05/25/2005 Env Bd Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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Prairie Management Plan For Distributions Alternatives Lino Lakes, Minnesota Prairie management work is to be conducted intensively for the first three seasons after a project's installation and will then be reduced in future seasons. The aim of these practices is to restrict invasive weed species establishment while enhancing the development of desirable native species. Site Monitoring Any prairie or natural area should be continually monitored to evaluated the current state of development and assess any problem situations. As outside influences will always impact this prairie, these evaluations will serve to direct land management activities to best deal with the ever - changing conditions. Mowing Mowing events should be conducted approximately 2-4 times during the first season and 1 -2 times during the second season. The timing and frequency of these mowings will be determined by the seasonal growing conditions of the area. A mowing should occur at any point during the first 2 years that annual or bi- annual weeds form a closed canopy of over 12' above the newly emerging prairie species. A flail mower is to be used to mow the area at a height of no less than 4 ". A single mowing may be used yearly thereafter in the spring or fall (when the plants are dormant) to maintain the esthetics of the area while also eliminating encroaching woody species. Weed Control As most annual and bi -annual weeds will effectively be controlled by mowings, most perennial weeds will need more precise and aggressive control methods. Such techniques can include the meticulous hand pulling or cutting of some species; and spot herbicide applications on more persistent weeds. This can be a very laborious process, but is a very important management tool. Prescribed Burning Once a prairie has achieved maturity, burning will become an invaluable instrument in maintaining the ecological integrity of the area. A prescribed burn should occur in the spring or fall of the year and should be conducted every 2 -4 years (alternating with dormant mowings). These burns are only to be conducted by trained professionals. Additional Procedures- Watering