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10 <br /> <br /> <br /> <br />4.6. Erosion control <br />Erosion control measures should be implemented as required after permanent seeding is <br />completed. <br /> <br /> <br /> <br />5. Vegetation Management Procedures <br />5.1. Adaptive Management <br />An adaptive management strategy is vital to the success of any project, but especially so for <br />native pollinator restorations. Adaptive management consists of continual monitoring and <br />adjusting maintenance strategies based on the site conditions in order to achieve the best <br />outcomes. No two sites are exactly the same and responding to changing site conditions, <br />weed pressures, weather, and a multitude of other variables is essential to the success of <br />the planting. <br />5.2. Complete Site Maintenance Mowing <br />Complete site maintenance mowing consists of mowing the entire project area during the <br />growing season, including trimming as appropriate around equipment or in inaccessible <br />areas. Complete site maintenance mowing is implemented primarily during the <br />establishment phase of the restoration (years 1-3) for several reasons. First, if a closed <br />canopy of vegetation develops, mowing is implemented to knock back the taller vegetation <br />and allow sunlight to reach the native seedlings below. Second, if weed species are present <br />and actively nearing their seed set, mowing is implemented to prevent those weeds from <br />producing viable seed. Third, vegetation has become tall enough to shade the panels or <br />impact other solar equipment on site and must be cut down. <br />5.3. Integrated Vegetation Maintenance <br />Integrated vegetation maintenance or IVM is a method using a combination of targeted <br />mowing/trimming and herbicide application aimed at reducing or eliminating weed species <br />and promoting the desired vegetation. IVM can also include grazing, haying, and other <br />maintenance options as appropriate. IVM is implemented starting towards the end of the <br />2nd full growing season typically and is used throughout the life of the project. 3 IVM visits <br />are typical on most sites until year 5 when a reduction to 1-2 visits per year can be made if <br />site conditions allow. <br />5.4. Dormant Mowing <br />Dormant mowing is a type of complete site mow implemented when vegetation is not <br />actively growing on site. This method is typically performed in early spring or fall. <br />Oftentimes, dormant mows are completed in the fall to mulch up dead vegetation and <br />encourage decomposition. This practice also has a dual purpose of cleaning up the site to <br />make electrical maintenance easier and to reduce the chance of accidental fire.