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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPOLESTAR VILLAGE - FDP240010 - SUBMITTAL DOCUMENTS - ROUND 1 - Supporting Documentation (5) Pole Star Community: Adaptive Management and Mitigation Plan Prepared For: JR Engineering, Pole Star Community Date: 06/21/2024 Pole Star Community: Monitoring, Maintenance, and Adaptive Management 2 | Page Table of Contents SECTION 1: Adaptive Management Strategies and Monitoring ............................................................................................... 3 Purpose ............................................................................................................................................................................... 3 Adaptive Management Background ................................................................................................................................... 3 Wetland Mitigation and Natural Habitat Buffer Zone (NHBZ) Monitoring ......................................................................... 3 Overview ......................................................................................................................................................................... 3 Monitoring Goals ............................................................................................................................................................ 4 Types of Monitoring ........................................................................................................................................................ 4 Monitoring Timeline and Responsibilities ...................................................................................................................... 5 Monitoring Methods ....................................................................................................................................................... 5 SECTION 2: Weed Management Strategies ............................................................................................................................ 8 Weed Management ............................................................................................................................................................ 8 Weed Management Recommendations ............................................................................................................................. 9 Weed Treatments ............................................................................................................................................................. 10 Herbicide Note: ............................................................................................................................................................. 19 SECTION 3: Site Protection and Maintenance ....................................................................................................................... 20 Site Protection ................................................................................................................................................................... 20 Wildlife Control ................................................................................................................................................................. 20 Site Maintenance .............................................................................................................................................................. 20 Concluding Remarks .............................................................................................................................................................. 20 Bibliography .......................................................................................................................................................................... 21 Appendix A –Baseline Photo Points ...................................................................................................................................... 22 Appendix B – Monitoring Forms/Data Sheets ...................................................................................................................... 23 Appendix C - Weed Treatment Calendar .............................................................................................................................. 25 Pole Star Community: Monitoring, Maintenance, and Adaptive Management 3 | Page SECTION 1: Adaptive Management Strategies and Monitoring Purpose The purpose of the Pole Star Community Monitoring and Adaptive Management Plan (Plan) is to outline specific approaches, strategies, and protocols related to the post-restoration care of Pole Star Community. The data derived from monitoring is intended to inform weed management, irrigation, site protection, and on-going adaptive management (e.g., reseeding, grade/erosion control, site protection, etc.) necessary to accomplish the project’s restoration goals. Adaptive Management Background Adaptive management is an iterative process, incorporating monitoring results to inform ongoing maintenance and re- treatments that may be required to achieve long-term success of a restoration project. Monitoring provides an essential step in the adaptive management process, providing feedback for land managers and project designers, as well as allowing for the comparison of long-term results with baseline conditions. The identification of maintenance treatments (e.g., weed management, irrigation, site protection, spot seeding, etc.) are the primary product of adaptive management plans. Like initial revegetation results, maintenance treatments will be assessed over the long term via monitoring, the results of which will inform future maintenance efforts via an adaptive management process. In this regard, adaptive management is a cyclical process, especially in an urban or suburban setting where ongoing threats to natural areas exist in perpetuity. Wetland Mitigation and Natural Habitat Buffer Zone (NHBZ) Monitoring Overview Monitoring is the process of measuring or assessing specific physical, chemical, and/or biological parameters of a project over time (Thayer, 2003) (Natural Resources Conservation Service, 2007). Using subjective (i.e., qualitative) or objective (i.e., quantitative) methods, monitoring can be used to help identify and address project failures due to potential stressors (drought, insect damage, flooding, etc.) and inform maintenance activities. Qualitative methods, such as visual observations (i.e., repeat photographic points or completion of subjective monitoring forms), can effectively document site changes and quickly inform maintenance activities necessary to correct problems. However, purely qualitative approaches such as repeat photography or other casual observations can often over- or under-represent important data such as vegetation cover. Such errors can occur because of observer bias (e.g., a human’s natural tendency to score green vegetation higher than bare soil) as well as limitations of methodology (e.g., the oblique angle represented in repeat photographs taken across a landscape reveal significantly higher vegetation cover than that same cover measured from an aerial point of view). Conversely, quantitative monitoring is more data-driven and aims to measure project outcomes through science-based methods aimed at reducing observer bias. Quantitative monitoring results may also be used to guide the criteria and methodology for future restoration projects and maintenance activities of a site, more accurately address permitting and funding