02/28/2001 Env Bd Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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12/20/2000 06:24 6124018798 FROM : NORTH AMERICAN PRAIRIES CO KJOLHAUG ENVIR SERV PAGE 03 PHONE NO. : 320 274 5316 Dec. 19 2000 12 : 55PM P2 application.: Normally, when entering a project with demands like these, the first step is to burn the dead material in the spring before there is new growth that will inhibit a clean bum. Since the project was given to us "after" this spring window, the next step was to use chemical to kill and thus create conditions that would enable us to burn early summer. Unfortunately, the site was a little to wet early on to get spray equipment on site and effectively kill the Reed Canary grass. In the meantime while we waited for the dry down of the wetlands we worked on exotic brush control in the understory of most of the woodland set- asides. This was done in stages to provide the best results. First, the smallest saplings of Buckthorn, Honeysuckle and Prickly Ash were cut off at about 2 feet to put all on equal height level and make eventual herbicide treatment easier. The idea was that the saplings would leaf out at the same height and make herbicide to plant contact most efficient. Secondly, in mid summer we proceeded further with brush control by cutting all saplings of invasive exotic species noted above, then stump treating each one with Garton Herbicide. The process was .methodical and labor intensive but I feel very effective in controlling and reducing the existing plants of these undesirable species. However, it most be noted, this does not effect new growth that may potentially occur from an existing seed bank. When we got back to work on the wetlands we were in late summer and into a drought. This was fortunate in that it allowed us full access to all the now dry wetlands with our spray equipment. It was unfortunate though, because once we sprayed and killed existing the vegetation a burn ban was put on statewide, preventing us from accomplishing this very important step in the restoration process. So we waited. Unfortunately time ran out on us this fall to bum and thus properly prepare the site for an effective installation of all the restorative materials. In many ways this works out fine for us and for the ultimate