once Buckthorn establishes within natural communities, it can out - compete most native species. Common Buckthorn was observed in various densities throughout the forest and woodlands of The Preserve. Glossy Buckthorn prefers wetland habitats, and was observed in very limited numbers along wetland edges within the site. Removal and management of Buckthorn can be a labor intensive and costly undertaking. A long -term plan will likely be necessary to perpetually monitor and manage these species. The first phase of managing Buckthorn includes locating and removing all mature, fruit producing individuals, as to minimize seed dispersal and invasion. Seed producing plants are most commonly found along sunny woodland edges, rather than in woodland or forest interiors. The next phase of removal should include the removal of saplings and seedlings. When samplings and seedlings are removed, native shrub and herbaceous specious should be planted to reduce the risk of erosion, soil loss, and reinvasion of buckthorn and other undesirable species. CCES also recommends coordination with landowners adjacent to The Preserve development, to secure permission to remove and treat buckthorn along adjacent property boundaries, where feasible. Replanting of native species on adjacent residential lands should be considered. Reed Canary Grass Reed Canary Grass (Phalaris arundinacea) is an invasive wetland grass that is very common to degraded wetlands within the Minneapolis /Saint Paul metropolitan area and throughout Minnesota. Reed Canary Grass is considered native to North America, but this species has been hybridized and cultivated as an aggressive and naturalizing forage grass that is also used erosion control in agricultural landscapes. Reed Canary Grass is pervasive in all wetlands and in upland edges of The Preserve's conservation areas. CCES recommends prompt management and treatment of Reed Canary Grass beginning in fall of 2005. Reed Canary Grass can be effectively managed with a grass - specific herbicide (Vantage) or non - specific herbicides (Rodeo and Round -Up), prescribed burning, and manual removal (where feasible). The Preserve Conservation Development - Restoration and Management Plan 28