entity requirements, support requests for contractors to perform on various warranty items (e.g., a minimum of 50% vegetation cover), and allow for sound long-term tracking of the changes in certain parameters of a site (e.g., changes in plant community structure and composition over time). At Pole Star Community, monitoring can answer important questions for post-restoration and enhancement management, and provide meaningful direction for adaptative management. Some of these questions, from Living Streambanks: A Guide to Bioengineering Treatments for Colorado Streams (Giordanengo, 2016) include: • Were the appropriate treatments designed and implemented correctly to achieve restoration goals? • Were project outcomes achieved according to project goals? Pole Star Community: Monitoring, Maintenance, and Adaptive Management 4 | Page • Are management activities (i.e., mining, hiking, rural/residential landscaping, grazing, other land use) negatively affecting project outcomes? • Have site conditions changed in a way that requires an adjustment to existing structures, replacement of structures or vegetation, or installation of new treatments? • Is the vegetation community on the expected trajectory of recovery, or are important design components missing? • Have invasive or noxious species negatively impacted the site? The nature, frequency, and intensity of monitoring will vary depending on the questions being answered by the monitoring program, available resources (e.g., volunteers, staff, equipment, finances), and the nature of the elements (e.g., vegetation cover) being monitored. With an assumption that monitoring resources are limited, yet to ensure reliable data gathering, we have drafted a monitoring strategy and resources to carry out monitoring activities on this project site. Monitoring Goals An essential first step to monitoring is the development of specific restoration objectives (e.g., more specific than the original project goals) for Pole Star Community, against which monitoring results can be measured. The following goals are provided as a recommendation. These goals should be verified by the client and additional goals may be required by various permit agencies such as the US Army Corps of Engineers, US Fish and Wildlife Service (i.e., management for T&E species), and others. Wetland Mitigation and NHBZ Revegetation Goals: Goal 1: Mitigate for wetland loss due to construction activities to City of Fort Collins standards. Goal 2: Enhance Natural Habitat Buffer Zone per City of Fort Collins Land Use Code 3.4.1. Given these goals, specific elements to measure over time include: • 70% total vegetation cover in wetland mitigation and NHBZ areas, • Less than 10% weed cover, with no List A or List B populations, • ≥80% woody plant survival, • No bare spots greater than 12 ft. − The intent of this metric is to ensure there are no significant unvegetated patches Types of Monitoring Monitoring, by definition, should be conducted over time, and should utilize consistent approaches to accurately compare data over the length of the monitoring effort. Lewis et al. (2009) recommend four fundamental monitoring types to answer principal questions: • Pre-project assessment (i.e., documentation of the current site conditions and how they inform project selection and design). • What are the existing site conditions and the reasons for project implementation? This is like baseline monitoring, though does not attempt to document pre-disturbance conditions. • Implementation monitoring is done to establish the accuracy of construction. • Was the project installed according to design specifications, permits and landowner agreements? • Effectiveness monitoring is used to assess post-project site conditions and to document changes resulting from the implemented project. Pole Star Community: Monitoring, Maintenance, and Adaptive Management 5 | Page • Did attributes and components at the project site change in magnitude expected over the appropriate time frame? This is accomplished through comparison with pre-project and post construction conditions. • Validation monitoring is used to determine the cause-and-effect relationship between the project and biotic or physical response. • Did macroinvertebrates, wildlife, or water quality respond to the changes in physical and biological attributes or components brought about by the project? Pre-project monitoring at Pole Star Community was conducted by AloTerra in the form of an Ecological Characterization Study. Implementation monitoring (i.e., quantifying the location and type of restoration work completed, as compared to the intended design) will be completed during construction. Effectiveness and validation monitoring are proposed in this plan and are recommended for a minimum of three growing seasons post-construction. Both qualitative and quantitative methods will be employed to ensure management objectives are being met. If it is determined that objectives are not being met, management will adapt to ensure the desired results. Given budgetary constraints, even the most basic monitoring methods can inform adaptive management decisions important to the long-term maintenance of a project. However, as the results of qualitative monitoring can vary significantly from one observer to another, every effort should be made to integrate at least categorical observations (i.e., high, moderate, low, none; or scoring 0-5 for various element conditions). An important key, regardless of the complexity or cost of the monitoring method(s) used, is to employ repeatable/consistent methods over time. As personal and management circumstances change over time, data will be collected and managed in a way that can be easily understood and interpreted by a variety of future land managers and practitioners. We recommend a combination of monitoring methods to properly assess whether management objectives are being met at Pole Star Community. The methods proposed include: • Line-intercept procedure (Herrick, 2005) to measure plant community composition, especially herbaceous vegetation. This method is highly accurate and repeatable over time, • Noxious weed assessment (categorical observation-based protocol), • Plant survivorship counts (objective assessment), • General site condition assessment (categorical observation-based protocol), and • General assessment for wetland condition, using cover plants by wetland indicator status. Monitoring Timeline and Responsibilities Vegetation monitoring will be conducted once per year for three years following construction. We will conduct vegetation monitoring at the peak of the growing season, approximately late July to early August. Weed assessments should occur in mid spring, to inform the need and extent of subsequent treatments required to address weeds of concern. Monitoring Methods This section provides a summary of monitoring methods for native and non-native vegetation at the Pole Star Community mitigation site. Appendix B includes a static version of the monitoring forms for these monitoring methods. Vegetation Monitoring Vegetation Cover: The line-point-intercept method will be used to quantify herbaceous vegetation cover in revegetated areas. 