05/30/2001 Env Bd Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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1 r i t 1 1 1 1 1 occidentalis, R. strigosus, and R. allegheniensis) are also present along forested edges. Along the periphery where forest grades into the adjacent wetland margin, red maple, aspen, and occasional paper birch have invaded. White and green ash (Fraxinus americana and F. pennsylvanica) and red elm (Ulmus rubra) are also invading the sub - canopy under the oaks. In some locations native grasses and sedges have maintained or have re- established small colonies associated with disturbed ground and canopy openings in the vicinity of the Town Center construction project. Recommendation: The canopy of the oak savanna/forest areas has become over - stocked, resulting in wide - spread shade suppression of the ground cover vegetation. Brushing, prescribed burning, and re- introduction of species through seeding and planting will be necessary to restore these communities. This management strategy will also begin to address the need to regenerate the oak savanna/forest system, which is presently comprised of pathologically mature trees with limited regeneration apparent. Included in the oak savanna remnant to the left of the entrance drive into the new Town Center, are dispersed seedlings of red, white, and Scotch pine. In addition, young growth forest cover, including aspen and black cherry, has invaded into the site, along with young - growth northern pin oak trees. Most of the older pines are 4 -15" DBH red, white, and Scotch pines, concentrated on the south side of the oak savanna remnant. Recommendation: Prescribed burning and brushing within the oak savanna remnant would be the primary management strategy. However, re- introduction of native plant species will also likely be necessary. The conifer plantations (3E) within the site are densely over - stocked with scotch and red pine and with occasional spruce and white pine. Most are in the 5 -10" DBH size class. Because of an absence of management, they are dense - growing and have developed a continuous canopy, which has shaded out most of the ground cover vegetation. In addition, a large percentage of the pines are in a pathological condition and will soon begin to decline. Recommendation: Selective thinning of the pine tree rows will increase available light to the ground story and thus increase vegetative cover in that layer. Species diversity in the ground layer is likely poor and would benefit from enhancement seeding of native species. S:98629:040999 7 Lino Lakes Town Center Natural Resource Inventory Report