02/27/2008 Env Bd Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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• 5) Selectively thin Aspen dominated wetland edges and woodlands to promote diverse native herbaceous plant communities, seed these areas as needed; 6) Monitor the site's response to initial restoration and management treatments, and refine management approach and methods as needed; 7) Install conservation area (outlot) boundary markers and interpretive signage that clearly defines the boundaries of the conservation area; 8) Install bituminous trail and boardwalks (at wetland crossings), re -seed trail edges with appropriate native species along trail edges and monitor weed species along trail corridor. Invasive Species Management Invasive species are clearly the most urgent management priority at Foxborough. 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 Foxborough'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 Foxborough. 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 Foxborough development, to secure permission to remove and treat buckthorn along adjacent property boundaries, where feasible. Replanting of native species on adjacent residential lands may be a necessary expense. 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 Foxborough Conservation Development Restoration and Management Plan 27