10 transects are recommended (6 in uplands and 4 in wetland areas – adjacent to the groundwater elevation). See Figure 1 for proposed transect locations. Pole Star Community: Monitoring, Maintenance, and Adaptive Management 6 | Page Survivorship: A simple quantitative measure to document shrub and tree survivorship is a shrub survivorship inventory (Appendix B). Weed Populations: Refer to the monitoring form in Appendix B. General Wetland Condition Assessment A product of the vegetation cover data, to determine if the wetland mitigation area is developing hydrophytic vegetation typical of expected facultative wetlands in the region. Figure 1. Vegetation Monitoring Map with photo point and transect locations SECTION 2: Weed Management Strategies Weed Management With regards to their impacts on native plant communities and/or social values, non-native plants (i.e., weeds) can be benign, invasive, or noxious. Weeds have long been recognized as ecologically and economically detrimental for multiple reasons, a complete account of which is beyond the scope of this document. Several non-native aggressive species have been identified in Pole Star Community, which are capable of out-competing native plants for water, light, and nutrients, or secrete phytotoxins which actively inhibit the growth of native vegetation while providing minimal benefits about soil stabilization, forage, and other wildlife and pollinator benefits in comparison to native vegetation. These invasive species have an advantage over native species in part because they lack the full spectrum of biological controls (i.e., insect predators, plant pathogens, etc.) that serve to keep their populations in check in their country of origin. As such, they are more likely to continue to spread unabated throughout a watershed by displacing native plants and forming dense monocultures in disturbed conditions such as those present immediately following a construction project. Several non-native species at Pole Star Community were identified during initial vegetation assessments by AloTerra. Though a formal weed inventory was not conducted, the initial assessment provided a comprehensive list of weeds and their state rank (Table 1). A formal weed inventory should be conducted in the summer of 2022 to map the density and distribution of weeds more accurately in Pole Star Community. The Colorado Noxious Weed Act (C.R.S. 35-5.5-101-119) creates a legally binding obligation for the removal/control of noxious species. Through the Colorado Department of Agriculture, a list of A, B, and C species is managed and periodically updated to prioritize the control of weeds. To assist with weed management, a great variety of weed management resources are provided by these entities, including how to create a weed management plan, best management practices for weed management, and more: Colorado Department of Agriculture website: https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/agconservation/noxious- weed-publications, Colorado State University Extension, Weed Resources: http://www.ext.colostate.edu/sam/weeds.html Colorado Weed Management Association https://cwma.org/ State of Colorado Noxious Weed Act Priority List Definitions: List A - Species that have not become established in the state and may have not even been reported in the state yet. The most effective way to treat these species is to eradicate them wherever they are found, and to prevent their introduction into the state if they are not yet present. List B - Species for which the Commissioner, in consultation with the state noxious weed advisory committee, local governments, and other interested parties, develops and implements state noxious weed management plans designed to stop the continued spread of these species. List C - These are species for which the Noxious Weeds Commissioner, in consultation with the state noxious weed advisory committee, local governments, and other interested parties, will develop and implement state noxious weed management plans designed to support the efforts of local governing bodies to facilitate more effective integrated weed management on private and public lands. The goal of such plans will not be to stop the continued spread of these species but to provide additional education, research, and biological control resources to jurisdictions that choose to require management of List C species. The goal of such plans will not be to stop the continued spread of these species but to provide additional education, research, and biological control resources to jurisdictions that choose to require management of list C species. Pole Star Community: Monitoring, Maintenance, and Adaptive Management 9 | Page Watch List (WL) - Species that have been determined to pose a potential threat to the agricultural productivity and environmental values of the lands of the state. The Watch List is intended to serve advisory and educational purposes only. Its purpose is to encourage the identification and reporting of these species to the Commissioner to facilitate the collection of information to assist the Commissioner in determining which species should be designated as noxious weeds. When managing for weeds at Pole Star Community, given the goals of increased biological and structural diversity of a site, it is important to note that the list of species in Table 1 are not the only species to be managed. Species such as tumble mustard (Sisymbrium altissimum, unlisted in Colorado) are not a significant concern, while species such as common kochia (Kochia scoparia, unlisted in Colorado) can be highly disruptive to a restoration project and to long-term site management. As such, our weed management recommendations below target listed and unlisted species alike, whether their management is required by the State of Colorado. The most cost-effective time to manage invasive vegetation is early in a project’s lifetime before invasive plants have a chance to spread through abundant seeds or vegetative propagules. Since the initial monitoring stage has taken place, and species of concern have been identified and documented prior to project implementation, treatment of these species will occur prior, during, and after construction as needed. Consistent monitoring will take place throughout and after project implementation, which will identify whether follow-up treatments are required to address most invasive species problems. Table 1. Weed list for Pole Star Community (NL = not listed) Common Name Scientific Name Noxious Weed List Crested Wheatgrass Agropyron cristatum NL Smooth Brome Bromus inermis NL Cheatgrass Bromus tectorum C Musk Thistle Carduus nutans B Canada Thistle Cirsium arvense B Bindweed Convolvulus arvensis C Russian Olive Eleaganus angustifolia B Leafy spurge Euphorbia esula B Kochia Kochia scoparia NL Prickly Lettuce Lactuca serriola NL Yellow Sweetclover Melilotus officinalis NL Reed Canarygrass Phalaris arundinacea NL Curly Dock Rumex crispus/obtusifolius NL Tall Fescue Schedonorus arundinaceus NL Siberian Elm Ulmus pumila NL Mullein Verbascum thapsus C Weed Management Recommendations Treating invasive species is a necessary step at Pole Star Community to restore it to a more productive and natural condition. This will also increase biodiversity and will provide greater protection of slopes and other topographic features. Site management should integrate a variety of restoration and management activities to control the invasion of non-native vegetation, which include: Pole Star Community: Monitoring, Maintenance, and Adaptive Management 10 | Page • Selecting appropriate and diverse early- to mid-seral seed mixes with the potential to fully occupy a given area’s botanical niches, • Seeding and planting in optimal seasons, and using appropriate seeding rates and seeding methods to increase the likelihood of high vegetation cover in the early years following restoration, • Applying appropriate levels of soil amendments, as determined by proper soil testing, • Minimizing or eliminating the use of nitrogen, as invasive species are preferentially stimulated over native species using nitrogen, • Paying close attention to the invasive species seeds that are often present in a seed mix, • Eliminate the presence of undesirable non-native species brought to the restoration site by heavy equipment, and via other vectors (cattle and other livestock, clothing and boots of residents and volunteers, and others) • Pre-treating the project site to remove invasive and noxious species, • Eliminating small patches of invading weeds before they become established and spread, • Developing an iterative weed management plan, informed by regularly scheduled monitoring, and • Keeping records of all weed management activities to aid in monitoring and future planning. Weed Treatments The property owner would like to maintain organic methods of weed control. While mechanical methods, outlined below, will be the primary means of weed control, chemical method of control have also been included for full comprehensive information. Please be advised that after restoration activities have occurred, the list of weed species found on the property may change. A complete weed survey should be conducted to better understand the extents of each weed population, and hence develop a comprehensive weed management plan based on priority species and their current and projected distribution. In addition to the treatments below, biological controls may also be available, and should be researched as desired. See Appendix C for Weed Treatment Calendar. Crested Wheatgrass (Agropyron cristatum (L.) Gaertn.) • Priority: Low • State Noxious Weed Designation: Not Listed; Control is required and necessary to decrease spread. • Reason for Concern: Crested Wheatgrass displays earlier growth characteristics compared to many native species and therefore has the potential to outcompete more desirable vegetation. This species may also negatively affect soil quality overtime. Treatment Type Treatment Timing Frequency Expected Outcome Expected Time to Success Mechanical Mowing/String Trimmer Spring, during the growth period. Repeat in Fall as needed. Bi- annually Energy depletion. Seed Reduction. Will depend on extent of infestation. Biological Grazing Spring, during the growth period. Repeat in Fall as needed. Bi- annually Energy depletion. Seed Reduction. Will depend on extent of infestation. Cultural Maintenance of dense native vegetation and avoidance of disturbance Reseed immediately following any ground disturbance Spring- Fall Prevention of seed establishment N/A Pole Star Community: Monitoring, Maintenance, and Adaptive Management 11 | Page Chemical 8-16 oz/acre glyphosate Spring, between 8cm- 15cm tall Annually Death of individual plants 3- 5 years to deplete seed bank. Smooth Brome (Bromus inermis) • Priority: Moderate • State Noxious Weed Designation: Not Listed; Control is necessary to decrease spread. • Reason for Concern: This is an incredibly persistent and competitive species. Once it forms a dense sod it excludes native species and reduces diversity. It is known to negatively affect native arthropod species in North American prairies. Treatment Type Treatment Timing Frequency Expected Outcome Expected Time to Success Mechanical Mowing as low as possible Spring; mid to late May when grass is in the “boot” stage of growth Repeat every 10 -21 days Stressing of the plant to cause death Several years for seed bank depletion Cultural Maintenance of dense native vegetation and avoidance of disturbance Reseed immediately following any ground disturbance Spring- Fall Prevention of seed establishment N/A Chemical 8-16 oz/acre glyphosate Spring, during new growth Annually Death of individual plants 2-3 years to deplete seed bank. Downy Brome/Cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum) • Priority: High • State Noxious Weed Designation: List C; If left unchecked, will create monoculture. • Reason for Concern: This is an incredibly thirsty species that diverts enough water away from native plants that shrubs growing in infested field are very stunted. Once Cheatgrass reaches maturity and dries, it becomes a major fire hazard. Large infestations can increase fire frequency in rangelands. Cheatgrass is hard to control once it becomes established. As this invasive weed begins to dominate an area, it alters native plant communities and displaces native plants thus impacting wildlife. This species severely degrades pollinator habitat while simultaneously drastically increasing hazard. Additionally, invasion by this species can result in changes in soil properties. Treatment Type Treatment Timing Frequency Expected Outcome Expected Time to Success Mechanical Digging plant and as much of roots as possible Spring; narrow window of 1 week after flowering. Annually Death of individual plant Immediate for individual plant; Several years for patch seed bank depletion. Mechanical Mowing Year round Every 2 – 3 weeks Suppression of seed production 2-3 years for patch seed bank depletion Pole Star Community: Monitoring, Maintenance, and Adaptive Management 12 | Page Cultural Maintenance of dense native vegetation and avoidance of disturbance Reseed immediately following any ground disturbance Spring- Fall Prevention of seed establishment N/A Chemical 5 oz/gal glyphosate Early Spring before native perennials emerge Annually Death of individual plants 2-3 years to deplete seed bank. Chemical 2-4 oz/acres or 0.4 oz/gal rimsulfuron (Matrix SG) + 0.25% non-ionic surfactant (1 qt/100 gal spray solution) Late Fall to newly emerged seedlings or early spring before seed production Annually Death of individual plants 2-3 years to deplete the seed bank. Chemical 7oz/acre indaziflam (Esplanade 200 SC) June/July or Winter (December) Annually Prevention of seed germination 2-3 years to deplete seed bank. Control may increase in the 2nd year after treatment. Musk Thistle (Carduus nutans) • Priority: High • State Noxious Weed Designation: List B; Control is required and necessary to decrease spread. • Reason for Concern: Thistles are highly competitive and persistent plants. Given suitable conditions, these weeds rapidly invade rangeland, pastures, abandoned fields, roadsides, and disturbed sites. A high density of thistles reduces availability of quality forage and the diversity of flora and fauna species. Additionally, most thistles have taproots that do not stabilize the soil as well as the fibrous roots of native species; therefore, high densities of thistles can contribute to soil erosion and stream sedimentation. Musk thistle also has allelopathic qualities meaning it can inhibit the growth of surrounding vegetation other than other thistle species. This activity especially effects nitrogen fixing species giving this species the potential to cause long- term declines in soil nitrogen input. Treatment Type Treatment Timing Frequency Expected Outcome Expected Time to Success Mechanical Severing plant 2” below soil level with hand tools Year round When needed Death of individual plant Immediate for individual plant; many years for patch Mechanical Flower/Seed head removal Year round When needed Prevention of seed spread N/A Chemical 5 oz/acre or 3.8oz/gal aminopyralid (Milestone) + 0.25% non-ionic surfactant (1 qt/100 gal spray solution) Spring; on rosettes and until flowering; incorporate mowing if possible Annually Death of plants and suppression of seed growth Visible damage in 1 - 3 weeks Chemical 7 oz/acre or 6.4oz/gal aminopyralid (Milestone) + 0.25% non-ionic surfactant (1 qt/100 gal spray solution) Fall, at time of seed set as plants enter dormancy; incorporate mowing if possible Annually Death of plants and suppression of seed growth Visible damage in 1 - 3 weeks Pole Star Community: Monitoring, Maintenance, and Adaptive Management 13 | Page Chemical 1 oz/acre or 0.01oz/gal chlorsulfuron (Telar XP) + 0.25% non-ionic surfactant (1 qt/100 gal of spray solution); can be mixed into aminopyralid solution Spring; on rosettes and until budding; incorporate mowing if possible Annually Death of plants and suppression of seed growth Visible damage in 1 - 3 weeks Canada Thistle (Breea arvense/Cirsium arvense) • Priority: High • State Noxious Weed Designation: List B; Control is required and necessary to decrease spread. • Reason for Concern: Canada thistle is a highly competitive, persistent plant that grows in dense, impenetrable colonies. This species displaces desired forbs and grasses for both domestic animals and wildlife. It is an aggressive competitor for light, moisture, and nutrients. Its spiny leaves make Canada thistle inedible to most livestock and wild animals. Produces allelopathic chemicals that actively inhibit the growth of other plants. Treatment Type Treatment Timing Frequency Expected Outcome Expected Time to Success Mechanical Mowing Spring; once plants bolt Every 3 weeks Reduced seed production and dispersal capability; May stimulate new growth N/A. Should be combined with other methods Manual Seed Head Removal Spring and summer as buds emerge As needed Reduced seed production and dispersal capability; May stimulate new growth N/A. Should be combined with other methods Chemical 5 oz/acre or 3.8oz/gal aminopyralid (Milestone) + 0.25% non-ionic surfactant (1 qt/100-gal spray solution) Fall, at time of seed set as plants enter dormancy; incorporate Annually Death of plants and suppression of seed growth Visible damage in 1 - 3 weeks; control in ~4 Chemical 1.5 oz/acre or 0.02 oz/gal chlorsulfuron (Telar XP) + 0.25% non-ionic surfactant (1 qt/100 gal of spray solution); can be mixed into aminopyralid solution Fall, at time of seed set as plants enter dormancy; incorporate mowing if possible Annually Death of plants and suppression of seed growth; allow flush of native milkweed Visible damage in 1 - 3 weeks; control in ~4 years Chemical 7 oz/acre or 6.4oz/gal aminopyralid (Milestone) + 0.25% non-ionic surfactant (1 qt/100-gal spray solution) Spring; on rosettes and until flowering; incorporate mowing if possible Annually Death of plants and suppression of seed growth Visible damage in 1 - 3 weeks; control in ~4 Field Bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis) • Priority: High • State Noxious Weed Designation: List C; If left unchecked, will create monoculture. Pole Star Community: Monitoring, Maintenance, and Adaptive Management 14 | Page • Reason for Concern: Field bindweed is an extremely difficult noxious weed to control because, in part, of its taproot that may go 20 feet deep into the soil, and which repeatedly gives rise to numerous long rhizomes. It poses threats to restoration efforts and riparian corridors by choking out grasses and forbs. It can decrease habitat biodiversity. It is one of the most serious weeds of agricultural fields in temperate regions of the world. It can also be mildly toxic to grazing animals. Treatment Type Treatment Timing Frequency Expected Outcome Expected Time to Success Biological Aceria malherbae, gall forming mite Summer when plants are growing, and weather is conducive to insect survival Repeated releases over several years Establish long term suppression of dense populations Several years, depending on the number of insects released Cultural Maintenance of dense native vegetation and avoidance of disturbance Reseed immediately following any ground disturbance Spring- Fall Prevention of seed establishment N/A Chemical 4.5 oz/gal 2,4-D Before seed set; in the Summer As needed Death of individual plants Several years to deplete root energy stores. Chemical 3-4 pints/acre or 3.84-6.4 oz/gal triclopyr (Garlon 3A) Late spring to mid- summer Annually Death of individual plants – Will require multiple treatments 1-3 weeks to see damage several years to kill entire Chemical 5 oz/gal glyphosate (Roundup) + 0.32 oz/gal non-ionic surfactant At full bloom; Fall Annually/ Biannually Death of individual plants Several years to deplete root stores. Russian Olive (Elaeagnus angustifolia) • Priority: High • State Noxious Weed Designation: List C; Control is necessary to decrease spread. • Reason for Concern: Russian Olive has the potential to choke out native vegetation and if left unchecked, can become the dominant species in an area. Once established, Russian olive can become detrimental to the natural hydrology of riparian areas. Treatment Type Treatment Timing Frequency Expected Outcome Expected Time to Success Mechanical Hand pulling small individuals Year round When possible Elimination of small patches Several Years Chemical 50% - 100% Glyphosate (Roundup) for cut- surface treatments Summer, Fall Annually Death of plants and resprouts Visible damage in 1 - 3 weeks; control in 1-3 years Chemical 50% - 100% triclopyr amine (Garlon 3A) for cut-stump treatment Summer, Fall Annually Death of small plants and resprouts Visible damage in 1 - 3 weeks Pole Star Community: Monitoring, Maintenance, and Adaptive Management 15 | Page Leafy Spurge (Euphorbia esula) • Priority: High • State Noxious Weed Designation: List B; Control is required and necessary to decrease spread. • Reason for Concern: This species invades grasslands, pastures, shrublands, croplands and riparian areas, and is an effective competitor that readily displaces desirable species, establishing monocultures and further degrading forage quality in disturbed habitats. It has an extensive roots system that can extend as deep as 30 ft. It can reproduce both by roots and root fragments as well as seed. Herbicide is needed in order to effectively control the species. Treatment Type Treatment Timing Frequency Expected Outcome Expected Time to Success Biological Aphthona beetle Release in June through July Once Death of plants 3-10 years for widespread control Mechanical/Manual Not Reccomended N/A N/A N/A N/A Chemical 12-24 oz. Quinstar/acre + 4 oz. Overdrive/acre + 1% v/v methylated seed oil At flowering in the spring and/or fall Annually Death of plants and suppression of seed growth Visible damage in 1 - 3 weeks Common Kochia (Kochia scoparia) • Priority: High • State Noxious Weed Designation: Not Listed; Control is necessary to decrease spread. • Reason for Concern: Kochia aids in spreading fire; burns easily because stems are spaced in an arrangement that allows for maximum air circulation; dead plants contribute to fuel load by retaining their original shape for some time before decomposing. Because it is extremely efficient at using water, it thrives in warm, low rainfall environments. Although palatable to stock, kochia may be toxic in large quantities. Litter from kochia may chemically inhibit the growth Kochia also becomes a tumble weed. Treatment Type Treatment Timing Frequency Expected Outcome Expected Time to Success Mechanical Mowing Spring through fall Every 10 – 21 days Reduction of seed production and stressing of plant prior to chemical treatment 2 – 3 years for control. Mechanical Disking at a depth of 2-4 inches Early spring and summer When needed Death of individual plant Immediate for individual plant Chemical 6-22 oz/acre Floroxypyr (Vista) + 0.25% non-ionic surfactant (1 qt/100 gal of spray solution) Post emergence from seedling to bloom Annually Death of plants; especially resistant biotypes Visible Damage in 1-3 weeks Prickly Lettuce (Lactuca serriola) • Priority: Moderate • State Noxious Weed Designation: Not Listed; Control is necessary to decrease spread. Pole Star Community: Monitoring, Maintenance, and Adaptive Management 16 | Page • Reason for Concern: Can out compete native vegetation for water. May be toxic to grazing cattle. Treatment Type Treatment Timing Frequency Expected Outcome Expected Time to Success Mechanical Severing plant 2” below soil level with hand tools Year round When needed Death of individual plant Immediate for individual plant; many years for patch Mechanical Mowing Spring through fall Every 10 – 21 days Reduction of seed production and stressing of plant prior to chemical treatment 2 – 3 years for control. Mechanical Flower/Seed head removal Year round When needed Prevention of seed spread N/A Chemical 5 oz/acre or 1.2oz/gal aminopyralid (Milestone) + 0.25% non-ionic surfactant (1 qt/100 gal spray solution) Spring when in the rosette stage Annually Death of plants and suppression of seed growth Visible damage in 1 - 3 weeks Yellow Sweet Clover (Melilotus officianalis) • Priority: Moderate • State Noxious Weed Designation: List NL; Control is necessary to reduce spread. • Reason for Concern: This species can outcompete native vegetation and change the nitrogen levels in soil. Treatment Type Treatment Timing Frequency Expected Outcome Expected Time to Success Mechanical Severing plant 2” below soil level with hand tools Spring, Summer and Fall When needed Death of plants and prevention of seed spread Many years, to exhaust seed bank Mechanical Mowing Spring, Summer, and Fall before seed set Every 10 – 21 days Suppression of seed production N/A Chemical 1.5% solution Glyphosate (Roundup) Spring and Summer Annually Death of plants Visible damage in 1 - 3 weeks Reed Canary Grass (Phalaris arundinacea) • Priority: Moderate • State Noxious Weed Designation: Not Listed; Control is necessary to decrease spread. • Reason for Concern: Typically found in wetlands and irrigation ditches. If left untreated, can cause dense monocultures and outcompete native vegetation Treatment Type Treatment Timing Frequency Expected Outcome Expected Time to Success Pole Star Community: Monitoring, Maintenance, and Adaptive Management 17 | Page Mechanical Mowing Spring, Summer, and Fall before seed set Every 10 – 21 days Suppression of seed production 2-3 years to deplete seed bank. Chemical 2.5% solution Glyphosate (Rodeo) Spring and Summer when rosettes are small As often as needed to kill new sprouts Death of plants Visible damage in 1 - 3 weeks Curly Dock (Rumex crispus/obtusifolius) • Priority: Moderate • State Noxious Weed Designation: Not Listed; Control is necessary to decrease spread. • Reason for Concern: Can outcompete native vegetation for resources and form monocultures, especially in grazed pastures. Under some conditions curly dock can become toxic to livestock. Treatment Type Treatment Timing Frequency Expected Outcome Expected Time to Success Mechanical Severing plant 2” below soil level with hand tools Year round When needed Death of individual plant Immediate for individual plant; many years for patch Mechanical Mowing Spring through Fall before seed set Every 10 – 21 days Reduction of seed production and stressing of plant prior to chemical treatment Many years for control. Mechanical Flower/Seed head removal Year round When needed Prevention of seed spread N/A Chemical 5 oz/acre or 1.2oz/gal aminopyralid (Milestone) + 0.25% non-ionic surfactant (1 qt/100 gal spray solution) Spring when plants are actively growing Annually Death of plants and suppression of seed growth Visible damage in 1 - 3 weeks Tall Fescue (Schedonorus arundinaceus) • Priority: Low • State Noxious Weed Designation: List NL; Control is necessary to reduce spread. • Reason for Concern: Tall Fescue has the potential to out compete native grasses such as blue grama and may lead to depleted moisture of soils. Treatment Type Treatment Timing Frequency Expected Outcome Expected Time to Success Mechanical Severing plant 2” below soil level with hand tools Spring, Summer and Fall Bi-annually Death of plants and prevention of seed spread Many years, to exhaust seed bank Mechanical Mowing Spring, Summer, and Fall before seed set Every 10 – 21 days Suppression of seed production N/A Pole Star Community: Monitoring, Maintenance, and Adaptive Management 18 | Page Chemical 1.5% solution Glyphosate (Roundup) Spring and Summer As often as needed to kill new sprouts Death of plants Visible damage in 1 - 3 weeks Chemical .25oz. -.50 oz./acre of Chlorsulfuron 75 + .25% Non-Ionic Surfactant Spring and Summer As often as needed to kill new sprouts Death of plants Visible damage in 1 - 3 weeks Siberian Elm (Ulmus pumila L.) • Priority: Low • State Noxious Weed Designation: Watch List; Control is necessary to reduce spread. • Reason for Concern: In ideal conditions, Siberian Elm will grow rapidly and outcompete native species, harm shade intolerant species and reduce overall biodiversity in a given area. Treatment Type Treatment Timing Frequency Expected Outcome Expected Time to Success Mechanical Severing plant 4” below soil level with hand tools (for small trees only) Spring, Summer and Fall As needed Elimination of small patches Dependent on extent of infestation Manual Hand Pulling (small trees only) Spring, Summer, and Fall before seed set As needed Elimination of small patches Dependent on extent of infestation Chemical 1.5% solution of Garlon 4 as a foliar application (for small trees only) Spring, Summer and Fall As needed Death of individual Visible damage in 1 - 3 weeks Chemical Cut Stump treatment 20%- 50% Solution of Glyphosate applied to exposed Cambium Layer Spring and Fall 2 times per year Death of individual Visible damage in 2 - 3 weeks Common Mullein (Verbascum thapsus) • Priority: Moderate • State Noxious Weed Designation: List C; Control is recommended. • Reason for Concern: Can create dense stands and near monocultures. Reduces forage for some wildlife. Treatment Type Treatment Timing Frequency Expected Outcome Expected Time to Success Cultural Maintenance of dense native vegetation and avoidance of disturbance Reseed immediately following any ground disturbance When needed Prevention of seed establishment N/A Mechanical Severing plant 2” below soil level with hand tools Spring, Summer, and Fall When needed Death of plants and prevention of seed spread Many years, if ever to exhaust seed bank Pole Star Community: Monitoring, Maintenance, and Adaptive Management 19 | Page Mechanical Flower/Seed head removal Summer When needed Prevention of seed spread N/A Mechanical Mowing Spring, Summer, and Fall before seed set Every 10 – 21 days Suppression of seed production N/A Chemical 7 oz/acre or 6.4oz/gal aminopyralid (Milestone) + 0.5% non-ionic surfactant (2 qt/100 gal spray solution) Spring and Fall before rosettes bolt Twice per year Death of plants and suppression of seed growth Visible damage in 1 - 3 weeks; many years to exhaust the seed bank Chemical 1-3 oz/acre chlorsulfuron (Telar XP) + 0.5% non-ionic surfactant (2 qt/100 gal of spray solution); can be mixed into aminopyralid solution Spring and Fall before rosettes bolt Twice per year Death of plants and suppression of seed growth Visible damage in 1 - 3 weeks; many years to exhaust the seed bank Herbicide Note: Taking into consideration the proximity to homes and water, we have carefully selected 9 herbicides to be used on the invasive species listed above. Some species, especially annuals and biennials growing in low density, may not require any chemical applications. Regardless of the control method used, we recommend up to 3 treatments a year depending on the labeled maximum annual application rate to ensure sufficient kill rates. The chemicals that we suggest are described below. Always read, understand, and follow the label directions. The herbicide label is the LAW! Contact an herbicide expert or your local extension office if there are any questions regarding usage. • Aminopyralid (Milestone) is a safe, effective herbicide that can be used safely (wetland approved) around water supplies (no surfactants) and is grazing approved. However, be sure to read the supplemental information related to grazing and compost. • Rodeo is wetland approved (no surfactants) glyphosate. The herbicide is not selective and will impact all plants it contacts. • Metsulfuron-methyl (Escort XP) is a selective herbicide that targets broadleaf weeds, brush, and several woody vine species. Escort XP will break down readily in soil has a low soil residual. The active ingredient in Escort XP (Metsulfuron-methyl) is very low in toxicity to wildlife even when used in high concentrations. It’s approved for use near or around bodies of water but not when applied directly to water. • Imazapic (Plateau) is listed under cheatgrass because it is a very selective herbicide and will not harm other plants surrounding the target species. It is however not wetland approved. For this reason, careful consideration will be given to the proper treatment method for this species upon further inspection of site. • Imazapyr (Habitat) is a strong broad-spectrum herbicide with aquatic formulations that will provide control of hairy willow-herb. It is only recommended for controlling hairy willow-herb. • Chlorsulfuron (Telar) is a low-use rate broadleaf selective residual herbicide that, when applied in fall, can reduce spring weed populations by up to 90%. Given it’s low-use rate (low chemical load) it won’t stress the environment like other high-use rate herbicides. This herbicide will also allow some native forbs such as milkweeds to grow while suppressing the target weed. Telar is not wetland approved. • Indaziflam (Esplanade) is a selective preemergent herbicide that is used to control many annual grasses and broadleaf weeds. Esplanade works by suppressing the germination of seeds and the emergence of seedlings in the spring and is not wetland approved. Pole Star Community: Monitoring, Maintenance, and Adaptive Management 20 | Page • Fluroxypyr (Vista XRT) is a broadleaf specific herbicide that provides excellent control of Kochia including glyphosate and dicamba resistant biotypes. Vista XRT is not wetland approved. • Quinclorac (Quinstar 4L) is used to suppress certain broadleaf weeds while having little to no effect on grasses. It is safe to use up to the water’s edge but should not be used in areas that are/become inundated with water. SECTION 3: Site Protection and Maintenance Site Protection In addition to being aware of the negative effects invasive plants can have on desired native vegetation, this plan considers the impacts recreation and wildlife can have on newly planted vegetation. Wildlife Control Unmanaged impacts from livestock or wildlife in a revegetation site can be devastating to newly established plant materials. As such, wildlife population such as deer and elk should be observed closely for a period of four to three years post-construction. Once riparian and upland vegetation is well established, damage caused by typical levels of wildlife browsing and grazing should not negatively impact the trajectory of recovery of the system. Currently, we do not anticipate grazing by ungulates or rodents to be a significant concern on this site. Site Maintenance Maintenance is the collection of actions taken to help ensure a given stream restoration project performs as designed and attains project objectives (Natural Resources Conservation Service, 2007). Maintenance is closely tied to management and involves the initial set of planned activities as well as unplanned activities following project implementation. Without any maintenance, substantial efforts may be required to correct failures in structures or other design elements. Active and frequent maintenance can often result in reduced “reconstruction” and “repair” costs down the road. Maintenance is most beneficial in the first three to five years following planting, apart from the occurrence of significant (i.e., 50 years or greater) flood events. Excessive flood flows soon after planting can cause substantial erosion and slope failure, resulting in unacceptable soil and plant loss. Such areas may need to be replanted, inter-planted, or reinforced by other means. Other maintenance efforts may include: (a) placement of large woody debris and other toe protection treatments on banks to redirect water away from the established areas, (b) repairs of in-stream rock structures, (c) invasive species management, (d) supplemental irrigation, and (e) fencing. Results from monitoring efforts will ultimately provide a list of recommended maintenance activities for Pole Star Community. Because of the organic weed treatment methods being implemented on the Pole Star property, continual monitoring of the NHBZ and wetland mitigation areas will be critical in managing weed populations, especially those adjacent to the ditch where smooth brome treatment cannot occur. Supplemental planting and seeding should occur in areas where vegetation is slow to establish. Type of seed (e.g., upland, riparian, etc.) to be broadcast should be hydrologically appropriate and confirmed with a qualified individual prior to purchase or implementation. Concluding Remarks Our intention in developing this adaptive management plan is to address the need to enhance ecological functionality, connectivity, and resilience. With an interdisciplinary team in place, and stemming from an understanding of management goals, it is our hope this plan will allow for adequate monitoring and possible maintenance necessary to support the restoration vision that led to the initial restoration design of Pole Star Community. Pole Star Community: Monitoring, Maintenance, and Adaptive Management 21 | Page Bibliography Barbour, M. T., J. Gerritsen, B. D. Snyder, and J. B. Stribling. 1999. Rapid Bioassessment Protocols for Use in Streams and Wadeable Rivers: Periphyton, Benthic Invertebrates, and Fish, 2nd edition. EPA 841-B-99-002, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, D.C. Daubenmire, R. (1959). A canopy-coverage method of vegetational analysis. Northwest Science, 33, 43-64. Giordanengo, J. M. (2016). Living Streambanks: A Manual of Bioengineering Treatments for Colorado Streams. Co- published by: AloTerra Restoration Services, LLC and Golder Associates, Inc. Hardy, T. P. (2005). WinXSPRO, A Channel Cross Section Analyzer, User’s Manual, Version 3.0. Fort Collins, CO: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station. Herrick, J. E. (2005). Monitoring Manual for Grassland, Shrubland and Savanna Ecosystems. Volume I: Quick Start. Tucson, AZ: University of Arizona Press: Las Cruces, NM: U. S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Jornada Experimental Range. Lewis, D. L. (2009). Developing a Monitoring Program for Riparian Revegetation Projects . Davis, CA: University of California Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources: University of California Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources. Publication 8363. Natural Resources Conservation Service. (2007). Stream Restoration Design (Part 654). In National Engineering Handbook. U. S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service. Overton, C. C., S. P. Woolrab, B. C. Roberts, and M. A. Radko. 1997. R1/R4 (Northern Intermountain Regions) Fish and Fish Habitat Standard Inventory Procedures Handbook. General Technical Report Int-GTR-346. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Ogden, Utah. Rosgen, D. L. (2001). A practical method of computing streambank erosion rate. Reno, NV.: In Proceedings of the Seventh Federal Interagency Sedimentation Conference (II: 9-15). Thayer, G. W. (2003). Science-Based Restoration Monitoring of Coastal Habitats, Volume One: A Framework for Monitoring Plans Under the Estuaries and Clean Waters Act of 2000 (Public Law 160-457). Silver Spring, MD: NOAA National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science: NOAA Coastal Ocean Program Decision Analysis Series No. 23(1). Van Deventer, J. S. and W. S. Platts. 1983. Sampling and estimating fish populations from streams. Transactions of the North American Wildlife and Natural Resource Conference 48:349-354. Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife, I.-F. I. (2003). Integrated Streambank Protection Guidelines. . Olympia, WA: Washington State Aquatic Habitat Guidelines Program. Appendix A –Baseline Photo Points Figure 1. Overview of Wetland from initial wetland delineation. Appendix B – Monitoring Forms/Data Sheets Line Point Intercept Form (Reference Sites) Observers: Project: Date: Transect Photo: (yes/no) Point spacing (meter): 1 meter Sample Point: Total Ground hits: total ground hits should = 100 Habitat Description: Spp Code Ground hit, include all herb. and shrubs < 3' (4 dots + 6 lines) Spp Code Ground hit, include all herb. and shrubs < 3' (4 dots + 6 lines) Spp Code Low woodies (4 dots+6 lines) Spp Code Med woodies (4 dots+6 lines) Spp Code Tall trees (4 dots+6 lines) Spp Code Overstory (4 dots+6 lines) Bare Soil/Sand Gravel/Cobble (<10") Boulder (> 10") Sky/clouds (4 dots+6 lines) Litter PHOTO LABELS: Reference Type/Project Name-Property/Trans #/monitoring date (i.e., Alpine Ref./Culebra/TR 1/2021-0618) CODES: Litter (includes wood & standing dead); Bedrock (doesn't move); CANOPY HEIGHTS: low woodies (shrubs/trees 3-5' tall), med woodies (shrubs/trees 5-15'), tall trees (15-30), overstory canopy (> 30') UNKNOWNS: AF = annual forb; BF = biennial forb; PF = perennial forb; AG = annual grass; PG = perennial grass; FORB; GRASS - for unknowns, list genus or family if known, and use a unique name. In the General Site Description, describe the unknown in more detail, and use the same unique name as you do above, so the description can be cross-referenced, should we positively ID the plant later. General Site Description: Appendix C - Weed Treatment Calendar Table showing the general timing of different treatment recommendations outlined here. This is a useful tool for planning weed management activities. Timing will vary from year to year depending on weather factors thus rendering date ranges misleading. The best indicator of timing is often growth stage of the plant in which Spring is generally when plants are emerging and growing rapidly; Summer is generally when plants are more fully developed and are growing more slowly; Fall is generally when plants are beginning to produce (set) seed and draw energy stores to their roots in the case of plants which overwinter; and Winter is when most plants are dormant or dead with the exception of some winter annuals like cheatgrass and some mustards. Time Frame Action Type Weed Species Action Priority Late Winter Planning N/A Review treatment records and assess management needs and resources. General Late Winter Planning N/A Inventory and document herbicide stock. General Late Winter Planning N/A Determine attainable weed management priorities for the following year. General Late Winter Planning N/A Schedule weed management activities. General Late Winter Planning N/A Engage neighbors about planned weed management activities and attempt to enlist their support and reciprocal activities on their side of the fence. General Late Winter Planning N/A Determine target areas for controlled grazing where applicable Late Winter Planning Multiple Contact CDA for biocontrol opportunities. General Late Winter/Early Spring Cultural N/A Reseed problem areas or areas of recent disturbance with native seed. General Early Spring General N/A Calibrate spraying equipment. General Early Spring Chemical Cheatgrass Treat with glyphosate High Early Spring Mechanical Multiple Dig up and remove individuals and roots. High Spring Monitoring All Check previous year's treatments General Spring Monitoring All Assess weed presence and stage in high traffic areas (roads, parking lots, etc.) General Spring Mechanical Multiple Begin mowing weed patches to suppress seed production. General Spring Mechanical/Chemical All Treat high traffic areas to eliminate weeds. General Spring Mechanical Canada Thistle Mow patches that can be mowed High Spring Mechanical Sweet Clover Dig/sever plant 2 inches below soil and dispose of plant High Spring Mechanical Prickly Lettuce Dig/sever plant 2 inches below soil and dispose of plant High Spring Mechanical Common Kochia Disk Kochia mats and water to encourage flush of new Kochia High Spring Mechanical Multiple (Grass spp.) Mow as low as possible in mid to late May when grass is in the "boot" stage of growth; repeat every 10 -21 days as plants grow High Spring Chemical Common Kochia Treat resprouts with floroxypyr High Spring Chemical Smooth Brome Treat with glyphosate approximately 2 weeks after a mowing. High Spring and Fall Chemical Siberian Elm Begin cut stump treatments for medium to large individuals Moderate Spring and Fall Chemical Russian Olive Begin cut stump treatments for medium to large individuals Late Spring Biocontrol Field Bindweed Release Aceria malherbae mites in large high-density patches High Late Spring Monitoring All Assess weed presence and stage in public use and high traffic areas (roads, parking lots, etc.) General Summer Chemical Siberian Elm Treat resprouts with Garlon 4 or concentrated solution of glyphosate Moderate Summer Chemical Russian Olive Treat resprouts with Garlon 3A or concentrated solution of Glyphosate Summer Mechanical Multiple Clip and bag any seed heads to suppress seed dispersal High Summer Biological Leafy Spurge Release Aphthona beetle between June and July in high density patchs High Summer Chemical Biennials (Thistles, Mullien, etc.) Apply appropriate herbicides at Rosette stage Summer Chemical All Treat all species with recommended herbicides High Summer Chemical Field Bindweed Treat with Quinstar before seed set. High Summer Monitoring All Assess spring chemical treatments General Late Summer/Fall Chemical Canada Thistle Treat with aminopyralid or chlorsulfuron High Fall Chemical Siberian Elm Treat resprouts with Garlon 4 or concentrated solution of glyphosate Moderate Fall Chemical Russian Olive Treat resprouts with Garlon 3A or concentrated solution of Glyphosate Fall Mechanical Multiple Begin mowing weed patches to suppress seed production. High Fall Mechanical Multiple Clip and bag any seed heads to prevent seed dispersal High Fall Mechanical Multiple (Grass spp.) Mow as low as possible in mid-season of growth when grass is in the "boot" stage; repeat every 10 -21 days as plants grow High Fall Chemical All Treat all species with recommended herbicides High Late Fall Cultural N/A Reseed problem areas or areas of recent disturbance with native seed. General